Round Decks, Gendron, Merry Day, Sacred Circle

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 15 May 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

star streak	15 May 2002
Round decks I have found (Besides Motherpeace and Daughters of the Moon) Tarot of the Cloisters. Cosmic deck of Initiation Songs for the Journey Home One I saw somwhere, (Here?), the B.O.T.A., I think, is round. May I say, 'Songs' is a beautiful deck, and the two ladies that created it are wonderful.

MysticRose	15 May 2002
Hi, I have never seen the Cosmic deck of initiation until this morning. I went to go look pics of it online after I read your post. I would like this one..... As most know by now, I have a Gendron to trade.... it is in great shape. I only looked at and shuffled the cards. If you don't want to trade for Gendron, what would you charge? Also, I do energy healing, reiki and readings too. Someone else from the forum here is already sending me the Songs deck. Thank you for suggesting it though. Well let me know on the Cosmic Initiation one..... Thanks, Love & Light, Skydancer

Jewel	15 May 2002
The B.O.T.A. is not round, it is a color it yourself deck. Great for meditating on the symbols of the cards. Minors are pips. The deck comes with a book that describes the coloring (symbolism and significance).

star streak	15 May 2002
Skydancer, I'm sorry, but it took me a lot of work to find one that I could afford. Plus, I just received it last week, and have yet to take the time to get acquainted with it, so I don't know if its' 'mine' or not. If it isn't, I'll let you know. :) You might be interested in 'Vibrational Medicine' cards by Roweena Pattee Kryder. They are not round, and they are spendy, but it looks like the mandala type design might be along the lines of where your interests lie. Carol Herzer, (of 'Illuminated Tarot' fame), also does a 22 card Chakra Deck, and a Chakra Mandala deck. Even spendier than Kryders', but they are the best mandala type cards I have seen. I'm sorry I'm not yet ready to trade Cosmic Deck of Initiation. I hope you receive what you are looking for. Love and Light, Star streak.

star streak	15 May 2002
Thanks for the info, Jewel! I appreciate education wherever I can find it! :)

MysticRose	15 May 2002
Thanks for the replies Jewel and Star Streak! I hope you get on well with your Cosmic cards Star. :-) I have some new decks coming anyway that will be keeping me busy while I get to know them. I am most excited about the Songs deck one of the members here is sending to me. I did a reading about it which was very positive. I just about can't wait to see them! I'm doing another trade so will be getting a Merry Day next week from that. Not sure if I will fall in love with those ones or not. I like dragons though and saw some on the sample pics shown online. At the very least, the colors will be very interesting to look at. Otherwise I also just ordered the zerner-farber deck on ebay. I've been so much more into tarot the last couple of weeks than I ever have been before. I always liked tarot but as Metaz said, I've been sucked in all the way now! LOL. No one seems to want to trade me anything for my Gendron deck though..... ~sigh~ Gendron anyone...... make me an offer......... ;-) LL&Blessings, skydancer

star streak	15 May 2002
(Laughing WITH you about the Gendron).. I've looked at the Gendron, and it IS beautiful, but just not on the list for the very near future. As for me, I just began my tarot passion at mid-april. AND WHAT A FORCE HAS ENTERED MY LIFE! I LOOOVVVEE IT! I started because I had a spiritual epiphany around the same time I was looking for art prints that I could afford and liked. I am in my early 40's, always been a single mom, kids have left home, (Most of the time), blah, blah, blah. So, I'm faced with my life and my meager amounts of extra money, (Most of it :) ) being my own, now. What to do? I asked the Universe to send me a new passion, please, and lo. I stumbled into Tarot, simultaneously getting a line increase on my credit card. This was a deadly combination.... Oh, the boxes, the bubble wrap, the strange looks at the post office, the many, many BEAUTIFUL decks! I LOVE THIS! I have given readings, (actually, as a beginner, I read the books out loud, mostly; I have to say the cards give the reading), to about eight different people already, and they have all been very unique, and very mind blowing to the readees. Anyway, this is off-topic for this thread, but I am just soo in love, I had to share it with someone who'd understand. :) Is the honeymoon ever over with tarot? Love and Light, Star streak.

MysticRose	15 May 2002
HaHaHa - about the Gendron! I really thought they were going to be THE deck for me. Universe is having a great laugh with us over it I'm sure. Only since April for you - Wow! My tarot re-newal here only just started around the beginning of May. I remember my first deck so well. I was about 17ish and bought the Sacred Rose because the rose on the box was so beautiful. I got them home and wanted to throw up when I saw them..... those images looked nightmarish to me.... there I was expecting pretty flowers or something. LOL! I tried to get used to them for a few months but never could so I threw them away. The little store I bought them from didn't have much selection. Then later I was too poor for a long time to think about trying it again. I am a natural intuitive/clairvoyant so maybe it is better I didn't learn to use them for readings in the beginning anyway. Now I am 31 and online. The selection is ever so much better here in online land! No more Sacred Rose decks for me! Universe has sent me this little renewal so I will get out and socialize more.... I think. I have become a bit of a recluse the last few years. Have fun giving your readings to others! I have a feeling they will always come out great for you. :-) I don't know if the honeymoon is ever over with tarot or not... maybe someone else will know the answer to that one. Love & Light, SkyDancer

