Anyone have the Hudes deck?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 09 Jul 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

mondk	09 Jul 2002
I ordered a catalog of tarot decks from U.S. Game Systems, Inc. and just at random flipping the page with this deck opened up and this deck "screamed" at me. So it is right up there on my list now with Sacred Circle! Does anyone have this particular deck (Hudes) and can give me their personal review/opinion of this deck? Thanks in advance and many blessings!!! Michelle

jema	09 Jul 2002
i have it. it is in my opinion a very muted deck. it speaks with a soft voice. the people in it are introverted and a bit sad perhaps. some cards in it i love. the 5 of cups is one of my fav 5 of cups cards. it is well made. but a bit cold. it is so humble i often forget i even have it next to those other decks screaming out to be used. i use it mainly for comparative readings when i need that still and silent influence on top of a more vivid and passionate deck. it is in much a RW clone so it is not hard to read at all though. just kind of shy and not so loud.

mondk	09 Jul 2002
Thank you Jema; this is so weird, but I went back on this site here and looked at the cards after reading your posting, and the cards brought tears to my eyes and are just beckoning to me it seems. I wish I lived closer to a New Age store so I could hold the deck in my hands! I guess maybe the deck may have something to tell me; I've never really found a deck to read for myself on...yet, so perhaps this could be the one? (Of course, not getting my hopes up yet) The only other deck I have that has "screamed" at me like that was the Reed Witches' Tarot. Odd, eh? Blessings, Michelle

jema	09 Jul 2002
i could see how this deck could be a healing deck for some. even though i seldom use it i do't think i would ever trade it away, it has it's place in the collection:)

catlin	09 Jul 2002
Hi, I also have the Hudes and I can only emphasize what Jema already said. I used it for my persoanl readings when I felt the need for a calmer deck it is a bit pushed aside by all the otehr "louder" decks.

Kyrielle	09 Jul 2002
The Hudes is definitely a serene deck. None of the people have bright, wide smiles, but they don't look grumpy or depressed either. They look calm and contemplative -- much like one would look when seriously consulting a Tarot deck. The art incorporates old maps, printed pages, and marbled paper, mostly in clothing and backgrounds. It doesn't have the feeling of a collage deck, though. The colors are a little muted, but there is a wide range of color. Many of the cards resemble the Rider-Waite-Smith cards, but there are some notable departures. These include the Fool, the World, Death, Temperance, the Star, and the 10 of Cups. My favorite cards from a deck full of favorite cards are the Fool, the Star, the High Priestess, the Empress, the Hanged Man, Strength, and the 10 of Cups. The cards that are similar to the RWS often show a similar scene from a slightly different point of view -- an aerial view in the 6 of Swords, for instance. Many cards have close-up, portrait-style renderings of people. The backs have a sun-and-moon design with knotwork and carved faces. I use this deck a lot. It is very readable. If you want something RWS-ish with a good sprinkling of originality, you should consider the Hudes. -- Kyrielle

Cerulean	09 Jul 2002
The USGamesinc.com site has the Hudes Deck. It seems a new companion book by L.A. (Leah) Samuls is available, but so new, it's not listed on Amazon.com. I had to search the U.S. Games site for Hudes tarot and the book was in the second reference...it is part of the combined book and deck kit. The author Leah Samuls wrote an article for a magazine called SageWoman. The only SageWoman that I ever bought and it had an article on the Hudes deck and L.A. Samul's meditative process. She has breast cancer, so she was working through emotional things while writing the book. I have had the deck for a few months...kind of feels like I am in a quiet corner of an old library or the half-empty corner of a park or garden. I think it fits in with reflective moods. I also read with different decks, such as the very soft and quiet Ancient Tarots of Lombardy...which might feel to some like a cross between an old bookstore with prints or a sleepy university campus on a warm summer night. Did anyone else see the book? Mari H.

