Courtesy Nudity Warning! Naked people are in the cards ahead!
When I started writing about Tarot my goal was to provide a platform to post reviews in new and interesting ways of decks I own (or have owned) for fun, but also to help others make informed purchasing decisions. I told myself that I was going to post reviews of decks in the order of which I received them, to not only give me ample time to use and test them, but also let the excited honeymoon phase wear off. Which, I’ve been overall good about, but that means I got to go through some decks that I just don’t regularly use, and kinda don’t like.
In my personal experience, when most people think Tarot, they will think of the Rider-Waite-Smith tradition. Some people adore this deck SO MUCH they will collect multiple variations and copies of it. More power to you! And I will admit, there is something very timeless, vintage, and classic about this deck, but, y’all—
I never use this deck.
I (almost) never use it for myself, I certainly don’t use it for others, and it usually only gets pulled out to argue over a “classic” RWS symbol or to compare to “standard tarot size.” So, please take this review with a grain of salt and remember this is just one person’s opinion of arguably the most well know and purchased Tarot deck on the market.
I wanted to do a five card draw for this review, and I typically use jumpers as my cards. I got to card four and thought “hmm, well, maybe this deck isn’t so bad after all! And then it spat out two jumpers for card five–classic S-W Centennial had to end the draw on a happy note!
Overall: 5/10 I use this as a reference deck. My copy has a history of being very mean-spirited, so after a serious bumpy first few months where I really wanted to be that classic tarot reader with my worn-in copy of the classic Smith-Waite Centennial, it was simply not to be. I’m not inclined to use it for readings, and it has become a dust collector on my shelf. Now, there is something to be said that this deck is very much “the mother deck” of many modern Tarot, and has had arguably more influence on modern tarot and the new wave of tarot interest than any other deck. There is endless history to talk about regarding the esoteric choices of art and symbols for this deck (of course many were chosen by Waite, but Pamela Colman Smith’s was heavily influenced by the historic Sola Busca Tarot) but that’s for more scholarly reading that what I can offer here.
Card Quality: 3.5/5 Great balance of resistance and usability. Extremely easy to shuffle. Soft in hand. I wish all decks of this price came with such no-nonsense cardstock.
We have the OG RWS to thank for our modern illustrated “pips”!
Readability: 3/5 This is a very dated deck in that there are (A LOT OF) other decks out there available for the modern Tarot reader that are more user friendly, more relevant, etc. But, this is the baseline for many other decks so it is not a bad idea to become familiar with the original RWS imagery. Though this is a “modern” deck, I find it difficult sometimes because I know there’s historical significance in the symbols that I’m missing.
There are some cards that are so symbol rich its easy to quickly get “lost in the sauce,” at least for me.
Art: 4/5 I love the art-nouveau kitch—it’s very internally consistent, I love the details and the symbols, I mean, it’s a classic for a reason! Obviously printing wasn’t what it is today and some of the line work can feel heavy.
Favorite Card: Queen of Wands–love me the little black cat. The Fool is so iconic and classic. Death—death and his horse are rad
Least Favorite Card: Eight of wands, I feel like this card ruined all other eight of wands to follow. Nine of Cups, the guy just looks so smug XD. Two of Pentacles, the guy has a condom on his head and you cannot convince me otherwise
Boxes it Checks: RWS, traditional, old school, classic
Similar decks: I mean, most decks? There’s a million and one RWS clones out there, but for something “similar but different” The Harmonious Tarot looks very nice
What are your feelings around the Wait-Smith deck?
Technically Tarot over Turkish Coffee and a Valentine’s cookie!
This is a bit belated. I wanted to let 2023 sink in so I could look back with a more critical eye rather than rushing onward towards the new year, which I am wont to do!
This is a tag I fist watched Coyote Tarot post (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyU7z6IUtIM) and I think it’s a great end of year summation. I believe there are many Tarot-Tubers out there that have done this tag, so go watch a few!
So, unless I’m doing a deck review and am referencing specific cards, I randomly draw cards to share. I feel this is fair to the decks rather than letting my bias show through. However, upon reflection, one of these cards is not like the other and that devastating Knight of Wands feels a little, violently, out of place.
