International Icon Tarot - Comments

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 25 Mar 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Umbrae	25 Mar 2004
looking for your comments. I love this deck. I can find no fault with it. It's what I have always wanted from an RWS deck and never got. It feels modern, reads solid...it's really good stuff.

Imagemaker	25 Mar 2004
Quote: It's what I have always wanted from an RWS deck and never got. What were you looking for that this deck has and others didn't?

Umbrae	26 Mar 2004
It’s RWS without the cultural, and sexual pegs to rest the archetypes upon. It reduces the ‘visual’ noise, helping free the mind of prejudicial readings. Cool deck.

firemaiden	26 Mar 2004
International Icon Tarot -- here's a link. Just right off the bat, it's not my thing, I mean, I prefer pretty pictures, but I like your idea that it can free up the mind. I'd have to try it and see.

Lee	26 Mar 2004
It's exactly what I've been looking for too. It has a strong iconic quality but without the air of 19th century occultism that hangs over the RWS like a cloud of incense. It's the symbols presented straightforwardly without anything obscuring them. The postures and gestures of the figures more than make up for the facelessness of the figures in terms of expressiveness. As Umbrae says, they allow you to project your own intuitive responses on them, rather like a crystal ball. I've used this deck alone for my professional readings since I got it last week. It's perfection. -- Lee

Silverlotus	26 Mar 2004
I think it is very interesting, but not my thing. I have (finally!) got the RWS deck, and now I am wondering why I waited so long! To me, the Icon Tarot is missing the cues I use to read. *shrug* To each his own. I know I certainly don't have Umbrae or Lee's skill.

Le_Corsair	26 Mar 2004
The International Icon Tarot is RWS distilled to its purest essence. It is the Zen of RWS decks. If the Hermit were to choose a deck, it would be the International Icon Tarot. Bob :THERM

Imagemaker	26 Mar 2004
Ah, I see. And as long as the Queen of Wands has her sunflower and cat, I can use this deck. Some things are just *essential*!

Aure	26 Mar 2004
A hilarious deck!! Actually, it's good for so many situations as it is neutral but still has all the essentials in it. I only hope there would be a miniature/pocket deck version, what a good deck to carry around with you!!!!

Umbrae	26 Mar 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Le_Corsair It is the Zen of RWS decks. Yeah...what he said...

Lee	26 Mar 2004
Most of the pictorial details on the RWS are present on the II, except of course for clothing, since there are no clothes in the II. So the bell that the man wears on the 5 of Pentacles is not there. But most everything else is. The snail on the 9 of Pentacles is there, as is the skull on the 7 of Cups, for example. -- Lee

Chronata	26 Mar 2004
I want this deck for the same reason I want The stick figure tarot. It seems to break down the deck I work with the most into its barest most minimal essential symbolism. Sometimes You have to break everything down in your study, in order to build it back up again, and see things in a new light. I just love this deck!

diane drizzy	26 Mar 2004
What a neat deck! I like the "cleaness" of it and still true enough to be a Rider Waite.I had found myself disliking too many cards in RWS. Now if the could just upgrade the colrs a bit to the Radiant Tarot.

Alta	27 Mar 2004
This is a very good deck. The images are clean and convey the RWS essense (which is what I use) of the cards. The colouring is, imo perfect, just subdued enough and yet just colourful enough. And I find the card thickness and lamination to be just the way that I like them. This is a very likeable and I suspect usable deck, in the Stick Figure tradition of being being appealing, slightly humourous and yet 'right'.

VGimlet	27 Mar 2004
I like the look of this deck also. I wasn't sure if I would, but after looking through the website I think it's getting added to my "wanted" list. I like color symbolism a lot, and how the artist has used that with the figures as well. :)

Umbrae	01 Apr 2004
Seems Tarot Garden put up an interview with the Artist who created this deck.

Astraea	02 Apr 2004
Mine came today and I am thoroughly enchanted with it. It's amazing how warm and witty this deck is, at the same time that it's as cool and reflective as a still lake -- it manages to convey the core essence of each card with a minimum of fuss and bother. I love it.

