The Decameron Tarot...and the major headache it's given me

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 17 Aug 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Kittaine	17 Aug 2004
I really thought I could work with this deck...I thought I could somehow translate the pornographic images into something with divinatory significance. Turns out I was expecting way too much. Every time I try to read with this deck deeply and seriously, I just get myself a really bad headache. I've discovered that I can only read fairly accurately with it for people that I'm used to reading for, like some of my friends and myself. :P But for others, I'll just kill myself trying. I thought that the Decameron would be at least good for relationship readings...but it turns out the deck isn't good for any sort of reading at all. :( Too bad. I've heard that the only erotic deck that's "readable" is the Tarot of Casanova...Is it just good for relationship readings, or for any kind of readings, even "spiritual" and psychological ones?

lunakasha	17 Aug 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Kittaine I've heard that the only erotic deck that's "readable" is the Tarot of Casanova...Is it just good for relationship readings, or for any kind of readings, even "spiritual" and psychological ones? Hi Kittaine.... I am not familiar with the Decameron, but I do own the Casanova, and it is actually a very good reading deck for me (although I have only used it for self-readings at this point! :D) The Casanova deck does feature a substantial amount of nudity and a few cards that are more "explicit"....but there are also a number of cards, including several courts, Majors and all four Aces which do not contain ANY nudity at all!!! The Aces all feature some lovely scenes of Venice, which is where the story of "Casanova" is set.... I find that these cards are very readable.....even those which are more "erotic" :D usually convey the true meaning of the card....if one is able to look beyond the....um....distractions.....:D hehehe :) Luna

Cerulean	17 Aug 2004
To me, the deck does not convey the wit and sparkle of the Italian stories that I read in translation. I was over 18 when I read the Decameron and since then, found my delight in Italian literature has increased. But I'm more interested in historical literature and when I look at tarots that has some stories behind it, I'm looking for scenes that recall the storylines--allegory, fable, or literary theme. That's a far cry from a modern deck that was probably done for fun by a humorous artist. Even if the deck might be technically a polished collection of 78 images, they weren't images that worked for me. It was traded away, very quickly. The Casanova works for me in a limited context in suggesting tarot themes--the booklet is excellent for me. I also had a book of essays describing Casanova's life and times. The one or two times I tried a reading exchange with this, I usually went to an alternate deck as well, to find a standard meaning that would be more suited to the seeker's question. I won't trade this deck away, but I would only use it in limited areas. For instance, I would never use it for any readings involving my family. Take care, Cerulean

contrascarpe	17 Aug 2004
Personally I believe that any deck can be read with (even the Marseilles). I own the Casanova and it is a "cute" deck which I used on a reading for Oakdragon once. The only thing I remember is that none of the "fun" cards came out in the reading ;) I do not know the Decameron (or the Manera) very well, so cannot comment on those. Dan

Kittaine	17 Aug 2004
Even the most perverted of minds can't read with this deck (and I'm pretty high up the scale in that respect, hehehe :D )The images are just too distracting and too misleading. The only way you can read with it with any sort of accuracy at all is if you cover the pictures, read the labels, and try to remember the images from other, more decent tarot decks.

WolfSpirit	18 Aug 2004
Quote: Originally posted by contrascarpe96 I do not know the Decameron (or the Manera) very well, so cannot comment on those. I find the Manara absolutely hopeless for readings. Someone told me that the pictures were made without tarot in mind, and were only later put together in a deck - so most pictures don't portray the meaning well (or not at all). What also started to irritate me that cards with only a woman on it, the woman is almost always (partially) nude whereas most men are fully dressed. The deck is totally unbalanced in that respect.

Alissa	18 Aug 2004
Alissa runs around the room with her hands over her ears, shouting, "NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!!!" The Decameron is one of my all-time favorite decks. I read from it regularly, and have since my beauties showed up last year. This deck immediately challenged me to leave my RWS bias behind, and to look, really look, at each card and find out what it had to say – not just what my own preconceived notion of the card might dictate. It calls for a willingness upon the reader to use nudity and sexuality, in its many forms, as a symbol, an archetype that is universal in reach, and yet speaks to the larger issues that the Tarot itself addresses. If you are going to use this deck, you have to be willing to "get beyond" the boinking and start seeing what is trying to be expressed. It's really hard for some to do that, and some never can (and I don't mean this as a superior thing, it's just cultural attitudes towards sex and sexuality). Look at the Decameron Knight of Swords [edited to add: oops~! make that knave of wands, my bad memory]. For some it is too hard to get beyond the fact that "I'm looking an act of oral sex," and not hear the message: "A balance of power exists in both partners, the knight holds his sword harmlessly to the side, and poses no threat in this situation. He is, however, self-centered regarding his own needs and wants." Not all depictions of Decameron nudity are of “pretty” people. There was no attempt on the illustrator’s behalf to give this deck a graphic novel, idealized body image. Old people, fat people… this emphasizes another more universal appeal to this deck. Unlike many media sources’ messages, you don’t have to be young and beautiful to have and enjoy sex, or be/feel sexy. Not all depictions of Decameron sex are pretty either. Neither is life. For this deck to truly work, it would have to have a shadow side as well. Violence, anger, jealousy and other dark emotions exist in life. They exist in this deck as well, and often an immediate reader’s reaction may be one of disgust, or disapproval of the scene they're viewing on a card. I believe the ability to create such a powerful emotional reaction in itself can be of use for one’s Tarot reading, if they are able to curb their natural reaction of shying away from uncomfortable subject matters. Profound insight lay behind our knee-jerk emotional reactions... if we stop to dig deeper, we may discover something important. The Decameron I ONLY use as a personal deck... I will not read with it for others. That's only because the Decameron has been dedicated to me on an extremely personal level, and has given me answers in forms I can understand, with absolutely no sugar coating. This deck has made me face hard truths about myself. I know the nudity and sex will put a lot of the world off, but I absolutely couldn't stand by and let one of the best-loved decks in my collection be criticized without standing up for it!

Kittaine	18 Aug 2004
I know what you mean when you say it "has given me answers in forms I can understand, with absolutely no sugar coating." I noticed that when I was reading for myself. But when I used the deck to read for others, pffft...everything just went out the window and I found myself grasping for the nearest non-pornographic tarot image I could remember. The Decameron was so misleading! Can't understand why it's nearly impossible to use it for others without covering the pictures.

Kahlie	18 Aug 2004
Maybe because sexuality is different for all of us? In my opinion it''s a very personal and deep thing. When I read Alissa's interpretation of the Knight of Swords I thought she could be right, without seeing the pictures I have no idea what my reaction would be, and probably it would differ.