Deck you used the most: The Slavic Legends Tarot
I will admit it took me a while to break down and buy The Dark Mansion Tarot deck, but once I got a copy in hand, I fell absolutely head over heels and it remains to this day my favorite read- for-others deck. When I heard the same makers and publishing house was ready to release a new deck, I didn’t even have to see any specs or sample images to know I was going to pre-order The Slavic Legends Tarot; but don’t get me wrong, I spent an hour drooling over the card photos they had released! I knew was going to love this to pieces, and I could not help myself but use it continuously throughout the year. It’s so lush, both in artwork and in cardstock that it’s hard to NOT reach for it! The deck is conscious of the seasons so no matter the time of year you’ll find seasonal themes represented in various cards throughout the majors and minors. I love that the images all are very consistent in art style and theme and are extremely detailed—in fact, I’d worry that the standard size version might lose some of that fine work! It is RWS without feeling boring or clone-like. This deck is not nearly as jovial as the Dark Mansion, and there are some heavier themes of war, fears, challenges, etc, but it also has a lighthearted moments. There are rumors that a collection of all the various legends and myths that are represented in the cards are being compiled, which would have to be my one gripe with this deck. It would be great to have a card by card explanation or better yet, BIG BOOK telling us all about the stories portrayed. I’d say this is my Deck of 2023!
Deck you didn’t use at all (in 2023): The Endless Oracle
I focused in January using this deck, but given my excitement to see it arrive once the Kickstarter ended, I was shocked I didn’t seem to find the time to work with it in 2023! This was not at all a case of I didn’t like this deck, to the contrary, I think it’s a really neat deck, but rather I had so many other things planned for the year it kinda fell off the to-do list, oops. I am a huge fan of Maille’s art, so of course I enjoy this deck, but I will admit that it was a challenge for me to use it seeing as it was so outside of my normal “oracle” style deck. I really enjoyed it though and now feel quite confident pulling it off the shelf!
Most recent addition: 1999 Bizarre Summer Lenormand
This weird little deck cracks me up, and really is the reason I decided I need to up my Lenormand game. The premise is looking back at the age between child and teen, as a girl growing up in the weird, turn of the 21st century. That would be me! So there are some funny, retro-manga style images that really hit home. Oh, and the deck has a MINI version, and rocking cardstock. What else can you ask for? It is not at all a “traditional” Lenormand image-wise, but it feels very accessible and I cannot wait for the creators to release their tarot they have in the works!
Deck you re-homed (or put in purgatory): Threads of Fate Oracle
Ah, I wish I would have taken more pictures of this deck. There were a handful of beautiful cards in this deck, but it really did not speak to me and also made me a bit Oracle-scared for several years after my failure with it. It was gifted to someone else who LOVES it and has a better home!
Favorite pairing: The original Citadel Deck with literally any other deck
A variety of different decks paired with The Citadel.
So I had some serious salty feelings when I saw Liminal 11 was coming out with a rebooted, bigger better spot-lighted Citadel (oracle) Deck. I aggressively used my “limited print” version I got with their special fancy-pantsy Seed and Sickle oracle as much as I could to try and convince myself I didn’t need the new edition. I discovered I really, REALLY dig this deck; I love how it will read with ANYTHING, and I really like its structure and the companion booklet. I eventually broke down and bought the newer, fuller edition and I love that as well, but there’s something funky and special about this little do-it-all deck.
Favorite mod or bag made (or any accessory): I made a Tarot reading/wrap cloth for a friend’s birthday!
That’s five different pieces of fabric! I’m really pleased with how well I was able to get it to turn out, especially how sewing is NOT my forte!
What deck do you want for Christmas: Le Authurien Tarot!
I had NO IDEA Ana Tourian had released this deck until I read her newsletter in December. I immediately had to share with my French bestie seeing as she’s a tarot enthusiast as well. She was immediately on the ball, and snagged me a copy in France! What a wonderful gift!
I have yet to work much with this deck, but I already am in love with it—it is not at all your typical RWS, and I find the images very intriguing, like all of Tourian’s art. The Arthurian theme is perhaps over-done in tarot, but somehow this is very fresh feeling. This deck may well be a favorite, if not THE favorite of 2024!
Deck you’d gift others: Ephemere Tarot
As I was an early-bird Kickstarter backer, I was able to snag a second deck on discount and it went to my bestie (see above) for her holiday gift. This is certainly NOT a deck for just anyone, nor an easy or “beginner” deck, nor does it even follow a traditional system (Arthur Wang really remade the system for himself and I love it), but it IS a great gift for the seasoned tarot reader who has it all. Its simple, lux, beautiful, haunting, ethereal, and unique.