Alta	02 Apr 2004
I have now used my deck for a couple of readings. This deck even improves with use. Just a very appealing deck. Edited: I just read the interview, the link is at the very top of the page. Interesting fellow and it is a good story.

firemaiden	02 Apr 2004
Wonderful interview. :D I'd like to know more about this "happy squirrel" - I've seen it as Holmes's tag line -- its from the Simpsons??? What is the "Happy Squirrel" about? I like this deck much better now, I've seen a few more of the cards! See -- I'm coming round -- I'll get there :)

Le_Corsair	02 Apr 2004
Wonderful interview, Umbrae and Rota. :) My question for both of you is this: Do you include The Happy Squirrel in the deck when you do readings? What interpretation do you put on the Squirrel, if you don't mind my asking? Bob :THERM

Umbrae	02 Apr 2004
The Story behind the Happy Squirrel: The Simpson's Episode 2F15 "Lisa's Wedding" Written by Greg Daniels Directed by Jim Reardon Woman: I've been waiting for you, Lisa. Lisa: [gasps] How did you know my name? Woman: Your nametag. ["hi, i'm lady lisa"] Would you like to know your future? Lisa: Heh, sorry, I don't believe in fortune telling. I should go. Woman: What's your hurry? Bart and Maggie and Marge are at the joust, and Homer is heckling the puppet show. Lisa: [gasps] Wow, you can see into the...present. Woman: Now we'll see what the future holds. [turns over a card from what looks like a tarot deck] Lisa: [gulps] The "Death" card? Woman: No, that's good: it means transition, change. Lisa: [relieved] Oh. [the woman turns over another card] Lisa: Oh, that's cute. Woman: [gasps] "The Happy Squirrel"! Lisa: [timid] That's bad? Woman: Possibly. The cards are vague and mysterious. Remember the reader gasps. If you've seen the episode, you know that The Happy Squirrel is the 'worst card' in the deck. So of course you read with the card...as to the meaning? Gosh...look at the time, gotta scoot...

Le_Corsair	02 Apr 2004
I don't do readings for other people on a regular basis, but if I did, I'd keep an acorn handy and if The Happy Squirrel was drawn, point to the acorn and say "The cards say you should eat this." Bob :THERM

Imagemaker	02 Apr 2004
A happy squirrel has a comfy nest, a cuddly mate, and a stockpile of nuts for cold times ahead. And a convenient bird feeder nearby to steal seed from. Maybe the card is a reminder/affirmation of the priorities of true happiness.

Cerulean	02 Apr 2004
I saw it listed yesterday at $30 and they are featuring "I" titles for sale. Looks like you will have fun with this deck. Mari

Alta	02 Apr 2004
I have seen that episode of the Simpsons, so I knew about the Happy Squirrel's dire meaning. btw, Victoria Regina author makes a Happy Squirrel available for his deck. It does not come with the deck, but you can download and print yourself (I did). http://www.thefool.com/vr/index.asp?viewcard=22t I knew that card was in the the Icon deck but forgot. Very first I reading I did with the deck, the ol' HS came up in the outcome position. I must say I was a bit puzzled. um, er, I like the card but have now removed it from the deck. Edited because I realized I didn't make the post very clear.

Emily	02 Apr 2004
I surprised myself by liking this International Icon Tarot - before I saw the scans I was so sure I wouldn't like it lol The colours are bold and the cards are very minimalistic to look at but enough symbolism is there to make them readable, maybe because they are an obvious Rider Waite clone, so the cards are easily recognisable. I think this is another one for my wishlist. :D

