Songs for the Journey Home deck

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 26 Oct 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

LadyCelt	26 Oct 2004
Does anybody have this deck? What do you think of it? My daughter is wild about anything to do with New Zealand and I was thinking of getting this for her 18th birthday.

ferrous	27 Oct 2004
I don't have this deck, but I adore what I've seen of it online. I'd love to get it, but the price puts me off. It's something I'll have to really be keen on before I fork out that much money, unfortunately .. but it does look so nice. Or perhaps I'll throw a hint or two my husband's way before christmas comes along. lol! :D

darwinia	27 Oct 2004
One of my favourites and the only round deck I have. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it--the packaging, book and bookmark that comes with it is beautiful. Some people disparage the art but I love it--it's one of the best decks for me and the 7th deck I bought back in 2002.

CreativeFire	27 Oct 2004
I have also been curious about this deck, as I do like the artwork in the few cards I have seen so far. Also the naming of the suits as Wave Songs, Earth Songs, Wind Songs and Flame Songs is interesting too. I came across it when I was searching for a Maori culture / mythology orientated deck, as this deck was designed in NZ but it does not look like it has this connection. I am with you ferrous, that the cost has made me baulk a little too unless it is really what I am looking for. Hope your hints work for Christmas, then I may be able to see your copy and make up my mind ;) CF

ferrous	27 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by CreativeFire I am with you ferrous, that the cost has made me baulk a little too unless it is really what I am looking for. Hope your hints work for Christmas, then I may be able to see your copy and make up my mind ;) I'll see what I can do. Everyone please send me all your spare powers of persuasion. :D

Tarot Galadriel	27 Oct 2004
I bought this one too. it really is beautiful, one of my 'special' decks, it really is very gentle and breath-takingly wonderful the cards and excellent quality, nicely packaged and the book is great too. Well worth the money, every penny of it. it is a great deck to use intuitively as most cards have very different images one them. Some are so clever in how they relate the meaning of the cards, the basic RW meanings are similar so its not that different, just the pictures allow you to be far more fluid and intuitive. if you even think you may love it, get it , you will ! lol hugs Galadriel

SongDeva	27 Oct 2004
I know someone who might have one to sell; pm me if interested.

13thFaeChylde	27 Oct 2004
I have tried and tried to get this deck, to no avail. I lovelovelove round decks...and the Empress and Death cards in this deck really speak volumes to me.

Kissa	27 Oct 2004
LadyCelt, there are some previous threads about this deck (or set more exactly). I know because I have written in them and bumoed them many times. I guess if you do a search using "Songs" in the threads titles only, you will get many results. I am very fond of the SftJH. I like the honesty, the warmth, the positivity and the very feminine touch about it. Nevertheless, unlike many "feminine" decks, this one doesn't mention all the time the goddess or anything this sort. It is far more open and i can imagine all kind of ppl, pagans or not, christians, buddhists etc, can use it without having to adapt it to their faith. Nature, the Earth and Life are essential in this deck. Both creators are women, who used to belong to Osho community but took their distance from it later. The artwork is kind of naive but it fits the message of the deck in general and the philosophy of both artists. Yes it is kind of expensive but it is a self published set. The package you will receive if you order it from New Zealand is packed by one of the creators (mine was by Dwariko) and it is done with so much warmth, it is a blessing itself to get such a delightful envelope: gorgeous handwriting and stickers etc. Mine came in the middle of the finnish winter, no need to mention i still rememeber this day and my emotion as i opened... If your daughter is fond of New Zealand, well... what else can you do than purchase the set for her??? :D The cards often represent flowers, trees or landscapes from this country. The colours are bright and i can feel the sun burning on my skin in most of the cards. The book is excellent, it is a real book, no pictures of the cards, plain text. The author (Catherine) tells about her own experiences in a very open and friendly way (she is a councelor). It is a blend of ecological, philosophical, self-help messages and personal anecdotes. The Songs for the Journey Home is like a dear friend to me, the kind of friend who always has their arms open wide to comfort you. I use it for my very important readings as well as yearly readings. You can order it from The Tarot Garden The Tarot Garden or from the artists on their website: www.tarotjourney.co.nz. And of course (but do i need to mention it?) the cards look even better in real... Hope this helps, warm blessings to you and your daughter! Kissa PS: as a mom (a breastfeeding mom at the time i got my set) i felt very touched by the 1 of Earth Songs, see 1st picture here: http://www.wicce.com/songspix.html These are also the only cards i've ever dreamt of, once again with my oldest daughter involved. I will be at your disposition for any further info/comment/opinion/feeling about this set, here or by pm, as you like.

