Cracking the Code of the Minor Arcana Part 1: The Tarot as a Tool for Self-Observation and Survival in the Real World
with Marianne Costa
Introduction
Too often, Tarot readers limit themselves to the deck of 22 Major Arcana, whose illustrations and rich symbolism make reading easier. But when we ask the Tarot a question, the answer always needs to somehow be concrete—whether it concerns ideas and projects, actions to take in the emotional or material realm, or the "skillful means" that allow us to resolve a conflict or overcome a blockage.
These solutions do not appear by miracle. They arise, on the one hand, from a concrete, non-fantastical understanding of the problematic situation, and on the other, from self-knowledge—both as an isolated, unique individual and as a human being connected to the rest of their community through shared feelings, needs, desires, and ideas.
The numbered Minor Arcana (or « Pip Cards ») of the Tarot, along with the Court Cards (or « Honors »), are a remarkable tool to acquire a more detailed knowledge of the human being. It is impossible to reduce them to a few vague, idealistic, or poetic notions, as too often happens in the study of the Major Arcana. When faced with the Minor Arcana, we are forced to “get our hands dirty,” that is, to observe our own existence—the ways in which we have grown and survived, the mistakes we have made, the examples that have inspired us—and to turn these into a repertoire in which the cards act as reminders.
In this seminar, we will explore the meaning of the Minor Arcana, as well as strategies to make them our best companions for continuous learning—a veritable journey into the depths of our psyche, practical sense, intelligence, creativity, and intrinsic wisdom.
—Marianne Costa
Note: Beginners welcome. A basic familiarity with the Marseille Tarot deck is recommended.
Our Schedule
3 Two-hour Zoom Classes with Instructor
3 Weekend Practice sessions with students
Begins Thursday January 29th 2025
Times: 10:30am PST (Los Angeles), 13:30pm EST (New York), 7:30pm CET (Paris)
Module 1: January 29th; Practice February 1
Module 2: February 5; Practice February 8
Module 3: February 12; Practice February 8
Price: €260/200€/100€ Tiers
COURSE CONTENT
Session 1: The Intellectual & Emotional Life (Swords and Cups)
🗡️ Swords: The realm of the Intellectual/Mental center
The Swords can be interpreted as representing the sphere of the Intellectual/Mental center and the capacity to symbolize. They are often linked to the potent, and sometimes harmful, power of the Word. Socially, they can signify nobility, political power, the kingdom, and the ruling of a country, particularly through war or arms. Historically, the blade form is one of the first tools human beings needed to make.
🏆 Cups: The Realm of Emotion and Sacredness
The Cups can be interpreted as relating to the Emotional center. This suit touches upon the personal aspect of emotions, and the profound potential for the soul and sacredness, represented by the Grail or Sacred Heart. Socially, they are linked to religious power and the clergy , as well as the creation of precious objects by goldsmiths.
Session 2: The Actional & Material Life (Wands and Coins)
🌿 Wands: The Realm of Vitality and Nature
The Wands can be interpreted as representing Nature and the life force, covering everything that grows and the sphere of agriculture. The wand's structure, being both hollow and convex, suggests the capacity for both interiority and exteriority. This suit is considered akin to our sexual identity, gender, biology , and the work of refining sexual energy as a main creative fuel.
🪙 Coins: The Realm of Matter and Practical Life
The Coins can be interpreted as representing the material base of existence, from the planet or the cell. In a social context, the suit refers to the realm of money, trade, and objects. This suit grounds the esoteric in the real world, showing that mundane human activity, like agriculture or trade, can be a path of knowledge
Session 3: Bridging the World: Court card and Major Arcana
The final session bridges the gap between the concrete and the archetypal by introducing the Court Cards (Honors), which serve as the crucial connection between the Minor and Major Arcana. Participants will apply The Law of 3 and 7, as applied to the Tarot (Gurdjieff's cosmic laws), to understand the human, visible, and subtle processes reflected in the deck. This culminates in a deep exploration of learning how to ask and receive answers for the burning questions in one's life, utilizing the entire deck as a spiritual ally for growth.
About your instructor
Marianne Costa, born 1966, holds a M.A. in comparative literature and is a renowned Tarot expert. She has published several books translated in various languages, among which : No Woman’s Land (novel, Grasset 2004), The Way of Tarot (with Jodorowsky, Inner Traditions 2005, German edition Windpferd 2008) and Metagenealogy (France 2011, USA 2014, a study of family as both a treasure and a trap, also with Jodorowsky). She collaborates with institutions and museums as a symbology expert — most recently with the Guggenheim Collection in Venice and Accademia di Belle Arti in Palermo. Her last opus, an essay on Tarot’s history, symbolism and iconography Le Tarot pas à pas («Tarot step by step ») is already available in French, Spanish and Italian. Her polyfacetic carreer includes being a professional actress and singer, writing and translating poetry, novels and essays, and teaching groups worldwide in Tarot, transgenerational psychology and what she calls « healing fictions », an original technique that combine and surpasses therapy, self-development and artistic expression.
She is the translator of Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s poetry in French. Her base is in Paris and she has been a passionate tango dancer and singer for the last decade.
key Books by Marianne Costa
Le Tarot Pas à Pas/ El Tarot paso a paso /. – A comprehensive guide to understanding and reading Tarot in a structured way, this book also provides valuable historical context, exploring the origins and evolution of the Tarot. This book has not yet been translated into English. Available here: Le Tarot pas à pas (Éditions Trédaniel).
The Way of Tarot: The Spiritual Teacher in the Cards – A classic book on Tarot, co-authored with the legendary Alejandro Jodorowsky, renowned for his revolutionary work in cinema and mysticism, and translated into many languages. Available here: Amazon link
Metagenealogy: Self-Discovery through Psychomagic and the Family Tree – Also co-authored with Jodorowsky, this book examines personal transformation through family history and symbolic acts. Available here: Amazon link
Marseille Tarot: Gold and Black Edition (Marseille Tarot, 8) – A visually striking edition of the Marseille Tarot, emphasizing its symbolic depth through a refined gold-and-black design. Available here: Amazon link.