Robin Wood vs. Hanson-Roberts

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 09 Mar 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

dolphinprincess	09 Mar 2004
Both of these decks are fully illustrated, beautiful, and easy to read with... They both seem to be favorites of many people.. But I'm curious.. If you had to compare the two.. or choose between them, which one would you pick and why? Thnx!

Silverlotus	09 Mar 2004
I have both, and I use the Robin Wood far more often then the Hanson-Roberts deck almost 100:1. The Hanson-Roberts deck is very nicely done, and coloured in such pretty shades. It is a nice small size, about the same as a deck of regular playing cards. The faces of the figures tend to be a touch chubby. Many of the cards, like some the courts and the High Priestess, show the figure from the shoulders up, often with very little background. Overall, it closely follows the RWS symbolism, making a few changes here and there. The Robin Wood deck is of a much larger size, more like the typical Tarot deck. Ms. Wood's art work is wonderful, and her colours are often very bright. In general, RWS symbolism is followed, but with a Wiccan sensibility. Some cards are changed from the typical images, such as The Wheel of Fortune and Death. I prefer the Robin Wood deck partly because of these changes, along with her wonderful images. The book she wrote to accompany the deck is also full of lots of information about why she included certain things on each card, making it much easier to draw out their messages, in my opinion. Of course, I vote to buy both if you can. :) My Robin Wood stays at home, and I often carry my Hanson-Roberts with me, since it is so small.

mj07	09 Mar 2004
I use that deck a lot. I think looking back (oh, two weeks ago? *snickers*) the reason I got Robin Wood instead of the Hanson-Roberts is that there's something a little too "cutesy" in the latter. Still, looking at it again now, it's a very beautiful deck and some of the images are easier to read, for me, than the Robin Wood. OR maybe I should say they're closer to the RWS images which everyone seems to write about. Those images seem a bit richer or intricate? Is there anyone who has both decks who'd like to compare and contrast? I don't think I should go running out and getting yet ANOTHER deck (especially since I'm definitely getting the Gilded when it's released later this year), but...???

mercenary30	09 Mar 2004
I don't own the HR deck. I have seen it plenty of times and it just does not appeal to me. Robin Wood on the other hand is the deck I use the most. I love reading for others with it. The art is well done, and more modern in style than say, RWS.

Lee	09 Mar 2004
Neither of these is my favorite deck, but I think if I had to choose between the two, I would choose the HR. It's true that some of the cards are very cutesy, but the RW, in my opinion, has several cards where the people look rather self-satisfied, not to say smug, which is worse for me than the cutesy HR. I like the minors of the RW very much, but much of the imagery in the majors leaves me cold, whereas the HR is more traditional, which I like. I do thoroughly enjoy Robin Wood's book that she wrote for her deck, and I admire her thoroughness and the care she took with her images. I just wish her cards had the effect on me which she intended when she drew them. -- Lee

mj07	09 Mar 2004
there are only a few cards in the Robin Wood deck that bother me, in terms of the changes she made. One is Death, which I find very interesting, but it's SOOO different from RWS, not sure I like it. I DO get a "friendlier" feel from it, but again, not sure yet if that's good or bad. Sometimes I think she simplifies the images a bit too much. I DO have her book on order from Amazon and can't wait to read her thoughts on how she created the deck.

dolphinprincess	09 Mar 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Silverlotus Of course, I vote to buy both if you can. :) This is exactly what I did ;) But, they seemed kind of similar to me.. so I was worried that I'd wind up just using one.. That's why I was looking to see what people liked / disliked in each... After more consideration, I think they are each unique and I can justify owning both .. hehe! :D ~dp

lunakasha	09 Mar 2004
Very interesting thread....I have often compared these two decks in my mind, for several reasons. The most obvious connection between the two decks is that both of them are very popular Rider-Waite "clones", and they both generally follow the RW symbolism very closely. The second reason that I have always connected these two decks is because the first tarot books I purchased featured both the HR and RW as examples....and I was immediately drawn to both of them. My first tarot book was Tarot Unveiled, by Laura Clarson, which features cards from the Hanson-Roberts deck. Even though the pictures are only b/w in the book, it was love at first sight for me! And yet, it took me over two years to actually purchase the HR....not sure why, but I am very happy that I did! Anyway....not long after purchasing Tarot Unveiled, I bought other tarot books featuring the Robin Wood deck (one of them was Tarot Spells by Janina Renee). Even before I had purchased either of these decks, I began comparing the two via books, and noticing that they are very similar in many ways. Now that I have worked with both of these decks, I would have a hard time deciding which one I prefer...I think for me it depends on what I am "in the mood for", if you know what I mean. The HR is, yes, very "cute"....it is a sweet, gentle deck....it is soothing to look at and yet does not pull any punches; it will tell you what you need to know...but is kind and tactful in its delivery of the message. The Robin Wood, on the other hand, is a little more "mature", more straightforward in its approach. As Lee noted, some of the Majors and Courts appear to be somewhat "self-satisfied", perhaps even unapproachable....at the very least, they are more reserved, less "welcoming" than the same images presented in the HR version. But again, the RW cards are appealing to those who prefer a more "honest" and direct approach....it is ideal for folks who like their tarot straight-up, to-the-point and no-frills-included...just the facts, ma'am! To me they are both wonderful decks to work with, both feature gorgeous, colorful interpretations of the cards, with the pips being as detailed and beautiful (if not more so) than the trumps. I would encourage anyone who is drawn to either of these decks to experiment with both of them, if you can. It doesn't have to be an either/or situation....I am glad to have them both, and therefore to enjoy the freedom of choosing whichever deck appeals to me in a given moment.... :) Luna