Oni	18 Aug 2004
this is the 2nd deck i brought and i love it. i really do. it opens up the mind to a deeper thinking and lookng past just what u see and what is considered by society of perverse, as right and as acceptable. it is probly one of my fav decks of any i have ever seen. allisa has it right she really does. and i have used the deck to read for others, if they r not prudes it works out very well, actully everyone that i have read with it loves the deck adn i end up buying one for them. but u do have to know someone to read with it cause it speaks to a deeper level

littlehermit	18 Aug 2004
if I want to look at naughty pictures, I go look at naughty pictures. if I want to read tarot, I read tarot. I think that combining the two would take more brainpower than I can manage. :D

firemaiden	18 Aug 2004
Well, Alissa, you've gotten me interested in the deck. LOL

Alissa	18 Aug 2004
"Naughty pictures"... that statement immediately classifies this set of illustrations with a negative moral value, which I disagree with. As I said, some people will find simply looking at sexual material such as this as too much (too graphic, too shocking, too titilating) to get their brain to move beyond. It's also why I *don't* use it with strangers. It is a challenging deck, but rewarding, for me. Sex is a minefield of culturally learned taboos, and those mores differ for each and every one of us - depending not only on one's personal interior constitution, but learned family beliefs, cultural background, and religious upbringing as well. It is not my intention to "sell" this deck to anyone. Only to defend it against the mazillion times I've heard it "dumbed down" as meaningless, simply because it talks in the language of sex. I find the metaphor of sex works well for Tarot because it is a (nearly) universal theme. Almost every mature person on the planet has some experience in the matter, and that makes it a very common place to begin making metaphors from. Those metaphors may not be to the liking of others, for any number of personal reasons, and I fully understand and accept that.

littlehermit	18 Aug 2004
Alissa, I apologize if my flip statement sounded as though I was demeaning the deck. That wasn't my intention. Indeed, I'm not familiar with the cards, so I've got no basis for demeaning or praise, and maybe I shouldn't have interjected anything. While my word choice may have been unfortunate, I personally do not have any moral problem at all with nudity or the depiction of sex (per se - of course these things can be abused). I'm just not sure I'd be able to read a tarot deck with that theme. When there is nudity in the classic images, that forms a part of my interpretation. Having nudity or sexual suggestion on every single image would distract me terribly.

Alissa	18 Aug 2004
Quote: Originally posted by littlehermit When there is nudity in the classic images, that forms a part of my interpretation. Having nudity or sexual suggestion on every single image would distract me terribly. No offense taken, I assure you mate~! :D This is meant to be a clean debate, I promise you! But from a sociological point of view, if we can use your initial post as a cultural example, it accurately reflects the immediate challenges and/or biases that users may encounter with a deck of this material. I completely respect this! But, unfortunately, there is very little on the web for any positive remarks written about this deck that is so dear to me. For that reason, I tend to be a "bulldog" when it comes to defending it, and I enjoy the debate very much! However, changing how one person may feel about the sexual scenario on the card in front of them is a silly thing for a reader to even want to do! These are morals, which connote values, and I don't want to challenge another's morals when discussing the deck. That is why this deck can be such a minefield to discuss! Even here, an emotional reaction was almost escalated, when neither party meant offense (neither you nor I). That is how powerfully the metaphor of sex speaks to us, as humans. Our emotions jump right in the discussion whether we mean them to or not... and I think there is almost a social expectation for us to have an emotional reaction to the subject of sex. One widely agreed upon social sexual norm is the concept of having emotions for the one you engage with. Therefore, to discuss the physical act of sex, we invite the subject of emotions almost without realizing it. I hope this subject isn't too tangential for the Forum, but I really believe it essential to discussing this particular deck. Lastly, and I know I do go on, but I'm passionate about this deck, not every image depicts nudity and/or sexuality. Two show no nudity, but suggest a sexual scene, such as the Hierophant, which shows a young nun kneeling before an old Bishop, with her hand hidden beneath his cassock. Neither look stimulated on their faces, but instead look quiet and reflective. Meditative. The LWB, which I actually do recommend keeping and studying, reads: Charisma. Nevertheless, sacredness is not always exempt from sin. Act prudently: Power sometimes corrupts. No compromise between the sacred and the profane. Nine cards in the deck do not show anything sexual, or any nudity. That's about 15% of the deck. Not such a small amount! A few examples of those with no sexual content are: The four of wands, which shows a fortress like dwelling on top of a lush hillside, the Seven of swords, which shows this same castle at night, and from the front, and one of the most challenging (and frequently appearing for me I admit) the 5 of pentacles. Here, the "infamous" 5 of pents card is only a young man, a youth, shown sitting reading a book, with a small smile on his face, his eyes downcast peacefully. The LWB reads: Muddled decisions. Abandonment and resignation. Inexperience. Intellectualization. Compare this image to the concept of sexual relations and the "traditional" meanings of the 5 of pentacles. Here, we don't see poverty, but we do see a lack of experience, as suggested by age, and the need to study. Also, youth in sexual matters begets muddled decisions, and most of us remember at some point the teenage feeling of "abandonment and resignation" when it came to our raging emotions. Intellectualization is the youth's rational mind trying to give structure to the young person's emotional experiences, another *difficult* phase many of us face early on as a means to make sense of what we are feeling. Many, like me, read books as a way to better understand myself, even my emotions. The sexual metaphor presented in the five of pentacles, with no sexuality even depicted, becomes more clear, but it is not *easy* to see. And this is a card with NO sexual content to challenge the reader's interpretation, for good or bad. Those with more graphic content might throw someone for a loop until you can set aside the emotions you feel, and open yourself to the message of the card. Like I said, this deck challenged me to put aside all my RWS biases and really just LOOK at the card before me, and LISTEN (and pray) it would talk back. I love it because it does talk to me, and I think others it may talk to may be too shy to admit it. Reckon I'm not shy, eh? }) It's a worthwhile subject is why....

spoonbender	18 Aug 2004
Alissa, I just wanted to say that I'm really enjoying you defending this deck! I have seen the images of the Decameron on line a few times, and never thought it wouldn't be possible to read with. Seeing what you have to say about it, makes me want to buy it now too :)! Thanks, Spoon

