Comparing Etteilla Tarot Decks - Grimaud & Lo Scarabeo

A side-by-side comparison between two Etteilla decks, one published by Grimaud and the other by Lo Scarabeo.
I don't even know if there is an authentic Etteilla deck out there. So I don't know if either is more authentic than the other.
I've used this deck many times in a personal capacity, but I don't think I've ever used it for any clients. I may have, but I don't think so.

[@lunanuneseo]

They're absolutely gorgeous! ❤ Thank you so much for sharing them with us.

[@MarilynFromTarotClarity]

Thank you Luna 😊. You're very welcome and I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@misss.o.j.]

Beautiful, thank you!! ♥

[@user-hz6eu5ml3s]

Merci ! Très intéressantes explications

[@MarilynFromTarotClarity]

I have since shown the Etteilla by Marco Benedetti. It's superb!

[@dorsetcarl]

Hi Marilyn. Thanks for making this video. I was considering buying the Grimaud version of this deck and this video certainly did the trick (though those funky green backs could probably do with a with a rethink!) From what I've been able to discover, the deck originated in 1789 with Grimaud having copyright from 1969 (if not earlier). There is also the Book of Thoth Etteilla Tarot which I believe came out in 1870 and which was according to one source created by a student of Etteillas and is currently published by Lo Scarabeo. Unfortunately their history on the same deck credits it to Etteilla directly. As I'm rapidly discovering, accurate history on Etteilla is hard to come by. Therefore some or all of what I've said above is either right or wrong. What is apparent to me is that he had his own approach to Tarot and its structure that existed outside of the conventional attitudes/structures of the time. I don't think history has remembered him as kindly as he deserves. That said, I like the look of the deck and coming from a Marseille/1JJ leaning in the past, I'm excited to receive my deck direct from Grimaud. Carl.

[@MarilynFromTarotClarity]

Hi Carl! It's nice to hear from you. I have the Book of Thoth Etteilla and I did create a video showing it and this Grimaud together. I also came from a 1JJ background and when I was given this deck, I didn't know what to make of it. It sure is beautiful though.

[@shelbygivens1648]

YEEEEEESSSSSSS!!!!!! ETTEILLA!!!! MY FAVORITE!!!!!!!

[@MarilynFromTarotClarity]

He contributed a great deal to legitimizing the profession. For that, we can all be grateful. :)

[@wyomingwynne]

Also love Huson's Dame Fortune deck. Don't know if you're a trimmer or not, but that deck looks amazing with the borders trimmed off, jus' sayin'. :)

[@MarilynFromTarotClarity]

You know, I've only ever trimmed one deck because I just couldn't stand it another minute as it was. I didn't make any mistakes and I felt it really improved the deck. But it took forever and if I were to make a mistake on a deck that I loved, it would really upset me. I can see how the Dame Fortune's Wheel deck would look better with a trim. It's a wonderful deck, so colorful and expressive and I think, true to Etteilla's meanings in a way most folks can relate to. ~ Marilyn

[@adrianamichalik1747]

Hi Marilyn!! I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS SO MUCH, THANK YOU! I have a question about this deck, do you read the minor arcana like a Marseille deck or do you use the etteilla key words ? I have the Book of Thoth deck and I always had this doubt. Thank you and greetings from Argentina💜

[@MarilynFromTarotClarity]

Hi Adriana :) I don't use this deck for interpretation. I pretty much strictly use TdM for interpretation. If I were to use this deck for interpretation, I'd use the Etteilla meanings as it was intended. Thank you for watching and commenting. ~ Marilyn

[@adrianamichalik1747]

@@MarilynFromTarotClarity .thank you my dear 💜🙏🏾

[@tierraprincessofwands]

Hi Marilyn, do you have an example reading somewhere with the Grimaud? I got this deck today. I am so excited and so happy I found it (where else lol) on your channel. I could use some inspiration and guidance Hugs from the crazy Dutch lady 🌞

[@MarilynFromTarotClarity]

Hi Tierra! No, I have not done any demonstration readings using this deck on video. I'm distracted by keywords written on cards and I don't like using cards with keywords, though. There are some folks who only read with Etteilla decks and I'm sure my interpretation would differ from theirs since they'd be more keen to utilize the astrological notations of the cards which I ignore. In general, when I am struck by astrological references, ie: generalities such as Elemental Dignities, or a blatant reference to Aquarius as in the Star card, I'll mention it in passing in a reading. But I've never been interested in doing astrological readings with the cards because I approach tarot in the tradition of the pre-occultist images of the Italian, Swiss, and French of the earliest cards and not from the perspective of an occultist who uses the cards differently. I imagine that an astrologer who takes an interest in tarot would enjoy using the occultist decks and would do a better job utilizing those aspects then I. As always, thank you for watching and commenting. xoxo ~ Marilyn