star streak	15 May 2002
Skywalker- I know the recluse thing. It is part of why Tarot is so beautiful for me. I'm not big on socializing, but I know many people, and am well loved. I enjoy people one on one, for short periods, the most. :) Tarot offers the opportunity to share an hour or so with someone while they take a look at where they've been, where they are, and where they might be going. While experiencing the written word and crafted images of artists. What better way to interact with others? Of course, it is an excellent tool to examine ones' self as well. Ongoing spiritual growth IS the 'purpose' of life, imho. And Tarot is a beautiful tool to use as I continually craft and create this person that is me. Plus, it's fun, and uncanny. At first, I thought all the readings would be very similar, the 'rorsach test' theory. But I was wrong. Each reading is unique, and tailor made for the person being read. The 'readee' is always amazed. And, they always go away feeling they have recieved valuable insight and/or confirmation. I love this stuff. Spirit is crazy, awesome and wonderful. Tarot is a gift from the Divine, truly. It has been a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Skywalker. I am sure we will chat again.... In Love and Light, Star. :)

star streak	15 May 2002
I have the Merry Day. The book is a workbook of sort, I think dealing with tarot from the numerological aspect. 'Songs for the Journey Home' is simply the joy of life. Obviously, having been acquiring tarot decks/sets for only a month, I haven't had a lot of time to explore each one. But 'Songs' changes the energy in the room immediately. The air becomes rich with the sweetness and joy of it all. It is a very happy, sweet, and at times, wistful, deck. However, especially for a beginner like myself, it is going to take some study, as I get a little lost looking up each card. Not the 'right' approach for 'Songs'. I gotta tune up, first. :) So now that I have topped out my credit card, and cleaned up all the paper and boxes, the real work begins. I have sworn to get to know each and every one of my decks well. I have a 'Deck 777' coming that I have a feeling will be a great teacher of tarot. Each card has symbiology/meaning associations from many approaches. Qabballic, runic, astrological, numerological; the associated color, stone, musical tone, etc. Right now, the limited edition decks are handmade, and include a painted on (I think) gold leaf trim into which is mixed, (I think), various herbs. It is very reasonably priced for a handmade deck. And no, I'm sorry, but I don't think I will want to trade this one for your Gendron. :) Love and Light, Megan

MysticRose	16 May 2002
Thanks bunches for the info about the Merry Day and Songs decks. I can hardly wait to open MY boxes! lol. I'm glad you had lots of fun opening yours. Your deck made with gold trim and herbs sounds quite interesting. Doing readings for others always amazes me too. I have the nagging feeling that I'm not very good at giving readings. I know it's not true but I still feel it more than I'd like. Then I give people readings and they tell me I'm great. I am thankful Spirit always provides what's needed in the moment for them despite my own feelings of inadequacy. And as you say, each reading is just so different! LL&Joyous Dreams :-)

Zhritza	16 May 2002
I think there is a new Cosmic Deck of Initiation at a nearby bookstore that I can get pretty reasonably. It was still there several days ago. If you're still looking for one, SkyDancer, I'll put it on hold tomorrow and you can let me know whether you're interested in it. Is it out of print? I have a round deck available for trade, the Oracle of the Dreamtime. You can see images of it here on Aeclectic. It is in an Australian aboriginal style, although I don't think the artist is aboriginal himself. It's really quite striking, and if it weren't for the fact that I already have one oracle deck breathing down my neck to start working with it (the Faeries' Oracle), I might want to keep the Dreamtime... but I'd rather trade it for a good ol' tarot deck. What do you have to trade, for this or the Cosmic Deck of Initiation?

MysticRose	16 May 2002
Hi Qolus, I don't think the Cosmic Deck of Initiation is out of print. I was just hoping to trade if possible as I have already spent too much money on decks lately. The only deck I have left to trade is the Gendron. It's in great shape. I only looked at and shuffled the cards. The box has a little bit of wear on the corners from where I opened it. It's a beautiful deck, just not for me. The price sticker is even still on the box. I paid $15 for it when I bought it new. There is no need to put the Cosmic deck on hold for me but thanks for offering. For now I will wait on that one until someone wants to do a trade. I would be happy to trade you the Gendron for the Oracle of the Dreamtime if you want. Just let me know. Otherwise I could trade Reiki attunements, energy alignments, chakra clearings, readings and etc... LL & Wishing you all the best with your Faeries Oracle. :-)

Cate	16 May 2002
The Songs for the Journey Home deck sounds wonderful, and I am considering acquiring one. Does the deck have a pagan feel to it, or would you describe it as multicultural like the World Spirit tarot? ... am waiting eagerly for my World Spirit tarot to arrive. Cate

Jewel	16 May 2002
SkyDancer, if you like dragons you might want to check out the Dragon Tarot and the Celtic Dragon. I am a dragon fan and these were "have to have's" for me.