Deck you fell in love with: Silver Acorn Tarot
I mean, don’t call me shallow, but one would have to seriously work hard to not fall in love with this deck. It was a deck I bought because it was so dang cute, but it is a great RWS reader. It makes me laugh every time I take it out. It is sweet, and wholesome, and doesn’t have a mean bone in its body. What more can you want?
Which card sums up this year as a whole: Knight of Wands
This one, that’s the bastard right there!
I pulled this card continuously in the early start of last year and it continued to haunt me (still does, tbh). Let me tell you, it was spot on. I’ve been charging forth on new adventures left and right all year—it’s been exhausting!
Pull a card for the new year: Knight of Cups
Oh boy…I seem to be in my Knight phase! Year three of knights! At least this one is calmed down!
Right to left:Black Violet Tarot, A Divine Feminine Tarot, Endless Oracle, Tarot of the Abyss, Ephemere tarot
Nudity warning for several card images ahead! I guess I have a lot of decks with naked people (face palm).
Like most of North America, we’re having a very weird winter. It’s astonishingly warm. But the strange light of January remains the same—its either very very bright, or very very dark. While we are out of the darkest month (thank goodness, dark at 4pm is really early! I don’t know how folks even further north do it), January still has days that are bleak. But, the strange flip-side is that when its cloudy, its warmer! And when the sun is blisteringly bright, it’s very cold. The thick clouds act like a blanket.
Usually for January I like returning to the stories I know and love. There’s comfort in my favorite stories, and I especially need this when we are trapped inside due to cold. Usually, I will reach for my Tarot of the Divine, a perfect deck of myths and stories with bright happy colors I crave in the stark white. However, its above freezing today, the snow’s almost melted, and frankly I’m missing winter. So, if I can’t have it outside, I’m going to try to have it in my Tarot (though, I’m not complaining *too* hard, it’s nice that my skin doesn’t get frost bitten!)!
My experiment this month is to use decks that are black and white, stark decks, with minimal color; let’s see what happens!
I’m kinda digging the various back textures and colors! I get some major mix and match tea set vibes from this one!
The Endless Oracle, by the same artist of my beloved Ink Witch Tarot (Eric Maille, https://www.ericmaille.com/store), is a deck I’ve been waiting for what seems an age to really dig into! As a myriorma deck, all cards appear to flow from one to the other due to the black bushes and trees at the edges, as if you’re walking from meadow to meadow in a thick forest at night. With little pops of color, and the same rough, charming unfinished style of the Ink Witch, this oracle seems like it will fit with most other decks. The keywords and images do invoke rather mythic and storybook settings, so perhaps my regular January theme still exists!
The Tarot of the Abyss I’ve used extensively since I first purchased it, and I typically use it in winter or darker days. I find this deck is very profound in its readings where it can tap into the inner child, and it can really get into sensitive subject matters with me. I usually save it for personal readings only for that reason. Ana Tourian (https://www.anatourianart.com/) is an incredible artist who clearly understands the Tarot system and also has a deep artistic understanding of human psychology. I suspect that this deck will really stand the test of time and continue to be a deck people buy many years down the road from now.
I really enjoyed last year getting to know The Black Violet Tarot (by Heidi Phelps, https://www.blackviolettarot.com/), a uber minimalist tarot deck that is also very earthy, grounded, prudent, and dare I say, grandmotherly? I found the experience last year very novel using such a simplistic deck, but I haven’t reached for it all that much since. I actually find I rely on lots of “stuff” in a card to read, so using this deck is a challenge, but one I’d like to revisit seeing as I really adore the quirky, almost folk style art. Despite the lux cardstock and stark imagery, I find this deck very gentle and humble. I’m excited to get it back out again and see what I can learn from it.
If The Black Violet Tarot is the humble country grandmother, then it’s fabulous youthful city sister would be A Divine Feminine Tarot Deck by Cocorrina (https://www.cocorrina.com/). This deck has been around a hot minute, but I didn’t acquire it until I added it on when I backed Cocorrina’s Book of Whispers. The black and gold is so glamorous, and the nude figures are so dramatic, this whole deck is over the top. I have barely used it but I can tell we’re going to have a fun time together!
And then, last but not least, my project deck for this month, the Ephemere tarot, by Arthur Wang (https://trueblacktarot.com/), the same artist who created my much beloved True Black tarot. I feel I have exercised great restraint in using this deck almost not at all and saved it for a New Year’s treat. Wang’s done it again and made a stunning, gorgeous deck. But, not only that, this deck’s majors are a new take on the tarot system; instead of the Fool’s Journey, we take the Hero’s journey. He has a whole web series that is being produced right now that delves into this new system structure and I’m SO EXCITED to be learning along!