Alissa	18 Aug 2004
Thank you spoon~! :D The encouragement feels very good, since I feel like I kinda put myself out on a limb sometimes with this deck. And, I reckon I could go on about another card from this deck I've discussed on the forum in the past, the Decameron Justice card. In this card, a naked woman is observed in a kneeling-high posture, with her knees widespread and resting on pillows. The pillows rest on a pile of skulls. Seen from behind, she is blindfolded and looking over her right shoulder. A binding about her waist may, or may not, bind her hands, which are held before her and unseen. A large scale with small statuettes of a naked man on one side, and a naked woman on the other, dominates the background. Her posture and nudity in the depiction reminds us of our vulnerability when facing Justice, in its truest metaphysical sense. Her hands may or may not be tied, so she may or may not be able to effect the outcome in this card in the current time. (Think about facing the decision of a court... your hands are tied when it comes to the jury's final decision, powerless to effect the outcome). She is blindfolded, unlike the RWS. She faces her Justice, her karma, often without the benefit of foreknowledge. We face each moment fresh, and are judged anew in each action, each day... without knowing exactly what the reprecussions may be later. To act in right action, right thought, is to pave the way for growth. The skulls : She rests on what has gone before her. The skulls, representing the past (what is gone, what has been, what she has already done, including karmic past) are the foundation from which she now finds herself, ready to face her current condition. She is also shown as "cushioned" from this awareness -- kneeling on the pillows that separate her from the skulls themselves and her own knees. In this, she may not need to directly contact this karmic past awareness (in a conscious way), but it exists beneath her, regardless. Just as the force of karma may work mysteriously and on unknown (subterranean) levels in our everyday lives. We may find ourselves "at the hands of Fate" when this card appears. Universal Justice acts on that which has gone before, even as it unfolds in the new. Our previous actions shape our present conditions. Our present actions shape our coming future... whether we know what's coming or not. I quote, from their LWB (which is the only LWB ever found to be worth the paper it's printed on) : "Fortune influences loving justice. Commitment and trust are the personal qualities necessary for a satisfactory solution to the problem." I just love this. Commit yourself. Trust. Act truthfully to your heart, your soul. The Universe will take care of you, if you believe it will, because it loves you that much.

Shade	19 Aug 2004
I'm with Alissa. I really enjoyed this deck and feel for it since it has to go up against a lot of social prudishness. Not that everyone would even want an erotic deck but for those who do this one is a gem. Of the erotic deck's I think it's the most "down to earth." I wanted to touch on the reason having a diverse looking crowd in the deck is a good thing. The first reaction many have is "oh look the people aren't perfect how wonderful, a victory for body image." But I think that misses the point a bit. I don't see it as a deck with some pretty people and some ugly people, I see it as a deck with people who wil appeal to a variety of tastes. Though my idea of what is attractive might might be cute youngish guys some of my friends want large older burly men and won't settle fo anything less. There are men and women out there who wanta lady who has some meat on her! I think one reason some people don't click with the Manara is that not everyone's idea of the ideal partner isn't a chesty wasp waisted nymph (no offense to the lovely chesty wasp waisted nymphs on the board, keep up the good work girls). On a side note I haven't read the Decameron but I keep seeing the movie at stores, has anyon checkd this one out? Is it any good?

Oni	20 Aug 2004
what movie? it is just a great deck, i will continue to use mine now go out and buy it! he hee!

Alissa	20 Aug 2004
Ironically, I've never read the Decameron (yet!) nor have I seen any movies.... I have read others critique the deck for not following the book, but I can't speak on that matter myself of course! :)

Lemniscus	25 Oct 2004
I just picked up a copy of the Decameron Tarot this week, at the insistance of my wife. She's never had any interest in the Tarot, but when she saw the Manara and the Decameron decks on the shelf, she wanted them both. I immediately dismissed the Manara deck, because I was familiar with his work and it was obvious that the artwork was chosen from Milo Manara's pre-existing catalogue. We were both drawn to the Decameron deck. One reason, I believe, is that the cards do show a wide variety of body types. Neither of us is a Ken or Barbie build, and it's nice to see a deck that gives a better cross section of body shapes. Most of all, the Decameron piqued my interest because it was obvious that the artist produced the images in the Majors specifically for each card. However, I wonder if the images chosen for the Minors existed prior to this project. Characters and settings repeat from one card to the next and across the suits. Some of the cards are obviously cropped from larger works. Is this true; were the Minors created to "fill out" the Majors deck by pulling from some other source? As for the question of reading, I think you have to approach this deck without preconceived notions about various cards and their meanings and let the images tell a story. Who is this man? Who is this woman? How do they feel? What are their motivations? What led to this situation? Where will it lead? This is the one deck I would be least likely to interpret according to the LWB. As someone said in another thread, sexuality is a universal language, and this deck, although far from perfect, does a good job of using the archtypal sexual situations to illustrate deeper meanings. Does anyone know where I can find a copy of the Majors only edition of this deck?

RedMaple	25 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Alissa In this card, a naked woman is observed in a kneeling-high posture, with her knees widespread and resting on pillows. The pillows rest on a pile of skulls. Seen from behind, she is blindfolded and looking over her right shoulder. A binding about her waist may, or may not, bind her hands, which are held before her and unseen. A large scale with small statuettes of a naked man on one side, and a naked woman on the other, dominates the background. Hi Alissa, Your posts make me think we need a Kama Sutra deck -- the western tradition really missed the boat when it comes to the idea of sex as sacred, sex as a door to enlightenment. Although there are sexual metaphors in The Song of Solomon, and in the poems of John Donne and others - but it's more sex as a metaphor for divine love, rather than as a manifestation or doorway to the divine itself. In western culture, sexual images are always suspect, it is hard to see erotica which celebrates the life-force as separate from pornography, which is so exploitative. Just want to add that in Tantric tradition, there is a ritual of having sex in a graveyard that I once heard about. The idea is that you have sex with the full understanding of your own mortality -- and that seems to fit with the Justice card, as well. Sex and Death, the great mysteries, are balanced, as are the male and female energies - yin and yang. Your description of the Justice card made me remember these connections, so I thought I'd pass them on.

yupkigirl	25 Oct 2004
Both the majors only and 78-cards decks are available at tarotgarden.com and at alidastore.com :)

Alissa	26 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by RedMaple Just want to add that in Tantric tradition, there is a ritual of having sex in a graveyard that I once heard about. The idea is that you have sex with the full understanding of your own mortality -- and that seems to fit with the Justice card, as well. That's a great observation RedMaple! I've studied Tantra a great deal myself, and am familiar with the Kali rite you speak of here. And Lemniscus, you've got it just right. I'm so pleased you and your wife were able to connect with this deck. Too many people dismiss it, because it speaks in sexual metaphors, for my own liking. I don't know about the artist's works pre-existing the Decameron deck, but would be interested to find out myself.

