Tarot Cards
Tarot (タロット, Tarotto) refers to a deck of cards which determine an individual's fate and suggests their Stand abilities, featured in the third part of the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure series, Stardust Crusaders.[1]
Standard tarot decks consist of 78 cards. However, Stardust Crusaders only features Stands based on the Major Arcana set of tarot decks, consisting of 22 cards. Each card has a deep meaning, which changes depending on whether the card is in the normal position or in the opposite position (upside down).
Summary
The tarot cards in Stardust Crusaders each have their own designs and symbolism which may relate to the Stand abilities. They were all designed by Hirohiko Araki, appearing similarly to real tarot cards but in Araki's own style. Muhammad Avdol first mentions the tarot cards to Jotaro Kujo so that he can determine Jotaro's destiny and name his Stand after Jotaro draws a card.[1] Throughout their journey to Egypt, the Joestar group is attacked by various tarot Stand users sent by Enya the Hag.
With the exception of Vanilla Ice's Cream, Kenny G.'s Tenore Sax, and the Egypt 9 Glory Gods, all of the remaining Stands are based on the tarot cards. However, the Nine Gods of Egypt also have unique cards which are displayed when the Stand user is introduced, and N'Doul states that the gods are the origins of the tarot cards.[2]
The tarot cards have been sold as merchandise in Adventure Battle Card. They were also included with DVDs for the Stardust Crusaders OVA and as a limited edition bonus in the Volume 2 Blu-Ray of Stardust Crusaders - Battle in Egypt.
Members
A list of Stand users whose Stands are based on the Major Arcana set of tarot cards, in order of their Stand's appearance.
List of Tarot Cards
Anime Debut: Stardust Crusaders Episode 25: "The Fool" Iggy and "Geb" N'Doul, Part 1
It doesn't have a specific number, and it is placed in front of 1 with no fixed position. The real meaning of the name "FOOL" does not actually mean "fool" but "one who excels in a certain field".[3]
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OVA
Chapter 185 Tailpiece
Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1990 #36)
Anime Debut: Stardust Crusaders Episode 1: A Man Possessed by an Evil Spirit
The stick in his hand represents imagination, the sword on the tabletop represents effort and difficulty, the gold coins represent skill and accomplishment, and the chalice represents the depth of his passions. On his head is the symbol for infinity.[3]
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OVA
Chapter 139 Tailpiece
Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1989 #23)
Second Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1989 #29)
Third Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1990 #30)
Anime Debut: Stardust Crusaders Episode 23: High Priestess, Part 1
It is also known as "The Chief Priestess". It is a card that represents calm behavior and deep thought, which are shown by the Book of the Law of Thoth, the God of Wisdom, held in her hand.[3]
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Chapter 177 Tailpiece
Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1990 #33)
The crown symbolizes that she is an empress. At the same time, she reveals her bosom, showing that she is a woman and a mother. It is a card that represents grace and the power of reproduction.[3]
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Chapter 148 Tailpiece
Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1990 #32)
Anime Debut: Stardust Crusaders Episode 10: Emperor and Hanged Man, Part 1
This card represents strength and ambition. The number of the card signifies the stability of everything, and also hints to the four elements of the material world: fire, water, earth, air, and the four seasons.[3]
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Chapter 145 Tailpiece
Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1989 #43)
Second Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1989 #32)
Anime Debut: Stardust Crusaders Episode 2: Who Will Be the Judge?!
