Gilded - my Initial Impressions

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 10 Aug 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

contrascarpe	10 Aug 2004
Figured I would weigh in a little bit more on this new deck. On another thread, I posted some semi-negative comments about my disappointment on this deck. Ciro and I have been having some discussions and I have to say that I was impressed on how he took my comments. His honesty and integrity made me realize I needed to spend some more time with the deck. OK, initially I remarked how disappointed I was in the card stock. There is already some some fading and scratching right out of the box. The other deck I own which I equate this to is the Shapeshifter. Not sure if it is only my deck, or if I am being too picky, but the presentation of this deck screams for 1) bigger cards and 2) unsaturated coloring. I realize that this is not the fault of the artist. My second concern was something that is not anyone's fault, just personal preference for me ...... I am not a big fan of the photo realistic deck for the most part. I gave the Sacred Circle a chance and I am warming to the Cosmic Tribe. However, this deck initially made me think of the Quest, which is a deck I really, really wanted to like, but it was too ambitious. Now that I have spent more time with the Gilded, I realize that it is superior to the Quest. Now the positives: - The colors are extraordinary. They are vibrant and seem to fit the subject matter for each individual card. - I go back and forth on whether I need another RWS-like deck or not. If the cards add something to the RWS story, or express a different theme (like the BBC). Alternately, I like to gravitate on a new RWS-like deck and compare cards that I like (such as the Moon) and cards that I don't like (such as the Nine of Cups and Four of Pentacles) from the original. In this case, I have to say that I am not a big fan of the "machinery" symbolism on these cards (such as found on the Moon), but the images on the other two cards I mentioned are vastly superior on the Gilded IMO. - I like the non-circular pentacles on the Gilded. - There are many cards which stand out for me on this deck. I do like the Hermit. I like the idea that the swords are not piercing the body on the Ten of Swords. Temperence and the Heirophant are two of my favorite majors in this deck (both are usually just "ordinary" - in this deck they stand out). I am sure I will have more to add later as I get to know this deck. Instead of participating in the Gilded SG, I think I am going to start by going through the cards already on the Comparative group I have been ignoring lately. I think this could be a good reading deck for me and I may use it next time I read at Taproot. Dan

Leleii	10 Aug 2004
My favorite cards are the Chariot. I love that it is a woman riding the chariot. She reminds me of Cleopatra. I like The Star and Temperence. Those two cards usually make or break a deck for me. I like that they are dark hair attractive women in the deck. Most decks have a lot of blonde blue eyed people. The Gilded has a lot of people with all hair colors and I really love that about the deck. The people on the deck are not stick thin, they are beautiful, full figured and curvy. I am happy with this deck. I am in the getting to know the deck process. I will be spending many happy hours, studying the deck.

lisaria	10 Aug 2004
Hi everybody, I just received this deck set today and I love it!!! I have wanted it from the first time I saw it and I finally got it!! :D The cards are the first ones that I do not have to break the deck up into little piles to shuffle them. I know it's a small thing, but I always have to break my other decks up and shuffle them a few small piles at a time and then halfway shuffle them all together. I don't know why this one is different. I have others made of the same type of material and the same size and I have to break them up. I haven't quite made up my mind which cards are my favorite, but I really like this one's Devil. It just seems like so many of our obsessions and such are manmade and to have this one as a man does it for me. Nice chest. The Queen of Swords looks like she could handle anything anyone wants to dish out. It's nice to see a strong woman in this deck. I'm sure there are others, this one just seems to speak to me. The Five of Cups speaks to me alot also. The remorse and regret that comes off of the man can almost be felt physically. The Four of Swords shows the man and he actually looks like he's resting instead of dead. A lot of the time this guy looks like he's made of stone and lying in his tomb. The Lovers is a great card too. the couple in the water with the dolphins. I liked that. :D And finally I really like the playfulness of the Fool. I guess I am just excited to finally have gotten this deck and I really do like it alot. I think it's a beautiful deck. Blessings.

