View Full Version : Mary-el Tarot
Ravenswing
17-04-2003, 08:20
:P NAHNANANANAH!!!!
Well , now that THAT'S out I can go on with my excitment. I've known Marie White for some time now; we first met in the Tarot-L group. We both were hooked up to AOL, and wound up many a time discussing all manners of matters. I got to see the Mary-el tarot develop from a demi-urge to a reality. She is truly remarkable.
I have just been gifted with a most wonderous package from her. Wrapped in a scarf, tied with a ribbon. Accompanied by a not-so-little not-so-white booklet... Signed and numbered even..
:laugh: Limited edition majors and aces. :laugh:
They are POWERFUL....
The images on the screen are incredible enough. But to actually hold them... To be able to look at them without squinting... and to see more than one at a time....
The scarf is on my altar-- I will use it to read upon. The cards are safely snuggled in a purple velvet bag with a sphynx and full moon emblazed on it. My channaling crystal sits atop the deck. And the ribbon encircles it.
I am quite honored.
And I'VE GOT IT and you don't (sorry, that just came out!!!! inner child at play again })
Then again, perhaps you too have been blessed by Marie
Can you tell I'm excited????? :D
Thank you once more Marie
fly well
snicker snicker
Raven
Gloating is unbecoming ;)
naaaaahhh.... I'm just very very jealous!
I hope the cards eventually get published.
Aerin
darwinia
17-04-2003, 10:50
Oh, it's so tempting but I'm waiting for the full deck. If any major publisher passes on this they're going to regret the money they could have made. I'd be very, very surprised if this wasn't published. And when it does come out in full, it's going to take off and become a classic. No question.
The special edition must be remarkable, I can imagine the WORK involved in creating a single deck. I said that before in the other thread, but it's tedious, time-consuming work to make these by hand and laminate them, cut them etc. She has a lovely lay cloth included too--more work--jeez!
Plus all that fabulous art........
i am absolutely green with envy!!!
but you so deserve that deck, being a top-notch deck designer yourself.
Raven,
Thank you, but it is nothing compared to what you've given me over the years, and for being one of the few people who actually understands what the heck I'm talking about half the time!
You are a valued friend!
Marie
Strange2
20-04-2003, 10:11
I also received the Mary-el Tarot limited edition set, and in a word they are extraordinary! I'll echo Ravenswing's comments that it's an exciting feeling to hold the physical cards in your hands after gazing upon them virtually on the web, longing to see them take physical form.
The card images are vibrant and incredibly clear. It's like having smaller versions of the actual paintings in your hands. The booklet that comes with the limited edition provides wonderful insights into both the card images and the creative process behind them.
You can read me about the Mary-el Tarot limited edition set here:
http://www.mary-el.com/le.html
The Mary-el Tarot is truly an inspiring labor of love. For those of you who have created Tarot cards and/or have that personal deck inside of you waiting to take form, the Mary-el tarot is an inspiration to continue the creative work, and like the Hermit, let your vision shine.
Thank you, Marie. We've been longing for a deck like yours!
But I also want a deck made by Sophie. She already has quite and understanding of the cards! Any possibility? (hope you say yes.....)
;) skytwig
Hi Skytwig,
Wellllll, I've been thinking about that one ( a Sophie deck). It's probably a long way off, but I was thinking that maybe I could make a downloadable pdf version that people could print themselves, or I could make a copy if they couldn't for some reason. It would be a lot easier if it was only black and white. And I know she still wants to do the minors- so it will be a full deck.
I told her someone asked about it and she got all excited:) She is really into it.
:)Marie
OK, I cracked. I couldn't resist, I've loved these cards for so long.
I ordered a deck a couple of days ago, it'll be interesting to see which number I'll get. I think it's great that the shipping is at cost, whatever that'll be I know it will be fair. As it's printed material I'll keep my fingers crossed about customs.
I blame all you guys :D
Aerin
Marie,
The cards I have seen so far are so beautiful! I am in awe. My birthday is coming up this summer so I will have to put in a plea to my sisters. I have already emailed them with a link to your site :)
I am wondering if you plan to complete the deck with the minors? I would love to see a complete deck published.
Congratulations Marie! I also must add that the price you are asking for the deck is more than resonable considering the work that has gone into it.
Thank you!