MysticRose	16 May 2002
Thanks Jewel! They are definitely on my wish list.... just a bit farther down than some other decks I'd like to have first. :-) I have the shapeshifter deck already although I don't use it to read for others. If Lisa Hunt's Dragon deck is nearly as good, I'm sure I will love it! :-) LL&BB, SkyDancer

star streak	16 May 2002
Hi, Cate. I would have to say 'Songs' is mulit-cultural, or, perhaps, 'Modern New Zealand' :) The people really have little, discernible coloring. Facial features are more distinguishable. There are males and females in the deck, and also many people who seem to be 'just people', no specific sex or race. For me, that is part of the appeal. I feel like Catherein and Dwariko did a good job of making the people 'just people', while still portraying the rich diversity of living today. The ladies who created it, Catherine Cook and Dwariko Sommaruga, live in New Zealand. There is a lot of animal and elemental imagery, a lot of emotion in this deck. The artwork is in colored pencil, giving it both a deep and dreamy feel. They have a website; as well, the deck is reviewed here at aeclectic. It is a wonderful deck, I feel. Light, Star Streak. P.S. My favorite Pagan deck, so far, is Sacred Circle. Many here seem to have troubles with it. I get very accurate readings with it, though. Really uncanny ones. Maybe it's because I am a beginner, and it is one of my first decks, so I have almost no preconceived ideas about what a deck 'should' be.

star streak	16 May 2002
Oh, yes, Cate. I also meant to say that the book that goes with 'Sacred Circle' is EXCELLENT! She tells of the legends that surround the holy sites used in the pictures. This gives one an excellent education in Pagan mythology, as well as helps to set the tone for the card. Light, Megan

star streak	16 May 2002
Re; 'Songs' It is definitely a more feminine deck, I feel. Even though many of the figures are male, or non-gendered. I do feel anyone could get a lot out of the deck, if open to all aspects of human beingness. But, This gender thing seems to matter to many here, so I thought I'd clarify. Light, Megan

Cate	16 May 2002
Star streak, many thanks for those words of wisdom about the two decks - I think I will be acquiring both in the near future (or as soon as my woefully inadequate budget permits). Both decks exert a tug on my sensibilities, and I have a strong feeling that I could work very well with both. ... and they are GORGEOUS! Namaste, Cate

star streak	16 May 2002
Namaste, to you, as well. Enjoy the journey! Love, Star streak (My favorite word, 'namaste, is) :)

Cate	16 May 2002
Joy on your journey as well, Star Streak. Now that I have had a closer look at both decks, I have decided to pull in the old belt buckle (or sash) and acquire them both. ... does anyone have these decks for sale? Alas, since most of my tarot collection disappeared when I moved, I've nothing to trade at present. I am retaining the three remaining decks, the Universal, the Robin Wood and the Visconti and slowly replenishing the tarot cabinet. Yes, Namaste is a lovely word, one which acknowledges the presence of the sacred in each and every one of us. Namaste (again) Cate

faunabay	16 May 2002
Cate, You better pull in your belt buckle tightly. :) The Songs deck is quite expensive compared to "normal" sets. Tarot Garden has them (I think) listed for around $48 !!!!! And the Sacred Circle is not exactly cheap either - somewhere around $30

Cate	16 May 2002
Hm, it seems my lifestyle will be very frugal for a while (as if it isn't already). I checked the price of the Songs for the Journey Home deck at its own site and gulped a bit when I saw it. You're right, and the Sacred Circle deck is rather pricey too. I wonder what else I can give up to save the lucre for these decks...... Namaste, Cate

star streak	17 May 2002
Did you check addall.com for Sacred Circle? You probably will be able to find it cheaper that way. Plus, I've noticed several people at this site don't particularly care too much for it-they don't like the re-ordering. And, it seems this particular deck is one that either 'speaks' to one loud and clear, or not at all. (Me, I swear the people in the pictures will be moving and verbalizing soon!) The point being, that there MUST be some one somewhere that has a barely used one that they will sell cheap. Also, check ebay. I've gotten lucky a few times there; but tread carefully if you go there-all too often, the bidding goes as high or higher, as the cost of the deck at Amazon or addall. And, of course, check ebays' affiliate, half.com As far as 'Songs' goes, if you can find three or four other people who want this deck, they will give discounts for the purchase of three or more. You can get it down to $30. a deck if you go this way, (If I remember correctly). I have had very good luck with smaller bookstores that sell via Amazon, addall, etc. I've yet to be unhappy with the service and merchandise, so don't be quick to shy away. Good Luck! I am sure you will acquire these decks if they are meant to be yours! (Btw, walking instead of driving, living on nothing but the accumulated cans of food in the cupboards for a week, living in only one room of the house for a while to save on electricity, packing a lunch, Drying laundry on a line,.....you'd be amazed how much money one can save in a week, even, of living like a spartan. I sure love tarot....I sure am a freak....it sure works! Love and Light, Star.

star streak	17 May 2002
I couldn't help myself. Right now, at Amazon, 'Sacred Circle' is 30% off-$20.97 plus shipping. Also, Amazon lists one marketplace seller in Wisconsin, who has it 'like new' for $15. GO GIRL!

Cate	17 May 2002
Thank you,Star, and here I go......... Have you looked at Anna Franklin's web site and some of her books? Namaste, Cate

MysticRose	18 May 2002
Star and Cate, I am really in love with my Sacred Circle tarot at the moment. the images ARE magicked up. it is a truely enchanted deck... they really do come alive if you "step in" them. I have been meditating just with the moon card for about a week now. I can't say how they are for giving readings on yet as I haven't given any. I will be meditating with them for awhile before I try it. The card order does not bother me though. LL&Magick sky

star streak	18 May 2002
Cate I went to look at Anna Franklins' website, and Geocities is doing some kind of maintenance. :( I will look again on Monday-I'm sure it's wonderful. Didja order Sacred Circle yet? Didja, huh? Skydancer, I'm glad you love your Sacred Circle deck. It truly does seem very alive. I've given perhaps three readings to others with it, and all three were full of 'Holy WOW!' reactions. And I'm only a beginnger. This deck is definitely one of my very favorites. Everything about it rings beautiful and true; even the 'negatives' are treated with a 'part of the cycles' attitude that works well. The Magic of it is undeniable.