Okay, all major arcana–what the heck does January have in store for me???
A group of revelers, or perhaps some sort of religious ceremony, go marching up the mountain side, their wreaths and banners bouncing merrily along. A bloodmoon, an auspice lunar eclipse, rises in the sky. Are they welcoming in the new year? Then, a lone fisher-person sits quietly along the calm banks. Do they need of space to think and reflect? Are they idle? Do they come from the procession or do they await them? Then our little creek flows into the mighty waterfall. Though you cannot see it, even single drop of water makes a difference in is ever constant progress. Strong, it ever pushes forward and waits for no one, quite the contrast of the still fisher-person. We also see no people in the waterfall, complete solitude. I see a trio of balances, social time, alone/idle time, and time to focus and get stuff done. There’s also this sense of movement, movement in a crowd, stillness, and pushing forward with purpose. Hmm, lets see what the tarot say to give us some more context.
Usually I read right to left (except when I don’t, lol), but my eyes were really caught by these two bright white cards so I had to look at them first. We first have the Seeker, (or traditionally, The Hermit). The moon is almost nothing but a sliver, and she is cloaked in a veil, but she carries a lantern and a mirror. What she seeks is both an external observation and an internal examination. What you know about yourself, you also know about the world, in a sense. How you internally project onto the world shapes how you see the world. To truly understand something profoundly, you have to look beyond yourself but also be mindful of who you are and how that affects your perceptions. What is it that you seek?
Ah, the lovely Temperance! I really love this take on XIV, so simple and truthful. Fire and water, earth and air, passion and emotion, grounded-ness and imaginative thinking, you need all to be complete and feel whole. Balance is key. Do I seek balance? You bet I do! The struggle is real!
Though I thought these two simple decks would clash with one another, they are actually rather complimentary!
I like how The Black Violet Tarot’s High Priestess is praying. She is listening to her internal consciousness and intuition. Gut feelings are a gift to us to keep us healthy and alive! They are not to be ignored, and sometimes when we are repeatedly told otherwise, we forget how to listen to ourselves. The LWB says “The High Priestess urges you to trust your instincts as you move forward–your path will become clearer as you go.” For some reason, I get major Princess Mononoke vibes from this Priestess. Between the Fisher and the Seeker, there’s a lot of internal retrospect in the draw thus far!
Well, this is truly a very dramatic Judgement! Again, we see another sliver moon. This herald also has a lovely messenger dove. A year is done, and now we move on to the next. What have you learned that will help you this coming season? How can you grow and become a better person despite your shortcomings and flaws? Even an imperfect person can have grace and move forward with their life.
Taken all together, this months draw seems to acknowledge the end of a busy year! It has a heavy emphasis of balancing of activities with others, with myself, and towards my goals along with balance in my life, rather than the “success” focus I saw last year. There’s the concept of knowing one’s self, being honest and true with oneself, and using the outside world to learn and teach me to become a better person. In a way, the only measure of one’s life is what a person has already done (you are your own yardstick), so I see this as a call to use what I’ve learned to become my best person this year! This seems like a yearly thematic draw, to be honest!
From The Book of Whispers, my January draw is concluded with the advice “Walk boldly and excitedly towards something new.” It better mean a new year, cause I have zero spoons for a new hobby!
Please be aware there is nudity in the tarot cards selected for this post!
Originally made by the Youtuber Candy Soul and Soil, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phoo8_BSTK8), this is a creative, fun, holiday tarot tag that’s quite a bit out of the norm, but very relatable!
Prompts:
1: The Dusty Attic Deck …a deck that feels like a dusty attic full of treasure and secrets
Well, it’s hardly dusty seeing as it just arrived in the mail two weeks ago, but it definitely has that old photograph, vintage, and slightly campy vibe! It’s Baba Studio’s Bohemian Gothic Tarot! Like the old photo albums you might find in the attic, it’s been around awhile, but I have yet to explore it in any depth. It will be a fun holiday treasure to spend some time flipping through and taking for a few fun, silly holiday readings!
