Lo Scarabeo decks

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 08 Aug 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Sulis	08 Aug 2002
Hi I`ve read a few posts lately where people have mentioned that they don`t like Lo Scarabeo decks. I`m curious, why don`t you like them, I`ve never bought one of their decks. Blessings Crystalmynx xx

Maan	08 Aug 2002
Well i cant help you here...i happen to LOVE lo scarabeo decks!!!!!!!!!!!

midnightmerry	08 Aug 2002
Well, this is just my personal experience. I have 3 Lo Scarabeo decks and don't use any of them. I find that: a) the art has a superficialiy about it and/or a comic-book feel that I can't relate to, b) sometimes the art seems just an excuse to draw naked women, c) the pics don't relate to standard card interpretations.

Keslynn	08 Aug 2002
I only have one LoScarabeo deck so far. It's the Tarot of Casanova. I can't read with it really but that's because it's an erotic deck. I'm not particularly embarassed. I just have trouble getting meaning from looking at sexual acts. ;) It does have nice artwork though and I like the longer slimmer cut of the cards. One problem might be all the different translations of the card title in the border. That makes the border a little chunky sometimes and I could see how that might be distracting. I don't have a problem with it, but once again, I don't exactly read with my deck anyway. I am looking forward to getting the Etruscan Tarot, which I believe is Lo Scarabeo. I might be more inclined to read with that one. I'll have to get back to you then. :TQS Kes

Starfish	08 Aug 2002
I don't have many Lo Scarebos yet but I don't like how much white border alot of them seem to have. All in all, not too big of a pet peeve. The LoS decks that I do own I LOVE. :TMAGE Starfish

Jewel	08 Aug 2002
I have several LoScarabeo decks and the only reason I usually get them is because I do like the neatness of the comic book style art on many (not all) of their decks, but I have to admit that I do not read or really work with any of them. The decks are all the same size, same style of border (as described by starfish), have the card title in 4 languages and use the same exact numbering system. Basically it is like they have inserted the pictures into a pre-established framework. This may be one of the reasons some poeple do not like them. Personally I like to collect them, and I cannot wait for the Mermaid Tarot to come out!

Starfish	08 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Jewel Personally I like to collect them, and I cannot wait for the Mermaid Tarot to come out! You and me both, ma'am! I can't wait until Lori and Jeanette let us pre-order.... :TMAGE Starfish

Maan	08 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Starfish You and me both, ma'am! I can't wait until Lori and Jeanette let us pre-order.... :TMAGE Starfish And me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Starfish	08 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Maan And me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Alright, Maan! I have a feeling that Jeanette and Lori are going to have to place a sizeable order of the Mermaid deck ;) :TMAGE Starfish

Jewel	08 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Starfish Alright, Maan! I have a feeling that Jeanette and Lori are going to have to place a sizeable order of the Mermaid deck ;) :TMAGE Starfish Just remember girls and boys ... when we place our orders lets give aeclectic credit so that part of the proceeds go to help maintain this site :)

Starfish	08 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Jewel Just remember girls and boys ... when we place our orders lets give aeclectic credit so that part of the proceeds go to help maintain this site :) Definitely - thanks for the reminder! :TMAGE Starfish

WolfSpirit	08 Aug 2002
From what I read in posts here and there: people don't like the decks because they think it's just pretty pictures and not meaningful enough to do proper readings. For myself: I don't own LoSc decks yet... that's changing though: I ordered the art nouveau and manara but it's taking a little longer because they can be sent off :( *trying to stay patient* So I still have to decide if I can use them for reading...if I like a deck I get it anyway, just for fun.

Jewel	08 Aug 2002
WolfSpirit I own the LoSc Art Noveau, it is very beautiful. Personally I really like that deck. I sure hope you can read with it! I simply have never tried *LOL* ... I collect decks so it takes me a while to get around to using them.

wavebreaker	08 Aug 2002
I'm still waiting for the Art Nouveau as well, which will be my first Lo Scarabeo deck... I ordered it because I thought it was really beautiful, so I don't really mind if it turns out I can't read with it. I'll probably want the Mermaid Tarot as well when it comes out.

jmd	08 Aug 2002
I cannot comment on LoScarabeo decks generally, but will add to this discussion anyway. I have three copies of the Conver Marseilles deck. One printed (limited edition) by Camoin, another by Heron, and the third by LoScarabeo. Of these, the Camoin, being on thick cardboard aiming to duplicate early decks, the stock is of lower quality, by the image is clear; The LoScarabeo one has the lowest quality image reproduction, though the stock is very good; The Heron is by far the superior, in my view, reproduction: the stock is very good, and the image clear.

catlin	09 Aug 2002
I don't like the comic style most LoScarabeo decks have, the broad white borders and the fact that there is often no coherence in style (especially in the decks done by 2 artists). Ok, I have the LoSC Art Nouveau (aka Primavera) tarot because I love Art Nouveau style and the sensuality of the folks depicted on the cards and I will add the Golden Tsar to my collection as well as the Etruscan but they differ a lot from usual LoScar tarot "fashion".

