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The Marseille Tarot Revealed: A Complete Guide to Symbolism, Meanings & Methods
Discover the Marseille Tarot! This book explores the fascinating history of this often misunderstood deck and provides practical insights into using it for readings on a variety of questions. Yoav Ben-Dov shares the meaning of the classic Marseille symbols and specific reading techniques that help you tap into your own intuition. The Marseille Tarot Revealed explains everything you need to know to start or deepen your Marseille Tarot practice, including:
Classic Marseille Decks New Marseille Decks The French School The English School Tarot and the New Age Handling the Cards Shuffling the Deck How to Read The Meaning of Cards Basic Spreads Reverse Cards The Symbolic Language
Classic Marseille Decks New Marseille Decks The French School The English School Tarot and the New Age Handling the Cards Shuffling the Deck How to Read The Meaning of Cards Basic Spreads Reverse Cards The Symbolic Language
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 26, 2013
190 people are currently reading
552 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 8, 2025
There is so much to say about Yoav Ben-Dov’s “The Marseille Tarot Revealed: A Complete Guide to Symbolism, Meanings & Methods,” that it will be difficult to say everything without writing a dissertation. However, for brevity’s sake, I can sum it all up in a single word: Brilliant.
This book is SO important because Ben-Dov explains the in-depth symbolism in the cards which is important given that people are actually **using** the cards rather than relying upon canned interpretations. In fact, the author designed the CBD (Conver-Ben Dov) Tarot de Marseille that is available for purchase. I’ve seen several tarot decks, such as the popularly used RWS (Rider-Waite-Smith) deck, and very little information about the actual deck is included. One deck included only basic information and absolutely nothing on the deck’s symbolism.
One of the greatest things that Ben-Dov did in this book was to explain in full the differences between the French School of Tarot—of which the Marseille Tarot is included—and the more popular English School of Tarot. The English School of Tarot was inspired by the Golden Dawn, not just the images on the actual decks, but also in the changes in numbering and how those decks are interpreted. For example, the French School still uses the old illustrations, such as The Popess. However, the English School removed this, often calling it the High Priestess. The change in names may seem as if the change is irrelevant, but when you look at the illustrations, one can see how the entire card’s meaning—the symbolism—also changes.
Ben-Dov goes into detail not just about symbolism but also about one’s intuition. This is also extremely important. I’m not a Tarot reader because I see things without the use of cards, but one of my maternal great-grandmothers used cartomamcy to read fortunes with a plain deck of regular playing cards during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Reading this book, I could pinpoint how cartomancy, although it’s completely different from Tarot reading, actually has its roots in the French School of Tarot. For example, Ben-Dov looks at what he calls the “Soft Suits,” which are the coins and cups (corresponding to the diamonds and hearts), and the “Hard Suits” of the wands and swords which correspond to the clubs and spades. Looking at a plain deck of cards, I can see many of the same things. What is different between the Marseille Tarot and playing cards is that with the Marseille Tarot, some cards are inverse while others have double meanings depending upon the other cards in the spread. For example, the 5 and 6 of wands have inverse meanings, but the 2 and 3 wands do not, while in cartomancy, there are no inverse meanings for any of the cards. Ben-Dov states that,
“…Many tarot readers see the minor suits as representing only external and practical dimensions of life events. In the cards of the major suit they see a fuller and deeper representation of human life: both the external events and the inner life of self-consciousness, psychological processes, and spiritual intuitions. This may be the reason why popular fortunetellers, who are not interested in going into deep levels of analysis, usually use only the normal playing cards, which are equivalent to the four minor suits. In contrast, tarot readers attach much more importance to the twenty-two major cards…” (p. 87).