tmgrl2	10 Aug 2004
Dan, that was an honest overview of what you liked and didn't and it's nice to see you are going to give the deck another "look-see." I have to admit, I do like my LE far better than the mass-produced deck. I have examined the same card from each deck and I can't say exactly why, but the LE colors appear more vibrant to me. The LE is a powerful deck for me. When I pull it out, people are surprised I want them to shuffle and touch it. Maybe the thickness of the deck, which at first was quite worrisome threw me off, but now, it's one of my favorite things about the LE...the thickness of the cards and deck as a whole. Re color, for example, on the Three of Swords....in the LE the red is more "red" and the swords are actually a silver, whereas in the mass produced deck, the colors are slighty more dull ...to my eye. I realize this is perception. That being said, if I were to never have held and used the LE, I know I would still love reading with this deck. Each time I use it, it's magical for me. It's my "magical" deck. My Tarot de Marseille decks are for a different kind of day... My Morgan-Greer is somewhat "dark" and I pull it for another kind of reading... But the GT is my "magical" deck. I have RWS and other RWS clones, but this is the only one I really feel speaks to me of the ones I have in this tradition. The beauty of Tarot, though, is that we do find decks that become "ours" for sometimes reasons we can't see or explain. They just "work" for us. So your opinion is valuable. There are other decks others love. I have some of them but just can't seem to use them. They don't "work" for me. terri

sassygirl3124	16 Aug 2004
I just got the deck today and I have nothing but great things to say about it. It is perfect. I think this will be a all time favorite for me.

Catpaw	16 Aug 2004
I too have the deck and have been reading the book that came with it as a set and it is very interesting to me. This is the first deck I have purchased that includes mechanical devices on the cards, which the creator defines as "machines that straddle the opposing worlds of scienced and magic...." I like the color and the back is lovely too -- so many deck backs are boring. The use of animals is interesting too -- sometimes they are included within the card's story and other times, I have fun just thinking why they are there, especially when not as a direct part of the picture (like a squirrel in the upper right corner but not in a tree or bigger than the remaining parts of the card). I look forward to really getting to know these cards.

rosyelf	21 Aug 2004
I haven't got the trade edition of this deck-yet. I may get it, as it will obviously easier to carry about on journeys than the very lovely Limited Edition, which I do have. I received the LE in February/March-a real occasion. Yes, it is expensive, and no, I don't see it as an investment (in the purely financial sense, at least), but I wanted to treat myself to something beautiful and luxurious which would stand the test of time, and this was it. Thank you, again, Ciro Marchetti. The arrival of this deck heralded for me a previously-not-felt attraction towards the Pentacle cards. When I first discovered Tarot, about 9 years ago, I thought Pentacles were SO BORING. I was all WANDS then, creativity and fertility and the Lord knows what else ! Since then I've had 3 children, so issues such as money, security, family, have become very important. What can I say about the Gilded Pentacles ?! They are superb. They are not dull and workaday though they are very GROUNDED. And the GREEN in them is one of the loveliest greens I've ever seen.

shelikes2read	25 Aug 2004
I just received the deck yesterday. (It's the mass-marketed version. I wish I could afford the limited edition, but that's out of the question in the forseeable future.) I first saw images of the Gilded Tarot deck online a few weeks ago, and my initial reaction was an enthusiastic "OH!" of real admiration. Well, if seeing the cards online brought that response forth from me, seeing them in person just reinforces it. :) There was one thing that I was unable to track down about the deck, either via viewing its images online or by reading descriptions of it. It might seem like an odd thing for someone to consider, but here it is. I couldn't determine whether the gold pictured on the deck, and the gem/metallic-looking colors used in the pictures, were actually printed IN gold/metallic colors, or whether they were an Artist's Rendition of gold, metallic, etc colors. I finally decided that I didn't CARE if the print was actually metallic gold in color, because I felt such an instant rapport with the deck after viewing images of the cards. Good thing that was my stance, too, because for anyone who's wondering, as I was: the mass-marketed deck is NOT printed with metallic colors on the cards. It's the Artist's Rendition of gold, gems, and so on. I sort of figured that when I saw that the price was between $17 and $18 on Amazon for a box set. Reproducing metallic colors on 78 cards probably would make the deck a heck of a lot more expensive than that. On the other hand, maybe it's just as well. First of all, IMO the images are beautiful no matter what; they don't need to be LITERALLY "gilded" in order to be amazing and appealing to the eye. Second of all, I can picture the cards in my mind's eye if the gold and the gems were actually metallic/reflective/etc in color... if they looked like that in real life, I'd never get ANYTHING done again because I would be too busy standing around admiring the deck. ;) I love this deck. I can't wait to get to know it better.

