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This expanded, detailed guide to Mарат Bryzgalov’s original deck “Tarot of the Emerald Tablet” is a systematic breakdown of the Tarot system: the origins and evolution of the Major and Minor Arcana, differences between schools and traditions (including the Russian one), as well as symbolic connections with colors, numbers, astrology, and Kabbalah. The author traces the path of playing and esoteric cards through different eras and cultural contexts, showing how suits, images, and reading principles changed—and builds a coherent picture of the development of the tarot tradition.

The centerpiece is a detailed analysis of the deck’s cards: the classic Major and Minor Arcana, and four additional cards—“Love,” “The Sorceress,” “Art,” and a white card. Each card is examined through its visual imagery and archetype, supported by literary parallels, possible professional interpretations, and astrological correspondences; meanings are given for both upright and reversed positions. Separately, the book explores themes of color symbolism, elements, interactions between suits, and the role of court figures.

In addition to descriptions of the Arcana, the book includes practical recommendations: basic and universal spreads, explanations of reading methodology, and advice on building your own practice. The manual is addressed both to beginners who need a solid theoretical foundation and to experienced tarot readers looking to expand interpretations, work with astrological connections, and include additional Arcana. The emphasis is on imaginative perception, systematization, and a living dialogue with the cards—not on mechanical memorization of meanings.

The table of contents also presents historical varieties of suits and decks from different regions (including German, Austrian, Persian, and Indian traditions), as well as an overview of the key directions that influenced Tarot: Italian, French (with an Egyptian branch), English, and Russian. Comparisons are made with the Lenormand oracle, the Etteilla Tarot, and the approaches of the Order of the Golden Dawn, showing intersections with esotericism, Kabbalah, and astrology.

The edition is designed as a full-fledged “companion” to “The Emerald Tablet”—a serious reference point for careful work with a deck inspired by a medieval and Renaissance book miniature and combining features of three classic schools: Italian, French, and English. The author explains the logic and philosophy of this system, including the meaning of additional Arcana that are absent in most decks.

Marat Bryzgalov is a professional artist and author of texts, a graphic illustrator and painter, participating in solo and international exhibitions in Russia and abroad (Finland, Bulgaria, Lithuania, China/Hong Kong, the USA). His ex-libris were noted in competitions and published in catalogues of international exhibitions; his works are in museum and private collections.

Key themes: Tarot, oracles, decks and symbolism, a magical tradition, “The Emerald Tablet,” book miniature, a tarot study guide.