LadyCelt	27 Oct 2004
Thank you everyone!! Kissa, I will definitely do a search on past threads. The deck is a bit pricey, but it IS her 18th birthday so I'm inclined to splurge - even more so because her birthday falls two days before Christmas and it has always been a bit of a struggle to keep her birthday separate from the holiday! Plus, she would enjoy getting something with a NZ postmark on it. Cheers, LadyCelt

ferrous	29 Oct 2004
I've enquired of the publishers/artists about the price in oz dollars & they informed me that they've just released a mini version of the deck. I don't know the size yet, but I asked, so I'll pass on the info once I know. Kissa, is it worth getting the book as well? In other words, or also, is the book necessary?

LadyCelt	29 Oct 2004
Thanks!

Hedera	29 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by ferrous they informed me that they've just released a mini version of the deck. !!!!!!! Please keep us informed! I would love to have a small version to carry around with me, it's such a comfortable deck.

xviiirkna	29 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by ferrous Kissa, is it worth getting the book as well? In other words, or also, is the book necessary ? Obviously, I'm not Kissa - but I have had the SftJH deck for about 4 years. The cards are beautifully expressive and indeed may be read intuitively...but I find that Catherine's writing is a key which opens many wonderful doors to Dwariko's imagery. Many of the cards do not depict Tarot archetypes that we have long ingrained upon the brain. Although it does not mean they are inaccessable without the book, it is delightful to read the stories illustrated by the cards which may bring you more in tune with their meaning. Blessings, Sally Anne

Kissa	29 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by ferrous I've enquired of the publishers/artists about the price in oz dollars & they informed me that they've just released a mini version of the deck. I don't know the size yet, but I asked, so I'll pass on the info once I know. Kissa, is it worth getting the book as well? In other words, or also, is the book necessary ? you do as you like, ferrous, if the set is a big investment for you and you are not sure about it, go for the mini deck... but honestly, the SftJH book is as good as the Tarot of Prague companion book: a companion book that goes well behind the deck and Tarot itself. You will really like it if you are an old hippie like me ;) If you like more traditional books offering cards meanings, keywords, spreads, this one is a bit different. Let's see... Quote: SONGS for the JOURNEY HOME Alchemy through Imagery: a Tarot Pathway PART ONE: A map for the journeymaking Introducing SftJh Catherine's story Dwariko's story PART TWO: The Life Songs (aka the Major arcana) An overview of the Life Songs Tuning in to the Seasons of the Life Songs The Fool The Magician ... The Sun Beyond Judgement The Homecoming PART THREE: The Shell Songs (aka the court cards) An overview of the Shell Songs Earth Innocence, Awakening, Creating and Resolving (aka Pentacles) Flame Innocence, Awakening, Creating and Resolving (aka Wands) Wave Innocence, Awakening, Creating and Resolving (aka Cups) Wind Innocence, Awakening, Creating and Resolving (aka Swords) PART FOUR: The Hearth Songs (aka the Minor arcana) An overview of the Hearth Songs Earth Songs Flame Songs Wave Songs Wind Songs PART FIVE: The Myth behind the Mirrors the myths between three cards: The Star, Beyond Judgement and the Ninth Earth Song The Star Woman The Bird and the Anchor Valerie's Story PART SIX: Creative Visualisation and Tarot Spirit Bridges: Meeting with the Luminary (aka the Hierophant) The Scales: Balancing Dualities The Tree of Woman Spirit PART SEVEN: Tarot Reflections Tuning in - Some Ideas on Tarot reading Shores and Bridges (a spread) The traditional Celtic Cross Spread (a spread) Shells, Masks and Shields (a spread) Seasons and Cycles (a spread) Moon gazing - Contemplating the Month ahead (a spread) this is the content of this excellent book. Purple, soft cover, physically pleasant to handle (yes it's also imprtant!), light but crowded with wisdom, beauty and peace... and yes really, please keep us informed about the mini deck, it is very interesting... Christmas is just around the corner, right? ;) Warm blessings, Kissa Edited to add: Oh my!!! Look at my number if posts....

