Celtic Dragon -v- Dragon

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 23 Jun 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Sorceress_Jade	23 Jun 2002
I'm sure this has been done and done-er, however here it is again. Ok, I’ve been contemplating these two decks for a while. Judging by the images on AT I feel as though the Celtic Dragon has better imagery. Now, I’m not judging artwork here, I’m judging imagery. In all of your opinions which of these decks would be better for a beginner who loves Dragons? I could always get her a standard Weight, but she’s more apt to get into something the shows her what she loves. My opinion so far is the Celtic, but I would like to hear what people who have the decks think. Thanx!

Emily	23 Jun 2002
Hi Sorceress_Jade, I have the Celtic Dragon, I've collected dragons for a few years so wanted a dragon deck but the Dragon tarot didn't appeal to me - I looked through the whole deck on tarot.com and I didn't feel drawn to it at all now the Celtic Dragon has just the right mix of dragon and human figures. I'm drawn to Celtic tarot decks anyway and this one is nicely drawn with the Dragons still the major focus in the cards. :)

Phoenix	23 Jun 2002
Honestly, I would say neither. In my opinion, both are not very good imagery wise. To this day, I still have problems with the Dragon. But, if you are going to get one, go with the Celtic Dragon.

Kyrielle	23 Jun 2002
I have both decks. I like the Celtic Dragon a bit better because the dragons seem to be more friendly and alive. The Dragon is also nice, though. You can't go wrong with either. The Celtic Dragon stays somewhat closer to Rider-Waite symbolism, and it's not as dark-colored as the Dragon. I agree, though -- if it's one or the other, get the Celtic Dragon. --Kyrielle

aeonx	24 Jun 2002
Greetings. I have both decks too, but the Celtic Dragon was, and still is, the favorite. I love dragons, and the imagery in the CD is far better than in the Dragon-deck. The D-cards are kinda blass. They're not as 'sparky' as it can seem on-line. I absolutely love the CD, and it's my number 1 deck of all. They are extremely beautiful! When I opened the deck for the first time, I lost my breath. They are incredible spiritual and strong. If you love dragons, I would highly recommend the Celtic Dragon! ~aeonx~

catlin	24 Jun 2002
I only have the Celtic Dragon and I have to admit that there are some minor flaws in it (at least when compared to the Shapeshifter deck). The pics and colourings are nicely done. I only have it as collector's deck and not as a reading deck.

WolfSpirit	26 Jun 2002
I agree with Catlin: I like the Shapeshifter best, but I do love the drawings on the Celtic Dragon. Since I have the Shapeshifter I do almost all my readings with that pne. I still love the Celtic Dragon to look at. The book is a bit of a drawback though: it tends to be a bit to the negative side, the shapeshifter is better for giving positive advice (but, of course, you did not ask about that one...) I also have the dragon tarot, but more as a collector's deck, the pictures to me have a kind of "comic strip" character and they also show a sense of humour, where else can you see a dragon with a mitre ? But the minors don't have much imagery in the drawings and the book is also not very helpful... However, i think it also depends on the child: the celtic dragon is a sweeter deck, but some children will prefer the dragon tarot I guess, if they also like ghost stories or bats etc. And the deck does not have frightening pictures in it, it's just a darker style.

Jewel	27 Jun 2002
As a dragon lover I have both. I think the Dragon Tarot has one of my all time favorite death cards. I love both decks and find them very different, from the coloring to the types of dragons portrayed. If you decide to go with the Celtic Dragon I would also like to recommend D.J. Conways book Dancing with Dragons. It is not about the deck but is a nice compliment to the Celtic Dragon deck and book set and is all about dragons.

WolfSpirit	28 Jun 2002
My favourite card in the dragon tarot is certainly the hanging dragon... he's just so cool and just hanging out 8) I really love the artwork on the dragons I just think they don't represent the meaning of the cards very well, that's why I see at more as a collector's deck for myself.

evergladeswitch	28 Jun 2002
As a lover of reptiles and a celtic path witch I had to pick up the Celtic Dragon deck. I love the drawings but found that the interpretations of the cards seemed to have a awfully negative spin. I think the deck is fine if you have some experience at reading but I honestly don't think it's a great beginners deck.

Lee	28 Jun 2002
Hi, evergladeswitch, and welcome! :) I agree that the meanings in the book are negative. If I were going to read with the deck, I would put the book away and just go from the pictures and general Tarot knowledge. -- Lee

Sorceress_Jade	28 Jun 2002
wow, welcome to the forum :) and thanx for the input.

The Celtic Dragon -v- Dragon thread was originally posted on 23 Jun 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.