robin wood or not ???

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 18 Apr 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Kissa	18 Apr 2002
Hi all, I am considering buying a new deck : I've gotten tired of trying on my own and I've decided to make it right this time : I've ordered a beginner's book and I want to start studying tarot properly. The Robin Wood has come in consideration, although there are some pros and cons. I would really like to hear from people who weren't so interested about it and finally fell for it : what made you change your mind ? does this deck work for you ? Here is my pro/con list : PROS : - open, "frank", honest deck, it seems - Robin has removed most of the christian symbolism - yet as a pagan deck, it seems to be the easiest choice for a (false?) beginner in both tarot and pagan as I am - amazing critics everywhere I've watched at - from her site, Robin seems to be a very interesting, energetic person (cf : "would you like to know who designed your deck ?" ... I most definitely need the "intimate" relationship with the designer as a person ;) CONS : - well actually, there is just one, I am not so fond of the Barbie-ish faces and figures I saw. I am afraid the style won't work for me (I only read ONE review on amazon.com where the reader said said the style didn't quite work for him/her) PLEASE, I need some advise, I must admit I have almost ordered it twice though ! Thanks very much in advance, Kissa

Butterfly	18 Apr 2002
The Robin Wood didn't work for me, i eventually traded it without so much as shuffling it. I just didn't like most of the cards. It didn't click with me in the slightest. I'm trying hard to remember why. Nothing to do with the "barbie doll" aspect- that didn't bother me in the slightest, didn't even notice it. It may have been that the card I heavily identify with- the Empress, is really dowdy and more cronelike than I imagine. I'd always pictured her as young, beautiful, very feminine. Something else is niggling me about the cards that I can't remember. Might have to get back to you on that.

arizonagirl	18 Apr 2002
I personally think that Robin Wood's tarot is marvelous. There is so much symbolism in the cards. I ordered the book from her website and it added a whole new dimension to the cards. She tells what images she included in each card and why, what they mean to her personally. It was SO MUCH better than the LWB that comes with the deck. It wasn't expensive as I recall. So if you do decide to get the deck, please consider adding to your enjoyment of the cards by purchasing her book. Be sure to check the box asking her to sign the book.

Cocobird55	18 Apr 2002
I keep looking at the Robin Wood deck too, mostly because so many people here seem to love it. However, it just isn't my kind of deck. I don't know why -- it leaves me cold. I sometimes think about buying it just because I might learn to like it, but with so many decks that I really like out there, I finally decided why bother? Let's face it -- deck choice is a very personal thing, and not all decks will appeal to all people. Sue

Jenny-Li	18 Apr 2002
Robin Wood is one of the top decks on my list, though I agree with you on the Barbie-thought. What I love in the Robin Wood are mostly the minors, the cards that usually don't stick out very much, if you know what I mean - they all have to be there, of course, but some cards just feel more central to the Tarot-concept than others... My favourite card in the Robin Wood-deck is the 2 of Pentacles..! Definitely one of those that don't usually "stick out", I think many tarot-artiskt put more energy into the Majors and SOME of the minors, but not all. (Whoops, hope noone takes offense now...?) I counted a whole lot more pro's than con's in your list, so I guess you will end up buying it... Let me know what you think of it - I might drag one home soon too...! Love and light, Jenny :)

Malachite	18 Apr 2002
The Robin Wood was the first deck i came into contact with, since a close friend of mine has it, and did a reading for me..;) I actually like the images, I didn;t at all think it was barbie-dollish. THe winner of that prize is the Hanson-Roberts, I think.... Personally, i'd go for it, but the decision is always up to you... Has anyone you know got a copy that you could borrow, if you are comfortable doing that?..

faunabay	18 Apr 2002
Well this was the first deck I found that I could relate to and read without going for the book all the time. (Her book is wonderful though. Definitely get it too if you get the deck) So there was never I time I didn't like it, but I have to agree with butterfly in that the Empress card is not one of my favorites. She is kind of dowdy looking, but isn't horrible IMO so I can still work with it. I just have always loved this deck and never really noticed the Barbie-ish stuff. To me it's just a great overall deck! :)

Kaz	18 Apr 2002
i have this deck and i really like it. barbie dolls, hmm, i never noticed..... i don't find the way she pictures people in this deck disturbing. now i never owned a barbie-doll so i can't really tell you. there is a place where you can see all cards online, decide for yourself if you like the cards. must say the colors are better in real than here on screen though. http://www.rglobal.net/user/nodntap/robin_wood_deck.html kaz

Kissa	18 Apr 2002
THANK YOU tremendously, all of you ! A special thanks to Kaz, for the address where I was able to see all the deck, just what I needed to finally make up my mind. As Jenny-Li noticed, there were anyway more pro's than con's ;) I hope I didn't offend anybody by mentioning the barbie-dollish faces. I read it in two reviews but I am not sure where anymore since I have been basically browsing everywhere for the last three days to see pics of this deck. And finally (as usual?) the solution came from Aeclectic netties and their tips, this time it was from Kaz ;) Now friends, I go back "Home" and fly to Amazon to get my copy asap. I AM HAPPY ABOUT MY DECISION !!!! The minors seem sooo clear !!! MI-RA-CLE !!! Overwhelmed Kissa

