Aquarian Tarot thin cards?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 24 Apr 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

alsie	24 Apr 2004
Hi Everyone I just purchased the Aquarian tarot on ebay for a bargain price :) I think it's an older edition, with the black box in 2 parts and a pic of the Fool on the front (not sure when it was actually printed it just says copyright 1970). Unfortunately the card is very paper thin and the printing has lots of little defects like scratches and specks. I wondered if the Aquarian decks being printed right now have improved, or if they are all like this? Alsie

babyd	24 Apr 2004
Mine is new version and its lovely quality, so maybe its just that issue that is thin?

laura_borealis	24 Apr 2004
I have an Aquarian from that early printing -- same box and thin card stock as you describe. And also recently aquired on eBay for a bargain price! :) Mine isn't scratched up but there are a few specks in the printing, like you describe. I don't mind them -- to me it feels like the deck has character. I also like that the cards aren't plasticy and slick. On the other hand, they are apt to show wear. I don't mind, but I can understand wanting something more protected.

Le_Corsair	24 Apr 2004
Yep, the original printings of the Aquarian were on too-thin stock, so they are more delicate than modern printings of the deck. I got my old Aquarian back in the 70's when it was first published, and I still have it. I don't use it anymore, it's just too delicate; I have purchased a replacement from the current US Games catalog. The cardstock on that is almost bulletproof. :D It's a lovely deck. My new version has French titles, so I have a deck that is both lovely to look at and has the traditional names for the cards. The artist of the Aquarian, David Palladini, did a second tarot deck, it is called the New Palladini Tarot. Most people don't like it as well as the Aquarian. Bob :THERM

Rusty Neon	24 Apr 2004
On the bright side at least, the first edition of the deck, although on thin cardstock, could in time have collector's value. Quote: Originally posted by Le_Corsair It's a lovely deck. My new version has French titles, so I have a deck that is both lovely to look at and has the traditional names for the cards. Le Corsair ... What are the court card names and suit names used for that deck in French?

Le_Corsair	24 Apr 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Rusty Neon Le Corsair ... What are the court card names and suit names used for that deck in French? Rusty, the suits are deniers, batons, coupes and d'epees. The courts are roi, reine, cavalier and valet. Bob :THERM

Rusty Neon	24 Apr 2004
Thanks Le Corsair!

alsie	24 Apr 2004
Thanks for those replies. Interesting. In that case I might put that deck aside and get a new one for use. Does the latest version have the same blue and white swirly pattern on the back? Laura, I think it's like when you have different weights of darts or a pool cue and people choose what feels best and this seems very delicate and light for my hands. Bob, I have seen scans of the new palladini, but it did not appeal to me. I did not see the entire deck, but the cards I saw were dark and oppressive enough to put me off. I would like to see them in real life as the colour may vary from on screen. Alsie

Le_Corsair	24 Apr 2004
Quote: Originally posted by alsie Does the latest version have the same blue and white swirly pattern on the back? Bob, I have seen scans of the new palladini, but it did not appeal to me. I did not see the entire deck, but the cards I saw were dark and oppressive enough to put me off. I would like to see them in real life as the colour may vary from on screen. Alsie The current edition of the Aquarian has the patterned backs you describe. They aren't symmetrical, so you can tell from the back whether the card is reversed or not. The New Palladini is in brighter colors than the Aquarian, and many of the people in the cards have reptilian-looking chain armor; this is especially pronounced in the Hierophant. The Two of Cups is sometimes humorously called the angry gerbil card here at Aeclectic. :D Bob :THERM

laura_borealis	25 Apr 2004
Quote: Originally posted by alsie Thanks for those replies. Interesting. In that case I might put that deck aside and get a new one for use. Does the latest version have the same blue and white swirly pattern on the back? Laura, I think it's like when you have different weights of darts or a pool cue and people choose what feels best and this seems very delicate and light for my hands. I fully understand. But I just realized, if yours has a blue and white swirly pattern on the back, we don't have the same exact Aquarian. Mine have backs that are plain blue, no pattern at all. In that case, there may be a card stock difference, too! :|

laura_borealis	25 Apr 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Le_Corsair The New Palladini is in brighter colors than the Aquarian, and many of the people in the cards have reptilian-looking chain armor; this is especially pronounced in the Hierophant. The Two of Cups is sometimes humorously called the angry gerbil card here at Aeclectic. :D Bob :THERM Does anyone have a scan of this angry gerbil? :D I looked around at different sites with card samples, but couldn't find the N.P. 2 of Cups. I'd love to see it.

laura_borealis	25 Apr 2004
I just answered my own question -- see here.... *chortle* It does look like an angry gerbil or hampster.

Silverlotus	25 Apr 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Le_Corsair I have purchased a replacement from the current US Games catalog. The cardstock on that is almost bulletproof. :D I have to second that! The Aquarian was my first deck and it went through a heck of a lot. Nearly all the cards are still in excellent conditional, all though a few are separating due to inexpert shuffling. If you like the deck, pick up a new one. No worries about the cardstock there. (Of course, assuming it hasn't been changed recently.)

The Aquarian Tarot thin cards? thread was originally posted on 24 Apr 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.