MysticRose	18 May 2002
Hi, I just realized that when I was typing that message last night I totally forgot - i actually did do just one reading for a lady from England with my Sacred Circle. I guess in my mind it didn't count or something. LOL! (i didn't know her... long story) Anyway, I was just showing her the pretty pictures on the cards.... then she kept asking me to give her a reading and she kept asking and wouldn't stop asking until I did.... so i just had her choose some cards (no set layout or anything) and just gave her my initial impressions. She said that it was all correct though and seemed quite happy. tower came up. the picture on the card did scare her a little bit so I had to sooth her about that and explain in her case it meant a very strong possiblity she would be moving which she said was again correct due to her husband's work. lol. LL&BB, Sky

truthsayer	20 May 2002
y'all have gotten up my curiosity as to what this "cosmic deck of initiation" looks like. i can find it at amazon but no picture. nothing at aeclectic, passages or tarotgarden. pray tell where is info on this deck? a frustrated tarot-holic does not make a pretty picture! ;) LOL

star streak	20 May 2002
Ya know, I have no clue where I first ran into this deck. April and May have been full of so many sites and images of tarot for me, that I really couldn't tell you where, exactly, I've been! Cosmic Deck of Initiation, by Barbara M. DeLong; published by US Games, 1991; ISBN 0-88079-514-X; printed in Belgium. On the inside cover, is an address for Barbara M. DeLong, (along with the statement that she is available for private consultations). Suite 222 540 W. Boston Post Road Mamaroneck, NY 10543-3437 There. I've given you all the information I can. :) Perhaps there is a place at US Games that shows pictures of their decks? (If so, Can I please have the link?) If you get too obsessed, you can always write to Ms. DeLong. Let me know how you fare....:) Love and LIght, Starstreak.

Phoenix	20 May 2002
Truthsayer, to see this deck, go here. Enjoy!!

truthsayer	20 May 2002
thanks phoenix and star streak. an interesting and pretty deck. appears to be round mandalas. since us games makes it, i'll check over there later.

star streak	20 May 2002
I just received a Red Wheel/Weiser catalologue for fall, 2002. To be released in September, "The Star That Never Walks Around" by Stella Bennett, a ROUND tarot deck, based on Native American lore. Looks beautiful, gentle art. (Only 2 cards shown in catalogue). According to catalogue, wands, cups, swords and pentacles become Thunderbirds, Frogs, Butterflies, and turtles. Oops. I haven't even checked to see if it's here at Aeclectic yet. Me. P.S. Price is a tad spendy-$34.95 for book and deck.

Mermaid	21 May 2002
Oooh, I like the Songs for the Journey home tarot. Does anyone know of a site where I can see all of the cards? Blessings -

Mermaid	21 May 2002
Cate - I live in NZ! Do you want me to email the Songs for the Journey home people & see if i can get the deck for you a little bit cheaper? (No promising anything of course, but I'll try if you like - sometimes it'e cheaper to buy things if you're a native!)

star streak	21 May 2002
I can't remember if there is a place where you can see them all or not, (Besides in my Living room! ) :) ) Here is their websit: www.tarotjourney.co.nz email: tarot@slingshot.co.nz If they don't show all of the cards, they should know who does! Love, Star Streak

Mermaid	21 May 2002
Thanks Star streak! Since you've got this deck, can I bug you with some more questions about it? I can only really afford one deck this year you see (that's what being a student does to you!) and I'm trying to decide between this one and the new Mary-el tarot (providing she gets it published this year!) So here goes... How do you find reading with this deck compared to the others you have? Are there any cards that you especially don't like & why not? Is there any deeper symbolism in the pictures? (pagan, christian, kaballistic...) & I'm afraid I don't live in NW USA - or else I would be jumping on the bus and coming to your living room just to look at it! :D Thanks bunches!

star streak	21 May 2002
I have only given one reading with this deck, to my daughter. I am very much a beginner at tarot. I was a little confused, looking up the cards, (which I do have to do, at this point, at least for some direction) This is a joyful deck, though. Take the Fool card. Rather than the often seen happy go lucky innocent about to step off a cliff, in Songs, the Fool is swinging on a tree branch.. The image doesn't make it TOO clear if he is about to jump off a cliff, or into a pool of water. And, it doesn't seem to matter too much, he's so happy. Could be he's about to take flight! The XX card is called 'Beyond Judgement', which I personally appreciate because I feel that judgementalism is the worlds' greatest 'evil'. If we all just accepted each other,......sigh. It is a beautiful card; a white bird in flight over an anchor, in an egg (?) that floats on the sea. The bird is either flying into a pair of hands that are open beneath the egg, (Perhaps the egg is a tunnel opening?) Or, the hands are reaching through the tunnel to the bird. Anyway, pick a card or two that are usually your favorites. I can do my best to describe the image, and/or look them up in the book, and give you a few choice words of the authors'. Let me know. I CAN tell you, that when I opened this deck, a sweet breeze of joy, accpetance, wonder, swept into the room. The glory of living and human beingness. I am sure, once I get to REALLY know this deck, it will be very easy to read with. Love and Light, Star

Mermaid	21 May 2002
Thanks for the offer! Ok, here we go from off the top of my head: some of the cards that I'm most curious about :) Strength (aka Lust in some decks) The emperor The moon 5 of cups Oooh, I could go on but I'll stop there...