Cerulean	02 May 2004
I have examined this deck and the online reading, which seems to make it a unique and interesting version of the RWS. A friendly trade last year that gave me the Simple Tarot has me thinking it was the only one out there with a simplified RWS...I gave my Simple Tarot with instructions away to see if I want to make room for International Icon tarot. Still thinking about it--I don't think you need instructions or a color key, but is there anything else included with the International Icon--- instructions, a color key or some of this beautiful backstory we are reading in the interview? For instance, I have this deck from Italcards...a Marseilles style color-coded deck. http://www.wicce.com/deicoloripix.html It has a simple color key in its Italian instructions--at some point I was thinking of seeing if I could trade or do something with it, but I've decided it's fine as color key for myself and deck experiments. The International Icon uses an interesting mix of motifs and I am thinking it's a nice snapshot of what might be current in 2004...and it seems every time period every ten years seems to shift in how they use prints and graphics and colors...even in how movies choose their typeface for the opening credits and how people dress and the accessories and settings...I can get lost in these details sometimes. For instance, a move or television series of the 1980s or 1990s or mid 2000s seem to reinterpret what 'western U.S.A pioneer garb' looks authentic, mostly versions of current style with a small nod to historic photos or pictures. I'm fascinated by some local Californian museums showing photos or clothing or engraving samples what Spanish and clericial settlers wore in the 1700s and 1800s in the mission areas that I visit often. Whoops, sorry about going on...the question is about instructions and if you don't have instructions, but still use this deck, how is it going for you? Do you still love-love-love how it works?

Kissa	15 May 2004
As the Simple Tarot (the subject of an actual thread in the Creation section) reminded me so much of the International Icon, I went to watch some scans of Rota's deck, which I dislike... Well ... which i disliked, that is. I remembered the colours were too bold for me and i was in my pretty pictures period (Golden Tarot, stunning Tarot of Prague) anyway. Obviously i changed my mind and find that this deck is incredibly bold and deep. The colours don't hurt my eyes anymore (could it be that i am now in the spring mode and used to the nature colours around?? my winter here is always very grey..). Back then (the first time i watched at scans) i found the idea very interesting but didn't click with the artwork. That changed mysteriously :) I second Mari Cerulean question: is there a keycolour? How do the cards feel physically? Kissa

Alta	15 May 2004
Diane Wilkes has an excellent review of this deck in Tarot Passages, and it reflects my opinion perfectly. I just ordered a second copy from tarotgarden because I can't keep my hands off this deck. http://www.tarotpassages.com/IIcon-mm.htm There is something about the lack of details that makes it so usable. never thought I would say that because I too adore lush, lovely decks. But this deck just draws the story out of you. Amazing.

Alta	15 May 2004
To answer your question about the cards. They are nice. Quite supple, and the varish is matte and not shiny and sticky. They seeem durable to me. Standard size or even a bit on the small side.

Kissa	16 May 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Marion Diane Wilkes has an excellent review of this deck in Tarot Passages, and it reflects my opinion perfectly. I just ordered a second copy from tarotgarden because I can't keep my hands off this deck. http://www.tarotpassages.com/IIcon-mm.htm There is something about the lack of details that makes it so usable. never thought I would say that because I too adore lush, lovely decks. But this deck just draws the story out of you. Amazing. Thanks very much for the link, Marion! This deck really sounds worth getting. I am more and more curious about it!! A pity i didn't realise this two weeks ago when i ordered from Tarot Garden.. Kissa

Kissa	16 May 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Marion To answer your question about the cards. They are nice. Quite supple, and the varish is matte and not shiny and sticky. They seeem durable to me. Standard size or even a bit on the small side. I hated the Radiant Waite vernish so much! The most delicious physical contact to a deck is with baba studio's Tarot of Prague IMHO. I am glad to hear that the II is not shiny.. Mark McEllroy (who wrote the review for Tarot Passages) said the box is very fragile, but really it's not a very important issue. As long as the cards are durable! Have you seen the Simple Tarot yet? http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?threadid=26319 Same idea than the II but totally different result. Both great, i think. What is happening to me?????? Some time ago, i would only care for extra sophisticated artwork with hidden details... Kissa

Alta	16 May 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Kissa What is happening to me?????? Some time ago, i would only care for extra sophisticated artwork with hidden details... Same here. Very strange. :)

lunakasha	16 May 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Kissa Have you seen the Simple Tarot yet? http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?threadid=26319 Same idea than the II but totally different result. Both great, i think. What is happening to me?????? Some time ago, i would only care for extra sophisticated artwork with hidden details... I know what you mean, Kissa!!! :D I just ordered the Simple Tarot (and I agree....similar in concept to the II, yet different!) and will probably be adding the II to my collection as well.... I normally prefer, as you mentioned, lots of detail....but both of these "simple", less-detailed decks are VERY appealing to me!!! I wonder if, in my case, this came as a result of getting familiar with the Marseille, learning to appreciate the unillustrated pips and their structured simplicity.... :) Luna

