Bull Tarot
Bull Tarot mimics that of most decks, and given us a deck full of miniature works of art. But
Text and illustrations: Tomás Jr.
"Any legend, any creature, any symbol with which we
We find it already exists in a vast cosmic repository where archetypes wait.
Shapes that peek out of our Platonic cave. Naturally, we
We believe intelligent and wise, so advanced, and those who came before us
us so naive and simple...when all we really do is
echo the order of the universe, as it guides us."
Dark
Preface
My mother read Tarot to anyone who asked her, regardless of time or place. She
always carried her deck of cards, kept in a velvet bag inside her purse, and treated it
with great care and respect. The edges of the cards were worn and stained from the
frequency and familiarity of their handling. Throughout my childhood he taught me
to read the I-Ching (it turns out wrong, but I later corrected it) and tea leaves and a
little palmistry... but he forgot to teach me the Tarot. As it happens, he would finally
do it decades later, when we found ourselves trapped in a small hotel during a
hurricane in the South Pacific. The archetypes contained in the Tarot are flexible,
multivalent; They mutate according to the card placed next to them. They spell one
destination forward and the opposite backwards. An unexpected turn is always one
card away and, in that, the Tarot is like life itself. Encrypted here are centuries of
Hermetic knowledge and symbols. These cards tap into primordial and totemic
things. If you believe that our actions and ourselves have not only tangible, but also
symbolic meaning, then you will understand that symbols are both intimate and
universal. As James Joyce says: "... We walk through ourselves, meeting thieves,
ghosts, giants, old people, young people, wives, widows, brothers, lovers, but
always meeting ourselves..."
Symbols touch the cosmic root of our being, that which is integrated into all of us,
so that we can exist in harmony or in chaos within the immensity of our Universe. I
began using Tarot not only as a storytelling device, but to hone my narrative
intuition, to offer agile combinations and possible outcomes for characters or
dramatic arcs. The letters often suggested ideas that seemed improbable or silly, but
also liberating. No matter which way you use these cards, you will always have a
dialogue with yourself. Shuffling and turning the Tarot as you reflect on life's
questions connects the cards to a larger and more intimate matrix. What you now
have in your hands is a gateway to the greatest truths and an infinite matrix of
stories, knowledge and destiny. Tomás Jr. is, in my opinion, one of the great
modern engravers. Your work is vital; modern, but steeped in great tradition. We
have been very careful to marry the Arcana with the characters and symbols of my
filmography. Tomis has carefully composed each card, selected a color palette that
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they've also made sure that they work as a system, that they provide the experience
you're looking for. There are only twelve musical notes, and with them we have
written all the songs that exist. The Major Arcana almost double that number, and
will surely guide you to know yourself and access the inner Universe.
As above, so below.
Guillermo del Toro Los Angeles, 2020
Introduction
During the summer of 2018, Guillermo invited me to dinner at a Japanese restaurant
in Paris. We ate sushi and talked about a million things. I don't know how the tarot
came about, but the idea thundered in my head with its perfectly formed definitive
title: "Why don't we make the Bull Tarot?" Guillermo looked at me intently and
said: "iOrale!" which means "Go!" I didn't need to explain that I was imagining a
deck inhabited by his creations. I can still feel the excitement of that special
moment when two of my greatest passions merged into one project. When I
returned home, I visited Don Miguel. He is an authority among practitioners of
esotericism in my hometown of Salamanca and the best tarot reader I have ever met.
He is the person who taught me what tarot is and taught me how to read it. A tarot
with images taken from movies? Don Miguel didn't like the idea. Who was I to alter
the perfect images of the mystical deck? According to him, the Tarot of Marseille is
perfect and any change would destroy its power. I explained that I had thought
deeply about the project and confirmed that Guillermo's work miraculously
connected with Don Miguel's beloved letters. I promised that Tarot del Toro would
not be one of those decks that forgot the symbolic power of ancient cards.
Don Miguel went blind long before Guillermo del Toro's first film was filmed, so he
had not seen any of his works. I decided to sit next to him, open my laptop in front
of us and play Guillermo's movies one by one. We spent hours like this, and I
enjoyed explaining each shot and scene to him. When a motif that Guillermo and I
were thinking of using appeared on the screen, I would get excited. "Don Miguel,
this iron-fisted monster will be Strength!" Or, "I'll use this bomb instead of the
Angel of Judgment!" Don Miguel very quickly overcame his reluctance and did not
hesitate to propose his own ideas that went, to my surprise, further and further away
from the literality of the tarot. "Is that maid holding a knife? She is your Page of
Swords." Or, “Human fetuses floating in liquor jars? There is. The Hanged Man." I
designed and carved each card, and when I was done, I was able to show them to
them. All of my engravings are deeply engraved, so Don Miguel was able to "see"
them through his fingers. I am proud to declare that he approved of all the letters
and was at times very enthusiastic. As a final gift, Don Miguel recommended his
own way of reading the letters and gave me permission to share it with you.
Everything is included at the end of the book. And William? Guillermo followed the
creation of each card from sketch to final form, suggesting wonderful ideas and
 Bull Tarot
helping me overcome some obstacles that arose. I cannot conceive what
combination of tarot cards could show the inconceivable amount of good luck I
have had in having such wonderful people by my side. I hope this deck brings you
as much joy and knowledge as it did me.
What is tarot?
"Symbols are lovingly embedded to add to a second or third reading,
and even to change radically if you combine them. The symbols have that
ability; They are not figures that remain immutable".
Guillermo Del Toro
Tarot is a deck of illustrated cards used for the purposes of self-discovery and
divination. There are many different models, each with different images and card
combinations. Despite this variation, almost all decks are made up of two groups of
cards: the Major and Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana features twenty-two cards
illustrated with classic spiritual symbology, allegorical scenes, and archetypal
characters. The Minor Arcana are made up of four groups of cards, called suits,
each of which has a distinctive symbol. In this deck, the four suits are Wands,
Chalices, Discs, and Swords. Each suit is made up of fourteen cards. Ten of them
are numbered starting with ace, and four show court figures: a king, a queen, a
knight, and a jack. The origin of the tarot deck, and the magical practices and games
related to it, are unknown. Some 18th-century scholars, such as Court de Gebelin
and Etteilla, claimed that the tarot was the Book of Thoth, written only seventeen
years after the Great Flood. Others claim that it was the Moors who introduced the
tarot while conducting business with merchants in modern-day Italy. Others refute
these theories and propose a Chinese origin or an Indian birthplace similar to the
chess figures. Others propose theories about Hebrew Kabbalists or Cathar heretics
seeking a way to express their forbidden doctrine. Honestly, we don't know much
more than that. Cards existed in the 12th century and were at least used for card
games, if not for divination. There is evidence of this in the numerous legal
documents that attempted to ban these types of games. The cards appear listed in
many wills, suggesting that the decks were very valuable. The invention of the
printing press in the 15th century and the improvement of engraving techniques
allowed for the printing of cheaper decks, which became increasingly popular. It is
not clear when tarot began to be used for divination, but it is undeniable that it has
an inherent symbolic nature that invites us to do so. Some cards remind us of pagan
gods, ancient figures of power, astrological elements, virtues and other classic
archetypes. Trying to find meaning in these symbols is a temptation that is difficult
to resist. Today, tarot is used for three purposes: an aid in self-exploration, a tool for
predicting the future, and a source of inspiration for creating stories. All three
objectives can be met at the same time. For many practitioners, tarot functions as a
set of images with open and interconnected symbolism. It is so well constructed that
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it allows us to see in the cards our desires, fears and projections of our own identity.
Whoever consults the cards, for themselves or for another person, is able to tell a
story taken from real life to unravel motives, decipher problems and reveal
characters and their intentions.
With enough intuition, connections can be made and predictions made. If you are a
storyteller, tarot will answer the questions any story asks. Who is this character that
has appeared in my head? How will this character act? What do I need to handle this
situation? How should I get from here to there? Tarot cards have helped authors as
varied as Italo Calvino, Alejandro Jodorowky, John Steinbeck, and Stephen King
develop their stories. Because there are countless stories lurking within the tarot
cards. Perhaps that is the true power of tarot: the creative and ritual use of the
archetypes it includes. The power of symbols and human intuition. But we cannot
forget that, for many people, the mysterious energy (ancient Egyptian, Chinese,
Kabbalistic or Romani) that fuels the magic of tarot is real magic. Who knows? Use
these cards freely, familiarize yourself with their meaning and make them yours.
Don't forget that they don't mean anything separately. They only reveal their true
potential when read together. Accept suggestions that arise in your mind, even if
they contradict the explanations in this book. Let the symbols speak to you. Do not
be afraid. You will learn that neither card XIII, the one with the skeleton, nor the
Devil are exactly what they seem to be. And if ever the cards tell you something
terrifying, remember the inscription on the labyrinth door from William's iconic
fantasy film Pan's Labyrinth: "In consiliis nostris, fatum nostrum est," which
roughly translates to " "Our choices determine our destiny." The cards may point in
one direction, but, for better or worse, only your steps will take you there.
Crazy
The Fool is the only tarot card that is not numbered. Perhaps the reason is that it
should be left aside. For many scholars, the tarot is a path and the Fool is not one of
its steps, but the character who follows it. According to this idea, we find a
character without a prior identity. All possible paths unfold before him. A minimal
 Bull Tarot
package hangs from his wooden staff and a strange pet insect follows him. That
bug, a mantis, symbolizes instinct, and we can't be sure if it's a threat or a playmate.
In this deck, the Fool card is inspired by the faun from Pan's Labyrinth. The Fool,
like the faun, is a primordial being who can adopt the role of jester and mystical
pilgrim. It could be a mysterious wanderer, a menacing intruder, or a frightened and