The 78th Fool	25 Aug 2004
I bought the limited edition last year and I've just bought the commercial edition which has only reinforced what I already knew. I fell totally in love with this deck from the moment I saw the first samples on Aeclectic tarot. I believed then and still do now that it has taken tarot artistry to a new height. It has certainly shifted the boundaries for me in terms of what I expect visually from a Tarot deck. Yes, the Limited edition is very special and no, technically speaking, the commercial edition cannot match it in quality. However, the commercial printing is wonderful and my pleasure in the deck itself would not be diminished if this was all I had. It is first among my favourites and if I had to choose only one deck, it would have to be this one. Readings become a visual feast when I read with it and as a result this extraordinary relationship with the artwork allows me to connect and empathise with the cards on a whole new level. I think I read much more three dimensionally when I use this deck. I find it really difficult to single out favourite cards - They are all so beautiful. At the moment it's the startling beauty of the Ace of Pentacles, bejewelled and five sided, floating above an impossibly rich landscape and the twighlit beauty of the High Priestess, floating above still, nocturnal waters. She's different in my limited edition - her dress is a beautiful, transparent, dark aqua instead of white. I've attached her below. Chris. xx

oceanpoetry	31 Aug 2004
I just got the Gilded Tarot today - I have to add how totally thrilled with this deck. The colors and illustrations are astonishing - vibrant and detailed -full of life! This is truly a magical deck. I know this is the one I am going to be my primary reading deck. I also want to comment the weight and size of the cards are perfect - the deck shuffles easily and I like that! I have small hands, and other larger decks, like Nigel Jackson, are difficult to handle. Thank you, Ciro, for an amazing deck!

BlueLotus	01 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by sassygirl3124 I just got the deck today and I have nothing but great things to say about it. It is perfect. I think this will be a all time favorite for me. I got mine a few days ago, and I am very taken by the beauty and originality of the images. Although I am unable to site each and every favorite card, since I don't have it at hand now, at this point I know that I like All of them. It is a surprise deck, and I have a feeling that soon I will need (an)other copy(ies) just to give to friends as very special gift(s).

MariposAzl	01 Sep 2004
I'm so happy to say that I am now the proud owner of a (mass produced) Gilded Tarot Deck. Just got it today, and it is fantastic. There is one slightly dissapointing issue, the quality of the cardstock it's printed on. A few of the cards already have damaged edges (they came that way out of the box), and the cards are very thin. I only own one other deck-The Universal Waite-which is much thicker and sturdier. I'm a little afraid of what they're going to look like after a few readings, I'm not extremely gentle with my cards, and don't feel I should have to be. Well, guess I'll have to wait 'n see!

lisaria	01 Sep 2004
I am so glad that so many of you have gotten a Gilded tarot deck. It is my favorite (as I said earlier) and I love that so many others like it too. Hey MariposAzl, I read with this deck alot and it has held up good. Still new feeling and I've had it for a month at least. OK, that doesn't sound like that long, but I carry it with me in my purse and read and fiddle with them when I can, so they are getting a lot of use. :D

MariposAzl	01 Sep 2004
lisaria, that's good to know. I hope my deck has the same durability:)

The 78th Fool	02 Sep 2004
Hi Mari, Just a tip for storage - I keep my Gilded Tarot in a satin bag, but I store it with the two extra cards (the ones with the spreads printed on them) one at the top of the deck and one at the bottom. When I'm just handling the deck it means that these two cards take the bulk of the wear and tear. I do this with all my decks where possible - most decks are printed with at least one surplus card. Keeping a 'blank' card particularly at the bottom of the deck helps to prevent damage to card backs through handling. This was a particular problem for me as I always re - order my decks after a reading, hence the bottom card discolouring through over handling and becoming very easy to distinguish from the rest face down. LLewellyn decks are particularly prone to this so it's worth that extra bit of care. Chris. xx

Sybilant	05 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by lisaria I haven't quite made up my mind which cards are my favorite, but I really like this one's Devil. It just seems like so many of our obsessions and such are manmade and to have this one as a man does it for me. Nice chest. Yeah, that bad boy is a hottie. Hmm. I'll have to ponder that. I do wish the Gilded could be offered in a BIGGER edition because the images are so dense and rich. I would happily pay more for that. Anybody agree? s.

Moonbow*	05 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Sybilant I do wish the Gilded could be offered in a BIGGER edition because the images are so dense and rich. I would happily pay more for that. Anybody agree? s. Yes, absolutely... I agree, I would dearly love to see these cards bigger to appreciate the art and all of Ciro's hard work. I am very happy with my deck, it's the ideal size for shuffling, but artwork this beautiful needs to be seen. :)

lisaria	05 Sep 2004
I would definitely pay for a bigger deck. I just love this one. I carry it with me everywhere and just enjoy looking at the artwork. It really "talks" to me. :D

cirom	05 Sep 2004
Originally posted by lisaria I haven't quite made up my mind which cards are my favorite, but I really like this one's Devil. It just seems like so many of our obsessions and such are manmade and to have this one as a man does it for me. Nice chest. Quote: Originally posted by Sybilant Yeah, that bad boy is a hottie. Hmm. I'll have to ponder that. s. Well I'm glad you like it, because let me tell you, it was very tiring posing there for so long with that heavy headgear on. :-) In fact after about an hour, my wife said came in the room and said "and what the hell do you think you're up to, you horny little devil"

