Continuing my exploration of uncommon and noteworthy Tarot treasures, the Tarot Czterech Żywiołów (or Tarot of the Four Elements) is an intriguing Polish deck published in 2000 by Janusza Wieloboba (writer) and Amos (artist).  

The imagery on many of the cards is reminiscent of the Crowley/Harris Thoth deck. An interesting “twist” on the Court cards are figures depicting both the upright and reversed meanings.  There are also some small scenes or figures on the bottom of several of the Major Arcana cards which provide additional hints to the nuances of the card’s energies.

The cards are quite small (92 x 56 mm, 3 10/16 x 2 3/16 inches), and although that makes it a good travel deck I wish there was a larger version so that the expressive artwork could be better viewed.  I recommend having a magnifier handy when viewing this deck to gaze more deeply into its magickal charms.

Here are some sample cards (slightly enlarged):

Chariot and Justice, showing influences of the Crowley’Harris Thoth cards.  Also note the small figures on the bottom of the card which embellish the cards reversed meanings;  the Chariot reversed meaning is Waywardness (the trampled knight under the horses), and Justice reversed meaning is Savagery (the combative figures).

Tarot Czterech Żywiołów - Chariot & Justice

 

The Princess of Cups has an upright meaning of “Trust” and a reversed meaning of “Envy”; on the reversed image she is choking the swan!  The Prince of Disks (which once again shows the influence from the Thoth deck) has a upright meaning of “Heavy Work” and reversed meaning of Phobia; the reversed Prince seems tired of that heavy work and appears to be taking a nap.

 

Tarot Czterech Żywiołów - Princess of Cups & Prince of Coins

 

The Ace of Swords is quite similar to the Thoth Ace of Swords, and the 8 of Wands displays a very energetic arrangement.

 

Tarot Czterech Żywiołów - Ace of Swords and 8 of Wands

The Tarot Czterech Żywiołów is a fascinating (but hard to find) deck.  You may be able to find it from the Tarot Garden.  It is worth the search.