Blue Rose Tarot

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 31 Oct 2001, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Lee	31 Oct 2001
I just received this deck a few days ago, and I thought I'd write a little bit about it for those who might be interested (hi, Faunabay! :)) The Blue Rose Tarot is a self-published deck created by Paula Gibby. It's a collage deck. Paula has acknowledged the inspiration she got from Arnell Ando's Transformational Tarot. To me the deck looks like a combination of the Transformational and Voyager. Unlike Voyager, the deck uses paintings and illustrations as well as photographs. Also unlike Voyager, the cards are very much oriented toward Rider-Waite meanings for the cards, although they don't look anything like the Rider-Waite. This deck is now my absolute favorite Tarot deck, and the reason is because, to me, the images express the standard meanings with a vividness that I haven't seen in any other deck. The *feeling* of the card really jumps right out at you. Also, while each card expresses its standard meaning, there's always a twist which enables you to go deeper into the card. Many of the images also suggest a wider social or environmental context. I also find the pictures more esthetically pleasing than either the Transformational or Voyager. The deck is actually made by Carol Herzer, who does the Illuminated Tarot, and it's of very high quality. The cards are laminated on the picture side, and the reverse side is backed by a blue vinyl backing. The deck is rather expensive at $125, but I feel it's well worth it, because of the quality of the images and the quality of the physical deck, which must be quite expensive to produce. I've sworn off buying decks for a while, so I can give my bank account time to recoup the loss! :) The cards are large, about 5" by 3", similar in size to the Celtic Wisdom deck. The colors are very vivid. You can see the entire deck here: http://www.tarotpassages.com/pgtar1.htm Although the cards as shown on the website have inconsistent fonts for the card titles, that's been fixed on the actual deck, and now they're all consistent. Also, the Tower card has been changed to an entirely new image from what's on the site. On the site you can find an e-mail address for Paula, if you're interested in ordering. Paula is in the process of writing a book to accompany the deck, and everyone who purchases the deck will receive the book when it's finished. -- Lee

numbrel	31 Oct 2001
Lee, Thank you for posting about this. The cards look wonderful. I checked out some of the pips and looked at the 5 of swords, because that came up recently for me and was suprised to see a whole discussion of the card. Do you know if that is part of the book being written for the deck? Oh well. Maybe someday I can spend $125 on a deck. numbrel

Lee	31 Oct 2001
Hi, numbrel -- I think there are several cards on the website which have text underneath the card scan, and I'm not sure, but I think those will be a part of the complete text that she's writing. Oh, by the way, I forgot to say that a really nice lined bag comes with the deck, to keep it in.

faunabay	31 Oct 2001
I'm SO jealous!!! I want this deck so bad (don't have the money though) ....pouts.... The images are striking. I've looked at most of the pictures on the site Lee posted. I like so many of them I couldn't begin to tell you my favorite. And if the little snippets she's written under some of the cards are any indication, her book will be marvelous. It'll be sent to anyone who's bought the deck when it's finished free of charge. wooohooo For people who love animals (like I do :) ) check out the new deck she's working on too. The Animal Tarot!! The death card shows a little black and white cat looming over a small fish tank. LOL

Molly	26 Jun 2002
I am a new tarot student/collector. I came across the Blue Rose tarot at tarotpassages about two weeks ago and I cannot stop thinking about it. I have viewed every card, and I just resonate with every single one of them. It looks like such an impressive deck! I can't find any reviews of it online though; I assume because not many people have it due to its price. I don't care about the price (if I ever save up the money) - I just want to know if it is all I think it is. My question, specifically to Lee, have you done any readings with it? Does it look better in person than online? Do you still use it now, 8 months after acquiring it? TIA for answering my ???s