Mimers
Ravenswing
21-04-2003, 07:40
Yes everyone--
I'm sure and certain that one day we will be able to play with a full deck.... They're too good for anything otherwise.
fly well
shuffle shuffle
Raven
The Hieropahant card that I downloaded from Orphalese is different than the Hierophant on the Mary-el website. The one I downloaded from Orphalese is a woman with stained glass windows in the backround, with an infant at each breast. There are blood tears coming from her eyes and a cross around her neck.
Is this the correct one?
Mimers
Hi Mimers,
Yes, the Hierophant on Orphalese and the one on my website are different. I replaced the one with the nun with the one you now see on the website and I haven't gotten around to updating the info on Orphalese yet.
:)Marie
SnorkMaiden
07-05-2003, 10:04
Despite my inexperience and the fact that I only got my first deck three weeks ago I just had to have one of the limited edition Mary-El decks. I feel guilty about spending so much money but I think I will be deliriously happy when I receive the fantastic work of art. Yippee!
Wildchild
08-05-2003, 02:20
*sigh* I'm just going to have to wait for the full set. With the low Cdn $$ to the US $$, plus postage, I know I won't be able to afford both. I really can't wait until it's ready. I go look at your site everyday, Marie.
Me too Marie. I can't wait for the entire deck to be available. I check out your site often. So beautiful!
But don't rush! Take your own sweet time. Beautiful things are worth waiting for. Be it published or not I will be waiting here for my copy with baited breath.
Take Care,
Mimers
HudsonGray
08-05-2003, 14:17
I wonder how many of the 250 have been sold in the past month?
I'd love a majors deck but am still recovering from tax season & can't splurge right now.
Cerulean
08-05-2003, 22:22
What a fun idea.
Interchangeable Mary-El and Sophie editions of the minors?
So Mary-El can do a version of the minors that we can save for weekends and maybe the Sophie edition of the minors for our weekday...or the other way around.
If the card sizes are the same and similar backs, I'd like that very much. Soul Cards I and II has dark navy and black backgrounds with star patterns, so you can kind of tell the difference when you turn them over.
Mari H.
What a cool deck! I really identify with most of these cards, thay seem to have energy and spirit. I can't afford the limited edition right now, but I will definitely be keeping tabs on the site to see when they are done. These are beautiful cards.
Thank you everyone!
HudsonGray, about half the decks are spoken for already and I don't know how long the rest will take. I seem to get 1-2 orders a day but suspect it will slow down soon.
Mari, that is a cool idea LOL Talk about a disparity in images, kind of like Kabbalah and Tao?
Sophie is still really excited about her deck, especially watching me make mine she wants to sit down and make hers too. She also wants to do the minors but I have been to busy to sit down with her to help her do it:( I can't wait though, I think it will be really cool. I have heard her call pentacles 'stars' and one of the suits she calls Gods, but I don't know which one.
Of course, like a true tarot artist, she looks at her deck and says that she could do much better now LOL
She was so looking forward to the Portland ATA conference and wanted to set up her own little table for her cards. Oh well, next one I'm sure.
I've gone off on a tangent! Sorry about that! I just can't help gushing about my girl!
Marie
Cerulean
12-05-2003, 14:31
You know what, for "Sophie's Choice" Tarot, this a rare opportunity for fresh and innocent eyes to do a true children's tarot. I like Lo Scarabeo's idea, but I don't think its truly drawn by children
I'm not an art therapy/historian student, but if I was, I'd do what you were doing--encourage, but allow her to talk about it in her own way. If she wants to tape her verbal stories as she looks at them---say, she does this at bedtime or before her nap (what a wish for active kids), that would be cool.
My nephews, when very young, told me stories near bed and rare nap times...I'd have loved to bring tarocchi and tarot into their lives very early, but didn't know enough about it. But my nephews do draw with my encouragement, so we do have fun that way.
One art class I took was shared by a mom and daughter...and it gave me the idea to share art classes with my sis. I wish you many good art projects in that way!
Sincerely,
Mari H.
krysia322
17-05-2003, 13:29
Originally posted by Marie
Thank you everyone!
HudsonGray, about half the decks are spoken for already and I don't know how long the rest will take. I seem to get 1-2 orders a day but suspect it will slow down soon.
Marie
Hi Marie (my daughter's name is Marie Faye :) ),
I've seen your deck on your website, and I am in love. Was wondering if you still have any of the LEs available? (I'm just waiting for the next payday.)