lost child.
All of these meanings develop, as with all cards, depending on the position of the
card, upright or inverted, and the cards surrounding it. In personal matters, the Fool
speaks of joyful unconsciousness and lightness. When he appears inverted, he
becomes the Lost One and speaks of disorientation and even dementia. In matters of
love and friendship, it brings a certain lack of commitment, which is aggravated if it
appears the other way around. It almost never suggests good business ability, unless
it has to do with improvisation or sudden inspiration.
In the presence of the World, the Fool means a happy ending to a process; with card
XIII, some transformative event; with the Wheel of Fortune, especially if it is
inverted, the return to the starting point; with the Magician, the necessary
preparation of the tools for the journey. In the presence of the Hanged Man, the
pilgrim is blocked, paralyzed or lost.
"The saddest journey in the world is the one that follows a precise itinerary. Then
no
you are a traveler. "You're just a tourist."
Guillermo del Toro
The magician
The ancient French tarots call the Magician “Le Bateleur”, which means juggler,
acrobat or street performer. He is the one who works wonders, the weaver of
dreams, the alchemist. Of course, Tarot del Toro dedicates the Magician to
Guillermo himself. In his hand and on his table, he displays the tools of his trade:
the Cronos Device (a device of great transformative power), the miraculous
mandrake from Pan's Labyrinth, parts of a machine, an insect, and a knife, a
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recurring element in his films and a tribute to the maestro Luis Buñuel.
As in classic tarots, these objects refer to the four suits of the Minor Arcana: a knife,
some chalices, a pair of Discs, and the mandrake, which represents the earthly
power of the wands.
The Magician transforms spiritual energy into real-world change, and his
appearance in a card speaks of creativity, originality, skill and confidence. If it is
related to relationships or emotions, it is a sign of potential success that indicates the
existence of resources and capabilities to undertake new projects.
The Chariot gives the Mage an extra dose of useful initiative and drive. On the other
hand, the Moon can push you toward introspection, which can enhance creative
work but prevent its dissemination. Together with the Emperor, the Wizard can
coordinate the efforts of a team of complementary creative people. With the devil,
you risk becoming a cursed artist.
Inverted, he becomes the Swindler. In this position, the Magician is related to the
trickster and the false artist who deceives others or himself. He is the snake oil
salesman or the victim of his ego. Or both.
"Hidden in every limitation is an opportunity. And for every obstacle that
you face, there is a simple and perfect solution, in a creative way. and your job is
find it.
Guillermo del Toro
The Priestess
In many of the ancient tarots, this card represents the goddesses of the sacred
mysteries. Throughout their many incarnations, the goddesses have been secret
guardians with a passive stance towards the physical world. Tarot del Toro shows in
this card the figure of Nuala, the elf princess of Heliboy II, who resonates beyond
any doubt with this nature.
Like the Magician, the High Priestess is a figure of creation and growth, but her
nature is more reflective and mysterious, and her energy manifests in a more subtle
inner focus. Unlike the Wizard, she sits silently and seems to only need a scroll,
 Bull Tarot
which she doesn't even look at, as she already knows, to channel her art. Your best
tools are secrecy and intuition. We see a veil behind her, which seems about to
envelop her head. This is a reference to the veil of Isis, which in the classics
represented the impossibility of penetrating the secrets of nature. Hence the vegetal
motif of the veil.
There are two most important symbols on this card. The dagger in the ground can be
interpreted as a renunciation of direct action; and the egg, an alchemical and
universal symbol that contains the idea of a secret and isolated creative power.
The High Priestess speaks of wisdom and insight, of directing your attention to
intimate and secret matters. It always means growth for oneself and others, although
it never manifests itself loudly or with quick results. The Sun can illuminate the
High Priestess making her revelations more powerful, perhaps even blinding if she
appears upside down. Justice can make its presence especially beneficial to social
order. The Hermit at her side can transform her into a saint or mystic. Combined
with the Chariot or the Force, it can achieve a notable influence, and if the Devil or
the Moon are nearby, we can find ourselves facing the archetypes of the seductive
sorceress or the witch who dances barefoot on the Sabbath.
When reversed, she is the cloistered nun and has lost the ability to channel her
energy. He is a victim of his secrets and intuitions and sinks into passivity. Neurosis
and depression can take over and turn it into a sterile burden.
"Everything in our universe is encrypted, and to know the encryption is to know the
thing, and
to know the thing is to master it.”
Dark
The Empress
The Empress is easy to define by its similarities and differences with other cards.
Like the High Priestess, she has the idea of fertility; However, it is not a secret
potential but a happy motherhood. You don't have an unhatched egg, but rather a
thriving, well-protected baby. She is also wise, but more practical, communicative
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and warm. Like the Emperor, her husband, she has power, but she does not use it in
an authoritarian way, rather spontaneously and naturally. While the Emperor seeks
order and peace, the Empress seeks happiness and harmony. Therefore, she is queen
and mother.
For this card, Tarot del Toro represents a character inspired by one from Pan's
Labyrinth: Carmen, Ofelia's mother, in her incarnation as the queen of the
underworld kingdom. This is how the little girl sees her at the end of the story, with
her brother asleep in her arms. The Empress is shown with wings due to her fairy-
like nature and carries a scepter and crown as symbols of her power. The eagle,
another symbol of power, is shown on her dress rather than on a shield as in the
Tarot of Marseille. Then again, perhaps it is not an eagle, but the raven of wisdom.
The appearance of the Empress always speaks of natural leadership and warmth, of
forces oriented towards germination, growth and hope. As a symbol of motherhood,
it can be understood in several ways. Together with the Moon, the Empress can
become obsessed with her maternal side and forget about herself; with the World,
you can expect a perfect flowering of everything that has begun to grow. It is a very
good card when it relates to social issues, especially if the Emperor is around,
because together, these archetypes can bring all the necessary will and authority.
The force can increase the feminine power of the Empress and enhance her
seductive and emotional side. The devil can bring a manipulative and uncomfortable
advantage.
Inverted she becomes the Tyrant, a controlling and selfish mother.
"There is something about maternal love, it could be the strongest human spiritual
bond
that exists".
Dark
The emperor
The Emperor represents authority, stability and law. He is not so much concerned
with justice as with maintaining social order, usually for the better. In classical
 Bull Tarot
tarots, the marriage between the Emperor and Empress is clear as they show similar
heraldic symbols. In Tarot del Toro, both belong to the fairy kingdom, although
they come from different universes. The Emperor depicted here is Balor, the elf
king from Hellboy II. For symbolic clarity, he is depicted before losing his arm.
The Emperor's actions are tied to the practical world, which is why he is shown
resting on a rock. However, it is not a primitive being. Beneath his cloak, a tail
slithers and holds a key: a symbol of being in control of what is "beneath": the
atavistic destructive instincts in all of us. The rock, or shield, upon which he rests
shows the menacing figure of a soldier of the Golden Army: the Emperor does not
need to embrace direct action, he only needs to show authority. Its energy is mental,
as shown by the branches growing from its head.
Despite being a mature character, perhaps an old man, green leaves sprout from his
scepter, a sign of a life-giving power. As an archetypal father figure, he is also a
promoter of life, although to a lesser extent than the Empress.
The presence of the Emperor in a reading always suggests power and authority,
generally placed at the service of order, prosperity and security. The Emperor
attracts the trust of family, friends and associates. In short: promotes stability and
wealth for yourself and also for others. If Justice accompanies him, we can also
emphasize his equanimity. With the World, your works can be especially fruitful.
With the sun, his followers will be filled with hope and joy. He can ride the Chariot
to conquer new frontiers and expand his territories, but he is fearsome if associated
with the Devil, because he can become unpredictable and capricious.
When reversed, he is the oppressor, despotic and materialistic; dogmatic and
arrogant.
"But Captain, obey, just like that, for the sake of obedience... without
question...that's something only people like you do."
The Pan's Labyrinth
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The Hierophant
If the Emperor controls the material world, the Hierophant is responsible for the
spiritual realm. He relates to the High Priestess as the Emperor relates to the
Empress. Both women have subtle passive powers. Each one, in its own way, is
fertile. If the Emperor rules the world that the Empress gives birth to, the
Hierophant celebrates the secret rites imagined by the High Priestess. If the
Emperor writes the material law, the Hierophant governs the moral principles
behind it. He is the bridge to the higher realms, to the divine or spiritual world. He
is a priest, mentor, guru, spiritual guide.
The Hierophant is always represented as a hieratic and ominous figure, larger than
the mortals who pray at his feet. Generally, the figure of a Christian Pope is chosen
for this card, but Tarot del Toro uses the Master, the supreme vampire of La Cepa.
The archetype of one who can lead others to a supernatural life cannot be better
represented than in the form of a vampire. Our Hierophant holds a bone scepter as a
symbol of rebirth and dresses as a monk, according to his priestly status. Mortals
kneel before him and before the fire of revelation. The background reminds us that
we are in a temple, the usual setting for organized cult rituals.
The Hierophant brings the deepest inspiration, the code of honor and the rigidity of
principles to our reading. It does not bring great material benefits, but it works
wonders when spiritual and moral help is needed. Radiates an aura of elevation and
purification. When combined with the Emperor, his authority can be too
concentrated and overwhelming; with the Moon, it can show a somewhat dark and
disturbing sectarian influence; with the Devil, it may indicate a false guide who is
trying to take advantage of your privileged position. With the Sun, however, he is
an enlightened advisor who can teach others.
Reversed, this card becomes the Inquisitor, who punishes any deviation from his
strict and blind doctrine. His judgment is short-sighted and superficial. Your faith,
fanatical.
"It is not faith that distinguishes our true leaders. It is the doubt. His
ability to overcome it."
The Eternal Night
 Bull Tarot

