How many of us have the Baroque Bohemian Cats Tarot?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 23 Nov 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

jlbvt	23 Nov 2004
Just wondering how many people have this deck, or are planning to get it. It's so beautiful, that I haven't used mine a lot for fear of it getting messed up (I have a 3 year old!) But recently I have pulled it out, and gotten some really great very literal readings. In other words- forget what you know about a card is supposed to mean- just look and it's telling you the answer in plain language. If you have it, what do you think of the readings? P.S. There's a study group starting, in the General Study Group Forum. Join us! Joan

Solty Dog	24 Nov 2004
I plan on getting it. Its the last deck on my want list. I will be the first want list I ever complete. I have to get it soon before yet another deck makes it on there

HudsonGray	24 Nov 2004
Me! I got it! LOL

Gerbear	24 Nov 2004
I have it, but it is for my collection AND for study/reading, which isn't represented with a category.

baba-prague	24 Nov 2004
I should probably say that it is only just beginning to appear in shops and on Amazon (in the USA/Canada), as it was lost (!) on the dockside in Los Angeles for a month when it arrived - oh yes, such things really do happen! But, at last it's there and more people should be able to see the deck in person. Personally, I find it a very clear reading deck - sometimes too clear almost, it tends not to mince its words. It's also of course very "love it or don't see the point of it" (we knew that when we began the cards). If it works for you, it will work very well indeed, but if you really don't like that kind of very immersive decorative surreal fantasy, then it may not do a lot for you. For us, this became a world of its own and the cards just a glimpse of what's there. It had to feel "real" to us, so that the cards feel real. One day, we would like to follow the Royal Knights on a journey across the palisades to the Land of Fierce Dogs - where anything might happen. For now, here is the map of the Catdom (which I think I said I'd post months ago - sorry!) http://www.bohemian-cats.com/map.htm

rosyelf	24 Nov 2004
I've just voted ! Yes, I have the deck, and use it for study and readings. I love it so much-a kind of warm glow comes over me as soon as I get the cards and book out! It's a great pleasure aesthetically AND it reads well. If anyone out there is holding off believing it to be whimsical and cutesy-it isn't ! If you like cats at all, and romantic scenes, I think you will enjoy this very much. Thank you, Karen and Alex, once again ! :) love and purrings to all, rosyelf

WolfSpirit	24 Nov 2004
I voted "for collecting purposes only" as this comes closest to the options. I never buy a deck just for collecting, but I haven't used it for readings yet, I definitely will read the book, Karen you have such a clear way of putting things :) and I also like the paragraph with the cat's interpretation. At the moment the Druidcraft is taking up all my tarot time, and the deck also makes me explore other territories...I hope I will some day have the time to explore the decks I have bought and haven't had time for yet.

Flavio	24 Nov 2004
This deck is in my wish list.

Alta	24 Nov 2004
I read with this deck, and find the readings to be very clear and direct. It has been one of my three main readings decks since I got it, and several times it has been truly astonishingly helpful.

Shalott	24 Nov 2004
Catdom! That's where they go when I can't find them!!! There must be a secret passageway somewhere in the apartment...or a wormhole and all kitties know where it is!!! It's somewhere on the wishlist!

Tarot Galadriel	24 Nov 2004
Shame I couldn't vote twice, as I bought two copies, one to keep purrrrfect for my collection and one to use and enjoy :o) A lovely deck, really gorgeous

Imagemaker	24 Nov 2004
Quote: as I bought two copies, one to keep purrrrfect for my collection and one to use and enjoy Me, too. I read with all my decks, but some have an artistry that require me to get a collection/backup copy, too. This is one.

darwinia	24 Nov 2004
I told a friend of mine about it and she was down in the States in early October and it was on backorder everywhere. It's absolutely hopeless to find in Canada. This might be a good thing as I rather like the sound of the special edition that might come out next year. I would never buy something just to collect it, I use all my stuff, so it would be important to me to get this at some point in any edition.

baba-prague	24 Nov 2004
Oh - I'm sorry it's not turning up in Canada. I think people back-ordered and then gave up. It REALLY is at the distributors in the US and UK now (we are sending out another lot to the UK tomorrow also), so if you ask any shop they should be able to get it from New Leaf or Ingrams or any of the other main wholesalers (or in the US shops can get it direct from SCBdistributors.com - who are nice people if a bit harrassed this time of the year!) I know (big smile) that tarotgarden just MIGHT have some now too... _________ and... The special edition will happen - we very much want to do it - but we don't want to commit to when as right now we have a huge amount on. Great fun - I LOVE this work - but it means that we can't yet be sure about schedule. It should be next year though. Sorry, it sounds ridiculous, as you think "It's just bigger cards, what's the problem?" but in fact the images need a lot of rethinking to incorporate gold inks, plus the stock needs to be different (otherwise they could feel "floppy" - the bigger the cards the thicker the stock should really be) and then there is the packaging and some other ideas we have had... Anyway, enough of that - I can go on about it for ages and bore everyone and probably it' s more of a "Creation" forum discussion.

