wheel of change deck
Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 05 Apr 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.
| truthsayer |
05 Apr 2002 |
|
i have been fighting buying this deck for about 6 months now. it just didn't look like my kind of deck but i finally gave in this week and WOW! what a deck! definitely not a traditional deck but the author seems to think more like me than any other that i've read. she doesn't number the major arcana. in fact, in her book alexandra genetti, makes clear that she thinks the minor arcana is prob or more significance than the majors. what a revolutionary idea! i've never seen court cards i could so easily relate to. for example, the knight of cups is my favorite. it's shows a man playing a clarinet? on a street corner trying to raise money for ppl in need at christmas. that card is me incarnate.the caption reads "reaching out to help the poor".
i love the pip cards b/c every card shows different kinds of things in nature or industry or wherever that express what cups, wands, swords, and pentacles are. my favorite has to be the 10 of swords. in other decks, i really dislike this card b/c i don't like the man having 10 swords stuck in him. genetti shows the inside of an old tool shed. the walls are covered w/ different kinds of cutting tools that can be used in a garden. it reminds me of my grandfather's tool shed when i was growing up. it's a comforting sight and reminds me of the end of winter and the beginning of planting season. transformation, rebirth. the caption reads "a garden shed opens and reveals the planet uranus".
this is the only deck in my collection that i like the minor arcana more than the majors. the majors are good and thought provoking. too many good ones to share them all but here's a few: the hermit-"the light and heat of a lamp light the way for an old man". the picture shows an old man using a lamp for planet watching. justice:"the balance of earth, water, air, and sunshine". a young woman holding a scale has earth creatures in each corner:insects; water life-fish, whales; mammals; and birds. beautiful card! the devil: "a young man invites you to the forest drumming". interesting card and never fails to make me snicker. a young man is riding a goat w/ a tamborine over his head. in front of his groin is a bowl w/ a tomato and a cucumber. figure out the rest yourself! LOL
this deck is so unique!! i highly recommend it. the deck is pagan. appears to be the most gender, race, and cultually balanced i've encountered. there's more i could say but will hold off for now.
|
| fairyhedgehog |
05 Apr 2002 |
|
Truthsayer, how could you ;) Now I want the Wheel of Change too but there is no way I can get another deck at the moment.
It will just have to go onto my (ever-growing) wishlist. I never meant to collect all these cards.
:D
All the best,
FH
|
| faunabay |
05 Apr 2002 |
|
That's really interesting truthsayer. I keep looking at this deck too and then deciding I don't really like it. But your descriptions sound really cool.
The devil sounds hilarious! LOL From your descriptions it sounds a bit like the World Spirit. Do you have that one? What do you think? I love my World Spirit deck and if it's similar I'd probably like this one too.
Oh Man!! I may have another for my wishlist!!!
|
| Jewel |
05 Apr 2002 |
|
This deck has been on my wishlist for a while too. (Then again there are tons of decks on that list *LOL*). But like Faunabay I keep passing it up for other decks ... I may need to rethink this next time I get on a shopping spree at Amazon *LOL*.
|
| truthsayer |
05 Apr 2002 |
|
i don't have world spirit yet but it's tempting. the mature thing to do is pay off my recent shopping trip to amazon off before i add anymore new decks. plus i've got to have time to explore my new acquisitions. ;) i really think wheel of change will keep me busy for a while. genetti has got some interesting minor arcana only spreads i want to test. i've never had the "this is my deck" feeling after i got the LAT. but this deck gives me that feeling again.
i really didn't believe that decks talk or sing or argue until i got this one. when i first saw it in november, the plastic on the box was torn and i didn't want to take a chance on a damaged deck. i thought this really isn't my kind of deck and the deck seemed to say--yes, i am. well, that argument went on until the day the deck disappeared off the shelf. i was rather relieved. later i saw another a copy of the same deck at a different store all packaged. didn't want it. then this week, when i went into THE store, that same deck was back calling me except this time the plastic was completely off the box. "YES, YOU WANT ME!" "YES, I WANT YOU!" what else could i do? it's been the strangest deck purchase in my life. it wants to go everywhere w/ me. even sleep under my pillow. the legend hasn't ever want to spend that much time w/ me.
so tell me, have i finished losing it or do i fit right in w/ the rest of you?
|
| faunabay |
05 Apr 2002 |
|
You have joined us in the weird group of tarot addicts !!!! Give up the fight truthsayer. You are one of us now. ROFL
|
| Talisman |
06 Apr 2002 |
|
'Lo all,
truthsayer, I have the Wheel of Change tarot, but I consider it my "collector's deck."