Lee	26 Jun 2002
Hi, Molly -- Since getting this deck eight months ago, I have become slightly disenchanted with it. Part of that is my natural deck fickleness, but mostly it's because Paula has so far only written a portion of the accompanying book -- I believe half of the Majors and only a few Minors. What she's written is excellent, but it presents a problem, which is that for me, many of the cards aren't really understandable without the text. Actually most of what she's written had already been done by the time I bought it, and only a few card chapters have been added since then. I feel like I don't really want to start getting into the deck until I have the text for all the cards, because there are several cards where Paula has definite things in mind, which are impossible to know without the book. Not only is this a practical difficulty, but to be honest, I'm a little miffed that I've paid $125 for a deck and book, and the book is obviously not going to be forthcoming in the near future (to be fair, she could be working on it feverishly and finishing it up as we speak, and I just don't know about it). I did understand when I bought it that the book was unfinished, but here it is eight months later and the status is still basically the same. Paula seems like a really nice person and I don't know what's going on in her life, but I'm sort of up the creek with this deck until I can read the entire book. Also, since I've had more time to examine it, although there are many cards that are right on, there are several cards which just don't resonate with me, and several of these are Majors, so that's cooled my enthusiasm a bit too. Also, not all the collaged elements are of the same picture quality. My guess is some were enlarged to fit the overall image, and these enlarged elements are sometimes fuzzy. This is hard to see on the scans, but the cards themselves are large, so this is more apparent. And the card titles are also a bit fuzzy, and some of them are hard to read because they're white and are often placed against a light background. Now, there are people out there who love this deck and are using it as their main reading deck. I found it frustrating to read with because one card would be absolutely perfect and speak volumes, and then the next card, I would be like, "huh?" I'm hoping that the book will solve this. Reviewers may be holding off on reviewing this deck because they're waiting for the book to be finished so they can review both. I've not reviewed it for the same reason, but part of me feels that since the deck is being offered for sale, it should be reviewed so people know what they're getting. It's hard because the Tarot community is small, and lots of people know each other, and, as I say, Paula is a really nice person. But, to be honest, I don't feel I will have gotten my $125 worth until the book is complete and in my hands, and I haven't gotten any indication that that's going to be happening anytime soon. *However* -- since you're able to look at all the cards on Tarot Passages, if the cards really resonate with you, and you want to spend the money, then by all means, go for it! Hope my babbling has helped -- :) -- Lee

Molly	26 Jun 2002
Hey Lee, Thank you so much for your thorough reply - it wasn't babbling and it helped a lot!! I went back to tarotpassages after I read your post and viewed each of the majors one by one and then a lot of the minors again. I can definitely see your point about the book being helpful and desirable (especially considering the cost)... but honestly I don't mind not having the write-up for each card. It would be great if there was a sample reading using this deck at tarotpassages, even if a review isn't forthcoming any time soon. But even so, I came to a conclusion: I have been reading and studying since I bought my first deck last October, quite regularly. I am currently reading 78 degrees of Wisdom (awesome book!!!) and am getting a better and better grasp of the meanings for the cards... but looking at this deck is the first time I've had ~ that feeling ~ where you just step out of yourself and stand in the middle of the card and feel peaceful and curious and like you understand and you don't understand all at once, but you know no matter what, you'll remember. I am beginning to understand what it means to meditate and visualize using the cards as I view these images. My conclusion is that I must have this deck. I really believe I will use it as my primary reading deck, because as I stare at it, I realize I understand it and it understands me... what an amazing feeling. (so I'm saving.. and hey - my birthday's in September! I just hope I can wait!) Thanks again!!! (and if you ever want to trade it, keep me at the top of your list ::::wink:::::)

Lee	05 Jul 2002
Hi, everyone -- I've just heard from Paula, so I wanted to update everyone on the status of her book, especially after what I wrote above about being impatient for the book to be finished. Fortunately, in my post above I left open the possibility that Paula was working on it feverishly, and that turns out to be the case! She has finished most of the Majors and sent out drafts to those who've purchased the deck, and she's finished most of the Minors and is editing them before sending out the drafts. So my fears about the book not being worked on are completely unfounded, and I apologize to Paula (if she or anyone she knows reads this) for suggesting otherwise. I haven't had a chance yet to read the new chapters she's sent, but I certainly look forward to doing so. -- Lee

Molly	20 Nov 2002
Hey there Lee. I was just wondering if you have received any recent communication regarding the status of the book for the Blue Rose? Thanks!