Cocobird55	10 Jul 2002
I like this deck a lot. It is my favorite RW type deck. I love the maps and marbled papers and the soft colors. And it has my favorite death card of all time -- a butterfly coming out of a skeleton. I plan to get the book as soon as it is available. Sue

WolfSpirit	14 Jul 2002
I was doing some searching for decks at Amazon, and you always get suggestions and amazon suggested the Hudes deck. I never even heard of it, all I've seen of it is the pictures here but I like it a lot, I think I would choose it for the artwork (the butterfly in the skeleton-wow !) rather than reading - but it's always like that when I get a new deck, after a while they just call me to do a reading for me ;)

mondk	14 Jul 2002
I just couldn't resist, although the Sacred Circle kept whispering my name too. However, the Sacred Circle deck was the package deal with the book too and I didn't have the extra $30 for it (I will get it from my cousin later) so ssshhh...don't tell anyone I actually bought the Hudes deck from a bookstore, LOL!!! I am particularly fond of the Devil card and the Judgment card in this deck...along with the other cards people mentioned above like the Death card and the Temperance card. I also think the Ace of Pents is pretty with the purple roses surrounding a pentacle. Oooh, yes, I think this deck and I were made for each other!! I've already "welcomed" it to my humble abode!! Blessings all, M.

Starfish	14 Jul 2002
Congrats, Mondk - It's a lovely, gently hued deck. I also love the Death card (and trust me, this is not a card that I'm normally drawn to ;)). I'm adding it to my wishlist. :T7W Starfish

Diana	14 Jul 2002
edited

mondk	15 Jul 2002
I rather think that this deck (Hudes) and possibly my Winged Spirit will be decks that I leave at home, for my personal working use and study only. Starfish: I went through the Whimsical and Halloween decks today too...I have a feeling I can and will be doing querents' readings off of these. My son and I went through the Halloween cards and I would tell a story off of one card, then he would pick it on up with the next card. He has reminded me almost daily that while I'm allowed to use this deck that this deck specifically is "his". LOL. He says his favorite cards are The Emperor (Frankenstein) and the 2 of Ghosts. I am rather fond of Temperance and the Queen of Ghosts. Well, Starfish, knowing that you have both of these 2 decks if I need any assitance while learning them, may I PM you? Blessings all, M.

Starfish	15 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by mondk Well, Starfish, knowing that you have both of these 2 decks if I need any assistance while learning them, may I PM you? Absolutely! And then when I get my Hudes ;), you can assist me. :T3C Starfish

Jimilyn	15 Jul 2002
Well, after reading this thread, I once again have to raise my white flag and add another deck to my list. I really enjoy having a wide variety of decks to choose from. I choose depending upon who I read for, the question, and just intuition. I enjoy light-hearted decks, but also find a need for more serious decks. Now here's a gentle one. Ohhhhh, I do love gentle. You folks are merciless! I may have to quit eating to afford all the decks I want. Jimilyn

Diana	15 Jul 2002
edited

Jimilyn	16 Jul 2002
Diana, Thanks for the comments. I do have a tendency towards depression, but have really learned what I need to do to keep in balance...thankfully. So I'll keep that in mind as I consider this deck. I don't necessarily look for only happy decks because there are just times that a more serious deck is called for. I don't avoid seeing the truth about myself, so perhaps I could still use the deck at times. I'll have to keep thinking about it. Thanks, Jimilyn

mondk	16 Jul 2002
Starfish: yes of course you can ask away about the Hudes. When someone up above said this deck was very mild, I thought to myself...hmm, maybe it is comparable to the Goddess deck (that has been my meekest deck so far) but like Diana said, this deck can be revealing, but yes, it does seem to add some comfort to what it has to tell. That Halloween deck, however, I did a reading on myself using the CC spread and it seemed to really bring all my faults and shortcomings into light and "screamed" at me to correct them or at least work on them. I think that particular deck is going to be a "screamer" LOL. The Whimsical is very easy to interpret but also is quite accurate. I think the only difficulty I may have with it is with reversed meanings. Starfish: I'm already preparing a PM to you with a ques. about a reversed card on the Whimsical...so look out!!! LOL. Blessings, M.

midnightmerry	16 Jul 2002
I have been looking at the Hudes deck for awhile. I think after reading all the replies that it is definitely on my 'will buy' list. Thanks. Midnightmerry

Mlle Lenormand	16 Jul 2002
I have the Hudes Deck too. I find that the images are easy to read when you are in need of quiet, they are not so confronting as other RW based decks. I agree that the death card is wonderful with the butterfly incorporated on the skeleton, but my favourite is the Hermit, he reminds me of Sir Alec Guiness. I prefer this deck to the RW because of the muted colours and gentle drawings.

