Tarot Decks
by Michele R. Jackson
This is a short "bibliography" of sorts describing some of the more popular and
common decks and books on the market. Please understand that these are my opinions and the
final authority on any deck is you, the user. My categorization and descriptions are
entirely personal, so please do not take offense if I categorized your favorite deck as
"not-quite-Tarot" or if you feel the short description here does not do your
favorite deck justice. The intent of this article is to give a short summary of only a
small fraction of the decks available.
Rider-Waite - This is the most popular deck on the
market by far. Many experienced readers started out with this deck because it was one of a
very few decks available in the past. It is widely available, reasonably priced and has
been written about more than any other deck. It is the modern "standard". The
first widely available deck to have illustrations on the Minor Arcana, it has been often
copied and used a basis for other deck designs. Some people find the art and coloring of
this deck unappealing, as the lines are rather harsh and the colors stark. This deck is
often referred to as a "beginners" deck, because so many people start out with
it and because most beginners Tarot books are written for this deck. Don't be fooled. This
deck is rich in symbolism and could be the basis of a lifetime of study. While many decks
have copied from it, few have maintained the level of detail and the layers of symbolism
found in the original.
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Universal Waite - This deck is a popular copy of
the Rider-Waite. It is identical in content to the original, but the artist has softened
the lines in the drawings and re-colored the deck using more shading and highlighting. An
excellent alternative. Other alternatives seen less commonly include the Golden-Rider
Waite and The Albano-Waite. The Golden has brightened and deepened the colors of the
original (and lost some of the finer detail) while the Albano has brightened the colors
and made subtle changes to the symbolism.
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Thoth - This deck was designed, though not actually
drawn by Aleister Crowley. The fact that he advertised himself as the evilest man on
earth, has sadly influenced many people in regards to his Tarot deck. Some find it dark
and forbidding and admittedly, it does not have the type of illustrations seen in other
popular decks.The cards are rich in symbolism, though a good companion book explaining the
symbolism is a must as much of it is not readily apparent. For the novice it has the
attraction of having one word interpretations written on each of the minor cards as an aid
to memory, however I will caution again that some study of the symbolism is needed to get
the most out of these interpretations as well. A knowledge of Astrology will give one a
head start with this deck. Don't be swayed by negative things you may have heard about
this deck or its creator. If the deck resonates for you - get it.
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Hanson-Roberts - This deck is based on the Rider
deck. The deck is about the size of a poker deck, a plus for those who difficulty handling
large decks. The art style is different from the Rider, though the artist tried to stay
true to the symbolism of the original. The pictures have a fairy-tale quality to them,
which many find appealing. Contrary to popular belief, the artist does not read or use
Tarot. She is a graphics artist who took on the assignment of drawing this deck. The same
artist also did the Universal Waite.
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Robin-Wood - Another Rider based deck, this deck
has a decidedly Wiccan flavor. The artist has taken some liberties with the symbolism to
achieve this, though the deck is close enough to the Rider to be used with books written
specifically for the Rider deck. The art and coloring are appealing and those practicing a
Pagan faith may find it more appealing than the Christian based Rider-Waite.
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Connolly - Yet another Rider based deck, the artist
has taken some liberties with the Major Arcana. There is no Death card, it has been redone
as "Transition". Likewise there is no Devil, it has been replaced by
"Materialism". Several liberties have been taken with the Minor Arcana as well
with an overall effect of making this a "kindlier, gentler" deck. Scenes of
violence usually depicted in some minor cards have been eliminated and the deck has a
marked Christian flavor, more so than the Rider.
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Morgan-Greer - This is another Rider based deck.
The art style is different, with each card having a large central figure or scene done in
bold colors. The art extends to the edge of each card without the usual white border. The
deck has maintained most of the symbolism found in the Rider and can be used with any book
written for the Rider.
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Aquarian - Based on the Rider, the style is very
Art Nouveau. Each card has a large central figure or scene and the colors are primarily
pastel, rather than bright or bold. Some of the symbolism has been lost due to the style,
but this deck can be used effectively with a book written for the Rider deck.