Lemniscus	26 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Alissa She is blindfolded, unlike the RWS. She faces her Justice, her karma, often without the benefit of foreknowledge. We face each moment fresh, and are judged anew in each action, each day... without knowing exactly what the reprecussions may be later. To act in right action, right thought, is to pave the way for growth. Most sources describe the Justice of the RWS as representing spiritual judgement, which must not be blind. This deck so obviously deals with emotional and sexual issues, I took it for granted that Justice in this case must be blind. This is a good example of how these images, and for that matter all images, can be interpreted at varying levels for various purposes. I live on the Gulf Coast of the U.S., where Hurricane Ivan recently spent his fury. After the storm, many schools tried to help the children deal with storm related issues by having them draw their impressions of the storm. I was struck by the similarity between these drawings and primitivist Tarot decks such as the Shining Tribe. Like the RWS, the Decameron and the Shining Tribe, the children were drawing on deep-seated and archtypal emotions and situations for their art. In this sense, even a superficial deck like the Milo Manara Tarot could be used for divination and meditation. It's just so much easier when the cards have been layered, as in the Decameron, with symbolism ripe for translation.

sungoddess	29 Oct 2004
Wow... I think I posted something in the wrong thread... ahhh... just went and retrieved it, as it obviously wants to be in here..... The post was about 'which tarot would greet you in hell' and I posted this, with the quote from that user above... Quote: Originally posted by Dead Star There are many decks I am just NOT fond of at all...but since this is Hell we're talking about...I think any one of those 'erotic' tarots would torture me for the rest of my afterlife. I know a few people like these but honestly I don't know how I could read with that! It's such disturbingly pornographic artwork that has nothing to do with self-discovery or divination....I think a deck like that would turn me off tarot forever :( :D Okay, this isn't strictly about which deck would greet me in hell... I've read a lot of people crying down the 'erotic' tarots, but here you specifically give a reason as it not being a tool for self discovery or divination.... Except, being a spiritual person, and a sexual one... and a writer of erotica, I wonder if this is true. The Egyptians, the Taoists of the far East, and the Hindus, have written whole treatise that explore sex as a method of achieving oneness with God, and as a tool for self discovery and growth. I've read about sex having medicinal properties, and being able to reverse certain conditions... methods for using sex as a magical property... the animus for certain works. It's actually part of the core work of many magical texts, referred to as the Alchemical Marriage. So I wonder, what is the real resistance to a sexualised tarot deck? Is it more than just the imagery? Is it a resistance to the development of that side of the self, a repression of sorts. Certainly I am not suggesting that debauchery take over, but I am curious about the repeated criticisms of these decks I've read around these forums. I see the sexual and divine together... sex and reproduction is one of the few truly creative acts that human beings are left with...I think it's as close to God as we can come, God/dess being the ultimate Creator. As a writer of erotica, I find these sexualised decks very interesting. Personally I wouldn't use them to read for everyone, but I can see if you're in a committed relationship or trying to specifically answer a question about sex or a relationship, where it might be appropriate. Lest you think I am a sexual fiend, I am not. I live a largely celibate existence, but these are interesting questions to contemplate. ---- I ordered the Tarot of Cassanova, and I'm looking forward to it and was very interested in the Manara as well... but now this Decameron deck is tittilating. I've had a look at the artwork, and I must say... I'm now seriously curious.... Mind you, as for reading for everyone... I am a very raunchy person when you get me going, and my best girlfriends tend to be either as raunchy or worst, so a deck like this in those situations is probably not going to offend. Also, if someone asks you to read with them on a purely sexual matter, wouldn't a sexualised deck be appropriate?

Alissa	29 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by sungoddess The Egyptians, the Taoists of the far East, and the Hindus, have written whole treatise that explore sex as a method of achieving oneness with God, and as a tool for self discovery and growth. I see the sexual and divine together... I think it's as close to God as we can come, God/dess being the ultimate Creator. Here, here sungoddess! Siva and Sakti. Isis and Osiris. Yin and Yang. Magician and High Priestess. Sex is powerful, and, like breathing, it's something almost everyone does, and yet so many never realize that such a simple act can open so many spiritual and psychic doors. I read with this deck just last week for a friend of mine - if he weren't such a close friend, I would have never let him even see it. But some people are "right" for this deck, and I was correct with my guess... he fell in love with them. Kept holding them close to his heart every now and then while looking at them, "These feel SO good!" It was an inspired reading, on relationships.

smokey	31 Oct 2004
I simply can't 'connect' with erotic Tarot one way or the other. That's just 'me', I guess!

sungoddess	14 Nov 2004
Well it is my understanding that one's connection with a deck is an entirely personal thing; so I wouldn't feel bad about it. For the purpose of discourse however, I am very interested in one person's reaction as opposed to another. I got a Tarot of Cassanova a couple of weeks ago and I am very pleased with it. I don't know if I'd use it for the purpose of reading for any and everyone, but it seems quite useful in certain situations. Certainly, I am very interested in acquiring a Decameron Tarot as well as the Manara Tarot which are even mor explicit from my research on them. That said, I think my connection with these decks has more to do with my own personal interest in all things sexual. As a writer of erotica, the sexual imagery in these decks dovetails with both interests. As a survivor of various forms of sexual abuse, I find the explicit imagery goes a long way to stimulating my subconscious to explore sexual themes and relationships in an attempt to move towards healing. As these decks, particularly the Decameron, and the Manara have a tendency to explore thematics on power and sex and the way they are linked, I find them interesting. Also as my interest in Tarot grows I wonder if these decks might not be a good tool for the developing of stories. Blessings and Good Things!

Lemniscus	15 Nov 2004
Lemniscus wrote: I immediately dismissed the Manara deck, because I was familiar with his work and it was obvious that the artwork was chosen from Milo Manara's pre-existing catalogue. I have to revise this statement. Now that I've reexamined this deck, I realize that much if not all of the artwork was created with Tarot in mind. It is obviously an element-based deck. The sample deck I viewed in a store did not appear to be as well thought out, so I must have been looking at a different deck or just picked the wrong cards on which to base my judgement. Now that I've seen more of the deck, I may consider buying it in the future.

rosesred	15 Nov 2004
Thanks to you lot I now have to have the Decameron deck. I love the feeling of unabashed enjoyment that this deck seems to entail. I prefer it to the manara deck, which, in my opinion was a neat excuse for the artist to draw lots of naked females.

Alissa	16 Nov 2004
rosesred, I hope you love your deck as much as I love mine...! :D It is a very good deck, for those it speaks to.

Lemniscus	16 Nov 2004
rosesred wrote: ...the manara deck, which, in my opinion was a neat excuse for the artist to draw lots of naked females. That is one of the things that impressed me about the Decameron deck. I like the variety of men and women represented. Not only are there nude (and naked) men, but there is also a full range of attractive, plain and downright unattractive people of both sexes. From what I've seen of the Manara, every card features at least one blonde bombshell, buxom brunette or ravishing redhead. How is the Casanova in this respect?

annik	16 Nov 2004
The Casanova is my favorite sexual oriented tarot. In my opignon, the Casanova is more accurate on a physical level (at least, more good looking). And it is more sensuous. The Manara and the Decameron seems to be a bit more crude, in my eye. Even if I like a few cards from those two deck.