Tarot Galadriel	24 Nov 2004
I forgot about the Special Edition ! Looks like I will have 3 copies then ;o)

annik	24 Nov 2004
I like it and for sure, I will jump to a new edition! I keep the copy I have right now as collection. I post messages in the study group but I don't use the deck in reading.

Galiana	24 Nov 2004
I received mine earlier this week. I haven't read with it yet, but I will eventually.

darwinia	24 Nov 2004
baba-prague wrote: Sorry, it sounds ridiculous, as you think "It's just bigger cards, what's the problem?" No, it doesn't sound ridiculous it sounds like a major change, almost like a new deck, at least in post-production. Well, maybe next Christmas! I'm not really a collector so I know if I bought the regular deck I'd never buy the special edition one. I don't do readings so would never need a second copy like a backup. That's why I'm dithering I suppose, I want the BIG one. Am I cheap or something, everybody else seems to be able to cope with dupicate copies? I don't know I just can't seem to do it. I don't think it's a bad practice or anything, but it's not for me.

yve	24 Nov 2004
Well, I have a deck for reading, one for collecting, and one for future trading?

cjtarot	24 Nov 2004
Hi, I got mine today.... I was told about it being stuck on a dock, so I knew it was at least in the US..so I ordered it a month or so ago from Amazon. AND IT CAME TODAY.. I took a quick look thru..have to read the book, but I have to say, I like what I see. Blessings, CJ

Asher	24 Nov 2004
This is such an amazing deck, that I have it for the collection, but have not yet shuffled or read with it, for fear of something happening to it. I do take it out and look through it often, while a friend of mine often brings hers to our Tarot Circle to read with, and it reads beautifully. And the book is just outstanding, just like the Tarot of Prague book. I really _do_ need a 2nd copy to read with. Asher

sunflowr	25 Nov 2004
I'm having a heck of a time aquireing this deck. :( I waited several months for Borders to get it for me and finally gave up. So I called Barnes and Noble today and (hopefully, with all your prayers!! ;)) can get this deck in 5 to 10 business days from this coming monday. (meaning a week to 2 weeks from monday). I hope! I am soooo wanting this deck. And I cant order online because I dont have a credit card. Anyway, so hopefully I'll be joining all you happy owners soon! :)

MeeWah	25 Nov 2004
I received this deck as a thoughtful gift, & love the cat/fantasy theme. There is so much wondrous detail that lends to readings. It has a depth & edge that belie its appearance.

Astraea	25 Nov 2004
MeeWah wrote: There is so much wondrous detail that lends to readings. It has a depth & edge that belie its appearance. I agree. Karen and Alex have imbued the deck with wit to match its beauty, and their own depth of spirit have informed it. I find that it gives rich readings in a non-threatening way.

sunflowr	05 Dec 2004
Just wanted to say: I finally got the Baroque Bohemian Cat Tarot! :) Havent read with it yet but looked at the cards and LOVE them! :) And I really love the book that comes with it! Will probably start doing readings with it later today or tonight. Cant wait! :)

Scion	05 Dec 2004
Actuially, I just bought the set as a gift for my mom's partner. After the ferocious round of Thanksgiving readings, they decided need to have some decks down in Texas for me to read with. So it's a quasi-gift; I'll wind up reading with it. Thing is, she's a complete cat person and the "prague" crew do such beautiful work... It was a must.

gypsy_morrigan	05 Dec 2004
This is definitely on my wish list; I would have gotten it a couple weeks ago but it wasn't in at Borders and the Golden was :). Maybe it'll be a Yule gift to myself!

ciliegia	18 Jan 2005
I just got this deck from amazon.co.jp and I'm using this deck for reading:)

yve	18 Jan 2005
I'm not sure how to vote, as I have a copy unopened for collecting, and one that I use???...and actually another deck for future trading???where do I fall in?

