Tarotdeparis

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

purplelady	08 Sep 2002
http://www.Tarotdeparis.com I found this link on another thread. Isn't it beautiful? What do you think?

purplelady	08 Sep 2002
This has got to be the coolest find of the day. I Love it!!!

Faerie Lin	08 Sep 2002
purplelady! I really like the way this deck looks! There is just something about it! I think it reminds me of that movie "What Dreams May Come" How Heaven looked in the movie, lol, I dunno I can't really put my finger on it. Well, here's yet another deck added to my long wishlist! lin

truthsayer	08 Sep 2002
i bought this deck about 2 weeks ago. i absolutely love it and recommend it! the photography and graphics are expertly done. the book is well-written. the deck was about 20 years in the making. if you want to know more, there is another thread in the archival decks section around 2-3 weeks back where me and some others discuss the paris in more depth.

truthsayer	08 Sep 2002
i bumped the other tarot de paris up for you.

purplelady	09 Sep 2002
Thank-you Truthsayer! I honestly can't imagine how I could have missed these threads and all the excitement over this deck! I must be in another world! ;) . The deck Does remind me of Cosmic Tribe, as Lee said, just my impression from pictures online. I think I like this new deck more than any I've seen in quite awhile. I Want it! Unfortunately I am not allowed to buy any decks right now (pout) I hope I can Stand to wait?! BTW , isn't Booksamillion an online store only? Or does it exist as a store you can go into? I was to Borders, BarnesnNobel, and Mediaplay just a couple of weeks ago with no sign of any Tarotdeparis. Also, I don't see it at amazon, unless I'm not looking in the right place?

Lee	09 Sep 2002
Amazon listing. :)

starr	09 Sep 2002
Thank you, this deck is ....... all the discriptives there are. I got so involved espying them that I don't know how much time has passed. might have to wish for this deck Starr

truthsayer	09 Sep 2002
books a million is a walk in the door store. i don't know if they have an on-line site or not. you really should consider going for the deck signed by the author and get a post card of the deck. the deck retails for $29.95 + tax. for the price of s/h you can have something more special. amazon will probably charge $5 for postage. what have you got to lose? (except money!!) i really want to get mine out again to play! i'm beginning to feel like i will be able to read this one--it's not just another pretty face. ;) but it's a different relationship than what i have w/ neferteri and hanson roberts. i don't know what that means yet but stay tuned! :D

catlin	10 Sep 2002
Hi, I also contacted Mr Thomas directly and he has already replied to my e-mail. I really think we should order directly from him. He was very pleased to hear that his deck has such a warm and interested acceptance found.

TallTarotGuy	10 Sep 2002
I just got this deck yesterday, and I LOVE it!! It is now one of my favorite decks. I think it is gorgeous...definitely a lot of OOOOOs and AHHHHHs with this one. I can't wait to do a reading with it. As far as ordering directly from Mr. Thomas, I'm definitely considering it. I could keep the signed copy as a collectors item, and use the one I got from Amazon as a reading deck. :) Geeez...almost 30 decks now. Guess I'm a tarotholic. HUGS, TTG

Starfish	10 Sep 2002
Quote: Originally posted by TallTarotGuy Geeez...almost 30 decks now. Guess I'm a tarotholic. Tarotholicism is a great disease to suffer from ;). It's not fattening and doesn't do harm to others. Congratulations on your latest acquisitions! :TMAGE Starfish

Kiama	11 Sep 2002
This deck is stunning! Theartwork is so ellow and gorgoues, yet it still gets across the meaning. And I love the changes to someof the Major Arcana names. I'm gonna have to get this one. Kiama

purplelady	13 Sep 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Lee Amazon listing . :) Thanks Lee! :* ! I will bet the reason my amazon search originally pulled up nothing is because I typed Tarotdeparis as one word. And I know from experience that you have to type in the name Exactly as spelled with exact spaces between words etc. for the amazon search engine. ( but the way I typed it is how I saw it at the author's site- I think. )

purplelady	13 Sep 2002
Truth, I've seen booksamillion online store (looks comparable to amazon) I just never thought it was a real walk in store! But now I know!

