The addiction has spread...

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 02 Jun 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Celtic_Dragon	02 Jun 2003
Yea it's me, celtic dragon, catching the bug and shelling out the cash! :D Just wanted to know if anyone wanted to comment on the following decks. They're at the top 10 of my choice list. (I know, ONLY TEN?!!) If no one wants to comment and I should just do some searching then my all means, moderators, go ahead and delete this thread. I just don't like taking up too much space. Choices (so far): Celtic Dragon Tarot (who'da guessed?) The Arthurian Tarot The Black Tarot by Luis Royo Legend: The Arthurian Tarot Osho Zen Tarot Sacred Circle Tarot (although I'm not to fancy about the hanged man) Shapeshifter Tarot The Vertigo Tarot Angel Blessings Tarot (not much of a christian but still believe in angels) Winged Spirit Tarot None are in any particular order, and I'm just looking for comments.

Sobeknofret	02 Jun 2003
Hi Celtic Dragon, Critiquing decks-- my favorite sport ! :D I have three of these decks, so I can comment on them. Celtic Dragon: Just bought it last night. Great art by Lisa Hunt, lousy book that goes with it. Some of the interpretations of the cards make no sense to me, and I don't really get the impression that DJ Conway knows Tarot very well. But it's worth the $$ for the deck alone I think. Legend Arthurian: One of my all time favorite decks. It helps to know the Arthurian legends, even some of the obscure ones, very well (I'm a Ph.D student in Medieval Studies so it wasn't a problem for me), but if you don't, Ferguson's book is REALLY good and very detailed. Probably it's one of the best books to accompany a Llewellyn deck ever. Luminous watercolor art, although some folks find it too dark and blurry for them. I get insanely detailed and deep readings from this deck, but that may be because I connect with it on some really deep levels. I've heard lots of people say good things about it though, so it can't just be me :P Shapeshifter: Again, a DJ Conway/Lisa Hunt production with the addition of Sirona Knight this time. Gorgeous art, lousy book and strange design to the deck. This one has 81 cards in it: 3 cards have been added to the major arcana, because Sirona Knight is a member of a mystical order which has some legend about 81 knights...I truly don't get it. The logic behind it really leaves me cold here. What really ticks me off is that removing the 3 extra cards leaves the World numbered as 24, so there is a major discontinuity. I am treating this deck more as an oracle than a Tarot deck. Lovely art though. Vertigo I haven't seen in awhile; it was a limited edition and it was pricey when I saw it last. I think it was selling on ebay for quite a tidy chunk of change. But there are some folks here who know a lot more about it than me. I'd love to find one myself, but it's not high on the priority list. Good luck and happy shopping! --Sobe

Shadow Wolf	02 Jun 2003
I also have the Celtic Dragon deck and have gotten very accurate reading with it. I did a reading with it for a friend and she said it so accurate it was scary. I guess I just connected with it. It was my first deck, maybe that's why. Anyway, I LOVE it !!!!

Khatruman	02 Jun 2003
Well, you have three of mine on this list, and here are my recommendations: Osho Zen--my highest recommendation here. Yes, it diverts in some ways from traditional tarot, and that is because the focus here is on zen, the present, self-understanding and listening to what is now. So many look at tarot to tell them what will be. I would rather know what is now, and be able to shape what will be. The images are absolutely clear. Even when I am doing readings with those who know nothing of tarot, they get the message loudly, clearly, and are not freaked out feeling they are dancing with the devil. Sacred Circle--steeped in Celtic lore, which is its advantage, which, judging by your name, you seem to have an interest in. Franklin knows her stuff in Celtic myth and lore and the deck shows it. Legend:the Arthurian--very deep in understanding of Arthurian lore. I must admit that I do not know enough about it, and haven't studied or use the deck much. In fact it was one of my early buys when I started getting back into tarot. I actually returned it to amazon, and then, two years later, after finding the book cheaply at a store, I rebought the deck. So there you go..my two and a half cents. :D

Faerie Lin	02 Jun 2003
I have the 2nd edition of the Vertigo Tarot. The imagery is full of emotion and depth. I feel as if I can just fall into the cards. Its one of the main decks I use, for inperson readings also. If you can get this deck I would surely tell you to snatch it up. To me this deck is very powerful.