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The Haindl - This deck, done by a German artist is
not a Rider based deck. It presents an entirely unique set of symbols drawn from many
cultures. The art is somewhat dark with a lot of browns and gray tones. Each Major Arcana
card has its associated astrological glyph, Hebrew letter and Rune drawn on the card. Some
of the Major Arcana have been changed: Temperance has become "Alchemy" and
Judgment has become "Aeon". The Court Card system has been radically redesigned
as well. The Minors suits have been changed and each card has a one word interpretation
written on it and an associated I-Ching symbol as well. This is not a traditional deck.
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Tarot of the Spirit - A collaborative effort by a
mother - daughter team, this deck is very different in style and approach. The art is
abstract in style and the symbolism is based largely on the Qabala. The Major Arcana have
been changed; Judgment has become "Resurrection" and Justice has become
"Karma". Each Minor has a short interpretation written on the card, but I would
strongly recommend you buy the book written specifically for this deck in order to
understand the symbolism.
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Motherpeace - A "quasi" Rider/Thoth based
deck. Most of the card interpretations are based on these decks, but some interpretations
are different due to the strong feminist slant. In the Majors, the Hermit has been changed
to "The Crone" and the Court Card system is different as well. The cards are
round and the art is very primitive, to the point that some people find them unattractive.
The deck also has a marked shortage of male figures. This is another deck in which the
book is a necessity in order to fully understand the symbolism.
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Voyager - This is a photo montage deck which is
very New Age in approach and style. It is not based on the Rider, and uses a unique system
of interpretation. The creator has linked the Major and Minor Arcana so that the Minor
Arcana twos for example, are each qualities or subsets of the Major Arcana two (The High
Priestess). The Court Cards are radically different and a few of the Major Arcana have
been changed as well. The system of Major/Minor correspondence makes this deck a little
easier to learn than most, however it is not traditional and may make learning other
subsequent decks a bit more difficult. The deck comes with the best accompanying booklet I
have seen, but it is pricey at $35.00 - $40.00 depending on where acquired.
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Witches Tarot - This deck is Wiccan in design and
as such has made several changes based on the designer's beliefs. There is no Devil, it
has been replaced by "The Horned One". The Wheel of Fortune and Justice have
been reversed in number (XI and X vice the usual X and XI) , but this was a printing
error, vice a deliberate change by the designer. The art is very good, with deep, intense
colors, and many of the scenes depict Wiccan activities. The art extends to the edge of
each card with no border. The Court Card system is unique as Court Cards are used to
modify the preceding or following cards. The designer incorporates Qabalistic symbolism
into the deck and this deck is best studied with the two books written specifically for
it, "The Goddess and the Tree" and "The Witches Tarot", both by Ellen
Cannon Reed. Do not confuse this deck with "Tarot of the Witches".
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Mythic - A very popular deck which is not Rider
based. It has a Mythological theme and a previous knowledge of Mythology would be helpful,
though not absolutely necessary in understanding it. The art is very nicely done and while
taking a mythological approach, the deck tries to stay true to the standard Tarot
composition in regards to Majors, Minors and Court Cards. It is sold as a deck/book set,
though the book has been known to fall apart after very little use.
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The Marsielle - This deck is based on the oldest
known Tarot decks done in the 14th and 15th centuries. The Major Arcana and Court Cards
are simple line drawings done in primary colors. The Minors have no descriptive
illustration other than the number of items and the suit, 8 cups for example or 6 swords.
This makes the deck a little harder to learn as there is not much in the Minors to clue
the memory, however it is considered by some to be the "true" Tarot and many of
the more advanced Tarot books are written for this deck exclusively. There are several
versions of this deck available. My favorite is the "Fourier" which has more
color than most.