jema	09 Aug 2002
i generally don't like the Lo Scarabeo either but i think i might warm up towards them. i just have to accept that i will probably never use them for readings. they are still very pretty to collect and look at and such. i really want a lot of the new Lo Scarabeo decks coming out this year: the golden Tsar, the journey to the orient, dürer, the etruscian.. and i do like the ones i have - the primavera, the fairy tarot, the olympic and even the Bosch! i just won't read with them. i first thought i would trade them away but i changed my mind just this week.

catboxer	09 Aug 2002
They do have some really good historical decks. My Visconti-Sforza is the LoScarabeo gold edition, and it's a beautifully done restoration by A.A. Atanassov. The only thing some people have complained about is the thin black stripe running up the left margins of the cards, which contains their names in several languages. I haven't read with this deck, but I easily could. I also have their "Ancient Tarots of Lombardy." It's very nice but mis-named, as it is a reproduction of Napoleonic-era Milanese deck, originally by F. Gumppemburg. Its appearance is soft and rather romantic. Neither pack has the excessively large white borders others have complained of.

Kyrielle	09 Aug 2002
Anyone heard any more about when the Lo Scarabeo decks featured on Tarot Passages are actually coming out? I heard something about September, but LoS doesn't have these decks on their coming attractions page yet. Everyone's looking forward to the Mermaids, but I think the Fey Tarot is first on my list. -- Kyrielle

Starfish	09 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Kyrielle Everyone's looking forward to the Mermaids, but I think the Fey Tarot is first on my list. I pre-ordered the Fey Tarot :) I am looking forward to it! :TTOW Starfish

WolfSpirit	09 Aug 2002
I also like the fey tarot ! What is the site to pre-order this deck ?

Starfish	09 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by WolfSpirit I also like the fey tarot ! What is the site to pre-order this deck ? Tarot Garden :TTOW Starfish

WolfSpirit	09 Aug 2002
Thanks Starfish !:) I have a link to a loScarabeo site but I don't think I can order it from there, it does not even seem to be updated.

Starfish	09 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by WolfSpirit Thanks Starfish !:) I have a link to a loScarabeo site but I don't think I can order it from there, it does not even seem to be updated. You are very welcome. I'm always happy to enable....err... [/u]. :TTOW Starfish

VGimlet	09 Aug 2002
I love the Lo Scarabeo decks, and there are several of the new ones on my list - the mermaid, the fey, the gothic vampire, and the pagan. But, I also like comic book style art. I'll have to have them in my hands before I decide if I'm going to read with them or not.

Phoenix	09 Aug 2002
I don't really mind Lo Scarabeo decks. In fact, the have a lot of very interesting decks that I wouldn't mind getting(namely the Visconti Gold Tarots). I was actually looking through my Celtic Tarots deck last night, and Iwas actually surprised at the RWS imagery in it. Although I don't like the Empress card.

divinerguy	09 Aug 2002
They all seem to look alike after a few decks. Kinda like its a formula. No real diversity. Compare the Tarot Art Nouveau with the Casanova, and with any other Pomo deck and you'll see it.

WolfSpirit	10 Aug 2002
I really don't see what's the resemblance between the upcoming fey or the pagan deck ? Well in the end there is a resemblance between all tarot decks, or it would not be a tarot deck. Just checked amazon and they shipped the art nouveau today, so I can soon see for myself how I like it, yippeeeeee :D

Pollux	11 Aug 2002
I will write this without reading the above posts (I really have little time for catching up). I am surely one of those people continuosly criticizing LoScarabeo Decks. Even though I am the only Italian here! *LOL* I HATE THEM! And for some of the reasons I briefly read while srcolling the page: mostly superficial art, too similar stiles, no great connections with symbols/meanings, often few details... BUT MOSTLY I HATE THE LAYOUT!!!!!! I HATE THE LAYOUT OF THE CARDS!!! It is always the same, and this is the first thing that sets me... MAD!!! I simply don't like the idea of a common layout for so many decks... Does it take so much to imagine different ones??? Sometimes it is ok, like in my BOSCH and COSMIC (that I have and love, but they are exceptions I think). I really hate this. I can't stand it. Whether you look at Mantegna, Dante, Cosmic or WHATEVER, you always have the same, UGLY, COLD, UNFEELING layout. I wrote all this, taking for granted that you all know the layout I am talking about...

Pollux	11 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Jewel The decks are all the same size, same style of border (as described by starfish), have the card title in 4 languages and use the same exact numbering system. Basically it is like they have inserted the pictures into a pre-established framework. I knew I should have first read it. I think that is exactly why I detest them!!! :D:D:D *LOL* EDITED TO ADD: STARFISH YOU ARE SCARY!!! YOU STEPPED FAR BEYOND YOUR MENTOR!!! ;) *LOL*

Liliana	11 Aug 2002
Well then its time to play doctor Frankenstein and..... CUT OFF THE BORDERS! muhahhahaha You know Im thinking the upcoming fey deck would look really nice with a borderectomy :THP