Kaz	18 Apr 2002
hope you will enjoy your new, soon to arrive, deck kissa. and others suggested the book that goes with it, maybe you should check it out.... kaz

MeeWah	18 Apr 2002
Sorry I am so late to this thread but the Robin Wood deck is one of several favorites & I use it often for readings & ritualistic purposes. It is well-suited for the latter. I saw a demo deck at a local head shop, which is what convinced me to get it. It was not until after I started working with it that I realized it is a Pagan-themed deck which I like very much! I think the only card I had some doubts about was Wheel of Fortune until I saw it as the stages of life--Maiden, Mother, Crone. Deck choice is a very personal process, so what appeals to one person will not appeal to others. Whatever deck you decide to get, it is a good idea to get a look at it first yourself if possible. How a deck appears online, for example, is different than viewing it in the physical.

Tarotbear 2	19 Apr 2002
I love the Robin Wood Deck! I also met her on at least 3 occassions, and had her autograph one of my Magician cards. I also have number 64 of her first 500 signed copies of her book. Can you tell I am a Robin Wood fan? 8) 8) 8) I use this deck as my personal deck.

Talisman	19 Apr 2002
Tarotbear Jr., You look as if you're runnin' 'round naked with so few posts. Others have said this, but I'd like to reiterate: If you get the deck, if you like the deck, then be sure and get the book. I think it is the best book/deck combination I've seen. (Since I only have four decks, you may consider my recommendations pretty feeble, but my second best book/deck combination is Alexandra Genetti's Wheel of Change.) Wood obviously takes her craft and her art very seriously. But, she doesn't take herself seriously. She has a wicked sense of humor, and is willing to share it with the world. How could you ever take anyone seriously (I'm thinkin' of many of the world's politicians) who doesn't have a sense of humor? You can Goooogle her up, and try Livingtree Grove, her Wicca site. Tarotbear, I'd like to meet her too! But what could I do? Stick my size 12 foot in my mouth, and mumble, "Well . . . er . . . I, er, think, er, you're funny . . . and, er, good, and . . . Nice book!" Talisman

Kiama	19 Apr 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Malachite The Robin Wood was the first deck i came into contact with, since a close friend of mine has it, and did a reading for me..;) And that would be me! Anyway... This deck was THE deck that burst that horrible bubble that surrounds the meanings of the Minors... That impenatrable bubble... The Minors in this deck have just as much symbolism, just as much thought, just as much importance as the Majors... That is always a good thing. The artwork is downright brilliant, and I had never noticed the Barbie-doll thing until it was mentioned on these forums! (Hey, does that mean that if we look as good as the people in the Robin Wood Tarot, we look like Barbie dolls? Sure hope not!) Again, I say... Get the book. I didn't until after about 8 months of using the deck, and wished I had got it sooner! Kiama

Scorpion	19 Apr 2002
Hi, Jenny-Li! You asked how we came to buy our Robin Woods - in my case, I don't think I'd taken much notice of it: if I'd seen it in the shops, the Magician on the box hadn't grabbed me (and I am an avid collector!). Then I bought "Tarot Plain and Simple" by Anthony Lewis. Even then, it took me a while to realise that I actually quite liked the artwork - the Fool on the cover didn't really grab me - and after a while I started to look for it. And I was told it was out of print and they didn't know when it was coming back in! Now, while I can't claim dramatic encounters like Kiama's skirmish with all those Japanese tourists (they wouldn't fit in this tiny shop! - by the way, Kiama, there must be photographic proof of all that?), this IS a "magic" shop and lo and behold, the only copy I'd ever seen of the Haindl (apparently sympathising as it too had recently been out of print) obviously sensed my desolation at the news and decided to take it upon itself to console me by leaping out of the (locked) cabinet, riffling through my purse and pulling out my credit card and summoning a couple of "must have" books from the other side of the shop on its way to the till! So you'll be pleased to hear that all was not lost. Except that a couple of days later I found a Robin Wood deck in Borders....... Quote: Originally posted by Jenny-Li My favourite card in the Robin Wood-deck is the 2 of Pentacles..! Definitely one of those that don't usually "stick out", I think many tarot-artiskt put more energy into the Majors and SOME of the minors, but not all. (Whoops, hope noone takes offense now...?) I do now love these cards although I find them quite hard to read with. I can see what attracts you to the 2 of Pentacles and my own favourites are from the Pentacles suit - primarily the 3 (there's so much skill in that work), but also the 6, the 9 and the Ace. I don't think of it as "Barbie-ish" although I can see why some people might regard it as such. I am thrilled that it has the very elusive "blank" card - what a wonderful thought that the Universe has bigger plans for you than you can currently imagine! On the downside, while RW based, it does seem to miss out on a lot of the symbolism. I am going to have to get on Robin Wood's website and get her book to see why she's chosen to portray the cards as she has. I'm currently working through "Tarot and the Tree of Life" (solely concentrating on the Minors) which goes through just about every symbol in the RW (I've finally swallowed my dislike and bought the UW) - down to the snail in the 9 Pentacles: which for the writer is an integral part of the card, but is missing in the Robin Wood. So I definitely need that book! Perhaps a Robin Wood Study Group? - to add to all the other ones I haven't managed to join in yet!