I aquired it 'cause I find the art beautiful and the ideas stimulating and challenging. I just love looking through these cards.
Faunabay is on the right track when she finds comparisons to the World Spirit (my working deck, my favorite). The WoC is thoroughly multi-cultural, but in a way as natural as breathing; not shoe-horned in to make a point. Even in little things, there are similarities. For example, the major Arcana and each of the suits has a thin border of a different color.
And the deck maintains the traditional Tarot deck structure, although the names of the court cards have been changed. (This doesn't bother me at all, see the World Spirit.) I love it that the minors have been as lovingly created as the majors. The minors have scenes, but no human forms. These scenes are realistic, not abstract, but expect strange and wonderful juxtipositions (for example, the planet Jupiter so close, you could reach it with a step-ladder).
In the 6 of Wands, we see the maze of an oil refinery against a dramatic sky; in the 6 of Cups, six shattered Indian pots in front of a pueblo in a thunderstorm; and a Chariot like I've never seen before -- just stunning.
But -- Alexandra Genetti's vision and interpretations are non-traditional (and I don't care what your "tradition" is.) Think I'll add a post to this to explain what I mean. I just can't imagine how I could ever "read" with this deck.
The deck comes with a book of some 400 pages that is so good it leaves one wanting more. And all this is merely a jumping off place. Genetti says the explanations are merely a guide, and that she does not want to limit the reader's own intuition or ideas in any way.
So, it has to remain, for me, my collector's deck.
Talisman :TSUN :TWHEE :TMAGE
|
| Talisman |
06 Apr 2002 |
|
Sorta'a continued:
Okay, an example of what I means when I said Alexandra Genetti's vision and interpretations are "non-traditional."
'Cause of the kindness of Major Tom, I got to create a card for the Aeclectic FACT deck, and the card was 10 of Wands.
Naturally, I researched it as best I could, and then pulled the card from all the decks I have: my ancient Aquarian, my loved and used for years Robin Wood, my using-now World Spirit, and the Wheel of Change. To vastly simplify, the general meaning usually given for the card is "burdens."
The Wheel of Change 10 of Wands shows ten flags flying on poles. The flags are of different nations, topped by a "world" flag.
Here's a fragment from Genetti's definition: "The Ten of Wands is first a card of individual patriotism and pride. Patriotism is defined as love and support of one's country and its authority."
I'd just have to throw everything I think I've learned from a 20-year hit-and long-miss study of the tarot out the window and begin from scratch to use this deck. Something about an old dog and new tricks, I guess.
Imagine asking for help on a spread in the "Your Readings" forum, telling people what the cards were, and then saying, "Oh, by the way, I used the Wheel of Change deck." All of a sudden, you're speaking an entirely different language.
I'm not criticising this deck, I do love it. Just explaining why it is my "collector's deck."
(Geeze, truthsayer, it feels so unnatural to be on the fundamentalist side of the fence. On my postcard, I'll write, "Having a cramped, mentally constipated time here. The view ain't much. Love,
Talisman :TSUN :TWHEE :TMAGE )
|
| truthsayer |
06 Apr 2002 |
|
talisman,
your observations about this deck are so true. genetti's book is just wonderful. every time i open it, i'm aghast w/ her knowledge of mythology and archetypes. however, as she said her parents were mythologist. only someone w/ that kind of background could do a deck where the the cards fit such a unified unforced vision of the world. i love the fact she has equal respect for the major and minor arcana. btw, when i saw the hermit card, i couldn't help but be reminded of you. don't know why. i mean it as a compliment. i agree w/ you that i doubt i can read for anyone else w/ this deck but yes, i will be using it for self-exploration. i feel like i have found a deck that fills up the emptiness in my soul. a deck that truly understands me.
if i keep feeling this cozy w/ this deck, i may have to consider having myself committed! ;)
|
| Talisman |
06 Apr 2002 |
|
truthsayer,
You so tickled me. I guess I do look like the Hermit (a card, one among many, that I really like.)
Old guy, white beard, eyeglasses. Just replace the cloak with a backpack, and the hood with a crusher hat. How'd 'ja know?
Just hope my comments won't keep people from lookin' at this beautiful deck.