CompassRose	02 Jun 2003
I have two cents (surprise surprise :)) except that I'm beginning to realise that pretty much everyone else here disagrees with me on the subject. Still, for what it's worth... Legend: The Arthurian Tarot: A friend of mine just gave me hers, because she wasn't using it. The use of legends in the cards is interesting, and for the most part adds to it (though there are some cards I'd've chosen differently; Nimue as the High Priestess (??) is a prime example). The artwork is -ALMOST- great. Her light is luminous, her landscapes beautiful, her animals attractive. With all that, it mystifies me that she can't depict people AT ALL. The best of them look slightly deformed; the worst of them are disproportionate zombies. An interesting and fairly attractive deck, though, all told. Osho Zen Tarot: I looked at this extensively at my favourite tarot store here (which has full sample decks!) after reading all the recommendations herein. It does nothing for me, and I didn't buy it. That's just me, though. The Vertigo Tarot: This is the ONLY deck I've liked that uses collaged artwork. If you're at all familiar with the Vertigo universe, you'll like it even more, because the character correspondences used are fascinating and well-thought-out. And the cards are just plain gorgeous. I don't use it for readings, partly because the cards seem extremely delicate to me, and I don't want to wreck them, and partly because I think I'd find them difficult to work with that way. They'd make good meditation/contemplation cards, though, I think. And they are gorgeous. Personally, I'd recommend the Vertigo, if you've got a source for it.

Cerulean	03 Jun 2003
Celtic Dragon Tarot (who'da guessed?) - I bought this in the year of the dragon and find it colorful, warm and gentle. Dragons and people populate this deck. The Arthurian Tarot - If you can get the Hallowquest book, it adds to the feel of the deck and explains the fact there's landscapes/seascapes in the minors and birds and animals---only the courts and majors have human archetypes. The Black Tarot by Luis Royo - I heard people like the art style. Legend: The Arthurian Tarot - Very pretty, sometimes the tints seem rather delicate or washed out unless you can get a medium toned background to read the cards that enhances the delicacy of the coloring. Osho Zen Tarot - rich and meditative. I don't use it, but will not give it away. It seems a comforting thing to have. Sacred Circle Tarot (although I'm not to fancy about the hanged man) - some learning about celtic traditions liked it; some found the pips a little stiff, not intuitive. Shapeshifter Tarot - I go back and forth, I think the Celtic Dragon feels more tarotlike. The Vertigo Tarot - The original edition is amazing. The second edition is fine if you can get it. Angel Blessings Tarot (not much of a christian but still believe in angels) - new to me. Winged Spirit Tarot - bright, clean art and less whimsical than the Tarot of Oz. But a friend who liked the cute boys found it fun.

Kiama	03 Jun 2003
Here's my Tuppence! Quote: Celtic Dragon Tarot Very nice deck, easy to read with, gorgeous artwork. Great for dragon lovers: The best dragon deck out there. Quote: The Arthurian Tarot Legend: Arthurian, by Anna Marie Ferguson, here's a link to my review of this deck at TarotPassages: http://www.tarotpassages.com/legend-kh.htm As you can tell from the review, I highly recommend it. The Arthurian Tarot by Caitlin Matthews isn't as nice as the Legend Arthurian, but it would be useful to get both for comparison! }) I highly suggest you get the Legend: Arthurian though. In my opinion, it's the better of the two. Quote: The Black Tarot by Luis Royo This is a nice deck for a collection, but no good for reading. The images don't really have any meaning in them. Quote: Osho Zen Tarot A wonderful and beautiful deck, very deep and profound... Here's a link to my review of it at Aeclectic: http://aeclectic.net/oshozen/review.html#kiama (The link also has another review of the Osho Zen by Psychic Tedra.) Quote: Sacred Circle Tarot Not unless you want to be confused to hell and back! It's a nice deck, but the Majors have been so altered, (Numbering, order, titles) that it is confusing trying to work out which cards correspond to teh traditional ones... And the Minors aren't as nice as the Majors: They're only semi-illustrated, instead of fully illustrated, and very difficult to read. Quote: Shapeshifter Tarot Just like the Celtic Dragon Tarot, this is a beautiful deck. But I think it focusses more on the theme (Shapeshifting) than Tarot! Here's a link to my review: (It's easier to link to reviews, cuz they basically say what I would say, and it saves me typing it out again.) http://www.tarotpassages.com/shapeshifter-kh.htm The other three decks you mention I know nothing about, so I can't comment on them. Hope this helps! Kiama

sunflowr	03 Jun 2003
what is the "Angel Blessings Tarot"? I am familiar with the oracle but is this a different deck that is a tarot deck? If so, I am interested! :)