Violet Gargoyle	14 Sep 2002
The deck is on its way to my hot little hands, I did amazon this time out, since I was also ordering a video game and a book (something for everyone in my hous :)). But I might take the suggestion and have a signed deck and a reading deck. I cant wait!

Lee	14 Sep 2002
I just got my Tarot de Paris in the mail. First impressions... the box is heavy! I was very impressed with the hardcover book and the *real* silk cloth. The book contains a six-card spread and the celtic cross. Unfortunately the silk cloth is only big enough to lay out the six-card spread on, too small for the celtic cross, because the cards are so big... oh well, I guess we can't have everything. I think it was truthsayer who said the cards aren't really like Cosmic Tribe, she's right, they're not. They're quite different from any other deck out there. So different, in fact, that it will take me a while to absorb them. The composition of some of the pictures strikes me as very odd. I know nothing about art, so I can't say whether it's very bad or very good... probably the latter. It is *definitely* a very masculine deck (yay!). There are lots of female nudes as well as male, but the female ones somehow don't make as much of an impression. Most of the men are bulky and powerful, while most of the women are ethereal, with a delicate beauty. There are a few bulky and powerful women, though... The artist isn't that great a writer, I wish the publishers had edited him a little more. I'll definitely be spending time with this one, it bears close examination. Truthsayer and I must have the same taste in decks, I agree with everything she writes! :) -- Lee Edited to say: There are several cards whose meanings aren't obvious from looking at them, at least not to me. I'm reading the book now from cover to cover, and I'll have to rely on the book to know what the artist had in mind for those cards.

Kyrielle	17 Sep 2002
I sent my check out to Hawaii today to order directly from the author. He seems like a friendly person, as well as a great artist. Now comes the long wait for the package to come in the mail... I have the Stellar Kaleidoscope spread cloth from Tarot Totes, which seems like a good match for this deck when using it for larger spreads. -- Kyrielle

MystiqueMoonlight	17 Sep 2002
Why oh why do all these deck come in such a big size :( It really looks like a great deck, but as any of you who have heard me complain before I just don't like big decks..... Oh well I suppose my credit card is thankful for that....

MystiqueMoonlight	17 Sep 2002
I have just this morning sent my interview questions to J. Philip Thomas the creator of this deck and hopefully soon will have the completed interview posted in the interview section of the forum. I will let you all know when it is there.

Marion	18 Sep 2002
I cannot believe this! I am so excited. I was in Toronto Monday and Tuesday for meetings at our corporate HQ. In the evening I went over to the Yorkdale Shopping Plaza and in Indigo I found 4 copies of Tarot de Paris. wow!! Anyone who lives in TO, there are still 3 copies left! I opened the box as soon as I got back to the hotel and initial impressions were great. Coming back on the plane I had the row to myself and was immersed in reading the book and studying the cards. The stewardess plopped down and asked for a reading. I gave her two she was so much fun. The cards are very large, I have extremely long hands and can barely handle them. I love this deck, and unlike Lee, I like the book a lot. I have now read about a third of it and find it interesting. Sometimes the card meanings aren't obvious at first, but I enjoy reading his associations and 'getting' the deck. The images are gorgeous.

Violet Gargoyle	19 Sep 2002
I got mine today. I love the images, but why oh why are the copyright info on the backs of the cards? Georgeous deck, good stock, but they seem a bit scratchy? Is that a good word for it. I am seriously considering matting and displaying the deck that way though, and I rarely do that for any deck!

Phoenix	19 Sep 2002
Marion! Why did you have to do that?! I don't live in Toronto, and my only friend there has moved to Boston!!! I wish I could get there right now!!