star streak	21 May 2002
Me, again. Oh yeah, what you asked. No, I would not say there is any furhter symbolism on the cards; it is mostly scenes of everyday life, and collage type images. This is a VERY spiritual deck, though, one that takes the changing emotions of life, and translates them into the song of a life lived as a dance of growth. It is very poetic and pretty, psycholgical and spiritual, real and dreamy. If you can get only one for the year, I would definitely consider it a top contender. Know, though, that the suits are not traditional-here we have earth, flame, wave and wind songs. This is a deck designed to sing and glide and dance one through the passages of life. If you are a student, I am assuming you are young. I think this deck would be an Excellent companion to carry with you from this point in your life on into the coming years. It is beautiful and inspiring. Love, Star Streak

star streak	21 May 2002
Okay, give me a few minutes....infact, let's make it half to an hour. This may take some time, but thanks for the opportunity to delve into this deck some more!

Mermaid	21 May 2002
Thankyou, I'll be waiting right here... Here's the website for the Mary-el, by the way, in case you haven't seen it - it's a really gorgeous deck. *sigh* choices, choices... http://www.mary-el.com/ I especially love her princess of cups, & I can't wait until she does her princess of pentacles. (a really important card in any deck because it's ME!) :D And yes, I am pretty young - 21 years old. This will be only the second deck I've bought, after using my rider waite for 3 years - so that's why I'm so excited! Love

star streak	21 May 2002
Okay, here we go.... (I am giving my impressions first, before I look up the card, just as an experiment) Strength, XI (Me) A soft colored, mostly green, card, there is a Lion lazing in thick, soft grass under a tree with long branches that sway and curl. He is relaxed and at ease, enjoying the afternoon. A red haired woman sits or stands, at or in, the edge of the grass, weaving a daisy chain. The Daisy chain is looped around the neck of the Lion; the woman is serene and sure of her work. They are comfortable in each others' presence; she, quietly and suredly, constructing her chain of flowers; the lion doing what lions do best-basking in the thick wonder of the day. (The Book) "The mysterious image of Strength has the quality of a transformational dream..." "The Strength card portrays the innate power, beauty, and wisdom which arise through the deepening of love." "Although the woman is outwardly serene and placid, the lion is a mirror of her inner reservoir of power" "Strength is a paradoxical image, which could equally well be named vulnerability" "True strength require self knowledge.." "Vulnerability, as portrayed in the womans' merging with the earth, is the recognition of our dependence upon the planets' well-being for our survival and sanity" "The incomplete daisy chain symbolises openness to unlimited love...give and receive...." "The presence of the Empress Tree...the blessing of the Great Mother is upon you...follow your heart...."

truthsayer	21 May 2002
last year one aeclectians put $300 worth of songs for the journey home decks on her credit card after committing enough of us. that way we all got a copy for $35 b/c we bought in quantity instead of the $60? usual asking price. the good samaritan got all her money back. mermaid, since you don't know if the mari-el is getting published this year or not, i'd highly suggest the songs deck. i have it and like it. it may be another year b4 the other decks published and you might be able to find a deal if you work some other interested parties here. another interesting aside to this deck is that it's like the antithesis of the osho zen deck. the author and artist were once part of the osho commune. they did this deck as an exercise of healing from the hurt they felt after osho(bhagwan's)group broke up. ma deva padma is at the other end of the osho kaleidoscope. she is still devoted to the osho cause. try as i might i can't get into the osho zen. i know we've all had this conversation about don't hold a beautiful deck responsible for what involved parties might have done. <<<<>>>>>> but to me, the songs deck just has better gentler energy than the OZ. OZ is much more intense in comparison in colors and art. OZ's drawings is better than the songs deck. the drawings are reminiscent of the motherpeace deck but better than MP. MP is a tad too feminist for me. no disrespect to any OZ or MP lovers. i'm just trying to provide a point of reference. songs is multi-cultural and gender/sexuality friendly. it reminds me of the world spirit in spirit. hope this helps some.

star streak	21 May 2002
Figured I'd do this one card at a time..so you don't have to wait so long, and we have a series of posts, instead of one way too long one. On to the Emperor..... (Btw, Mary-el is on my list, as well)...

star streak	21 May 2002
Hello! If I may interrupt.. I agree! I have both decks. I didn't know that about the authors of songs. Funny, because the Oregon commune was about fifteen miles from where I live! (No, I never joined-but I waited on several at the local coffee shop!) My approach is this: All spiritual schools of thought have some true wisdom, and some traps of attachment. I find the OZ to give uncanny readings, but I feel the author assumes the querant to be hurt, and coming from an injured, negative place. This is not always the case. I will be very glad when I can feel comfortable reading the cards without consulting the book! Back to my job for Mermaid! Love, Star.

star streak	21 May 2002
I'm sorry, Mermaid. My daughter, (also 21), just came over and I gotta sign college app papers and visit with mi bambina! I will finish this maybe tonight, more likely tomorrow. Love and Light, Star streak.

