The Decameron was the first prose masterpiece to be written in the Tuscan vernacular, making it more accessible to readers who could not read Latin. It was first distributed in manuscript form in the 1370’s and almost 200 copies were printed over the following two centuries. In terms of structure, the Decameron Tarot follows the traditional tarot format of 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards that represent significant life events and archetypal forces, while the Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards that represent everyday experiences and situations. However, the Decameron Tarot puts its own twist on the traditional symbolism found in these cards. Of course, the Decameron Tarot is suitable for liberated individuals. These are the people who are not afraid of their own fantasies, but want to realize them. They study themselves, their dark and light sides. And the gender here is absolutely not important. Women will also perfectly understand the message of the cards, as well as men. After all, this is a delusion – to believe that sex is more important for the representatives of the stronger sex. On the contrary, sometimes a fragile girl will turn out to be internally more powerful and energetically charged than a guy who looks strong. Boccaccio’s introduction is followed by ten sections containing short stories. Each of the book’s ten storytellers tells a story a day for ten days. Derived from Greek, the word decameron means ten days and is an allusion to Saint Ambrose’s Hexameron, a poetic account of the creation story, Genesis, told over six days. Although its framing events took place over 600 years ago, the Decameron’s modern readers, like Boccaccio’s brigata, will find comfort in company and optimism and a sense of certainty in the programmed rituals it describes.

John William Waterhouse, 1916, A Tale from the Decameron. John William Waterhouse/Wikimedia Commons Boccaccio presents them as decorous and untarnished, having each cared for their loved ones while within the city walls. He gives each a name that suits their personal qualities, choosing monikers from his own and other literary works. They are: Pampinea, Filomena, Neifile, Filostrato, Fiammetta, Elissa, Dioneo, Lauretta, Emilia and Panfilo. Refuge through story For example, the Fool card in the Decameron Tarot is represented by a young man dressed in rags, symbolizing the character of Ser Ciappelletto from "The Decameron". Ser Ciappelletto is a cunning and deceitful individual who manages to manipulate others with his false piety. The Fool card serves as a reminder of the consequences of deception and the importance of authenticity.Boccaccio’s unfavourable account, lamenting moral degradation and the enormous human suffering, is interrupted by a ray of light in the form of seven young noblewomen and three young gentlemen who appear in the Church of Santa Maria Novella on a Tuesday morning. The Decameron Tarot can be used for various purposes, including self-reflection, decision-making, and personal growth. By drawing on the wisdom of "The Decameron" and the symbolism within the cards, individuals can gain a fresh perspective on their own lives and navigate the challenges and opportunities that come their way.

In the introduction to his book, Boccaccio estimates that more than 100,000 people - over half of the city’s inhabitants - died within the walls of Florence between March 1348 and the following July. To use the Decameron Tarot for self-reflection, it can be helpful to select a card or series of cards that resonate with a particular aspect of one's life or a question they have. By meditating on the card(s) and exploring its themes and symbolism, the reader can gain a deeper understanding of their own thoughts, feelings, and motivations. For example, if the reader is facing a dilemma related to love and relationships, they may choose to focus on the Lovers card in the Decameron Tarot and explore the different aspects of love and partnership depicted in the card. They become the storytellers of the Decameron. Collected as a brigade ( brigata), they exhibit civility, gentility, strength and a commitment to duty.They are not abandoning others, she assures the group, as their relatives have either died or fled. The ten pass time by partaking in banquets, playing games, dancing, singing and telling stories. The most well-known film adaptation of the Decameron is the first of a trio of masterpieces in Pier Paolo Pasolini’s 1971 Trilogy of Life. Showcasing ten of the 100 stories in the Decameron, it remains one of Italy’s most popular films.

If we move away from the topic of sex, then you can find another plus in the Decameron Tarot. The fact is that it simply shows the interaction of energies in people. So, the Two of Swords speaks of closeness and distrust, even if at first glance the partners get along well. Their union may not always be love. The Arcana often shows "friendship" or the relationship between warring colleagues. Every scene has a second bottom. Sometimes there will be no hint of intimacy here. Who are the Decameron Tarot cards for?Over those ten days, the brigata tell 100 stories. In them, they name real people – historical, contemporaries and near contemporaries – who would have been recognisable to readers of the Decameron in Boccaccio’s lifetime. What is the historical significance of the Decameron Tarot and how does it relate to the Decameron literature by Giovanni Boccaccio? Another example is the Lovers card, which features the story of Lisabetta and Lorenzo, two young lovers who are tragically separated. This card represents the themes of love, passion, and sacrifice, reflecting the challenges and complexities of romantic relationships.