New Isha Learner tarot...Four Elements
Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 06 Jun 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.
| Cerulean |
06 Jun 2004 |
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Book Description
A new tarot based on shamanic imagery that invokes the magic of nature, numbers, and imagination.
• Works with colorful primal symbols and vivid natural images to explore the soul's primal roots and its relationship to sacred geometry and nature.
• Uses tribal memory and symbolism as ways to connect with our own dreamworld, power, and creative potential.
• By the author of the bestselling Inner Child Cards (more than 100,000 sold).
This innovative 78-card tarot deck calls forth a shamanic presence through its evocative imagery of primal symbols and tribal art forms from earth mythology and folklore. The potent journey mapped out in the deck has roots that reach into our ancient ancestry, encouraging us to feel and dream as a means to contact the unconscious forces of life. Through this journey we can develop a conscious understanding of the magic of nature, which allows us to unlock creative potential.
Tarot of the Four Elements prepares the soul for a magical exploration of the dream world using images that span cultures, races, and religions, including masks, totems, stars, handprints, and various symbols representing the natural world. Artist Amy Ericksen invites the mind and heart to dance into the images, and with that dance, to find a stillness and depth. Her paintings invoke the magic of nature, imagination, and the human spirit in order to stimulate our own power and creativity.
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| BlueLotus |
06 Jun 2004 |
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Thank you cerulean for the information.
This deck is definitely going on my wish list.
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| WooMonkey |
07 Jun 2004 |
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Uh-oh! 4 elements and sacred geometry...guess it will have to go on my wish list as well!
:)
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| dolphingirl |
07 Jun 2004 |
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Can't wait to see more on this deck. It is amazing to me how many decks show up on the data bases for different booksellers without seeing much about them online first.
Samantha
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| Mimers |
07 Jun 2004 |
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This is definitely going on my wishlist! I love what I see so far.
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| Cerulean |
24 Oct 2004 |
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http://www.innertraditions.com/isbn/1-59143-030-5
I am interested in this because the information seems to be 'universal' to those like myself attracted to elemental minors...perhaps the work will be written in the same thoughtful way as the Inner Child Cards. I've heard many people liked the Triple Goddess Tarot (even if not a full 78 card deck).
Perhaps others would see the images as evoking an earth-friendly attitude or something within themselves that likes color, energy and strength in their images...but not hurtful.
Best wishes, all.
Cerulean
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| HOLMES |
25 Oct 2004 |
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if the artwork looks like the innerchild and baseball tarot, then fore sure i will get it.
shamanic approach to the four elements ? hmm i wonder if it will get jungian with psychology appraoch in there as well
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| Cerulean |
16 Nov 2004 |
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For me, Isha Lerner's words are crucial to help me to understand this art style better. Lerner explains that Amy Ericksen's tarot art needed a companion book and she spoke often with the artist in developing the book text.
Two of Amy Ericksen's paintings are shown if you scroll down...the most primitive images are hers...
http://petalumaartscouncil.org/previousexhibits.html
I'm afraid the Inner Child and Triple Goddess compared to this one look like the more realistic human images. This deck is abstract, filled with colors and shapes more like the Chakra cards and the sources seem to be Polynesian, African and folkloric. The number cards look like quilt squares of related colors. Majors and courts are sometimes humanistic in that there are masklike eyes and mouths from the faces, but I cannot guarantee everyone has two arms and legs--there may be many little beings making up a colorful pattern in the main picture. My sewing gauge measures the cards as 4 and 3/8 by 3 and 5/8 inches.
http://ishalerner.com/home/is1/multilist/5/0
I believe this would be the American version of the Sakki-Sakki, but everyone has heads as far as I can tell. The book is filled with information for newer folk...
I know it's very different from my normal decks and it is my second Isha Lerner deck. Although I've given my Inner Child away, so this is the only Lerner deck that I have right now. If I wanted something completely different, but has interesting possibilities, I'm fine with this.
As a fan of old folklore and elemental attributes to tarot suits, I like this deck. I don't intend to wear out the glorious Druidcraft Tarot anytime soon, so I like having a funny alternative that also promises alternatives...actually, it's more accessible and primal- friendly to me than the symbolism of the Runic/Elemental decks that I like so much...so we'll see...I ordered it off of Inner Traditions website and it came in a few days.
Regards,
Cerulean
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| Sulis |
17 Nov 2004 |
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I really like the colourful, primitive style of the artwork I've seen. Cerulean, do you know of anywhere we can see more of the cards?
Love
Sulis xx
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| tarobones |
03 Dec 2004 |
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Hello to the group. The deck just arrived. The book is well written, with a lot about sacred geometry and numerology and human magic. It's wonderful. The images remind me of sort of a mixture of sakki-sakki, Shining Tribe, and Tarot of the Trance all rolled into one. The cards are easily handled and the colors are bright and the images fascinating. I have Inner Child Cards and Workbook, and this book seems every bit as well written. I am a recent, but devoted, Isha Lerner fan. Although I still love my Universal Rider Waite and Shining Tribe and Sakki-Sakki, this is quickly becoming my favorite. I've had it for less than a week. I highly recommend the deck/book set. Peace and blessings to all. Michael
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| Sulis |
03 Dec 2004 |
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Wow, aren't the cards bright. Do they stick to 'traditional meanings' ie Thothlike or RWS- like or is this a completely new system?
I really like the look of this deck - may have to add it to my Yule pressie list.
Love
Sulis xx
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| Jeannette |
03 Dec 2004 |
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The deck is structurally "traditional" -- 22 majors, 56 minors, four suits, four courts, etc. There's the usual individual "tweaking" (for example, the Hierophant card is titled "The Priest"), and the minor arcana illustrations are particularly minimalistic. But the deck doesn't seem too far afield from the generally accepted "basic" configuration.
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| Asher |
07 Dec 2004 |
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Yet I don't understand why the _author_ of the book (Lerner) should have top billing over the artist (Amy Ericksen)...hmmm.
I have only skimmed through the book and deck, but for a deck that claims to "call forth a shamanic presence...of primal symbols, sacred geometry and tribal art forms from earth mytholgy & folklore", this deck seems to be rather imbalanced in favor of very positive, upbeat, light meanings for the cards.
These are not strictly RWS or Thoth inspired meanings, but are idiosyncratic to this deck. Not that this is a bad thing, but it will be a challenge to use RWS meanings (for example) with the 4 Elements deck. Example: 10 of Air (Swords) -- "It's important not to become frozen or blocked in your thought process. Let in the warmth and sunshine that can melt away old problems and difficulties keeping you chained to a life devoid of deep meaning...This card may also represent a beloved hobby, craft or talent that you have forgotten about and needs to be resurrected in all its glory. Live up to your creative vision and spiritual destiny in service to the greater community, nation, and humanity." (page 178)
Card stock is decent, but not sure how it will hold up to extensive shuffling. Mixing/swishing these cards might be a better solution.
Interesting, will try it out at my Tarot Circle, but will most likely relegate it to the bookshelf.
YMMV,
Asher
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| tarobones |
15 Dec 2004 |
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I've had the deck for a while now and am studying the system, which has the basic structure of traditionaltarot, but uses a lot of numerology. I love the art and the primitive style. I find the deck balanced and fun to use. BB, Michael
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The New Isha Learner tarot...Four Elements thread was originally posted on 06 Jun 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.
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