I’ll sheepishly admit that I had some reservations about the Gaian Tarot.  Rumor was that it was very feminine ala The Motherpeace Deck. I’m actually kind of masculine in nature so that concerned me. Would I be able to relate to this deck?

I also heard that some of the traditional names for the cards had been changed.  And since I consider myself a traditionalist that troubled me as well.  Would the changes water the deck down?

It was with great apprehension that I approached this deck.  I worried that I would not be able to connect at all.  (Funny how hearsay makes you uber-cautious about something as innocuous as a tarot deck.)

I’m happy to report that those assumptions were delightfully misguided.

The author, Joanna Powell Colbert, originally self published the deck – I am writing here about the recently mass published version from Llewellyn.  This new version comes in a bright yellow box with the Sun card on the front.  The deck consists of 78 cards and comes with a companion book, “Journey Through The Gaian Tarot”.

The book is well written, very meaty with a lot of information to absorb.  The author starts out talking about how the deck came into being and how to use the deck and book. She then gives the meaning for each card but also adds an interpretation for the “shadow side” of the card (one could use this for reversals or for an overall negatively slanted reading).  The interpretations provided are not cut and dried “predictions” – these are focused more on the energy surrounding the situation and has a more empowering and therapeutic vibration to it which allows the querent to have a feeling of being in control of their destiny.

She then provides meanings behind the symbols on each card, which adds further depth to readings.  In the Majors, Powell Colbert offers “Journal Questions” which I found to be extremely valuable. This allowed me to use the deck for internal processing which made the Gaian Tarot a powerful tool for healing or therapy.  All cards came with an affirmation.  I happen to love affirmations so this was an added plus.

Although the overall tone of the deck seemed to be positive, the author did not shy away from the negative. That being said, the interpretations were always geared towards facing the dark side and healing it.  This makes the deck appropriate for anyone, especially those who may have a negative view of the tarot.

The deck itself is beautiful.  It’s colorful and stunning with clear pictures and symbols.  Animals and nature figure prominently in every card.  The people look realistic and expressive (the author used real people she knew as some of the models – you can see her granddaughter in the Child of Water – and the author herself in the 9 of Earth). Each card evokes the feeling that the author intended – you can see the despair in the face of the figure in the 9 of Air and the expression of sheer joy in the Sun.  To illustrate another example, the Two of Water (in a traditional deck this is the 2 of Cups) shows a woman embracing a dog with an expression of happiness.  The interpretation provided is: “You have a caring, compassionate response to another.  You choose to begin or continue a relationship based on a deep heart connection.”  Wow.  If you are new to tarot this deck would be a great starter as the interpretations are so clearly depicted on the cards that you can really “feel” the meaning behind it.

Two of Water

Although the names have been changed, it did not hamper my ability to read with these cards.  For example, in the Major Arcana, The Devil became Bindweed and The Tower became Lightning.  This still keeps in line with the traditional meanings of bondage and sudden change – so the deck lost nothing with those differences.

Bindweed

Lightning

In the Minors we have Water, Earth, Fire and Air instead of Cups, Pentacles, Wands and Swords.  Court cards became Children, Explorers, Guardians and Elders.  This did change the meaning slightly and I only say slightly because the traditional Courts are Pages, Knights, Queens and Kings – all nobility.  In all actuality, the Gaian figures are more relatable to modern life.  Also, Powell Colbert mixes it up further by adding two males and two females to each category.  In a traditional deck, Queens are always female and Kings are always male – this shifts the vibration and reminds us that we all have male and female energy within us.  I really liked that – especially because as I stated above, I’m actually a pretty “masculine” female and never identified whole heartedly with typical female imagery.

The cards are slightly larger than standard decks but not hard to handle. I have very small hands and they fit very nicely.  The backs have an image of a wreath with a starlit sky behind it.  Gorgeous.

The back of the Gaian Tarot cards

At the end of the book, the author offers suggestions for working with the cards as well as spreads by tarot notables such as James Wells, Beth Owl’s Daughter and Carolyn Cushing.  The spreads worked great and I think I found a few that I may add to my tarot tool box.

The overall tone of the Gaian is “healing” rather than predicting.  The earthy images, the sensitive interpretations, and even the spreads lend to healing your future and past rather than simply divining what may come.

As an example, I recently have been working through a situation and decided to consult the Gaian for guidance. The card I picked was the 10 of Fire.  The interpretation said: “Does it feel like your dreams have gone up in smoke?  Are you overwhelmed or burdened by loss?  Remember that new seedlings grow and flourish in the ashes of a spent fire.  You must release your passions and your energies, whether or not you want to, whether or not you think you’re ready.  It’s time.”  This was very profound to my situation and gave me a peaceful feeling (and the impetus to do a burning ceremony).  It was the advice I needed to hear (not necessarily what I wanted to hear).

