Aquarian Tarot

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 02 Nov 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Talisman	02 Nov 2002
'Lo all, I'm looking at the wonderful index jmd and Lee have created in the sticky note above and I notice the Aquarian deck is not listed. I am sure we have talked about this deck before, but the subject title probably said "My sore elbow." Or something. This is not a popular deck, and because it was first published in 1970, I'm sure it does not pop up on everyone's "Oh, I've gotta get that one" list. Still, it was my first deck and for many years my only deck, and I like it. So, stuck on a writing project and compelled to write none the less, I wrote a review of this deck. And -- Solandia accepted my review. (I don't care how much you write and sell, when an editor says "Yeah, okay," you always feel good.) For those of you who'd maybe like to write a deck review, Gooooogle up "tarotpassages" and read the reviews by some guy named Lee Burstan. Then, you'll know how to do it. A snap, right? And then be sure to real Solandia's requirements, of course. I hope you like my review. 'Specially I hope Pollax sees this, 'cause I think he uses and likes this deck. Talisman

Pollux	02 Nov 2002
I knew there was a reason why I felt compelled to come online right now... ;) *LOL* Off to read the review, I'll come back and edit this post - I just didn't want to miss the occasion to be the first to reply! :D *LOL* EDITED: Here comes my responce! :D Talisman: ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!!!!! *CLAP CLAP CLAP* Your review mirrors exactly my feels for this deck - I agree 100% with all that you said! The description is very concise and neat, touching all the important characteristics of the cards, and if sometimes it might appear partial in its positivity I couldn't care less! *LOL* :D I assure you that the appreciation and love you have for this deck didn't fail to come to, and I look forwad to the day I'll be half as endowed a writer as you are! :) Thanks to the Tarophelia (:*), now I have a 1970 version too - "the new rendition of the medieval..." thing ;) *LOL* - and everyday I open it up to smell the old paper and look at the yellowish-ivory cards inside! Oh Bliss! :D *LOL* Oh course, I had read the reviews by Mr Busten (LOL) in the past, and appreciated his positive responce as well. And if my memory is not failing, the last review should be by a very notable member of the Forums (I remember it went under his name, how weird... :confused: ). There's a number of Aquarian Lovers on here (I MUST mention our beloved Qolus, and again Tarotphelia and Jema and Geenius at Wrok too maybe, not so sure...) - but as far as I can remember we never devoted to discuss it... Anyway, there's sign of my Aquarian flame in every post of mine! :D *LOL* I want to thank you for writing such a NEAT piece of a review. And for thinking of me! :D And if someone who's reading this has not got it yet... GET ONE! })

jema	02 Nov 2002
hi talisman, i am a fan too. i used it a lot more when i first got it though. i found it to be an excellent partner in my comparative readings, esp with the Gill. my copy is one of them much loved and incence scented 70:ies decks. it has an adorable "clonkish" sound to it and i got two chariots. it is a beautiful deck, art deco style with simple colours. that is also where it is lacking, it's simplicity makes it kind of empty of details and a bit hard for the beginner.

Umbrae	02 Nov 2002
I always liked the deck - never owned one...but the faces have 'that' quality to them...

jmd	02 Nov 2002
There are quite a few threads which deal with the Aquarian Tarot - we just couldn't include every one of the many hundreds of threads which discuss so many decks. Our selection for the Partial Table of Contents was: a - Decks which are popular; and b - frequent recurrent discussions. The Aquarian was originally part of the first list, but some had to be removed simply for the sake of space. Glad you've started a new thread on the Aquarian!

Demonesse	02 Nov 2002
Eek. :eek: The Aquarian is definitely not something I'd ever get. Blech!