Listen to truthsayer, folks, and ignore the Hermit.
Talisman
|
| darwinia |
11 Apr 2003 |
|
I'm resurrecting this thread because I just received the Wheel of Change in the mail today.
I was just knocked out by the guitars on the 3 of Wands and her references to atoms and energy and electricity. This really made much more sense to me than the R-W card.
Also, I immediately noticed the correlation to this and the World Spirit, they are definitely kindred spirits, at least in their art and cultural references. I'll have to try a side-by-side comparison of them. One of the few Egyptian cards I have is in the World Spirit and I notice four very neat Egyptian cards in the WOC, I particularly like the 7 of Swords with the Rosetta stone. Her compositions are so fresh looking and really draw you into the picture.
And the book! Wow. I was looking forward to this because the blurb on the web site about the Devil card just hit me with its perception, and here is a whole fat book of her marvelous thoughts and interpretations. Lots of history and mythology--great.
It's going to take me a while to sort out the court cards though. I understood her reasoning for changing the titles but I know I'm continually going to mix up the Prince and Princess. Or maybe not, maybe I'm missing something. I like the way she changed the Kings to Knights to indicate ACTION rather than passivity--good point, very perceptive.
This thread occurred some time ago, any new thoughts about the deck from Truthsayer or others? Are you still liking it as much?
|
| RedWood |
11 Apr 2003 |
|
This is a deck on my wishlist..and by resurrecting this thread..makes me want it more..course nobody wants to trade it..ahh well..lol
I like the idea of this deck mainly cuz from what everyone has said..It is not a normal deck..You have to see a different perspective...(maybe that his why i like oracles so much)
|
| darwinia |
11 Apr 2003 |
|
Originally posted by RedWood
I like the idea of this deck mainly cuz from what everyone has said..It is not a normal deck..You have to see a different perspective...(maybe that his why i like oracles so much)
Exactly! You have to shake things up a bit. Stagnating in the status quo of fundamentalist tarot dogma is so disheartening to the creative mind.
I only have three oracles but they do tend to help you learn and perceive differently. I haven't seen one lately that interests me, but I have Froud's Faierie Oracle, the Scared Geometry Oracle by Francene Hart and the Druid Animal Oracle (which has wonderful art--love those dragons and the salmon and hawk.)
|
| RedWood |
11 Apr 2003 |
|
hopefully you can share more when you work with your deck Frees..It will just make me want to get it more..but i can live with that LOL...I have a few oracles..had a few..trying to trade a few..Tehy are all fun! different ways to read things..The different symbolism and meanings..definately adds to the creativity and working with the tarot.
|
| WolfSpirit |
12 Apr 2003 |
|
This deck certainly appeals to me.
From reading all your comments I think I would like to have this deck but maybe not for reading with. Seems like a good deck (and book) to provoke thoughts.
I agree on the not trying to be too tarot-traditionalist, but as I have not been reading for that very long I think I better stick with the traditional for now.
|
| Strange2 |
12 Apr 2003 |
|
Originally posted by WolfSpirit
From reading all your comments I think I would like to have this deck but maybe not for reading with. Seems like a good deck (and book) to provoke thoughts.
I agree on the not trying to be too tarot-traditionalist, but as I have not been reading for that very long I think I better stick with the traditional for now.
I find the Wheel of Change to be an excellent supplementary or comparative deck, when using a more traditional deck as the primary reading deck. I first do a reading with the traditional deck, then pull the same cards from the Wheel of Change deck for its unique and fresh insights into the cards.
The Wheel of Change book is a wonderful book on Tarot on its own. Similar to the book for Tarot of the Spirit, it is chock full of information, research, and insights on both the WOC cards and Tarot in general.
Overall, I find the Wheel of Change tarot to be an excellent meld of modern, pagan, tribal, and traditional influences. One of my favorite decks.
|
| darwinia |
12 Apr 2003 |
|
Originally posted by Strange2
I find the Wheel of Change to be an excellent supplementary or comparative deck, when using a more traditional deck as the primary reading deck. I first do a reading with the traditional deck, then pull the same cards from the Wheel of Change deck for its unique and fresh insights into the cards.
What a great idea. I have been reading the book and I am quite impressed with it. I recently bought the Tarot of the Spirit too but couldn't afford the book, so I think I shal have to round that up at some point.
Yup, I like the idea of using it with a more conventional deck in a reading, I really must try that!