Tarotbear 2	19 Apr 2002
Talisman -- I literally walked up to her at a book signing and had the deck with me. Later at a witch fair, I signed up to get the autographed copies of her book---talk about being in the right place at the right time! 8) 8) 8) As far as being TB jr., I tried to post under my regular TB, but was unable to access anything, so I created this TB2 for the limited duration. 8) 8) 8)

Kissa	21 Apr 2002
I found one review where is mentioned the barbie-dollish way the females appear in the Robin Wood deck. If you are curious (I mentioned that kind of reviews at the beginning of the thread and some of you sounded surprised), you can read it here: http://www.web-divination.net/tarot/robinwood.html . Anyway I made up my mind and ordered the deck as I was able to view all cards on a website and the minors are sooo good, I mean the people actually have emotions on their faces so it is much easier to understand the cards than with traditionnal RW. The 2 of pentacles is brilliant ! Kissa

Emily	21 Apr 2002
Hi Kissa, I don't think you'll be disappointed with the Robin Wood, I'd only seen the online scans of it - never seemed to notice the deck before - but I spent about an hour looking through all the scans of the cards I could find then decided to order it. I have the deck infront of me now, only had it about a week I think. The box is very sturdy, made of thick green card and should last a long time. The cards themselves are beautiful, and are very easy to read with :)

Kissa	21 Apr 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Emily I don't think you'll be disappointed with the Robin Wood (...) The cards themselves are beautiful, and are very easy to read with :) Hi Emily, it seems that we had the same approach with this deck. I wasn't interested in it before and from the few pics I had seen, I really didn't understand why it was so popular. I too did watch many pics of the deck from the internet but only when Kaz gave me the address of a site offering pics of ALL deck, it clicked and I ordered it. I ordered it from the US as there was 4-6 weeks delay with european Amazons, or I had to buy the spanish version which was available more easily ! When I watched the minors'scans, their meanings appear so clearly to me that I had to get the deck straight away ! I'll tell you how I like my deck when I receive it !!! Karen aka Kissa

sarahenglish	22 Apr 2002
I went to a metaphysical store here in town as a reward :) for having to drive outside the perimeter for vacuum cleaner bags :( My intention was to look at the Thoth deck, but when I saw the back, I realized that I would be able to see if I was going to have a reversal and that just won't do for me. The one deck I never thought I would buy is the Robin Wood. It is the one used in my favorite book, Tarot Plain and Simple. I love most of the cards but, (and I am embarrassed to admit this) I really don't care about looking at other people's pubic hair and noting whether or not someone is circumcised when I am doing tarot. It's not that I am uptight, it's just not high on my want to look at list. If I want to see someone naked, I can look in the mirror or look at my husband the wrong way, LOL! Well, I looked at every card in the deck and decided that there were only 3 female pubic hair pictures and only 1 penis, so I got it anyway. LOL When I ran across the Tarot Spells book and it had Robin Wood, I figured it was serendipity. I also bought Mary Greer's new book on reversals and Tarot Made Easy by Garen. I was a very very bad girl!!! Good thing I bought enough vacuum bags to last the next century! LOL

Emily	23 Apr 2002
lol Sarah, I wasn't going to mention the nudity in some of the cards - But they are tastefully done, The Star, Lovers and Judgement - The Devil card is really impressive - In fact the whole deck is impressive lol . I see something different each time I look through it :) Also I like these cards because they are numbered instead of roman numerals, I don't seem to get along too well with roman numerals lol :)

Tarotbear 2	24 Apr 2002
Sarah - there's nudity in almost every tarot deck! I can't believe it bothers you! (Then don't buy the Motherpeace tarot - it has boobs everywhere--including on the Hierophant!)

kayne	24 Apr 2002
Oh! I have never really thought I NEEDED this deck... I have a deck that speaks to me so much (Cosmic Tribe :D) so I have not even followed this thread... I just read it. I looked at all the cards and... hmmm... it is now on the list. So many people I respect love this deck - how could I not own a copy??? Thanks fellow Aeclecticans. :)

Jenny-Li	25 Apr 2002
Well almost anyway - I haven't bought the Robin Wood yet, but I called my occult bookstore and asked them to put one aside for me! Gonna pick it up tomorrow! *can't wait!!* And it's all your fault by the way, I don't feel the least bit guilty for buying a deck I can't afford (still unemployed, y'know - maybe I'll have to start giving readings for money. Or start up a Swedish branch of Miss Cleo or whatever it is you call it, I suppose its Tarot-readings by phone, right...?), I just blame it ALL on the bad influences I've been getting here at Aeclectic. :D ;) }) ;) :D You guys are so terrible, I'll probably have to place an order for Seventy Eight Degrees of Wisdom too. And next week I'll get the bank details I need to buy the Mountain Dream Tarot... You awful people... ;) Gaaaaahhhhhhrrrghhhh!!!! I've become an addict!!! Hehe. And I think I like it...! }) 8) }) Happy hugs from Jenny :)