Lee	20 Nov 2002
Hi Molly, the latest communication I've had was in September, when Paula sent out rough drafts of the Wands and Cups cards. -- Lee :)

Molly	20 Nov 2002
Lee, I was wondering what you meant by "rough drafts" of those cards? I purchased the Blue Rose deck months ago, but have not been sent any further information about the book; I assume I would be on some sort of mailing list, so I'm not worried - just curious. .. Now I am even more curious *G*

Lee	21 Nov 2002
Hi Molly, it may be that Paula is sending rough drafts of chapters of the book only to certain people, in order to get some feedback on them, and may be waiting until the book is finished before sending it out to everybody. I'd suggest e-mailing her, maybe she could give you some more definitive answers. -- Lee :)

Jen	29 Nov 2003
Hi Lee, Did you ever get a complete book for this deck? Is it actually in the form of a book? Thanks

Molly	29 Nov 2003
Hi, Jen. I don't mean to jump in here, but I thought I would share: I sent an email to Paula inquiring as to the status of the book via the the tarotpassages site recently - perhaps two or three weeks ago, perhaps more - and never received a response. I edited this post to remove negative comments regarding communication with Paula, as this situation has been solved to my satisfaction. I am no longer disappointed in any way, and I just didn't want to give anyone new to the thread an inaccurate impression due to feelings I no longer had.

Jen	29 Nov 2003
Molly, Thanks for the reply. Hmmm...I don't think I'll be ordering this one. Yesterday I emailed the author, we'll see if I hear back from her. I like Carol Herzers decks as well. I have her illuminated and I was thinking about order the Chakra Arcana tarot as well. Let me know how you like them, if you get them. Thanks :)

Molly	29 Nov 2003
I know very little about this, but I believe Paula Gibby and Carol Herzer have a deal worked out because Carol has the professional laminator so Carol is the one who actually puts the Blue Rose deck together when it is ordered. I think Paula tells her when a deck is ordered. Most people who have the Illuminated usually really adore it. I love Carol's art (her website is http://www.soul-guidance.com for anyone who is wondering).

Lee	29 Nov 2003
After reading these latest posts, I just sent an e-mail to Paula as well. I am not a happy camper. Let's hope she responds. If not, I'm going on the warpath. -- Lee

Mimers	30 Nov 2003
Wow, I did not realize this deck was supposed to come with a book. I got it used for 40$ in a little shop in NYC. I really love this deck. It is awsome. I would be very interested if a book comes out in obtaining it. Lee, if you do get in touch with her, could you see if she would sell the book separately. If anyone is interested, I have been describing many of her cards in the Comparative threads under using Tarot cards. Mimi

Lee	01 Dec 2003
I received a response from Paula. According to her, the book has just been completed and is being proofread. At that point she'll distribute the book to those who bought the deck. She'll be putting a notice on the Comparative Tarot e-list asking for anyone who bought the deck to contact her if they have new e-mail or residence addresses since they bought the deck, so she can mail them the book. Mimi, my e-mail conversation with Paula was somewhat frosty, so you may want to e-mail Paula yourself to ask her if you can obtain the book. She said she will have a new e-mail address for correspondence regarding the deck, which she'll post on Comparative Tarot. (Apparently she's been having some trouble with the hotmail account she had been using.) -- Lee

Asher	01 Dec 2003
I just got an email from Paula & I just ordered this beautiful deck and book (which will be sent either email or in paper copy). Her address is bluerosetarot@hotmail.com. I sent my email yesterday and got an answer today. Both deck and book are still available. Can't wait to get this one! Asher

Mimers	01 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Lee Mimi, my e-mail conversation with Paula was somewhat frosty, so you may want to e-mail Paula yourself to ask her if you can obtain the book. She said she will have a new e-mail address for correspondence regarding the deck, which she'll post on Comparative Tarot. (Apparently she's been having some trouble with the hotmail account she had been using.) -- Lee Thank you Lee, I will check the Comparative site for her new email. Being that I got the deck used, I don't know if this will entitle me to the book. I sure hope so! Otherwise, I will be sure to buy it. Asher, thank you for her email address. I love this deck, myself and only since this thread resurfaced did I realize what a deal I made!