Thanks
|
| Wildchild |
12 Apr 2003 |
|
Wheel of Change was my first "real" deck and as much as I love it, I found it hard to use in the beginning. I didn't know anything about tarot at that time & found the book very confusing. Despite that, it remains one of my favourite. I use this deck mostly as a study guide...more for meditation. I especially love the book that came with it. And I found Alexandra Genetti very helpful when I've emailed her for clarification on anything. I've gotten to know this deck much better now but I'm still not comfortable reading with it. I have other decks that I read with.
|
| firemaiden |
13 Apr 2003 |
|
No fair!!!!! You guys have totally convinced me! I have wanted this deck since I first saw it depicted in Rachel Pollacks wonderful 'Illustrated Guide to the Tarot".
No fair, no fair.
Okay this is going to be my next deck.
|
| Pollux |
13 Apr 2003 |
|
I feel so sad and frustrared... I just saw all78degrees had one for sale in the UK/Europe section of the Trading Forums, and I just *MISSED* the message all week long!!!
I feel so stupid and idle... Uaaaaghhh... *runs to cry in his corner*
This deck always fascinated me, andI still put it off cos money is tight and it is quite expensive, considering shipping to Italy. I just love the majors, I see it has something that reminds me of the... GILL... *LOL* :D
Anyway, well, ehm... on to next trade... :(
|
| firemaiden |
13 Apr 2003 |
|
I just ordered it from www.amazon.de for $35.00 including the book. I will have to wait two weeks that's all.
|
| darwinia |
13 Apr 2003 |
|
Originally posted by Pollux
I just love the majors, I see it has something that reminds me of the... GILL... *LOL* :D
I finally ordered the Gill because I figured if Alexandra Genetti could pull semi-illustrated pips off well, than the Gill had some appeal. My original idea was to partner these two decks because of their charming pips, but then the WOC seemed to go so well with the World Spirit.
I don't have the Gill yet, so I'll have to wait and see what you're referring to. I wonder if it has something to do with The Hanged Man........?
Devil man, dropping hints and then not telling!
|
| Wildchild |
13 Apr 2003 |
|
Ok, at the risk of sounding stupid, what is "Gill"?
|
| Sulis |
14 Apr 2003 |
|
Originally posted by Talisman
'Lo all,
I have the Wheel of Change tarot, but I consider it my "collector's deck."
This is exactly how I view this deck. I`ve just reread this thread with interest. I bought this deck as my second tarot deck. I learned the basic card meanings with the New Palladini and wanted something which was a bit more `me`. I was really drawn to this deck because of its pagan qualities and it really is beautiful. At the time when I bought it though i wasn`t ready for a deck so different to the RWS. Cards like the 6 cups really threw me: To me this card should mean nostalgia, innocence, goodwill, learning something from your past etc. the Genetti deck depicts broken, cracked pots and a desolate scene, I couldn`t see where this meaning had come from.
Have to agree about the book though, it`s awsome and her insights into the major arcana can be used with any deck.
I could never trade it away though, mainly because of the book and because it`s one of those decks I enjoy looking through
Love and light
Crystalmynx xx
|
| Pollux |
14 Apr 2003 |
|
Originally posted by firemaiden
I just ordered it from www.amazon.de for $35.00 including the book. I will have to wait two weeks that's all.
There's no AmazonIiT - as well as there's an Ebay.it but I am not likely to find it there either.
Maybe at my birthday youi all could make up an Aeclectic collect... *LOL* :P
Anyway once I have put the money aside I'll find a way, I SWEAAAR!!!!!
|
| Kyrielle |
14 Apr 2003 |
|
Here's another comment on that Devil card:
Exactly what kind of leaf is the goat munching on?
-- Kyrielle
|
| Wildchild |
14 Apr 2003 |
|
Oh great! I knew I shouldn't have looked! That is a very very nice looking deck!
|
| WolfSpirit |
15 Apr 2003 |
|
The artist cetainly has an original way to express the swords: garden tools for the 10 of swords, and I just saw the two of swords is a pair of scissors.
I am not saying that her (or his ?) imagery is better than rws, but I can appreciate an original take, it can make you look at the card from a different angle.
I wonder what she made of the 3 of swords - I get tired of seeing that heart pierced by swords recurring in so many decks.
|
The wheel of change deck thread was originally posted on 05 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.
|
