The Gendron Deck

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 02 Feb 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

miss_apples	02 Feb 2004
I have this deck and I love it dearly, its so beautiful with its many colours. As Im studying it though I find a heavy focus on women in the deck...most of the cards have women in them and Im counting only about 20 that have a man featured in them. I know that some of you may be upset with me for saying this, but could this "deck" be sexist against men?

contrascarpe	02 Feb 2004
Hi Miss Apples - I keep looking at this deck as well. For the past few months I have found myself looking at the deck online and for the same reasons (the colors), I find myself drawn to it. However, for some reason when I pick up a deck in the store, I find myself putting it back down without purchasing it. As for it being a sexist deck, I am a man and I didn't get this feeling at all. Without opening up a can of worms, I find the majority of decks on the market to be geared for women (Goddess decks, etc.). As for depictions on the cards, I am learning as I stroll along the path of Tarot that no matter what the image indicates, every card could be interepreted as having a feminine and masculine side. For example, I have finally begun to view the court cards not so much as depicting a man or a woman, but a trait of some person in the querent's life. If I ever purchase the Gendron deck, I will return to this post and give my thoughts then. But as it stands, I don't feel as if it is sexist. Dan

Summerdream	02 Feb 2004
Hi! There is supposed to be a companion book that is over 300 pages to the Gendron Tarot coming out soon. It was scheduled to come out in January and it hasn't yet so I'm expecting it any day. I'm hoping it helps explain some of the symbolism that is used in the deck. They have it as a preordered title at Amazon for around $9. Momof3girls

SongDeva	02 Feb 2004
I have two of these. Please let me know if anyone wants to trade for one.

13thFaeChylde	02 Feb 2004
I have the Gendron in my backpack right this minute! I love this deck...I read it easier than my others. I don't think of it as sexist, but goddess-oriented. I cannot wait for the book to come out, b/c there's so much symbolically to learn with these cards.

contrascarpe	02 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by SongDeva I have two of these. Please let me know if anyone wants to trade for one. Still trying to whittle down your collection, eh Deva :) I am still on the fence on this one. I have three on my wishlist before this one. Well, two actually as I just broke down and ordered the Golden Tarot. I figured I was really spending money since the deck is not actually published yet, hehe. Dan

miss_apples	02 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by contrascarpe96 Hi Miss Apples - I keep looking at this deck as well. For the past few months I have found myself looking at the deck online and for the same reasons (the colors), I find myself drawn to it. However, for some reason when I pick up a deck in the store, I find myself putting it back down without purchasing it. As for it being a sexist deck, I am a man and I didn't get this feeling at all. Without opening up a can of worms, I find the majority of decks on the market to be geared for women (Goddess decks, etc.). As for depictions on the cards, I am learning as I stroll along the path of Tarot that no matter what the image indicates, every card could be interepreted as having a feminine and masculine side. For example, I have finally begun to view the court cards not so much as depicting a man or a woman, but a trait of some person in the querent's life. If I ever purchase the Gendron deck, I will return to this post and give my thoughts then. But as it stands, I don't feel as if it is sexist. Dan Thats true...a lot of decks are geared towards women and are Goddess orientated. Is this because more women are geared towards tarot? It would be interesting to see the gender demographic of tarot enthusiasts.

Lady Eclipse	02 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Momof3girls Hi! There is supposed to be a companion book that is over 300 pages to the Gendron Tarot coming out soon. It was scheduled to come out in January and it hasn't yet so I'm expecting it any day. I'm hoping it helps explain some of the symbolism that is used in the deck. They have it as a preordered title at Amazon for around $9. Momof3girls Hi Momof3girls, Thank you for the info on the book. I love this deck but have been wishing for a more in-depth companion book to go with it. I'm heading to Amazon right now to put in my pre-order! :-) Joy to you, Maralee

lunakasha	02 Feb 2004
Thanks Mom!!! As many of you have mentioned, this deck is visually stunning, yet the symbolism is not the easiest to interpret. I will probably want to get the book, which will hopefully make the Gendron user-friendly as well as beautiful! PS: I agree that this is a very "feminine" deck, but I don't see it as sexist...although it may be seen that way by men. Any comments from our male AT members??? :)) Luna

