William Blake Tarot

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

lawguy51	25 Mar 2004
I just won an Ebay auction for a new, signed Blake deck and book. I searched and there hasn't been a lot of discussion on it that I can find. Do many of you have/use it? What think you? Looks like an amazing visual deck but I guess if you read with it you have to go totally intuitive or really dig in with the book....or both. Lawguy51

Astraea	25 Mar 2004
Hi, Lawguy. I think this is one of Khatruman's favorite decks. I have a copy, but haven't had the opportunity to study it in the depth it deserves. It certainly is stunning -- congrats on your win!

Khatruman	25 Mar 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Astraea Hi, Lawguy. I think this is one of Khatruman's favorite decks. I have a copy, but haven't had the opportunity to study it in the depth it deserves. :P Is it that obvious??? :D Yes, this is the deck that brought me back to tarot, after 18 years of being scared off by Emily Peach telling me I need extensive and intensive study in astrology, numerology, etc. etc. before I can even touch the cards. I had used Nordic Runes for several years and put my tarot cards away in a closet. Then I found this deck on a bargain books rack at Borders (I am becoming a Borders fanatic these days in regards to tarot) for $5. At that time I didn't know what a find I had made, and would have gotten the other copy they had if I had known. What appealed to me immediately was the use of William Blake. Being an English teacher and teaching British Literature, it hit me immediately. As I studied it more, and used it more, I found that it hit dead on in my writing endeavors. It is geared towards the Creative Imagination, and that is not just a pompous appendage. The book was amazing in showing me the correlations between the elements, the suits, the human aspects (mind, body, soul, spirit) and on and on. It continues to be one of my favorites for self study, and for helping me as a creative writer and overall creative person. Frankly, though, I have never used it as a reading deck for others, to work out emotional issues or the like.

Lee	25 Mar 2004
I was impressed by the thought and care that went into creating this deck, but, not being previously familiar with Blake's mythology, I found it was simply too much to study and learn and grasp. I think it would be easier to pick up at least the rudiments of astrology, numerology, etc. than it would be for a non-Blakean to grasp the structure of the Blake deck. At least that's how it struck me. -- Lee

Khatruman	25 Mar 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Lee ...I found it was simply too much to study and learn and grasp. I think it would be easier to pick up at least the rudiments of astrology, numerology, etc. than it would be for a non-Blakean to grasp the structure of the Blake deck. At least that's how it struck me. That's a good point to make, which is why I mention my background when I talk about how clear the deck is to me. To be honest, though, I am not a Blakean scholar. I am familiar with his poetry, but I have never done an in-depth study of his theology. There is much of that in the accompanying book, but it isn't necessary to study it before you read with the deck. Just to clarify: when I began as a "newbie" to tarot, I was relying on books to tell me how to do it. If I had begun with folks like Rachel Pollack, Mary Greer, etc, rather than Emily Peach, I might not have shunned it for 18 years. Not to date myself too severely, but at that time there wasn't the wealth of study in tarot that there is now, at least not on this level. And there were barely computers and the rudiments of the internet then, and not so lovely a place as Aeclectic tarot with people to encourage me. Perhaps if there were, I would be an amazing reader by now.. ahh, well...

SongDeva	25 Mar 2004
Lawguy, I stole a set on eBay as well. For some reason, I got it for about half the going eBay rate at the time. I'd been looking for one for a while (in fact, requested it one xmas, and that's how I learned how it was out of print. I'd seen it at BN for some time before that). Anyway, it appealed to me as a singer (read: artist) and I hoped to use it for creative purposes, for tapping into the spirit of my art. I actually haven't done much with it yet. I'm geared more toward the shadow now...and I think that will open up my art tremendously....maybe after that I'll be drawn back to Bill. :) I wouldn't mind doing some comparative readings on the appropriate forum if anyone else is game. I don't know Blake either. I read intuitively and felt this deck spoke to me in that way. SD

Astraea	25 Mar 2004
Khatruman, Emily Peach almost did me in, as well. Reading her words almost twenty years ago, I felt that I would never, ever have enough knowledge -- let alone understanding -- to read tarot. I almost felt unclean! I'm sorry to hear that you had the same experience, but am also relieved to learn that I wasn't the only one! You have inspired me to take another look at the Blake deck.

Mimers	25 Mar 2004
Did you guys know you can still purchase signed copies directly from Mr Byrnes through Abebooks.com? I got a copy this way for 45 with shipping and handling.

lawguy51	25 Mar 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Mimers Did you guys know you can still purchase signed copies directly from Mr Byrnes through Abebooks.com? I got a copy this way for 45 with shipping and handling. I emailed him during the auction but the email bounced back. Guess he's changed it. I paid a bit more but still did better than what Amazon is selling used versions for. All of your comments are making me very intrigued. I really only read with 2 decks so maybe Mr. Blake ends up in my display case but I still can't wait to get it. Lawguy51

OakDragon	26 Mar 2004
Quote: That sounds intriguing. As a fan of Blake's work myself, I think I'll have to check that deck out too.... All these wonderful tarot decks to buy... I hadn't realized what a costly endeavor joining this board would be! :D

TemperanceAngel	27 Mar 2004
LawGuy I LOVE this deck, and although I am not familiar with Blake's work in detail I found that the imagery of the deck speaks directly to you and helps you to unfold and unwind your story, or someone elses... It's a beautiful deck and worth having just for its beauty. On saying that I don't own it, ny friend does and every Tarot Cafe I get to play with it! XTAX

lawguy51	28 Mar 2004
Quote: Originally posted by TemperanceAngel On saying that I don't own it, ny friend does and every Tarot Cafe I get to play with it!XTAX That's kind of how I discovered it. I went to a Tarot get-together at a restaurant in Toronto and the organizer of the event had brought several decks, the Blake being one. I was immediately intrigued and upon looking on Ebay, there it was! Voila! Lawguy51

The William Blake Tarot 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.