Mermaid	21 May 2002
Truthsayer - thanks for the idea. I've been to the website and you're quite right - it's $30 (US!) each if you order 10 decks. So if I do eventually decide to get this deck, I'll definately look for some other aeclecticans who are interested! Star - I'm going to be in and out of varsity (where my internet connection is!) all afternoon, so if I don't get a chance to catch up with you tonight - THANKS bunches in advance for your posts! It's going to be really useful to get your impressions of the cards as well as what the authors have to say about them. Love

Mermaid	21 May 2002
Woops - our posts must have crossed! :) Of course I can wait till whenever you're free Love

truthsayer	21 May 2002
star, if you look in the beginning of the SFJH book, you'll find the artist and arthor's personal stories about their experiences w/ bhagwan. i find it very interesting that you lived that close to the commune. SFJH's team lived in a commune in australia if i remember correctly. i encourage you to read their stories. i had had OZ a couple of years before i got SFJH but when i read their story it fit the impressions i had w/ OZ-that's not to say OZ isn't a fine deck. ma deva padma seems like a lovely lady. i just take the osho card out--can't handle it. it's just too dark.

star streak	22 May 2002
I've been battling with that very question-should I or shouldn't I ditch the Osho card? I'm glad you did it. I really like the deck itself, but that guy does give off ucky vibes. Bhagwhan Shree Rajneesh is the guy, yes? I have so many books and decks to get to! I geuss I will begin with SFJH and take one at a time, only ONE, at a time....

star streak	22 May 2002
I really don't know that much about the guy-only that he caused quite a stir here. This is a very rural, 'bible-belt' type community, and to have such a nonconformist religous group really upset a lot of the locals. I heard many bad stories, about the treatment of the women and children, but I try not to heed such hearsay, expecially when it's regarding someone(s) who live 'out of the norm'. Never conducted my own investigation. I don't know how the group, (if it is indeed, the same group) got from New Zealand to Oregon. The people I used to wait on yearly all seemed really nice, a few were wierd, but, ya know. We Have had many New Zealand Sheep ranchers locate here. Perhaps Oregon became well known in NZ via word of mouth. (Cheap land, beautiful country, etc.) All I know is that card DOES bother me, and I feel the given interpretations in the book assume emotional turmoil, perhaps even illness, in the querant. That bugs me, too.

Liliana	22 May 2002
Im pretty sure Mary-El wont even have its paintings finished til next year, not to mention doing all the publishing stuff, so go for songs this year :) Im waiting for Mary-El too, love the Aces but i seem to be the only one. Maybe Ill go in on a group purchase of Songs, have to see the situation at the time we decide to order. For now Im getting Tarot of the Cloisters as my round deck hehe :THP

truthsayer	22 May 2002
Quote: Originally posted by star streak I've been battling with that very question-should I or shouldn't I ditch the Osho card? I'm glad you did it. I really like the deck itself, but that guy does give off ucky vibes. Bhagwhan Shree Rajneesh is the guy, yes? I have so many books and decks to get to! I geuss I will begin with SFJH and take one at a time, only ONE, at a time.... yes, i'm pretty sure it's the same guy-same name. i just can't keep up w/ the whole name. there is another osho deck but i haven't considered getting it. i'd have to be more of an OZ fan. i think when bhagwan started (in india?) he was probably okay but he was corrupted by the money and power his teachings got him. i was either a teenager or early 20's when all this came out. i remember being fascinated by the whole story. i remember hearing about women treated as sex objects or some kind of promiscuous type stuff. i know what you mean about the osho card giving off this sense of ill health. didn't he die of a heart attack? i wonder if his physical illness is what we are tapping in to? the card has a completely different energy than the rest of the deck. i can't remember the author but ever hear of the book,"if you meet the buddha in the road kill him?" i think it was a response to ppl who seek a guru to tell them how to live, believe, put clothes on, breathe, etc. i can imagine that commune did cause quite a stir in a conservative area. i live in a conservative area in the midatlantic. a strip joint moved here and it caused immense pandemonium. however, all is fine now-a strip MALL bought them out. (notice the irony here?)

Lee	22 May 2002
To be completely fair about it, I've read several newspaper stories (following links on the TarotGarden site) which outlined how the Osho commune tried to take over the town where they were living, and came very close to succeeding. Apparently they were quite aggressive and nasty to the original townspeople. So it wasn't *just* a conservative vs. progressive thing, although that may have been a part of it. But the commune really does seem to have acted in assorted unsavory ways, and I'm referring to political machinations and really bad harrassment of townspeople, besides the other sexual stuff mentioned by other posters. -- Lee

truthsayer	22 May 2002
thanks for sharing that, lee. i didn't know about all that. i like having my facts straight. what i've said is based on some vagaue memories and gut reactions to OZ. do you happen to have the links to those articles? i really want to separate what my instincts tell me and the truth. oh, yeah...don't stone me but "the truth is out there". :) LOL

Lee	22 May 2002
Hi, truthsayer, click here to see the Osho arcticle at tarotgarden.com, then scroll *all* the way to the bottom and there's a bunch of links to Osho-related articles. -- Lee :)

truthsayer	22 May 2002
just checked the osho story out. my mind is blown. i really had no idea it got so bad there. i have much to think about. thanks, lee.