Cerulean	20 Sep 2002
I think the copyright on the back is because there are also larger format art prints available...the artist gives one free to those who order from his website. He's a professional artist and graphic designer, so I thought this was fine. But I did notice the majority of my decks don't have the artist copyright on every card in the back or the front... Mari H>

Marion	20 Sep 2002
Sorry Phoenix. I don't even have any trips scheduled there for a while either. I'll let you know next time I go (and that could be a while) and if you are still interested I can check and buy you a copy if there are any left. Marion

Jewel	20 Sep 2002
You people ~points at Truthsayer in particular~ are an AWFUL influence on a weakling like me. I did not want this deck ... I have repeated to myself that it is to "still" ... but then yesterday while shopping for the Quester for my fiance's sister's b-day there it stood ... I resisted ... but then today I see Mateo's thread which led me back here. I believe I need this deck now. If nothing else than for the art. Darn it! Just when I was trying to be a little more conservative with my Tarot spending!

Phoenix	20 Sep 2002
That's Ok Marion, I will probably going to TO before Christmas(hopefully.....)

truthsayer	20 Sep 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Jewel You people ~points at Truthsayer in particular~ are an AWFUL influence on a weakling like me. I did not want this deck ... I have repeated to myself that it is to "still" ... but then yesterday while shopping for the Quester for my fiance's sister's b-day there it stood ... I resisted ... but then today I see Mateo's thread which led me back here. I believe I need this deck now. If nothing else than for the art. Darn it! Just when I was trying to be a little more conservative with my Tarot spending! ROFLMAO AT JEWEL!! sorry dear! i knew you'd break down eventually. your lack of will power is worse than mine. ;) but it really is a nice deck that i think will be a worthy edition to your collection. there is that stillness you mention but honestly, it's the best photographic deck i've seen to date. have you stopped enjoying good art work? no? then you won't regret getting the deck or the book "tarot celebrations" i made you need! you remember that card we created out of the devil card a few monthes back? (you know, you behind a counter holding luscious new decks just out of faunabay and my reach?) i believe i'm taking my turn as the devil! }) }) }) }) }) awww! don't sweat it! it's only money...yeah, right! ;) LOL

faunabay	20 Sep 2002
Quote: you remember that card we created out of the devil card a few monthes back? (you know, you behind a counter holding luscious new decks just out of faunabay and my reach?) i believe i'm taking my turn as the devil! }) }) }) }) }) [/b] What Card?????? How did I miss that????? hey truth, I already want this deck!! How long do you think I"ll hold out??? ROFL

Phoenix	20 Sep 2002
Quote: Originally posted by truthsayer ROFLMAO AT JEWEL!! sorry dear! i knew you'd break down eventually. your lack of will power is worse than mine. ;) LOL You think YOU have no will power?! I don't even say "I shouldn't get that" I always end up buying something!! In fact I plan on buying a nother soon. That will make 28 in my collection!

truthsayer	20 Sep 2002
Quote: Originally posted by faunabay What Card?????? How did I miss that????? hey truth, I already want this deck!! How long do you think I"ll hold out??? ROFL for some reason, i thought you knew about that. i can't even remember what thread it was on. jewel and i were joking around about a deck for tarot-holics. ask if she remembers. faunabay, i'm clueless how long you can hold out. i think jewel has managed about a month on this one. a new record for her of some kind. it wasn't a decision i had to make. the darn deck jumped in my hands, took me to the cash register and paid for itself! of course, i was glad the deck was assertive but that was getting slightly scarey! what if all decks decided to just take charge and buy themselves for us? }) :) LOL

Jewel	23 Sep 2002
Quote: Originally posted by truthsayer for some reason, i thought you knew about that. i can't even remember what thread it was on. jewel and i were joking around about a deck for tarot-holics. ask if she remembers. faunabay, i'm clueless how long you can hold out. i think jewel has managed about a month on this one. a new record for her of some kind. it wasn't a decision i had to make. the darn deck jumped in my hands, took me to the cash register and paid for itself! of course, i was glad the deck was assertive but that was getting slightly scarey! what if all decks decided to just take charge and buy themselves for us? }) :) LOL Of course she knew about it! she helped us design the card!!! Faunasis ... think back ... I believe the design was me standing behind a counter waving OOP decks (not new decks *LOL*) and both of you chained to the counter ~giggles~ ... that is so us!!! Well Truthsayer you will be PLEASED TO KNOW that today I sent my check off to InSpira designs for my signed copy of the Tarot de Paris (requested the 8 of Fire as my 8 X 10 print). You know I love good art, which is why I sucummed to the temptation you put me through (quit snickering~). And you are right ... it is only money ... who needs to eat right? But now let me tell you about an AMAZING photographic deck ~evil grin~ ... the Healing Tarot ... all photographic with NO computer design or enhancement ... it is GORGEOUS, and it is a perfect RWS based deck so it is VERY READABLE TOO. Not just another pretty deck :) ... I was shocked at how wonderful the deck is. You and Faunabay really NEED this deck. Also it is a limited edition of 1000 .... Now hurry along and go see some scans and read its reviews ;)