Ben-Dov uses what he called the ‘Open Reading Approach’ and talks a lot about sittings with clients. Using the French School of Tarot’s approach, a tarot reader approaches the deck more holistically, while in the English School, the focus is more on interpreting the cards separately and then analyzing the cards simultaneously. For example, in a three-card spread using the French School, a figure in one card’s image may look left, while another card’s figure will be facing the opposite direction, which adds depth to the analysis. The French School also uses the lines on the cards to determine how those lines appear as a whole. For example, the lines outlining what appears to be either water or earth might align with the same areas in the following card(s). Even the spreads that are used in readings are richer and more varied than the one-spread-fits-all spreads that are used in the English School. For example, in the French School, some spreads are geometric, while others mimic physical objects like trees, boats, cars, and etc. In short, there are no prescribed spreads. Instead, readers are inspired by the individual who is sitting for a reading.
The author used Nicolas Conver’s 1760 Tarot deck and put a lot of time and effort into creating an almost identical deck with slight alterations and focusing on sharper images which he calls the CBD Tarot (Conver-Ben-Dov). This book inspired me so much that I actually purchased this deck and will be reviewing it in the near future.
After reading this book, I can definitely state that I am an adherent to the French School of Tarot. And I suspect that many psychics will feel the same, given that the focus of this school is on symbolism and spontaneity, which actually works better for me; instead of using what I call ‘pre-meditated answers’ or ‘canned answers’ during a reading, this school allows me to focus more on what I’m seeing psychically.
Ben-Dov is an excellent writer and an equally impressive tarot reader. I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone and everyone interested in tarot.
This book is SO important because Ben-Dov explains the in-depth symbolism in the cards which is important given that people are actually **using** the cards rather than relying upon canned interpretations. In fact, the author designed the CBD (Conver-Ben Dov) Tarot de Marseille that is available for purchase. I’ve seen several tarot decks, such as the popularly used RWS (Rider-Waite-Smith) deck, and very little information about the actual deck is included. One deck included only basic information and absolutely nothing on the deck’s symbolism.
One of the greatest things that Ben-Dov did in this book was to explain in full the differences between the French School of Tarot—of which the Marseille Tarot is included—and the more popular English School of Tarot. The English School of Tarot was inspired by the Golden Dawn, not just the images on the actual decks, but also in the changes in numbering and how those decks are interpreted. For example, the French School still uses the old illustrations, such as The Popess. However, the English School removed this, often calling it the High Priestess. The change in names may seem as if the change is irrelevant, but when you look at the illustrations, one can see how the entire card’s meaning—the symbolism—also changes.
Ben-Dov goes into detail not just about symbolism but also about one’s intuition. This is also extremely important. I’m not a Tarot reader because I see things without the use of cards, but one of my maternal great-grandmothers used cartomamcy to read fortunes with a plain deck of regular playing cards during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Reading this book, I could pinpoint how cartomancy, although it’s completely different from Tarot reading, actually has its roots in the French School of Tarot. For example, Ben-Dov looks at what he calls the “Soft Suits,” which are the coins and cups (corresponding to the diamonds and hearts), and the “Hard Suits” of the wands and swords which correspond to the clubs and spades. Looking at a plain deck of cards, I can see many of the same things. What is different between the Marseille Tarot and playing cards is that with the Marseille Tarot, some cards are inverse while others have double meanings depending upon the other cards in the spread. For example, the 5 and 6 of wands have inverse meanings, but the 2 and 3 wands do not, while in cartomancy, there are no inverse meanings for any of the cards. Ben-Dov states that,
“…Many tarot readers see the minor suits as representing only external and practical dimensions of life events. In the cards of the major suit they see a fuller and deeper representation of human life: both the external events and the inner life of self-consciousness, psychological processes, and spiritual intuitions. This may be the reason why popular fortunetellers, who are not interested in going into deep levels of analysis, usually use only the normal playing cards, which are equivalent to the four minor suits. In contrast, tarot readers attach much more importance to the twenty-two major cards…” (p. 87).
