Get your copy: Tarot de Besancon (Affiliate link)
I’m thrilled to share my review of the beautiful Tarot de Besancon: Gaudais reproduction from Lo Scarabeo’s Anima Antiqua collection. This limited-edition deck is a recreation of the 1870 original by Parisian cardmaker J. Gaudais, featuring the unique Piemontese (Besancon) style where the traditional Papesse and Pope are replaced by the figures of Juno and Jupiter.
In this review, I provide an honest, thorough look at what makes it special. We’ll explore:
- The Guidebook & Packaging: Examining the historical context and the premium lift-top box it comes in.
- A Full Card Showcase: A card-by-card look, starting with the Major Arcana.
- A Unique Suit Comparison: The Minor Arcana pips are laid out by number, allowing you to easily compare the feel across all four suits.
- The Court Cards: A close-up look at the court figures.
- Hands-On Testing: I put the deck through a shuffle test and perform a one-card pull to connect with its energy.
Whether you’re a seasoned reader of historical decks, a Marseille-style enthusiast, or a collector of beautiful art, this review will give you all the details you need to decide if the Gaudais Besancon deck is a perfect addition to your collection.
Video Chapter Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Introduction & First Impressions
- 01:02 – Guidebook & Historical Context
- 02:15 – Card Stock & Box Quality
- 04:25 – Major Arcana Deep Dive
- 08:36 – Minor Arcana (by Number and Element)
- 14:20 – Court Cards Overview
- 16:03 – The Shuffle Test
- 16:54 – One-Card Reading & Deck’s Energy
- 17:23 – Final Verdict & Recommendations