Mermaid	22 May 2002
Nope, you're not the only one, Liliana :) - I think the aces are awesome too. I can see how people could find them disturbing though, the art is really powerful. Truthsayer & Star - what's the 'Osho' card? Is it the 'master' card that they talk about in the article?

truthsayer	22 May 2002
yes, mermaid. it's the card that stands for ragneesh. evidently later in his life when he was deported to india, he changed his name to osho. hence the "master" card is called osho.

star streak	22 May 2002
TRuthsayer; I don't know if this is the same guy or not; I do not live in Antelope, but another area of Oregon. I can tell you that the people I've waited on at the reastaraunt where I work, were of the very quiet, gentle, spacy air that some on the road to enlightenment seem to exude. (Too many alpha waves?) Food for thought: A couple of years ago, I had a friend who was VERY into investigating the mysteries of the soul, from spiritual, psycholgical, scientific approaches. Being mostly a logical being, he really enjoyed studying Quantuum theory, and finding out all the new stuff that the researchers have been finding/proving about the psychic realms, the nature of soul, why the esoteric exercises work, etc. One thing that comes to mind, is that he told me of a study some University or sscientist did, that proved (?), if the image of a person is held in the mind of another person who is in heightened alpha, (Meditative?) state, (as a person would do, when holding the image of their Guru or other master in mind while meditating), The image, perhaps even the master, does actually gain power. The 'student' is actually feeding the power of the master. Please understand, I've been an 'armchair student', of this sort of stuff, so really can't point you in the direction of the study my friend stumbled across. As well, he died last year, so I can't call him up and ask him more. All I know, is he was one who needed proof, and we often talked about things he discoverd while investigating the cosmos from his cynical, scientific vantage. (Also know, he held a double Masters' degree in Psychology, and another in I forget what, so he knew how to find his way around the academic world pretty well. Interesting and kind of scary, if this is, indeed, an actual, physical truth of the way spiritual energy worksIn the cosmic realms! You'd better be reall careful who you trust with teaching your soul, and who you are willing to 'worship', or look to for direction,while in meditation! True any way, but if this is proven, or near proven in the scientific world, this is an excellent reason to ditch the Osho card, eh?

star streak	22 May 2002
Hey, I haven't forgotten you! I got whisked away today by one of my co-workers, who also had the day off. I gave her a reading that turned into an afternoon of examining her life, and where she is going. Now I have to take my very neglected, oh so depressed dog on a walk in the sunshine, so he knows I sitill love him, and that life is still good. Hopefully, later tonight, we will get on with the Emperor! Love and Light, Star Streak.

star streak	29 May 2002
I am sooo sorry it's taken me so long to get back! The last two weeks have been a whirlwind of work and tarot. When I have had a bit of time, I've been too exhausted to try to figure anything out, especiall something as important as the cards of "Songs for the Journey Home"! And, the last couple of days, I have tried like heck to find this thread, and only just now arrived here! (Learning the tricks of Aeclectics' search engine; I'm a little slow sometimes. Please, accept my most sincere apologies! Now, I believe we were on the Emporer..... (mine: the image There is the stone-carved face of a man that dominates the right hand side of the card. He is looking out over the left side of the card, as if he were on a cliff, far above it all. His face is shades of grey; hard, determined, proud, are the words that come to describe his expression. Just maybe, there is the hint of a wee smile set in that face, just maybe, it is that his jaw is set, his mouth assured. The left side of the card has a 'stacking' of images, one on top of the other. At the bottom center, (then working upwards) a tiny tree, which borders a town, (mountains behind the tree, off to the right of the town) The town is far below where the Emporer is positioned, So the tree is rather small, far away, as are the houses, the pyramid, the star,(Spirit??) of the town. The 'horizon' of the town curves up towards the center left of the card, but doesn't reach it. Five hands, emerge from this 'horizon'. They are reaching for a large, faceted sphere, perhaps a crystal? that fills much of the left side of the card. Above the sphere, emanations flow upwards. The sphere and the emanations are clear in the emperors' sightline. From the book: "Meeting with the Emperor entails facing the ways in which we use power and the beliefs we have about power. The model of power which the majority of the world has utilised for centuries is the patriarchal model, one linked with conquering and destroying."... "The image of the Emperor portrays both the patriarchal model and the partnership model. It is vital to recognise that partnership does not mean collpapsing in a heap of cosmic oneness, denying obvious differences.".... "The partnership model removes devisive beliefs of cultural, religous, and gender superiority"....

star streak	29 May 2002
Btw, the said 'emanation' given in my description of the card arealso mostly, shades of grey, and could easily be indicative of the Emporers' hold surrounding the town and the sphere. However, the flowing is diverted around a bluer flow, a tad off center, ot the crown of the sphere.

star streak	29 May 2002
the town is a lively, colorful place, full of bright spirit, I feel.

star streak	29 May 2002
Framed with a thick, blue, outer ring, and a thinner, golden, inner ring. (Funny, this is the first time I really considered the ring of color that edges around every card, usually dividing the 'suits', (or Songs), as part of the picture. Maybe because the image I am set for is round, full moon. Which this is. At the top of the card, center, a line of mountain range on either side of the moon. Is it rising, or setting, this full moon? It emits a silver glow, (including an aura over itself) which bathes much of the card, beginning with the space that the two lines of mountain range share. (The viewer is in front of the mountain range, for perspective) At the mid-point of the card, a definite horizontal line which divides the top half of the card from the bottom. Here is where the mountain range ends. At the center of this line, a dark, Greenish half cirlcle rests. Is this the setting sun, (My take,) or could it be an echo of the full moon above it? Or both? the edges of a body of water, probably the ocean, peek out on either side of a central, straight, bridge, (land? or a bridge more of light? or ice, or glass?) that reaches from the center divide, where the sun sits, to a definite sea shore, at the foreground, (bottom) of the card. Definite because there is a sand castle, A crab, and a wide awake turtle living there, and the land is definitely sand. The crab is looking directly at the viewer. The sand castle is whole, not crumbling. The wide awake turtle is looking over the bridge? of land light,(?) where three other turtles sleep, (hide?), arranged in a line that slants toward the horizon, (the center dividing line), veering to the right. There is a seagull off to the left on/over the bridge of light. Playing in the ocean, to the left of the 'light bridge', is a whale, maybe a dolphin, (I can only see his tail), and what I think are rock out crops. (The image of the whale tail and the rocks are difficult for me to make out-I could be way off base. May not even matter, but somehow, I think it does.) The emanating light of the full moon bathes the entire, (up and down), center of the card, but rounds out in the bottom half, creating a kind of cradle of blessing light for the creatures on and around the light brigde, and the shore. Break time! Back soon with excerpts from the book on the Moon card! Love, Starstreak.