Lovers
The meaning of Lovers is about choice, especially emotional choice. In many
contexts, it can be even more focused and refer to crossroads of passions of any
kind.
In the Tarot of Marseille, the Lovers card is represented as a man trapped between
two women. The exact situation here is unclear: are the women stalking the man or
trying to hug him? One seems innocent, while the other seems evil. In Tarot del
Toro, this duality is represented by the characters of The Shape of Water, with their
double nature, both human and aquatic. It is interesting to note that the Mantegna
deck illustrates this card with a figure of Venus in a marine setting.
The choices that the Lovers card forces us to make are mutually exclusive, so they
always involve a sacrifice. The decision must be made in the light of the truth that
radiates from above. Below, the characters float in an unstable equilibrium. There
will be no rest until a decision is made.
Lovers is not intrinsically a good or bad card. More than any other, its meaning
depends on the cards that surround it. With the Wheel of Fortune, it means a
particularly complex or changing set of circumstances. With the Hermit, there are
multiple possible meanings. If the Hermit appears before the Lovers, he shows us a
situation in which the decision has to be made by a person on his own; If it appears
later, it shows a decision that leads to loneliness. The Chariot adds a sense of
urgency, and in the presence of the Hierophant, the decision could be blessed in the
form of a marriage or contract. On the contrary, if the Tower follows, ruin and crisis
loom. Be careful if the Devil stalks Lovers, as it could represent some temptation
that affects the free decision of the person concerned.