faunabay	23 Sep 2002
jewel, doesn't the Healing Tarot have pips for minors??? I thought I had looked at it before and liked the majors but the minors did absolutely nothing for me???? I'm going to have to go look again. Yeah Yeah Yeah We are SUCH bad (or good depending on how you look at it ROFL) influences on each other!!! :D

Jewel	24 Sep 2002
Quote: Originally posted by faunabay jewel, doesn't the Healing Tarot have pips for minors??? I thought I had looked at it before and liked the majors but the minors did absolutely nothing for me???? I'm going to have to go look again. Yeah Yeah Yeah We are SUCH bad (or good depending on how you look at it ROFL) influences on each other!!! :D Nope, it is RWS based with fully illustrated minors. No pips. Yes we are a MAJOR influence on eachother ... I think it is good ... just expensive *ROFLMAO* :P

truthsayer	24 Sep 2002
the healing tarot is a figment of my imagination...it does not exist...it does not exist...my money is safe...

faunabay	24 Sep 2002
Quote: Originally posted by truthsayer the healing tarot is a figment of my imagination...it does not exist...it does not exist...my money is safe... **ROFLMAO** I haven't gone to look at it either!! I'm afraid if I do I'll have to have it and I have NO money right now!!!! See I'm smart.....if I don't look at it, I won't want it!!! LOL I keep telling myself that anyway!!! :D

Phoenix	24 Sep 2002
I can't get this deck...I must save my money...I can't get this deck......I must save my money..... This is my personal mantra, although I doubt that it is working! I think faunabay should get it. It is really well done!! }) By the way, here is the website!!! }) })

Jewel	25 Sep 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Phoenix By the way, here is the website!!! }) }) *ROFLMAO* Phoenix that was evil ~giggles~ ... Faunabay, Truthsayer, and Phoenix ... save your money and get the deck some day. WHEN you order it, make sure and order through Tarot Garden so that Aeclectic can get some credit ... that way you can help yourselves, and our lovely community ~giggles~.

Jewel	25 Sep 2002
Truthsayer .... how long did it take for you to get your Tarot de Paris once you sent off for it? I sure wish they would have accepted pay-pal!. I want my deck and print NOW! *LOL* ... pretty funny for someone who did not want the deck *LOL* ... denial is a powerful thing ... surrender even more so ~giggles~

Kyrielle	26 Sep 2002
It took a week + two days from the day I sent my payment to the day the package arrived in the post. Warning: the deck is packed VERY well and it may take a few minutes of clawing through tape and brown paper to open. It is well worth the effort. My only problem was that the website said you can pick a print from ANY card in the deck. I picked the Stallion of Air and got the Chariot instead. Still lovely, but... I may contact the artist again and see if I can get a print of the Stallion of Air and the Moon and maybe a couple of others if they are relatively inexpensive. For those of you who ordered directly from the artist, which card did you pick for your print? Did anyone else choose one and get another? -- Kyrielle

Cerulean	26 Sep 2002
I chose the Nine of Water, and I like it very much. I'm surprised that you received a different print. I hope you get a good reply if you contact the artist/author again. Mari H.