Ben-Dov uses what he called the ‘Open Reading Approach’ and talks a lot about sittings with clients. Using the French School of Tarot’s approach, a tarot reader approaches the deck more holistically, while in the English School, the focus is more on interpreting the cards separately and then analyzing the cards simultaneously. For example, in a three-card spread using the French School, a figure in one card’s image may look left, while another card’s figure will be facing the opposite direction, which adds depth to the analysis. The French School also uses the lines on the cards to determine how those lines appear as a whole. For example, the lines outlining what appears to be either water or earth might align with the same areas in the following card(s). Even the spreads that are used in readings are richer and more varied than the one-spread-fits-all spreads that are used in the English School. For example, in the French School, some spreads are geometric, while others mimic physical objects like trees, boats, cars, and etc. In short, there are no prescribed spreads. Instead, readers are inspired by the individual who is sitting for a reading.
The author used Nicolas Conver’s 1760 Tarot deck and put a lot of time and effort into creating an almost identical deck with slight alterations and focusing on sharper images which he calls the CBD Tarot (Conver-Ben-Dov). This book inspired me so much that I actually purchased this deck and will be reviewing it in the near future.
After reading this book, I can definitely state that I am an adherent to the French School of Tarot. And I suspect that many psychics will feel the same, given that the focus of this school is on symbolism and spontaneity, which actually works better for me; instead of using what I call ‘pre-meditated answers’ or ‘canned answers’ during a reading, this school allows me to focus more on what I’m seeing psychically.
Ben-Dov is an excellent writer and an equally impressive tarot reader. I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone and everyone interested in tarot.
February 10, 2014
If you are at all interested in the history and use of Tarot de Marseille then this is a book for your library. It is one of the very few books on the market that will give you an idea on how to read the TdM pip cards but looking at the cards, not just memorizing the RWS minors.
March 29, 2017
If you're interested in using the Tarot de Marseilles (which is by far my personal favorite Tarot deck), then I recommend you start here before moving on to Jodorowsky's The Way Of Tarot. Ben-Dov's book is superb. Highly recommended.
September 16, 2013
This book, and Yoav Ben-Dov's CBD Tarot de Marseille deck, are my first introduction to the Tarot de Marseille. Not only have I become completely enchanted with the Tarot de Marseille, 'The Open Reading' has helped me add a new level of depth to all my Tarot card readings. I would recommend this book as essential to any complete Tarot library.
Yoav's tone is very refreshing. He's obviously a scholar, but his writing is neither dry nor pretentious. 'The Open Reading' is consistently enjoyable to read. It is full of solid, research-based information, while also sparkling with the magic of the Tarot and the gentle guidance of a skilled and caring Tarot reader.
What's really amazing about the cards in the Marseille deck is the rich array of meaning that flows directly from the images, and Yoav, in teaching us how to read the cards, does not stray from this. Everything, from the direction of a figure's gaze, to the folds in the cloth, holds meaning, and when you put a few cards together the answer to any question can be found. It takes a very special teacher to change the way a student sees, and Yoav, with this book, is that teacher.
Whether you're brand new to Tarot, or an experienced professional reader, this book is a treasure.
Yoav's tone is very refreshing. He's obviously a scholar, but his writing is neither dry nor pretentious. 'The Open Reading' is consistently enjoyable to read. It is full of solid, research-based information, while also sparkling with the magic of the Tarot and the gentle guidance of a skilled and caring Tarot reader.
What's really amazing about the cards in the Marseille deck is the rich array of meaning that flows directly from the images, and Yoav, in teaching us how to read the cards, does not stray from this. Everything, from the direction of a figure's gaze, to the folds in the cloth, holds meaning, and when you put a few cards together the answer to any question can be found. It takes a very special teacher to change the way a student sees, and Yoav, with this book, is that teacher.
Whether you're brand new to Tarot, or an experienced professional reader, this book is a treasure.
June 9, 2024
3.5.
