Most Tarot decks are full of symbolism and imagery, but Tarocchi da Colazione (Breakfast Tarot) takes a minimalist approach to the Tarot. Created and illustrated by Barbieri Calori Martino, the original cards were made of pasta and the ink was melted chocolate (which explains why the designs are simple -- it's hard to draw with melted chocolate!). An appetizing deck, even if there are only 22 cards (those of the Major Arcana).
Because these cards are simplistic in nature, interpreting them can be difficult. A leaflet is included, but it's written in Italian. The best way to interpret these cards is by using the traditional interpretations associated with the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. The cards are numbered to assist, so it's not too difficult to figure out which card is which.
Though these cards can be used in a Tarot reading, they're really more designed for the collector or Tarot enthusiast. There were only 500 decks produced, each numbered and signed by the artist, so each deck is considered a collector's item.
A deck of myth and fantasy, Tarocchi alla corte di Merlino (Tarot of Merlin Court) was created and illustrated by Gloria Ricci. This is a Major Arcana Tarot deck, meaning that there are only 22 cards, all of them Trumps. If you enjoy fantasy, magick, mythology, and legends, you'll like this colorful deck. Though it focuses on Celtic legengs, you will also see designs inspired by great fantasy writers such as Dunsany and Tolkien.
Cards are titled in Italian, but they're also numbered according to standard Tarot organization (think the Rider-Waite deck), so you can figure out which card is which simply by comparing the numbers. Only 500 limited edition decks were produced, all of which were numbered and then signed by the artist. Tarocchi alla corte di Merlino was published by Museo Dei Tarocchi - Hermatena and is one of the most magickal decks produced, at least in regards to the images depicted.
Tarocchi Massonici (Masonic Tarot) was conceptualized and created by the two founders of Museo dei Tarocchi, Morena Poltronieri and Ernesto Fazioli, back in 2007. There are 22 cards (all Major Arcana) in this deck, and each artist was responsible for 11 cards. Though the styles of the two artists are different, they blend well and offer a beautiful and unique approach to Masonic symbolism.
Each card has narrow, almost invisible, light borders and blank backs. They are printed on textured, quality paper and are approximately 4x6 inches. The cards of this Tarot deck are titled in Italian, but they're also numbered according to traditional Tarot symbolism. This makes it relatively easy to figure out which card is which. The leaflet is also in Italian, but for those who can't read this language, just go with the traditional Tarot interpretations.
Packed in a pretty book-style cover, Tarocchi Massonici is very limited in number. Only 100 decks were created. As this is not a complete Tarot deck, it is really designed for Tarot collectors and enthusiasts, though it is certainly possible to integrate this deck with your own.
The Tarocchi Gastronomici (Gastronomic Tarot), while only containing the 22 cards of the Major Arcana (plus a single title card), is an homage to the tradition of food and cooking in Italy. It is focused on the preparation and consumption of pasta as well as the tools used during this process. The deck itself has an old-world feel and a book-style cover. The images are consistent and have the feel of a collection of fine art. The entire deck is done in watercolor and ink, lending a sophisticated feel to the Tarot cards.
Cards are titled in Italian, which could be a problem for some people. Thankfully, they're also numbered (using Roman Numerals), making it a little easier to put the cards in order. These cards can be integrated into a traditional Tarot deck if you like, but they're really designed for the collector or Tarot enthusiast. The Tarocchi Gastronomici deck was issued in a limited number of 100 decks and there is no accompanying leaflet, so this is definately a collector's Tarot deck.