Asher	10 Dec 2003
I got home today, fully expecting to sit down and grade final exams, until I opened my mailbox and saw the package from Carol Herzer and realized it was my Blue Rose deck! One week from mailing the money order to getting the deck -- incredible! The lined bag included with the deck is beautiful with a title card affixed to the front. The deck itself is so much more beautiful than the scans at Tarot Passages. It's truly breath-taking! And I like the fact that the cards are not exacly the same, perfect size, as it has that hand made feel to it. As with any deck made by Carol Herzer, it is strong and will last for many years to come. This will defintely be one of the stellar decks in my collection! Needless to say, the final exams got put aside -- I'll think about them tomorrow. Asher

Molly	10 Dec 2003
Congrats Asher! I am so happy for you! It truly is a lovely deck. I can't wait to receive the book! Mimers, did you ever get ahold of her new website? I think you should be able to get the book too...

RiccardoLS	11 Dec 2003
If I may add my opinion I must say i really like the Blue Rose Tarot. Along with Arnell Ando's Transformational Tarot it shows the possibilities of collage. The deck is vivid, incredibly impressionist and full of emotion. It is a very striking deck, in substance as in the language it uses. The only drawback is that Paula was so ensorcelled on the single pictures the deck has not a easy wholeness. I got the feeling that changing card was almost to change the deck. And yet, it is truly a great deck (something I don't say often. not at all). It is worth more - imho - than most mass market decks. Best, Riccardo

Mimers	12 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by RiccardoLS The only drawback is that Paula was so ensorcelled on the single pictures the deck has not a easy wholeness. I got the feeling that changing card was almost to change the deck. Riccardo, it is interesting you say this about the deck. It is the induviduality of each card that I really love about this deck! I love how different each card is. There are some however that I don't quite get. Like the Page of Pentacles. This is why a book would be helpful. I haven't emailed her yet. I went to the Comparative site and I did not see her email listed anywhere. Perhaps someone could post it here? I definitely want to get the book. Mimi

Molly	12 Dec 2003
Dear Mimers, Okay. I checked tarot passages and when you click on "contact artist," the email address that comes up is different than the one she posted on CompTarot. I would just use the one she gave on CompTarot, which is bluerosetarot@hotmail.com . I don't think she will mind it being posted here publically, especially in this thread, as this is the thread anyone here would find if they were interested in the deck.

Shadow Wolf	13 Dec 2003
What website is it on ??? I'd love to get a look a them. I'm always interested in expanding my collection !!!

Molly	13 Dec 2003
LOL, Shadow Wolf! http://www.tarotpassages.com/pgtar1.htm You can see every card in the deck by clicking, as well as some of the commentary of the artist. There is a complete book available now with original spreads and commentary on every card, (which is not up on the website yet).

EarthAngel2911	18 Dec 2003
Well, I finally broke down and ordered my own copy of this beautiful deck! I can't wait for it to come! When I got an email from Paula, she said the following: "The proofing of the book is sailing right along. We only have the court cards of the Swords and the entire suit of Pentacles left, along [with] structuring in the reading that James Wells did and the spreads he created. Then Diane Wilkes has to finish her foreword. And that will be it. It's a hefty tome." I'm excited to see James' spreads. It seems like it's going to be very inclusive. It's too bad that I will only have the softcopy (Adobe Acrobat version) included rather than the hard copy, but I can print out if I feel I need it. :) Yay!! I can't wait til it comes! Blessings, Karen

LadyMedusa	18 Dec 2003
Wow what a beautiful deck! It's going to be awhile before I can order it, I have had to cut way back on my deck allowence. Hopefully by the time I have saved up the $ for this one the book will be finished. LadyMedusa