My only complaint with this deck is the card stock.  I wish it were made on more sturdy material.  The deck feels a wee bit fragile and it may not be one that I use on a regular basis because I fear it would be wrecked quickly in the hands of an aggressive shuffler.  (I am a high volume tarot reader so this poses a problem and makes unsuitable for a workhorse deck.)

I will need to be gentle with this deck. But considering the heart centered and sensitive nature of the Gaian tarot, perhaps it makes sense that I treat it with tenderness.  The message is to “handle with care” – a message that we need to also apply to ourselves, each other and the earth.

I give this deck Two Swords Up!

Blessings,

Theresa

http://www.thetarotlady.com

http://www.tarotmentor.com 

Illustrator Vanessa Decort has created a stunning yet simple deck with her Sun And Moon Tarot.  This latest offering from U.S. Games looks rather plain at first glance but on close inspection, there is a richness and complexity that draws you in and lends new, subtle nuances to your tarot readings.  Decort describes the deck this way: “The Sun And Moon Tarot considers universal archetypes and cultural symbols, and also incorporates the artist’s own personal symbols.”

The deck is comprised of the standard 78 cards, with Majors, Minors and Courts.  Based on the Thoth deck, it stays true to the titles that Aleister Crowley used (ex: 7 of Pentacles – Failure; Art – Temperance; Princes and Princes rather than Knights and Pages).  I’ve always been somewhat intimidated by the Thoth deck but Decort has taken that influence and infused it with an almost playful, childlike essence.  This could be because she has a background as an illustrator for children’s books or perhaps she simply wanted to deliver the wisdom of the Thoth deck in a more whimsical and  accessible manner.  I’m not sure which reason guided her work but the result is an inviting, fun deck that never loses its Thoth roots.

This is a well made deck on sturdy card stock with a somewhat matte finish.  It felt great in my hands, shuffled well and seemed built to last. This is very important to me as I tend to be hard on my decks through constant use. The back of the deck is a gorgeous black and white mandala – and it’s reversible, another small detail that I like.

Each image is framed by white borders with titles (in English) and numbers clearly printed.  The typeface is easy to read, no squinting required.  Colors are bold yet muted.    I especially liked the choices for the Minors suits – neutral, earthy tones for Earth; dark grey, burnt sienna and orange flames for Fire; rich midnight blue for Water; and light sky blue for Air.  These color schemes make sense and allow the reader to instantly know which suit they are working with before they even glance at the title.

There are strong Kabbalah and alchemy influences throughout the deck – each Major has a Hebrew letter and the elemental symbols appear on every minor.  Yogic images are scattered about – from the OM symbol in the Hermit to the dancing Shiva as the Universe (World)!  Of course, being a yogi, this is personally very appealing to me!

The Major arcana is especially rich with symbols – the yin and yang in the Temperance and the Phoenix in the Death card convey the meanings clearly.  Astrological symbols are featured throughout the Majors – for example, the Cancer symbol on the chest of the driver in The Chariot or the ram’s heads and lamb (Aries) in the Emperor.

One of the things I liked the best about this deck was the multicultural imagery.  Rather than “standard” RWS people, there are all races represented here – black, white, dark haired, redheads and more.  This gives the deck a “modern” appeal and I happen to like that as my own personal life is diverse – so seeing this detail made me feel more connected to the deck.

Despite the Thoth influence, the standard Rider Waite interpretations show up in the Minors.  Rather than pip cards, the Minors are fully illustrated with people in various postures and actions – and this makes the Minors easier to grasp.  I especially liked the image of the 10 of Wands, which shows an African woman delicately balancing a bunch of sticks on top of her head as she travels across a desert landscape.  This lends a more hopeful feel to the standard interpretation (Decort interprets it as: “Ability to adapt when overwhelmed, like reeds bending with the wind.”)

I found it odd at first that none of the images had faces.  In fact, they were blank like an Amish doll.  I am a visual person and I thought this would inhibit my ability to read these cards.  Surprisingly though I found that the symbols and the body language of the people allowed me to understand the cards easily.  And without any facial expressions to guide me, I started to find that I was less limited in my own interpretations.  For example, the 3 of Swords has an image of three swords going through a cloud which forms a thought bubble above the head of a woman who is resting her hand on her knee.  Normally I interpret this card as heartbreak or loss – but this image spoke of perhaps reflecting on a disappointment.  In a weird way, the lack of facial expressions is a bit liberating.

The Sun and Moon Tarot comes with a standard little white book but I think this deck needs a companion book as I felt there was not enough information to really grasp the possibilities that are present in this deck.  For example, I read reversals and there were no interpretations for them.  I’d like to see how the artist would interpret these.  I’d also like more information on how this deck relates to the Thoth as I feel that it could help to shed light on the Thoth and make it more approachable to those of us who shy away from it.  But these are very small, niggling requests.