Cocobird55	02 Feb 2004
This is one of my favorite decks, and I've preordered the book. Can't wait to get it. I didn't think this deck was sexist, looked through it again. It's true that there are more women than there are men, but the men who are portrayed are done with respect. After looking, I still don't think it's sexist. Sue

cjtarot	03 Feb 2004
Hi, The Gendron Deck was the first deck I could read without the book meanings..It's still one of my favorites. And like some of the others, I am waiting patiently for the book to become available..Sigh... From there I found the Sacred Circle Deck. Good reading and blessings CJ

raeanne	03 Feb 2004
Hi all, My Gendron Tarot deck has several cards where the picture has been stretched out of proportion. This is a big draw back for me. I don’t get a feeling of it being too feminine, but the distorted pictures drive me nuts. Do I have a misprinted deck or is this the way the cards are suppose to be?

miss_apples	03 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by raeanne Hi all, My Gendron Tarot deck has several cards where the picture has been stretched out of proportion. This is a big draw back for me. I don’t get a feeling of it being too feminine, but the distorted pictures drive me nuts. Do I have a misprinted deck or is this the way the cards are suppose to be? I dont see that any of the pictures are distorted...maybe you do have a misprinted deck. Have you tried to find pics of the cards online and compare them w/the ones you feel are distorted?

Lee	03 Feb 2004
My recollection of this deck is that there are indeed some cards where the picture has been distorted somewhat. I don't think it's a defect, I just think that's the way the artist made the cards. I remember reading a review by Mary Greer in her (now defunct) tarot newsletter in which she made note of this distortion on some cards. -- Lee

Moonbow*	03 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by raeanne Hi all, My Gendron Tarot deck has several cards where the picture has been stretched out of proportion. This is a big draw back for me. I don’t get a feeling of it being too feminine, but the distorted pictures drive me nuts. Do I have a misprinted deck or is this the way the cards are suppose to be? raeanne, I have this deck too and I love the cards but I'm wondering if I have paid enough attention to it now because I also haven't noticed this Here's a site showing all the cards for you to check with. http://www.tarot.com/about-tarot/decks/browsedecks.php?newdeck=10 I would be very interested to know which cards it is M*

Lee	03 Feb 2004
Just from those scans, I picked out these cards which look distorted to me: 3 of Pentacles 10 of Pentacles Queen of Swords Ace of Wands Also, personally I don't like the fact that she's used the same female figure for four cards: Fool 3 of Wands 6 of Wands 7 of Wands There are things I do like about the deck, though; the cards are very colorful and attractive. I'm quite intrigued by the Emperor wearing a dress! And he also appears, by the way, as the King of Swords. :) -- Lee EDITED TO ADD: The 3 of Cups looks distorted too.

Jewel-ry	03 Feb 2004
I have had this deck for a couple of months, thanks to Sulis, and have never been drawn to it particularly. However, last week I did a spread using nine cards which was surprisingly enlightening, so I am beginning to come round to it. I dont quite 'get' some of the cards, so I think a companion book to explain some of the symbolism in greater depth would be a good idea. That said, one of my biggest gripes is that some of the cards are too busy, which means some of the symbolism is very small and difficult to see. J :)

miss_apples	03 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Lee Just from those scans, I picked out these cards which look distorted to me: 3 of Pentacles 10 of Pentacles Queen of Swords Ace of Wands Also, personally I don't like the fact that she's used the same female figure for four cards: Fool 3 of Wands 6 of Wands 7 of Wands There are things I do like about the deck, though; the cards are very colorful and attractive. I'm quite intrigued by the Emperor wearing a dress! And he also appears, by the way, as the King of Swords. :) -- Lee EDITED TO ADD: The 3 of Cups looks distorted too. The 3 of pentacles does look a bit distorted but I think its because the face in the card is transparent and its supposed to look almost like a spirit/ghostly image. the ace of wands looks a bit distorted like there are some double images kind of like a photo that didnt develop correctly. the 10 of pentacles...theres like a band of light around the family which may make the card look distorted but I think it was put there on purpose to make the family look blessed The Queen of Swords and the 3 of cups I dont see the distortion in my deck anyways.