[@tierraprincessofwands]

@@MarilynFromTarotClarity Thanks anyway.. You did guide me in the right direction! I never use astrology either so I will simply ignore all that lol I am about to start a comparison and compilation of The book of Thoth (Lo Scarabeo) with Dame Fortunes wheel tarot and the Grand Eteilla - Egyptian gypsies tarot in a word document. I think that will help me. Lots of LOVE! Hugs from the Netherlands 🌞🤗

[@MarilynFromTarotClarity]

@@tierraprincessofwands Yes, it seems pretty evident that Huson based his deck on Etteilla. I'm glad my videos have sent you down a rabbit hole! xoxo ~ Marilyn

[@QuaesitorDei]

These decks are beautiful! I really want to start researching the ettellia but i bearly have a good grasp on the rws system. What ive noticed for me is tdm is easier to read, i think its because theres no sharp images so it doesnt overtake the atmosphere of the reading. How does this system work? Is it similar to tdm?

[@MarilynFromTarotClarity]

TdM is my preferred method of reading because I feel it is most fluid. Like TdM or RWS, the Etteilla is its own system. If you'd like to dip your toes in Etteilla waters with a great deck for learning Etteilla meanings (aside from using an Etteilla deck that has the keywords written right on them), Paul Huson's Dame Fortune's Wheel Tarot might be helpful to you. I've created a few videos on Dame Fortune's Wheel which might be helpful to you. Thank you for watching! ~ Marilyn

[@ClairtT4040]

If its ok to say, the Grimaud is by far my favourite. I don't think I know how to use Etteillas deck to it's full potential. I do like the sepia style of the lo scarebeo version but not the words. I think it would have been an incredible experience to have met Alliette and discussed his work. Thank you very much for showing this to us 🙏💜🙏

[@MarilynFromTarotClarity]

Hi Clair! You sure are entitled to your preference! That's why I show side-by-side decks. I prefer the Grimaud myself, even though most people prefer the Lo Scarabeo version. I prefer the Grimaud because the quality of line is more crisp. The English words on the cards is one of the things that bothers most people, but it doesn't offend me, only makes me lazy. With the Lo Scarabeo version I would more actively learn French words by looking them up. Clarity of image is my preference. I also personally do not like the darker, beige color of the Lo Scarabeo. Who knows what Etteilla's actual deck even looked like. This deck has been described as a philological copy, based on his ideas and what was known of his words and definitions. His deck was personal to him I imagine, since these cards differ from the French and Italian cards of his time. Many of his keywords have stuck. I almost always think of 9 cups as wish fulfillment. It's a fun convention. As always, thank you for watching and commenting! ~ Marilyn

[@mysticrosetarot888]

Hello Marilyn... I'm looking for a nice reproduction of Grimaud's Ettelia Tarot. May I ask, where did you purchase your version of the Grimaud? I prefer the Grimaud as I feel the LoScarabeo sepia toned deck *dulls* the colors in opposition to the Grimaud white background. ❤‍🔥🕯

[@MarilynFromTarotClarity]

I explain how I came by each of these decks in the video. Enjoy!

[@mysticrosetarot888]

@@MarilynFromTarotClarity Thank you, Marilyn. I scrolled through the video quickly I’ll rewatch again. ✨👍

[@vivianagalindre2679]

Hello!!!! existe una raduccion al español del libro que viene con las cartas?

[@MarilynFromTarotClarity]

Hola, te pido disculpas por mi respuesta tardía, nunca vi tu comentario. Desafortunadamente, el único idioma en el libro es el francés. ~ Marilyn

[@aurorabuggini]

Where did you bought the scarabeo version in bage? Thanks 😊

[@MarilynFromTarotClarity]

Hello. That was a kickstarter that Lo Scarabeo ran about 5 years ago. Thank you for watching! ~ Marilyn

[@natal8216]

Здравствуйте.А издательство Гримауд какого года издание

[@MarilynFromTarotClarity]

I believe the Grimaud copy I have was published in the 1960s. Thank you for watching.

[@natal8216]

@@MarilynFromTarotClarity Спасибо.