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 Bull Tarot
Inverted, the Lovers becomes the Entanglement. Hidden intentions, indecision and
incorrect assessments cloud the situation. If we look at the card in this position, the
light comes from below, so it loses its divine quality.
"But I can't be alone, right? Of course not; I'm not that special (...)
What if you and I are not the last of our kind, but one of the first? The
first of better creatures in a better world? We can have faith, right? In
that we are not from the past, but from the future? "
The Shape of Water. (Novelization)
The car
The Chariot means advancement, action and energy. He is autonomous and bold.
He advances in search of his destiny, guided only by his own criteria.
Traditional tarots depict different mythical characters for this card, but Tarot del
Toro shows the unforgettable troll car of Hellboy II. This character supports the idea
that the querent is on a journey driven by their own power, as the crown and banner
attest; enhanced by discipline, as evidenced by the arms tied to the wooden blocks
the character uses to push himself forward; and containing his passions, which is
why he is wrapped in a sack. He triumphs over difficulties: even the supreme
difficulty of lacking legs does not prevent him from moving forward. Although
horses are a common element of this card, we must not forget that decks as old as
Mantegna and Giovanni Vacchetta do not include them. Our coachman carries a
bell to announce his presence and horseshoes that will bring him luck.
The movement of the Chariot is almost unstoppable and runs in a clear direction,
especially under the light of the Star; much less under the empire of the Fool. He
gains an extra dose of triumphant glory in the presence of the Emperor and a warm
boost of vitality near the Empress. If Force is present, the
Justice
Some tarot scholars think that the image of Justice as a female figure holding scales
has to do with the goddess Maat. The ancient Egyptians believed that the souls of
the deceased were weighed against a feather, provided by Maat, to decide their fate
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Chariot can be violent and overwhelming, and in the company of the XIII card, it
can take us to territories where we can forget who we are. If the Chariot advances
under the sun, any obstacle will be very easy to overcome.
Inverted he becomes the Daredevil, the one who advances without discipline or
control. His energy is fiercely scattered, he takes absurd risks and even causes
dangerous accidents involving himself and others.
"A key piece of advice (...): if a path is not present, build one."
Guillermo del Toro, Gullermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities
in the afterlife. Tarot del Toro focuses on this ancient funerary symbolism and uses
the ghost of Edith's mother from The Scarlet Summit as a central figure. Justice
looks directly at us, hieratic, authoritarian, sitting on a solid throne, isolated by a
thick veil. She is blind to external appearances, and therefore sees everything.
Enhance her dignity with a wreath of withered flowers. His staff is also dry and
twisted. Everything is immutable, perhaps inert. Instead of the archetypal scales, he
holds a tray with two skulls, whose owners are equal in death, as they are all equal
at the time of judgment. A raven, an emissary from the spirit world, whispers words
of wisdom to the judge, who holds a bouquet of flowers in his lap, testament to the
benefits of his unforgiving nature, devoid of emotion and humanity. Justice is a card
of balance and equanimity, although in certain combinations it can lead to inaction.
In relation to emotions, it is a sign of indifference and coldness. With the Emperor
we speak of civic devotion, and with the Hierophant, of great respect for institutions
and traditions that can manifest as fundamentalism when the card is reversed. The
Empress brings a little empathy. If the Hanged Man is nearby, it speaks of a too
harsh verdict, especially if the Force is nearby. With the Devil, it can indicate a
problem with an incorrect set of values, thoughts or expectations or an imposter
posing as an authority.
Inverted, Justice becomes vengeful. Lacking feelings and empathy, he considers
laws and traditions to be more important than people. In this place, he is capable of
anything to maintain respect for the established codes and will act without any hint
 Bull Tarot
of passion.
"Man killing man, man helping man, both anonymous: the
scourge and blessing":
The Strain (Graphic Novel)
The hermit
The Hermit seeks the truth in the shadows. Your search is spiritual. In Guillermo's
iconic fantasy film Pan's Labyrinth, the monstrous Pale Man appears as one of the
faun's disguises and one of the tests, like the toad that Ofelia must pass to return to
the kingdom of the underworld. He is a perfect character to portray the Hermit: he
has been blinded but sees again, like Saint Paul. Like Odin and Horus, he sacrificed
vision for knowledge. The symbolism of the mystical eye, which is more similar to
the spiritual world than matter, is also present in the character's clothing. The hermit
symbolizes self-knowledge, introspection and inner search. In an ideal situation,
your state of isolation implies a great capacity for concentration and willpower,
making it a positive card when related to personal matters. Socially and financially,
it indicates little need for relationships and material resources. His ideal companion
is the Star, as she brings purpose to his quest. Justice and Temperance balance his
purpose and mental clarity, necessary for him and his quest. If you walk in the sun,
you can be distracted by the bright world outside. If you walk under the Moon, you
may receive the inspiration you need, but you may become absorbed if the card
appears reversed. With the Magician, he becomes an artist, perhaps obsessed, in
search of the masterpiece, and with the Judgment he becomes a wandering samurai.
If he appears next to the Tower, it is important to know if he is heading towards the
ruin or fleeing from it. Finally, if he is related to the Hanged Man, he is disoriented
and his search may lead to ultimate confusion.
Inverted he becomes the Misanthrope, who lives in sterile solitude. He doesn't know
what he's looking for, but he knows he needs to wander alone. He is often immersed
in melancholy, insensitivity and obsession.
"The most intelligent creatures tend to make the least amount of sounds."
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The Shape of Water.
Wheel of fortune
The image of fortune as a wheel that drags people through cycles of unequal luck is
an ancient and powerful symbol. But it's about more than just luck. It is also the
wheel of birth and death, reincarnation and the great cosmic cycle. Tarot del Toro
illustrates the Wheel of Fortune as the watermill of Pan's Labyrinth. The mill adds a
layer of meaning to the wheel symbol: there is an ultimate purpose. Just as the mill
transforms grain into flour, the cosmic wheel regenerates, channels and harmonizes
the energy of the universe. As in other tarot decks, there are three figures stretched
out on the wheel. A figure ascends with another hand raised upward. On the
opposite side of the wheel, another figure descends, ready to plunge into the river of
blood beneath the wheel. At the top of the wheel, a third figure appears crowned
with laurel leaves, a symbol of triumph, and holds a sickle, as if to gather the fruits
of the earth. But let's not fool ourselves, the three characters are one and the same:
neither men nor women, neither young nor old, without identity, without race,
without defined features, imprisoned in an infinite circle of creation and destruction,
of triumph and defeat, of splendor and misfortune. The Wheel of Fortune is
instability, unpredictability and lack of control. Seen more positively, it implies new
opportunities. On the negative side, it involves shock and anxiety. It can speak of a
certain chaos in the environment when it appears with the World, even of particular
crises when it is accompanied by the Emperor (political issues), the Empress
(family) or Justice (law). If the card appears under the Tower, we may be facing a
radical shakeup of the status quo. With the Lovers, emotional tensions are
increasing, and together with card XIII, without a doubt, the Wheel is reaching the
end of a cycle.
The Wheel of Fortune does not change if it appears inverted, because the direction
of its rotation does not change in any position.
"Stay by my side as I fade / so you can mark the end of
my struggle / and the twilight of eternal days / on the lowest and darkest edge of
 Bull Tarot
the
life".
Translation of a Fragment of "In Memoriam AHH" By Alfred, Lord Tennyson, in
The Devil's Backbone
Force
Although today we are used to seeing Strength represented as a female figure, many
ancient tarot models reserved this card for figures such as Hercules or Samson.
Tarot del Toro revives these old images and dedicates this card to the giant Mr.
Wink, henchman of Prince Nuada in Hellboy II and the perfect character to
represent unstoppable energy. It should be noted that the Force does not
characterize crude or blind physical power, but rather discipline and unstoppable
will. The character's iron hand is an extraordinary symbol.
Strength is master of himself: his will and discipline are self-imposed, as evidenced
by the broken chains attached to his leg. His wounds and bruises show the risks of
assuming that responsibility, while the subjugated monster he has caught in his
enormous hands represents his mastery over basic passions, wild nature. However,
the monstrous nature of the central figure, Mr. Wink here, indicates that, very often,
the Force involves excess, a lack of judgment, a certain degree of transgression and
abuse. Strength gives the other cards an extra boost of energy and oomph. When it
takes center stage, the card speaks of effectiveness of action and channeled passion.
If accompanied by other high-energy cards, it speaks to the legitimacy of your
goals, meaning triumph with the Emperor, approval with the Empress, and moral
leadership with the Hierophant. But be careful, Justice at your side can make this
card ruthless, the Devil can turn the Force into violence, and the Hanged Man can
turn his power against himself.
If reversed, force becomes brutality, suggesting violence and cruelty. He can speak
of tyranny if he is escorted by the Emperor or of jealousy if he is tangential to the
Lovers.
"Weakness is giving in to temptation. "Strength is resisting it."
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The Eternal Night
The Hanged Man
Throughout mythology, we see evidence of divine beings, Osiris, Odin, Christ, who
were hanged to be reborn as higher beings. The Hanged Man symbolizes a person in
the intermediate state of that process. Waiting to be reborn, he is nowhere, lost in
his inner labyrinth. In traditional cards, the Hanged Man hangs from a branch.
However, since Hanged Man is often said to dwell in limbo, Tarot del Toro
describes him as one of the fetuses preserved in jugs of liquor in The Devil's
Backbone. If we analyze that film, the parallels are even more notable, since in the
film this liquor is called "limbo water" and the fetuses are called "children of no
one." It is interesting to note that many tarot scholars speak of the Hanged Man in
the same terms because he is in a state of latency. Although he is alive and
conscious, he cannot act in the physical world because he is upside down and
enclosed in his crystal chrysalis. You can only do one thing: wait. If the Hanged
Man appears, we get a clear sense of restriction, of being held back, of waiting.
Accompanied by cards such as the Sun or the Star, it suggests a higher end and a
brilliant result: the rebirth promised to a higher existence. Together with letter XIII,
it speaks of essential renewal, although if it is reversed there may be asphyxiation
and metaphorical abortion. The Devil turns limbo into hell, and the World speaks of
the gestation of good fruits, of the arrival of a new spring. Along with the Judgment,
it may reveal that the end of stagnation must come from external sources.
Inverted, the Hanged Man becomes the damned, locked up against his will,
desperate for his lack of mobility.
"The feet are what connect you to the ground, and when you are poor, none of that
land belongs to you."
The Shape of Water. (Novelization)