2: The Christmas Tree Structure Deck….tell me about the key tarot structure you love
I do love my RWS decks, BUT! I like very original takes on the RWS and I especially like decks that are internally very cohesive! I could choose at least a dozen decks that are RWS but really shake up the meanings in their own way, but I am feeling The Runic Tarot for the winter time of the year! What’s more different and unique than blood-lusty Vikings, channeling that Krumpus holiday spirit in the RWS structure?
3: The Tinsel Deck…. a deck you get wrapped up in and using it can make you forget about other decks.
The Prisma Visions Deck is one of those decks that can eat up all your time! It doesn’t help that I have the giant book that goes with it and its brother deck and I can really get lost in the sauce reading it. Prisma Visions is so unique and mystic; even though I’ve had it and used it extensively for years I still feel like I’m learning it and it still feels a bit like a stranger when I pick it up. Its on one hand very grounded in the seasons of the suites and profound nature imagery, but on the other hand it’s very ethereal with the art forms suggesting people and beings. I find Prisma is the “cool kids” deck that I always want to get better at using!
4: The Bauble Deck…. a deck that keeps rolling around and turns up over and over in your practice as you reach for it all the time
This one is easy; the Moonlight Tarot by Inessa Bondarenko! I love this deck to pieces, even though it follow a little bit of the RWS and a little bit Toth. It seems to fit “just right” throughout the year and I find when I have a question for a deck (or more often, a “I feel this way what do I do” sort of noncommittal question!) that I can’t imagine using any other deck, this is the one I reach for. It’s the Band-Aid deck when nothing else will do.
5: The Snowman Deck…. a deck that melts your heart
Introducing The Wild Child Tarot!
You know, I tend not to buy soft decks. I have recently looked several times at The Cozy Witch Tarot and I balk because there isn’t enough tension in the deck to feel balanced for me. I purchased the Oak Ash & Thorn with the intention of this being a soft deck, but IT IS NOT! It’s a pretty savage reader, and though gentle, it does not hold punches.
I really enjoyed the Wild Child Oracle that was a bit of an afterthought purchase when I bought the Seasonal Fox Tarot, and I had no idea that there was a sister Tarot deck, The Wild Child Tarot, until the tarot was completely sold out—well, they reprinted both the oracle and the tarot and I snatched up the tarot. It is the sweetest, kindest tarot I think I’ve ever used! But, its gentle and soulful without feeling cloying or coddling. It doesn’t hide difficulties behind “positive vibes” but rather frames them as part of nature and the ebb and flow of life.
6: The Handmade Deck… a deck that’s made extra special because of who made it or a deck that feels particularly hand made.
My best friend and co-Tarot reader and cartomancy enthusiast made her own deck (she has made several, but this is my favorite)—so obviously this has to be my most adored handmade treasure! I pick this up when I’m feeling stuck in a rut, because it’s cute as heck and always stirs the imagination. I call it Val’s Little Deck of Stories. There are several different pictures that are two by two cards across that tell a little story, but the images mixed together are quite interesting!
7: The Mistletoe Deck…. a deck that makes you think about love in the holiday season
I love this deck, it’s so beautiful and magical and mystical and lovely and awe-inspiring and seems to speak to times that feel just out of reach. While it’s not in particular a Yule deck nor even a winter deck, The Slavic Legends Tarot is probably the deck that for me encompasses the winter holiday spirit. I can easily imagine little me looking through this deck like I used to look through the pages of a fairy tale book, or the beautiful Jan Brett books on Christmas Eve.
8: The Fairy Lights Deck …..a deck that sparkles
I had a bit of trouble with this prompt. On one hand, I have a bunch of decks that are very ornate and/or glittery. With spot-gloss or foil accents, or really shiny edging. Some I’ve already included in this selection.
But, I must say there is something really *fashionable* and a smidgen avant-garde about the Divine Feminine Deck by Cocorrina that seems so ethereally beautiful and perfect. I have not used this deck much at all (it’s in next year’s list!) but I think I can introduce it here as the exceptionally, sparkly, mysterious beauty!
9: The Tree Topper Deck… tell me about your tree topper and find a deck that reminds you of it.
We don’t have a Christmas tree! So I don’t have a tree topper, but my favorite ornament which would be a top contender for a potential tree topper is “The Missile-Toad!”
There is only one deck that encompasses the spirit of the Missile Toad, and that would be The Medieval Europe Deck—silly, slightly violent, and tongue in cheek! ‘Nough said.
Now! What are your Christmas Tree Decks? What decks do you connect with during the holidays?