There is a lot that I appreciate about this book: Ben-Dov's tone is welcoming and approachable, and he explains the open reading style well; he is quite non-dogmatic and in several instances offers various options of how to approach things. His discussion of reading techniques using directionality, horizontal & vertical axes, and the visual language of the cards are clear and concise. There are some great exercises and spread suggestions.
There are also some aspects of the book I appreciate less. Perhaps most seriously, there are some significant issues with the history presented here. No bibliography is provided to support any of the historical claims. There is some definite gender stereotyping in some of the discussion despite the author's (welcome) clarification - repeatedly - that a card depicting a woman can absolutely represent a man in a reading (or vice versa).
There is a lot that I appreciate about this book: Ben-Dov's tone is welcoming and approachable, and he explains the open reading style well; he is quite non-dogmatic and in several instances offers various options of how to approach things. His discussion of reading techniques using directionality, horizontal & vertical axes, and the visual language of the cards are clear and concise. There are some great exercises and spread suggestions.
There are also some aspects of the book I appreciate less. Perhaps most seriously, there are some significant issues with the history presented here. No bibliography is provided to support any of the historical claims. There is some definite gender stereotyping in some of the discussion despite the author's (welcome) clarification - repeatedly - that a card depicting a woman can absolutely represent a man in a reading (or vice versa).
September 6, 2020
One of the most important books about Tarot and at the same time one of the more useless.
Important because it details a fluid, simple-yet-complex reading system based on the historic origin of the modern tarot.
Useless because it goes against almost anything that modern readers use/believe and challenges almost all of their conceptions.
Therefore, if you are already invested in the "traditional" systems and way of thinking, you probably won't gain much from this book. If you have yet to buy into the traditional systems, or want a refreshing new, and yet more true to the original concept of Tarot, this is a must.
Important because it details a fluid, simple-yet-complex reading system based on the historic origin of the modern tarot.
Useless because it goes against almost anything that modern readers use/believe and challenges almost all of their conceptions.
Therefore, if you are already invested in the "traditional" systems and way of thinking, you probably won't gain much from this book. If you have yet to buy into the traditional systems, or want a refreshing new, and yet more true to the original concept of Tarot, this is a must.
November 1, 2019
An awesome book to read not only for those who want to read Marseille style decks but also for anyone interested in Tarot. The way Ben-Dov explains the Major Arcana opens a lot more layers to reading the cards. The Minor and Court cards are also explained in a way that makes sense and the interpretations lend themselves to practical readings for everyday situations.
March 8, 2023
An excellent and insightful book on Tarot by Yoav Ben-Dov.
The Marseille tarot is essentially the original tarot deck, at least what we consider the modern tarot deck, dating back to 16th century France. Ben-Dov has recreated the deck using the original images with only slight tweaks to meet modern printing technology.
In this book tells the history of tarot, guides those that are interested to the idea of open readings and teaches about multiple layers of the symbolism of the cards from the historical to the colors to numbers and many other aspects.
I only read through to the major arcana or major suits and did not read about the minor suits (cups, wands, swords and coins) because my interest were on archetypes more than fortune telling.
I thoroughly enjoyed what I learned both about the history and the symbolism and look forward to a deeper dive into its meaning. Recommended for anyone interested in tarot or its history or looking for new ways to look at life's questions.
The Marseille tarot is essentially the original tarot deck, at least what we consider the modern tarot deck, dating back to 16th century France. Ben-Dov has recreated the deck using the original images with only slight tweaks to meet modern printing technology.
In this book tells the history of tarot, guides those that are interested to the idea of open readings and teaches about multiple layers of the symbolism of the cards from the historical to the colors to numbers and many other aspects.
I only read through to the major arcana or major suits and did not read about the minor suits (cups, wands, swords and coins) because my interest were on archetypes more than fortune telling.
I thoroughly enjoyed what I learned both about the history and the symbolism and look forward to a deeper dive into its meaning. Recommended for anyone interested in tarot or its history or looking for new ways to look at life's questions.