Pollux	11 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Liliana a borderectomy Mmmmhhhh.... nice term! I'll add it to my Medicine Vocabulary. The point is: THE CARDS ARE TOO NARROW AND LONG!!! :( Trimming off the borders would increase the effect... This at least in my Visconti Sforza (without gold foil, but exactly the same version previously mentioned by catboxer) and in Cosmic. HEY! I said Cosmic is ok, so I'll keepit as it easy! :P Anyway, the average 2 (+something)" x 4 (+something)" is really annoying, and prevents the surgery treatment... :(

Lee	11 Aug 2002
Pollux, I am confused, I didn't think Cosmic was a Lo Scarabeo deck... -- Lee

Starfish	11 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Pollux EDITED TO ADD: STARFISH YOU ARE SCARY!!! YOU STEPPED FAR BEYOND YOUR MENTOR!!! ;) *LOL* Now, Pollux, the rest of the Tarotholics had to step up to the plate and keep the Tarotholicism going while you were on holiday! I've learned my skills from a master ;) So, any other decks you feel I NEED to add to my collections? }) :T10C Starfish

Pollux	12 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Lee Pollux, I am confused, I didn't think Cosmic was a Lo Scarabeo deck... -- Lee The Lo Scarabeo edition goes under another name... AND THIS IS ANOTHER THING I HATE ABOUT THEM!*LOL* They keep changing the names of the decks... GRRRRR!!! I won't even go into discussing all the names of the regional Italian cards they have, or the classics like Papus or Etteilla... Back to our beloved Lee. I'll provide a link if I find it. I got a Lo Scarabeo edition, since it was a gift. I actually knew there were different editions, but I never thought the layout could be different. Actually, yesterday I looked at Joan Bunning's site, the Decks section, and the layout were different - seemingly published by US-Games. There is not that thick border with all the languages...

the hermit	12 Aug 2002
All I can do is second and third the previous opinions. Don't like the borders, too narrow, don't like the cartoonish art, don't like the sameness, don't like the name confusion (I'm a collector and HATE that!) There are exceptions, but the majority of their decks are unliked by many based on the critiques here. Which is too bad. As a large provider, they could be doing a better job (imho) of being a leader.

Pollux	12 Aug 2002
HOW ODD!!! ODD ODD ODD!!! I have been searching for a while, and found NOTHING! Neither Alida nor Trigono had that edition any more - the name of the deck in the Lo Scarabeo edition was "Tarocchi dell'Iniziazione". http://filestore.monrif.net/bibliotarot.html The only thing I could find supporting the existence of my deck!!! *LOL* Search for the word "iniziazione" (initiation) in the page, and you will be taken to the line related to the Cosmic Tarot by Norbert Losche. YEAH! *LOL* They called it "TAROCCHI DELL'INIZIAZIONE", TAROTS OF THE INITIATION!!! *LOL* Wasn't "COSMIC TAROT" enough? Well, I'll be one of the few people around having a LoScarabeo edition of it... (Nationalistic Boost :D)

WolfSpirit	12 Aug 2002
My lwb with the Cosmic says F.X. Schmid Vereinigte Munchener Spielkarten-Fabriken and it was printed in 1988 (I don't have it that long, bought it from someone else) Maybe after that it was taken over by other printers to confuse us a bit. It only has a very small white border and the name of the card at the bottom in English.

WolfSpirit	12 Aug 2002
Pollux, don't do a borderectomy on your Cosmic - it may be worth a lot some day because it's so rare. People will fight each other to pay the highest price :D

Pollux	12 Aug 2002
I'll post this pic... The Camera never lies... ;) BTW it is ODD. The two spare cards inside the deck bear the Copyright of AG Muller, while the box bears the Lo Scarabeo Bug... :confused:

Lee	12 Aug 2002
Thanks, Pollux, that was interesting... we learn something new every day! :) -- Lee

Liliana	12 Aug 2002
Show us one of the cards :) :THP

Pollux	12 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Liliana Show us one of the cards Ok... The Gorgeous High Priestess for you. The Gorgeous Lovers for me. P.S. Remember: I am completely in love with my Cosmic Deck! :P

Liliana	12 Aug 2002
Just as I thought, all those languages cluttering up the bottom of the cards hehe :THP

Lee	12 Aug 2002
I actually prefer that clutter to the F.X. Schmid version I have, which has hand-lettered titles which look quite ugly. -- Lee

WolfSpirit	12 Aug 2002
I'm disappointed, I thought there was also a big border at the top with more names or numbers or zodiac signs etc.

Pollux	12 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Lee I actually prefer that clutter to the F.X. Schmid version I have, which has hand-lettered titles which look quite ugly. -- Lee HEY LEE!!! Is your deck in good state? How about a Trade Cosmic Vs Cosmic? I AM SERIOUS!!!

the hermit	12 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Pollux I'll post this pic... The Camera never lies... ;) BTW it is ODD. The two spare cards inside the deck bear the Copyright of AG Muller, while the box bears the Lo Scarabeo Bug... :confused: Maybe they were doing some deck printing for Muller at that time?

Pollux	13 Aug 2002
It might be, because the AG Muller copyright is dated sort of 1998, while the LoScarabeo is 2001. Who knows. This is a case for Mr HOLMES... ;)

The Lo Scarabeo decks thread was originally posted on 08 Aug 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.