tao51	18 Jan 2005
This is a long anticipated deck for me. I really dislike cats but this deck is so charming and provides a different dimension to readings.--Tao

baba-prague	19 Jan 2005
You dislike Cats???? - okay, let's not go there! I've been a cat fanatic most of my life (no, in fact, make that all my life - my first memory is of crawling along a carpet and coming nose-to-nose with one of our cats) and so I'm not exactly objective on this one! But I'm really glad you're enjoying the deck. It tends to be opinionated in readings I think, but it depends very much how you use it. I really like the whole way I can get into the entire world of the BBCats, but you can also read it more "straight" and it works. I didn't say earlier, but we got a very nice review from Timeless Spirit magazine this month (and the book got a rave review from MidWest Book Review and is apparently going to be mentioned on their radio program - we are purring!) Anyway, the deck review is obviously the more relevant here, it's at: http://www.timelessspirit.com/JAN05/review4.shtml

sunflowr	19 Jan 2005
baba-prague wrote: You dislike Cats???? - okay, let's not go there! I've been a cat fanatic most of my life (no, in fact, make that all my life - my first memory is of crawling along a carpet and coming nose-to-nose with one of our cats) and so I'm not exactly objective on this one! But I'm really glad you're enjoying the deck. It tends to be opinionated in readings I think, but it depends very much how you use it. I really like the whole way I can get into the entire world of the BBCats, but you can also read it more "straight" and it works. I didn't say earlier, but we got a very nice review from Timeless Spirit magazine this month (and the book got a rave review from MidWest Book Review and is apparently going to be mentioned on their radio program - we are purring!) Anyway, the deck review is obviously the more relevant here, it's at: http://www.timelessspirit.com/JAN05/review4.shtml I know! I cant see how anyone could dislike something so cute and cuddly and innocent like a little kitty. Maybe they're allergic, or had a bad experience. As long as they are kind to one if they see one. I dont like bugs but will usually rescue one out of the house or if I see one in trouble.. like meeting certain doom in the hands of a cat, or taking too long a swim in the cat's water bowl. ;) Anyway, CONGRATS on all the good reviews! :) It's a wonderful deck and I've enjoyed reading with it. :)

tao51	19 Jan 2005
baba-prague wrote: You dislike Cats???? - okay, let's not go there! I've been a cat fanatic most of my life (no, in fact, make that all my life - my first memory is of crawling along a carpet and coming nose-to-nose with one of our cats) and so I'm not exactly objective on this one! Truthfully, I love all animals. I have been the pet of a cat. I have had several dogs. I am allergic to both animals. I took allergy shots in order to have them. When they passed on I did not replace them. I have been adopted my my neighbors assorted cats. But...I have several parrots and no allergies to them. I just love the BB Cats' Tarot. I feel they are so insightful while being very cute. I do not use them in readings with annoying people. I use them only with special people. --Tao

DreamDancer	19 Jan 2005
I have been reading with the BBCats and find it a very clear reading deck. These kitties may look cute, but they definitely have claws & will use them if needed to get the point across!

stella01904	19 Jan 2005
MM ~ I don't have the deck but I've seen the scans and yes, it's gorgeous, and (also yes) it would definitely work for readings. Now if someone would just do a dogs Tarot of the same quality... (dodges blows and empty Fancy Feast cans) ;) BB, Stella

sunflowr	20 Jan 2005
DreamDancer wrote: I have been reading with the BBCats and find it a very clear reading deck. These kitties may look cute, but they definitely have claws & will use them if needed to get the point across! Sounds like my Luna!! ;)

baba-prague	20 Jan 2005
tao51 wrote: Truthfully, I love all animals. I have been the pet of a cat. I have had several dogs. I am allergic to both animals. I took allergy shots in order to have them. When they passed on I did not replace them. I have been adopted my my neighbors assorted cats. But...I have several parrots and no allergies to them. I just love the BB Cats' Tarot. I feel they are so insightful while being very cute. I do not use them in readings with annoying people. I use them only with special people. --Tao Oh, I forgot you have parrots - and I'm teasing about the not liking cats - it must be difficult to have such allergies, but it seems very common these days. One of our cats is a Siberian and they are supposed not to trigger allergies, but there is a lot of debate about this, it only seems to work for some people. I LOVE parrots. I went the other day to visit a macaw in the local petshop. He isn't young, and I feel terribly sorry for him - I wish someone would buy him, but he is still there. We can't have him as (apart from the huge cost) we only have a small flat - and the cats would be terrified if they were in the same room (you have to remember that these are the cats who are still recovering from the awful encounter with the gerbil we took home for a week in December - he attacked them through the bars of his cage and they were terrified! Our cats are not the bravest..). I would dearly love to do a book or deck with parrots - although I'm not sure there would be much of a market for it. By the way, I have sometimes wondered if the BBCats cards are a little like real cats - do they head straight for the person who says they don't like them? LOL

