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THE ENIGMATIC TAROT: Deciphering Italy’s Most Curious Decks
Buried deep in Tarot’s forgotten past are decks so strange and beautiful, they’re impossible to ignore—but how can we understand them today as modern practitioners?

Join Tarot reader and historian James Jude of James Jude Tarot for an in-depth look at three of Italy’s most fascinating outliers: the Sola Busca, the so-called Mantegna, and the Minchiate in interactive workshops designed to engage you with these historical decks. If you’ve heard the names but weren’t sure what they meant—or if you’ve seen the cards and wondered how to use them—this is your chance to explore their history, symbolism, and relevance today.

Workshop 1

Tuesday 10/28/25   7 - 9 PM

The Sola Busca is the oldest known complete Tarot deck, famous for its fully illustrated Minor Arcana centuries before the Rider-Waite-Smith. We’ll explore its striking engravings, alchemical symbolism, and enduring influence on modern Tarot.

Workshop 2

Tuesday 11/11/25   7 - 9 PM

The Mantegna Tarocchi
Often debated as “not quite Tarot,” the Mantegna images blend humanist philosophy, astrology, and classical allegory. We’ll examine their mysterious origins and consider how these richly symbolic images might be approached as a spiritual or divinatory tool.

Workshop 3

Tuesday 12/09/25   7 - 9 PM

The Minchiate
With 97 cards, including the zodiac, elements, and extra virtues, the Minchiate expands Tarot into a cosmic system. We’ll dive into its unique structure and explore ways to work with its expansive vision in modern practice.

THE ENIGMATIC TAROT: Deciphering Italy’s Most Curious Decks
Booking Details
  • Individual Sessions: $35 each
  • Book all three sessions for $90 - Add 3 sessions to card and proceed to checkout to activate discount.
  • Format: In-person at TarotArts South Pasadena location (no Zoom or recordings available)
  • Booking Policy: Changes or revisions may be made up to 48 hours before the start of a session

TarotArts
1017 Mission St. South Pasadena, Ca 91030