The Shakespearian Tarot

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 11 Jun 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Island Dreamer	11 Jun 2004
I wondered if anyone had this deck and could let me know how they feel about it or work with it? It was created by Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki who also created the amazing Servants of the Light tarot. It is based on Shakespeare's plays with quotations to illustrate the cards. The illustrations are by Paul Hardy who wasn't the illustrator of the SOL tarot. I've just bought the book and deck set from a seller on Ebay USA and I'm hoping it will be here towards the end of next week :) The Shakespearian Tarot - Aeclectic Review I think the cards are beautiful and I love the idea of using Shakespearian quotes to illustrate them. But here seem to be conflicting opinions about this deck from those who love it to those who can't get to grips with it. (Fairly typical with most decks, I would have thought :P ) I'm beginning to wonder if an intimate knowledge of Shakespeare's work actually gets in the way of using the cards? I've studied a few of his plays, at school (further back than I care to admit :P ) but I wouldn't say I had an intimate knowledge of his works. Would anyone like to enlighten me? Dreamer

fairyhedgehog	11 Jun 2004
Hi Island Dreamer, I take it you saw the aeclectic review (the link you gave was to the pictures). I'm not sure if a knowledge of Shakespeare is an advantage or not with this deck. I was pretty ignorant of the history plays, which may not have helped, but there is a lot of Romeo and Juliet, the Tempest etc. I don't remember any really obscure plays being featured but it was some time ago that I had the deck. I did wonder if it might inspire some people to take another look at some of Shakespeare's works. I hope someone who has the deck currently can be a bit more helpful :)

Lee	11 Jun 2004
Also don't forget about the more recent Shakespeare Oracle (a tarot deck despite the title): http://www.tarotpassages.com/shakespeareoracle.htm -- Lee

tao51	11 Jun 2004
I think they are appealing to those who like the poetry and imagry of readings. The cards are works of art. I have been impressed with this deck.--Tao

WooMonkey	11 Jun 2004
Hi Island Dreamer, I also got this deck from eBay. I think a love of Shakespeare is more required for this deck than knowlege of his works. I am glad that I got this deck, but I don't use it for readings. I'm the type that needs to know which suit is which, and it is SO unclear in this deck! I would recommend it more as a collection deck for someone with an interest in Shakespeare. The Shakespeare Oracle, mentioned by Lee, makes a better reading deck. :)

Oni	22 Jun 2004
i saw the deck awhile ago, then i was so lucky thanks to Ros to get it in trade! I so love it! i am not remotely familur with Shakespeare's plays or work but i feel the images on the deck evoke a higher since of spirtuality that most likely influnenced Shakespeare into writing the plays in the first place. It is one of my new favs. I love the suits being non tradional also. but that is just me

Cerulean	23 Jun 2004
The quotes on each card will illuminate the concept. My husband likes this deck the most of all my decks, so I kept this one. A review: http://www.tarotpassages.com/shakespearean-ec.htm A review with gorgeous samples: http://www.spiritone.com/~filipas/Masquerade/Reviews/shakesp.html I use it carefully, very little. It's very pretty, especially the Six of Orbs in the Filpas review link... It reads well if you think of it as suggesting reflective concepts from that passage of Shakesphere or the character's situation in terms of what your question was and what wisdom you want to gain from that information. I sometimes search the web under the keyword or personality that strikes me...for instance, Titiana in a Midsummer's Night Dream might interest me... Hope that helps. Regards, Cerulean

tao51	23 Jun 2004
help accent the meditative artwork. The cards do seem to capture the mood of Shakespeare.--Tao

tao51	30 Jun 2004
Which deserves the association with the name of Shakespeare. This may help more understand the art of this great writer.--Tao

The The Shakespearian Tarot thread was originally posted on 11 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.