The Art of Colors in the Tarot of Marseille:

Decoding the Energies and Hidden Symbols

The Marseille Tarot is much more than a simple set of divinatory cards. It is a

profound reflection of humanity and nature, a mirror of the universe. The colors in the

Marseille Tarot are not chosen randomly; they carry esoteric philosophy and express

spiritual, mystical, and magical values. Through this article, we will explore how each

color in the Marseille Tarot connects to natural elements and how it carries a unique

energy and profound symbolism.

Colors and the Elements

In the Marseille Tarot, each color is associated with one of the four elements: Earth,

Air, Water, and Fire. These elements are the sources of energy that infuse the colors

with their unique properties.

 Earth : Green, Black, Flesh Color

 Air : Yellow, Violet

 Water : Blue, White

 Fire : Red

This classification helps in understanding how the colors interact with the cards and

their meanings in a reading.

The Color Palette of the Marseille Tarot

Unlike the wide variety of colors we see today, the Marseille Tarot primarily uses bold

and saturated colors like red, black, white, green, and yellow.

Each of these colors had distinct meanings, not only in the spiritual realm but also in

the social context. In those times, vivid colors were often reserved for the rich and

noble, while the lower classes wore more faded hues.

This social distinction is reflected in the cards, where colors served to differentiate

between various social classes or monastic orders.

Exploring the Colors:

 Red :

Red is a powerful color embodying strength, combativeness, and vitality. Associated

with the element Fire, it symbolizes the material realm, passions, and power. In its

positive aspect, red evokes energy, dynamism, and the ability to achieve one's goals.

However, in its negative polarity, red can represent anger, aggression, and danger.

 Blue :

Blue is the color of purity and the depth of emotions. Linked to the element Water, it

symbolizes receptivity and intuition. Light blue evokes peace and trust, while dark

blue can suggest melancholy and anxiety. Spiritually, blue is connected to inner

strength and the exploration of the soul’s secrets.

 Yellow :

Yellow is the color of light and intelligence. Associated with the element Air, it

represents wisdom, clarity, and divine perfection. Golden yellow, in particular,

symbolizes wealth and universal consciousness. Positively, yellow suggests warmth,

evolution, and transformation, while negatively, it can recall greed and superficiality.

 Green :

Green is the color of nature and healing. Tied to the element Earth, it represents

emotional maturity, renewal, and hope. Green is the color of the heart chakra,

symbolizing compassion and generosity. It is also associated with fertility and the

vitality of earthly forces.

 Black :

Black is a complex color, representing depth, chaos, and the unknown. It is the

antithesis of white and often relates to the darker aspects of the soul and suffering. In

the Marseille Tarot, black can symbolize the revelation of the soul and the need to

shed the superfluous to retain only the essential. It is associated with the element

Earth and evokes what is buried deep within.

 Tan Color :

Tan color represents humanity and the earthly world. It is the color of the skin of the

Tarot characters and symbolizes incarnation and human achievements. Linked to the

element Earth, it pertains to vital force and carnal pleasures.

 White :

White is the color of light and purity. It is associated with the element Heaven and

symbolizes spiritual elevation, virginity, and wisdom. White also represents

reincarnation and renewal, suggesting the beginning of new cycles. Although

challenging to interpret, white is often seen as the color of the soul and absolute light.

The Polarities of Colors

In the Marseille Tarot, each color can have a positive or negative polarity, depending

on the card’s position (upright or reversed) in the spread.

 Positive Energy (Upright): Colors emit beneficial and empowering qualities.

 Negative Energy (Reversed): Colors reflect challenges, obstacles, and darker

aspects.

Color Polarities:

Red:

Positive: Strength, vitality, passion, power.

Negative: Anger, danger, aggression.

Blue:

Positive: Peace, trust, emotional depth.

Negative: Melancholy, anxiety, stagnation.

Yellow:

Positive: Light, clarity, wisdom, wealth.

Negative: Greed, superficiality.

Green:

Positive: Renewal, hope, healing.

Negative: Inconsistency, jealousy.

Black:

Positive: Revelation of the soul, depth, mystery.

Negative: Chaos, suffering, darkness.

The colors of the Marseille Tarot are more than mere shades on cards. They are

carriers of rich and profound symbolism, linking each card to spiritual, mystical, and

social values.

Understanding the meaning of colors in the Marseille Tarot not only deepens our card

readings but also helps us grasp the subtle messages they convey.

Whether through elemental energies or the polarities of each color, the Marseille

Tarot invites us to explore the depths of the human soul and the mysteries of the

universe.

Further Exploration

If you wish to deepen your knowledge of the Marseille Tarot and the symbolism of its

colors,

I recommend exploring the resources available at French Mystic Gateway. There,

you will find enriching courses and articles to delve further into this fascinating art of

divination.

Author: Corinne RICHARD

Website: French Mystic Gateway