stella01904	20 Jan 2005
baba-prague wrote: By the way, I have sometimes wondered if the BBCats cards are a little like real cats - do they head straight for the person who says they don't like them? LOL MM ~ ROFLMAO No. but if you stare at them too much, they get annoyed! BB, Stella PS Actually think a parrot deck would be wonderful. These animal decks take you back to that childhood mindset, those Little Golden Books and Tasha Tudor illustrated fairy tales, where all the animals dressed up and did human things. And to tap into that part of oneself, well - everybody says kids are more psychic!

tao51	20 Jan 2005
baba-prague wrote: I would dearly love to do a book or deck with parrots - although I'm not sure there would be much of a market for it. By the way, I have sometimes wondered if the BBCats cards are a little like real cats - do they head straight for the person who says they don't like them? LOL I do think that the BBCats are like true cats. They choose the ones they like! The expressions of the swords suit are priceless. The Queen of Swords is especially ruthless. This deck was my selection for top deck of 2004! I liked several decks but this was my overall choice for poll. By the way, Mika, my African Grey will appear to study the pictures. He makes kissing sounds especially the High Priestess. By the way, do you have another project in the works? ---Tao

tao51	20 Jan 2005
baba-prague wrote: I would dearly love to do a book or deck with parrots - although I'm not sure there would be much of a market for it. By the way, I have sometimes wondered if the BBCats cards are a little like real cats - do they head straight for the person who says they don't like them? LOL I do think that the BBCats are like true cats. They choose the ones they like! The expressions of the swords suit are priceless. The Queen of Swords is especially ruthless. This deck was my selection for top deck of 2004! I liked several decks but this was my overall choice for poll. By the way, Mika, my African Grey will appear to study the pictures. He makes kissing sounds especially the High Priestess. By the way, do you have another project in the works? ---Tao

similia	21 Jan 2005
baba-prague wrote: By the way, I have sometimes wondered if the BBCats cards are a little like real cats - do they head straight for the person who says they don't like them? LOL I hope thats true. I don't like cats, not even the BB-ones. However I have a friend I'm planning to buy this deck for, so If the universe wants to send me a free one to pass on, thats OK by me.

Stregaverde	21 Jan 2005
There are decks that I've had for much longer, and decks that are simpler, but nothing works as well with me as BBC. Even my husband said, during a reading that I did for him with the Golden, "Why don't you just stick with the cats for now? You're happier when you're reading with the cats." I love my Golden Tarot, my Renaissance, and am looking forward to the Housewives Tarot as a Valentine's gift. The Old Path deck and I are dear friends. Hanson-Roberts is safe and charming. My Mermaids deck is gentle and fluid, Ancestral Path is wise and patient. The TOP is gorgeous, but is waiting for another time to be studied. Right now, it's all about the cats. They speak so clearly!

KathleenC	21 Jan 2005
I like this deck, and I have nothing against cats, but I don't feel these cards would work for me. If it was dogs instead of cats I would be able to use it as I can relate to the personality of dogs, but not of cats. If that makes any sense.

baba-prague	21 Jan 2005
Stregaverde wrote: There are decks that I've had for much longer, and decks that are simpler, but nothing works as well with me as BBC. It's interesting. I think that they don't work with anyone (and yes, I can see that if you don't relate to the distinct personalities of cats that they may not work at all) but when they do find a match with a reader, then they do seem to be able to convey a lot. I expect this deck to be the one that takes the most amount of time of any we do - it turned out to be a huge undertaking as it's all so intricate - but I think in a way that shows, it has a lot packed into it. I can't see us doing a dog tarot. In a way I'd love to, but I'm a cat and bird person (yes, odd combination - but I spent my childhood obsessed with bird watching and helping out the local naturalist association with bird-ringing) and I'm not sure if I personally would adapt (although I like dogs and have had dogs several times in my life). I can't see how we could do a bird tarot, although that's one I'd love to try - and I am REALLY amused, amazed and pleased to hear that an African Grey (possibly my favourite type of parrot) likes BBCats - a parrot with an open mind I think! I feel I should thank Tao AND the parrot for the vote for the cats - thanks to you both! To answer Tao's question our next project is with Rachel Pollack and is an Oracle, I've quietly mentioned it here a few times, but too early to say much just yet. Apart from that we are also in fact (and slightly unexpectedly) doing a collaborative tarot with an artist here - we just came across her and liked her style and felt it would fit with an idea we've had for a while. I don't think we can show it for a little while though. It will be a full 78-card deck and sort of serious in content. Oh - I've suddenly realised that one of the first batch of cards semi-completed for this deck has a Macaw in it (actually modelled on the one in the pet shop here). I may just sneak in another parrot or two - I now feel an African Grey is in order and I think I know where to put him/ her :-). I ought to say that the artist we are working with adores animals and draws them beautifully. It's one of the things that attracted us to her.