toysgirl	27 Sep 2002
Quote: I may contact the artist again and see if I can get a print of the Stallion of Air and the Moon and maybe a couple of others if they are relatively inexpensive. For those of you who ordered directly from the artist, which card did you pick for your print? Did anyone else choose one and get another? Kryielle, This is very interesting news. I was just about to contact the artist to find out whose print I got! Obviously, I've received yours. I also just received a copy of the TdP & requested the Chariot. I got the Stallion of Air. I thought there might be a problem before I opened the package because the name 'Mindy' was written on it lightly in pencil. So! Would you like to make an exchange? Email me through my profile if you are interested. Too funny! -Stasia

toysgirl	27 Sep 2002
Kryielle, I had forgotten that my preferences here on the board won't permit you to send me an email message. I sent you a private message with my email address if you are interested in switching prints per my earlier post. Apologies to the board for posting this at large, but I wanted to be certain Kryielle knew she was PM'd in case she had disabled the alert. -Stasia

Keslynn	27 Sep 2002
I just ordered this deck from the author yesterday (and mailed my payment)! Now I'm waiting in excited anticipation until it will arrive. It's my back to school treat. I got the 5 of Water for my print. Generally considered a sad card, I know, but his version is so hauntingly beautiful that I couldn't resist. :) Kes

Kyrielle	28 Sep 2002
toysgirl -- my e-mail bounced, so be sure and check your PM folder. -- Kyrielle

toysgirl	01 Oct 2002
Kryielle, Check your PM too. Seems to be more reliable than the email accounts lately (heard that hotmail's server was acting up over the weekend). :) FWIW, I sent the print to you. ~Stasia

Zhritza	10 Oct 2002
So... I stopped posting to the forum for awhile for numerous reasons, most of them circumstantial. But one thing that was bothering me a lot about my participation in it was that I kept forgetting to actually read with my decks, because I was too focused on acquiring new ones; and I posted about decks and gave opinions about them when I had only looked at them, not done spreads with them. Not that there's anything wrong with that in general, but in my case I felt like I wanted to do at least one reading with a deck before I ran off at the mouth about it. Therefore I wanted to read more before I came back. And I have... to some extent. I still have a handful of decks I've never read with, but the ones I was really fond of visually, I have read with at least once or twice. And I even started keeping a tarot diary... finally :| . Having said that, I have the Tarot de Paris, I have not read with it yet, and I am going to run off at the mouth about it. }) I like how fire'n'air it feels (masculine, same thing essentially I guess) and it resonates with me a lot. To think I used to really dislike collage decks... I suppose the Victoria Regina planted the seed... The de Paris is very exciting and feels like ambition, drive, success etc., which may turn out to be less than ideal if I want to do a reading about emotions. But I'm really very pleased with it. The book is well done from the perspective of reading for yourself, which is pretty much all I do with tarot now. Monsieur Thomas has very thoughtful and unusual insights about the cards' meanings. No boiled-down divinatory meanings though.

MystiqueMoonlight	10 Oct 2002
Well guys, I have just submitted an interview with the creator of this deck and hopefully it will posted in the articles section within the next few weeks..... I hope you enjoy this one..

Jewel	10 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Kyrielle Warning: the deck is packed VERY well and it may take a few minutes of clawing through tape and brown paper to open. It is well worth the effort. *ROFLAMO* mine was relatively easy to get into to (no clawing involved). I do like the deck quite a bit. I still find it static, but the cards are beautiful. Not sure if I will ever use them, but there could come a time. The print I ordered was the 8 of Wands ... the one with the Dragon :) ... it is beautiful. I cannot wait to frame it! That one definetly goes on my wall!