Kissa	25 Apr 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Jenny-Li Well almost anyway - I haven't bought the Robin Wood yet, but I called my occult bookstore and asked them to put one aside for me! Gonna pick it up tomorrow! *can't wait!!* you are so lucky to have a shop nearby where you can get decks !!! I have to order EVERYTHING on-line. Got my Robin Wood from the US. I am very happy with it by the way. Tell me if you like yours ! Hugs to "happy addict" Jenny too !! Kissa

All Is One	25 Apr 2002
Jenny-Li- I think from all the research youve done and input received here- you will like the deck. I've bought so many decks years ago, in bookstores with sealed boxes, no samples, and been horrified to find myself with the "Tarot of the Witches" (hard to admit that. . .- even harder to admit is that I still like the horrid art for its ART- it is just bizarre and has a twisted humor) I have TOTALLY confused feelings over the R Wood- only had it three weeks now- The barbie aspect is icky- and it bugs me so I struggle to ignore that part- What someone said earlier (I scanned down too fast- who ever it was- I wanted to say how much your repulsion towards the Empress is so much of a bigger impediment in my use of the deck, also!!!) My other celtic / pagan deck is my dearly beloved Merlin Tarot- and I'm trying not to compare the two- because the unillustrated minors of the Merlin, and RJ Stewart's depth of study (the book is incredible) makes the Merlin kind of a seperate thing. ~~~~~Here's the cool thing on the R Wood~ It has given me the most wonderful readings!!! I have been using the Thoth, and the Merlin was sort or stashed (seperate issue there) As well as theMagickal Tarot, which is also completely based on Crowley, the Qabala (sp?) and the Golden Dawn..... Hope you get the deck SOON and I'm sure the absolutly pure forces and white light of this deck's energy, IMHO- will make you glad you got it. I haven't seen the book- but now, after the comments frm you all- I'm off to find one asap Alison

All Is One	25 Apr 2002
sorry, Kissa, I got tangled up in that thread and thought Jenny-Li had begun it- hope all who read this thread will, if they decide to buy the Wood deck, have the same radiant readings and experiences I have had ~aw~

Scorpion	26 Apr 2002
Quote: Originally posted by All Is One sorry, Kissa, I got tangled up in that thread and thought Jenny-Li had begun it Hi, All Is One! That's probably my fault - I got confused in the first place! As you can tell, I too love this deck and think it gives good readings. However, I took it with me to a public reading event last night and, as I like to give people a choice of deck, took a few decks with me - and was surprised to find that no-one chose it: my Goddess Tarot was definitely the most popular and I think the last client only chose the Universal Waite cos I announced I was pretty bored with the Goddesses!

Kissa	26 Apr 2002
Hi all, I got my Robin Wood deck form amazon.com, it came 2 days earlier than the earliest approximation : now wasn't that deck in a hurry to come home to Mamma or what ??? ;) I like it a lot. it is funny how the barbie dollish aspect I mentioned in my opening message does not bother me at all, I don't even seem to notice it, probably because I have gotten used to the cards on the internet, even before I got the deck. Nudity is completely ok, the Lovers card for example, is straight forward ;) and I like to see the lovers "in move", going to the same direction, not only standing up in front of each other. This image suits my conception of love very well. There are all kind of people in the deck: blond, dark, young and older ones. They already feel like old friends to me. I think it is really good that they all seem so different, it helps you remembering the cards. (For comparison, the Vision Quest offers very similar faces for all people. You donät get the same feeling of "reality" IMHO) I like the deck box as well, I had never seen this kind before. I was surprised at first because the cards are quite slippery, they are thinner than the Universal Waite cards yet it doesn't seem to be a bad quality, just different, more flexible. Something bugs me in the deck though : the terrible smell of new cards !!!! Any idea how I can get rid of it faster? I got my Tarot for Your Self edition today YEAHHHHHHH ! I haven't opened it yet but I will go sitting on the sofa and start enjoying it as soon as I'm finished reading new messages here ! Kissa

All Is One	26 Apr 2002
Hi people- Kissa I am so happy you like the deck, and I forgot I even noticed that ....the slip and movement of this deck- but (as I posted many times prev.) it has been over three yrs since I had even ONE new deck (temporary sanity set in???) I noticed no smell- but it is big time allergy season here in CA- I smell nothing but the reekiest odors. BUT- if you can find lavender- in people's gardens, in seed packets (I planted 25 ft of English Lav. in seeds sev years ago- thought it was weeds as it came up- and pulled it out) Shops sell the dried lav, and I have it in silk bags all over the place-but you can buy fresh and hang upside dwn- will crumbple into the nicest little "grains" and they are so purposeful to pack a deck in, for clearing energies or for the (plastic-y?) smell. Best thing, and faster method, rub your hands three times w/heavy coat of lotion (all natuall as you can find) or better- lavender oil, or even a nice olive oil. Let it soak in deeply. Then wask it off w/ a dish soap. . . Now shuffle and shuffle and shuffle- even w/out the added oils -your hands have so many lipids they will soak up the smell you mentioned :)