Moonbow*	05 Sep 2004
**giggles** Ciro your wife is a very lucky lady.... ;) you had me giggling out loud at this.... hubby is looking at me and wondering what's going on.......... :D:D:D:D:D

Sybilant	05 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Moonbow* I agree, I would dearly love to see these cards bigger to appreciate the art and all of Ciro's hard work. I am very happy with my deck, it's the ideal size for shuffling, but artwork this beautiful needs to be seen. :) I just want to say that a card picking method recommended in one of my books about the Thoth deck is really helpful to me and lets me use cards easily no matter how big they are. Now I use it no matter how big or small the deck. First mix up the cards any old way - you can mess them around like a big mud pie on your bed, or a table, or wherever. And/or shuffle normally if you can. (Have you tried to shuffle the Pomo Tarot? They are HUGE, even bigger than my big Thoth I think.) Now cut 3 times to the left and reassemble however you like. Now SPREAD THE WHOLE DECK OUT IN A BIG FAN WITH YOUR LEFT HAND while considering your question. Here all the possibilities of life are spreading out before you. Now PICK EACH CARD INDIVIDUALLY WITH YOUR LEFT HAND. Don't try to pick the "best" cards, try to pick the cards that will help you the most right now. I find it really fun hunting around for the card that wants to be picked next. "Where are you, my dear? Are you here? or here? or under here?" You can either lay each card face down in the layout you're using as you pick it, or you can put them in a stack (eg., 10 cards for a Celtic Cross) and then when you have the right number of cards lay the cards out FROM THE BOTTOM OF YOUR STACK into the layout so that the first card you picked goes into the first position, etc. Your left hand is said to be more intuitive and receptive and less rational, that's why it's recommended. In this method the initial shuffling is less important because you pick each card randomly. I like this very much because I have some decks (Cosmic Tribe) that because of slight size and corner shape variations don't shuffle well at all. This method feels much better. Anyway, I just wanted to share this method because many people seem to see "ease of use" as being opposed to "size of cards" and I don't think it's necessarily so. warmly s.

WolfyJames	06 Sep 2004
I was very happy when I got The Gilded Tarot, and I got disapointed somehow, like contrascarpe96. I'm not fond of real people's pictures in tarot decks, even as art itself, posters, etc., I can barely stand them. So I had a bit of a shock when I looked carecully at the deck and noticed it was a mix with digital and pictures of real people. I really love the digital aspect of the deck, it is what attracted me in the first place, maybe it's after playing so many videogames. I didn't notice the picture aspect on the author's deck on his website. I'm not saying I don't like the deck at all, I really like it, but this element somewhat ruins the deck for me. After looking the cards in more details, I noticed that on many cards, the picture aspect was so entwined into digital, that we have difficulties seeing where the picture stops and where digital starts (Temperance, Queen of Swords, Queen of Cups, Chariot, etc.). These cards are probably the most successful cards in the deck, where the mix between the two is reached. I really love these cards, as well as the digital ones. In the other hand, the wooden expression of the main male model (King of Wands, King of Pentacles, Five of Swords, Hermit, Magician, and maybe a few more where I wasn't sure it was him) ruins the cards he's on; only on the Five of Cups he shows some expression. The women models though are expressive and luminous. As for The Devil, he is so gorgeous! Lucifer was the most beautiful angel wasn't he? I'm sure he has kept all his charms. ;) Let's just say that I love the deck, apart a few cards which makes this deck a non-perfect deck for me, and the Tarot of Dreams is already on my wishlist. The cards are so full of details, the colors are so vibrant, plus there is always an element of space, planet somewhere.

smokey	26 Sep 2004
I simply LUV my Gilded(LE) my S/O got for my surprise birthday gift,& he MUCH admires the mass produced deck he acquired for himself. ...THEN...we both saw previews of his upcoming project, The Dream Tarot (Tarot of Dreams?!?)... notta' 'nuff coffee yet!!! & we BOTH were Much MORE Impressed due to SOO Much More Symbolism!!! ... I'm sure I'll hear of this from outraged fans, but (IMHO) the Gilded could've done with more symbolic emblems...(EX.) such as the Empress needing more re: nurturing, fertility, Mother Nature, etc. ... PLEEZ don't take this the wrong way!!!...one would hafta' PRY my Cherished & Beloved Gilded,LE from my cold,dead claws to get to them, & there weren't enough cards to count on one hand re: need of symbolism to begin with to be an issue. ... (Since the Empress has Always been like a fantasy "mother- figure" to me; as I know "zilch" about my biological one, I just "felt" like I had to say this in Her behalf ONLY!!!) Once again, Please take no offense, Any & All; for I'm a huge Ciro fan myself!!!