Umbrae	28 May 2004
I was looking at the 4 of Swords this morning, and it hit me. Robin has a wondrous sense of color. When he told me about how he used cut-outs, and would come home from work and lay out the pieces for the cards… Today it really struck me – the exact colors… The more you work with this deck, the better it becomes. Thanks Robin

Kissa	08 Jun 2004
I received my copy of the II yesterday... I was really curious about this deck, the more I read about it, the more scans I watched at... I read Robin's interview by this guy, what's his name again? ... I started to get Robin's idea and found it just brilliant. I'm going thru a weird phase where I feel it very annoying to have decks who push too hard my intuition in the direction their artist chose. So, it was either a Marseilles deck or the II... Got two Marseilles already, they sleep gently on their bookshelf, they don't bother anyone, they are really calm decks, they don't cry for me to take them out, so I wouldn't want to wake them up, see? ;) I watched my copy of the II yesterday late at night. First I smiled and hated the green colour on the box. Then I just watched all the cards and instead of the traditional "WOOOOOW"s or "AHHHHH"s or "PFFFFFFF"s when I first watch at a new deck, I actually found myself reading the cards... The message is so clear that my intuition isn't distracted by fancy details or people's expressions or the artwork. That said, I consider Robin's deck to be very artistic, as Umbrae mentioned ... "the right colours". So I am really surprised by the way it went. The first time I watched scans of this deck, I hated it. Now I think this is probably the best reading deck I've ever bought. And the thought of getting it from Tarot Garden and knowing that Rota will maybe read these lines just adds an incredible sentimental value to it. And of course, without Solandia and this forum, the whole thing to get something out of with my RWS... ;) My two cents... Kissa

Kissa	12 Jun 2004
Come on guys, wake up!! This is THE deck!!!! I am definitely voting for this one as the deck of the year, well... still six months to go, right? ;) Just kidding. Please go and re-read the brilliant Tarot Garden's interview with Robin Ator http://www.raretarot.com/library/articles/atorinterview.html . Yes Mr Ator, the International Icon needed to be done, thanks for creating it. It is not a clone, it is not a themed, it is not a recoloration closest clone deck whatever. It is a brand new and revolutionary concept. And once again, I hated it when I first saw the scans online: I am always after very sophisticated decks and my latest crushes were the Merry Day, baba studio's Tarot of Prague, the Ancestral Path, that kind of stuff.... Isn't life great?! :) Kissa edited to add: thanks to this deck, i got a brand new insight on the Two of Swords.

Le_Corsair	12 Jun 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Kissa Come on guys, wake up!! This is THE deck!!!! I am definitely voting for this one as the deck of the year, well... still six months to go, right? ;) Just kidding. I personally am going to vote for it as deck of the year too, but I think the competition this year is going to be very tough: the Gilded Tarot, the Golden Tarot, and the Baroque Bohemian Cats Tarot will all be in the running for deck of the year. I think the II will be the sleeper in that bunch. I love the deck, though. More people should buy it. :) Bob :THERM

lark	12 Jun 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Kissa edited to add: thanks to this deck, i got a brand new insight on the Two of Swords. [/b] Kissa would you mind sharing your new insight? I just ordered the deck after constantly going to the site and staring at the cards. This deck is very out of character for me too. But I just can't seem to get it out of my head. So why fight it.

Kissa	13 Jun 2004
Oh right, lark, here we go. As I said, it is my percpetion of that card on that day. We had a big argument with dh (and NO, it was not about my ever expanding deck collection.. ;) ) and even the day after, I couldn't relax. I was upset and not spending quality time with the kids. So I drew one card: Two of Swords. Now look at it. The character wears a blindfold, carries two swords to protect her from both sides. PROTECT HER FROM WHAT for god's sake???? It is all quiet around. The landscape looks extremely peaceful. It rang a bell in my little head: I was fighting imaginery enemies instead of opening my eyes and enjoying the peace around. I never had that insight with any of the other decks, that Two of Swords card was just so obvious. And I don't care if it isn't the traditional meaning of it, this is my meaning for it, right now. Does that make any sense to you, lark? You are the curious one, you know, you are always the one to ask details (once you asked what decks I got from Joan Bunning's closing sale!). :-) Take care and please tell us how you like the deck! Kissa