 Bull Tarot
Death
This card provides the most terrifying and powerful vision of any tarot deck. This
card, ruled by the number XIII, with a fatal reputation, usually shows an austere
skeleton wielding a scythe over the remains of mangled corpses. In many classic
tarot decks, this card is unnamed. This is an important clue for many scholars, who
believe that ancient card creators removed it for a reason: they did not want to focus
its meaning on death. They did not want XIII to be interpreted as a mere
announcement of someone's disappearance. In fact, the meaning of this arcana is
much more open and much less apocalyptic. It speaks of rebirth, renewal and
radical change. The scythe cuts the ripe fruits from the earth and prepares the field
for spring. The old must die to make way for the new. The earth dies to be reborn.
Tarot del Toro is based, of course, on the Angel of Death from Hellboy II to
represent this arcana. The wings reinforce the idea of transformation and change,
and the head, blinded, suggests the inevitability and equity of renewal. XIII
announces transformation. It can be a health, money, work or love crisis. The
attached letters will say so. These crises almost always come with benefits and
sacrifices. The presence of Lovers can speak of the end of one romance and the
beginning of another; the Hermit, of a necessary, slow and tortuous inner renewal;
the Tower, an economic or labor crisis; the world, the loss of trust in one's
environment. The Fool may imply deliverance, while the Hanged Man may predict
that we are headed for damnation. In both cases, the new cycle is not very
promising. On the contrary, the close Sun produces an optimal result, since
transmutation produces gold and brings us closer to perfection.
Reversed, card XIII denotes a sterile and uncompensated loss, perhaps a process
that ends without a solution.
"He forgot who he was and where he came from. His body suffered cold, discomfort
and pain.
Finally, he died."
The Pan's Labyrinth
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Temperance
This card refers to the classic virtue of moderation. In Tarot del Toro, he is
represented by a figure inspired by Edith Cushing from The Scarlet Summit. She is
dressed in white and holding a lily, both symbols of purity and chastity. She has a
calm posture despite being surrounded by flames. The wings that usually adorn her
in classic tarots have been removed, although they are suggested by elements of the
dress, hair, and flames in the background. Some traditional models, in fact, the best
known, present the figure of Temperance holding two jugs exchanging liquids. In
our representation, these jugs are replaced by a lily, which maintains the
characteristic dynamic shape. One might think that, after the death caused by card
XIII, this arcane shows one of the plants cut by the scythe, demonstrating that the
harvest is complete and calm returns. Temperance is, in a sense, the opposite of
force: instead of forceful dominance, it speaks of effortless, but no less effective,
action. There is no struggle, but harmony, serenity and subtlety, both in the spiritual
or mental part of life and in relationships with others. A certain lack of passion can
be attributed to him, especially in the presence of the Moon. Perhaps she is too
docile in the presence of Justice. It calms the wanderings of the Fool and calmly
tames the lower instincts of the Devil. She converts the Force into precise, focused
energy and thus her actions become more effective. It slows down the Chariot and
the Ferris Wheel, which will be appreciated by those who ride one or the other.
If reversed, she becomes the Coward, who avoids all conflict and never acts,
blocked by fear pure and simple.
"...down here, hate has no purpose. Down here, you hug your
enemies until they become your friends. Down here, you're not looking to be alone
being, but all beings, and all at the same time (...) She is full. She is perfect ".
The Shape of Water. (Novelization)
 Bull Tarot
The devil
The devil is the ancient, chaotic and savage god present in religions since time
immemorial. He resembles, above all, the Christian devil, inspired by the old horned
gods, especially the faun Pan, from whose name the word panic is derived. Needless
to say, in Tarot del Toro, the Devil is inspired by Hellboy, the wonderful character
created by Mike Mignola and brought to the screen twice by Guillermo. Our devil is
strong and red. Each leg is different, as in many ancient traditions, and has a face on
its belly that symbolizes the dictatorship of its base appetites. His wings are too
small to fly, and his stone hand seems like an additional weight anchoring him to
the underworld or even the "world below," where he is the undisputed king, with his
crown and his slaves. He wields a flaming sword in his left hand. It is not a sword
that defends the law, but one that destroys with the relentless force of instinct and
savagery. The devil is only evil in the eyes of men. In reality, it is an irrational,
unbridled, atavistic and amoral force. The appearance of the card in a spread takes
us to that territory where law, reason and morality succumb to the rule of passion,
appetite and pure unleashed will. If the devil is driving the car, his action will be
fearsome and unstoppable. It is advisable to stay out of their way. With the Hanged
Man at his side, his appetite turns against him, hinting at debilitating addictions or
limitations due to a lack of self-control. The Moon can twist your intentions with
perversity, while the Sun can turn you into a mischievous and even fun faun. The
Magician can give you a way to sublimate your energies through creativity,
although his works will always have a disturbing undertone.
Inverted, he is Lucifer, the fallen angel, the enemy of God. Their energy is even
more intense, destructive and furious.
"To learn what we fear is to learn who we are."
Guillermo del Toro
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Tower
This arcana immediately suggests the Tower of Babel, a monument to human pride
destroyed by the wrath of God. In Tarot del Toro, the Tower is both a scene and a
character, inspired by Cathedral Head, one of the supporting characters in Hellboy
II. This character is appropriate because the Tower, from a symbolic point of view,
must be understood as the deepest structure of the individual. And this structure is
made up of elements from your environment, family, friends, work, institutions and
also your own being. The Tower is struck by a beam of energy from above, and its
appearance is a punishment that requires rectification. Although the building is
partially damaged, the foundation remains unchanged: it is possible to rebuild the
entire structure. In traditional decks, two figures fall from the tower. In Tarot del
Toro, these figures appear embroidered on the character's clothing. The presence of
the Tower means disaster, unforeseen accidents. It can rarely be interpreted
positively. In the best of cases, such as when the sun is shining or the Fool is
walking away, it can represent the demolition of obsolete structures and the
liberation of an oppressive environment. Temperance is a good counselor when the
floor rumbles, and we will need his prudent counsel, hopefully with guidance from
the Star. The Chariot should not head towards the center of the hurricane, although
it may be useful to move away from it. If the devil is near, we can think of unknown
agents and conspiracies. Card XIII has an ambiguous meaning because it indicates a
deeper trauma but a more radical renewal. And this can be liberating or healing.
Inverted, the Tower becomes a Ruin. The structure suffers more damage and
reconstruction is more difficult. If the Fool is nearby, it may symbolize the need to
start over from scratch somewhere else.
"There are things you can't fight, acts of God. If you see a hurricane coming,
Get out of the way."
Pacific Rim
 Bull Tarot
The star
A maiden kneels under the stars. She is submissive to the cosmic order and
receptive to its energy. One star governs the entire image and seven smaller ones
surround it in harmony. There are seven virtues, seven planets known in the
classical era, seven days of the week, seven chakras, seven alchemical metals and
seven steps of transformation. There are seven colors in the rainbow. The world was
created in seven days in the creation myth of both Judaism and Christianity. For
many traditions and teachings, seven is a number of wholeness and perfection. In
the best-known tarot decks, the Star shows a naked maiden pouring water from two
jugs into a river or pond. We can feel a connection between that action and the
energy of the stars. For Tarot del Toro, Ofelia, the main character of Pan's
Labyrinth, has been chosen to represent this beautiful card. He has dropped the jugs
and is holding a book while the fairies flutter around him. It looks like your job is
done. Ethereal energy manifests vividly through a naive, childlike, carefree and
therefore deeply powerful character. The star is always a happy card in a tarot
reading. Under the rule of the Star, everything occupies its rightful place in the
order of the universe. To find our true purpose, we must accept its guidance. With
the Empress, you acquire a certain sensual character that can attract others to the
right path. With Lovers, it guarantees a balanced and mutual romantic relationship.
If the Emperor stands in its light, we can glimpse a triumph that does not take
advantage of others and will bring lasting satisfaction. The Star leads the Chariot to
a good destination, inspires Justice and puts an end to the Fool's wanderings, turning
him into another archetype that will follow a clear path. It gives a practical sense to
the Magician and a very convenient anchor to the internal labyrinths that the Moon
can present.
Inverted, it becomes the Mirage and can guide us into the depths of the desert
through illusory appearances and superficial statements. With the Magician it can
indicate a tendency towards exhibitionism and with the Moon, a great insecurity.
"When I was a child, whenever I felt small or alone, I would look at the stars."
Pacific Rim
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Moon
The Moon card is usually divided into three levels. At the top level, the Moon faces
the Earth, shedding drops of color to show its influence. At the middle level, a
figure or set of figures, a lady, some animals or some astrologers, depending on the
model, point towards it. The lower level usually includes a pool, lake, or other moist
cavity inhabited by an aquatic being. Tarot del Toro preserves the essence of these
elements, the three levels, the moon, the dogs, the aquatic creature, and
contextualizes them in the world of Pan's Labyrinth. The main addition is the tree
that grows over the giant toad's burrow, which here replaces the traditional crab.
These changes are appropriate to the traditional meaning of the card, which marks
an ascending energy from the aquatic or primitive through the earthly or animal to
the celestial or transcendental. The tree underlines this vertical impulse, but some of
its branches twist towards the ground, indicating the possibility of this process
stagnating, since blockage and obsession are the least pleasant characteristics of this
arcana. The deepest meaning of the Moon has to do with inner purification and
sublimation, processes that occur passively, without external action. Together with
the sun, the results are excellent and these dark processes provide luminous results.
With the hangman, however, it can indicate too much focus on the inner self, which
can become unhealthy and obsessive. With the Tower, we may suspect the need to
deal with an unpleasant inner reality. With the Hermit comes the possibility of
painful and, if reversed, unnecessary isolation. Along with the Devil, it can indicate
submission to a harmful figure. We hope that the Star or Temperance will provide
guidance and mental strength to this arcana to climb to higher ground.
If reversed, the Moon darkens and the Dark Night of the Soul begins. Disorientation
grips us and willpower disappears. It is not a good time for the Tower to collapse or
for the Devil to come and tempt us with addictions or destructive behaviors.
"The moon will be full in three days. Your spirit will remain forever among the
humans. You will grow old like them, you will die like them, and every memory of
you will be
will fade with time."
 Bull Tarot