Osher	16 Nov 2004
I have a few erotic decks. Of them, the best for reading with are the Casanova and the Decameron. The Manara can be read with, as can the Garden of Priapus. Whereas the Manara does have some value to it, I cannot really recommend the GofP. Sex is a fundemental part of humanity. Certainly in Judaism it forms a central part of the religeon; whilst Maslow put sex with food and water as an essential component of life. My point is this: Erotic Tarot cards can be seen as titilation, no more. Some of them do not get much deeper than this. However, you can look (certainly with Decameron and to a lesser degree Casanova) deeper. When you do, you see people acting out one of the essential components of life. To put it another way, people in the Tarot are in the throws of one of the building blocks of life. From this base block, we build our great towers of knowledge and exchange. At this base level, the emotions are more immediate, and rawer. The veneers that we place on life disappear, and what we see is humanity (often literally) naked. Of course, for many, this side of life is something to be kept private and intimate. That's fine. Others like to explore as much as possible this side of life. That's fine too. In short, it's whatever you feel comfortable with. Many mainstream Tarot cards have a large degree of nudity and sexuality in them, as the composers try and explore this side of life, but in a more subtle way. QED, the erotic decks are simply this exploration, but in a more direct way. It's not for all, but if you wish to set out on this journey of exploration the Casanova or the Decameron would be excellent choices.

Lemniscus	01 Dec 2004
We skipped town for the Thanksgiving weekend, and I took my cards with me. I had the whole weekend to spend examining the Decameron deck. I spread the cards out on a large table and left them there for 3 days. The first thing I realized is that this deck has a wide variety of influences. The Two of Swords, in my opinion, shows Waite/Smith influence. Others are more subtle. The Lovers card was a mystery to me, until I remembered that some interpretations of the Marseilles and Oswald Wirth decks describe the dark-haired woman as the young man's mother. His choice is thus a step in his sexual maturation, as he leaves the safety of his mother and chooses the blonde young woman. The Decameron Lovers card shows the young man's choice in more blatantly sexual terms, and his mother's distress at his choice is easy to see. Other Marseilles influences are seen in the Sun, one of only two homoerotic images in the deck. For those of us who began our Tarot passage with the RWS deck, two young men naked in the blistering Sun seem out of place. However, the Marseilles deck and those most closely based on it show two androgynous children, naked or only partially clothed standing in the full light of the Sun. The landscape is often barren except for a brick wall. Crowley lists "shamelessness" as one of this card's attributes. It is the culmination of a growing light preceded by the Star and Moon. It allows no pretense. There are no shadows to hide in. I was also struck by some interesting physical symbolism related to some of the character's positioning. The High Priestess in this deck seems at first to be far from the virginal keeper of esoteric knowledge found in the RWS deck. However, it is evident that in her chosen position, intercourse is not possible. She radiates sexuality, while partaking of none of it. As in the RWS, we can get a glimpse beyond the veil, but nothing more; we can look, but not touch. She guards her knowledge, and that found in the book, while remaining inviolate. She has turned her back on shadowy, lustful creatures and faces forward, unashamed. Even the pendant around her neck indicates her mastery of sexual energy.

souljourney	02 Dec 2004
I am really new to tarot and have just begun to hear about these "erotic" decks. One friend of mine has told me of one called The Black Deck. Could you list the names of the Erotic Decks so I can see if I can find pics? And maybe give a short description, so I can better choose? Also it sounds as though this would be an undertaking after I've "mastered" my first deck which btw is the Gilded deck. I love how this Decameron deck has been described and it seems a wonderful tool for self-discovery down a completely different path. Alissa you seem very passionate about this subject and just from the cards you have desribed this type of study sounds absolutely fascinating. I just drew the 5 of Pentacles the other day and came up with a totallllllllly different meaning, is it what I see? Is it the image? How come my books description was so different? These are rhetorical questions...but it seems the tarot can mean and be so many different things depending on deck, what that image means to the reader, the artist's intent maybe (or the book description), etc. So much to learn...it seems like I'll never even know like 1% of what I want to. *sigh*

Lemniscus	02 Dec 2004
Imagine a series of roads crossing a vast plain. One road is Alchemy. Another road is Egyptian mythology. There are roads for Kabbalah, Christian mysticism, Greek mythology, etc. At one point, all of these roads cross and by standing in the center of this crossroads, you stand on all of the roads simultaneously. That is the Tarot. Tarot is a part of all of these traditions and yet, it doesn't belong to any of them. It's simply the point of overlap.

Alissa	02 Dec 2004
souljourney, thank you for your kind words. It's true, I do feel passionately about this deck. It's a special deck to me, and I take it very personally when others dismiss it because of it's content. But, as I said before, to each their own (Tarot). :) I don't know of the Black Deck myself, but you could check Tarot Garden: http://www.tarotgarden.com/ I'm sure one of the site owners, whose member names at this site are Jeannette or Umbrae, who can help answer your question. Lemniscus, I really enjoyed reading your contributions on the Decameron as well. I had this to write about the Sun in the past: alissa wrote: The Sun, from the Decameron deck. I feel, to understand this deck, you must be willing to speak in the metaphor of sexuality, and then apply the message to your reading. For some, it seems a difficult jump to make... bridging the gap between the sexual act often depicted on these cards, and the divinatory knowledge they convey, is sometimes too difficult if they are challenged by what they see. But, since this is one of my favorite decks, and I believe it deserves more study, I'd like to use it as an example here. The card shows two figures lying on their sides, facing each other. One figure is leaning towards the groin area of the other, who has a look of rapture about his expression. He caresses the head of the leaning figure. The two are lying under a setting desert sun of pure white light. Yellow sand and scrub surrounds them, as well as their discarded armor and clothing. A lance is buried, as if in rest, in the ground behind the two. What is not immediately noticable to most is that these are both young men who lay together. The Little White Book, which I believe is the only one ever worth keeping, and mine is well wrinkled, says, "Affection and passion come from truth, not pretense. Everyone can find themselves in their nudity and can stop pretending." These two have abandoned their "duties," as signfied by the discarded armor and weapons, and given themselves to what they feel inclined to express. They have shed themselves of pretenses, and "roles". This reminds me of the repressive wall of the RWS card. It is left behind. They are giving and receving pleasure, and the card speaks of finding that place of abundance within, where one is bountiful enough to both give and receive easily (like the RWS child, who doesn't judge but opens his/her arms to us freely). The fact that these are two young males speaks to this being an affection "born of equals." There may be a person involved in the Sun card that is seen as an equal, and/or one with whom you feel no need to "hide" who you are inside. Blessed is such a friendship.