EarthAngel2911	10 Jan 2004
Yay!! My Blue Rose finally came in the mail!! I spent quite a few hours with it yesterday, and I'm in awe of how fast we've bonded! I'm not sure how other people pick their decks, or what the criteria are for a deck hitting the "Favorite" list, but for me it's an unknown quality I have a hard time describing. I've resorted to just calling it "the energies" I feel from the deck, and how it makes me feel around my heart chakra (that's where I feel get my intuitive feelings). I mean, my first criteria is visual, which of course is very unique to every individual. What I may think is gorgeous, someone else might think is too fluffy. But after a deck passes my visual test, the next criteria is "that feeling." For me, there are some decks that I want to like but have to work with them for a while before I click with them. There are some decks that I feel connected to just looking at them online, and when I get them, I still like them, but we don't have a good reading relationship right off the bat. It takes time to develop. Then there are decks like the Blue Rose Tarot. I liked the images from looking at them online, but I wasn't sure how we would work together, since I haven't worked a lot with collage decks. But when I got this deck in the mail, something magical happened! I could feel the energies even before I took the deck out of the package, and I knew I was going to love it! First of all, I love that Carol Herzer publishes this deck. There's just something about her unique card stock that I adore. When you first hold the deck, you think the cards will be too flimsy and fragile, but they're quite the contrary! They're very durable and flexible, by far my favorite card stock out there. (I have three other Carol Herzer decks, and they're all like this.) The one thing you find with some self-published decks is that the edges are not completely uniform. Since I'm a [very gentle] poker-style riffler, it's very important to me that all the top edges are perfectly even. So, I took the time, before even using the deck, to trim all the top edges. This was a little more challenging with Paula's deck because she doesn't have any borders, but that's one of the things that makes this deck so special. So after I trimmed them all up and re-cornered them, I can safely say that my deck and I already have a strong bond! :) So my first spread was a three-card "Get to Know You," and this deck just spoke volumes to me!! I haven't experienced this with any other deck, and that says a lot! (I manage a beginners group and post dailies with different decks that I own. I use four decks a month for comparisons, so I do get my hands on quite a few of the decks I own.) Well, just wanted to share my good fortune with you. ;) I am looking forward to getting the e-book (since I ordered the deck after the book announcement was made), but based on my first spread, I will gain a lot of insights even without it. :) Blessings, Karen

Lee	11 Jan 2004
I've received my Blue Rose book, it looks great, and all is right with the world. :) I have some new information from Paula, for anyone who is interested in the Blue Rose Tarot. For more info or to order, send an e-mail to: bluerosetarot@hotmail.com. With her permission, here's what she wrote: "The Blue Rose Tarot is still available. Back in late October (when the book was close to being finished), I stopped offering the hardcopy as part of the set. Here's the current offering: "Deck and free Ebook: $125 + $7 domestic priority shipping "If someone really wants a hardcopy, then I will make it available for an additional $20 including shipping. "The book is very expensive to print (not to mention my time and the shipping because it weighs a ton!). I was happy to do it for the purchasers of the deck who ordered knowing that the book wasn't even finished. I wanted to do something special for them. But now that the book is readily available for every new/future purchaser, the reason for a free hardcopy is gone. "If I had continued to try to produce the books for every new order, I would have been faced with a decision I didn't want to make: "Raise the price of the Blue Rose or discontinue selling it. "This is a completely handmade deck and the price has never changed in the years I've been selling it. Material costs have not stayed static and the margin is not what it was. I don't want to lose money neither do I want to spend time away from my family making photocopies (this may not be a money loss, but it is a time loss for me). "So, my primary goal became to keep the deck the same price, but STILL have a free companion book for buyers. "So, by completely separating a fee for a hardcopy book I am preventing any escalation in the pricing of the Blue Rose Deck/Ebook. "It gives people a choice and doesn't impact buyers who would rather have a cheaper alternative." Also, Paula tells me that plans are in the works to produce a smaller-size Blue Rose deck (i.e., a mini-deck). She writes: "Carol [herzer, who actually manufactures the decks] and I are still talking about costs and such, but, of course, the deck would be much more affordable to anyone has wanted the deck, but can't invest that kind of money. So I was thinking that, if you would like to mention that I'll be coming out with a smaller size, and for anyone interested to just send me an email to bluerosetarot@hotmail.com, I'll keep them abreast of the progress and notify them of the particulars once the deck is ready to be priced and reproduced." -- Lee

Lee	11 Jan 2004
More info from Paula: "I finalized the details of the small Blue Rose this morning. The price will be $80 and this will, of course, also include a free ebook (I want everyone who buys the Blue Rose to always have the materials that explain the cards). If people are interested, they can email be at bluerosetarot@hotmail.com and they will get on a mailing list to receive the latest news. Carol and I are going to do the same thing with the Animal Tarot. Smaller size, $80." -- Lee