After going over all those details, I always find the best way to really see if a deck is useable is by doing a reading. So I asked the deck this question: how will the Sun and Moon Tarot work for me?  I pulled the Ace of Wands.  One of the interpretations in the book was “Spiritual enlightenment and intuition”.  I feel this is an appropriate description as for me, this deck does not have any of the “same old same old” stuff that I tend to rely on – I have to really pay attention to the symbols and energy and let the faces come alive without my preconceived notions. This IS intuition in action.

I’m giving this deck two Swords up.  It is a unique and interesting deck for any tarot lover’s collection.

Blessings!

Theresa

all images used with permission from US Games Tarot

I’m excited to reveal a new feature that I’ve been working on: The Deck And Book Nook.  This will be a bimonthly post with reviews of different tarot books and decks.  I’ve got a huge appetite for books and you’ll usually find me at home with my nose in one.  I’m more choosy with tarot decks but always open to new perspectives that each unique deck offers .  I aim to offer an honest, unbiased, and detailed description of each deck and/or book that will guide you, the consumer, in making informed choices.

I’ll be posting images to illustrate and will also include links to the authors websites if available.  I also have a “grading” system that will further define my viewpoint (a tongue and cheek nod to Siskel and Ebert):

Two Swords Up – This is an enthusiastic YES!  Buy the product!

One Sword Down/One Sword Up – This is a neutral response – some praise, some criticisms.  May only appeal to some.

Two Swords Down – A big NO.  Too many issues to make it a worthwhile investment. Pass.

I hope that you will find these reviews to be a trusted resource before you open up your pocketbook.  Look for the first review tomorrow!

Blessings!

Theresa

PS If there are any decks or books you’d like to see featured here – please email me your requests and I will try to honor them.  If you are a deck or book author and would like to have me review your creation, please email me to discuss.  I may already have it in my collection!  You can reach me at tarotlady@wi.rr.com.

images courtesy of TaoXproductions

When you read for others, your decks are bound to become worn and beat – especially if you are a high volume reader like myself.  Although some may feel that a well used deck has more power, I find that eventually, like any tool, the readings can become somewhat dull.  (This is just the way I feel, by the way, and no means the final word on whether or not a deck is used up!)

Of course, any deck over a long period will acquire nicks and bends but here’s a few tips to preserve your decks:

1.  You may want to consider not allowing the questioner to shuffle the deck.  Personally, I prefer that they DO – but if you decide to allow someone else to shuffle your deck, you have no control over how rough they will be.  Recently, I acquired a beautiful deck that was made on rather thin card stock.  An aggressive client shuffled those cards with such fury that she ended up destroying the deck.  All it took was that one reading – and poof! They were no longer useful.  Think carefully about this.  If you are paranoid about a deck being trashed, then don’t allow anyone to touch it. Or get decks made on sturdy card stock!

2.  Have a variety of decks handy so that you can switch off as often as you’d like. Think of this as rotating the tires on your car – it will give your decks a longer shelf life.

3.  When not in use, keep the deck in a silk scarf or in a wooden box. 

4. If you travel with your deck, I advise you to keep it in a nice silk bag.  I have a lovely one that a dear client made for me years ago.  It keeps my deck safe but also reminds me of her whenever I look at it!

What about a deck that has been completely ruined?  You can either “retire it” – put it away in your collection or choose to give the deck to a person who may want it.  The other option that I like is to put it in a paper bag with an orange cut in half and throw it away, far from your home.  I learned this technique from an old magician who disposed of all of his magickal tools this way. 

Always remember – your deck is the “window to your soul”.  Treat it with respect! With a little care, they can last a long time and serve you well.

Blessings!
Theresa
www.thetarotlady.com

©The Tarot Lady | Theresa Reed

Picking a deck is really matter of personal choice and for newbie readers, it can be overwhelming to look through the massive selection available.  Where to start?  The list below is comprised of a few decks I feel are great for beginner (or any for that matter) readers. (You can view images of any of these decks at: http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/)

1. Rider Waite – This is THE standard deck.  Many other decks, including the ones listed below, base their images on the artwork of the RW deck.I usually recommend that all my students start out with this one. The pictures clearly illustrate the meanings.  Many tarot books feature the Rider Waite deck, so it is usually easy to find a good companion book.

2. Morgan Greer – Stunning and vivid visuals with stark colors.  Images are based on the Rider Waite deck so it is a good deck to start with or to move on to.

3. Robin Wood - Beautiful artwork with a Pagan feel. 

4. Connolly Deck – I find this deck gorgeous, easy to read and very user friendly. Note that the Death card is renamed “Transition” and the Devil is renamed as “Materialism”.  I find that this is beneficial when reading for people who are fearful of tarot decks.

5. Hanson Roberts – A smaller deck that fits nicely in the palm of your hand. Standard RW images but very whimsical.

Any of these decks will work well for a beginner or make a nice addition to any tarot afficiando’s collection!

Blessings!
Theresa
www.thetarotlady.com

©The Tarot Lady | Theresa Reed