In Praise of Sweet Decks

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

RedMaple	10 Oct 2004
Last night I did a couple of readings with my Hanson-Roberts deck which were so incredibly accurate -- I'd forgotten what a great deck this is in spite of the unfortunate hairdoes on a couple of the cards :) I originally bought it because it was described as a "sweet little deck". Mine is well-used, it was the deck I carried around for a long time because of its size, I told myself, but now I think, and because it really is a "sweet little deck." The success of the readings prompted me to do a first reading with the Whimsical Tarot, which I'd bought over a month ago, but hadn't read with. What a great reading. I don't have time to post it now, but I will post it later. It is not a lightweight deck at all. Why was I surprised? I've had terrific readings with the Inner Child deck (such an unfortunate name). I think these "sweet" decks speak with humor, and sometimes a lighter touch, but often allow us to go to difficult places in because they offer the protection we need to deal with some of the scary stuff. Anyone else have good experiences with sweet decks?

Astraea	10 Oct 2004
Decks that are sweet and touching can, indeed, yield very meaningful readings, carrying messages in soft and subtle ways; decks such as the Whimsical, Inner Child, Hello (Kitty), and others often seem to act like "aerosol," diffusing the meanings of the cards in such a way that the content can go wherever it's needed in the querent's psyche. More difficult decks can act in a one-pointed, hard-driving way. Also, I think that gentle decks present alternative points of view about serious problems in ways that are easier to swallow (like aspirin mixed with marmalade). Like you, I've had good experiences with the Whimsical and Inner Child decks, for just the reasons you state. Those decks are sweet, but not syrupy. And while I would not quite assign the Baroque Bohemian Cats deck to the sweet category, being (in my opinion) weightier than it might initially appear, I have had soft and gentle readings from it in connection with difficult experiences.

Pook	10 Oct 2004
I dont know if it can be considered 'sweet' but I think it's more appropriate than the 'cute' or even 'cutesy' that I've heard it reffered to as, but I think that the Fey Tarot has been a real eye opening deck for me. Some of the images (a lot actually) are very original and while you can get some of the 'traditional' meanings from them, you can also find great insight there. I dont have the inner child or whimsical or even a hansen-roberts, but I definitely agree that because we expect different things from different decks, there can be great revelations made when we let our guard down a little and read with a deck that we arent expecting to handle harsh or objective subjects. Also, I just bought a Halloween Tarot (it is fall and almost trick-or -treat time), and I was expecting it to be unusual and light hearted, but I had a really good reading with it the first time I used it, and now wouldn't expect anything less.

Cerulean	10 Oct 2004
and my Japanese Miracle (although it's the Taiwanese version) is a bright little cookie to sample...like a dash of almond flavoring in crispy shortbread biscotti, dipped in a soy latte... Sometimes the smiles are worth a peek or an afternoon spot in a nice warm window seat... Regards, Cerulean

Alta	10 Oct 2004
Yes, I like some of the sunnier decks. The Elite deck, which is Korean, is an ever-friendly little gem.

RedMaple	10 Oct 2004
The Fey is such a different-looking deck. I don't have it yet, and have hesitated over it, but I think I will try it. It's very difference is likely to give new insights as you say, Moondreamer. Also, the Hello Kitty -- I've never even thought to try it. What do you like about it, Astraea? Does anyone have Tarot of a MoonGarden? I have wondered about that deck, also. I don't know the Elite or the Japanese Miracle decks. I will have to look for them. (edited to add: Ah, yes, I see. The anime Elite is charming, and the Miracle clearly lighthearted.) While I might stick with a Chocolate Latte, I do love almond biscotti....

rota	10 Oct 2004
Don't know if this is entirely germane, but Lelandra has a site that collects images from decks she considers 'suitable for children'. Plenty of images of 'sweet' decks there... http://www.lelandra.com/comptarot/tarotchildren.htm

Astraea	10 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by RedMaple the Hello Kitty -- I've never even thought to try it. What do you like about it, Astraea? Hi, RedMaple. I like the Hello Kitty deck because I adore cats, and collect cat decks -- beyond that, the style of the Hello Kitty graphics appeals to me immensely, and never fails to bring a smile.