Cocobird55	03 Feb 2004
I checked out my deck, and I see some distortion in the following cards: Queen of Swords Three of Cups Three of Pentacles Six of Pentacles Ten of Pentacles All of the above cards have elongated people. On my Ace of Wands, the head of the child looks squished. I hope the book explains all of this... I checked my Amazon order, and it should be mailed by Feb 4. Sue

Moonbow*	04 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Lee [b] Also, personally I don't like the fact that she's used the same female figure for four cards: Fool 3 of Wands 6 of Wands 7 of Wands B] I know what you mean there is the same woman in wheel of fortune and 8 wands - I think she is in another too but can't find it right now. That has bothered me a little. Does anyone know what the heart emblem means. sometimes it has an eye in it and sometimes a face?? I love the 5 coins in this deck, expecially the tiney altar and buddha

Summerdream	05 Feb 2004
Just an update.... The Gendron book is now available for order at Amazon. It says usually ships in 3-5 weeks. I can't wait on get my hands on this book!!! Momof3girls:)

13thFaeChylde	05 Feb 2004
Could someone send me the link to the book at amazon? When I search for it, I just get the deck or deck/book combo, and it says it's not available for 2-3 months!! I've already got the deck, and just want the book.

Summerdream	05 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by She who Watches Could someone send me the link to the book at amazon? When I search for it, I just get the deck or deck/book combo, and it says it's not available for 2-3 months!! I've already got the deck, and just want the book. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN=1572814322/ref=nosim/aeclectic/ Momof3girls)

13thFaeChylde	05 Feb 2004
Thanks, mom!

Bean Feasa	06 Feb 2004
I have mixed feelings about this deck - I love most of the Majors, and pretty much the entire suit of Wands which I find really, truly magical. But almost the whole Cups suit is just so cheesy, some of the Swords, the Six particularly, are disappointing, and I detest the cards with people dressed up as Native Americans, that's the the 3, 6 and 8 of coins. To me the cards that are good are very very good, and the ones that aren't are horrid. It's such a shame. I never really thought about the sexism issue, until you mentioned it miss apples. Maybe men would feel a bit excluded from this deck, but heck I adore the fact that the Hermit is female, this is the case in only very few decks, plus it's such a beautiful card. Surely after all the centuries of exclusion, women are entitled to a little bit of whatchamacallit - positive redress :)

raeanne	06 Feb 2004
Hi all, Sorry I have been away for a couple of day, but, yes, the Three of Cups and the Three of Coins are two that I remember being very elongated. It looks to me like this person had a picture that didn't quite fit the card so they just stretched it instead of enlarging it and cropping it properly. It just has that sloppy feel to it that I wish it didn't have. Otherwise, I like it. I will be anxious to see what the book says.

13thFaeChylde	03 Mar 2004
Has anyone had a chance to look at it yet? I haven't ordered it yet, and wondered if there were any opinions on it.

Summerdream	03 Mar 2004
Quote: Originally posted by 13thFaeChylde Has anyone had a chance to look at it yet? I haven't ordered it yet, and wondered if there were any opinions on it. Hi 13thFaeChylde! I ordered the book about 3 weeks ago. However at Amazon it says 3-5 weeks shipping so I haven't received it yet. I'm wondering if they've received their copies from U.S. Games yet. I will let you know as soon as I receive it what I think of it. Momof3girls:)

Summerdream	03 Mar 2004
Hey! I just went to check on the status of my order and it says between March 11th and 20th is expected delivery. Guess what though??? On the Amazon site it now only lists that you can buy the book/deck set. It doesn't list the book seperately anymore. Has anyone else bought this book? I hope they don't cancel my order. Momof3girls:)

contrascarpe	06 Mar 2004
I noticed that Amazon has the set listed as available in 1-2 months. They have been doing some weird things lately with Tarot related items (I speak of the Golden Tarot in particular). Well, after my initial post about being on the fence with this deck, I bought it a few weeks ago on a whim (price was right) and again, I found the colors very pleasing to the eye. After looking at it initially, I made the decision that it probably would not be a deck I would want to read with, and put it in my "least desirable deck" category along with the Mythic and the Spiral. Fate, however, has a way of biting me on the butt sometimes and, again on a whim, I pulled out the deck to do a reading about a week ago. I could not believe how well I connected with it! I decided to try a reading with my SO, who I find impossible to read for, and lo and behold I read with such a flow that it almost scared me! I have done two more readings with it since and again felt very comfortable with it - and all readings were done intuitively. I hate to admit I was wrong, but I was wrong. This deck has found a place in Tarot bag. Dan

