Masonic Tarot
by: Patricio Diaz Silva

Patricio Diaz Silva, an artist from Chile, has crafted a unique tarot deck that weaves together the signs and symbols of Freemasonry. This deck is particularly intriguing to me, as it features many of the symbols and terms I’m familiar with from my time assisting a Freemason during his apprenticeship. Despite being female, I had the rare opportunity to access these materials to help my friend with his memorization challenges, which are a significant part of the initiation process. I also had the chance to witness several of their rites and participated in public events at their lodge.

In terms of imagery, there are some nods to the traditional meanings, though not consistently. For instance, the Three of Swords departs from the familiar pierced heart imagery and instead presents just the swords. On the other hand, the Ace of Swords depicts a breakthrough, symbolized by chains being pierced.

Each suit is marked by its own unique icon at the bottom of the card. The Swords suit features an open book, a fitting symbol given that swords represent the mind. Meanwhile, the Chalices (Cups) suit is represented by a heart icon, a surprisingly charming choice that aligns perfectly with the suit’s association with emotions.