May 27, 2023
This book is good book on interpreting the Tarot de Marseille with more of a open reading style method. Good sample readings. Ben-Dov is a 3 card spread type of guy, so no complicated spreads in this book. Good colored illustrations of CBD Tarot deck, with meaning for each card including the pips. Good quick interpretation reference list in the back of the book too. No RWS symbolism in this book, just fairly plain TdM. This book would be one of the books you may want to have, to give you that open style approach to the cards. There is another book out there that cover this style too, that you may want to consider; The Way of Tarot by Jodorowsky.
This book can be purchased on Amazon; https://amzn.to/42cwb2v
This book can be purchased on Amazon; https://amzn.to/42cwb2v
November 16, 2017
It’s the most straightforward book on the Marseille tarot I’ve read so far.
August 25, 2024
My goodness this book is dense. I should have known, as the author studied with Jodorowski, so every tiny detail on a card means something. It has taken me almost two years of admittedly sporadic reading to find the mental capacity to finish this book.
Now, let’s crack open that unused Marseille deck and see if I can put the teaching into practice.
Now, let’s crack open that unused Marseille deck and see if I can put the teaching into practice.
March 13, 2017
I loved this book - but I had a issues with it.
What I loved:
1) A detailed history of tarot
2) The descriptions and interpretations of the Major Arcana - WOW - AMAZING!!!! (My favourite part of this book btw.)
3) Advice regarding how to do readings
What I didn't like:
1) Descriptions about the minor arcana - I think he rushed through it.
2) A far too traditional approach - he author could have been less of a history buff.
3) The sexist slant on the King/Queen cards...
All in all - it's a great read. I would recommend it to anyone who is into tarot.
What I loved:
1) A detailed history of tarot
2) The descriptions and interpretations of the Major Arcana - WOW - AMAZING!!!! (My favourite part of this book btw.)
3) Advice regarding how to do readings
What I didn't like:
1) Descriptions about the minor arcana - I think he rushed through it.
2) A far too traditional approach - he author could have been less of a history buff.
3) The sexist slant on the King/Queen cards...
All in all - it's a great read. I would recommend it to anyone who is into tarot.
January 4, 2018
changed the way I read tarot - I loved this book and like to keep it as a reference.
November 23, 2020
Perfect way to learn Tarot
The method is natural and derives from the interplay of the cards and your intuition. This is one of the quickest and best ways to learn Tarot.
The method is natural and derives from the interplay of the cards and your intuition. This is one of the quickest and best ways to learn Tarot.
February 18, 2017
Beautifully written
Well considered, informative and insightful look at reading the TdM with hints of Jodorowski here and there. Well worth the read imo
Well considered, informative and insightful look at reading the TdM with hints of Jodorowski here and there. Well worth the read imo
December 14, 2019
Excellent exploration of the topic.
April 10, 2025
Dr. Ben-Dov's The Marseille Tarot Revealed is perfect for anyone starting a journey through the Tarot de Marseille. It is full of colorful images, making dissecting each tarot deck card much easier. This book took me from being confused to being more understanding on a fundamental level. Before reading this book, I had one Tarot de Marseille deck that I wouldn't dare to touch because I lacked experience and knowledge of the French School of Tarot. Dr. Ben-Dov gives his readers a bit of history, a sprinkle of mystery, and a whole lot of valuable information that would make a person fall in love with this tarot system. He had a fantastic tarot mentor/advisor from whom he learned so much and decided to take a spin, creating the deck accompanying this book.
I highly advise anyone looking to study tarot to read this book. It will help you understand more closely the energies of the major arcana and help you understand court cards. The pips can still be a bit tricky. The section on the pips was pretty short and to the point. Which is perfectly fine. Just take time and practice with a Marseille Tarot deck in readings, and you can build that muscle memory and develop your interpretations. This deck is perfect for someone who wants to use their intuition more, and this book makes the journey to build your knowledge smooth.