RedMaple	10 Oct 2004
I love LeLandra's site. Hope everyone gets a chance to visit there. Astraea, I have no cat decks, so far. But I keep looking at the one that has the hanging cat in someone's arms, and it sooo makes me laugh. I have a niece who identifies strongly with cats (still, though she is now 26) -- her strategy as a child was to meow when adults were bugging her with stupid questions like "how is school?" "Meow." :) Those of who moved on to more interesting topics got some answers in Englisih, or we'd just chat in cat language for awhile. This is just to say, a cat deck may be in my future. I'm sure my three cats would enjoy it as they sit on my spreads all the time as I'm reading.

MeeWah	10 Oct 2004
Hanson-Roberts, Tarot for Cats, Halloween Tarot & Hello Kitty are what I think would qualify. Despite their basically cheery & "non-threatening" appearance, they still lend themselves to readings. Offer depth & even punch--perhaps even markedly so because such would not be expected. I do not see Baroque Bohemian Cats as necessarily "sweet" though its theme or idea may appear so. It has an edge & an occasional black humour that speaks very eloquently. Edited to correct spelling.

Astraea	11 Oct 2004
Another very charming cat-themed deck (majors only) is the Chat de Marseille by HudsonGray. Its images are imaginative and fun, while maintaining the integrity of its origins.

Ace	11 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Astraea Another very charming cat-themed deck (majors only) is the Chat de Marseille by HudsonGray. Its images are imaginative and fun, while maintaining the integrity of its origins. Chat de Marseille? where can we see this one?

Eco74	11 Oct 2004
A voice for the Ferret Tarot. A very sweet little deck indeed.. This is a very simplistic deck as far as the artwork goes, but the ferrets have a lovely life of their own. They´re mischiefous and seem to laugh at most things about life but at the same time have no qualms about saying things that could potentially be hurtful. But while they can point out very crude and painful things, it all ends with a 'ferret-fest-laugh' which seems to say; "What, that's the end of the world to you?" *uninhibited ferret-laughter* "Have you forgotten about the rest of life because of this one thing??" *muffled giggling* "Seriously??" *stifled laugh and laughing-tears discretely removed from corners of eyes* "You know, you shouldn't really..." *muffled giggling* "Hey, check this out, I just thought this trick up. It's GREAT!" *display of ferret-fun* Sweet little decks do this. I also have the Hanson-Roberts, the Phantasmagoric Theatre and several other decks where the artwork makes me feel wonderful to the point of just pointing and sighing when I look through the decks. During readings they are as blunt as they need to be though, while at the same time comforting through the way the colors and style of the cards effects me.

Astraea	11 Oct 2004
Chat du Marseilles was designed and published by HudsonGray, a fellow Aeclectician. Some of the cards can be seen here: http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/chat-du-marseille/ (Edited to add that HudsonGray is also the creator of the Ferret Tarot, mentioned in Eco's post above.)

RedMaple	11 Oct 2004
This post has been edited -- sorry for the TMI version I inflicted on some of you. Blame my late night ramblings. I promised I'd share my first reading with the Whimsical, and here it is. I used the Double Seven Horseshoe. This is a seven card horseshoe with two cards in each position. I'll list what the positions mean with each card as I read it. My usual question is just "What do you have to tell me?" 1. The Past. Strength (Little Bo Peep searching) and 3 Cups (3 Men in a Tub - laughing and drinking) Well, in the past few months I've found strength in being with friends and have not been careful with what I've been eating. 2. Present 5 Cups (Captain Hook) & Wheel of Fortune Feeling blue, cursing everything, caught in self-destructive behaviors (hooked ?) Things had taken a turn for the worse, which makes me forget how far I've come. 3. Present State of Mind or Environment King of Pentacles (Robin Hood) and 4 Wands (birds flying with flower garland over a castle.) This seems to say I'm in a secure place at home, safe, (the K of Pents often comes up for my husband) and receptive 4. The Unexpected - Knight of Cups and Emperor (Santa Claus) This is really unexpected, I think someone will be courting me with gifts. Probably the K of Pents. Maybe some new romance in the marriage? 5. The Gate: What Cannot Be Avoided: 5 Pentacles - The Ugly Duckling and 4 Cups - The Emperor's New Clothes 6. Near Future: Ace Cups and Knight of Pentacles I think this is about falling in love with a new artistic project, getting my mind off the family dysfunction and how it plays out in other settings, and really focusing on new work. 7. Further Future The Tower and 4 Swords (The Princess and the Pea) The Tower means a big change is coming, and I expect it is in my work. The Princess and the Pea seems an inability to rest, a hypersensitivity - which while an asset to the artist/poet, means a lot of extra padding is sometimes needed --- all those mattresses! So maybe I need to make a quilt instead of eating....hmmm. So, folks, that's the reading. I loved connecting myself to the characters in the stories, and laughed my way through what have been some difficult issues.