Scion	02 Dec 2004
souljourney wrote: I am really new to tarot and have just begun to hear about these "erotic" decks. One friend of mine has told me of one called The Black Deck. Could you list the names of the Erotic Decks so I can see if I can find pics? And maybe give a short description, so I can better choose? Hey souljourney, Aeclectic has a pretty comprehensive list of erotic decks with sample cards and links to reviews at http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/erotic.shtml. And I think tarotgarden.com has an erotic deck "section" as well. As for reading with an erotic deck, it's tricky to find a deck that balances both factors. The Black Deck is pretty much cheesecake scattered over card faces. Not too much to read there. I think you're right to start with your Gilded before branching out, and when you do, look around for an erotic deck with some meat on its bones. I happen to get great results with Lori Walls' Tarot Erotica, which is (sadly) OOP, and not listed at Aeclectic for some reason. Some people find this deck off-putting because it truly runs the gamut of human sexuality, but it's the only overtly erotic deck that seems to have been scrupulously designed from the ground up as a nuts-and-bolts erotic reading deck... although fans of the Casanova and the aforementioned Decameron may take me to task on that. You can read reviews and see scans of the Tarot Erotica at: http://www.tarotpassages.com/erotica.htm http://www.themysticeye.com/reviews/erotica/erotica.htm http://www.astroamerica.com/t-eros.html And this deck does turn up on eBay now and then; in fact last month I picked a brand-new, sealed copy as a gift for $25. Best of luck Scion

Lemniscus	02 Dec 2004
That's a great reading of the Decameron Sun card! I hadn't thought of the idea of the two men representing equals. There is truly more to this deck than most people think. This thread makes me wish there was a study group for the Decameron deck.

TheLovers2	12 Jan 2005
To All Decameron Fans - Count me in. :) Alissa: I have dubbed you Queen of Decameron! :D You deserve a crown for your passion concering this deck! I recently bacame interested in the Decameron. At first, I admit that I didn't think that I would want any of the other erotic decks that I knew about with the exception of the Casanova (which I do own and like). I have to say that I haven't used it very much and feel bad about that, especially, considering my new love in terms of erotic decks - the Decameron. I have seen scans of Manara (unless something changes it's not for me), Priappa, Tarot Erotica (saw some scans that I really like and some that really put me off - wouldn't mind taking a look at a whole deck site on this one, however). I actually felt put off by certain cards in the Decameron, but, kept being drawn to the deck (which is a sign that this might be a deck for me). What really helped me to decide and might help others as well is that I finally found a site for viewing the whole deck: http://www.gambler.ru/sukhty/decks05/d02390/d02390.htm So, for any that would like to take a look at the complete package, you can now do so. For some of the same reasons mentioned in this Thread (positive towards Decameron, obviously) I like this deck. Yes, I am happy to see the variety of types, re: ages, physiques, ideas of attractiveness, etc., depicted in the deck engaging in the oldest pasttime known to man. :D Must be something to it, huh? Ok. I can say that this particular erotic Tarot is multi-layered and IS NOT just about sex as can be assumed by a person who does not investigate futher. Personally, I'm loving the LWB. Yes, the meanings assigned to the cards are not consistent with RWS and after carefully reading the LWB and perusing the cards, I don't want them to be. I think it would be confusing and not do the deck justice to try to make it or expect it to fit into standard RWS meanings. It's doing it's own thing - let it! Again, there are layers of meanings with these cards. Now, there were a few cards in the beginning and even now that I wrestle with. These are the Death, Justice, The Hierophant (no more), 8 of Cups, 7 of Wands. Regarding Justice - well, Alissa's interp of that card, along with a couple of other posts has helped me reconcile things. Alissa says, again and again that this deck is a "challenge" and she is absolutely right. But, it's a challenge that will be worth it for some. I had an immediate problem with the idea of sexual imagery combined with the skulls in this card. It was an immediate reaction; rather knee-jerk (no pun intended - she's on her knees). I found it distasteful. Before I read Alissa's comments in this Thread, I had already begun to challenge myself to be sure that I was SURE of my initial reaction. I gave it some thought. Firstly, I do not see the picture of skulls as some horror, deeply negative thing. I really don't, but, yuck! was my first reaction. I realized that skulls have meant such things to me as, "getting to what's beneath the surface of a matter," "no pretense or illusions," (really the same thing) "reality," "foundation without which everything would fall apart," etc. You see, what I mean . . . so, even though someone else may not have been put off by the card, I was until I examined my own reaction and thoughts, a little further. Heck, I once had a tattoo of a skull and it was not chosen for some morbid reason, but, having more to do with the kinds of meanings I later associated with this card. Given what I REALLY FEEL, the card was able to speak to me differently and rather profoundly. I allowed it to talk to me about me (since I was checking the cards for myself and not reading for anyone else). I can work with this one, now. Even though, I'm ok with the Justice card, I am still not with the Death card and if anyone wishes to shed more light on this card, I do welcome it. This one is deeply suggestive of necrophilia and that ain't gonna fly with me. Now, one of the things I love about the Tarot in general, is that it is soooo very subjective and personal in terms of what one gleans from a particular deck, or card. There is always more than one way to view a card. Go ahead and give me your view. The Heirophant was one of the cards viewed along with the Death card and Justice (I've already mentioned) that was about to prevent me from getting this deck. Upon first observation, I did not like or appreciate the sexual suggestion applied here re: religion and I am not Catholic (although I am Christian). Mixing sex and religion, suggesting something going on between the nun and the priest was not to my liking. Well, guess what? Once again, after I got over my initial reaction, and gave it some thought - challenged myself to find out what I REALLY thought, I realized that this card didn't really bother me in that way because it was depicting a "slice of life and reality" whether I liked it or not. These things happen and we all know it and further more, I hate to go there, but, if a priest is going to engage in a sexual act I would prefer it be with an adult rather than a child. Enough said! I know that no mere mortal, human being is infallible, incapable of sin and wrong acts, etc. and that there is even a danger in believing that "certain" people" because of a position they hold in the church or even particularly pious people, cannot mislead, harm, abuse their power. Also, these people obviously have not or cannot do away with the basic need for sexual fulfillment. Perhaps, some have it "under wraps" but, clearly it is a problem for way too many. The LWB for the Hierophant reads: "Charisma. Nevertheless, sacredness is not always exempt from sin. Act prudently: Power sometimes corrupts. No compromise between the sacred and the profane." Let's see. I am still uncomfortable with the 8 of cups (because the man is holding a knife in a threatening way, etc.) and even though the LWB reads: "Deceit. Threats. Shame. Change of plan," its suggestion of violence is a turnoff. Any thoughts from anyone on this card? Next: 7 of Wands for obvious reasons was a turn off. The implication of a violation. Any thoughts on this one? However, a tricky thing about this deck is that the same people pop up and often together in other (scenes) in the cards, suggesting a type of storyline or continuity and in light of some of these, certain cards can be taken differently. At present, I'm not sure that the two people in the 7 of Wands are not a couple doing some kind of role playing fantasy thing. I'm sure I've seen this same couple enjoying themselves together in other cards. I am going to take all of the cards with the same (couples) and place them together to see what is going on with them. Well, I guess that's what I have to say so far as this deck is really new to me. Yes, I believe with certainty that it is highly readable on more than one level, has depth, but, I think it would be excellent for love relationship and personal insight readings. It's a sexy deck - no doubt about it, but, it's more raw and as indicated in the LWB, without pretense. I totally recommend at least opening your mind to it and then see how you feel about it. It is high up on my list of favorite decks. I think this deck will deliver "in your face" kinds of Readings and will reveal the "naked truth." (all puns intended). :D TL2 :TLOVE

