For Your Third Eye Only: The Story Behind the James Bond Tarot Deck (1973)

When James Bond faced off against villains in 1973's Live and Let Die, something new was introduced to the super-spy's world: tarot cards. These weren't just any cards; they were specially created for the movie by artist Fergus Hall. What started as a unique prop for a supernatural twist in a Bond film eventually became a popular tarot deck used by many around the world.

Fergus Hall: The Artist Behind the Magic

Fergus Hall, a Scottish artist, was known for his dreamlike and colorful paintings. He grew up around theater, which likely influenced his dramatic artistic style. Before creating the tarot deck, he was a painter and art teacher. His art was often described as surreal, with "freaky bizarro" characters and bold colors, much like what you'd see in an art gallery. He painted the tarot cards using oils on canvas, which gave them their rich, deep colors

Hall's approach to the tarot deck was unique. He wanted to avoid the usual spooky or "occult" imagery often associated with tarot cards, which suited the Live and Let Die producers' wishes. Even so, his cards are full of hidden symbols, like black birds and orange cats. He also used the traditional tarot suits of cups, swords, batons, and coins. While the simpler cards (called "pip cards") have minimal art, the main cards (Major Arcana) are full of his strange and captivating designs. Some find his cards a bit unsettling, but others see them as deeply insightful, perfect for dream interpretation. This mix of traditional structure and surreal art made his deck stand out and appeal to a wide range of people.

Live & Let Divine: How the Cards Made It to the Big Screen

The idea of using tarot cards in Live and Let Die was a big step for the James Bond series, as it was the first time a supernatural theme was central to the plot. The filmmakers wanted a fresh, artistic look for the cards, avoiding typical stereotypes.

Interestingly, the famous surrealist artist Salvador Dalí was first approached to create the deck. However, Dalí's price tag, reportedly over $7 million (more than the entire movie's budget!), led the producers to look elsewhere. That's when Fergus Hall was chosen instead. This decision was purely practical and saved a lot of money, but it accidentally led to the creation of a truly iconic tarot deck. Hall's distinct style, described as "idiosyncratic" and "naive," turned out to be a perfect fit, helping the film avoid the common "occult stereotypes."

Because of the tight deadlines in filmmaking, Hall could only complete 27 unique paintings for the movie. To help with a key plot point where Bond tricks the character Solitaire, 10 duplicate "The Lovers" cards were made. So, the film used a total of 37 cards. On screen, these cards had a distinctive red background with the 007 logo, a subtle nod to the Bond brand. James Bond uses a deck stacked with "The Lovers" cards to make Solitaire believe it's their destiny to be together, leading to her losing her psychic powers.

The cards seen in the movie and the ones later sold to the public had some key differences: the film's prop deck, used specifically for Live and Let Die, contained only 27 unique paintings (with 10 extra "The Lovers" cards for a total of 37), featured its original artwork, and had a red back with the "007" emblem. In contrast, the commercial "Tarot of the Witches" deck is a full 78-card set, has significantly revised artwork that was produced after filming, and features a blue patterned back without the "007" logo, making it suitable for general tarot practice and available since 1973.

"The Tarot of the Witches": A Lasting Legacy

After the film's success, U.S. Games Systems, Inc. quickly released a full 78-card deck, taking advantage of the movie's popularity. This commercial deck, initially inspired by the film, was later rebranded as "The Tarot of the Witches." It has been continuously available since 1973 and remains a "classic deck" among tarot users.

The deck's association with a major film like James Bond significantly boosted its popularity. The strategic timing of its release ensured it reached a wide audience, turning a movie prop into a widely used product. While the name "Tarot of the Witches" may not perfectly reflect Hall's original artistic vision (as he wanted to avoid typical occult themes), it appealed to a broader interest in mystical practices.

Despite some mixed reviews (some called it "ugly," others "profound"), its colorful, surreal design and psychological depth have made it a favorite for many. Many users feel the deck should simply be called the "Fergus Hall Tarot" because its unique art truly represents his vision, rather than being solely tied to Bond or witches.

Today, the deck is considered an "iconic piece of Bond history" and a must-have for fans. Its connection to the movie has enhanced its appeal, making it a recognizable and cherished item in both cinematic and tarot communities.

Conclusion: A Deck with a Double Life

The Fergus Hall tarot deck, famously known as "The Tarot of the Witches," beautifully shows how art, movies, and popular culture can come together in unexpected ways. It started as a practical solution for a James Bond film, where Hall's unique, surreal art brought a fresh, mystical feel to the screen.

But its journey didn't stop there. Thanks to U.S. Games Systems, the deck found a new life as a successful and popular tool for divination. Its release shortly after the film cleverly used the movie's fame to introduce this artistic creation to a much wider audience.

Even with discussions about its name and different opinions on its look, the deck's vibrant, dreamlike images and subtle meanings have connected with many tarot readers and art lovers over the years. The ongoing conversation about its branding versus its artistic core highlights the complex relationship between an artist's original idea and how it's presented commercially. It's a deck that defies easy labels, combining traditional tarot structure with a truly individual artistic voice. The story of the Fergus Hall tarot deck is a rich example of artistic integrity meeting commercial opportunity, proving that some creations leave a lasting mark on both film history and the mystical world of tarot.

Carolina Dean 
Two Headed Tarot 

Links

• Solitaire Predicts Bond's Arrival (Youtube) 
• Tarot of the Witches Prop Replica