lark	13 Jun 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Kissa And I don't care if it isn't the traditional meaning of it, this is my meaning for it, right now. Does that make any sense to you, lark? You are the curious one, you know, you are always the one to ask details (once you asked what decks I got from Joan Bunning's closing sale!). :-) Take care and please tell us how you like the deck! Kissa Makes perfect sense to me Kissa! I'm writing that one in my note book if you don't mind. I'm sorry I'm so curious (and curiousity killed the cat, hey!) But I noticed in the Two of Swords how the night and the blindfold were the same color. And yes, the night has a peaceful feeling in this card, and it's as if the night itself has become her blindfold. And having become part of the night she finds nothing to fear in it. And I was wondering if your insight had anything to do with noticing that same thing in the card. And it does in a way because you got the same feeling of there being nothing to fear. I'll be sharing some other impressions when I get the deck. Thanks for satisfying this curious cat. :)

WooMonkey	14 Jun 2004
Kissa & Bob, By Deck of the Year, are you referring to the Top Ten Tarot Decks? Or is there another list somewhere? I loved the International Icon deck the day it arrived! It leap-frogged over a bunch of others, and I think it's my second favorite now. :)

Le_Corsair	14 Jun 2004
Quote: Originally posted by WooMonkey Kissa & Bob, By Deck of the Year, are you referring to the Top Ten Tarot Decks? Or is there another list somewhere? :) Aeclectic Tarot has a Deck of the Year once per year in the fall (spring in OZ and NZ?), last year the winner was Tarot of Prague. You can see the winners on the main Aeclectic site. By the way, if the II is your second favorite, what is your favorite? Bob :THERM

Kissa	14 Jun 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Le_Corsair Aeclectic Tarot has a Deck of the Year once per year in the fall (spring in OZ and NZ?), last year the winner was Tarot of Prague. You can see the winners on the main Aeclectic site. By the way, if the II is your second favorite, what is your favorite? Bob :THERM Yes the Tarot Top Ten is the one I was referring to. But it's like in any other competition, ppl just remember who won so we end up calling the whole thing "the deck of the year". WooMOnkey's top favourite deck??? Hmmm... let me think..... i'm shuffling my cards, connecting to my higher self... WooMonkey's favourite deck? hmmmm... I see standard RWS imagery ... BUT WAIT! Weird colours.... Could it be the Hoi Polloi?? The Golden Tarot by Tapernoux??? No.... THE ALBANO-WAITE!!! The International Icon told me your first favourite deck is the Albano-Waite!! I am sure it's true since this II reads so wonderfully!! Ok ok, go and watch her profile, Bob, i admit i cheated... ;-) Kissa

Kissa	14 Jun 2004
Quote: Originally posted by lark Makes perfect sense to me Kissa! I'm writing that one in my note book if you don't mind. I'm sorry I'm so curious (and curiousity killed the cat, hey!) But I noticed in the Two of Swords how the night and the blindfold were the same color. And yes, the night has a peaceful feeling in this card, and it's as if the night itself has become her blindfold. And having become part of the night she finds nothing to fear in it. And I was wondering if your insight had anything to do with noticing that same thing in the card. And it does in a way because you got the same feeling of there being nothing to fear. I'll be sharing some other impressions when I get the deck. Thanks for satisfying this curious cat. :) Hi lark! the other cat here ("kissa" means "cat" in finnish). I'm glad this made sense. I don't know where the idea about the Two of Swords meaning came from, i didn't analyse it, it just came. Now I have to go and watch this card. The thing is I don't want to overanalyse the intuitions that come with this deck but a little study is fine ;) Yes please, tell us what you think of the deck once you get it! The cat that owns the deck already ;)

WooMonkey	14 Jun 2004
:joke: :laugh: HAHAHA! Kissa, the cards did tell you true! I DO have the Golden Rider and a (ratty) Hoi Polloi deck, but yes, my favorite deck is the Albano-Waite. The II is a close second, however. I guess I prefer "in your face" color in my RWS style decks. The pastels are definately trailing... :D