Sybilant	26 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by smokey ... I'm sure I'll hear of this from outraged fans, but (IMHO) the Gilded could've done with more symbolic emblems...(EX.) such as the Empress needing more re: nurturing, fertility, Mother Nature, etc. ... PLEEZ don't take this the wrong way!!!...one would hafta' PRY my Cherished & Beloved Gilded,LE from my cold,dead claws to get to them. Not to worry. We can probably all agree that there's room in the world for both. But the Tarot of Dreams does look to have a wonderful richness of symbolism and imagery. I love that about it too. best, s.

bleudiamond	26 Sep 2004
I really want this deck (it really is beautiful).....but im a little disturbed by the fool being dressed up as a court jester....somehow this leads me to feel too much emphasis is placed on the foolishness of the fool and not enough on his beginnings...its just one of those cards that bothers me.....

smokey	27 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Sybilant Not to worry. We can probably all agree that there's room in the world for both. But the Tarot of Dreams does look to have a wonderful richness of symbolism and imagery. I love that about it too. best, s. "Whew!!!", haha! Thanx, Sybilant 'cuz I was! (Worried, that is!) Brightest of Blessings...

tinkerbell	30 Sep 2004
hey wolfy! did u know that the "wooden male model" (your words), who appears on so many of the cards is actually ciro marchetti himself!!!!!!!LOL!!!!

WolfyJames	30 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by tinkerbell hey wolfy! did u know that the "wooden male model" (your words), who appears on so many of the cards is actually ciro marchetti himself!!!!!!!LOL!!!! For real?

cirom	30 Sep 2004
I could pretend that I also posed for the Devil, but no one would believe me, so I don't bother. Wooden? Oh well I've been called worse things :-)

Serenity	02 Oct 2004
When I first saw the outer box for this deck, I was intrigued. The picture on the box was of the Strength card and it was gorgeous. I felt compelled to purchase this deck. I had the profound pleasure of purchasing the deck yesterday, and couldn't wait to to finally get home and see the entire deck. This deck is breath-taking. The imagery is so lush and so rich, it's almost like looking at art gallery postcards. One of the main things that bother me about some decks is the washed out look of the colors. Not this deck. The Gilded Tarot presents imagery that is richly colored, and bold. The artistry featured in this deck is amazing. The High Priestess, my usual makeor-break card, is especially different and lovely in its presentation. The cards are of a larger size, but not so large they are awkward to work with and shuffle. The energy the deck emits is very warm and true. I gave myself a trial reading, and the accuracy was eerie. This is my new all-time favorite deck.

tinkerbell	11 Oct 2004
okay everyone, we've all had our precious gilded decks for a while now- i'd like you all to go get them. check through and take out the fool. try to ignore his mask if you will and have a really good look at that face. it is george bush isn't it?!!!!!!!

lunakasha	11 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by tinkerbell okay everyone, we've all had our precious gilded decks for a while now- i'd like you all to go get them. check through and take out the fool. try to ignore his mask if you will and have a really good look at that face. it is george bush isn't it?!!!!!!! LMAO......:D:D:D Well.....personally, I would have to agree tink.... This discussion came up about a month ago, and Mr. Marchetti commented that any resemblence to Mr. Bush was purely coincidental....or something to that effect (don't mean to misquote....just can't remember where/when this was mentioned). But still.....it does look like him, doesn't it???? :D :) Luna

ferrous	11 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by lunakasha This discussion came up about a month ago, and Mr. Marchetti commented that any resemblence to Mr. Bush was purely coincidental....or something to that effect I don't have the deck, but I have a friend who does & I've seen the card. I'd agree that it does indeed look like him. To me, ciro's 'any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental etc' (I'm paraphrasing here) sounded very much like the disclaimer at the end of movies. In other words, it certainly *could* be who we think it is, but no one's admitting anything. [edited to remove errant apostrophe]

lunakasha	11 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by ferrous In other words, it certainly *could* be who we think it is, but no one's admitting anything. Exactly....that is what I remember about Ciro's response (again.... wish I had the quote handy)....he answered the question very tactfully....then left it up to us to decide, as individuals, what we see (or don't see) in the card. :) Luna

ferrous	11 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by lunakasha Exactly....that is what I remember about Ciro's response (again.... wish I had the quote handy)....he answered the question very tactfully....then left it up to us to decide, as individuals, what we see (or don't see) in the card. Well said, Luna. :)

lunakasha	11 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by ferrous Well said, Luna. :) AWWW shuckums..... :D Luna