Mass Market Borderless Edition, Acquired 2020, Learn to Dance with your Devils
This deck review does contain some nudity in the card images, you have been warned!
For a hot moment, you weren’t a Tarot reader of any clout until you had used and studied this deck. Thank goodness that has ended! But because of its explosion in popularity, there’s a million and one reviews about this deck. I debated even posting a review of this deck seeing as it has been done to death, but it is a deck that I reliably reach for again and again, so that makes it a worthwhile deck! That being said, NONE of my in-real-life Tarot reading friends like this deck, all on the premise that the frightening moon-people are too distracting or scary for them. And that is a totally valid opinion too–this is a disturbing deck, no joke!
While I personally don’t believe that you “must” study any one deck in particular, I will say that forcing myself to use this admittedly uncomfortable deck did teach me a LOT about reading tarot. When I first bought it, I thought I’d be getting rid of it because I too did not enjoy this deck, but now I could never imagine re-homing it.
There is a bit of a nightmare-circus feel to the themes in this deck!
Overall: 8/10 I once had a mentor tell me that to make any progress in any art, I had to learn to “dance with your devils.” For me at least, this deck was one stepping stone in my tarot journey that does just that.
This is a “Keep it Real” deck. The figures and situations in each card are blunt, brutally honest, and they often show the cost of choice represented in various card situations, or even the lack of choice. The artist Patric Valenza is prolific in macabre art, but this deck has to be some of his apex work. That being said, the colors are bright and interesting and the imagery is engaging.
Equal parts whimsy and macabre make this such a unique deck.The pops of color really stand out in an otherwise bland neutral color scheme.
While the hard cards are really hard, and some typically happy cards like the 10 of Pentacles show the hidden darkness (the black sheep of the family who is hidden and ignored), and there are also some lovely and unexpectedly whimsy cards (like the King of Wands).
This is a stellar reader and just rock-solid consistent in how it treats each and every card. The card emotions are amplified to the max and there’s never an image that really leaves me guessing (well, except perhaps The Chariot). Anyone who wants to work with multiple tarot decks should consider this one because it’s so unique and does its job so well. There’s a reason nearly everyone has heard of this deck and either has it, or knows someone who has it. It works amazingly well for dealing with inner turmoil and shadow work without feeling judge-y but still being quite blunt and abrupt (but don’t get me wrong, this is a pretty judgmental deck, but in that unbiased, don’t give a flying f#ck, sort of way). That being said, I wouldn’t necessarily say that if I had to use only one deck, I’d chose this one. This one is intense.
Card Quality: 2.5/5 I adore the odd length to width ratio—it makes these cards really easy to shuffle and I feel like I can know them even with my eyes closed, which is kinda intimate. They began to fray almost immediately, but luckily it doesn’t ruin them since they have a bit of a “worn” aesthetic already. Over all I wish they were better cardstock.
This deck does not do subtle…
Readability: 10/5 The meanings, good and bad of each card, are really clear, like kick-you-in-the-face clear. They do roughly follow the RWS system (though eight is Justice and eleven is Strength and there are subtle nods to the Toth and Marseille system here and there throughout the deck), but they also go beyond the traditional RWS symbology. The images are jarring, and they’re totally unapologetic.
I must say, this is NOT AT ALL a deck that is going to give you the warm fuzzies–even the 10 of Pentacles, a classic warm fuzzies card, also portrays this family’s secret of the abuse of the black sheep. There is no ugly side of society that slips by this deck; you cannot escape your inner demons with this one. Like a wicked comedian, this deck will get under everyone’s skin. You can totally make a story out of even a short spread, which is lovely.
A random draw
Art: 5/5 It’s strange–I didn’t like the art, not even when I bought this deck. But it just HAUNTED me and my thoughts. Now I love it. I love that the artist is so sure you’ll know certain cards, he didn’t even bother labeling them (oh, you’ll know them too when you see them!). There’s a whole book about this art (that I’ve held off purchasing but I might end up breaking down eventually) but the images are based off of tombstones and childhood dreams and that’s a totally accurate description. The childishness of the art does two important things, in my opinion: 1) it socially allows some really “scary” imagery to be seen (like mental illness, abuse, evils of consumerism) under the cloak of “cartoonish,” and 2) it taps into our vulnerability as children which opens us up to allowing ourselves to feel things more strongly and honestly.
