Each local story has its own national flavor, but many of them have common motifs and similar plots. Myths and legends are passed down from generation to generation and unite different cultures and peoples around the world. The Emperor is the ideal father figure. A warrior and conqueror, King Arthur rules over his kingdom and his sometimes-unruly knights with a just and firm hand. He unifies the fractious, defends the weak, and lends his knowledge and understanding to all his subjects.

Since the cards really do draw from stories from around the world, some may be very familiar while others will be completely foreign. Since I grew up in the United States, with Western history and storytelling tradition, I can easily recognize the Emperor as King Arthur (with the sword in the stone): The path to enlightenment is unique for each of us, but many of the lessons we learn are shared stories passed among cultures and generations. With rich, vibrant art and a keen understanding of traditional tarot archetypes, illustrator Yoshi Yoshitani infuses Tarot of the Divine with worldly insight and an intriguing selection of fables and folktales from cultures across the globe. The Fool (The Little Mermaid), Danish; The High Priestess, Scheherazade (Anansi), Akan); Justice (Amhaeng Eosa), Korean); Temperance (Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara), Buddhist); and also the World, Hinemoa as Tutanekai (Maori). Both of Cups, Enkidu and Gilgamesh (Sumerian), Three of Cups, Apsara, Hindu, Seven of Cups, Aladdin, Arabic. The Four of Coins are Condor’s Wife (Aymara), Six of Coins are (The Woman Who Was Kind To Insects), and Seven of Coins are (Nanahuatzin (Zatec). However, the Kings are non-human numbers. Yoshitani keeps Tarot tradition by keeping the initial names of the cards.

Card Images from the Tarot of the Divine

Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, felt compelled to liberate all creatures from suffering. Able to manifest as many different genders, ages, and shapes, Avalokiteshvara looked out upon all the beings in the universe and saw how many of them were embroiled in their sufferings by their attachments and delusions. Being chained to their egos trapped them in the cycle of death and rebirth, and the creatures of the universe were unable to achieve enlightenment." The other strange error is The Nightingale, which the LWB says "Denmark, Danish Folk Tale" but the book says "China, Danish Fairy Tale." The imagery is Chinese and the story takes place in China, so it appears the book is correct but the LWB is wrong. Yoshi Yoshitani’s style is distinctly commercial with a strong element of graphics – the images are quite flat, with delicate line work, and surprising, fine detail which gives a poignancy to many of the images. The artwork strongly reminiscent of picture books and cover art, and brings to mind childhood books of fairy stories. While the images do depict mythical beings and familiar fairytale characters, they are presented in such a way as to recall Pamela Coleman Smith’s classic illustrations. I created this book to help any tarot reader—from brand-new to experienced readers—form a deeper understanding of tarot. With symbolism breakdowns, unique exercises, and guided ritual suggestions, readers of all experiences will strengthen their understanding of tarot and connection with their intuition.

Yoshi has done a great job of reworking the heritage of world folklore and combining it with traditional Tarot symbols. Here are stories from all parts of the globe. These are children's fairy tales known to everyone, and legendary heroes of the epos and small magic stories.After login, wordpress sets this cookie, which indicates when you’re logged in, and who you are, for most interface use.