Sybilant	11 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by lunakasha ....he answered the question very tactfully....then left it up to us to decide, as individuals, what we see (or don't see) in the card. Perhaps it is a funny political joke. But it's also a tarot card. So now what does this do to the meaning of the card? maybe... it's a reminder... that when we're arrogant... and believe our own press releases... and are absolutely convinced we're right... there's the distinct possibility that the world is chuckling at us. There's also the distinct possibility that we could cause a lot of harm. [but that doesn't seem to be the focus of the card.] And perhaps the card is also a reminder that if we could catch a glimpse of ourselves, we'd see how absurd we look, and we'd lighten up about our selfrighteous indignation... maybe even learn some humility. your thoughts? please?

lunakasha	11 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Sybilant maybe... it's a reminder... that when we're arrogant... and believe our own press releases... and are absolutely convinced we're right... there's the distinct possibility that the world is chuckling at us. There's also the distinct possibility that we could cause a lot of harm. [but that doesn't seem to be the focus of the card.] And perhaps the card is also a reminder that if we could catch a glimpse of ourselves, we'd see how absurd we look, and we'd lighten up about our selfrighteous indignation... maybe even learn some humility. your thoughts? please? OOOOH.....getting into dangerous (political) territory here....;) Well....OK, I'll take the plunge.....I agree that this *Fool* (whomever he may be) could stand a heavy dose of humility..... arrogance is far more dangerous than foolishness....in MHO. :) Luna

cirom	11 Oct 2004
I feel I really should clarify this once and for all. I was'nt trying to be clever or cryptic. The fact that the Jester looks like George W Bush is really a coincidence. I know that many would like to think it is him, and many have in fact congratulated me. But irrespective of whatever my own political views are, I don't think it would have been correct of me to have deliberatly used a tarot deck in this way. I'm sure there are a reasonable number of the tarot community who happen to be G.W supporters. So here are a couple of intermediary stages of this particular card that show the jester both masked and unmasked for comparison. On the unmasked version, the darker lines on the face were painted shadows that add a little depth once the mask is placed on top.

cirom	11 Oct 2004
And here is the unmasked jester......sorry to disappoint you all, but in fact the jester is...............me.

cirom	11 Oct 2004
Now that the secret is out, I don't think it negates some of the points made in the earlier posting. Yes he is arrogant or certainly over confident. While he casually looks up juggling the cosmos, he is at risk of tripping on his own down to earth hoop and stick, and risking bringing his little act to an abrupt end. Could that be a metaphore for GW, yes I thinks so....along everyone else at some point in our lives.

lunakasha	11 Oct 2004
Thanks Ciro..... Did anyone ever mention you bear a striking resemblance to..... NAH....not really, but in that particular picture......wow!!! :D I also agree with your last post, that the Fool is universal and represents all of us.... :) Luna EDITED for spelling boo-boo :P

ferrous	12 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by cirom And here is the unmasked jester......sorry to disappoint you all, but in fact the jester is...............me. Ahh .. the 'wooden' model. lol! :D I'm quoting a post from elsewhere, of course. You do look a lot less like George Bush without the mask. It must have been rather amsuing for you, Ciro, to read all these comments & speculation. lol! :D

shelikes2read	12 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by cirom And here is the unmasked jester......sorry to disappoint you all, but in fact the jester is...............me. LMHO! Well, FWIW, I think the fact that WITH the mask on, the Fool looks like GWB is pretty humorous. But it's good that the card wasn't intentionally subversive ;). On the other hand, maybe the "Political Satire Tarot" is a deck that's out there waiting to be created. The only drawback to it would be that some of the humor could be lost over time, as today's current events become ever less current. Maybe the Political Satire Tarot would have to be updated every few years or so. In the US, new editions of the deck can be timed to come out every four years, to coincide with the elections. And of course, there should be different editions that vary by country, since each of our nations has its own set of satire-worthy politicians. I think there's a whole new subset of the Tarot industry that's just begging to be created here. ;) But in the meantime, I think I'll just have fun learning the Gilded Tarot, which is the first new deck I've bought in quite a few years. Thanks for the "before" and "after" pics, Ciro! :)