Molly	11 Jan 2004
Thank you so much for the info, Lee. I love the idea of a smaller size of not only the Blue Rose but the Animal Tarot as well! I am really trying to bring my collecting days to an end, but I just can't seem to do it with news like this! I have wanted the Animal tarot for so - it is such an amazing deck! Not to mention how nice it would be to have a smaller version of the Blue Rose to carry around with me.... :::sigh::: ;)

EarthAngel2911	12 Jan 2004
I was also looking at Paula's Animal Tarot. I tell ya, I want it just for the great images of the different animals! But some of the cards stumped me as to why she used certain animals in certain poses. I can assume that she has no book out for this deck, and from what happened with the Blue Rose, probably has no plans to put one out. But she doesn't even have any comments with her cards on Tarot Passages. Does anyone have Paula Gibby's Animal Tarot? And if so, how does it read for you? Blessings, Karen

EarthAngel2911	13 Jan 2004
Well, I guess if I'm interested in the Animal Tarot, I should start a new thread. Well, not now. I'm tired. Maybe tomorrow. :) I just received my e-book tonight and I'm so excited! I can see myself reading this book from cover to cover! I just think Paula's writing style is so poetic; I know I'm going to enjoy this book! Molly, have you gotten your book yet? What do you think so far? Karen (As soon as I reach 100 posts, which I'm trying to do tonight, I'm changing my avatar to the blue rose! ;) )

Molly	14 Jan 2004
{{{{{{ waving to all (hi Karen *wink*) }}}}}} (I am so sorry; we are packing to move cross-country in less than a month and work has been swamping me ... *panting to catch my breath*) I received the hard copy version of the book a few days ago, and it by far more than I expected or anticipated, and more than I even hoped for. It is just as special as the deck itself and I am so SO thankful that I held on to the deck and waited out the book. If anyone new to the Blue Rose finds this thread and wonders if the book is worth the extra money, definitely YES! It is readable like a novel and invaluable for understanding some of the amazing and beautiful images of this deck, especially the minors. It is a spiral bound book, 8 x 10, with color image for the cover and back of the Blue Rose card that adorns the bag that the deck comes in. There is an introduction by Paula and a Foreward by Diane Wilkes. The final section treats us to sample spreads, two created specially for the deck, as well as a sample reading by James Wells and two by Diane Wilkes. It totals 263 pages! I have not had the time (obviously *wink*) to read the book as far into it as I would like, but it has a personal narrative. The essays are written as though Paula were talking to you herself. This is a personal deck and a very personal look at one person's tarot journey. If this is something you can afford, it WILL be a treasure for any tarot lover. (*running off again*)

Lee	14 Jan 2004
I agree with Molly, the book is definitely worthwhile. It's a very personally written and deep exploration of the Fool's Journey. It also solves all the problems I had with the deck, which arose from my not knowing where Paula was coming from with many of the cards. Now I know, and it really increases my appreciation of the deck. Just to clarify, the only extra money one would have to spend is if one wants a hard copy of the book. When you buy the deck, the price includes the ebook. Although, I would recommend either printing out the ebook or paying extra for the hard copy. It's not much fun to read a Tarot book on a computer monitor (as I found with the Tarot of Timeless Truth). -- Lee

EarthAngel2911	14 Jan 2004
Lee, I agree that it's much nicer to have the hard copy. It's better on the eyes for long periods of reading, not to mention it's more comfy to sit and read on the couch rather than in an office chair in front of the computer. Plus I'm one of those people that carry everything but the kitchen sink with me whereever I go, and this book is one that will be with me for a while! That said, I do like having the e-book version. I can still print out the pages and have Kinko's bind it for only about $5, but yet I have the option of cutting and pasting into my notes without having to re-type everything. Quite a benefit! :) I have only read her Introduction so far, but I was so moved while reading of her experiences and how they coincided with the cards she was working on at the time, it brought tears to my eyes. This woman sure can write! Of course, I haven't delved into this particular book yet, but I've read every one of Paula's reviews on Tarot Passages, and I don't have to read her newest creation to know that it's pure poetry. Ok, I've rambled on long enough! Did you notice my new avatar? In honor of my new favorite deck! Blessings, Karen

The Blue Rose Tarot thread was originally posted on 31 Oct 2001 in the Tarot Decks board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Tarot Decks, or read more archived threads.