Myrrha	02 Nov 2002
Thank you for posting about your review, Talisman. I hadn't found the "reviews" section of aeclectic yet as there is so much else here to read. I like the Aquarian very much. Have a vague memory of being a child in the early 70's and seeing this deck and really wanting it. I wonder if they were sold in some toy stores. For me it is the sensitivity of the faces and the beauty of the graphic patterns and subdued colors that makes the deck so attractive. As well as art deco there may be an Aubrey Beardsley influence, some of the patterns Palladini uses to fill in shapes could come right from Beardsley's drawings. Palladini's poster for the film _Nosferatu_ was pretty amazing also. Myrrha

wavebreaker	02 Nov 2002
I'm still anxiously and impatiently awaiting the arrival of my Aquarian deck, from a trade with truthsayer... I'm looking forward to finally getting my hands on it! ;)

Keslynn	02 Nov 2002
Well, I had a copy of the Aquarian but I traded it away because it just didn't click with me. It just seemed cold to me. I do however like the New Palladini - but so far not enough to bump it to the top of my wishlist. :) Kes

augursWell	02 Nov 2002
The Aquarian was my first or second deck that I bought when I was quite young. Thus it has that incense, teenager, psychedelic card back feeling of fond memories for a better time in my life. In hindsight it is not as rich in symbols as some other decks, as some have mentioned, but it spoke to me then and still does. I still use it when I need a good, old friend and am making a tough decision.

VGimlet	03 Nov 2002
I am very, very fond of the Aquarian deck - it was my only deck for almost 30 years. Maybe not such a great deck for a beginner, but I did okay. :) When it first came out it was one of the few decks widely available with modern artwork, at least where I lived. I became a big fan of David Palladini too, he also illustrated a children's book, among other things. I like the New Palladini deck, but the Aquarian will always have a special place in my decks. Off to read the review, thanks Talisman.

Melvis	03 Nov 2002
The Aquarian is a deck I like to use when I don't really have a question in mind to ask. Basically, it gives me an excuse to look at the pretty cards! Lovely review, Talisman. The best ones always make me get up from the computer to go look at the actual cards...and yours did just that! :D Peace, Melvis :TSTRE

Lee	03 Nov 2002
Great review, Talisman! I look forward to reading more, if you should feel so inclined. -- Lee :)

Talisman	05 Nov 2002
'Lo all, Thanks for the nice thoughts Pollux (who should have written the review) and Melvis and all. I have to agree with jema and VGimlet that -- even thought it was my first and only deck for many years -- this is not a deck I'd recommend for a beginner. Perhaps that would be a neat thread for someone to start, something along the lines of: The deck I wish I'd started with. Lee, thank you. I am working on another review of a deck that gets even less attention than the Aquarian. Even if I never submit it, the exercise is valuable, 'cause when you read what you write then you get to know what you think. But if I do submit it, or others, I promise not to come around bragging about it. That was a one-time thing. Talisman

Lee	05 Nov 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Talisman I am working on another review of a deck that gets even less attention than the Aquarian. Even if I never submit it, the exercise is valuable, 'cause when you read what you write then you get to know what you think. I've found that this is true. I often refer to my reviews of decks to find out what I think of them. :) Quote: But if I do submit it, or others, I promise not to come around bragging about it. That was a one-time thing. Actually the bragging is very helpful, it alerts us to the fact that there's a new review there. So please, brag away! -- Lee

fairyhedgehog	05 Nov 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Lee :)Actually the bragging is very helpful, it alerts us to the fact that there's a new review there. So please, brag away! I agree :) I enjoyed reading Talisman's review of the Aquarian deck and I might not have seen it without this thread. It really is a very good review.

Silverlotus	08 Nov 2002
The Aquarian Tarot was my first deck too, but I bought it in the late 1980’s when I was in middle school (junior high school). It was a toss up between it and the Rider-Waite deck. I liked the backs of the Aquarian deck so much more. Those rolling wave designs were much nicer then the plaid of the RW deck. And the faces of the people were wonderful. :-) The deck still has a special place on my bookshelf, in its tattered box. I think it might be time to take another look at it. Silverlotus

juice	15 Nov 2002
Interesting deck the Aquarian. When I saw it online, I said, yuick never unless it is cheap cheap free. I found it for about $7 and now that I have it I'm glad I got it. It is not my fav but it does have a nice look and feel to it. I do agree that it seemed short on symbols to work with on some cards so would not suggest it as a first deck.

The Aquarian Tarot thread was originally posted on 02 Nov 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.