Scion	08 Nov 2004
Been a while since this thread saw activity but figured I might as well throw in my 200 cents... Robin Ator's International Icon is far and away my favorite reading deck, in almost any setting. Whether I have a very participatory querent who wants to be guided as they look for things in the cards or a completely passive "recipient," whether for divination, psychological signposts or pathwork, the International Icon deck just doesn't just doesn't stop peeling back the layers. Many people have commmented on the potency of the spare images, and the beautiful use of color. But I'd like to add that the deck has a way of speaking directly to and through people. Manages to be both simple enough for beginners and dense/rich enough for old-timers. Uncanny, spot-on readings of all types, and the simplicity of the cards somehow helps people to identify the archetypes when they eventually pop up. People are more alert to the "vibe" described in a reading, rather than discerning it through a veil of crowns and critters and Golden Dawn minutiae. I love this deck so much that I'm ordering a second copy for fear it will go out of print. I kneel before Ator...

noby	16 Nov 2004
I have fallen in love with this tarot deck (from having viewed it online, I do not own it - yet). I have a few minor gripes with some cards in the Major Arcana - I find the plumes on The Fool and Death to be visually jarring and out of place, and wish the orange part of the sky on The Lovers was the same blue as the rest of the sky - but these are very minor. And my gripes are just reflections of my aesthetic preferences, and there's certainly not near as many gripes with this deck as with the other decks I own (save my beloved Navigators of the Mystic Sea), all of which I love despite the cards or aspects I find jarring or irritating. I suspect this will be my next deck. I love the simplicity of the images. Doing away with facial expressions, which psychological studies have shown draw most of people's attention, focus, and brainpower when they are part of an image, frees one up to see the overarching energy and movement of the cards. The brilliant use of color helps make the energetic tone of the cards obvious and upfront as well. I love how the cards have been so simplified, and yet so many of the major RWS symbols have been retained. The clean lines, smooth curves, distinct shapes... Crisp, clean, and clutter-free -- as someone who is somewhat obsessive-compulsive, that's how I like it. Somehow, it makes the cards more accessible and yet more mysterious at the same time. Direct, yet nuanced, pointing to subtler things. And I love the fact that the use of international icons makes the deck less gender and race-specific. I don't have that much of a problem with gender distinctions in tarot, as I think they reflect underlying dualities and archetypes much of the time, but I do have an issue with the limited racial and cultural focus of so many decks. I read so clearly with the Universal Waite, but I get so tired of all the white faces - and I'm white myself! I would be embarassed to do a reading for somebody who wasn't white with such a race-specific and race-exclusive deck. This is one of the reasons I love the Navigators of the Mystic Sea deck so much. The colors of the figures reflect the energies of the cards more than a specific race, and it's the same with the International Icon deck. And since we've grown used to interpreting international icons by paying attention to their postures and objects surrounding them, for most of us, reading these cards is immediate. One makes connections right away.

NightWing	19 Nov 2004
Thanks to everyone who has shared their thoughts on the International Icon deck. I read thru the thread, got more curious, checked it out, and have now ordered a copy of it. I'm looking forward to its arrival, and only hope it arrives here in the northern latitudes before Christmas! Sounds like it will be fun, though not ... traditional. Thanks again. -NightWing

Scion	05 Dec 2004
Le_Corsair wrote: I personally am going to vote for it as deck of the year too, but I think the competition this year is going to be very tough: the Gilded Tarot, the Golden Tarot, and the Baroque Bohemian Cats Tarot will all be in the running for deck of the year. I think the II will be the sleeper in that bunch. I love the deck, though. More people should buy it. :) Bob :THERM Definitely the sleeper of the bunch: no cats, gild-free, and no buff computer-generated models in period costumes... but II gets my vote, and how! I'm hoping it places in the top ten cause Robin Ator deserves that in a big way. This deck just keeps lifting the veils... Scion

paradoxx	07 Dec 2004
This deck, along with several others, ,is available for an electronic reading @ www.facade.com I also recommend the aquatic tarot for another RW inspired reading. I will never look at Tarot cards (or restroom labels) the same way again.

The International Icon Tarot - Comments thread was originally posted on 25 Mar 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.