Alissa	12 Jan 2005
TheLovers2 wrote: Alissa: I have dubbed you Queen of Decameron! :D You deserve a crown for your passion concering this deck! Oh my goodness! :D :D I hope I do the role justice (no pun intended!) It will be a delightful mantle to wear! ;) Quote: Even though, I'm ok with the Justice card, I am still not with the Death card and if anyone wishes to shed more light on this card, I do welcome it. This one is deeply suggestive of necrophilia and that ain't gonna fly with me. Go ahead and give me your view. I wanted to share what I wrote to TL2 in a PM on the Decameron Death card.... I've never seen a necrophilia aspect to the Decameron Death card. I see a young woman, the promise of youth and beauty, as she regards the skeletal remains before her. To me, skeletons are a symbol of the past. So, is she considering her own past? Her mistakes, her indiscretions? Is she considering the bones of her lover, ones she has lost? Or someone else whose influence has gone... her father? Her mother? Or is she realizing her own withering decay, her own beauty and youth is as fleeting an illusion as life itself? Perhaps, as has sometimes been the case for me when drawing the Death card from this deck, it speaks of a past life, a past existence for the viewer as she gazes into her own grave. I do not, nor have I ever had, a necrophiliac message to this card. There is also no sexual act being displayed in the illustration itself. I wouldn't be able to stomach the idea of necrophilia, at all. Definitely not, not even to read by. Your insights into the deck are wonderful and most thoughtful, TL2! :D I hope you continue to discover this deck's inner beauty as your dialogue together grows, and to share your eloquent insights.

tarotbear	13 Jan 2005
My problem with the Decameron deck is that there are many reoccurring people and it makes me wonder if they are supposed to be connected or if the figures in the cards represent some actual story from the Decameron or not. I know which story the people in the barrels refers to! Are these really 'scenes' from the Decameron stories, or just creations by some artist? I was also once given some of the 'alternative' card images from the first deck, and I can see why changes were made - someone asked if some of the images were taken from larger drawings. Many of the drawings would violate international laws concerning child pornography, and some would just be in bad taste. Have I ever used this deck for a reading? No. Would I? Well, not for my grandmother!

Ceit	13 Jan 2005
I love Decameron deck. I find them really dead on when I read with them. I had intended to shock the family at Christmas with them. A family member asked me to do a reading for her and I brought out my decks and I was surprised when I was asked to read with them. I purchased them to be a personal deck but more and more people that I know seem to like the idea of me reading from them especially if it has anything to do with a relationship. Ceit

Alissa	13 Jan 2005
tarotbear wrote: Are these really 'scenes' from the Decameron stories, or just creations by some artist? Tarotbear! Long time no see, how very nice to see your face around these parts again.... :D I have to admit ignorance, since I haven't read the Decameron. But I've been told that the illustrations do not match the literature very well, if at all. For my own tastes, the Decameron is the only erotic deck I want. The rest of the lot do not "do it" for me. They leave me very cold, and as TL2 says, they just don't draw me to them.

Lemniscus	13 Jan 2005
TheLovers2 wrote: ...a tricky thing about this deck is that the same people pop up and often together in other (scenes) in the cards, suggesting a type of storyline or continuity and in light of some of these, certain cards can be taken differently. At present, I'm not sure that the two people in the 7 of Wands are not a couple doing some kind of role playing fantasy thing. I'm sure I've seen this same couple enjoying themselves together in other cards. I am going to take all of the cards with the same (couples) and place them together to see what is going on with them. I've done just this and it becomes obvious that some of the scenes which are most shocking take on a different meaning in the context of a larger story. I've read several opinions on the 3 of Cups in which people interpret this scene as pedophilic. However, the innocent "child" being molested in the 3 of Cups is the same grown young woman fully in control of the situation in the 10 of Swords. The bored couple in the 10 of Coins is the same couple involved in the violent 8 of Cups card. TheLovers2 — BTW, how in the world did you find that Russian site?

ocho8s	13 Jan 2005
hello This has been a very interesting thread to follow, I do not have the Decameron deck but I am ordering it as soon as I am done writting ;-) I just have a comment on the sun card after looking at it, I like the idea that it shows 2 young males and the scene remaind me of the sexual games we all had, usually this first encounters with sex are done within the same gender, there are some sexual theories that say that the first love of each of us is homosexual, I remember my first girlfriend........ long time ago....lol... we wanted to dress alike, invite her for overnights, felt depresses if we could not spend the day together and tought we would be friends forever and ever, caress each other and so on, so I would say that those encounters open a whole new world in my life and give some light to feelings later to come in my relationship with men.....so it would be the beginning of a sex life and in a time where there are no masks Just my 2 cents Anaoly

Alissa	13 Jan 2005
I appreciate that aspect you're speaking of, ocho8s. It reminded me of this, I written in the Comparative study group's Sun thread: Alissa wrote: The Sun, from the Decameron deck. The card shows two figures lying on their sides, facing each other. One figure is leaning towards the groin area of the other, who has a look of rapture about his expression. He caresses the head of the leaning figure. The two are lying under a setting desert sun of pure white light. Yellow sand and scrub surrounds them, as well as their discarded armor and clothing. A lance is buried, as if in rest, in the ground behind the two. What is not immediately noticable to most is that these are both young men who lay together. The Little White Book, which I believe is the only one ever worth keeping, and mine is well wrinkled, says, "Affection and passion come from truth, not pretense. Everyone can find themselves in their nudity and can stop pretending." These two have abandoned their "duties," as signfied by the discarded armor and weapons, and given themselves to what they feel inclined to express. They have shed themselves of pretenses, and "roles". This reminds me of the repressive wall of the RWS card. It is left behind. They are giving and receving pleasure, and the card speaks of finding that place of abundance within, where one is bountiful enough to both give and receive easily (like the RWS child, who doesn't judge but opens his/her arms to us freely). The fact that these are two young males speaks to this being an affection "born of equals." There may be a person involved in the Sun card that is seen as an equal, and/or one with whom you feel no need to "hide" who you are inside. Blessed is such a friendship.