The Pan's Labyrinth

Sun
The Sun is the universal symbol of rebirth and therefore immortality Tarot del Toro
fuses two classic representations of this card that resonate with that symbolism. The
first and best known shows the sun shining on a pair of twins embracing; The
second, more archaic, represents the Sun blessing a hero or champion by shining in
one of his hands, on his head or from his chest. It's fascinating how symbols
intertwine in ways beyond our control. The initial inspiration for this card was the
model of a hero with the sun on his chest. Gipsy Danger, Pacific Coast's main
Jaeger, was chosen for the role due to her fiery energy core, which is clearly
displayed in the film. Then, surprisingly, the discarded motif of the hugging twins
resurfaced, as the only way to handle the titan's overwhelming energy is through the
united minds of two closely linked pilots. There is no such thing as coincidence
when it comes to symbols. The Sun dissipates shadows, literally and
metaphorically, providing clear vision. The intimate, humid, silent, cold lighting
that the Moon stimulates has nothing to do with the trajectory of the Sun, which
illuminates through an external, communicative and warm process. The sun floods
its surroundings with benevolence, vitality and openness. It enhances the
motherhood of the Empress and makes the Emperor and Justice benevolent. It opens
horizons for the Chariot and clears the way for the Fool, who can behave like a
cheerful jester or a fast traveler. He

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 Bull Tarot

Hermit can turn off his flashlight for a while and hopefully, especially with the help
of the Star, find what he is looking for in the darkness. Everything grows under the
dominion of the Sun, although its light, if enhanced by the Force, can disturb some.
Inverted, the Sun becomes the Blinding Light. Its radiance can hide the truth and its
heat can burn, especially if the devil is near. Confusion will spread with the Hanged
Man and anger will arise in the presence of the Force.
"Night is not an absence of light, in fact, it is day that is a brief respite
of the darkness that is coming"
Nocturnal card XIII implies that our daily world of family, work, friends can be
annihilated if we judge harshly. With the devil, others can judge us. Judgment is
happily combined with Temperance, which balances and moderates the verdict, and
with the High Priestess and the Star, which can provide, respectively, wisdom and a
set of brilliant references.
Inverted, judgment becomes condemnation, and its verdict, whether from us or
others, can be harsh and adverse. We do not want the Hermit or the Hanged Man,
because they would realize that sentence in the form of isolation or incapacity.
"This will be the beginning of the end of the world."
nocturnal