ferrous	30 Oct 2004
Thanks for typing all that in!! It certainly looks worth the money to get the book. Quote: Originally posted by Kissa Edited to add: Oh my!!! Look at my number if posts.... 666 .. rotfl!!! :D Oh, regarding the sizes of the decks, the large one is 10.5cm & the small one is 7.5cm. Sorry about no conversion to inches .. it's been a long day. I'm sure someone else can cope with converting it. ;)

LadyMedusa	31 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by ferrous Thanks for typing all that in!! It certainly looks worth the money to get the book. 666 .. rotfl!!! :D Oh, regarding the sizes of the decks, the large one is 10.5cm & the small one is 7.5cm. Sorry about no conversion to inches .. it's been a long day. I'm sure someone else can cope with converting it. ;) 10.5cm=4 1/8 in 7.5cm= 3 in LadyMedusa

ferrous	31 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by LadyMedusa 10.5cm=4 1/8 in 7.5cm= 3 in LadyMedusa Thank you, LadyMedusa. :)

Kissa	01 Nov 2004
Hi all, good news, great news! Here is what Dwariko wrote me on sunday: Quote: I am so surprised that you have heard about the mini deck as it was printed only last week and tomorrow it will be dye cut. I take delivery of the set on Tuesday and will then begin to pack some sets. She is creating a new website and I guess there will be more info about the mini deck on it. I haven't asked but it might be available as a set too? I guess Dwariko or Catherine would be very happy to answer your questions and provide you with more info about prices and shipping fees... Just e-mail them! This mini deck is REALLY a fantastic idea!! Kissa PS: many thanks to ferrous for informing us about the publishing of the mini deck

ferrous	01 Nov 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Kissa PS: many thanks to ferrous for informing us about the publishing of the mini deck Good news spreads fast, hey? :D BTW, Kissa, you may want to edit that post of yours & obfuscate the email addresses so that they don't get picked up by spambots. :)

Kissa	02 Nov 2004
Quote: Originally posted by ferrous BTW, Kissa, you may want to edit that post of yours & obfuscate the email addresses so that they don't get picked up by spambots. :) ooops, sorry about that, ferrous! (and Catherine and Dwariko!), it didn't even come to my mind, i just wanted to make things as easy as possible for ppl interested by the deck. thanks for pointing this out, ferrous! :) K.

ferrous	02 Nov 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Kissa ooops, sorry about that, ferrous! (and Catherine and Dwariko!), it didn't even come to my mind, i just wanted to make things as easy as possible for ppl interested by the deck. thanks for pointing this out, ferrous! :) K. No need to apologise, Kissa. It's those damn spammers who make things difficult for everyone. They should be the ones apologising. ;) :D

Pebbles	03 Nov 2004
This is a deck I have my eye on. Are they hard to handle?

Kissa	11 Nov 2004
Hi Pebbles, sorry for not seeing your message earlier. No the cards are not hard to handle. They are not slippery and not that big so even a small-handed person (like me) and a lousy shuffler (...) can handle them. I reckon though I like to shuffle them or mix them using the pool technique: all on the table, face down and I'm turning and mixing them until I think they have had enough. Then I shuffle in my hands a few times and cut the deck in three piles, re-unite the piles and draw cards normally. I guess the small version of the deck will be easier to shuffle "normally" = in the hands. I have had lots of more trouble shuffling regular sized extra slippery cards than these round ones. Hope this answers your question. Kissa

ferrous	23 Nov 2004
I just ordered the deck & book set. yay!! I'm so excited! I hope it doesn't take too long to arrive. :)