Kissa	07 Mar 2004
this deck is available from tarotworld.com without the 1-2 months wait. but the book isn't listed there unfortunately. Kissa

miss_apples	07 Mar 2004
Contrascape...I think that the deep colors of this deck creates an ambiance perfect for those deep serious readings. Because of that I think its a wonderful deck to read with and Im glad that you have made peace with it :)

Island Dreamer	07 Mar 2004
I bought this deck because I did lots of research online and was attracted to most of the Major Arcana which are truly beautiful cards. However, when I got it, I found the photo-montage aspect of the cards to be rather offputting. I really dislike the cheesy grin on the Emperor - it quite puts me off using the deck :( So it has stayed in its pretty carved wooden box with its clear quartz and amethyst crystals :confused: Maybe one day it will call to me ..... Island Dreamer

13thFaeChylde	24 Mar 2004
Has anyone received the companion book yet? I need it!! But want to read some reviews of it before I order it.

Summerdream	24 Mar 2004
Hi 13thFaechyle! Actually the link to buy the book only is not available at Amazon anymore. I preorered it though when it was available for $9.99 or something like that. I have emailed U.S. Games and they said to check back in a couple of months about the availability of the book. In the current U.S. Games catalog is shows the book seperate for $12. It was supposed to be out in January but I'm still waiting. I wonder why Amazon took off the link for the book only. When I emailed Amazon they said when the book is available they will ship it to me, but made no mention of where the link for it went. Momof3girls:)

Khatruman	24 Mar 2004
Quote: Originally posted by contrascarpe96 I noticed that Amazon has the set listed as available in 1-2 months. They have been doing some weird things lately with Tarot related items (I speak of the Golden Tarot in particular). My last four experiences with ordering tarot decks through Amazon have been harrowing experiences, and I would very very seriously reconsider ordering tarot decks through them. I guess since tarot decks aren't huge sellers, now that they are an enormous corporation, they aren't concern much with pleasing tarot customers. They give out conflicting information, do not acknowledge release dates of decks, give misinformation, etc., until it comes to the point where you need to bug them enormously for them to send out a deck. On another note, I am selling my Gendron deck, if anyone is interested. Look for my thread in the tarot trading section.

13thFaeChylde	24 Mar 2004
Khatruman, I'm starting to believe you may be right about amazon. A friend ordered a deck for me weeks ago as a prez and I've yet to see it appear, even though it is in stock. And this whole thing with the Gendron book being for sale and then yanked is bothersome. Sorry you have to wait so long, momof3girls!!

starsongs	25 Mar 2004
I've also had the Gendron Companion book on order from Amazon. I decided to write them today and see what they had to say about when the book will be shipped. Here was the reply: *** Greetings from Amazon.com. I've checked your order, and I can confirm that we still expect to ship it by the date listed in Your Account: March 22-29, 2004. Please note, the estimated date of shipment was calculated at the time you placed your order and is based on the proximity of inventory to the delivery address you provided, as well as how quickly we can obtain and assemble items for shipment. We will send you an e-mail at the time of shipment. Please contact us again if you do not receive a shipment confirmation by March 30, 2004. *** hmmmmmmmmm Starsongs

13thFaeChylde	21 May 2004
Summerdream~ Have you received the Gendron book yet? If not, have they given you an explanation as to when the blasted thing might appear? Cheers~ FaeChylde

Summerdream	21 May 2004
Hi 13th FaeChylde! Actually they just canceled my order about a month ago and said the book alone will not be available. Summerdream

Summerdream	21 May 2004
Hello again 13th FaeChyle! For some reason, Barnes and Noble has the book available so I just ordered it for $12 to be shipped to my local store. I should have it in about 8-10 days. I don't know what's been going on with Amazon lately. Summerdream:)

cjtarot	21 May 2004
Hi, I called US Games today and the cs person said it will be available for sale next week. They have to fill all the back orders first. He told me to call him Monday, so I'll let you know how it goes. he even offered to look at the cards that come with the deck to see if they are different from the originals. Nice People are always appreciated.. Blessings, CJ

The The Gendron Deck thread was originally posted on 02 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.