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 Bull Tarot
Judgment
In Guillermo's work, we find terrible threats that arise from the beyond, from other
dimensions, from government offices or even from the heart of the forests of our
imagination. But perhaps the most powerful apocalyptic image in his filmography is
the enormous rusty bomb stuck in the middle of the orphanage courtyard in The
Devil's Backbone. That image is a clear indicator of impending judgment in the
film, and in Tarot del Toro, it replaces the trumpet angel of the Apocalypse. At the
bottom, according to the traditional representation, the dead rise in an attitude of
prayer. This letter refers to a very specific situation: a moment of evaluation. It
indicates that the time has come to review our plans as well as our objectives and
habits. It does not offer the inevitable renewal of letter XIII nor does it warn of the
unexpected catastrophe of the Tower. Rather, it is a sign that we must consciously
analyze our situation and decide whether it is better to continue, stop or change our
path. Together with the Fool, it means that we must let go of the acquired yokes;
with Justice, brings a correct verdict. He is benevolent with the Empress or severe
with the Hierophant. If the Tower appears, the sentence will be a shock. The
proximity of the
The world
Almost all tarot decks describe this arcana as a wheel or an oval enclosing a human
figure. It is the last of the major arcana and symbolizes the fulfillment of the process
that the Fool began at the beginning of the journey. Tarot del Toro maintains the
oval, symmetrical composition of the classic card design, but approaches its
meaning with images that pay homage to Guillermo's film Mimic, replacing the
human character with a chrysalis at the opening moment. The image maintains its
symbolism: the potential becomes real, the evolution is complete, the work is now
finished and perfect. The World is a very positive card that improves any spread.
When it appears, the flowering of all internal processes and the fruition of external
ones take place. Disparate elements are unified, merits are recognized, efforts are
rewarded, the world around us is expanded. For the Fool, it is the rest after finding
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his grail; For the Magician, it is the culmination of his masterpiece. For the High
Priestess, it is the revelation of the great secret. For the Emperor, the conquest and
pacification of his "territories", where the people will live in order and, with the
help of the Empress, will be happy and satisfied. We can only hope that the sun
shines so that the gifts of the world are endless.
Inverted, this card becomes the Mundane. When it appears, we fear that the radiant
energy of the world will distract us from our center and distance us from our most
intimate circle: our family and friends. This is reinforced in the presence of the
enthusiastic Chariot, the unstable Fool, and the Tempting Devil.
"The butterfly does not look back at its caterpillar self, neither with affection nor
with nostalgia,
"Just keep flying."
The Eternal Night
The Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana consist of fifty-six cards, grouped into four sets of fourteen. The
first cards of each set are numbered from one (ace) to ten, and the last four represent
court characters: king, queen, knight and jack. These sets are called suits and each
one is dedicated to a different symbol: swords, Chalices, wands and discs. The
names of these suits vary from deck to deck and from scholar to scholar. Our
choices are based on what seems to best fit the William mythology. Some tarot
readers leave out the Minor Arcana and use only the main cards. Others include
them, but believe that they only provide secondary information, a complement to
the Major Arcana. A third group gives equal importance to both types of cards. You
must study them and decide for yourself how you will act. A very common
recommendation is to do your first readings only with the Major Arcana and wait to
incorporate the minor ones once you have exercised your skills. As always with
tarot, your intuition has to guide your path.
 Bull Tarot

The Suits and Figures of the Court

There is an intimate relationship between each of the suits and each of the court
figures. The king cards and the suit of Wands are governed by the fire element.
They are energetic and transformative. Wands, also called sticks, staffs, wands or
rods, are incarnations of the fairy tale magic wand, the caduceus of Hermes and the
mandrake. The queen cards and the suit of Chalices, also called Chalices, are ruled
by water. They express the power of the grail, the fluidity, the fertility, the
emotional. Knight cards and the suit of Swords are governed by air. They represent
movement, agility and perhaps violence. Excalibur, Andaril, Durendal are notable
incarnations of Espadas in mythology. Jack cards and disc suits, also called
Pentacles, Coins or Rings, are ruled by the earth and linked to everything that is
practical and material, such as money. Attention should be paid when court figures
match their dominant suit symbol. The king of wands, the queen of chalices, the Queen of Wands : water heated by fire. Transformation through loving
knight of swords and the jack of discs have the same meaning twice. Thus, the king contemplation. Fertility. Loving leadership. Sensuality and empathy.
of Wands is doubly fiery, authoritarian and powerful; the queen of the chalices is
especially sensitive and fertile; The Knight of Swords is the most dynamic and
belligerent of his class; and the jack of discs stands out for its materialism and
practicality. It is easy to infer the other combinations of figure and suit, taking into
account that the meaning of the suit is an accessory to that of the figure.

King of Wands: fire paired with fire. Exalted action. Great power. Activity
unleashed. Unlimited creation possibilities.
If it appears inverted, it indicates excessive force, perhaps abuse and tyranny. His
incarnation in Tarot del Toro is the king of the underworld of Pan's Labyrinth.

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 Bull Tarot

Inverted, it can speak of vanity and manipulative sensuality. Here we meet an

ambiguous fairy princess, who may have lived in the underworld realms of Pan's
Labyrinth or Hellboy II.

King of Chalices: water mitigates the flames. Kind and empathetic use of power.
Magnanimity.
If reversed, perhaps we have found a twisted leader or dark father, as evil as the
Oscura vampire this card represents.
Knight of Wands : air heated by fire. The summer breeze. We could say that the
activity and dynamism of the air takes precedence over the transformative capacity
of fire. It speaks of inspiring power and the ability to help.
When reversed, it indicates the dispersion of energies, probably due to an excess of
objectives and interests. Here we find an insect and a fairy, which are the same in
Pan's Labyrinth.

Queen of Chalices : water doubles water. Clear thoughts, intentions and feelings.
If it appears inverted, it means that these calm waters are deceptive and we can
drown in them. The idea for this card was inspired by Dark.

Page of Wands : earth melted by fire. Like lava or molten metals, it is ductile and
adaptable. It involves creativity and artistic attitude.
If it appears inverted, it indicates a probable lack of focus or an unclear objective.
This card depicts a Raven Guard from Hellboy II.

17 by 21
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 Bull Tarot

Knight of Chalices: the wind stirs the water. Our emotional world will shake. We
must prepare our hearts for the changes.
If the card appears upright, we can expect a positive result; if reversed, the changes
will involve suffering. This card, in Tarot del Toro, uses the idea of the corpse that
must be taken to its rightful place, an image taken from Hellboy.

Queen of Swords: humid air. Fog. Emotional futility. Movement based only on
feelings. Uncontrolled changes. Myopia...
These qualities are aggravated if the card appears reversed. This card is represented
by a figure that is a medievalized interpretation of a decapitated Oscura vampire.

Page of Calyces: moist soil. This card speaks of problematic growth, of

development that rarely brings an abundant harvest. Uncertain and risky outcome.
If the card appears reversed, it may mean that the dark branches are spreading,
sucking nourishment from the ground (as the Dark vampire shows on the card), and
that the fruits of the process will be unfortunate.
King of Swords: Fire roars when the air animates it. Authority and dynamism
combined. Intelligence and power. Genius and authority. Transformative mental
energy, but lack of empathy.
If it appears inverted, these latter traits are accentuated, and in the presence of the
Devil, for example, it can become truly cruel. We have chosen for this card an
allegorical figure of death, a kind of male counterpart to Hellboy's Angel of Death.
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 Bull Tarot

Knight of Swords: air combined with air. Sterile action unleashed. Without Golden Army soldier from Hellboy II.
emotion, roots or creativity, action is just meaningless movement. It can be elegant
and beautiful, but also dangerous and disorienting (especially if the card appears
reversed). HeUboy's Karl Ruprect Kroenen is represented on this card.

