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Fyodor Pavlov Tarot
Introduction to the Fyodor Pavlov Tarot Fyodor Pavlov spent five years creating the RWS-inspired, Fyodor Pavlov Tarot and it was definitely time well spent. His research into tarot history and the imagery of the RWS deck shows through on every card. “Informed by his personal queer and trans experiences” this deck manages to represent gender, sexuality, culture, and bodies of various shapes and abilities without feeling tokenistic or forced. This is a well put together tarot deck. The packaging, the cardstock, the thought that went into it, the way the artwork portrays the meanings, and the book are all top notch. When I did my deck interview and I asked,…
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New Era Elements Tarot
I don’t think I’ve ever said, “I’m after a modern deck that combines animals, high tech transportation, nature scenes and people with some deeply confronting imagery.” Yet, here it is and wow. The New Era Elements Tarot has had a profound impact on me. It’s a deck that demands accountability and it turned out to be just what I needed when I revisited it this week. Creator Eleonore F Pieper wrote that she wanted to, “Create a deck that would be respectful of the tarot tradition, but that would allow readers to tap into a modern and global experience.” What she didn’t mention is that she has created a deck…
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The Tree of Life Oracle
The Tree of Life Oracle combines stunning watercolour artwork, myths and legends, symbology, and colour to share meaning. Together it works so well. From the opening pages, creator David Wells non-judgemental approach and conversational tone creates a welcoming vibe. He acknowledges that people come to oracle cards for many different reasons and with many different intentions. You can use it purely as an oracle, as a launch pad into the study of Qabalah, or at a level somewhere in between. The choice is yours. The Tree of Life Oracle Cards The Tree of Life Oracle has 44 cards. These are divided into three sections. Firstly, is the section of the…
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The Herbcrafter’s Tarot
To be honest, I bought The Herbcrafter’s Tarot because I noticed it appeared on several people’s “decks they would not part with” and “top mass market decks” lists and I was curious as to why. I had no idea how I would work with it though. Then, as bad as it sounds, since it arrived with a batch of other decks I just put it on my shelf with the intention of getting to it later. Later took a while. There were a few false starts between then and now, but this time I was ready to dive in. This is such a soothing deck. Artist, Joanna Powell Colbert, creator…
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White Sage Tarot
White Sage Tarot is a modern minimalist deck by Theresa Hutch. It is a whimsical deck that combines a chakra-inspired, pip-ish Minor Arcana with an animal court and a Major Arcana that, whilst predominantly represented by animals, feels like it has a bit of everything thrown in. That may sound like it makes for an odd mix but, due to the consistency of the muted colour palette, it all comes together really well. The Cards I was drawn to the White Sage Tarot because I like that the chakras form part of the interpretation of the cards. It really puts a different spin on some of them. Incorporating the creator’s…
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Pastoral Tarot
I have only pre-ordered three decks since I began my collection: Runic Tarot, Tarot of Oneness and Pastoral Tarot. As soon as I saw snippets of this deck I knew I wanted it. The watercolour artwork, the theme, and the way the cards told their story felt so right. A little backstory here will explain why. When I was at uni, wherever possible, regardless of the subject but especially in English, I would choose to explore the idea of place. I was, and still am, curious about the impact place has on people, their choices, their way of viewing things, their opportunities etc, as well as how we view people…
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Tarot of Dreams
Tarot of Dreams is my first Ciro Marchetti deck and I have to admit that the artwork doesn’t align with my general aesthetic. However, I also have to admit that it lives in a wooden box on my desk because it speaks to me so clearly. Basically, this deck served as a further reminder of the need to move away from my favoured art styles and themes more often. The Deviant Moon and Dark Fairy Tale Tarot were others that shared the same message. The Tarot of Dreams Cards There is much to discover in this detail-laden deck. The inclusion of the nautilus shell on the VII of Cups reminds…
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Chrysalis Tarot
Chrysalis Tarot is a storyteller’s deck that took three and a half years to create. The time and effort taken to create it shows. Others agree. In 2014 it was awarded the Tarosophist Award for Best New Deck. I’m not sure how they decide the winner, but I didn’t read that this deck had won and think, “really??” because Chrysalis Tarot has a lot to offer. Covering a range of mythologies and focused on ‘alignment, mindfulness and attunement to the vibrations of life itself’ Chrysalis Tarot is a powerful self-reflective tool. And, I’m sure the stunning artwork and the well-researched and well-thought out book will appeal to many. The Chrysalis…
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The Dreamkeepers Tarot
The Dreamkeepers Tarot took mixed media artist, Liz Huston, 12 years to create. It’s an RWS inspired deck but the distinctly feminine theme which sees the Queens heading the Court means some cards reflect a different view point. However, even though the deck is slanted towards the Sacred Feminine, it still honours the role of the Divine Masculine. Thus the deck maintains a sense of balance and ensures everyone can truly see themselves mirrored in the cards. The Dreamkeepers Tarot Cards From my first flip through I was captivated by the muted colour palette. I found it soothing. The deck combines acrylics, oils and watercolours with digital elements to create…
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The Medieval Scapini Tarot
The intricate artwork of The Medieval Scapini Tarot ensures that each time you look at a card you’re bound to discover something new. For example, the cups aren’t just empty vessels featured just to designate a suit. Neither are the coins. The 6 of Coins pictured below, shows this clearly. No pentagrams here. Each coin portrays a scene. The same is true for the 6 of cups. A different scene is presented either on the cup or within it. This may seem typical for the 7 of cups in most RWS inspired decks but here it is put to good use throughout the entire Cups suit. Yes, there’s a lot…