Jewel	26 Apr 2002
Quote: Originally posted by kayne Oh! I have never really thought I NEEDED this deck... I have a deck that speaks to me so much (Cosmic Tribe :D) so I have not even followed this thread... I just read it. I looked at all the cards and... hmmm... it is now on the list. So many people I respect love this deck - how could I not own a copy??? Thanks fellow Aeclecticans. :) Hiya Kayne! I also LOVE the Cosmic Tribe, I have the same experience with it you do (Sarah English this not a deck you even want to cnsider *LOL*). Cosmic Tribe rules! ... anyways back to the subject. Kayne I worked with the Robin Wood as my primary deck for 7 years, it was only set to the side (but not very far, always handy) for the Cosmic Tribe. I still use the Robin Wood for most readings for others, or for studying in public *LOL*. I do not think you will regret it if you get it, if you do I am sure you could trade it in a heartbeat in the trading forum.

sarahenglish	26 Apr 2002
OK, I'm sorry I mentioned the nudity! LOL! I'm not uptight, I guess I'm, just more of an impressionistic type of girl when it comes to nudes in art. Also, I consider the people on my decks to be my friends. Now I love all of you, but I hope you will pardon me when I say that I hope I never see any of you naked LOL! And now that I have lived with my deck, I love it, pubic hair and all!

kayne	26 Apr 2002
Alright... I'm sold! Kiama did a reading for me via webcam last night and I found this deck to really speak to me... (Poor Kiama, don't you hate it when the querant keeps jumping in with what they think the card means?!) I'm definately going to get it and fortunately it pretty easy to find in bookstores around here. :D But Jewel - I kinda' like the attention I get with my Cosmic Tribe in public places... :P Maybe using Robin Wood would give me a different type of attention...

Kissa	26 Apr 2002
Quote: Originally posted by sarahenglish I love it, pubic hair and all! hum hum SE this could be misinterpreted, don't you think ? ;) Love to you too ! Kissa

Jewel	26 Apr 2002
Quote: Originally posted by kayne [b] But Jewel - I kinda' like the attention I get with my Cosmic Tribe in public places... :P Maybe using Robin Wood would give me a different type of attention... *ROFLMAO* you crack me up! I am quite possessive and connected to my Cosmic Tribe, I actually am very picky about who even gets to see it *LOL* ... and that is really odd for me. It is MY deck, and I don't share it *LOL*. Plus, I know many people with delicate sensitivites and little to no knowledge of Tarot and would this it is simply pornography *LOL*. The funny thing is that I don't even see the people as naked anymore, I see them as open or closed, receptive or not ... very interesting the way the CT makes me view it.

kayne	26 Apr 2002
Jewel: I am the same! I actually am surprised when someone is a little shocked at the nudity now... Actually, I do all my readings for other people with the Cosmic Tribe, my friends and family don't mind a bit of nudity... :P (Actually, this would be a good topic for the CT study group which has been a bit... quiet lately...)

Kaz	26 Apr 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Kissa I got my Tarot for Your Self edition today YEAHHHHHHH ! I haven't opened it yet but I will go sitting on the sofa and start enjoying it as soon as I'm finished reading new messages here ! get in the studygroups forum and join the threads about this book, it's great discussing it with others who have done the exercises already or do it together. kaz

Kissa	26 Apr 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Kaz get in the studygroups forum and join the threads about this book, it's great discussing it with others who have done the exercises already or do it together. I was thinking of taking the Learning the Tarot course now and join the TFY studygroup later. I was hoping that there would be a re-run in some time, with a bunch of new ppl and "experienced" students to enlightened us ;) Kissa

Kissa	26 Apr 2002
I have to tell you this !!! I gave All Is One's method a try and I decided to get rid of the plastic smell of my new Robin Wood deck TONITE. The smell was so bad before, I couldn't do anything with the cards except from watching them. I didn't want to try and bond with them as I was so bothered with the smell I feared it might spoil everything. I wanted everything to be perfect for our first date, I have to admit I was a little bit shy too, afraid of being awfully disppointed if the deck didn't like me or didn't want to speak to me ... Well here I was on the sofa, shuffling like a mad tarot student ;)And that felt ok, the smell had gone so something told me to just go for it. And I shuffled. Suddenly I heard "Here I am !" and the Page of Swords fell from my hands. I really think the deck told me that its personality is Page of Swords. I smiled a lot, it felt so right. I remember a thread where someone said they ask their deck three questions for the first encounter : What do you want from me ? what will you teach me ? what will our relationship be ? I decided to ask the two last ones as I already had a clue about what kind of challenge the deck was giving me with the Page of swords "personality" card. The following two cards I got were The Hermit and The Lovers. No need to say how I now feel about WORKING or shall I say LIVING with Robin Wood deck !!!! Guys, thank you for convincing me to buy this deck, from the very bottom of my heart, I found a dear friend tonite and it is thanks to other dear friends ! :) LOVE LOVE LOVE to you all ! Kissa Second thoughts !!! Do you think that my intuition about the deck's personality might be wrong ? Does someone else have such an experience ? I remember ppl saying that Robin Wood is a straight-forward, frank deck. I felt like a person coming straight to me with a big smile on their face and their hand ready to grab mine as the Page card fell. It is the first time ever that I have such an intimate contact with a card: I mean I was not trying to read it, I just FELT it clearly. I can only imagined the amused look on all the experienced, wiser tarot readers' faces (citizens, elders even sages !!!) whose inner-self is so accurate and free ...

