Marianne Costa is a French author, performer, and internationally recognized expert in Tarot, symbolism, and Surrealism (France, 1966), who holds a Master’s degree in Comparative Literature. With Alejandro Jodorowsky, she co-authored the bestsellers The Way of Tarot and Metagenealogy (Inner Traditions, 2006 & 2011). Her most recent book, Tarot Step by Step — an exploration of Tarot history, symbolism, and iconography — is available in French, Spanish, and Italian, with an English translation forthcoming from Parallax Publishing this fall.
The author of numerous books translated into several languages, she works as both advisor and performer with major institutions and museums — among them the Accademia Carrara in Bergamo for the exhibition Tarots (2025–26), and the Guggenheim Collection in Venice for Surrealism and Magic (2022).
A multifaceted artist based in Paris, Marianne performs and creates with theatre and dance companies as an actress, performer, and singer, and translates poetry into French — most notably the work of Lawrence Ferlinghetti. She teaches Tarot and her original method of “healing fictions” to groups around the world. A devoted tango singer and milonguera for over a decade, she brings the same embodied, creative spirit to everything she does.
This lecture will present experienced practitioners and novices alike with foundations in the Tarot de Marseille that will revolutionize their approach to the cards. In addition, we’ll learn firsthand about Costa’s recent work on the artistry and life of Remedios Varo (1908-1963), whose work will be on view beginning June 26 in “Tarot! Renaissance Symbols, Modern Visions” at The Morgan Library.
presented as part of