TAROT OF CASANOVA

EROTIC INTERPRETATION

The Tarots of Casanova are representative of erotic Tarots. The Arcana not only represent the

austere symbolism of an esoteric deck but often display explicit and provoking images. We are

aware of the fact that this may be disconcerting for some, however the Casanova Tarots are the

result of considerable artistic and esoteric research. Eroticism, the male and female body and

sex are in turn the interpretative symbols and keys pf the reality which surrounds us, and are a

means to express sensations and the relationships between individuals, events and objects. This

is why we offer our apologies to those we have offended but invite others to approach these

Tarots with an open mind and to benefit from what they can offer.

GIACOMO CASANOVA

Giacomo Casanova was born on April 2nd 1725 in the Venetian Republic, and died on June 4th

1798 in Count von Waldstein’s castle in what is now the Czech Republic. He spent the last twelve

years of his life writing his memoirs. As depicted on the card of the World, he put his whole life

into these memoirs and, through his life, a whole era. In the first place Casanova’s memoirs

describe the individual, talk of politics, talk about his loves and even about the occult and the

esotericism (Casanova was a Mason and repeatedly used his knowledge of the occult to obtain

favors and protection). By reading his story one can understand why today his name has become

the synonym of a great lover. He was a man who experienced great passion and was able to fall

in love and completely loose himself in a woman. In the same way he was able to arouse equally

strong feelings in others to the point that many of the people who had loved him continued to

love him hopelessly for the rest of their lives. His last words were: “I have lived as a philosopher

and I die as a Christian”.

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VENICE

The Venetian Republic is extremely important for the purpose of these Tarots. Each image

depicts a real place. Those who have been there will be recognize corners and views of Venice in

the cards (the Lover depict the inside of the Ca’ d’Oro, the Wheel the spiral staircase of the

Palazzo Contarini dal Bobolo). Casanova loved Venice with all his heart even if the ups and

downs of his life obliged him to lead the life of an exile. If he had not been detained by illness he

would have returned to spend the last days of his life there. Venice was the oldest republic in

Europe but when Casanova was born it was no longer at the height of its power. Venice’s

independence also died at the same time as Casanova: in 1797 it was conquered by Napoleon.

However Venice is extraordinarily beautiful and fascinating and this pervasive atmosphere is

that which Casanova breathed.

THE MAJOR ARCANA

0 - THE FOOL

Madness A different perception Unconventionality

Eccentricity Lack of logic Neglect of the consequences

The mask

I - THE MAGICIAN

Inititative Ability Will-power

Single knowledge Cunning Independence of thought

Note: Casanova and the Marquise of Urfé

II - THE HIGH PRIESTESS

Study Mystery The threshold

Strictness A secret to reveal The boundary

Austerity Concealed knowledge Crossing over

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III - THE EMPRESS

Woman Female strength Activity

The mother Action Intelligence

Fertility

IV - THE EMPEROR

Man Masculine strength Powerful protection

The father Stability The symbol of power

Fecundation Administration

V - THE HIEROPHANT

Counsel The blessing Ritual

Wisdom Permission Spiritual guidance

Tradition

VI - THE LOVER

The two sides of every thing Understanding The beginning of a

Choice Affairs of the heart relationship

The crossroads

Note: from one point of view it is a chaste and strong embrace, from the other it is passion and lust.

VII - THE CHARIOT

Flight The end of indulgence

Leaving security behind one The search of decisively

Note: Casanova was unjustly heald responsible for the eloping of Barbaruccia.

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VIII - JUSTICE

Law Impartiality

Equilibrium Inevitability

The consequences of one’s own action Truth

Rationality

IX - THE HERMIT

Inner search Silence Consolation

Isolation Chastity Welcome

Spirituality Detachment from material things

Renunciation Refuge of the heart

X - THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE

Cycles Cycle of events The passing of time

Seasons Going round in a circle Lost of direction

XI - STRENGTH

Energy Passion The triumph of intelligence over brute force

Courage Transport Dedication to a just cause

Note: Casanova discovered that the soprano Bellino was in fact a woman and after having revealed

her secret he fell in love with her and almost managed to marry her.

XII - THE HANGED MAN

Sacrifice Point of view Putting oneself to the test

Suffering Painful but necessary transisiton Final difficulty

Transition

Note: The famous escape from Piombi (the Leads), the prison of Venice from which Casanova was

maybe the only person ever to escape.

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XIII - DEATH

Transformation Mutation The last threshold

Change Surprise The last embrace

Beginning and end Understanding of what is important The final kiss

Sudden event Finishing something one had give up on

XIV - TEMPERANCE

Moderation Patience Virtue

Calm Serenity Understanding

Care Peace Listening

XV - THE DEVIL

The darkness which lies within us Excess Disturbance

The reflection which deceives Guilt feelings Suggestion

Betrayal Egotism Deceit

Superficiality Rebellion

XVI - THE TOWER

Refuge Ruin Arrogance

Asylum Loss Torture inflicted by one’s own conscience

Closure towards the world Desperation Atonement

Note: the tower of the Church of santa Maria Formosa

XVII - THE STARS

Beauty Emotion Prediction Ideal

Hope Garce Motivation Liberty

Farsightedness Gentleness

Note: The sky abouve the Rialto Bridge

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XVIII - THE MOON

Vision Illusion Infatuation

Romanticism Enchantment Dream

Sentiment The attraction of the unknown

Note: The Grand Canal with the Church of Santa Maria della Salute in the background. Alove which

only lasts till dawn.