RedMaple	11 Oct 2004
edited to say: Eco, (well, that's Ferret humor, I guess, sending a post to the name. Sorry, Ace, but glad you like the Ferret deck, too.) I'm already giggling from your post, I'll have to check out the Ferret. My son used to ask for a ferret for a pet, and I just kept saying, no, no ,no! (giggle) Maybe he'll get a Ferret Tarot for his birthday. RedMaple

RedMaple	11 Oct 2004
How delightful! Definitely a sweet little deck. Thanks. RedMaple

Cariad	11 Oct 2004
I love my Hanson roberts deck it was sold to me as a "happy deck". If I give family or friends the choice of decks in the main they will choose my Hanson roberts. It certainly fits in the category of a "sweet deck"as it presents as non-threatening even nursery rhymeish at times! This deck however has proven to be one of the most powerful ones that I have.

Ace	11 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by RedMaple Ace, I'm already giggling from your post, I'll have to check out the Ferret. My son used to ask for a ferret for a pet, and I just kept saying, no, no ,no! (giggle) Maybe he'll get a Ferret Tarot for his birthday. RedMaple What did I say? I am funny even when I ask a plain question? ;) I love the Ferret tatot! the Temperance card is my fav! I think your son will LOVE it!

tinkerbell	11 Oct 2004
i shouldn't have read this post! now i am DESPERATE for the hanson roberts and fey tarots. they've both been on my wish list for a little while now but i really should be thinking about buying for others and not myself at this time of year (well, xmas is not that far off!). i shall hold out until january and then, if nobody gets me these decks as christmas gifts ,i shall feel perfectly justified in purchasing them both for myself !!! love tink xx

primaryreality	11 Oct 2004
There was a thread a week or so ago about this deck: http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/lars-holmsen/ and after reading about it and seeing some of the images I ordered it, and it is just wonderful. I think it definitely qualifies as a "sweet deck"--the colors are bright and delightful and the images are very whimsical and unique. The whole deck has a gentle, playful tone. It's a great bargain, too; you can get the set, including shipping, for less than $10. I can imagine it being quite appealing to children, but I think it's lovely for adults, too. Here's the earlier thread about it: http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30730

Eco74	11 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by RedMaple edited to say: Eco, (well, that's Ferret humor, I guess *snip* ) It certainly seems like it. :) And do check the ferrets out. A lot of the cards are absolutely wonderful. Like the 10 of Swords, The Emperor and Temperance and.. well, all of them really. Right now the eight of cups is soaring in my mind making me smile. :) Chances are you'll either end up keeping it for yourself or getting one for yourself at a later time. *s*

Flavio	11 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by RedMaple I promised I'd share my first reading with the Whimsical, and here it is... I love the Whimsical Tarot, it was giving to me as a birthday present with companion book. Got accurate readings from the beginning and its images added a lot to my Tarot "vocabulary". The drawings from Ms. Mary Hanson Roberts are beautiful, eye candy indeed! I also get good readings with Ms. Hanson's very own deck, I saw her work in the Universal Waite deck, I understood she is very concerned about facial expression, in the Hanson Roberts deck most of the cards are close up to card main character, their faces tell you a lot.

