Symbolon Deck

Symbolon Deck

The Symbolon deck was born in Germany in 1983, when psychologist and psychotherapist Peter Orban, together with Ingrid Zinnel, combined their deep knowledge of astrology and Jungian psychology to develop an entirely new system of symbolic divination. Thea Weller provided the full-color artwork for all 78 cards. Orban and Zinnel had founded Symbolon Therapy in 1982, drawing on Carl Gustav Jung's concepts of archetypes and shadows. The name "Symbolon" derives from the Greek word "symballo," meaning "to connect parts," reflecting the deck's core mission to bridge the conscious and subconscious through visual imagery. Published by AGM AGMüller and distributed in the U.S. by U.S. Games Systems (ISBN 9780880797252), the deck has also been released in a Pocket Edition. It is deliberately not classified as tarot or standard oracle — the designers describe it as "a game of remembrance" that "allows us to remember things hidden deep inside which have been prevented from surfacing over years and decades."

Author: Peter Orban, Ingrid Zinnel, Thea Weller

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Oracle 78 cards OracleSeriousPsychologicalAstrologyDual SystemVintageAdvancedMajor Publisher
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Art Style & Visual Character

Thea Weller's illustrations depict historical scenes from European daily life as well as mythological stories, rendered in a distinctive style that combines thin lines on atmospheric backgrounds with key symbols arranged in geometric compositions. The aesthetic evokes a classical European sensibility — medieval, Renaissance, and mythological scenes populated by archetypal figures in period clothing and settings. The visual language is deliberately minimalist and symbolic rather than ornate, allowing the imagery to function as a mirror for psychological projection. Each card's composition is carefully designed to evoke specific emotional and psychological states, with the imagery serving as portals to the collective unconscious rather than mere decorative illustrations.

Core Concept & Symbolism

The 78 cards are divided into two groups: twelve "pure" astrological archetypes corresponding to the zodiac signs, and sixty-six combination cards that pair planetary and zodiacal energies to reflect the diversity of human states and relationships. Cards with two astrological symbols show a planet and a zodiac sign; those with four symbols show two of each, representing more complex astrological combinations. The system is unique in the oracle world — it can be used in two distinct ways: a purely psychological approach requiring no astrological knowledge (relying on the power of images to raise the unconscious into awareness), or as an astrological remembrance tool where each possible constellation in a horoscope is illustrated by a corresponding card. This dual-method flexibility makes Symbolon an exceptionally versatile psychological and spiritual tool.

Reading Experience

Symbolon occupies a unique niche in the oracle world, valued by psychologists, coaches, and therapists for its clear, intuitive visual language that integrates easily into professional consultations and training sessions. Artists and designers find inspiration in the laconic geometric compositions, while beginners appreciate the accessible visual reading approach and experienced practitioners create elaborate custom spreads. Reviewers on Aeclectic Tarot and Astrologyk note the deck's depth and sophistication, describing it as ideal for those seeking an oracle focused on personal growth, psychological exploration, and spiritual transformation. The deck is equally suitable for independent work and meditative practices, with rational analysis combining with intuition to enhance self-awareness. Its Jungian psychological foundation gives it a therapeutic credibility rarely found in oracle decks.

Best Used For

  • Jungian shadow work and archetypal exploration
  • Psychological counseling and therapeutic settings
  • Astrological readings and natal chart exploration
  • Deep self-reflection and past-life/past-memory work
  • Understanding relationship dynamics through archetypal patterns
  • Professional practitioners seeking a sophisticated psychological tool

Not Ideal For

  • Readers seeking quick, simple, or yes/no oracle guidance
  • Those wanting colorful, modern, or whimsical oracle aesthetics
  • Beginners looking for a gentle, affirmation-style oracle deck

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