Khatruman	03 Jun 2003
Quote: Originally posted by CompassRose I have two cents (surprise surprise :)) except that I'm beginning to realise that pretty much everyone else here disagrees with me on the subject. Still, for what it's worth... Well, if that is true, then it is certainly a bonus for Celtic_Dragon!!! It's great that there are all these differing opinions, helps to make a decision. I mean, if everyone said..."Yes, this is beautiful and wonderful," C_D might have to buy them all...and I know we don't want that, do we, enablers??? })

galadrial	03 Jun 2003
Hi, I have 3 of these decks and have researched a 4th., my take is: Arthurian: I get excellent, very blunt readings from this deck. I find it stark and efficient, but even positive readings lack a bit in the warmth dept. Lengend Arthurian: just the opposite of the previous, I get dead on readings but somehow the artwork and stories allow even difficult energies to be cast in a hopeful light. Vertigo: I got the original edition as a present. I like it a lot, partly because I read all the Sandman's and also the first 4 Books of Magic; I'm not sure how appealing it would be if you're not familiar with some of the characters. The coating on them may make them seem fragile, but they are holding up to repeated readings for me. His takes on some cards are a little different, but not completely outside traditional meanings. He questions the use of power, for instance; his Emperor is the Geek, a rag doll come to life and holding two marionettes, and the Chariot is the Enigma, to quote the book (which is written by Rachel Pollock) "...the Chariot driver seems about to impose order on a formless existence. But he does so because he cannot tolerate a world he cannot control." Interestingly, the Hierophant is Morpheus and his power is put in a positive light. Luis Royo: I was interested in this deck, but when I researched it I got the impression that someone simply took a bunch of his art, tacked random card names on them and called it a Tarot deck:-(

darwinia	03 Jun 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Kiama The Arthurian Tarot by Caitlin Matthews isn't as nice as the Legend Arthurian, but it would be useful to get both for comparison! }) I highly suggest you get the Legend: Arthurian though. In my opinion, it's the better of the two. I am definitely in the minority, but I prefer the Arthurian. The legend deck is much more focused on the medieval interpretation of Celtic stories and Arthur, whereas the Matthews' have tried to sweep Malory out of the way and get back to earlier accounts. I like the art better, it's crisper, and the black frames on each picture act like a portal you enter. I have the 2 of Spears as my desktop wallpaper centered on a deep blue background. It pulls you in. As far as the gentle pips with scenes that don't have people, this too is cause for you own intuition and imagination to kick in. They are very meditative, you walk through the frame and are pulled in. It reminds me of going into the woods when camping and being surrounded by trees, filtered light, and birdsong. The quiet, the magic of it you can feel. The river flowing, the cairns, the mountains, the depth is wonderful. The light is beautiful in this deck. I bought the newer set which comes with a book, the deck, and a hardcover journal. I am using the journal to collage things as I study each card, it's a very imaginative deck. There's something about those black frames that pull you into the scene. I was also very fortunate to trade with a member here and get the lesson book for the deck which is unfortunately out of print. I also have the Osho Zen and it's my favourite deck. I make no excuses for any differences in it to tarot convention, that's its particular magic. Why would you want every deck to be a gutless parody of previous decks? I much admire artists who can be different. Plus, it's a very workable deck with gorgeous artwork. I very much agree with Kiama on this one, it IS deep and profound.

Aerin	03 Jun 2003
Quote: Originally posted by freesiaskye I am definitely in the minority, but I prefer the Arthurian. The legend deck is much more focused on the medieval interpretation of Celtic stories and Arthur, whereas the Matthews' have tried to sweep Malory out of the way and get back to earlier accounts. I like the art better, it's crisper, and the black frames on each picture act like a portal you enter. I have the 2 of Spears as my desktop wallpaper centered on a deep blue background. It pulls you in. As far as the gentle pips with scenes that don't have people, this too is cause for you own intuition and imagination to kick in. They are very meditative, you walk through the frame and are pulled in. It reminds me of going into the woods when camping and being surrounded by trees, filtered light, and birdsong. The quiet, the magic of it you can feel. The river flowing, the cairns, the mountains, the depth is wonderful. The light is beautiful in this deck. Me too! Me too! For all the reasons you say... I have the Legend, it is pretty, but it feels to me more like a Hollywood movie musical than anything else. The Arthurian feels more real to me. I have completed some of the Hallowquest book as well, some of it in the study forum - but RL got in the way for all of us and so we didn't complete our studies online. The exercise I like most is when you lay the entire deck out, it is very powerful. You get a journal with the latest edition? That's nice, I have the older set. I love the Fey for reading and for playing with, I adore the Arthurian for mediations and when I'm feeling in need of some spiritual connection. Aerin

HOLMES	03 Jun 2003
Celtic Dragon Tarot (who'da guessed?) The Arthurian Tarot The Black Tarot by Luis Royo Legend: The Arthurian Tarot Osho Zen Tarot Sacred Circle Tarot (although I'm not to fancy about the hanged man) Shapeshifter Tarot The Vertigo Tarot Angel Blessings Tarot (not much of a christian but still believe in angels) Winged Spirit Tarot for me i rate the one i have from the lists. 1. oso zen 2. arthurian tarot 3. celtic dragon 4. shapeshifter, 5. legend the athurian. the oso zen i like for it really helps me to understand the zen concepts (and there is a new book coming out next year ) . the arthurian tarot is one i greatly love the artwork (i havent' yet done the year course for it ). three books on it i hear. i got one of them . the celtic dragon i loved the artowrk and did a reading with it and it turned out really good. shapeshifter i am jsut starting to understand it . each card as an animal aspect. the legend i like it but the artwork doens't move as well as the other deck plus i dont' have the book . you should also look at the avalon tarot by lo scarabeo , since you have an athurian taste :O)