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Theme decks - There has recently been an upswing in
the publishing of what I call "theme" decks. These are decks based on a specific
theme or area of interest. The Mythic is one of the most popular. Others include, The
Arthurian, The Shakespeare, The Herbal, The Norse, The Osho-Zen, and The Celtic. Most of
these decks are beautifully executed and many are sold as book/deck sets. It is helpful to
have some prior knowledge of the "theme" when using these decks, though most
come with excellent explanatory books. Incorporating the "theme" often requires
the creator to stray from "traditional" Tarot interpretations, so you will
sometimes find it difficult to study further once you have exhausted the accompanying
book. They usually do not translate well to books written for other decks. One exception
is the Arthurian, which has a more advanced book available and a separate workbook as
well. These are in addition to the full length book which accompanies the deck.
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Not-quite-Tarot decks - This is a category name
coined by a fellow reader. It contains decks which may call themselves "Tarot",
but which do not have the traditional Tarot format of 78 cards, 22 Majors, 16 Court Cards
and 40 Minors. Included in this category are the Daughters of the Moon, New Orleans
Voodoo, Tarot of the Orishas, The Dream Power Tarot, Zolar's Astrological, The Grand
Ettellia and various and sundry "Fortune Telling Decks". This is not to say that
these decks are not effective, useful or worthy of study, they are just not traditional
Tarot. Again, study beyond the level of the accompanying book or booklet will be
difficult.
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Art Decks - These are decks done primarily for
their aesthetic value which use Tarot as a vehicle. Many Italian decks fall into this
category as do The Universal Dali, The PoMo (PostModern) and the Vertigo. While these
decks can be read and used effectively, they appeal primarily to collectors and those who
buy Tarot as a form of art-in-a-box.
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Buying a deck.
An ideal deck is one that resonates with the user. With constant use, it becomes like an
old friend. The symbolism, art style, and theme, if any must appeal to the reader. When
purchasing a deck, it is helpful to be able to see it fully before you buy. Many New Age
type stores have sample decks open and available for viewing. This is the preferred way to
shop as you can see each card in the deck before plunking down your hard earned cash. If
there is no such store in your area, you might want to delay your purchase until you can
travel to an area that has such a store. Most large chain bookstores, such as Barnes &
Nobles and Borders carry a good selection of decks. While they usually are not open for
prior inspection, these stores will usually refund your money if the deck does not meet
with your approval after purchase. Unless you have unlimited funds, or like to collect
decks, it is better to take your time and shop around for a deck that you really like,
rather than buying whatever is available or on the recommendation of a friend. Hurrying to
buy something will most likely result in your making more than one purchase as you find
you don't connect with the deck very well and consequently lose interest in it. When you
find the right deck it is like magic. Some people are blessed and find "the"
deck early in their studies. Others may go through several decks before finding one that
"clicks".
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Questions you should ask when considering a
deck include:
Is it a "standard" Tarot deck with 78 cards, 22 Majors, 16 Court Cards and 40
Minors? Many decks call themselves Tarot, but do not adhere to this standard.
Is it a "theme" deck and if so, am I familiar with or attracted to the theme?
Buying a theme deck with no previous knowledge will take a larger investment of your time
in study than required for a Rider based deck. You will have to learn the theme as well as
gain general Tarot knowledge. On the other hand, if you have in interest in the theme, it
can make study much more pleasant and interesting, and prior knowledge will give you a
head start in your studies.
Do I find it visually appealing? Could I look at and work with this deck day after day
without getting bored?
Is it a size I can handle? Many decks are quite large and difficult to shuffle if one has
small hands, though this problem can be overcome by using other methods to mix the cards.
Are there books available for the deck? As your knowledge and experience grow you will
want to extend your studies beyond the book that came with the deck. This is not a problem
with Rider based decks as the majority of books available today are written for this deck.
Be careful when buying book/deck sets. Some decks, such as the Mythic are only available
in this format, however please note, that it is usually cheaper to buy the book and the
deck separately. It also friendlier to the environment as there is less packaging.
Copyright, 1995 by Michele R. Jackson.
e-mail address jacksn@infi.net
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