Astro-Tarot: Who has it?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 07 Feb 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

lunakasha	07 Feb 2004
I recently purchased (it's in the mail) the Astro-Tarot Kit, by Russell Grant and Kay Smith (illustrator). The bright colors and whimsical quality of the cards really caught my attention, and it sounds like it will be fun to work with. My question is: who has this deck? How do you like it, and is it a good reading deck? So far I have talked to one other person at AT who has the deck (Hi Emily), and I would like to hear opinions from others... Thanks! :) Luna

Lee	07 Feb 2004
I have it! :) It's made up of the 22 tarot majors, the four tarot aces, 12 western astrology signs, 12 chinese astrology signs (animals), and 14 western astrology cards which include planets, earth, new moon, full moon, ascendant, midheaven, and node. I like the bright and cheerful artwork. I haven't worked with it, though, because I wasn't comfortable with the fact that because different systems are used (tarot, western astrology, chinese astrology), there are several cards which repeat titles and concepts. For instance, there's a Moon card, a Full Moon card, and a New Moon card. There's an Earth card and a World card, both of which show a globe. Not being expert in either Western or Chinese astrology, I have doubts about my ability to distinguish between Taurus (keywords from the book: earthy, practical, loyal, rustic) and Ox (dependable, patient, careful, traditional). Or Scorpio (faithful, mysterious, determined, passionate) and Snake (enigmatic, seductive, sexy, sensual). But, I think the artwork is very attractive, and I certainly think this could be a great deck if you're really willing to work with it. I may take it out and experiment with it again someday. If one wanted to, one could take just the tarot majors and aces and just work with those cards. The book is written at a rather low level. It gives short meanings for each card in each position of a 12-card astrological spread, so that if one wanted, one could look up the meaning of every card in a spread and get a fortune-cookie-like interpretation of each card. -- Lee Edited to add: I'm awfully glad I'm not a moderator and therefore don't have to decide whether or not this is a tarot deck! :D

lunakasha	07 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Lee Edited to add: I'm awfully glad I'm not a moderator and therefore don't have to decide whether or not this is a tarot deck! :D LOL! I know what you mean...the reviews I have read about this deck have mentioned that the deck is somewhat controversial, in that many tarot "experts" do not agree with the Astro being included as a tarot deck...but that is the title Mr. Grant gave it, so what can you do? It sounds to me more like an oracle deck, and one that needs to be used in conjunction with the book during readings. Aside from all of the tarot/oracle controversy, it is IMO a very beautiful deck, and I am sure I will treasure it.... :) Luna

ros	07 Feb 2004
I had this deck a few years ago. For me it was getting all my ideas together. For doing readings it was "too much information". If I'm doing Tarot I want Tarot. If I want Astrology that's all I want etc. I didn't think of it as a serious as some might. I find it more of a "fun" deck. Just my idea.

lunakasha	09 Feb 2004
I GOT IT!!!! I am so excited....these cards are much more beautiful in real life than on the computer, really. They are going to be fun to work with, play with...they have a very light-hearted, whimsical quality about them...The Astro-Tarot would be great to use with children, but anyone who enjoys bright colors and fairy-tale themed decks would probably enjoy them. The biggest obstacle to these cards, which has been mentioned already, is that they are not "true" tarot cards, meaning that only 26 of the 64 cards are taken from the traditional tarot deck. To me, this makes them more of an oracle deck, and I am sure the book will be important initially in understanding the meanings of the "non-tarot" cards. On the other hand, I think these cards will be worth investing some time in...and I will be sure to post my first reading on this thread for those of you who might be interested in these curious little cards! :D :) Luna

lunakasha	10 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Lee But, I think the artwork is very attractive, and I certainly think this could be a great deck if you're really willing to work with it. I may take it out and experiment with it again someday. So, Lee...have you had a chance to work/play with them yet??? Please, keep us posted when you do, I would love to hear your thoughts...it seems that there aren't many here who own this deck... :) Luna

Lee	10 Feb 2004
Unfortunately, "someday" has not yet arrived... at this rate, it may never... :P -- Lee

lunakasha	10 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Lee Unfortunately, "someday" has not yet arrived... at this rate, it may never... :P -- Lee I hear ya! Too many decks and too little time...;) Oh well...let us know when/if you do get there, OK? BTW, what is the release date for the Gay Tarot? I've been checking it out at loscarabeo.com...looks great! :D Luna

Lee	10 Feb 2004
Release date in July, should be available in U.S. in August. I can't wait! -- Lee

The Astro-Tarot: Who has it? thread was originally posted on 07 Feb 2004 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.