WolfSpirit	03 Jun 2003
Hi Celtic Dragon, you have quite some decks on your list I have as well :) Celtic Dragon: I can recommend this deck, I love the artwork, it is close to traditional tarot so it is not too difficult to read with. Arthurian: Some cards in this deck I really like for meditation, but I never used this deck for reading. The minors have landscapes on them rather than scenes...if you like that sort of thing, it is a great deck. Legend the Arthurian: I don't use this deck for readings, it does not connect with me that well. To me this is more a deck of pretty pictures, and I don't find the scenes fitting the meaning for some of the cards. Don't like the hanged man in this deck - he has a rope around his neck, I just hate that on the hanged man. Sacred Circle: Has a strong pagan influence. The book with this deck has a lot of interesting info. The artist has done a lot of renaming/renumbering of majors, so it took me a long time before I wanted to do readings with it. This deck to me just has a special atmosphere, I really love it. Shapeshifter: a deck with very much a mind of its own IMO. If I don't use it for some time I have to get reconnected with it. I have used it for spiritual/emotional questions, the book also points in that direction. The artwork on some of the cards is just amazing, it has "flow" and energy, and on other cards it does not work so well, for example with half her face human/other half elephant just looks weird to me the trunk seems lost *LOL* These are the five decks of your list I have, and I just love them all, for the artwork and atmosphere. I would say the Celtic Dragon is the easiest to read.

Celtic_Dragon	22 Jun 2003
First and formost I want to thank everyone who's replied. I'm glad that my list contained several from your individual collections, that in itself shows how popular these decks are, not just with themselves but with each other. I don't remember when I first posted this so I also wanted to appologize for my late/slow response. Here's pretty much what I've decided, although I'll probably end up buying all of them if nothing more than for a collection. But right now I'm looking for readability. This is the impression I got from everyone's posts: The Vertigo will have to be placed on the back burner until I can actually find a copy. Black Tarot is probably best for it's art rather than usage since it seems to give the impression that it's art was just pasted to some cards with labels. Osho Zen seems to be very good for medatative purposes. Something I may need for a little soul searching later in life but not right now. ;) Winged Spirit didn't have many responses and personaly compared to both arthurians and the black I'm not sure it's quite what I'm looking for. Maybe if I find one day the others too distracting.....nahhhh :D As far as the Angel Blessing Tarot, sunflowr, here's the link:http://www.wicce.com/angelbl.html If you scroll down you'll find a link that leads you to a few sample pictures. They look like images you would find off of the sixteen chapel in Italy. (they probably are) And as I've said, I'm not much of a christian but I've always admired and respected the skill it took to paint like that. I've decide to put more research into the shapeshifter and the sacred circle tarots. If the shapeshifter deck is as kiama says, focuses more on theme than tarot then it may not be for me. I like pretty pictures but when it comes to effectiveness I'll take it over a nice feature. e.g. running shoes over high heels. :D ;) And as for the sacred circle, I don't mind confusing as long as it's accurate. My last deck claimed to use actual ruins in it's images when I come to find out it's just a bunch of mumbo jumbo. Maybe 20% are actual ruins...and even in the order they put them don't make any sense. (I'm not an expert but I did some research to get more personal with the cards) Let's just say burned once, shy twice. And that leaves us with the two aurtherian tarots and the celtic dragon.....I'm going to go with my first instincts and buy the celtic dragon. I don't know exactly why I keep comming back to that one but I believe it's that thing...um what's it called?? oh yea destiny! It just hit me when I first saw it. At that moment my whole body, my whole ora just screemed and jumped for joy! and that was just after seeing the title, b/c I couldn't fathom the chances of choosing a name that was also the name of such a beautiful tarot deck. As for the two aurtherian decks I'm just going to leave them both in second place, since I absoutly love the art in each one. I love having a connection with history and my ancestors' past, but I also love the romantic legand of the knights of the round table and merlin the magician (true or naught). Well, I guess that's all I have to say for now. If anyone has any decks they've seen that might match the styles I'm intersted in please let me know other wise I'm opening my wallet and heading to the store!! And thanks to everyone who made a reply I really appreciate your comments!

The The addiction has spread... thread was originally posted on 02 Jun 2003 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.