dolphinprincess	09 Mar 2004
Thanks Luna - for justifying my owning both. I knew I could count on you.. lol :D

lunakasha	09 Mar 2004
My pleasure, dp! We obsessive, tarotholic/collector-types need to look out for each other, right??? }) I am getting sooooo good at justifying pretty much any tarot purchase (just ask Momof3girls...LOL :D) :) Luna

mj07	09 Mar 2004
Quote: Originally posted by lunakasha My pleasure, dp! We obsessive, tarotholic/collector-types need to look out for each other, right??? }) I am getting sooooo good at justifying pretty much any tarot purchase (just ask Momof3girls...LOL :D) :) Luna ACK!!! tell me about it! I'm a beginner, I already have 4 decks and I was thinking to get the SPiral last night til the Tarot card buyer at the shop I go to told me I shouldn't. Even then, I started getting tempted by the Connelly and thought NO I have Robin Wood, that's good enough a RWS clone for now!

lunakasha	09 Mar 2004
That's funny, mj!!! I wonder why they told you not to get the Spiral??? I just got this one recently myself, and I love it....not that I have actually used it yet :( but I do enjoy looking at the pictures! I have to admit, some of the minors are a little "plain", not as detailed as the majors....but overall a very nice, pretty deck...no regrets! Just remember one thing, mj: there is no such thing as having "enough RWS clones"......LOL!!! :laugh: }) There are literally hundreds to choose from...don't be afraid! :D Luna

Chronata	09 Mar 2004
I love both of these decks. I think another reson they are compared frequently is because they are both drawn with color pencil, making them sort of "sister decks" in my eyes! I was immediately drawn to the Hanson Roberts because of the storybook quality of the deck. And because I am a fan of RWS...and because I really like that the court cards look like people I know...and because of the smaller, easy to handle size. I was impressed by the Robin Wood because of the more earthy Pagan symbolism (as opposed to the more Christian tones of the RWS, and the HR...) I also love the elemental breakdown of the court cards, and the overall style of the deck. Hanson Roberts will always be my favorite, because it reminds me most of myself...then any other deck (so far!) Robin Wood will always be a favorite because it has a charming, easy to read quality. I would say both decks are good to have in any collection! :)

mj07	09 Mar 2004
Chronata the very fairy tale like quality of the HR really appeals to me, but I think in the end I went for the RW exactly BECAUSE I'm not comfortable with the Christian symbols, and RW removes most of those. lunakasha I dunno why she told me not to get a SPiral deck (after all, there goes her sale, right?) except it's not for beginners. Or so she said. THe symbolism looks really cool, and I was ready to buy the book for another $8 on top of the deck! AHHA! ACK, and can I stress again, I'm a beginner AND a tarotholic! you're feeding my addiction! when's the next support group? "Hi, my name is Marilyn, I'm a tarotholic..." :D

Centaur	09 Mar 2004
Quote: Originally posted by lunakasha My first tarot book was Tarot Unveiled , by Laura Clarson, which features cards from the Hanson-Roberts deck. Even though the pictures are only b/w in the book, it was love at first sight for me! And yet, it took me over two years to actually purchase the HR....not sure why, but I am very happy that I did! I first saw the HR when I was visiting a friend. I saw a deck of cards lain in the corner, and I looked at them and was immediately drawn to them. I know that most people when they see scans of the HR usually state that it is too 'cutesy' or 'fluffy'. But... I also know of many people who have had that opinion, and when they actually see the deck in the flesh so to speak, they begin to appreciate the beauty of the cards. Ok... so this was my first deck, and I am kind of sentimental about it. Sheesh. Hehe. But with regards to the Robin Wood and the HR... I would pick the HR. I did at first find the Robin Wood to be appealing, but when I actually saw the cards in the flesh, I was put off... they just seemed 'wrong' to me. I should also add that whenever I have read for people using the HR, they have always commented on how lovely the cards are. Go on... get the Hanson Roberts! C

mysticalowl	09 Mar 2004
I have looked at both, but I really like the Robin Wood Deck.