TheLovers2	13 Jan 2005
Lemniscus wrote: I've done just this and it becomes obvious that some of the scenes which are most shocking take on a different meaning in the context of a larger story. I've read several opinions on the 3 of Cups in which people interpret this scene as pedophilic. However, the innocent "child" being molested in the 3 of Cups is the same grown young woman fully in control of the situation in the 10 of Swords. The bored couple in the 10 of Coins is the same couple involved in the violent 8 of Cups card. TheLovers2 — BTW, how in the world did you find that Russian site? Re: The gambler site . . . well, I've seen other "complete" decks on this site via the Thread that offers links to "whole" decks, but, this discovery re: the Decameron took me quite some time, searching google to see scans. After looking and looking, I happened upon this through some sort of listing connecting Lo Scarabeo/the gambler, etc. There are some other complete decks listed on the general page that came up, but, since those are different decks (not Decameron) and this Thread is about Decameron, I will get it into the "sites that show the whole deck" Thread. :) As for the cards mentioned, yes, they can be taken in a different context when you group them together. I would like to know what people think about the following cards as they relate to each other. (Lemniscus, this is the same couple in all of the following cards - I think.) There are cards where I'm not sure the woman is the same, but, I think the guy is. There is a woman with dark hair and wisps around her face and then there is (possibly the same woman - I'm not sure) with the "donut" hairstyle or Princess Leah type style). Besides, the man's face, there is the clothing to identify him when you can't see his face and in one card it seems to me that the "stripes" from his shirt are seen to identify that it is him and quite possibly the same couple. Also, this seems to have happened as a "clue" in a few other cards (not indicated here) where a pattern of "leaves" is an indicator that we are looking at the same woman, etc. Very interesting way of connecting the dots, I think. They are: Swords: 3 Coins: 2, 3, 7, 8, 10 Cups: 5, 7, 8, 9 Wands: 3, 5, 8, 9, 10 So, when you group these all together what do you make of the "story?" Certainly, they affect the more questionable cards. ***************************** Ocho8s: Very interesting take on the Sun card. I have never seen this card this way. BTW, I am glad that you are ordering the deck and will be joining the "Court of Decameron." :D Really, though, I think you will find it quite "revealing." :D TL2 :TLOVE

sharpchick	20 Jan 2005
Because I have toyed with getting this deck, and have always held off, mostly due to the concern that I wouldn't be able to get past the in-your-face sexuality (I hesitate to use the word "eroticism" here). I have the Tarot of Casanova and haven't had any problem using it for readings. Maybe I just need to get out of my own way. . . .

TheLovers2	20 Jan 2005
sharpchick wrote: Because I have toyed with getting this deck, and have always held off, mostly due to the concern that I wouldn't be able to get past the in-your-face sexuality (I hesitate to use the word "eroticism" here). I have the Tarot of Casanova and haven't had any problem using it for readings. Maybe I just need to get out of my own way. . . . I just want to say that I can understand your hesitancy re: "getting past the in-your-face sexuality" of the Decameron. It is certainly that; but, as I've stated I think this deck offers more insight than at first meets the eye. Ha. (It's so hard to speak of the Decameron without, howbeit unintentional, sexual insinuation.) :) It can't be helped really because of the nature of the deck! :D HOWEVER, I was wondering if you had a chance to look at the site (link posted in this Thread) of the whole deck. Also, when you take into account the insights others have received as they pertain to certain cards and look at those cards, are you able to see how they arrived at a particular interpretation (non-sexual) for instance? I think there have been some interesting revelations of cards (as posted here) and these (along with LWB interps) show other and deeper aspects of the Decameron. I find they challenge my "in place" views and really cause me to think past a comfort level on different issues. I'm new at exploring the deck, but, I still think it works best (so far) for personal revelations and love/relationship readings. Perhaps, pondering this post, may help you to determine if indeed "you are in your own way." Or, it could be that the Decameron is not comfortable for you. I'd love to know what you decide. :) TL2 :TLOVE

sharpchick	20 Jan 2005
I'm always willing to entertain the possibility that I can form a bond with a deck. There has only been one deck so far that I have held in my hands that actually scared me - and I've never looked personally at the Decameron.

TheLovers2	20 Jan 2005
Well, if you decide to look at it, as I said before, the link to a site where you can see the whole deck is posted by me in this Thread. Of course, I'm wondering about the deck that scared you, but, you may not have wanted to mention it. :) TL2

sharpchick	21 Jan 2005
I guess I should clarify - the deck that gave me such a bad feeling was not the Decameron. . .

Lemniscus	21 Jan 2005
TheLovers2 wrote: Also, when you take into account the insights others have received as they pertain to certain cards and look at those cards One of the things I like about this deck is the facial expressions. Some decks are drawn so simply or stylistically that the people on the cards seem expressionless and blank. This is not one of those decks. Just look at the figures on the Hierophant card. This card is not overtly sexual. In fact, it takes a moment for someone new to the deck to realize just what is going on. However, there are such powerful feelings evident on both figures' faces; love, respect and comfort as well as shame. For someone who reads intuitively, like I do, this deck is a treasure trove. This card could mean misguided affection or the wrong thing done for the right reason. It could represent a situation in which the querent is being taken advantage of, or taking advantage of someone else, based on this misguided affection.

TheLovers2	21 Jan 2005
Lemniscus wrote: One of the things I like about this deck is the facial expressions. Some decks are drawn so simply or stylistically that the people on the cards seem expressionless and blank. This is not one of those decks. Just look at the figures on the Hierophant card. This card is not overtly sexual. In fact, it takes a moment for someone new to the deck to realize just what is going on. However, there are such powerful feelings evident on both figures' faces; love, respect and comfort as well as shame. For someone who reads intuitively, like I do, this deck is a treasure trove. This card could mean misguided affection or the wrong thing done for the right reason. It could represent a situation in which the querent is being taken advantage of, or taking advantage of someone else, based on this misguided affection. I couldn't agree more regarding the facial expressions. They run the gamut and are so full of feeling. What a range of emotions. Once again, there has been something added to my perception of a card (The Hierophant). This is an apropos example of how the Decameron can get a message across relating to "other issues." For instance, I really like your interp re: "the wrong thing done for the right reason" and "a situation in which the querent is being taken advantage of . . ." There are a myriad of situations and circumstances in which a querent could apply this, from business to family relationships and friendships. Thanks, Lemniscus. :) TL2 :TLOVE

The The Decameron Tarot...and the major headache it's given me thread was originally posted on 17 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.