Favorite Card(s): X of Pentacles, XIII (call me a basic, but come on, this is fantastic), II of Cups, which is arguably the best EVER, II of Pentacles
Least Favorite Card: XVI The Tower–I dunno, I want more? Compared to the originality and sheer emotional weight of the rest of this deck, this feels a bit mellow. And VII The Chariot also doesn’t seem to click with me.
Season: Halloween, and general spooky season!
Boxes it Checks: Unique, Shadow Work, Charming, Cohesive, Story-Telling, Dark, Witty, Blunt, Humorous, Masculine, Personal
Similar Decks: Tarot Nuages, The Yokai Yochi Tarot, Le Tarot Noir, Trionfi della Luna (same artist), Wayward Dark Tarot
Aka Medieval Fantasy Madness aka when your decks are done with your shenanigans.
Okay folks, I made this tarot list back in October (yes, sometimes I do get my homework done in advance!) because, well, I wanted to do something just goofy for the dark month of December! December can be hard, with the pressure and stress of the holidays, the lack of sun, and if you’re in the northern sphere, the cold might make one feel trapped indoors. SO! Where I can, I try to lighten things up, especially in my deck choices. Bring forth the Medieval Fantasy Madness Decks!
While these are not all of my medieval themed and certainly not all my fantasy themed decks, these needed to have an excuse to be on the playground together.
I like big boxes and I can’t deny! Nah, just kidding. I typically HATE big boxes, but I do have a bit of a love affair with the limited edition The Citadel: A Fantasy Oracle and The Deck of Emblems’ book-box, and I am really mesmerized by the huge limited edition Slavic Legends Tarotbox (I mean, its WOOD and they made the spine accordion-like so it can bend?!?). Also this month we have the Medieval Europe Tarot, the Förhäxa Tarot, and The Woven Path Tarot.
I broke down and bought The Citadel (limited edition) Oracle decks, because I did love the first edition and I do think it’s a great deck to use with most of my Tarot decks. I really like the simple line art and how most of the keywords and images are quite symbolic rich. I’ve been trying to wait to use it until December, but it has sneaked out of it’s box here and there the past few months (oops) for a trial run or two. It’s just as fun as its first supposedly special edition (don’t get me started), and the cool card shapes are still as interesting as the first edition hexagonal deck. I also like the bonus sister deck that came with the limited edition, but I cannot figure out why they decided to edge them in different colors–this makes it difficult to want to use them in a combined deck. Ah well.
I had followed the scant progress of the Woven Path tarot for years before it finally hit kickstarter. I as a general rule don’t like decks with multiple artists, HOWEVER this is a notable exception because the premise of the deck is to be like a medieval tapestry, which of course might have multiple weavers, and would certainly have had many repairs by various people through time. I also think that the deck creators generally got the “medieval fantasy vibe” down just right, and there is a rich, deep tone and earthy color pallet that brings it all together. It’s a funny deck for sure in that it has strange idiosyncrasies. I’ll be really focused on getting to know it this month because it’s the least familiar of all the decks out for the December line up.
The Medieval Europe Tarot cracks me up! I won’t wax on too much about this deck because it frequently appears in lists of decks I love and adore. It’s a collage deck of Medieval (and Renaissance) European Art and it is perverse, violent, tongue in cheek, rude, and in general has some of the best shock value of all my decks. And the card stock is to die for. If The Haunted Mansion Tarot was what I wish my family was like, the Medieval Europe Tarot is a much more accurate portrayal of my family. Perfect for the holiday seasons.
The Slavic Legends Tarot is arguably one of the most beautiful decks I own, and there’s a strong winter fairytale vibe in several cards and it just has that “festive” feel to it that begs to be used in the cold season. I never feel down using this deck; it’s as kind of a reader as it is beautiful. With the intense nature themes and folksy vibes, it also fits the Yule season. I also like the large card size; I do like to have size variation during my various month decks, but I don’t have a ton of decks that are extra big.
Even though the Förhäxa Tarot is more of a fantasy/fairy tarot than “medieval,” I love using this during the darkest season of the month and it seemed to fit just fine with the other decks. It has a very feminine feeling to it (to offset The Medieval Europe’s masculine feel), but it isn’t particularly hand-hold-y. Rather, its a very brazen and bold deck! It has a strong sense of adventure, and go forth and blaze your own trail mentality.
Onward with the draw!
