Harmonious
With their romantic floral design, the Harmonious deck cards elegantly blend the artistic and symbolic elements of Tarot, achieving a perfect balance.
Artistic Harmony
The Harmonious Tarot cards were created by blending the distinct artistic styles of Walter Crane (1845-1915) and contemporary illustrator Ernest Fitzpatrick. Crane, an English artist, painter, and designer, was renowned for his children's book illustrations and was one of the most influential illustrators of his time. To craft the Harmonious deck, Fitzpatrick adapted Crane's designs to fit the Tarot structure.
Crane's art emphasised the harmony between objects, shapes, and colours, creating a world of gallantry and romance, a place of moderation where excess is absent. Fitzpatrick added his modern touch to Crane's images, transforming them in line with the traditional meanings of the Arcana.
Harmony Between Elements
The Harmonious Tarot cards are designed to help the Reader uncover the potential for balance in every situation, even when it may be hard to see. In Tarot, imbalance can stem from either neglect or from paying too much attention to certain emotions or situations. The Reader's first goal is to recognise this imbalance, then focus on how to restore the Querent's life to equilibrium.
When aiming to achieve balance, the Reader may primarily use the Minor Arcana, with its suits symbolising the four elements (Water, Earth, Fire, Air) and the four humours of ancient medicine (phlegmatic, choleric, melancholic, sanguine), which correspond to various states of mind. By leveraging this symbolism, the Reader can enhance a traditional reading with techniques that establish harmony between the elements.
Character and the Minor Arcana
The four suits of the Minor Arcana are linked to the four elements and the four humours described in ancient medicine.
The Suit of Cups is associated with the element of Water and represents the domain of the psyche, emotions, the unconscious mind, and memory. The character type expressed by the Cups is phlegmatic—calm, composed, and unflappable. An excess of these traits may lead to slowness, laziness, neglect, and apathy.
The Suit of Pentacles is associated with the element of Earth and represents the physical domain, our relationship with money, concern for material possessions, solidity, and practicality. The character type expressed by the Pentacles is choleric, fostering creativity and enthusiasm. Excess in this trait can result in impulsiveness, vulnerability, or an overreliance on instinct and rage.
The Suit of Wands is associated with the element of Fire and represents the moral sphere, religion, family care, education, creativity, and forward planning. The character type suggested by the Wands is melancholic, marked by self-control and a love for meditative states. However, an excess of these characteristics can lead to misanthropy and grumpiness.
The Suit of Swords is associated with the element of Air and represents intellectual activity, learning, health, fighting spirit, and discussion. The character type represented by Swords is sanguine—fiery, passionate, and impetuous. However, an excess of sanguineness can devolve into frenzy, overindulgence, and ferocity.
The Elements
To master the Harmonious Tarot deck, it's essential to understand the cards of both the Minor and Major Arcana, including their references to the four classical elements. Each element influences the meaning of the card:
Fire: Symbolising the moral domain, it appears in the Devil and Hermit cards.
Water: Found in Temperance, the Moon, and the Star.
Earth: Representing the material sphere, it appears in the Empress, Emperor, the Lovers, the Chariot, Justice, and the Wheel.
Air: Symbolising intellect, it appears in the High Priestess, the Hierophant, the Hanged Man, and the Tower.
In each card of the Harmonious Tarot, you'll find a blend of these elements, reflecting the complex mix present in every individual.
The Cups
The Pentacles
The Wands
The Swords