purplelady	02 Nov 2002
I opened my new Tarot de Paris today , so I just had to comment on it! It's an Amazing deck I think. Very beautiful. The cards are very big. The cardstock is a bit thin and flimsy.They come with a thin real silk bandana size cloth in royal blue with the stained glass window printed on it. And the book is a large hardcover. In fact , the large box the set comes in is SO nice, I think I'm going to keep it and keep the deck in it. I have never ever ever kept one of these large boxes that the set comes in before. Usually they are regular cardboard and there's nothing to really keep the cards in on the inside except a well. But, wrapped in the silk, they fit in the well so nice and compact and are easy to get out. And the box is more of a "real" box, very sturdy. The whole thing is just really nice! The order of them is unusual. First all the majors , then all the aces, then twos, then threes, etc. I could not resist reordering them by suit. I particularly Love - The Lovers (Harmony) , The Question (Hanged Man) , The Crossing (Death) , Alchemy (Temperance) , The Moon , and The Sun. BTW Jewel , I Love the 8 of wands with the dragon! The water cards are also beautiful, but there are So many beautiful cards here! Stone , metal, water, air , and light. I like the play of textures. I'd call this an "airy" deck. Just a first impression. Overall it has a lot of light. The large relatively uncluttered cards offer veiws of large expanses, a lot of depth. A lot to look at. It brings to mind dramatic classical music. The more I look at them , the more I like them , the more I see and notice in them , the more they come alive. They're serious but FUN!

Jewel	04 Nov 2002
Purplelady glad you like the deck! I still find it "still" but I do love it. Tranquil but complete. Hard to explain, having not spent a lot of time with it. My favorite card is still the 8 of wands :) ... I love dragons!

StargazerLily	05 Nov 2002
This will definitely have to be my next deck!! Not only is it incredibly beautiful, but it has my absolute most favorite sculpture--Le Baisir (The Kiss)!! (Two of Water).

JPT	18 Dec 2002
Well.................. having just dropped in here I'm truly awed by the response from everyone. Your comments are realistic and insightful. There is one curious recurring critique that's fascinating - the "masculine" gender issue of the TDP? It was certainly not a conscious decision on my part to create a "macho" deck, if that's how it is perceived. Admittedly All the statutes were carved by men and all the commissions were granted by men. But that's the way things were in the world up until the end of the 19th century! I would honestly say that those male sculptors were the greatest worshippers of the feminine form and power. I can remember having been a woman in other times. I would say that my sense of creation is instinctually feminine. So..I'd like to learn a bit more about the deeper mysteries of the "masculine " scent that is supposedly attached to the TDP. Anybody want to walk me through it? JPT

Jewel	18 Dec 2002
Dear JPT, I cannot speak to what others refer to as a "masculine" feel, but when I refer to the deck having a "masculine" feel it does not mean that the deck is "macho". What I find masculine are the clean cut direct lines of the art, and strength of the lines in the art selected. The masculine bodies depicted in the statues are muscular and well defined. They are graceful, yet very masculine. There is a sensuality to some sculptures which I tend ascribe to masculine energy. I think the TDP has something offer both men and women, whereas other decks really appeal more to women because the art is soft and delicate. I think the TDP is a deck that appeals easily to both. I also see the stillness of the statues as masculine. I am not sure if I have confused or clarified what I mean by "masculine" energy, but perhaps through additional comments and questions I will be able to further explain this. Thanks for your interest in what we have to say!

truthsayer	18 Dec 2002
an issue that often comes up here is gender balance and sexism. sometimes there are a lot of partially nude women or women in a subordinate pose. often there are less cards with males depicted in these decks. i agree with what jewel says about the men in the statues. even though i've said TDP has a masculine feel, i don't consider this a criticism. TDP actually is one of the more gender balanced decks out there. both genders are treated with respect. any nudity is clearly artistic and not erotic, sadistic or masochistic. the human body's beautiful form is celebrated in wonderful works of art. the deck isn't overly feminine or overly masculine. even though i'm a woman, there are decks out that so feminist that i find them unappealing. there are lots of heroes depicted and men on horses along with grecian style women. i agree that the sculptors admired the form of a woman's body but are very respectful. men's body's are also treated with respect. to me, TDP is redefines some things about tarot--statues representing universal archetypes. how unique and thought provoking! since i obtained the TDP, i went on a tour of washington, dc. i never realized there are so many statues and monuments in DC. i found myself thinking--hhhmmmmmmm--new deck possibilities here! so don't be surprized if you see the tarot of america one day... even though if i should do this, there is just something about statues and monuments that feel masculine even tho it would be a female doing the deck. i feel like i'm stumbling on words here but i hope i make some sense.

The Tarotdeparis thread was originally posted on 08 Sep 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.