:)
Also, when your deck is complete, what are your plans for it? Will you publish it as LEs as well?
Thank you! :)
Hi Krysia,
Sorry about the delay in responding, I have been sooo busy lately I am behind on all my emails and forums.
To answer your question, there are still decks available, so no hurry!
When the whole deck is done I do hope to have it published by a major publisher and distributed all over the place<g> I am speaking to a publisher now and things are looking good, though I don't know if it is appropriate to talk about it publicly yet! It looks like it might be available in 2005.
It just occured to me that 2005 is 8 years after the start of this little project of mine in 1997. And when I started I scoffed when I read about other people who had taken 5 years to complete their decks, it will only take me a year and a half, I said. Boy was I wrong!!!!!!
Anyway, thank you for the compliment:)))
Marie
Cerulean
29-05-2003, 01:18
Marie White's style similar to Rackham or Goble?
http://www.bpib.com/illustrat/rackham.htm
http://www.bpib.com/illustrat/goble.htm
Hello Ravenswing and others...since I really like fine and fantasy illustration, do you think the fine art link I posted is very similar to Marie White's style? Aside from the Asian content, what I mean is the rich colors and fine line styling...I hope you know what I mean. I'm on the list...
I'm also checking out the Zufkunst import from Tarot Garden and a wishlist item, the Engel Tarot. It's good to dream!
Mari H.
HudsonGray
22-07-2003, 16:42
I see she bowed to necessity & took the spread cloth out of the list of things you get with the deck. There are a choice of 3 different drawstring bags now, the book & the cards.
http://www.mary-el.com/le.html
I would like very much to order a full deck from Marie while she is still self-publishing it... I would be very happy for her if a major published printed it as well, but I would prefer the self-published version... it feels like such a treat to be a part of something on the "ground floor"... so to speak. I can't wait until I have the money, LOL.
(somehow this was loaded twice???? hmm ... must have clicked the button more than once?)
HudsonGray
22-07-2003, 20:11
I wish she did have the full deck available, but she's still working on some of the cards. The one she's self-publishing is a majors only plus the 4 aces. Looks like it'll be a while for the rest of the deck, if it's coming out in 2005.
Little Baron
25-07-2003, 16:20
Havn't seen these cards since the start of their development on here.
Absolutely amazed.
That emporer card is probably the most beautiful and thought provoking I have ever seen.
Best wishes Marie.
Yaboot
I have my deck and my spreadcloth in hand. It is wonderful to be able to hold the cards.
I would advise anyone to buy these. I think the price is MORE than fair for what you get in return.
Aerin
baba-prague
29-07-2003, 13:29
I have just received my set. It is beautiful. The whole package - bag, booklet and deck, was somehow more special than I expected (and I did expect it to be special :-) ). It's just good to be able to see something so obviously made with love and care.
I think it's worth a dozen of the more obviously commercial "catching a trend" decks (no names named). It will certainly give me a great deal of pleasure.
soiitaire
30-07-2003, 15:58
I'm happy to say that I've had my Mary El Majors and Aces for a while. I have #15 (Devil) and #16 (Tower)... Well, ok, 16 went to my dad who's been an avid fan of the Mary El since Marie started posting cards to her website.
There was NO way that I could wait until the deck was complete. And I also felt getting a self published deck would be so cool. Marie did a GREAT job producing it. I love it so much that I have a specially made collage box to keep the cards safe and happy.
I'm glad to hear that it looks like the completed deck will be published. I will be one of the first in line to buy it.
But I'm still happy I have the self published majors and aces. Self published is different than manufactured. There are pro's and con's to each. :) Self published is ART, manufactured is easier to shuffle <laughing>
Soiitaire..
Wildchild
15-09-2003, 16:27
Maybe we could convince her to do a self published full deck when they are done? :)
HudsonGray
15-09-2003, 21:06
Depends on the contract she signed with the publisher, they may restrict her from doing that.
Actually, I haven't signed any contracts yet.
I just really can't see the self publishing because of the expense mostly. I want the deck to eventually be widely available, printed nicely and somewhat inexpensive and am not sure I am capable of doing that alone.
I don't know. Who knows what's coming down the pike??
:)Marie
HudsonGray
16-09-2003, 04:02
Hey Marie!