contrascarpe	09 Mar 2004
This thread sparked a long forgotten memory - in my youth when I finally realized that there were other decks out there besides the Rider-Waite (and because my brother worked in bookstores for a good portion of his life), I recall purchasing the HR deck. I don't remember much about it, and I know I never did a reading with it. During one of my many moves over the years I lost the darn thing - my ex probably has it amongst her possessions (alot of which were my possessions at one time, hehe). I have the Robin Wood and generally enjoy it. I must say though that The Magician annoys me more than any Magician I own (and I still bought the deck even though his picture was on the cover). I know the antlers signify something to do with paganism, but I just look at him and thing that he waited until the last minute to put together his Halloween costume. mj07 - I have the Spiral and it is one of my least favorite decks. The majors are nice but the minors are uneven and too many bother me. Dan (if my post sounded on the negative side, I apologize - I am really not in a bad mood, lol)

daneo52	10 Mar 2004
I only own 3 decks, but the Hanson Roberts is my favorite. I always want to use it, and the readings are so true. I am still a beginner, and appreciate the similarities to Rider Waite, while having such beautiful pictures. Very easy to read and interpret for me.

dolphingirl	11 Mar 2004
I have both decks and I have I have to say the Robin Wood deck is one of my all time favorites. The Robin wood takes away alot of the Christian symbolism or should I say takes that symbolism back to a time when it is no longer Christian but nature. I love the artwork and symbolism of these cards. I find that there is more in these cards than most other decks out there on the market. I also have Robin's book and have talked with her through email several times and she is one of the nicest people to talk to. Another thing that I really like is her LWB has key words or short phrases to describe the card and I found these to be so wonderful and extremely helpful when trying to learn minors. I can't say enough glowing things about these cards The HR deck reminds me also of fairy tale book illustrations. These card are very lovely and not at all scary for the tarotphobic people out there these would be great to use. I also like the smaller size of these card (I have small hands so shuffling can be a pain in the rump many times) Another thing is that they came out with a even smaller version of this deck (similar to the pocket decks comming out by los scarbeo) it comes with a little hardcover book (the book is really bad with some ofthe "you have to use a black cloth to wrap your cards in" kind of thing) but the set is only $7.98 and you can't go wrong with a deck for that cheap! I say go for broke and get them both if you can:) Samantha

MeeWah	12 Mar 2004
I have both Robin Wood & Hanson-Roberts. I love the Robin Wood for its nature-based theme & also for its artwork. I especially like the depiction of The Magician, which evokes Herne or the Horned God. I originally bought the deck for readings, but have found it lends itself to spellworking extremely well because of its images. I plan to get a second copy so I have a deck available for each function. There is far more to Hanson-Roberts than meets the eye. Its artwork alludes to fairytales yet works for querents of all ages. This is the deck I use most oft for readings for younger clients.

Centaur	12 Mar 2004
Quote: Originally posted by MeeWah There is far more to Hanson-Roberts than meets the eye. I think that this is very true. I feel that some people are too quick to judge the HR. C

genna	14 Mar 2004
I prefer the Hanson-Roberts,because it´s more true to the Rider-Waite symbolism,and it fits my hands so well.There are cards I like better in the Robin Wood;The Devil is one,and I don´t like the Kings in The Swords,and the Pentacles suits of the H-R. However,H-R gives me such a friendly feeling,and as the High Priestess suits me so much better in the H-R(the card that "has" to be "right"for me);I´ll go for that one.

fairyhedgehog	14 Mar 2004
Quote: Originally posted by dolphingirl Another thing is that they came out with a even smaller version of this deck (similar to the pocket decks comming out by los scarbeo) it comes with a little hardcover book (the book is really bad with some ofthe "you have to use a black cloth to wrap your cards in" kind of thing) but the set is only $7.98 and you can't go wrong with a deck for that cheap! The set seems to be called 'Tarot To Go'. I only found it after looking it up in Google after reading your comments, dolphingirl. Now, do I really need another Hanson Roberts? And a really tiny one at that? But it's so cheap! You can get it in the UK for under £7 inc Post and Packing from amazon! I must be strong. :D

sunflowr	14 Mar 2004
I definitely prefer the Hanson Roberts. I am a child-at-heart and these cards bring that out for me. Also, they are soo easy to read. I have the tarot spells book though .. so I use the Robin Wood whenever I do a spell with that book.

sunflowr	14 Mar 2004
Quote: Originally posted by fairyhedgehog The set seems to be called 'Tarot To Go'. I only found it after looking it up in Google after reading your comments, dolphingirl. Now, do I really need another Hanson Roberts? And a really tiny one at that? But it's so cheap! You can get it in the UK for under £7 inc Post and Packing from amazon! I must be strong. :D hehe! I saw them yesterday at the Burbank Barnes and Noble. But I didnt get them. I havent been reading tarot much lately so I don't want to get a deck until/unless Im reading more again AND feel the need for a new deck.

Phoenyx*	14 Mar 2004
I've got the mini-HR and I don't find that I read with it as well as my Rider-Waite. And as far as the Robin Wood, I've looked at the cards, but I don't feel a connection to them. :(

13thFaeChylde	26 Mar 2004
A friend of mine has decided to get rid of all her tarot decks (???) which means I'm getting the H-R for postage money!! I'm happy, b/c I'll finally have a deck my children will like.

fairyhedgehog	26 Mar 2004
That is so cool 13thFayeChylde :) I hope you enjoy it as much as I do :)

The Robin Wood vs. Hanson-Roberts thread was originally posted on 09 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.