jade	26 Apr 2002
fairy and i just got this deck to review for llewellyn. unfortunately the nudity has thrown poor fairy so i'm going to do the review for it. the only con i have so far is the nudity. a fig leaf would be nice here and there LOL in light, jade :) ps but other than that it seems like a good deck...........i don't really have an opinion yet though cause i haven't really used it much.

DollChica	26 Apr 2002
My daughter was put off by the nudity a little at first. I explained to her that we all come into the world naked. I don't understand the blatant nudity these cards either, but it's not like the Giger. I won't let her clap eyes on those.

Zhritza	27 Apr 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Kissa [bwell here i was on the sofa, shuffling like a mad tarot student ;)and that felt ok, the smell had gone so something told me to just go for it. and i shuffled. suddenly i heard "here i am !" and the page of swords fell from my hands. i really think the deck told me that its personality is page of swords. i smiled a lot, it felt so right.[/b] The Robin Wood Page of Swords is maybe the most exuberant image I have ever seen, certainly in tarot if not beyond. It lifts me up into the clouds when I look at it! Genuinely inspiring.

Jenny-Li	27 Apr 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Kissa you are so lucky to have a shop nearby where you can get decks !!! I have to order EVERYTHING on-line. Got my Robin Wood from the US. I am very happy with it by the way. Tell me if you like yours ! Hugs to "happy addict" Jenny too !! Kissa Actually... I prefer to get my decks on the net - the people in that store are just so unpleasant, they've got bad vibes hanging around like a bad smell all over the place - yuck! But this time, the web-store I usually use (it's a swedish one, guess most of you aren't interested - they don't have very much...!) raised the price of the Robin Wood with about $10 the very same afternoon I was going to order it (GAAAAAHHHHHRRHRHHGGHHH!!). So in the end by buying it from that store downtown was cheaper AND faster, I decided to hold my breath and go in there...! So what do I think of the deck..? Well... To be honest - the World Spirit is definitely still MY deck, the R. Wood and I haven't really clicked... (Well, I haven't been in the mood for any readings today, I've sort of just spent the day shuffling and looking at cards - "shuffling like a mad tarot student" as Kissa put it, yep that would be me too! ;) Maybe when I start to read with it things will fall into place.) I still like the pictures, but I'm not sure I _feel_ as much for it as I would like. But as I said, it might be just me... I will definitely give it some time and energy! (Tried to sleep with it under my pillow last night, but had to give up - it was just too uncomfortable! Guess right beside me will have to do...! :D) But one thing gets me wondering, and that is the backs. To me they seem very... "loud" - do you guys know what that pattern is, and am I the only one who is bothered by being shouted at by the back of the deck...? ;) I've been wanting to keep a deck at work, maybe the Robin Wood is the one that will keep me company during office hours...! Light and love, Jenny :)

Emily	28 Apr 2002
Hi Jenny-Li, I'd noticed the backs of the Robin Wood too, the fronts of the cards are so subtle and detailed then turn them over and the backs sort of hit you in the face, black, white and green in a modern celtic knot design (I think) - but they don't seem to match the box or the fronts of the cards. :)

sarahenglish	28 Apr 2002
I felt the same way about the backs at first. Now, I find them comforting. Go figure!

HudsonGray	29 Apr 2002
According to her book, the design wasn't her first choice, it was the publisher's request to go with that one. She had a very different design that she preferred but bowed to their decision. Personally I don't really mind it.