Any new cards to put up on your site yet? *nudge nudge*
We need a fix *dramatic moan here* you haven't updated the site since August! That's like SO last year!
(Pretty please? You can email the jpegs to me direct if you want)
I'm still eagerly awaiting my copy of this beautiful deck... It's got to the point where I'm nearly mugging the postman each morning!
:D
Marie, thankyou for creating such a beautiful deck.
Kiama
Mine should be arriving soon too! I can hardly stand the wait.
truthsayer
16-09-2003, 23:16
okay, you guys have broke me!(literally and figuratively) after months of tarot abstinance i am defeated. i ordered this one and plan to order the artists inner vision. i am a freak for self-published decks. i have several. i find them somewhat more inspiring artistically than commercial decks. however, there are exceptions to that rule. ;) what i've seen of this deck's development over the past couple of years has been nothing short of amazing. i'm really looking forward to getting my copy.
btw, marie, you have 2 beautiful children. i know you are proud of them. sophie's tarot is adorable.
Oh gosh....I know it has been sooooooo long since I added any new cards. Unfortunately it is because there haven't been any new cards. I have been so busy with the baby that everything else has been just slipping by. But, he is 7 months old now (!!!!) and things are starting to relax. I can tell because the house is getting cleaner <g>
So I am working on sketches for my next set of paintings right now, the 10s. I am doing them all together because I want them to be one painting split up into 4. I've given myself 2 weeks per painting, so for all 4 of them it will be about 2 months LOL It's like molasses running uphill on a cold day isn't it?
I guess I am saying that the wheels are starting to turn again, if a little creaky.
Thank you all so much for your kind support!
Becky and Kiama, both of your decks are in the mail and I would be surprised if they arrive later than Thursday:)
Truthsayer, I am glad you like Sophie's tarot. I have been working on it all day as a matter of fact, putting the images into card format. I really love them. I think that of all the artists in the whole world I love Sophie art the best! I'll have to tell her about it, she gets tickled when someone comments on it. Rex is wonderful too, just hasn't started drawing quite yet! Thanks so much, they are the best things I have ever done, those two.
Take care,
Marie
GregGuy814
22-09-2003, 20:41
Hey, Marie, I actually e-mailed you yesterday about the cards...
Anyway, can somebody please post a link to the painting of the scrapped heirophant? I just can't get enough of you're artwork Marie! It's amazing.
krysia322
23-09-2003, 12:16
<snoopy dance>
My cards are coming, my cards are coming! Hooray!
:D
Yea, they arrived last Thursday just as Marie thought they would.
They are fantastic! I love the bag too. I unfortunately caught a flu bug the same day they came so I wasn't able to really get into them until Monday.
But I'm feeling fine now and having a great time getting to know my Mary-el.
Thanks Marie!
Becky
krysia322
25-09-2003, 22:20
*eagerly opens mailbox and peers within... lower lip sticks out, shoulders slump, dejectedly walks back to house*
Sigh... It's like waiting for the birth of a child. LOL! :)
krysia322
26-09-2003, 10:56
<snoopy dance! snoopy dance!>
They're HERE! YAY!!! Mary-El #128 is HERE! :D
(And they arrived ---lol--- right after I made the above post.)
Marie, where did you find those gorgeous silk bags? I love it.
The deck is everything I knew it would be... but I am nervous on shuffling them; I'm an aggressive shuffler, LOL. I'm thinking I'll have to come up with a different way of shuffling this deck rather than my usual shuffle-bridge way. Maybe side-shuffle... Or maybe do a lot of palm-over-the-deck-feel-the-heat-choose-that-card. LOL
GORGEOUS!!!! *squeals like a little girl* THANK YOU, MARIE! :D :D
<snoopy dance! snoopy dance!>
krysia322
26-09-2003, 11:05
Marie,
What are your plans for the original paintings of the cards? Do you plan on showing them in a gallery, or selling them? Or do you plan to keep them?
Hi,
I am glad they came in! When you said they hadn't arrived I was holding my breath a bit, hoping they didn't get lost in the mail.
I am so happy you like them!
And Becky, sorry to hear you got the flu, we all made the rounds with one over here recently too. Happy you liked them as well!