Kissa	24 Nov 2004
i got the mini cards last week. i ordered it from Dwariko directly and i don't know if it appears on their website already. anyway, i plan on starting a thread and/or a review on this tiny treasure, just haven't had the time to concentrate properly yet. ferrous, i am glad you decided to get the set. would you mind telling us how you like it? who knows, if there are enough of us, we might even start a study group (my secret dream...) about this rare deck. warm blessings, kissa ps: i hope the enveloppe finds its way to you very fast!

rabble	24 Nov 2004
I can't wait for ferrous to get her deck! then I can have a good look :) they look absolutely stunning!!

ferrous	24 Nov 2004
Kissa wrote: i got the mini cards last week. i ordered it from Dwariko directly and i don't know if it appears on their website already. anyway, i plan on starting a thread and/or a review on this tiny treasure, just haven't had the time to concentrate properly yet. ferrous, i am glad you decided to get the set. would you mind telling us how you like it? who knows, if there are enough of us, we might even start a study group (my secret dream...) about this rare deck. warm blessings, kissa ps: i hope the enveloppe finds its way to you very fast! Me, too! She (Dwariko) reckons it'll take about a week. I'd like to be in a study group for the cards, too, I reckon. I'll be in it! (I'd also like to be in one for the Sakki-Sakki, but I don't know how to get one started. Must ask around.)

ferrous	01 Dec 2004
It arrived yesterday afternoon & I am thrilled! I haven't actually had a chance to look through all the cards yet, but instead I took some time to read the introductions from Catherine & Dwariko. Even if you can only read that part of the book before you get into the deck, it's worth it. I found it to be so touching. They spoke deeply & honestly of themselves. It touched me in a way that nothing I've read for a long time ever has. Wow.

cSpaceDiva	02 Dec 2004
This is my current reading deck, and I can't say enough good things about the set. I especially love the story of The Star Woman in The Myths Behind the Mirrors. I read that over and over and Star Grandmother's wisdom always astounds me. I have many decks in my collection and started using this one after a friend asked me for a reading with it. It spoke to both of us, which has been a challenge before. I wanted to become more familiar with it. A few days later, I was at my parents' house looking through some old pictures. I found one of me when I was about 5(?). We were at the state fair and I was wearing a felt hat with a goldenrod band. Stuck in the band was a long green feather that curved to the right. It was so silly I took it with me to show some friends at work. Later that day I had forgotten about this, and thought I would do a one card draw and journal, you know the drill. I randomly picked 7 Wave Songs. I was absolutely beside myself when I saw the very same hat on this card. Luckily I have some experience with tarot and know that these crazy "coincidences" happen all the time, but they still amaze me. I can see that I have gone on too long, so thank you if you are still reading this. Obviously, I give this deck my highest recommendation and would be *delighted* to join a study group if one is formed.

ferrous	02 Dec 2004
cSpaceDiva wrote: I give this deck my highest recommendation and would be *delighted* to join a study group if one is formed. I've just started the ball rolling with a thread in the study groups section. If anyone is interested, please go there & register your interest by replying. Once we have more than just me (heh) then I guess we'll begin. I suppose that I'll give it a week perhaps, to give people a chance to find the study group. Yay, fun! :D

ferrous	02 Dec 2004
Kissa wrote: i got the mini cards last week. How are they? I think I got a sample of the size of the mini deck with my order of the large cards & book & if that's them, then they're gorgeous! Kissa wrote: i ordered it from Dwariko directly and i don't know if it appears on their website already. From what I've heard from Dwariko, they're going to have the launch for the mini deck this week. Very exciting. Not sure if it's only a launch in real life or if they're going to coincide it with a launch on the website, too. I guess we'll just have to keep an eye out on the site.

tatsi	29 Dec 2004
I've read that the colors are more vibrant in the mini. Is this true? If so, how much more vibrant? If size were not an issue, which would you recommend? tatsi

The Songs for the Journey Home deck thread was originally posted on 26 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.