XIX - THE SUN

The dawn Clarity Sincerity Happiness

The beginning Decision Renewed hope Light

A retreating shadow

Note: Returning from a night of love, filled with joy

XX - JUDGEMENT

Exam To lay oneself bare Spiritual or moral awakening

Consequence The climax

Note: The face shows reluctance and shame, but also awareness and an imminent decision.

XXI - THE WORLD

Completeness All-inclusiveness

Complimentarity Being oneself

Union Finding what is missing

Wholeness The whole of experience

Note: Casanova wrote his memoirs. He remembers, puts them in order, understands. They are his life,

his world, his era.

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 THE MINOR ARCANA
Details CHALICES PENTACLES WANDS SWORDS

I n t h e T a r o t s o f Pentacles refer to all Wands are the suit of Swords are the sign of

Casanova the suit of material things and s h a r p w i t s & w i l l r a t i o n a l i t y &

Chalices refer to the the pragmatic aspect power. They are also intelligence. In the

game of love. They are of things. Often the the suit of ambition Tarots of Casanova

often twofold cards amorous symbolism of a n d d e s i r e w h i c h they indicate the truth

Description
linked to deceit & the Tarots of Casanova strives towards every and sometimes pain

ecternal appearances. l i n k s t h e m t o t h e thing.

reification of objects

or people

. Possibility . Success . The starting point . Awareness

. The source of desire . Acquisition . Creation . The power to choose

Note: each canal is . Perfect gain . Undertaking for oneself & others
Ace crossed by a bridge, . The still point . Triumph
every heart has a road
. Beginning . Revenge
which leads to it.

. Passion . Enjoyment . Discovery . Equilibrium

. The couple . Pleasure . Licentious play . Adjustment

. Idyll . Hedonism . Experience . Harmony

. Celebration . Seeking for stimuli in . Courage

. A toast luxurious . The discovery of the

2 Note: Villa Carrara, the circumstances. self
building where

Casanova lived in

Salerno, Luca

Raimondo’s city of birth

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Details CHALICES PENTACLES WANDS SWORDS

. Happy end . To make show of . The completion of . Desire for freedom

. Innocent play things seduction . Cold

. Enjoyment heedless . To reify . Giving pleasure . Difficult thoughts

of the consequences . To evaluate according . Initiative . To put oneself in

. Merriment to material quality . Decision question

Note: Nanette and . To buy but not to Note: swords indicate

Marton Savorgnan conquer coldness & oppression in

3
Note: Casanova was not the place where one

adverse to the company finds oneself, while

of prostitutes gazing beyond the canal,

even if it looks as if there

are other barriers &

decay

. Fulfilment . The mystery . Agreement . Remorse

. Affection . Avarice . Prosperity . Meditation

. Quiet after the storm . Thrift . Peace . Awaiting judgement

. Words . Isolated in one’s own . Refuge Note: The light of the sun

. Communication greed . Purification only illuminates one

half. Casanova was not

. The end of something Note: He only has eyes . A return to simplicity
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for his own purse a stranger to
. Boredom Note: During a journey

instead of looking at imprisonment.

to Costantinople

what is beside him. Casanova spied on some

girls while they were

bathing in a garden

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Details CHALICES PENTACLES WANDS SWORDS

. Denial of previous . Poverty . Imitation . Dishonour

choices . Need . Training . Facing difficult

. Retracing one’s steps . Wounds . Preparation choices

. Awareness of a . The mirror of the . Vanity . Playing with fire

mistake future which awaits us . Dispute for futile . Not being able to

. Temporary loss . Prediction reasons hold back

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Note: Casanova’s . Warning . Test of strength Note: Casanova had a

reationship with M.M., a Note: respect for eyes relationship with

nun. which saw & now no Leonilda, the daughter

longer see, for the who of Donna Lucrezia &

went far afield & now maybe of Casanova

has come to a halt himself

. Memories . Envy . Passing aventure . Travel

. The past . Coveting that which . Fleeting moment . Reasoning

. Simplicity is not yours . Happiness for small . Curiousity

. Nostalgia . Spy things . Evaluation

. Serenity . Curiousity . Rivalry . Transience

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. Melancholy . Gossip . Prejudices

Note: Henriette was one

of the greatest loves of

Casanova’s life

. Vision . Boredom . Bravery . Expedient

. Desire . Habit . Struggle . Gossip

. Temptation . Lack of harmonious . Challenge . Attempt

. Imagination communication . Competition . Pleasant company

. The attraction of . Inability to be Note: Count Xavier . Hidden plan

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modestry and purity enthusiastic or to Branicky was seriously . Spiritual presence
injured in a duel with
. The meeting of become enthusiastic Note: relationship with
Casanova Mrs. F
opposites. Note: the man is bored,

the woman is ecstatic

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Details CHALICES PENTACLES WANDS SWORDS