Miriel	13 Oct 2004
While we're on the subject- the Queen of Wands looks like Elizabeth Taylor to me. I like these cards because for a newbie like myself, they are easier for me to read. Each card tells me a story. I also have an easier time reading the whole spread and making up a story with all the cards in the spread.

cirom	13 Oct 2004
[quote]Originally posted by Miriel [b]While we're on the subject- the Queen of Wands looks like Elizabeth Taylor to me. Well I can assure you I didn't pose for that one :-)

ferrous	13 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by cirom [b] Well I can assure you I didn't pose for that one :-) rotfl!!! :D

lunakasha	28 Oct 2004
I wonder if anyone else has done this yet.....I know Oakie posted his observations on one of the Gilded threads awhile back. I recently sat down with a friend and compared both my Limited Edition Gilded and the Llewellyn Gilded, card by card....here is what we came up with: Strength: different colored dress Hierophant: dark blue moon (Llewellyn), white moon (LE) Star: 8-pointed star (Llewellyn), 5-pointed star (LE) World: different colored costume Lovers: light streaming down (Llewellyn) Chariot: different colored veils Hanging Man: different colored costume Two of Swords: coloration/definition of the moon (darker in Llewellyn version) Four of Swords: chain behind the flag (LE) Six of Swords: different colored robe Ten of Swords: different deer Four of Cups: mouse (Llewellyn) Nine of Cups: different colored shirt Page of Cups: stars (Llewellyn) Knight of Cups: mouse (Llewellyn) King of Cups: stars (Llewellyn) Five of Pentacles: mouse (Llewellyn) Eight of Pentacles: mouse (Llewellyn) Nine of Pentacles: different colored dress Ten of Pentacles: rabbit (Llewellyn), mouse (LE) I wonder if anyone else noticed similar differences, or maybe some others, since the Limited Edition decks are all supposed to be slightly different....it would be interesting to hear from others who have noted any changes. I noticed a lot more critters (and stars) were added to the Llewellyn cards....but I also enjoyed the subtle changes Ciro made to the LE deck that are different from both the Llewellyn and website versions....interesting!!! :) Luna

bluepixie	15 Jan 2005
erm, will the differences affect the reading?

RedMaple	15 Jan 2005
I have to say I'm really relieved it isn't George W. Bush. I don't want to look at his face any more than I really have to. I also would prefer to know when I'm buying a deck that is social satire. And although I do think Bush is a fool, I don't think he has any of the innocence of the Tarot fool. In fact, he would do well heeding a court jester who could speak the truth to him and make him aware of his absurdities. Maybe Jon Stewart would fit in this role. I'm expected my Gilded in the mail. I'm glad I was forewarned about this card - it would have ruined the deck for me. I already had to do surgery on the World Spirit's Sun card which looked way to much like Tricky Dick Nixon. (Yes, I know it is supposed to be her baby.) The card I have now is just the Sunflower, no baby at all. :)

sunflowr	16 Jan 2005
RedMaple wrote: I have to say I'm really relieved it isn't George W. Bush. I don't want to look at his face any more than I really have to. I also would prefer to know when I'm buying a deck that is social satire. And although I do think Bush is a fool, I don't think he has any of the innocence of the Tarot fool. In fact, he would do well heeding a court jester who could speak the truth to him and make him aware of his absurdities. Maybe Jon Stewart would fit in this role. I'm expected my Gilded in the mail. I'm glad I was forewarned about this card - it would have ruined the deck for me. I already had to do surgery on the World Spirit's Sun card which looked way to much like Tricky Dick Nixon. (Yes, I know it is supposed to be her baby.) The card I have now is just the Sunflower, no baby at all. :) How did you perform this (much needed) surgery?? ;) I wish I had kept my deck, I would do the same.

Rosanne	16 Jan 2005
I was soo looking forward to receiving The Gilded tarot..but as I looked through these beatiful cards, I noticed The Queen of Wands- a young Elizabeth Taylor Page of Swords- Cate Blanchett Temperence- Emma Thompson Page of Cups- Cher The World- Sigourny Weaver... and I seem to recognise others which I will remember as I look further. Oh my heart sank. Deck now relegated to beautiful but not to be used, in lovely box, in lovely collection and tears wiped... now I know why I have been yearning for a Maiseilles or my lovely Estensi.No Renaissance film Stars or Presidents that I can tell. But if I had been the Artist who designed the Deck I would be justified in more than a little pride. Regards Rosanne