Krysia asked:
<<What are your plans for the original paintings of the cards? Do you plan on showing them in a gallery, or selling them? Or do you plan to keep them?>>
What I have been planning on doing with them was hopefully to show them in galleries for a time, maybe take them to some of the tarot conferences and such and then to sell them. I am starting to reconsider though, I wonder if it would be a bad idea to break them up in case they ever need to be re-scanned or photographed? Maybe a better idea would be to keep them together in a safe place, put them on ice.
I don't know. I suppose it is something I should discuss with any potential publisher and will be affected by who owns what rights.
I can see why they might need to be rephotographed one day. I was looking over some of the older originals yesterday as I was packing them up for LATS when I realized the colors on my scans were quite a bit different for some of the cards. I tried to match them as closely as possible when I first scanned them, but over time a little tweak here, a little tweak there, changes in computer software and hardware, and the image shifts. Who knows what new technology will be coming in the future which can make better images from the originals?
Of course this all assumes anyone will be interested in subsequent printings one day LOL.
Too much info???
Vita Dolce,
Marie
TygrEyes
04-10-2003, 08:20
Hi Gang!
I'm SO jealous of those of you who have the Mary-El. I was wondering if any of you know if Marie is having trouble w/ the order form or her e-mail. I filled out the order form on 9/24/03 & haven't heard anything. How long did it take for any/all of you to hear back? I know from her journal she was at LATS so that would be part of the delay. I just don't want to miss out on such a fascinating deck (well, the Majors & Aces). I've been lurking for over a year, b/c by the time I've read all your opinions on decks I realize I've spent WAY too much time online. I've learned a lot that way, but this was something I couldn't figure out in that manner. :o) Maybe Marie will see this herself. :o)
Thanks in advance for any light you can shed on this!
~ TygrEyes
p.s. Do you think I should re-submit my order?
truthsayer
04-10-2003, 11:01
i'd send her an email since you've already sent in the form. i emailed her instead of sending the order form and she answered me back.
Tyger, you have a PM:)
I got Tyger's order but there was a period of time, around when everyone was getting attacked by that virus, that I know orders weren't getting through. If anyone else sent in an order but hasn't heard from me don't hesitate to let me know!
Also, I Show that I am caught up with everyone who has ordered a deck but there are some people I have not been able to reach to tell them their deck is ready. If you have been waiting but haven't heard from me, drop me an email, your deck is most likely done.
Thanks! You guys have been beyond great!
vita dolce,
Marie
TygrEyes
04-10-2003, 12:02
Thanks for your response Truthsayer.
And thank you Marie for getting in touch with me AND sharing your talent & vision with everyone.
I'm doing a Snoopy happy dance!
I'm just thrilled anyone is interested!
This is one of my favorite recent acquisitions! I love to take it out of the cool bag it came housed in, and just ooh and ahh over it!
Marie's take on the cards is often unique and exciting. I like to conceive of tarot as a language, and deck variations as different dialects...each has a slightly different way of expressing the concept. The Empress is beautiful, actually off her throne, carrying a baby and a skirt full of apples!
The amount of love, energy and attention that has gone into this deck is spectacular! I can't wait for the full 78 card version to come out -- it will likely become one of my favorite reading decks.
My advice -- GET IT!
Asher
cyclamen
19-09-2005, 17:26
Ohhh...... the art for these is so beautiful. This is one of the most beautiful decks I have ever seen. I can't wait for it to be finished, it's so heartbreakingly lovely.
Anyhow, I have a question for those who have gotten the limited edition - can you describe how the cards feel? Are they extremely stiff or thick? I would love to get them but I have small hands and have a hard time holding really stiff or slippery cards. They just fly all over the place, so I was curious about that. Thanks! :)
RichardDirt
22-09-2005, 14:36
I am dying for this to finally be published, though it looks like it will be a few more years. (
Rachel Nguyen
23-09-2005, 13:23
Anyhow, I have a question for those who have gotten the limited edition - can you describe how the cards feel? Are they extremely stiff or thick? I would love to get them but I have small hands and have a hard time holding really stiff or slippery cards. They just fly all over the place, so I was curious about that. Thanks! :)
They are pretty thick, yes. I don't shuffle them using the poker style shuffle.... They are each laminated, and I believe there are two or three layers of paper inside the laminate.
BUT... they are just gorgeous, and there are only 26 of them in the first limited edition. (the Trumps plus the Aces) so it really doesn't seem unmanageable to handle them. When the rest of the deck is available, it is going to be really thick, I think. But I will definately try and get it. I love the deck.
Rachel