RedMaple	11 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Flavio I also get good readings with Ms. Hanson's very own deck, I saw her work in the Universal Waite deck, I understood she is very concerned about facial expression, in the Hanson Roberts deck most of the cards are close up to card main character, their faces tell you a lot. Yes, her deck's great depth and honesty is what prompted this thread. My favorite card is probably the Page of Cups - the look of wonder, delight, and innocence is incredible. The delight in creativity, a new idea. I painted the image on a ceramic serving plate and everyone who sees it loves it. I would love to take credit for her wonderful vision on this card, (sigh.) RedMaple

Kath	11 Oct 2004
Ahh yes, the good ol’ Hanson-Roberts. Sure, it looks sweet and innocent, but it’s given me more than one slap to the back of the head! My Hanson Roberts does not sugar coat anything! (And I love it for that.)

Chronata	12 Oct 2004
I too shall offer my thoughts in praise of the sweet decks... Lord knows I own them all! :D The Hanson Roberts has always been (and possibly always will be...)my very favorite reading deck...and for a long time I never understood why people called it "cute"...since it has given me decades of wonderful information, that is certainly not what I would call "sugar coated". I also adore the Whimsical, Moon Garden, Fey, Inner Child, Astro, and many other similar decks, both tarot and oracle. And I must add that both the Ferret and the Baroque Bohemian Cats are my new recent favorites!

blackroseivy	12 Oct 2004
One of the "sweetest" you're gonna find ("gift-shop deck" notwithstanding!!) is the Tarot Nova. It is done by someone (Julie Patchkiss) who is an illustrator for children's books. It shows, but the symbols in this deck are the pithiest and most to-the-point I've ever seen. The most adorable deck available as a full deck is the bumblebee-sized Micro-mini. I find the meanings to these cards to be soothing & uplifting, & they put across a certain delightful "vibe". My l'il contribution... :D

ferrous	13 Oct 2004
The Lars-Holmsen & the Nova are decks which I would like to add to my collection. I've only seen images of a few cards online so far, but the images I have seen wouldn't necessarily lead me to believe they were 'sweet' although they definitely are cute. One deck which I think some may believe to be sweet would be the Sakki-Sakki. It is definitely cute & the artwork is quite funny at times, but it can also cut through the chase & get directly to the point. I love that tarot can get through to people in so many different ways. :)

RedMaple	13 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Chronata I too shall offer my thoughts in praise of the sweet decks... Lord knows I own them all! :D I also adore the Whimsical, Moon Garden, Fey, Inner Child, Astro, and many other similar decks, both tarot and oracle. I've been thinking about the Moon Garden and Fey. Can you tell me a little about them?

Satori	13 Oct 2004
I love sweet decks, and own the Whimsical, the mini-Hanson-Roberts due to Chronata reading with hers for me on a recent visit here. Readings with the Whimsical have always been very good, and I especially like the accompanying book. I think the Whimsical actually prepared me to start stepping away from thinking in a purely RWS framework. I don't know if it was just me, but the Whimsical gave me plenty of readings that were not all cozy and baked bread and fragrant and sweet. I came away from that deck a little sore on more than one occassion. I need to work with the Hanson-Roberts a bit more tho. she does those tight head shots and I'm not used to that..... I have the Tarot Nova too but really haven't used it. It is the mini version. I love black cards tho, and the backs are great.

Myrrha	14 Oct 2004
I like the Hanson-Roberts. Sometimes using it I miss the details that are on other RWS derived decks, but the facial expressions and emotional colors make it work. I feel more "tuned in" reading with this emotional deck than with a deck like the Sharman-Casseli where I think about the symbols more. I'm not sure I would use the H-R in a face to face reading though, just because people do *see* it as cutesy, even if it isn't really, and I would want them to take the reading somewhat seriously. I'm curious about the Tarot of a Moon Garden as well. Must be getting fluffy in my old age... :) --Myrrha

Satori	14 Oct 2004
Please don't say fluffy. Say sensitive, emotional, feeling...but no deck is fluffy. I believe they all have their merits....somehow. If the intent was serious and to aid, to help, then they can't be fluffy, can they?

The In Praise of Sweet Decks thread was originally posted on 10 Oct 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.