Tarot In Cinema: Live And Let Die. 1973

Without a doubt the late Roger Moore was my favorite James Bond to date.  He played the role with charm, wit, and had a singular sense of humor which made the films a further joy to watch.  His first Bond film was Live And Let Die from 1973; a film which also showcased the art of Tarot Reading. 

 The leading lady to Roger Moore's James Bond was Jane Seymour who played the role of Ms.  Solitaire, a Tarot Reading Divination Queen who was employed by Bond's nemesis Dr. Kananga (AKA Mr. Big) to predict the future, especially the deaths of troublesome British Secret Service Agents.  Jane Seymour's portrayal of Ms. Solitaire inspired me as a young high school student to buy my first Tarot Deck and delve into the mystic art for myself.  She also has stood out as one of the few "Bond Girls" to go on and establish herself in a film career independent of the 007 lore.  You Go Girl!   

Of course, from a Tarot Reader's perspective, the most neglected star of the film was the deck of cards.  This role was played by Tarot Of The Witches, a deck created by Fergus Hall.  This deck was adapted with the familiar 007 logo on the back, and was available in a special James Bond collector's limited edition for a time.  While I believe this special edition collectors deck is no longer in print, it is still available for a rather high price in used condition on platforms like Ebay.  And, of course, the regular editions of Tarot Of The Witches can still be purchased at fine Metaphysical/Occult Voodoo shops world-wide.  My personal reading deck is the Rider Tarot Deck (which also played a small role in the film), but I also have Tarot Of The Witches in my growing collection.  Perhaps someday I will add the Limited Edition 007 Deck to my collection; a little piece of film history still available to the serious collector.