Queen of Discs: water soaks the earth. Mud.

Passion for the earthly, desire for wealth and material goods that can nullify
materialism when the card appears reversed. In this card a cockroach of the Mimic
Page of Swords: the air that blows over a fertile land. This card represents the Judas breed appears.
power of invention and growth that comes from the combination of great scope and
perfected practicality.
It may imply a certain incompatibility of objectives and possibilities if it appears
inverted. The letter shows Mercedes, Captain Vidal's housekeeper and Ofelia's
friend in Pan's Labyrinth.
King of Discs: burning rock. Coal. Shiny metals. Financial wealth and power.
When invested, it can imply greed and materialism. The card is illustrated with a

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 Bull Tarot
Knight of Disks: the cloud of dust. The material world in action. Indicates
financial transactions, money (or material goods or property) changing hands. l
The position (upright or inverted) indicates whether these changes are favorable or
not. A medievalized version of Pacific Coast Striker Eureka battles his Kaiju
counterpart Knifehead in this card.
Page of Discs: the earth beneath the earth. Extreme materialism, sharp practicality.
Perhaps vulgarity and shortsightedness if the card appears reversed. Cherno Alpha,
another Pacific Coast Jaeger, illustrates this card.
Number Cards
When interpreting the number cards, we must combine the symbolism of the suits,
which we already know, with the meaning of each of the numbers. These meanings
can be very subjective (as everything in tarot can!) and often differ depending on
tradition or the reader's instinct. It's up to you to put in 19 of 21 Lylu
Practice your intuition and interpret the numbers in the way you feel is right. That
said, many interpretations follow the basic narrative structure found below. These
meanings represent a complete story cycle, with several paths emerging in the
second half.
1: Origin. The first step, the seed, the cell, the potentiality.
2: Strain. A new element appears and, naturally, confrontation arises.
3: Fruits. This tension is relieved when a third element is generated.
4: Stability. Balance is restored.
5: Conflict. The balance disappears again for a long time.
6: Frustration. We cannot face the conflict that has just begun.
7: Triumph. The perfect number is a witness to our victory.
8: Defeat. We have been defeated in the conflict.
9: Happy ending to the process. Harvest.
10: Sterile closure of the process.
Some examples. Needless to say, the inverted position indicates the reduction of the
positive aspects and the aggravation of the negative ones.
Ace of Chalices: incubation of new feelings or a real pregnancy
Ace of Discs: the first currency on which a fortune will be built
Two of Swords: rivalry with a competitor
Three of Discs - possible profits after a test or some kind of risky business
Four of Chalices: monotony in a relationship
Five of Swords: double danger, the most undesirable Minor Arcana, which
becomes especially harmful in the presence of the card XIII, the Devil or the Tower
Six of Wands: unfinished business due to laziness or fear
Seven of Swords: victory over an enemy
Eight of Discs: possible bankruptcy, big money losses
Nine of Wands: professional success, creation of a masterpiece Ten of Wands:
permanent loss of energy or authority
Readings
Whether you believe in magic or the power of symbols; if you are trying to predict
the future or know yourself better; or even if you're just creating stories, you need a
structure that allows you to organize and interpret the information on the cards. We
call these methods of organization spreads. Reading the cards can be a solitary
experience, or it can occur between a tarot reader and a consultant. In both cases, it
is best to do the readings in an intimate and quiet place. More esoteric people can
add ritual elements to the reading, such as meditation, energy charging and
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Cleaning, however, this is completely optional and something to explore on your
own. The following is an explanation of a reading method used by Don Miguel.
There are many other methods, some simpler and some infinitely more complex,
however, I have always found this spread to be very accessible. It is a good spread
for both beginner and experienced readers.
Don Miguel Cross Method
The reader shuffles the cards and places them on the table. The consultant, or the
reader himself if it is a solo reading, cuts the deck. The top half is turned over to
ensure some cards are reversed and then shuffled again. The reader asks the
consultant to choose four numbers between one and twenty-two. Starting at the top
of the deck, the reader counts twenty-two cards, removes those that correspond to
the numbers the querent selected, and places them in the following pattern:
The numbers in the diagram above represent the order of cards drawn. The values
of the cards are then added. If the result is greater than eighteen, the two resulting
digits are added. If there are court cards, they will correspond to the numbers 11 to
14, starting with the jack: jack (11), knight (12), queen (13), king (14). Example:
four cards are drawn: XVI (The Tower), XIII (Death), VIII (Justice) and II (The
High Priestess). So, 16 + 13 + 8 + 2 = 39. Since the number obtained is greater than
18, we add its digits again: 3 + 9 = 12. The reader then draws one last card starting
from the top of the deck, counting the number of cards using the previous result and
taking that card.
The deck with the remaining cards is set aside. If a card does not give a clear
reading and we need additional information, we will draw cards from the top of the
deck to obtain more information.
The cards should be read according to the general meanings expressed in the
following table and in this order: 5, 1, 2, 3, 4.
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2 What is against us . Enemies, defects, obstacles.
3 What the consultant is doing now . Your current line of action.
5 The consultant. Who is he/she right now?
4 Result What we can expect if the factors continue to be like this.
1 What favors us . Allies, virtues, opportunities.
Reserve deck. In case of unclear readings, we can freely add cards to any position
until the meaning is clear.
Final Word
As you may have noticed, this guide is designed in an open and suggestive way and
tries to avoid rigid systems and closed meanings. Intentionally avoid exploring
every combination, and it is up to you to explore and reveal every dark corner of
this art. Tarot del Toro has been conceived as a first spark that hopefully awakens
your interest in this old and mysterious game. Handle the cards, look at them for a
long time, open your mind to their symbols, decipher what they specifically tell you
and invent your own codes. Explore other decks of cards. Try other reading
methods. Sometimes the cards will be opaque, and sometimes they will speak so
clearly that you will be tempted to believe, if you haven't already, in magic. The
tarot path is unique for each person. Walking is a worthwhile experience.
"You have to believe in magic to see it."
Guillermo del Toro
About Guillermo del Toro
Guillermo del Toro is the acclaimed director of Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy, Pacific
Rim, The Scarlet Ridge and The Shape of Water, for which he won the Academy
Awards for Best Picture and Best Director. His Nocturna novels are international
bestsellers. Lives in Los Angeles.
About Tomas Jr.
Tomás Jr. is an illustrator, printmaker and professor of illustration at the University
of Salamanca in Spain. He has illustrated more than seventy books and written ten
of them, most related to legends and folklore. He is the creator of the
Nictonomicon, a collection of engravings inspired by H. Q. Lovecraft and frequent
contributor to
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renowned Spanish radio and television programs about Forteana and paranormal
phenomena. Son received the Tolkien Society's Best Work of Art Award in 2015 in
recognition of his work on the books of J. R. R. Tolkien.

This is for Guillermo, who I felt was a friend before I even met him.
Thanks to Elena, who cared.
Thanks to Arturo, who inspired.
Thanks to Don Miguel, who taught.
Thanks to Sue who helped.

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