Jimilyn	16 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by mondk That Halloween deck, however, I did a reading on myself using the CC spread and it seemed to really bring all my faults and shortcomings into light and "screamed" at me to correct them or at least work on them. I think that particular deck is going to be a "screamer" LOL. LOL, mondk! I was just talking to a couple of friends about this a bit earlier this evening. We were discussing how certain decks could cut to the chase, and I commented that I'd much rather have my faults pointed out to me by my deck than by another person or an unpleasant situation. :D That way I have a chance to work on myself without having my nose rubbed in it, so to speak. LOL! ;) Jimilyn

Starfish	16 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by mondk That Halloween deck, however, I did a reading on myself using the CC spread and it seemed to really bring all my faults and shortcomings into light and "screamed" at me to correct them or at least work on them. I think that particular deck is going to be a "screamer" LOL. Starfish: I'm already preparing a PM to you with a ques. about a reversed card on the Whimsical...so look out!!! LOL. Blessings, M. I agree about the Halloween deck - it is definitely not shy about telling it like it is! ;) I love it's forthright honesty! I've PMed you back an answer on the Whimsical srepad. And as for the Hudes, you've enabled me to go and place an order for it to be delivered to my local Borders. Of course, not wanting it to be alone waiting for me to pick it up, I've ordered two companion decks }). :T4S Starfish

mondk	17 Jul 2002
What other decks did you order? I have promised myself that the Sacred Circle will be my very next deck. Others on my wish list are: -Nefertari (love Egyptian stuff) -Aquatic -Amber -Ancestral Path -Angel tarot -Gill -Ansata -Dali Universal -Tarot of the Old Path -Russian tarot of St. Petersburg -Cosmic tarot Got any of these? Blessings, M.

Starfish	17 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by mondk What other decks did you order? I have promised myself that the Sacred Circle will be my very next deck. Others on my wish list are: -Ancestral Path -Gill I have the Ancestral Path and the Gill - love them both (especially the Gill!!) When I placed my order for the Hudes, I also ordered Moon Garden and Art Nouveau (Matt Myers version). You have a great wishlist, btw :) :T7W Starfish

Jewel	17 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by mondk -Ancestral Path -Gill -Tarot of the Old Path -Russian tarot of St. Petersburg -Cosmic tarot Of these my favorite is the Tarot of the Old Path, but the Gill may steal its spot once I work with it more. My least favorite of them is the Russian Tarot of St. Petersburg - the art is lovely but too small. The cards are black which is cool ... but at the same time can detract. The Cosmic is very interesting. If you look at particular cards you may see the image of a card through a window of a different card. There are other neat little associations between some cards. Makes me think of piecing a puzzle together. The Ancestral Path is lovely and a good multicultural deck. As for Egyptian decks my favorite is the Ancient Egyptian by Clive Berret. The artwork is stunning and it is very usable. Hope this helps.

Cerulean	29 Nov 2002
I finally was able to pick up the companion book by Leah Samuls and the affirmations/ideas of this book is very very helpful. In another post I was working through a 12 card spread with some other decks...after writing, I concluded that looking at nature through observing birds, especially snowy owls, might be a fun small thing to do. We're taking my nephews to the zoo, so I planned to take pictures of my nephews in a bird aviary section. In my new welcome to Hudes/Book set spread, I had the Nine of Pentacles, Moon and Ten of Cups. The calm woman balancing a beautiful bird with quiet respect, a dreamy moon behind wintery branches and a flying bird above a peaceable setting. I asked myself how to get to the Ten of Cups and it was Strength, 3 of Pentacles and then the World. The latter three cards said to me---with my eyes on the sign of infinity that the birds in formation shape above Strength's head--that the way of gentleness may be enhanced with learning and a way to succeed with my inner searching and questions on family relationships. I'm thinking, yes, this deck and book has ideas, affirmations and excellent wording to aim the archetype or energy in the card in the best direction.

The Anyone have the Hudes deck? thread was originally posted on 09 Jul 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.