The Alchemical Tarot Deck

The Alchemical Tarot Deck
Rafal T. Prinke and Edward J. O’Donnelly, 1989

This is a 22-card deck which depicts each Trump as a stage in the alchemical process. The designs were conceived by Rafal T. Prinke (in Poland), illustrated by Edward J. O’Donnelly (in Scotland), and published by Ouroboros (in Denmark!) in 1989. An unpublished version of this deck is pictured in Kaplan’s Encyclopedia of Tarot Vol.III, page 55 (although the information there is inaccurate). The Alchemical Tarot originally appeared in The Hermetic Journal in 1983. There were then two editions made of the 22-card deck: a hand colored version limited to 100 copies, and the non-limited black and white edition pictured here.

Each design is surrounded by the signs of the four elements against a field of black to represent “the Chaos of the Elements.” The sequence of 22 figures parallels that of the Tarot of Marseilles. However, the imagery is based not on the Tarot but on alchemical iconography, such as that found in Splendor Solis and other Renaissance treatises. The author Rafal Prinke chose designs representing a blend of the two traditions, with the criteria that “(1) each card should be based on a well known and easily identified alchemical concept, known from the tradition as handed down to us by the most celebrated of its exponents, and (2) there should be a recognizable similarity to both the traditional tarot designs and some Alchemical symbolic illustrations. It was not possible in every case to hold these criteria very closely, but the departure from them is never too far.”

The deck includes a 24-page booklet with essays by Prinke. Chapter 1 is a brief overview of Tarot history. Chapter 2 describes the concepts and symbolism of each card. Chapter 3 analyses the sequence of the Trumps as possible steps in the alchemical process, such as Distillation, Fixation, and Multiplication. Chapter 4 looks at the Minor Arcana and its connections with alchemical elements such as Salt, Sulphur, Mercury, and of course Fire, Air, Water, and Earth.

The Fool (not shown here) represents the Materia Prima or base matter that will be transmuted by the processes represented in subsequent Trumps. The Fool also symbolizes the first of a triad with The Magician and The High Priestess, which represent the Philosophical Salt, Mercury and Sulphur respectively. The Magician (shown above) therefore depicts the Roman god Mercury and the “airy” principle within all things. He also represents the Animus which is a Jungian term for the masculine principle.

At the top of each design is a symbolic creature. The dove above the figure of Mercury symbolizes “the Holy Spirit, i.e. the Spirit of the World.”

Figure II (shown above) corresponds to The High Priestess, representing the Philosophical Sulphur or “fiery” principle in all things. The fire element symbolizes the spark of God which determines “the outward features in every chemical body” such as form and color. According to the author, this is analogous to the Soul of the World, to the Shekina, and to the Anima or feminine principle symbolized by the unicorn at the top of this card.

Figures VII, VIII and IX represent requirements which the alchemist needs for success in his work. Figure VIII (shown above) corresponds to Justice as the knowledge of weights, measures and alchemical technology. In front of the woman is a hermetically sealed vessel and a diagram, both representing her philosophical knowledge. The swan above stands for spiritual purity, which is another requirement of the alchemist.

Figure XI (shown above) corresponds to Strength. The woman and lion were commonly used in Renaissance writings to represent the alchemical Art. Both the lion and the toad symbolize the Prima Materia, which is the base matter which the alchemist intends to refine. The woman holds a small heart-shaped vessel, into which pour two streams from a Sun and Moon. These represent the necessity of the Conjunction of Opposites.

Figure XII (shown above) symbolizes the stage known as Fixing the Volatile. The creature at the top is a crucified snake which the author states is a traditional symbol of this process. The descending figure is placing two sacks of material at the bottom of the vessel.

Figure XIII (shown below) corresponds to the Death card. The substance in the vessel is here referred to as Nigredo, when it manifests its blackest and most basic state. This process is that of Putrefaction, usually symbolized by the death or dismemberment of the King. In other cases it is represented simply by a skeleton. Both symbols appear on the card. The raven at the top is also a symbol of this alchemical stage, sometimes referred to as Caput Corvi, or Raven’s Head.

In addition to the booklet, a separate Coloring Guide gives the author’s suggestions to those who wish to hand color their decks. The booklets and cards come wrapped together in a black slipcase package. The Alchemical Tarot can usually be purchased through K.Frank Jensen, who brought these cards to publication as an actual deck.

Review by Mark Filipas, 1/26/01