zander770	28 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Jenny-Li My favourite card in the Robin Wood-deck is the 2 of Pentacles..! Definitely one of those that don't usually "stick out", I think many tarot-artiskt put more energy into the Majors and SOME of the minors, but not all. (Whoops, hope noone takes offense now...?) being a capricorn and using the decantes of the zodiac, my "signifier" is the TWO OF PENTACLES! ha! good morning, all...i, too, am looking at the robin wood deck (i WILL purchase another deck, next month), but, i TOO am "teetering," and, mostly because (purhaps) i AM an experienced tarot reader and g.:d.: 3*=8# degree member, and, wood's deck "seems to be" For Beginners (this may just very well be an "ego thing" on my part, because--as we all know--if "the deck 'works for you...'"), and, i've yet to "hold the cards," only seeing them on-line, etc. i DO like her artwork in scott cunningham's books and that her deck has a general "celtic flare" to it! in part, due to my training (and/or "rigid mind"?!?) i suppose i'm suspect when someone says anything "against" tradition and antiquity, e.g.: "throw your texts away and just....be! go w/the flow. don't 'hurt' anybody..." i mean, at this point in my Life w/Tarot, i hardly need "the books" to fall back on, in readings, so...how would this deck be "benefitial," for me? that's just what's on my mind...look: when a deck causes so much talk & praise in the tarot community--and, lord knows, i've been "dragging my feet!"--one obviously takes notice! i also am considering the william blake and/or enochian decks. i have/use four decks, currently (and haven't bought a new deck in...hmm...apx five-yrs! so: it's Time): the new ritual g.:d.: tarot (my fav); the g.:d.: tarot (robt wang); the tree of life deck (2nd fav); and the b.o.t.a. deck (i HIGHLY recomend this deck for meditation, study, et al.). this is a Great Tarot Site, and i look forward to contributing, very much! 770, zander from dander

RingTheory	28 Oct 2002
Okay, this might seem off-the-wall, but my biggest problem with the Robin Wood is that alot of the cards remind me of David Spade, the guy from the Tv show "Just Shoot Me'...especially in cards like the Hanged Man, the four of wands, and worst of all, the five of swords....is it just me?

HudsonGray	28 Oct 2002
Gawd, I hate David Spade! I think it might be you, I didn't see it in my deck. Sorry.

Keslynn	28 Oct 2002
I don't mind the artwork on the Robin Wood. If anything it's a lot less Barbie-ish than the Art Nouveau (Matt Myers), and I have no problems with that deck either. I don't know. For some reason, this deck never clicked with me. I think it's great for teaching tarot and explaining the majors to people. However, anytime I used this deck, it just told me what I wanted to hear. I don't find that of any use to me. But I do know that many people have this as their main deck. :) Kes

Jewel	29 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by zander770 that's just what's on my mind...look: when a deck causes so much talk & praise in the tarot community--and, lord knows, i've been "dragging my feet!"--one obviously takes notice! i also am considering the william blake and/or enochian decks. i have/use four decks, currently (and haven't bought a new deck in...hmm...apx five-yrs! so: it's Time): the new ritual g.:d.: tarot (my fav); the g.:d.: tarot (robt wang); the tree of life deck (2nd fav); and the b.o.t.a. deck (i HIGHLY recomend this deck for meditation, study, et al.). Hi zander! from the favorite decks you listed you seem to have an interest in decks that use the Tarot/Tree of Life connection. The Robin Wood does not really go there. With that said I will share that the Robin Wood is great from beginners and experienced readers alike. If you are more interested in esoteric decks, then perhaps this deck is not for you ... if you like decks with a pagan feel you will like this deck. Hope this helps.

zander770	30 Oct 2002
i just ordered the r.w. deck from my favorite store down the street and i'll get it tomorrow! boy howdy!