tao51	22 Jan 2005
baba-prague wrote: It's interesting. I think that they don't work with anyone (and yes, I can see that if you don't relate to the distinct personalities of cats that they may not work at all) but when they do find a match with a reader, then they do seem to be able to convey a lot. I expect this deck to be the one that takes the most amount of time of any we do - it turned out to be a huge undertaking as it's all so intricate - but I think in a way that shows, it has a lot packed into it. I can't see us doing a dog tarot. In a way I'd love to, but I'm a cat and bird person (yes, odd combination - but I spent my childhood obsessed with bird watching and helping out the local naturalist association with bird-ringing) and I'm not sure if I personally would adapt (although I like dogs and have had dogs several times in my life). I can't see how we could do a bird tarot, although that's one I'd love to try - and I am REALLY amused, amazed and pleased to hear that an African Grey (possibly my favourite type of parrot) likes BBCats - a parrot with an open mind I think! I feel I should thank Tao AND the parrot for the vote for the cats - thanks to you both! To answer Tao's question our next project is with Rachel Pollack and is an Oracle, I've quietly mentioned it here a few times, but too early to say much just yet. Apart from that we are also in fact (and slightly unexpectedly) doing a collaborative tarot with an artist here - we just came across her and liked her style and felt it would fit with an idea we've had for a while. I don't think we can show it for a little while though. It will be a full 78-card deck and sort of serious in content. Oh - I've suddenly realised that one of the first batch of cards semi-completed for this deck has a Macaw in it (actually modelled on the one in the pet shop here). I may just sneak in another parrot or two - I now feel an African Grey is in order and I think I know where to put him/ her :-). I ought to say that the artist we are working with adores animals and draws them beautifully. It's one of the things that attracted us to her. I just finished a reading using the BB Cats. The individual requested this deck because the cats have their way of drawing out issues. Mika, was sitting at court supervising the reading. When I placed a card down, he had to get a closer look. I think he felt that he must supervise. I do think it would be cool to see a Tarot Deck featuring even one parrot. The African Grey tends to be my favorite. He could be the Hierophant. I think Mika would have given be a raspberry if I hadn't selected the BBCats as my top pic for the survey.--Tao

stella01904	22 Jan 2005
baba-prague wrote: I can't see us doing a dog tarot. In a way I'd love to, but I'm a cat and bird person MM ~ Well, then it wouldn't be as wonderful! Someone else will have to do it. I've seen scans of a dogs tarot from Italy but it was in black & white, and Trumps only. Maybe someone will take the hint and do a full deck. (Oh, how I wish Albert Payson Terhune had been into Tarot!;)) It's coming, I just don't know when. BB, Stella

Alta	22 Jan 2005
I know I have said this before, and goodness knows I change decks often enough, but when I am really concerned and especially for work, my hand always reaches for BBCats. Somehow over time I have come to truly trust that deck. The images add layers to my perception of reality. Why that deck? I no longer even have cats (allergies, quite bad) though I had them for most of my life. To me, dogs are not subtle enough for tarot. Just my opinion, please don't throw stuff. :D

stella01904	22 Jan 2005
Marion wrote: To me, dogs are not subtle enough for tarot. Just my opinion, please don't throw stuff. :D MM ~ ROFL - I won't! After all, this is the BB CATS topic and nobody threw their Fancy Feast cans at ME when I brought up the dogs! Of course MY dogs are capable of being VERY subtle. And their lives are so intertwined with ours, they should be worthy of one really great deck, anyway. They've been with us since "before we learned the tricky art of walking on our hind legs". This is something they do voluntarily. The other animals were kind of coerced into service, to provide us work or food. Except the cat. It is the cats due to be fed and housed and not have to provide any kind of service. We don't know why anymore, and the cats aren't talking, but it is Natural Law. All hail. ;) BB, Stella

The How many of us have the Baroque Bohemian Cats Tarot? thread was originally posted on 23 Nov 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.