The Hierophant is a card that heralds open-mindedness and assistance, and refers to an ancient Greek priest. It also determines all the good omens in nature, such as the growth of grains.[3]
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Anime
Chapter 140 Tailpiece
Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1989 #23)
Second Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1989 #29)
This card shows the occurrence of love, physical development, etc. Usually it shows two young and beautiful men and women in love, but for some reason, this card shows three of them.[3]
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Chapter 158 Tailpiece
Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1990 #12 & #14)
Second Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1990 #32)
Anime Debut: Stardust Crusaders Episode 4: Tower of Gray
The chariot depicted here is a two-wheeled vehicle that was used in battle and competition in ancient times. It is also a strong card that heralds victory, overcoming all obstacles.[3]
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OVA
Chapter 147 Tailpiece
Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1989 #26)
Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1989 #32)
Second Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1989 #29)
The card shows determination and courage through the appearance of a man prying open the mouth of a lion, the king of beasts. He also has a symbol above him to indicate infinity.[3]
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OVA
Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1989 #34)
Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1989 #32)
Anime Debut: Stardust Crusaders Episode 1: A Man Possessed by an Evil Spirit
He is also called "The Wise Man" and "The Alchemist". The word "hermit" doesn't mean "recluse" but "one who hides secret knowledge," and in his hand is a lamp in the shape of a five-pointed star.[3]
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OVA
Chapter 141 Tailpiece
Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1989 #23)
Second Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1989 #29)
Anime Debut: Stardust Crusaders Episode 13: Wheel of Fortune
A card that indicates that fate will change. The "Ouroboros" serpent trying to swallow its own tail represents time and eternal fate, and that all events are in a cycle of reincarnation.[3]
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Chapter 149 Tailpiece
Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1990 #5)
Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1990 #32)
Anime Debut: Stardust Crusaders Episode 14: Justice, Part 1
The scales in the left hand is for fairness and balance, and the sword in the right hand is for condemning those who corrupt justice. She is also known as the "Goddess of Justice," a card that represents righteous deeds.[3]
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Chapter 156 Tailpiece
Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1990 #6)
Anime Debut: Stardust Crusaders Episode 10: Emperor and Hanged Man, Part 1
This card is also known as "The Hangman". The man's crossed legs represent the number "4" and his arms represent the number "3". The answer of the multiplication of 4 and 3 embodies the twelve constellations.[3]
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Chapter 143 Tailpiece
Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1989 #41)
Second Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1989 #43)
Anime Debut: Stardust Crusaders Episode 19: Death Thirteen, Part 1
It depicts the Grim Reaper with a large scythe in his hand. Thirteen is an unlucky number, though it may not be depending on the card. It can also mean "a chance for rebirth," as it brings about great change.[3]
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Chapter 170 Tailpiece
Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1990 #20)
Second Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1990 #32)
Anime Debut: Stardust Crusaders Episode 9: Yellow Temperance
The figure on the left of the angel symbolizes existence, and the figure on the right symbolizes recognition. The liquid that is poured from left to right and from right to left without withering is said to be the essence of life.[3]
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Anime
Chapter 137 Tailpiece
Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1990 #32)
One of the most sinister cards. The torch that the devil has in his left hand represents destruction and curses, and the imps that are chained represent the weakness of a human being who has not refused temptation.[3]
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Anime
Chapter 136 Tailpiece
Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1990 #32)
This card has many names, including "Tower of Lightning" and "Lightning Bolt". The tower is said to be the Tower of Babel, the biblical tower where man's wisdom was destroyed by the wrath of God.[3]
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Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1989 #25)
Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1990 #32)
Anime Debut: Stardust Crusaders Episode 1: A Man Possessed by an Evil Spirit
It suggests a bright future ahead and profound insight. The large star overhead indicates Aquarius, and the water flowing from the two jugs into the Nile are the essence of creation.[3]
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Anime
OVA
Chapter 138 Tailpiece
Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1989 #23)
Second Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1989 #29)
Anime Debut: Stardust Crusaders Episode 6: Dark Blue Moon
This card implies trouble in water, insecurity, lies, betrayal, and fear of the unknown. The scorpion lurking in the water seems to represent the dangers of the world at night (the unknown).[3]
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Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1989 #30)
Second Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1990 #32)
With its light and heat, the sun represents the power that protects all life. The ancient Egyptians worshipped the sun god Ra as the god of human creation. Here, too, that Ra is depicted.[3]
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Chapter 167 Tailpiece
Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1990 #32)
Anime Debut: Stardust Crusaders Episode 21: Judgement, Part 1
According to ancient Egyptian religion, after the "judgment" in the afterlife, the dead live happily under the sun god Ra. Perhaps this card represents the joy of the afterlife with people dancing and singing.[3]
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- Chapter 176 Tailpiece.png
Chapter 176 Tailpiece
Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1990 #29)
Original Design (Weekly Shonen Jump 1990 #32)
Anime Debut: Stardust Crusaders Episode 45: DIO's World, Part 1
The four elements of the material world, water, fire, earth, and air, are arranged to look like a bull, lion, eagle, and angel. In other words, it is a card that shows the perfect thing, the completion of everything, and the entire universe.[3]
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Anime
Chapter 253 Tailpiece
Gallery
The locations of where each Tarot Stand User was fought
Weekly Shonen Jump version of the map
Trivia
- While Stardust Crusaders was being published in Weekly Shonen Jump, the tarot cards were originally drawn with different designs closely resembling cards from real copyrighted tarot decks. In the tankobons, they were re-designed to appear unique for JoJo.
- The designs on the first tarot cards in the magazine version appear to be based on the Tarot of Marseilles deck set, but later chapters use designs from a different deck.
- In the magazine version of Chapter 127's cover, the cards were drawn with designs from the Deva Tarot deck set.
- JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Heritage for the Future gives Cream and Tenore Sax their own tarot cards, created specifically for the occasion.
Deva Tarot deck
Cream's tarot card in Heritage for the Future
Tenore Sax's tarot card in Heritage for the Future