zander770	24 Dec 2002
well? i've had my r.w. deck now for three weeks and--since "the proof is in the pudding," i think that it is, at least--i really REALLY am "clicking," synching-up very nicely, indeed, w/her deck!!! i've had not two, but THREE really REALLY accurate readings w/them, already...you know, the "scary kind," the kind that make their way Out OF the newspapers, OUT From behind the local television morning AND evening program's (and, i may just post them on the "most interesting, yet frightening reading's" thread, or start that spread, if that's not what the other is titled. yes, i think ms wood has an incredible, sharp, but modern, yet scathing and sardonic sense of humor and wit about her! (in the forward to her book, titled, _the robin wood tarot the book by robin wood_, she writes four, short, yet very succinct and well chosen words, and, in only a mere two sentences, one atop, the other? below: "All Right. You Win."* the * is to indicate that, yes, indeed there's a footnote; no, i am wrong, again; there are TWO "footnotes," and one is signified, thusly: ** no, again; no, TWO are signified, thusly: **. yes. now, yes! there are THREE footnotes. there are seven lines of words, as well. i have not counted the sentences. yet. i WOULD suggest very strongly in advising you to buy the companion book, too. it really does give much, MUCH more insights and clues into the cards, things inwhich my friends, who do not possess the book, are always quite surprised to hear me when i mention a point or a symbol or sign or flower of specific tree type regarding celtic tree language, or... can you, too, see that there's an octopus by the queen of cup's left foot? that there're whales out in that ocean? that key #3/the empress is wearing earrings? and, that if you look closely, there are monkey's "monkeying around," for all to see, in key #15/the devil? (and, i think that her interpretation of that card is not only unique and "helpful," but in expands the symbolism and true, real meaning of what the card means, or, can mean, w/out losing, ever, any of its integredy. plus, i love the use of chains as inverted pentagram! and that statement is coming out of a life-long, capricorn, golden dawn folower, and a crowley maven's mouth! jesus was a capricorn, too, you must have knew. i do not, or, i cannot chose, or pick between which suit, over all, attracts me the most...the wands, certainly, for bright, shrill, morning-colors and symbols; but, the cups? they're shear artistic achievements! and the pentacles? for plot and story, i'd say...the stories have but begun to spin from me through them! and: what about that 8 of wands card, ah? ah? now what i'm saying? have you seen it, yet? the one showing eight "jet propelled wands . . . breaking out of orbit, past our earth, past jupiter, by way of the moon . . . and also past one of the moons of jupiter? beyond them is the sky, rich w/stars." have you seen it, yet?!? these are but a few things (which i've written ms wood, about, because, i've not read the answer--if there IS an answer, i.e.,--in her book, nor in her various interviews. she's actually even surprised me, very much, by answering quite a few of my questions, in fact. for example: all of the cards, at bottom, have "ribboned banners" which "extend" and "brake" the boarders of the card. now, then, please observe key #1/the magician (no, not the banner at the bottom! look up to the top), at the antler's he wears. note that...what? what do you see? same as me? the antler's tops break the boarders of this card, as the banner's of every other card do at their bottom. however, the magician key is The Only, sole card to do this. he is special, very, VERY special, indeed. at least (or, especially), he is to ms wood. he is to me, too! when gazing upon key #5 the hierophant, does almost everybodyhere sorta see what i sorta see? that he's sort of like "wearing a mask," or, even "another face" over all that pancake make-up? do you think that she thought this to be so obvious as to make "waste" of paper, ink, or thought by mentioning this fact, anywere, to anybody? is it a secret? WHAT is the secret? is there some SECRET? tell me! tell me The SECRET!!! please. she told me, herself, she did: "Besides, if I told everyone everything, it would cut the person looking at the cards out of the creative process altogether, and I don't want to do that. "So, some things you will find; and it's possible that no one else has ever found them at all. Sometimes, the reasons for having that thing on that particular card will just come to you. Sometimes, you'll find yourself meditating on it until you figure it out. But that's your part of the job." did i mention her great sense of humor and sardodic wit, above, somewhere? i think that i did, i think. i beleive that to be so, i do, so... so what is WITH "the One, Single Blank and Deathly White-Ill card, do you think, anyway, ah? i received my inscribed book and, also, my favorite, most meaningful tarot card--the 2 of pentaces, signed, too, directly through ms. wood, and i thought it was mutually beneficial for us, both. her email addrs is: chat@robinwood.com slan leat, ~Z~770 :T8W

wavebreaker	24 Dec 2002
I didn't like the Robin Wood at first, because the artwork just didn't appeal to me (yes, too much Ken and Barbie for me as well...). Then I read the interview with Robin Wood here on Aeclectic, and I really liked her take on things. So I decided to buy the deck, and the book. When looking through the cards, I still had the same feeling about the cards, about the artwork not really speaking to me. But I did see how I would be able to work with them, because of what the cards were telling me. Last weekend I finally found the time to start working with it. I did two readings with it (starting, of course, with a New Deck spread...) and they both worked out very well. I looked up several cards in the book as well, to see what Robin Wood herself had to say about them and again, I really like her take on things. So even though I still have the same opinion about the artwork as before, I do like the deck!

tarotbear	24 Dec 2002
I am one of the biggest fans of the Robin Wood deck. I wanted it long before it was even in print, mostly because I had purchased 'Tarot Spells' and it used the deck, but the deck did not come out for almost a year later! I had used the 'Tarot of the Moon Garden' until that point and was so happy when I chucked it for the Robin Wood. I find the images to be very helpful and clear. You will further enjoy them should you purchase the book that Robin wrote a few years ago where she explains WHY she did or didn't do certain images on her deck. I have met Ms. Wood at least 3 times, and she signed a copy of her deck for me - the one I use for spellwork. I have a second deck that I use for my personal deck. I also own copy #68 of the first 500 editions of her book (brag brag brag). If you purchase this deck and don't like it - send me the deck; I'll take it off your hands.

RedWood	24 Dec 2002
I have only seen this deck online..and just dont like it...I dont want to buy a deck I dont like in the first place..Maybe..Someday..I may..but for now..not appealing at all.

MystiqueMoonlight	29 Dec 2002
Well I have to say I am surprised at myself :) I got the Robin Wood deck (thanks Meewah). It was a deck I had considered for many years, but never bought it because I thought it too simplistic. It blows my mind. This deck is actually not a simplistic as first impressions may seem. I haven't read with it, but I look forward to my first reading with it. Together with my Thoth this deck is the other alternative for me I think.

MeeWah	29 Dec 2002
Mystique: Glad to know the Robin Wood works for ye! I agree that the deck is not simplistic & speaks from more than a mundane level. It is a example of appearances being deceiving :) Mine is so well-used its edges are getting that blown-out look; however, it still consistently provides the insight I have come to associate with it.

The robin wood or not ??? thread was originally posted on 18 Apr 2002 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.