cirom	16 Jan 2005
Rosanne wrote: I was soo looking forward to receiving The Gilded tarot..but as I looked through these beatiful cards, I noticed The Queen of Wands- a young Elizabeth Taylor Page of Swords- Cate Blanchett Temperence- Emma Thompson Page of Cups- Cher The World- Sigourny Weaver... and I seem to recognise others which I will remember as I look further. With all due respect to your imagination. But all the names you mentioned are just that....your imagination. I really am quite happy to accept both positive and negative feedback, but I respond to this. Absolutely none of the characters are those you mentioned. In fact they are deliberately no one and everyone. I used and mixed facial features from various sources to come up with completely new faces that I personally felt were appropriate for each card. Even the Fool which many assumed to be George Bush was as I proved on a previous post based in fact a modification of my own face. (poor me that I should look like George Bush in that partcular angle/pose, but thats a different issue). So I'm sorry that you feel that the Gilded won't serve you as a reading deck because of the assumed associations you think you see, but that is really is a very personal take on your part.

Imagemaker	16 Jan 2005
I'm a big movie fan, but have to say that I never noticed these people in my Gilded (which I love). Just goes to show how we filter what we see, and for some people, once the image is "labeled"--they can't change it. But you could try.

Lee	16 Jan 2005
Just to echo Ciro, I think it would be impossible to find a deck which didn't have some figures that remind you of certain people, unless the figures were cats or something (even then, you might see in the cards cats you have known!). Even the Marseille will have cards in it which remind you of people you have known or celebrities, if you look at the cards long enough. Rosanne, I honestly think you should reconsider your stand on this, I think you are being a bit hasty. -- Lee

Alta	16 Jan 2005
I have used this deck quite a bit, and I would have to agree that they are fantasy figures, and hence perfect for catching intuition and projections. This is a good reading deck, and many others whose comments that I have read here agree with that.

Rosanne	16 Jan 2005
I certainly did not mean to imply that the Artist who designed this beautiful deck, contructed recognisable people into the Courts and Majors. Of course, it is a very personal take on my part.. how can it be anything else? The eye of the beholder and all that. I have said in another thread that the 5 of Swords is one of my all time favourite cards. The statement I made that it was a beautiful never to be used... meant for ME. I let Querents choose their deck when requesting a reading and this lovely Gilded will be among them and with absolutly no doubt, will be chosen. So I will read from them. I never know what the outcome from that 'moment in time' will be. Maybe they will see Stars, maybe not, I will not be prompting them to, thats for sure. Regards Rosanne

Athara	17 Jan 2005
Need ... to have ... the Gilded Tarot ... ;) It looks wonderful! Great job Cirom. Too bad they're out of stock in most shops. I found them at Amazon, but I would rather pay by Paypal since I don't have a credit card. And the one on E-bay is overpriced... Any other ideas (except for waiting...)? Thanks!

MAR	17 Jan 2005
cirom wrote: Even the Fool which many assumed to be George Bush was as I proved on a previous post based in fact a modification of my own face. (poor me that I should look like George Bush in that partcular angle/pose, but thats a different issue). LOL! you have a good sense of humor ;). I have to say that when I saw the picture you attached of the masked fool, I laughed and laughed. yes, it looks like GB. I have this deck and it's one of my favorites ones even I haven't used it yet. Now readings this thread I want to grab it and look tru the cards. :D

RedMaple	17 Jan 2005
sunflowr wrote: How did you perform this (much needed) surgery?? ;) I wish I had kept my deck, I would do the same. Actually, my husband did the surgery on Photoshop. He cut around the image of the child, deleted it, and filled in the open spot to match the rest of the card. So I have a big sunflower, sans child. He made a card out of it, complete with the back, and I laminated it. It's just slightly thinner than the other cards in the deck, but I don't care. It is such an improvement. I think anyone who is familiar with Photo Shop could do the same. Here's a pictured of the "improved" version. :) I really love the World Spirit deck, but this card just jolted me in a very negative way. So I figured, it's mine, I can change it.

sunflowr	18 Jan 2005
RedMaple wrote: Actually, my husband did the surgery on Photoshop. He cut around the image of the child, deleted it, and filled in the open spot to match the rest of the card. So I have a big sunflower, sans child. He made a card out of it, complete with the back, and I laminated it. It's just slightly thinner than the other cards in the deck, but I don't care. It is such an improvement. I think anyone who is familiar with Photo Shop could do the same. Here's a pictured of the "improved" version. :) I really love the World Spirit deck, but this card just jolted me in a very negative way. So I figured, it's mine, I can change it. That's great!! :) How did you laminate it? I'd like to make my own cards.

The Gilded - my Initial Impressions thread was originally posted on 10 Aug 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.