. The unexpected . The cure . Speed . Impediment

. Shame . Teaching . Movement . Regret

. Betrayal . Coming out of an . Striving towards the . Bad news

. Up to date evaluation illness or ignorance goal . Trap

. Concreteness . A ray of sunlight . Transfer Note: Casanova was

. Coming back to . Awakening of the . Travelling in the often in need of a doctor

& one of them even

reality
8 recompensed him for
Note: Teresa Imer was
the favorite of the
Venetian Senator Alvise
Malipiero, a friend of
Casanova
senses. mind
Note: Bettina taught
having caused a mirror
Casanova the first things
epidemic of venereal
about women
disease which
Casanova’s amorous
activity had brought

about

. Pleasure . Betrayal . Vigilance . Consolation in times

. Rapture . The way out . Strength in adversity of trouble

. A barren moment . Theft . Confine . Rebirth

. Activity for its own . Liberation . Defence . Recognition

sake . To abstain from Note: the Greek slave Note: Francesca

Note: the spiral staircase something for material girl in the lazar house Buschini was very close

in the Palazzo Contarini to Casanova while he

9 well-being
dal Bovolo. Its shape was going through a bad
. Seeking for the best
recalls the eternal spiral. patch &, despite her lack
of two worlds
of education,

demonstrated sincere &

tender affection for him

in her beautiful letters

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Details CHALICES PENTACLES WANDS SWORDS

. Harmony . Formal declaration . Duplicity . Impotence

. Perfection . Engagement . Bluff . Old age

. Union . Courtship . Battle of wits . Uselessness

. Positive out-come . Proposal . Risk . Desperation

Note: the mask suggests . Fatigue . Waiting for death.

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that the meaning is . Concentraition Note: the swords have

limited to the external Note: Casanova lost & been abandoned on the

appearance won considerable ground as if they had all

fortunes at the card table been tried out

. Casanova . The purchaser . The guard . Vigil

. The sincere lover . He looks with greedy . The defence of others . Vigilance

. Entirety eyes & decides what to . Loyalty . Waiting

. Destiny buy . Courage . Centring on the self

. Mystery . Discretion . Waiting for

Knave
. Mental ability something to happen

Note: he does not wear a predatory spirit

mask Note: it is not a figure of

mercy

. The seducer . Opportunism . The diplomat . The dueller

. Deceit . Waiting for the right . Curiosity . Waiting for the

. The bearer of other moment . Negotiation enemy

people’s letters. . Bearer of gifts . Peaceful solution . Wanting to do battle

. Invitation . Restraint . Mediation . The mind is blurred

Knight
. Seriousness . Reluctance to use by the ego

violence despite

strength

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 Details CHALICES PENTACLES WANDS SWORDS

. The seducer . Opulence . The virgin . Sincerity

. Risk . Security . Shyness fear of . Removing the mask

. The challenge . Arrogance showing oneself . Facing pain

. To reveal that which . Insolence . Clinging to the past . Facing responsibility

is covered . Presumption although moving . Wanting to get to the

Queen
. To cover that which Note: the gesture of towards the future truth

is revealed being able to seduce or . Hesitation

to get what one wants
. Shame
without even having to

make an effort

. Patron . Ambition . Entrepreneur . The judge

. Protector . Threat . Honesty . Power

. Favours . Practical intelligence . Curiousity . Charisma

. Creativity . Success . Benevolence . Command

King
. To observe from a . Material power . Experience . Tired of being in

distance . Good naturedness authority

behind a formal front

THE CARTOMANTIC SPREAD

The only really important thing to understand to be able to start reading the Tarots is the

ralationship which connects the spread of the cards to the meanings of Arcana. A good

Cartomancer will be familiar with a great number of spreads but even he or she will have 1 or 2

preferences. The spread illustrated in this booklet is called: “The Gate of Love” & is suitable

for discovering something about the relationship between 2 people.

It is very simple to use. Each position in the spread corresponds to a question. The card which is

in that position is the answer to that question. Just as all the cards make up a complete course of

events, the Cartomancer will have to ensure that all the answers are consistent & that they are

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adapted to the specific situation of the Querient. The Cartomancer will be greatly helped in this

by his or her experience & sensitivily.

1.The Querient

This is represents the starting point. Who is the

Querient & how does he or she stand in the

relationship?

2.The left hand pillar

This represents hope. What does the Q expect from

this relationship?

3. The right hand pillar

This represents fears. What does the Q from this

relationship?

4. The architrave

This represents responsibility. What does this relationship imply for the Q?

5. The lock

This represents the view of the partner. How does the Q see the partner?

6. The key

This represents the correct way to interact with the partner. How the Q should communicate

with the partner

7. Beyond the gate

This reprensent the synthesis of the preceding cards & indicates the relationship itself. How will

it evolve & what is the relationship between the Q & the partner like?

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