Renaissance Tarot

[Kiama]

Hi all,

My boyfriend bought me the Renaissance Tarot by Jane Lyle for Christmas, and I've just found the time to properly look through it.

And I must say, whilst the deck is beautiful, I am quite disappointed. It's just another clone of the Rider Waite, but done with what looks like metal figures in the cards... There's really no readability to it, and if there was, it is overshadowed by the other more readable decks out there.

And I so wanted to like this deck as it was a Christmas gift... :( Can somebody convince me that there is something more to this deck? Does anybody use it for readings and find it works well? Has anybody got any insights from the cards that they didn't find in other decks?

Please, help me like this deck!

Kiama

[Lee]

I quite like this deck, although I haven't used it for readings lately, but I certainly think it's a readable deck. The pips are pictorial but not as pictorial as the RWS, although suggesting the same meanings. You aren't going to find the same depth of meaning in the Minor scenes as the RWS, but it's still readable. Mostly the appeal for me is that I like the art style, and the iconic look of the figures. But art is so subjective, either you like it or you don't. The faceless people on the Minors take a little getting used to, but I like them, it takes race and gender out of the picture.

Here's a nice positive review:

http://www.illuminationtarot.com/insights/secret_rena.html

-- Lee

[Dasani]

Sorry,
I have it & it's put away. I don't care for the pictures. Mabee next year something will click & you'll like the cards. Good Luck.

[Moonbow*]

I have looked as this set many times and wondered about it. I'm thinking after what Lee has said that its worth a try, most decks have something to offer.

Moonbow*

[Asher]

I was about ready to say "blahhh" but that was from memory. I remember getting this deck, looking through it once and putting it on the shelf.

But to be fair, I took it out, and to my surprise, I find it a very attractive deck! It is much more colorful than I remember and it has enough symbolism (especially in the Minors) to be quite readable.

It feels like I have a new deck! :) Think I will take it with me to Circle this weekend.

Asher

[de stijl]

This is an older topic but I wanted to top it because this is my favorite deck of the ones I own. I can see how the art isn't for everyone but I find it quite approachable and pretty and I just find it to be a really friendly deck if that makes any sense. A lot of the images I find both sensual and cute at the same time. I always use it for personal readings. One thing I really like about it is the facial expressions on some of the cards. Justice has the perfect impartial look and Strength and the Star look lovely and serene.

[Jewel-ry]

Hi everyone,

Just bought this deck (they let me open in the shop to make sure I wanted it before I bought it!). It has a simplicity about it that I really like. I really click with the artwork and I really like it. I havn't had chance to look at the book yet but it looks pretty meaty. When I have had the chance to really play with it I will let you know what I think but first impressions are coooool.

J :)

[Lleminawc]

Just got this deck for the simple reason that my local Oxfam shop had a brand-new set for £3.99. Never could resist a bargain.

I was curious to see how other folk had got on with it and this was the most recent thread I could find. Kiama, did you manage to overcome your disappointment eventually?

I do like the appearance of the cards - the "3-D" design is certainly original and the uncluttered style makes a refreshing change from some other modern decks. But I'm a little confused about the philosophy behind it. The write-up in the accompanying booklet gives the impression that it's intended as a "revisionist" deck, focussing on Renaissance symbolism rather than the later occultist accretions. But this seems at odds with having a suit called "Pentacles", and retaining the Golden Dawn names for the trumps and much of the RWS imagery.

I did a "new deck" one-card reading and got a kindly-looking King of Cups, a fishtailed merman holding a trident. This seems to suggest a more intuitive approach when using this deck - or perhaps he was just attracted by the sea view from my window ...