I highly advise anyone looking to study tarot to read this book. It will help you understand more closely the energies of the major arcana and help you understand court cards. The pips can still be a bit tricky. The section on the pips was pretty short and to the point. Which is perfectly fine. Just take time and practice with a Marseille Tarot deck in readings, and you can build that muscle memory and develop your interpretations. This deck is perfect for someone who wants to use their intuition more, and this book makes the journey to build your knowledge smooth.
June 29, 2022
While admittedly the first book I've read on tarot, I strongly suspect I never need read another. Ben-Dov is a no-nonsense writer and tarot reader, but also seems highly open to the various threads of meaning that come through a tarot reading. He details the historical background to the tarot and each card's illustration, while also breaking down its visual symbols/indicators and finally moving onto a more intuitive way of reading. Holistic and informative without being preachy, this book empowers you to make up your own mind about tarot meanings and how you want to do it. I'll be coming back to this again and again.
June 24, 2020
Ben-Dov's interpretation of the Tarot de Marseille is down-to-earth and straightforward. Ben-Dov's voice is warm, patient, and gives structure to the system but also encourages intuitive methods. I much preferred "Tarot the Open Reading" as an introduction to tarot than Jodorowsky's "the Way of Tarot" which I found flowery and a bit dogmatic. As beginner to the Tarot de Marseille style I haven't read many books on the subject, so take this with a grain of salt, but I think I'll be turning back to this book many times as I continue studying.
November 4, 2025
I have been a keen fan of Jordorowski's interpretation of tarot, because of the healthy psycho-spiritual stance of his. But I wanted another view of the Marseille tarot. And here we have it. Interesting, but at some interpretations very different. I liked the book in general. It's clear, organized, offers details, spreads. Some of the views are very different from Jordorowski's so the final understanding of the cards you pull, is up to you.
June 6, 2020
Fantastic book for understanding a learning to "read" Tarot de Marseille. I especially recommend it for those new to Tarot.
Ben-Dov expounds the Tarot in a simple, understandable way, yet not superficially. His concise explanations for individual cards make an excellent reference.
Ben-Dov expounds the Tarot in a simple, understandable way, yet not superficially. His concise explanations for individual cards make an excellent reference.
February 7, 2022
This book is very good for beginners with the Tarot Marseille. My criticism of it is the lack of depth in exploring the minor arcana. The CBD deck created by the author is one of the best feeling decks I have purchased, perfect in size and texture.
November 16, 2020
Brilliant!
One of the best books on TdM, really recommended
One of the best books on TdM, really recommended
October 11, 2021
*4.5*
As a novice, I would have benefited greatly from the inclusion of color card images.
As a novice, I would have benefited greatly from the inclusion of color card images.
April 30, 2024
The best book on tarot de marseille (I've read) so far.
August 6, 2025
A grounded view of Tarot, more sober than Jodorowsky. Unfortunately his lack of knowledge of European cultural history shows, but it’s not the main point of the book.
September 14, 2025
Sin duda, un libro fundamental para quien quiera acercarse al Tarot de Marsella en particular, y al Tarot en general.
June 20, 2021
An absolute must to learn and understand the TdM style of reading. I am a certified tarot grandmaster but earned that over years of study, teaching and mentoring other students. I learned and studied with the RWS deck and will always be a fan, but my eyes have been opened to this system and I'm truly a fan.
February 17, 2018
Pretty good at explaining this particular deck of tarot cards. My only gripe with the book is that the author illustrated his own deck and is sometimes a bit self-indulgent. However, I’m new to learning tarot and this book was wonderful for beginners. I feel like I know my cards so much more.
February 21, 2019
It's a small book but minimally complete on the subject of tarot with the TdM. Loved it for its little roundabout history of tarot and helping me understand the TdM.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews