New Quest Tarot

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 21 Oct 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Cerulean	21 Oct 2002
www.gentlesleeper.com While I've got a special place in my heart for the classicism ofTarotdeParis, here's a new url to explore for a January 2002 new deck release. Deeper, dynamic colors and a new system for the passionate soul who likes different things...maybe you'd like to compare it with the TarotdeParis if you enjoy photomontage decks. Best wishes---I'm still exploring the ideas. Mari Hoshizaki

Lee	21 Oct 2002
Hi Mari, thank you so much for posting this url -- I had been curious about this deck since seeing it on the TarotGarden site, and I was delighted to be able to view more of the cards, thanks to you! It's a beautiful deck, and very intriguing. I love the dinosaurs pulling the Chariot, I would have to have this deck for that card alone! But the whole deck looks great. I'm not sure how I feel about keywords on the Majors, although I like "Demolition" for the Tower. Some of the keywords and images are reminiscent of the Haindl, particularly Aeon (Judgement). I'll be reviewing this deck when it comes out. Of course, you meant January 2003, not 2002. :) Thanks again! -- Lee

Kiama	21 Oct 2002
Wow, I am in love with this deck... It's strong point ha to be that you can literally fall into the cards, especially the Courts and most of teh Majors... The scenery is as stunning as the main characters... This is a deck I am gonna HAVE to get... Roll on 2003! Kiama

catlin	21 Oct 2002
Icks, another one for the wish list!!

WillieHewes	21 Oct 2002
I don't like it much. While I have no great problems with photocollage decks, this is different. Photos display (even if edited, brushed up, cut and pasted) reality. They are an image of something that is real, in the same sort of way a painting is a real object. This is purely computer generated though, and it suffers from the same problem (almost) all computer generated art and animation suffers from: that too-smooth, plasticy feel. It's a real turn-off to me. And the fact that two of the minor arcana are called 'failure' seems almost... sloppy. (8 of cups and 7 of stones.) So I won't buy it. Of course, if you want to, don't let me stop you! :) Willie -- Reversed

Demonesse	21 Oct 2002
Love it! Gorgeous - I adore the Lovers card...and practically everything else for that matter...but I hate the system of viewing the cards because some decks are on the bottom of the page and that means you have to scroll down - you don't get to see the full card on the viewer...argh! And by the way, WillieHewes, isn't YOUR own deck computer-drawn?

Joywalker	21 Oct 2002
Thanks for the link!! :) Gives me a better idea how the cards look like. Too bad is not available yet.Have to wait till Jan 2003. :( Guess I could start saving now!! :D

purplelady	21 Oct 2002
Oh! I really like it! It's so..................luminous and crystal like :D ! Can't wait 'til it's published.

RedWood	21 Oct 2002
Beautiful..I want this deck too!!

Melvis	21 Oct 2002
Oooh! Gimme, gimme, gimme! :D I love the dimension of these cards! can you imagine entering these cards in a meditation? Wow! Peace, Melvis :TSTRE

Zhritza	21 Oct 2002
Not to be a killjoy, but I tend to agree with Willie -- "plasticky" is the word I thought of too. I don't feel like I could connect with the images. I admire the work that went into them, however; and if my finances permitted me to buy decks without first justifying them to myself by their "legibility," I would certainly like to own this deck.

WillieHewes	22 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Demonesse And by the way, WillieHewes, isn't YOUR own deck computer-drawn? *grins* I knew someone would point that out. Yes, you are of course absolutely right. :D The difference is that my deck doesn't fail to appear 'real' because it doesn't attempt to. Since it's just coloured shapes you don't get that CGI feel. But you do have a point and my next deck will be pen on paper. :)

anjocoxo	22 Oct 2002
yes, i´ve also loved it, but I know i'll be facing too many obstacles before I obtain it... 1) here we don't have many esoterical stores, and none of them has good/original decks 2) this means I'm gonna have to order it from the UK or other country - and this means it's going to be an expensive deck, because of taxes and stuff... 3) even though, I think i'm not going to resist........ probably lol

Lee	22 Oct 2002
Yesterday I would have agreed with the "plasticky" objection, but when I looked at the site today, the cards are growing on me... there are still a few Majors which I don't like -- I don't care for the pink and green on Alchemy (Temperance), and that band of gold around the mountain on the Sun looks ridiculous -- but I'm really starting to get used to the other ones. I love the glass Hanged Man. The Court cards completely mystified me, they seemed to make no sense. But since there are other cards which are clearly inspired by the Haindl, I checked my Haindl books, the chapters on the Court cards, and sure enough, the keywords and pictures on the Quest Courts are clearly based on the Haindl Courts and on Rachel Pollack's descriptions and meanings for them. This is odd, since those Haindl meanings were derived from the particular characters which appear on the cards, and the Quest cards don't show those particular characters, so the meanings seem quite idiosyncratic. I agree with what Kiama said about the Courts -- you can really get lost in them. I think I might actually like them better than the Majors. -- Lee

ChrisTheObscure	22 Oct 2002
Holy CRAP...I've got to have this deck :) I love the fool card. That's...wow. That card. :) :) :)

Demonesse	22 Oct 2002
I love the fool card. That's...wow. That card. ----ChristheObscure Wow! I didn't really notice the Fool yesterday as i just viewed at random, but this is quite possibly the nicest Fool I've ever seen - the essence of joy seems to be entrapped in this card. Yesterday I would have agreed with the "plasticky" objection, but when I looked at the site today, the cards are growing on me... there are still a few Majors which I don't like -- I don't care for the pink and green on Alchemy (Temperance), and that band of gold around the mountain on the Sun looks ridiculous -- but I'm really starting to get used to the other ones. I love the glass Hanged Man. -----Lee The pink and green Yin-and-Yang look is rather odd and anime-like, and the gold band looks rather like a gigantic wedding band around the mountain - I really hope it wasn't supposed to symbolize something like the marriage of earth and sun :P I prefer the Majors to the Court cards though; the Majors all have their own unique look to me. The Moon is gorgeously rendered, and so is the leering Death card! I think the rainbow looks fake and out of place behind the unique glass Hanged Man, though. I hope the deck will be available from Amazon.com! Can anybody tell me what the Multiverse is supposed to symbolize?

Cerulean	22 Oct 2002
It's listed on Amazon.com, but you have to do a little searching. I can find it by inputting 'tarot' and then sorting by release date or I try to just put in Quest Tarot. If that doesn't work, try the author's name on the website. Hope this helps.

Rhiannon	22 Oct 2002
i'm just not a fan of collage decks in general. this one is very pretty though. i do like some of the cards very much. the fool, the son of wands, the mother of swords are very nice. this deck has one more problem for me though, the pip cards. R :)

purplelady	24 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Demonesse Can anybody tell me what the Multiverse is supposed to symbolize? I think that was the first card that caught my eye and I scrolled over to bring up. It made me think of the theory of parallel universes. Physics. There's a theory in physics that many parallel universes exist side by side. And that many earths also exist. We are just on one that has it's past , present, and future. But there are other earths that may or may not share a past , present, and/or future with our's. It sounds bizarre, complicated, and esoteric, but can actually be proven by mathematics! Fascinating

Demonesse	24 Oct 2002
Ah yes, parallel universes...Earth's interdimensionary twins :) But what would it symbolize in the reading? Wouldn't that just be another World (which meaning I'm not too clear on anyhow), seemingly on a bigger scale?

Pollux	27 Oct 2002
YAY! I don't like this deck! :D *LOL* I REALLY dislike it, very plasticky and unreal. The 3D artowork is so uch polished and "perfect" in a way that it really puts me off. And I find there's too much average shiny-ness and glows in the cards. What is more I cannot relate to some keywords at all, and I find them very distracting, not fitting with the card - and that glod everywhere, how vulgar! *LOL* The golden frame/border is really too much, UGH! I also have a strong feeling of... "meltin pot" without some conscious thinking. All those symbols - Astro, I-Ching, and the AMBIGOUS thing between the number and the I-Ching symbol (is it a coloured stone to signify the suit?)... I don't know, I quite findy it fishy, and I don't trust it - I suspect there's little study behind it. Especially when you bother to include all those "sideways" details and glyphs, and don't care to check the keywords (or the fact that one is hbeing used twice! *LOL*) - maybe mindless copycats... I just hope the author will never read this post! *LOL* The courts... Mh... Maybe it is the plasticky human design that really puts me off, and not only there, also in The Star for example. It is difficult for me t orelate to something so "hand-made", so unrealistic and artificial. Anyway, if any of you have a spare one... *LOL* Rhiannon, I am shocked: you find THIS pretty? Am I supposed t trust your good taste anymore? :P

Cerulean	27 Oct 2002
Actually I'm delighted to find an honest no-no-no....and if you never go back to the site, good for you. Because a few others peeked again and found something they liked and....ohhhhh....no..... it caught them. I think I liked the name, as there were some poetry from somewhere that used the gentle sleeper name... Mari H.

Lee	27 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Pollux I cannot relate to some keywords at all ... All those symbols - Astro, I-Ching ... don't care to check the keywords (or the fact that one is hbeing used twice! *LOL*) - maybe mindless copycats... The astrological symbols are, of course, the standard Golden Dawn attributions and are present on many decks. The keywords on this deck are the same as those used on the Haindl deck, as are the I-Ching symbols, so Haindl is actually the culprit here. By the way, there are actually two sets of Minor cards in the Haindl (and the Quest) which have the same keyword; there are two Failures, and two Successes. I strongly suspect that this was not a mistake on Hermann Haindl's part. -- Lee :)

Pollux	28 Oct 2002
I hope this does not mean I have to add the Haindl to my short wishlist... Ooops!!! What did I just write??? *LOL* Dunno... I just think that the Haindl might do, and study the I-Ching there. The images are more attractive and inspiring than this Quest. And anyway i should get the Haindl first anyway... merely speculation I think, no more decks till Xmas! ;) *LOL*

Lee	28 Oct 2002
I agree, the artwork on the Haindl is certainly of a higher order than the Quest. It's really a fascinating deck. -- Lee

Zhritza	29 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Pollux YAY! I don't like this deck! :D *LOL* *ROFL* :* Quote: Dunno... I just think that the Haindl might do, and study the I-Ching there If you do get the Haindl partly to learn I Ching hexagrams, you're gonna need Rachel Pollack's book, either in its out-of-print two-volume form, or its one-volume rerelease. And, the Haindl and its book(s) will only teach you *some* of the hexagrams, not all -- and not in numerical order.

Jewel	29 Oct 2002
Well I am most upset that I cannot get the cards to enlarge for me ... and since no one else has mentined this, it appears that I am the only one ... what is interesting is that I was drawn to this deck from the moment I saw it on the Tarot Garden site and read the blurb about it. I actually pre-ordered it immediately. I am pleased to see the comments here as although I cannot see the pics there are many opinions here that I highly respect that confirm that I made the right choice ... now if I can only make the pics cooperate with my mouse ...

purplelady	30 Oct 2002
Jewel , when I go to the site, all I have to do is run the mouse over the card and hold it there for a second. I don't click the mouse, which I thought was really neat................. I don't know why the thumbnails won't enlarge for you. Most probubly some setting on your mouse or computer, or the software between the two? While my computer geek boyfriend isn't here at the moment to consult, I have come up with one suggestion- change browsers, if possible. That is , if you normally browse the internet using AOL or MSN browser or whatever you are using, open the internet in Internet Explorer instead ( or netscape)(I can do this on my computer and use it for certain mouse problums and also some E mail features).

Jewel	30 Oct 2002
Well I was able to see the suit of wands (sans the courts) ... but no majors, courts or other suits .... odd indeed. Thanks for your suggestion purplelady, had it not been for that I would not have seen the wands either! *LOL*

Kyrielle	30 Oct 2002
This really reminds me of Navigators of the Mystic SEA -- the oddly colored, hairless, alien-looking figures in a busy, futuristic landscape. It also reminds me of a movie a few years back -- I think it was The Lawnmower Man. The balance between the cool element and the warm element is nice, kind of like Tarot de Paris. What I mean is the way the feelings of coolness and distance lent by the techno feel are balanced by a sense of warmth in the artistry... If that makes any sense at all. I'm eagerly awaiting this one as well. -- Kyrielle

purplelady	30 Oct 2002
Jewel, well , I'm glad you could see only the numbered wands! Odd indeed. I went to the site just now and noticed on the opening page it says: Please use the most current versions of Internet Explorer or Netscape. Older Browsers, Especially the older AOL browser do not display the graphics correctly. Also designed for 800 by 600 size screen. So, you may try doing an Internet search for Internet Explorer or Netscape and I'll bet they have free updates that you just download from the site to get the most current version.

Joywalker	09 Nov 2002
For those who are interested in this deck,it seems that Llewellyn.com is ready to take orders! http://www.llewellyn.com/bookstore/book.php?pn=J195

Jewel	11 Nov 2002
You can also pre-order it from Tarot Garden and if you let them know that you were referred to them through Aeclectic then Aeclectic can get a small percentage of the sale to help maintain the site.

Jewel	08 Jan 2003
Hello all ... I just received my copy of the Quest and thought I would share my initial reactions and thoughts with you, as well as tell you a little bit about the deck. When I first looked through it the computer generated human figures (flesh colored, silver and gold) were a dissapointment to me for the most part. A few worked well, but some just look to fake and I personally find them detracting from the deck. The graphic art approach overall is nice, but I wish they would have used real people instead. The cards also have key words beneath titles, and in this deck I would have preferred they did not, some of them just did not quite jive for me either because I did not see that meaning in the images, or I found it incredibly limiting. The nature scenes on the cards are beautiful. The deck also made me think a little about the Ananda deck, have not pulled the Ananda out see exactly why, but I believe some of the cards just remind me of a similar art style (not specific picture). I am not sure I would call the colors "bright" or "vibrant" but they are lively. Strength is VIII and Justice is XI. Temeperance is called Alchemy, Judgement is called Aeon, and the World is called Universe. In addition there are 2 cards numbered 0, the Fool and the Multiverse. I have not read the book yet so I am not sure what the significance of this is. The court cards are daughter, son, mother and father. I really like the backs of the cards, but they are not reversible. Astrological correspondences, Hebrew letters and runes are assigned to the majors. The Fool and Multiverse share the same Hebrew letter but different rune and astrological correspondence. The Chariot has to be one of my least favorite cards. I wish I could post a link to him. He has a gold and silver dinasour in heavy chains, while standing on a flying saycer looking like he is passing judgement (trumpets all around him and a halo). The Empress and Emperor also get on my nerves, but it is the graphic design humans in the pictures that cause that. The minors are what I call "moody" minors (as in the Ananda, Thoth, etc.), and I really like that at first glance, but will need to spend time with the deck to see how effective I find them. 2-10 of each suit also has astrological correspondences and other things some with I-Ching(?) (not familiar with it so not sure) and some with seasons. Upon a closer look this deck looks interesting, and I definetly want to read the book to understand it better and perhaps write a real review for it. The box the set came in does not have a place for the cards, and there is no separate box for the cards. The deck looks real interesting for meditation, and perhaps once I spend more time with it for reading as well. It is just to soon for me to tell. Overall, at this point I have mixed feelings about the deck, and not sure who I would recommend it to. All I can say is that I think it might be confusing for beginners.

RedWood	08 Jan 2003
I am really disppointed to hear about that Jewel..I was thinking about really wanting that deck..but now..I am not sure..Oh well..I didnt really want to spend the money anyway lol

Khatruman	08 Jan 2003
This is a deck that gives me that initial Wow! feeling, but I am reading Jewels assessment and wondering if I would really need this deck... it is beautiful, and the pip cards look wonderfully evocative ( I usually have an aversion to pips, wanting instead pictures a la Rider Waite) Anyway, this is one to meditate on. Wondering if perhaps someone will impulse buy it, decide they don't want it, and sell it off..*:D Peace! Ohh, also, looking at the artist's site, it seems there are bonuses to ordering it directly from the author, such as being signed and an print of one of the cards for artwork.

Jewel	08 Jan 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Khatruman Ohh, also, looking at the artists' site, it seems there are bonuses to ordering it directly from the author, such as being signed and an print of one of the cards for artwork. If you get it from the artist and get a signed print, the Lovers in this deck is really nice and would make a great print. I DID impulse buy-it (pre-meditated impulse as I pre-ordered it *LOL*) ... but am not quite sure I will want to part with it either. It is interesting enough for me to want to read the book and explore it. Then again we all know that I am a taroholic and I have issues parting with my presssssciousssssss :P

juice	09 Jan 2003
A new deck for my wishlist. I think part of the reason I like it is what made others say it was plasticky. I'm having a hard time deciding which of the first 10 majors I would want as a print. I'm leaning toward the chariot. Fool, magician, lovers, strength are setting in close behind followed by hermit, high priestess, empress awaiting me getting a closer look. It is ashame that I can't see the pictures better before having to decide. Maybe if I sent my money I could work out something with the author. I usually don't like moody minors but am currently and curiously drawn to these. I don't dislike the courts but I don't yet get them. I do have the 2 volume set of Rachel's book. I didn't want to spend money yet. I really want ot get the Blake tarot. This is post is going downhill as I type. Arrrgghhh.

Khatruman	09 Jan 2003
Quote: Originally posted by juice ... I didn't want to spend money yet. I really want to get the Blake tarot. This is post is going downhill as I type. Arrrgghhh. *little voice whispers in your ear...get the Blake...get the Blake *evil maniacal laughing heard fading away***** Peace!

oceanpoetry	09 Jan 2003
this deck is incredible! The images on these cards are amazing, really intriguing and beautiful. This one is definitely on my wish list :D I wonder about the "multiverse" card as well - it is also "0" like the Fool. That gives the deck 79 cards and two "0" cards - interesting. It is a lovely card - to me it looks like I would interpret it as "potentiality" or the "unmanifested" elements of life. Since also numbered "0" like the Fool, I would read that as an additional dimension, the unknown of the journey to which the Fool initially embarks upon.

juice	10 Jan 2003
The imagination and/or cluster tarot has 30 majors. 0,1-28,lemniscate. That would be the infinity symbol if I had the foggiest idea how to type it. I think some other deck had a multi-verse too, maybe.

Cerulean	27 Jan 2003
Have fun: http://www.webtarot.org/

JosephMartin	29 Jan 2003
Hello All: I've just been to the board. I've been so occupied with other works that this had been my first chance here. I love reading all your comments, suggestions and thoughts about the Quest Tarot. The URL has changed to: www.questtarot.com ....which makes more sense. The "original" name of the deck was gentle sleeper but was changed before publication to "The Quest Tarot". The Old URL will work for the rest of this year but then be retired. I've got more pages up but it is still in progress. Thanks again for all the input. Joseph Martin

JosephMartin	29 Jan 2003
Just a short note to say that I'll be at Panteacon Feb 14-17. www.ancientways.com .....has the info for the conference. I'll be there to answer questions about the deck and book, plus I'll be premiering the release of the Quest Tarot. Currently I'm working with some bookstores for presentations and signings but currently only within a days drive from Oakland. Everyone that attends the presentation will receive a FREE gift! You'll have to wait to find out what the surprise is. I'm sure there will be many questions about some of the features concerning the deck and I hope to answer some of the here in this forum. yours in the cards, Joseph

Jewel	29 Jan 2003
Hi Joseph, great to have you here at Aeclectic with us. I do have a couple of questions for you about the deck, although I must confess that I have still not read the book and you probably answered them within its pages. 1) There are 2 cards numbered 0, the Fool and Multiverse. They share the same Hebrew letter but different runes. Could you help me understand the numbering sequence for these two cards as well as the symbols you used? 2) I would like to learn more about the concept behind the Chariot. As others have mentioned, it is trully wonderful to have authors/artists come to this site to help us gain insight to their creations. Glad to have you with us!

JosephMartin	29 Jan 2003
Thanks for the question! This card is sure to be one of the most "controversial" of any card in the deck. It is an additiion to the traditional Tarot. Here's why: Our understanding life was that we lived on a "World". It was a new and amazing concept for it's time and the Tarot reflected that perspective. Then came the concept that we lived as part of a "Universe" and the Tarot evolved to include this new and amazing concept. Now science is working to prove that we live in part of a multi-dimensional existance, co-existing with other realities within the same space. The additition of the Multiverse card reflects our newest understanding of this amazing concept. I believe that the Tarot is an evolving medium and the Quest Tarot is my attempt to include new concepts into a wonderful divination method. Where you have the "Tree of Life" as a 2 dimensional construct, the Multiverse card drops into the tree at a different axis. It is a bridge card to other realms of reality. It is a root doorway that connects one tree to another. It has the same Hebrew letter because it is so closely related to "The Fool" but other aspects of the card change to accomodate the different spiritual axis of the card. The Multiverse Card is the dimensional bridge between different realities. Without writing a whole new chapter here I hope that this sheds some light onto why this card is part of the Quest Tarot. Thank you so much for the question! yours in the cards, Joseph

JosephMartin	29 Jan 2003
Understandably, the visual treatment of "The Chariot" card is..... waaaay out there! You see the chariot master dressed is a robe atop a UFO with two dinosaurs, in chains, pulling it. There are trumpets behind the male figure and a very subtle crystal skull in the sky. One reptile is dark and the other is a light color. Papers blow about in the foreground and some strange writing appears on one of the sheets. Energy flows from the top of the card to the male figure and bolts of energy emerge from his hands. There are two lanterns and a gemstone flower to which the chains are attached. Here's why: The trumpets are hearlding the arrival of the Chariot master. The chariot (UFO) is propelled forward by the shear will of the figure. The light and dark reptiles in the foreground represent our light and dark selves. We need both to move forward in life. The chains connect our modern self to a more primitive self. The charioteer makes a grand entrance and specifically trys to convey a certain image of himself. He wants to project a planned image of who he is. The UFO is there because it represents the modern way in which we arrive. The technology we use to "create" ourselves and the platform from which we use our brain power to exert our willpower. Energy bolts spring from his hands. It is both the powerful way he gives to the world and receives from the world. The energy that comes from above is the divine inspiration he receives, then transforms into specific action. The two beasts are in chains as a reminder to keep our "ego" self in the number 2 position while we ride atop our own personal power. The Chariot Card is all about willpower. Side note: I've included some "very" subtle UFO references throughout the deck. See if you can find them. yours in the cards, Joseph

Jewel	29 Jan 2003
Quote: Originally posted by JosephMartin Our understanding life was that we lived on a "World". It was a new and amazing concept for it's time and the Tarot reflected that perspective. Then came the concept that we lived as part of a "Universe" and the Tarot evolved to include this new and amazing concept. Now science is working to prove that we live in part of a multi-dimensional existance, co-existing with other realities within the same space. The additition of the Multiverse card reflects our newest understanding of this amazing concept. That makes sense ... so then why not substitute the Universe card for the Multiverse? Why 2 cards numbered 0? I understand that it is a new concept and as we are talking multiple dimensions that the card could indeed fall anywhere within the Major Arcana at any point (much as the Fool does), but the duplication of number with the Fool creates some confusion for me. About the chariot ... thanks for the clarification, I had never really thought of this card as a struggle with the ego based on the Arcana that come before and after it. I often associate Strength and Devil cards with ego struggles, but this is an interesting take on a more passive struggle at the mental level. I really appreciate you answering my questions, and I will definetly have to look for other UFO references.

JosephMartin	31 Jan 2003
Believe me I understand any confusion about his card. It is so new that, for awhile, it will seem a little difficult because of the concept for its addition to the Major Arcana. I originally wanted to give it a double zero number. (00) So that it would be more reminicent of the infinity symbol. I left it a single zero, after much debate, so that it would stay connected to the Fool card but still represent a new starting point or doorway. It literally is a bridge card between dimensions. I plan to write an essay about the whys and howcomes of this card in the future which I hope will explain in more detail the mysteries surrounding this card. You ask great questions! Of all the cards, this one was the hardest for me to write about. It's last edit in the book was submitted literally 7 days before it went to press. Now that's waiting until the last minute. I'm going to think more of how to convey my intent with the Multiverse Card and post more later. yours in the cards, Joseph

JosephMartin	19 Feb 2003
I had the chance to see Mari at the Pantheacon Conference in San Jose. She is a delightful and warm person. She gave me a copy of her Temperance Card and what a beautiful card it is. Great Job Mari! I think the Tarot Card Project here is an inspiring addition to Tarot and that it is great to have a set of cards created from so many varied and different viewpoints. I look forward to seeing more of her work. yours in the cards, Joseph

Jewel	21 Feb 2003
Hi Joseph, I do not mean to be dense or pain in the rear end for you, but I guess I see what you have described as the multiverse as the same function of the Universe card. I like the idea of raising it to the next level, the multiverse ... like you said over time we have changed our way of thinking (first the world, then universe now possibly the multiverse?). Rachel Pollack in her book 78 Degrees of Wisdom does a great job of showing the connection between the Fool and the Universe (or world) card. I see these two cards in the Quest as interchangeable (the universe and multiverse) ... I guess I am looking for a clearer distinction in meaning. If the multiverse is the next level above the universe, and corresponds to our evolution of understanding then would it not be a natural replacement for the universe card? I really appreciate you helping me get a better grasp of this.

JosephMartin	22 Feb 2003
I'll be writing an article for the Bay Area Tarot Symposium's Newsletter "The Belfry" all about the Multiverse card. When the article has been published I'll post a copy of it on my website for everyone to view and read. In the meantime.... here is the shorter version. The difference between these three cards show our progressive understanding of the type of existence we are engaged in. We moved from a view of being on a world. Which is about water, continents, and republics joined together in a unit formed by the earth and its limits. Then we expanded our view to include our understanding of the Universe which includes other worlds, planets, suns and galaxies (to name a few). Now we incorporate the next logical addition which is the Multiverse. This includes complete other unverse sets connected through a dimensional bridge which co-exist with each other within the same dimensional space. One does not exclude the other or replace the other. I would even prefer having all three cards as part of the Tarot but felt that, possibly the Universe card included the "World" much more easily than the Multiverse card including the "Universe". Though I agree that the Fool is connected to the Universe it is by it's nature also connected to the Multiverse. The Fool is the card of new beginnings while the Multiverse is the bridge to completely new dimensions. I hope this helps a bit. Be patient for the posting of the article which I hope to explain things in even more detail. Great Questions! yours in the cards, Joseph

DollChica	23 Feb 2003
It's pretty great that you've been spending time answering all the questions and clarifying things for all the folks here regarding your deck. Thanks! dc

Jewel	24 Feb 2003
Thanks Joseph. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions and I look forward to reading the article.

sunflowr	27 Feb 2003
I just created a study group for the Quest Tarot, over in "study groups - general". Please stop by if you are interested in discussing/learning the deck as I am. Maybe we can make this a new official study group. :)

JosephMartin	03 Mar 2003
I've just finished posting some FREE items on my website for those who are interested. www.questtarot.com go to the "Free Downloads" area. I've posted 4 Reference cards and 2 desktop patterns. You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print these files. I hope you enjoy these. yours in the cards, Joseph

Ravenswing	07 Mar 2003
to Joseph well... first off, congradulations. a deck alone is a project. but to attempt to blend in more than one system... i just happened upon the quest deck at my local b&n. i must say i have had mixed feelings about it (computer generated is not my preferred art form), but-- there it was... after scanning through both the cards and the book, i have a few questions/concerns. I hope you can enlighten me. first, on the positive side-- i like the addition of the blank card. my particular use would be as significator. keep all the other cards available that way. okay. now the questions. in the majors, why didn't you use the english transliterations of hebrew letters for the word spelling function? why do some of the majors have two letters associated with them? after much consideration of the selections of 'double letters', the only reason i can see is to fit 26 letters into a system of 22 cards. am i missing something? dealing with the courts, why are only the mothers assigned letters? why 'k' for male; 'y' and 'z' for female? with the i ching function, although you can get any one of the 64 hexagrams initially, there are only 31 possible changes (including no change). are you implying that the other 34 possible second hexgrams are invalid (since one is unable to draw them)? if not, why does your system not allow for these possibilities? dazed and confused raven

JosephMartin	08 Mar 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Ravenswing in the majors, why didn't you use the english transliterations of hebrew letters for the word spelling function? I truly didn't want to mix the functions of the two systems. Not only that, but I didn't want people to have to "translate" from one system to another. You can use just the hebrew letters if you like. But I find that few people actually use these letters. More people seem to be using the Roman letter feature. Assigning Letters to Cards: The letters are assigned in a straight forward way. Starting with the Ace (letter A) and ending with the letter Z (of course). Some cards have two letters. (like the Q & U on one card) This is because those letters most always work together in a word... but can also be used seperately. This twist increases the functionality of the system. It is also important to have "Wildcards" in the deck that can act as any letter. Because this system is accessed differently than a Quija Board, the implementation of getting words also works differently. People are accessing words with the Quest Tarot in different ways. On the Comparative Tarot Forum on Yahoo people have been discussing using this feature from an intuitive standpoint rather than from a formulaic procedure. I use this feature from the deck in a slightly different way than outlined in the book. Again, not every possible way to use the different features is present in the book because of being limited to 300 pages. You may discover a whole new way that works wonderfully for you. When you do, please share it here so all of us can benefit from your discovery. There is no need to "over assign" meaning to what letter is on what card. The functionality was created to make it as useful as possible. Thanks for the great question! yours in the cards, Joseph

JosephMartin	08 Mar 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Ravenswing ...with the i ching function, although you can get any one of the 64 hexagrams initially, there are only 31 possible changes (including no change). Are you implying that the other 34 possible second hexgrams are invalid (since one is unable to draw them)? if not, why does your system not allow for these possibilities? The system outlined for getting the IChing Symbol is simple and easy to perform. For those who don't have their book and deck yet, here is how it works. Getting an IChing Symbol: First you shuffle the cards, then you lay out three cards, side by side. Then you lay out three more cards under the first three. You now have two rows of three. If the card number is ODD then it represents a broken line. If the card number is EVEN it represents a solid line. The top three cards represent the top three lines in the Hexagram and the bottom three lines represent the bottom three lines in the hexagram. A chart in the book makes it easy to look up which hexagram it is in the IChing. This method makes every Hexagram available through the Tarot. Small definitions of each Hexagram are given in the book. However the book I would recommend to use is the one written by R.L.Wing. Part Two: Some of the IChing definitions work well with only "some" of the cards in the Tarot. Only those IChing symbols that match up with the actual card meanings are represented. The other IChing Hexagrams are not included because I didn't want to force one system upon another. You can see in the future influence card both the IChing Symbol OR the actual card meaning. Both are valid. There are actual IChing Decks available on the market. The Quest Tarot includes this incredible system only as I felt it worked with the deck. I still use the IChing because I love it! Now I can use it with my cards as an additional spice that makes my Tarot experience much more flavorful. Let us know how you experience this feature. After all we are all in this together. yours in the cards, Joseph

Khatruman	11 Mar 2003
After three weeks anticipating the arrival of the deck, I finally get it, open it, and find I am missing three cards. Sighs.. just my luck. Well, some day I may join the Quest study group, when I am finally playing with a full deck :D (though those who know me would say I never am) Peace!

RedWood	11 Mar 2003
I want this deck!! WANT WANT LOL trading it anyone? :D hehe

Jewel	12 Mar 2003
I think it is up for trade in the US/Canada section ... you might see if it is still available and if the person is willing to trade to Europe.

BC Hockey Mom	12 Mar 2003
I FINALLY got my deck last night at my course!!...WOW..it's beautiful!!....I have such a busy week I don't know when I'm going to be able to sit down with it!!....I can't wait!!....Does anyone have any advice for a REAL NEWBIE? Havn't every owned a tarot deck before and with the Quest being my first, it has sooooo many different ways to use it....Do I have to bless it?...cleanse it??...is there ANYTHING I should do first?...or do I just dive right in? Thanks for the help everyon...now I can move over to the study group and UNDERSTAND what everyone is talking about!! THANKS Josephe..the deck is WONDERFUL!! Joe-Anne

RedWood	12 Mar 2003
ITs mine..ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL Mine...from one of my favorite traders Ravenswing (we are both in the US)...My favotire person LOL....i will post again..when it is in my hands LOL

scheherazade	12 Mar 2003
*taps foot* I sent my order over normal mail. It's taking awwwhhhiiiiilllleee.... I wonder if Joseph Martin would be able to tell me if he's gotten my order yet, if I told him my real name...

JosephMartin	12 Mar 2003
All orders have been shipped. It's up to the U.S. Mail now. I know it's hard to be patient when you are waiting for a special surprise. yours in the cards, Joseph

Kazz	13 Mar 2003
The Quest Tarot Deck...:D:D:D:D:D Redwood ....you know how I feel.;) and I thought i was quite satisfied with the decks I have......NOT NOW.!!! I have to have this Deck, I have to get me this Deck, It's a must have Deck, gottta get it, I love this Deck.....Somebody SLAP me now.! BTW..(I felt this way about the Sacred Circle, never thought it would happen again..lol) Cheers Kazz :TQC

BC Hockey Mom	13 Mar 2003
Kazz......SLAP!!...hehehe...you asked for it!!..lol... Anyway...hope you get your deck soon!!...but believe me I've waited a couple weeks for mine when I thought it would take a couple days ..... It's WORTH the wait....SO hang in there!!... BC Hockey Mom

Kazz	15 Mar 2003
Quote: Originally posted by BC Hockey Mom Kazz......SLAP!!...hehehe...you asked for it!!..lol... Ahhh Thanks BC...need that, I was about to lose it..;) I beleive Redwood now has this deck....so come on Red tell us what you think ( with out the teasing Please;)) Cheers Kazz :TQC

RedWood	15 Mar 2003
I have to worked with it yet...But I thought the cards would be bigger lol...There is so much info..I am sorting out...what to read with what not to...TONS OF INFO..thank goodness there is a book! Might take a bit before i actually use it for reading tho.

HudsonGray	15 Mar 2003
It's currently at Barnes & Noble right now, if anyone has a store in their area & doesn't want to order through the mail. I saw it yesterday.

sunflowr	15 Mar 2003
Quote: Originally posted by juice I think part of the reason I like it is what made others say it was plasticky. I like that the human figures are this way. It takes out gender, color, physical attributes.. leaves what could be the "astral body" of the human depicted in the card. So yes, I love that they look like that.. like glass. Beautiful. :)

BC Hockey Mom	16 Mar 2003
Redwood....Know the feeling....I've had a bit of time to read into the book....only a few pages actually, as soooo little time.....anyway....it seems a bit overwhelming....the part that overwhelmed me the most was that I don't have all their suggestions for getting the best out of my cards....I don't have a silk scarf, a fancy box, the right table, the right cloth to use them on....IS THIS ALL real important?....Will I still be able get the most out of my cards??....Maybe I'll learn all this in my class and I'm rushing things again....I DON'T KNOW!!..but I DO KNOW...I LOVE THEM!!!.... I did a quick try on the yes/no cards to try that feature out but with no luck...maybe I DO NEED all these other preparations??!! Have a great week everyone.. BC HOCKEY MOM...

sunflowr	16 Mar 2003
Quote: Originally posted by BC Hockey Mom Redwood....Know the feeling....I've had a bit of time to read into the book....only a few pages actually, as soooo little time.....anyway....it seems a bit overwhelming....the part that overwhelmed me the most was that I don't have all their suggestions for getting the best out of my cards....I don't have a silk scarf, a fancy box, the right table, the right cloth to use them on....IS THIS ALL real important?....Will I still be able get the most out of my cards??....Maybe I'll learn all this in my class and I'm rushing things again....I DON'T KNOW!!..but I DO KNOW...I LOVE THEM!!!.... I did a quick try on the yes/no cards to try that feature out but with no luck...maybe I DO NEED all these other preparations??!! Have a great week everyone.. BC HOCKEY MOM... what do you mean you tried it but with no luck? Did you ask stuff you knew ahead of time would be yes or no? I've tried it.. I didnt test them or anything like that but I did try them and it did answer no on things I am figuring probably will be no and yes on stuff that might really work out. We'll see. But I def don't have any of the things Joseph suggests. I dont even have a reading cloth! I just read on top of my bed using my bedspread. And I have the cards in a little cloth tarot bag. Nothing special. It's just suggestions for adding an air of "specialness" to the deck and the process of reading.. but no you dont have to take it to heart if you dont have these things yet or ever. Just do what feels right to you.. thats most important. :)

Lee	16 Mar 2003
Quote: Originally posted by BC Hockey Mom I don't have a silk scarf, a fancy box, the right table, the right cloth to use them on....IS THIS ALL real important?....Will I still be able get the most out of my cards I agree with sunflowr, the answer is NO, it's of no importance whatsoever. This is simply how Joseph Martin, the individual, chooses to read. Many people use similar rituals, many use different ones, many use none. If you find his rituals or different ones help you, that's great. If you'd rather not have any, that's great too. The important thing is what happens when you turn over the cards. -- Lee

BC Hockey Mom	16 Mar 2003
Thanks guys....I feel much better now....I appreciate your input....because it's all new I wondered if ALL readers did all these things....thanks for clearing that up for me!! BC HOckey Mom

Logiatrix	18 Mar 2003
i've only had this deck for about a week, but i've already done readings with it! while it certainly has a lot of systems integrated into the cards, i have found "The Quest Tarot" VERY user-friendly. you don't have to use all the information on the cards for every reading; in fact, you wouldn't need (or want) to. this is certainly the first computer-generated deck i have ever liked, and i NEVER thought THAT would happen! i urge those who are skeptical about "The Quest" to give it a chance--i'm glad i did!

Khatruman	18 Mar 2003
Ok, I can hear the snickering now!!! (Yes, that means YOU fire-vixen, and YOU Jewel!!! Uh-huh, Diana too had a wee bit of a guffaw in there). Yeah, I know.. the insane teacher, the Chili Pepper boxer man, with a full deck??? Hah, impossible you say! Llewellyn sent me the three cards I was missing in my Quest deck, though their "bend" is out of joint with the rest... Guess the Stone parents will have to settle in with the rest of the clan, but then, you know how rigid Stone people can be!!! Looking forward to really using it. I plan to play it out without J.M.'s Compass book at first, see how it feels out intuitively with me before I explore the other subtle aspects. May just pop over to the Study group forum to see what others are getting from the deck. Peace!

JosephMartin	19 Mar 2003
Everyone is right. The way I describe to "set-up" for a reading includes some items, but they are not required to read the cards. In the re-print of the book I'll add a closing paragraph that more clearly explains that you can just "get started" without the other items. What I have mentioned in the book are the things that I have found useful over the years. The most important thing about preparing for a reading is "preparing" yourself. Be true with your direct intent and everything should turn out just fine. yours in the cards, Joseph

BC Hockey Mom	19 Mar 2003
Thank you Joseph for your clarification on this. I just wanted to ask these questions as I really AM an newbie with tarot and am so excited about the Quest being my FIRST deck! I guess now you know some of the dumb questions (I know they're not really dumb) that someone picking up your book might ask and it may help for future publications.....Glad I could help!!..hehehe As I get into the cards, I will keep these things in mind and on my wish list to complete my deck. THANK YOU..It's wonderful having you here to talk with and learn from your wisdom!! BC Hockey Mom

sunflowr	20 Mar 2003
Quote: Originally posted by BC Hockey Mom Thank you Joseph for your clarification on this. I just wanted to ask these questions as I really AM an newbie with tarot and am so excited about the Quest being my FIRST deck! I guess now you know some of the dumb questions (I know they're not really dumb) that someone picking up your book might ask and it may help for future publications.....Glad I could help!!..hehehe As I get into the cards, I will keep these things in mind and on my wish list to complete my deck. THANK YOU..It's wonderful having you here to talk with and learn from your wisdom!! BC Hockey Mom Most important thing is to do what feels right to you and follow that and you cant go wrong. Well unless it feels right to you to bend your cards in half and eat the corners.. that would be a rather strange ritual I wouldnt recommend. ;p hehehehe

BC Hockey Mom	20 Mar 2003
Sunflowr... Quote: Originally posted by sunflowr Most important thing is to do what feels right to you and follow that and you cant go wrong. Well unless it feels right to you to bend your cards in half and eat the corners.. that would be a rather strange ritual I wouldnt recommend. ;p hehehehe hehehe....I'll try not to eat them!!..however I'm known around the office for chewing on the ends of pens!!... BC Hockey Mom

JosephMartin	01 Apr 2003
It's so interesting to hear how people get started with the deck. Some jump right in and sometimes people feel they have to know the whole book before reading. This is how I got started years ago..... I read the books that came with the deck first. So I would have a general feel for the intent of the cards. Once I did that, I would look at the cards in a intuitive way to see what I might see in them. Plus this was a way to get to know the cards. After that, I created an audio cassette that had all the card meanings on them, both face-up and reversed, and listened to that tape everytime I was at the gym working out. I also went to the office supply store and bought some adhesive tabs that I put on the edges of pages of the book. I color coded each section so that it would be extremely easy to find a specific card without having to search an index. And lastly, I actually used the deck in readings as soon as possible. With my books at my side and a reading sheet that I could write upon, I asked family and friends if I could read for them. All these things, at a joyously slow pace, for the first few years. The process of learning tarot was actually very fun for me and each time I had a chance to read for myself or someone else.... I did! I never worried if I didn't use one feature or another. What was important to me was "connecting" to the deck. As time went forward I would use one additional feature or another, but staying connected was my primary goal. So, my advice would be to relax and take learning the Quest Tarot at your own pace. Get to know the cards and make it as easy and fun as possible to start using the deck ASAP. The more you use it the more you'll find your special way. The many features of the deck are there so that you can find your special feature that works for you. Maybe all the features will work for you all the time, or maybe just one or two featues will be the ones you love to read with. Whichever is true for you..... keep reading. I just did a psychic fair where I read over 20 people in one day. The reason I love doing this is that I'm able to see the patterns in the cards by actively using them again, and again. This is a way that I practice, to increase my "future" abilities to be a better reader and therefore a better help to those who come to me for a reading. I hope this helps a bit for those just getting started. yours in the cards, Joseph

BC Hockey Mom	01 Apr 2003
Yes...Joseph..this helps a great deal...thank you!! I guess a new deck is real overwhelming and I'm the kind of person that wants to DO IT RIGHT!! There just seems to be so very many cards to learn and I want to get started right now! I suppose finding the time to sit down with them would help. Anyway....I'm exactly where I need to be right now and that's what's important. Someday I'll be doing readings for everyone and wondering why I was having so much trouble!! BC Hockey Mom

JosephMartin	02 Apr 2003
The Quest Tarot cards will be featured on the cover of Scott Cunningham's new book from Llewellyn Publishing. You can get a sneak peek of the cover and the cards at: http://www.questtarot.com ...just click on the link once you enter. yours in the cards, Joseph

JosephMartin	02 Apr 2003
For those in the Fresno Area, I'll be doing a workshop. Saturday, April 26th, from 11:00-4:00pm at the Brass Unicorn, 559-441-7107. Leah Samul, who is the author of "Wisdom of the Cards" which is the companion book to the Hudes Tarot, and I will be presenting. You can see all the information at my website, once you enter just click on the workshop box below. The workshop title is: Secrets, Symbols and Spreads and will be quite fun. yours in the cards, Joseph

JosephMartin	18 Apr 2003
Since I've been working on some new material lately I've noticed how much people love to debate new ideas in the Tarot. Here are some thoughts to ponder... 1. There is no concensus amoung the most popular tarot decks as to the order of the court cards. Though the idea of the cards being in the order of King, Queen, Knight and Page changed dramatically with the era of the Golden Dawn in 1887. The simple change to King, Queen Prince and Princess caused nothing but havoc with most modern interpretations of the Tarot (Golden Dawns) and (specifically) Mathers complex symbolism ___article by David Allen Hurse Why to bring this up? All new ideas or concepts are often "first" received with angry debate. Or people may simply imply all sorts of motives or misgivings to the author of a new or different system. In the Quest Tarot, I've included elements from other decks that I have loved and elements that have never (to my knowledge) been included in a deck before. Of course you will see influences from others because none of us live in a "vacuum". And because I've tried to further my concept of the way things are going in the world as I see it, with my deck and book. I give special thanks to ALL the card creators and authors that have influenced my work. Some that I have been lucky enough to talk with in person have been so wonderful that I wonder what all the fuss is about that I sometimes read on the boards. Instead of ripping and tearing into something.... why not instead create your vision and share it with the world. We have enough people who rip and tear at things, how about becoming the person that creates from their heart with love and compassion so that we are all enriched. In any event, you may notice that I will address any question that comes from a earnest place and will always be available to do so. You don't have to wonder... just ask. All questions will be answered. But all diatribes will not be addressed.... after all who has that kind of time. I watched Oprah talking about all the things the Tabloids are saying about her that are so untrue. Someone asked her why she doesn't fight them. Her response was that she was too busy trying to produce a good show and a good magazine to have her time taken away by those who would try to spin lies about her. Isn't it true that all of use have so little time and that we would serve the world best by continueing to do our best rather than sling mud with those whose intent is simply to create a fuss. (?) As I can.... being as busy as I am, I'll do my best to help those who are seeking to further their path toward something wonderful. And maybe if I'm lucky they'll help me along the way too. With love to all and harm to none, yours in the cards, Joseph

prk001	30 May 2004
Hi All, We are discussing the meanings or thoughts and feelings that pop up when you look at the individual cards in this deck. This discussion is going on at the General forum under the study groups. Everyone are welcome to post their views and the meanings that resonates with them for each of the cards in this deck. This will help us all in learning more about tarot and this deck in particular. RK

The New Quest Tarot thread was originally posted on 21 Oct 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.