I may have mentioned in passing that I choose my cards via “jumpers”, or “peekers” if I’m using a particularly matte finished deck. These are cards that fall out, jump out, or stick out as a byproduct of my bad shuffling. I really like this because I am a details-person, and if I use a deck long enough, I’ll start to know specific cards from little faults or flaws, so letting them fall on their own takes me out of the equation as much as possible. Though on this blog I typically only show fairly structured draws, my daily draws are not anywhere near as formal, and sometimes I get five cards, sometimes ten, sometimes one. I’m not really all that particular. Now, for posting lovely internet pictures, I typically like to have one one card from each deck, but try as I might to get The Citadel to give me just one card please! I got two cards in a row from four different shuffles, so I finally gave up and took the two that came out the final time, which are The Aspirant and The Orator. Oh what a pair!
So, it is my personal belief that the magic of Tarot (and other cartomancy systems) happens because the images represent universal human experiences that we can all relate to at one time or another. I tend to tell people that I’m not a strong believer in the “woo” of Tarot. However, there are times when a deck just seems to call you out, isn’t there? Uh, this is one of those times.
I really love how this Oracle deck divides its cards into practical and alchemical groups: there is “the court:” achievement and responsibility, fire, where the Aspirant comes from, “the academy:” development and growth, air, home of the Orator, “the crowd:” community and hard work, earth, and “the troupe:” internal thoughts and identity, water.
The Aspirant seeks success and has all the trappings of expectations. Setbacks are seen as a negative thing. Things should just progress smoothly and learning happens on a linear rising line, doesn’t it? Oh boy does this ring true. I suffer from “not enough-ness,” even when things go perfectly, it still isn’t good enough, there was (in retrospect, of course) something more I should have been doing. I’m getting better with age at removing myself from this mindset, but it is kinda my default setting, so it creeps up on me whether I want it to or not. It can get really difficult when I hit a hard point in my learning or growing of a skill and nothing I seem to do gets me over the hump. Just yesterday I overheard a stranger say something I always tout, but seem to forget: “People think you learn when you are not struggling, but that’s completely wrong, you learn when you hit a wall and struggle.” Which leads us to…
The Orator. Of course, the card states the obvious in its key words of communication and confidence. But the book expounds that to doubt yourself is only to hold yourself back. It is okay to take the time to voice your needs, and write yourself a “script” if this will help. It’s okay to be heard and to take up space, to ask for that which will help you. I think that much of my current struggles could be solved by simply having a poignant conversation, but that seems almost insurmountable until I start to actually list out my needs which don’t seem all that complex to begin with…
And then I draw from The Deck of Emblems, The Broom. “Mundane yet vital work that must be done to support a community…sweep away complications…it may also suggest that support is needed.” Yeesh, I get the point, cards!
So I could have stopped there in my draw seeing as these two decks in no uncertain terms are telling me “just talk about it, for Christ’s sakes!” but nooo I had to draw my tarot too, because this is a monthly draw after all! So from the Woven Path I draw the nine of swords–my goodness isn’t it a pretty nine of swords? I love how the thorns of her tapestry seem to come to life and wind around her bed! Talk about the fear of something making it real! Geez, I get the point!
Then Förhäxa pulls out a card that I don’t think I’ve drawn from this deck before. This playful page seems to be mixing fire with water! She is not afraid to try something new! She is working outside of the norm and therefore she has to explore different options. The snake is her tame friend rather than a scary creature. Become friends with the fear and then the fear isn’t a terror any more. Trying something different with confidence and boldness rather than fearing an unknown outcome, I think I can say when seeing these two cards.
Oh the Medieval Europe Tarot! How skeptical does the man look in The Lover’s card? If the women weren’t there, I’d think this the Four of Cups! I’m often of a divided mind with the traditional Lovers–one of actual love and affection and emotion, and one of choices, divisions of a path. This clearly looks like “choice” to me, and our man seems rather disappointment in his choices! What do you do when you don’t like the obvious choices? He also seems to be reminded by the animals that there is only a or b, and he has an audience watching what happens! No pressure!
I like that this draw ends with The Slavic Legend’s Queen of Coins. This lady has it all–beauty, grace, flowers and wealth! She doesn’t have to make a choice! You can have your cake and eat it too. You are in a powerful position to affect your personal outcome. Approach with the attitude that you can give to others, and this will in turn help you with yourself.
This month’s draw seems to be saying “Life ain’t easy, learning isn’t easy. Being fearful will only set you back. Ask for what you want, don’t settle for less! You gotta try new things in order to progress. You got this!”
How about you? Have your decks ever had a talk with you?
The Tarot Tarts 