WE HAVE SPOKEN EARLIER ABOUT THE TAROT CARDS, and now let us analyse those and see where our playing cards come from today. Those pictured here in the Old Big Book have this caption underneath: .This deck consists of 78 curiously embossed cards of uncertain origin and date. The picture consists of a deck of 78 cards, this first picture of a supposed Gypsy with a knapsack on his back and there are 21 cards in the framework of a triangle.
One card at the top, two cards in the next row, with three in the next row, four in the next, and five in the next with six on the bottom row. The deck is divided into two general sections, the larger has 56 cards of the minor trumps, and the smaller 32 cards termed the major trump. The minor trumps are further divided into 4 suits of 14 cards each somewhat similar to the modern playing cards. The top or ‘pip’ cards of each suit descend from the Ace to the ten, and their denominations are shown as their respective emblems portray as 6 rods, 4 cups, 9 coins, and 3 swords. The court cards of each suit are 4 in number, termed King, Queen, Knight and Page. The Kings are usually shown seated, the Knights on horseback, and the Pages standing, each holds the emblem of the suit.