star streak	29 May 2002
(Ah, I am so falling in deeper love with this deck. I don't know why, exactly. It is both gentle and real, honest, innocent and unafraid. It is not 'ostrich head in the sand', nor is it inexperienced. It is brave and beautiful, worn well, and wise. At least, I think that's it. Love, Starstreak) Once again, Moon, from the book. "The Moon is the interplay of muted light and silvery water or of shadows and murky depths. It all depends upon your perspective." "The sea creatures seen here symbolise the wisdom contained deep within the unconscious,...." "The crab coming ashore indicates the emergence of ancient knowledge.....within us." "........." "The crab beckons us to journey closer to the source of Light. The image depicts a pathway created by the turtles' backs, and these aquatic reptiles reassure us the way is ancient and yet vitally alive." "The fins and tails (of who knows what?), breaking the millpond stillness of the sea, remind us of the minds' disquiet and desire to distract us...." "The sandcastle in the foreground reminds us that the shifting sands of worldly achievements-all monuments, all outer forms-will eventually crumble and wash away. This knowledge helps us to move into the unknown,....." "The zigzagging pathway through the hills indicates our ever-heightening ability to address life issues with clarity." "The two peaks represent the heightened understanding of love, whereby we are able to each stand alone without lonliness, and therefore, experience union and harmony with loved ones without any clinging and sentimentality." "The Moon herself is the essence of receptivity to the mystery of love." Only one more, the 5 of cups. In the case of "Songs for the Journey Home" this would be the FIfth Wave Song.

star streak	30 May 2002
We have here a dapper gent, dressed in a coat with long tails, his back to us. We can't see much of his face, though his head is turned slightly to the left. He his turning to see a major mess, that he's made; it would appear that he is a waiter who has just lost his grip on a tray that was carrying three cups of tea. Two of the cups are still on their way down, the third is already broken on the floor. The three unfortunate cups are greenish in color. They do have faces that we can see, and they are NOT happy. (The face from the already broken cup, is, of course, in pieces on the floor.) In his right hand, the waiter carries another tray, well balanced, upon which perch two orange teacups, full of green liquid. One of these cups, as yet, still safe, has a look of surprise. The other, which is slightly behind its' partner, looks, hmmm. Sleepy? Bored? Wrly amused? Disdainful? I just can't tell. (We'll see what the book says in a minute). On a table in the foreground, sits the cheery teapot, who is winking at us, the viewer. 'Clumsy, chap, eh? Ah, well.' I can hear him say, 'Life goes on!' Back in a minute to see what the book says......

star streak	30 May 2002
"The Fifth Wave Song is an experience of broken dreams and lost opportunities. It is a time of self-recrimination and doubt, of mulling over the past and becoming quite lost in wishing....." "It is important to take the opportunity to acknowledge and grieve your loss. ...also vital for you to recognise when sadness is diminishing, so that the sorrow does not become a habit and an excuse to escape...." "If you summon up your courage and change your focus....see how much that you had forgotten or ignored is waiting for you." "This image of the butler also calls for you to create balance between serving others and taking care of yourself." "Allow healing to be drawn into your life now, as avoiding this will only lead to stagnation and unneccessary pain."

star streak	30 May 2002
Well, my dear, there it is. I AM very sorry it took me so long to get to this. I truly hope it helps you. Thank you for the opportunity to get to know this beautiful deck a bit more. I have had a wonderful time. :) Love, Light, and May the Blessings Be! Star Streak

Mermaid	30 May 2002
Wow, thanks a bunch Starstreak! Your descriptions are beautiful, I could almost see the cards in front of me when I read them. It really does sound like a gorgeous, friendly deck (I'm almost tempted to dash off to the local crystal shop right now and put my order in!) *sigh* When I finally do decide on my new deck I'll let you know which one I end up with. I wish you many illuminating readings with your lovely new deck :) Love

star streak	30 May 2002
Happy to be of assistance. I am increasingly finding the citizens of tarot to be exquisitely wonderful people! Namaste! Star Streak

Jewel	30 May 2002
I recently got this deck, and I have to say that it is beautiful. I don't focus so much on divination, but the deck looks as if it would be properly suited for that. It looks like it would also be very good for meditation and personal development. It is gentle but honest, not sugar coated so to speak. I am really glad I purchased this deck, as far as I am concerned it was worth every penny.

star streak	30 May 2002
Enthusiastic agreement! In fact, there are several people I would love to make a gift of this deck to, I know it would provide comfort, enlightment, growth, joy, lessons, quiet beauty, for each of them. Namaste. Star streak

The Round Decks, Gendron, Merry Day, Sacred Circle thread was originally posted on 15 May 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.