Under-rated Decks

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 02 Mar 2005, and now archived in the Forum Library.

RedMaple	02 Mar 2005
Just watched the Hudes thread disappear down the list with no new posts. The Hudes is one of my favorites, and I think is is really under-rated. Anyone else have decks they feel aren't getting the attention they deserve?

temperlyne	02 Mar 2005
One of my favourite decks is the roots of asia. But it doesn't seem to be very popular. The artwork is just amazing, dreamlike yet symbolic. The minors are illustrated and their meanings is sort of a mix between crowley and waite, which I love. I think there are a lot of hyped, overrated decks out their and some real beauties that are being ignored by the masses... such a shame

Fudugazi	02 Mar 2005
Yes - El Gran Tarot Esoterico, which I finally received a week ago and which is amazing. It'll take me some time to get my head round it (including reading the Sepher Yetzirah) but I noticed it doesn't have a review here and only a few measly stars and very few people were interested when I opened a thread a while ago. I think people who answered must have felt sorry for me :D (thanks Fulgour and Lionette!) Mind you, I've not read with it yet. Also: Tarocchi di Vetro - Crystal Tarot - which flares now and then, but in my view is one of the greatest decks ever created and one which I imagine standing the test of centuries. That one reads like - well, like a tarot deck that will last for centuries ;). One I don't own but which I know from scans on the internet and find absolutely delicious is Dorothy Simpson Krause's Millenium Tarot. A Rolls-Royce of decks. And not to forget poor old Oswald Wirth's deck - which has withstood 80 years or so, and will no doubt withstand more. I mean the 22 Majors deck - not the weird one with minors, which OW did not do or want, published by US Games (I'm sounding like Diana - but I agree with her absolutely). The Wirth is not only gorgeous, a monument of Tarot, it is also very deep and anyone who likes decks like the Scapini or the Golden would enjoy it. I was very interested to read about the Hudes - especially Moongold's comments, which she has explored elsewhere as well.

Emily	02 Mar 2005
I too think that there are some vastly under-rated decks too. The Morgan Greer my personal favourite is a deck that comes to the surface, is popular for a while then goes out of favour. Although now it has a study thread more people might notice it again. It also made it onto the Top Ten favourite decks once. :) I could probably talk about the virtues of this deck for hours, boring people into oblivion at the same time, but I still think that its a good all-round deck that could be used for any question or any spread. The artwork is excellent as is the colouring of the deck and if you decided to learn with it then any Rider Waite book would work well with this deck. :)

fyreflye	02 Mar 2005
The Albano-Waite deck. Many RWS fans are understandably bored by the washed-out colors and faded details of the US Games standard deck and try to compensate with various golden, radiant and other recolored versions which, except for the Universal Waite, appear to me as garish substitutions that sacrifice the color symbolism in an attempt to look like something with 32 flavors. Only recently I found out that the Albano-Waite version of the RWS was published before the U S Games version and for the USA at least was the "original" Rider-Waite. It looks pretty tasty itself but its esoteric color scheme is not only accurate but, well, colorful. Who wouldn't prefer orange skies and purple horses to U S Games' naturalistic washout?. I have only the original Tarot Productions, Inc. edition but I'm told by those who have both that the U S Games printing is almost the same. How many here have actually seen it?

ncefafn	02 Mar 2005
I agree with Roots of Asia, gorgeous deck, and I don't understand why it's not more popular. I also wanted to plug the Gendron. I traded something for this, something I wanted to get rid of so badly that what I had seen of the Gendron online didn't put me off. When I got the deck finally and looked through it, I thought, "Eh. I don't like the art. I'll try and trade this away." Just to give it a go, though, I did one reading with it and got really good results. I've continued to try it out, and I'm always amazed at how clearly it speaks to me. It's got a very kind "voice" to it, if you know what I mean. Very spiritual, yet not frou-frou at all. Kim

baba-prague	02 Mar 2005
Helvetica wrote: Yes - El Gran Tarot Esoterico, which I finally received a week ago and which is amazing. . I have this deck but it hasn't had much attention from me - just pressure of time. When I first got it I was - like you - pleasantly surprised, but I can also imagine it isn't going to appeal to everyone. I'll pull mine out and take another proper look though - thanks for the nudge on this one. My own under-rated deck choice? I'm honestly not sure. I have decks that don't get talked about a lot, but I'm not sure if that's the same as being under-rated - it may simply be that they've gone out of fashion or are a bit forgotten. I'll go off and think about this I think.

Fulgour	02 Mar 2005
Convos Marseille by Otto Spalinger While there is end-less fussing over Hadar and Camoin, who really only hired someone to "recreate" their decks, we have a truly modern, completely traditional, edition. Otto made a sincere study of this historical pattern and gave to it a revitalized appeal and insightful colorations.

Nina*	02 Mar 2005
Fulgour wrote: Convos Marseille by Otto Spalinger Have you got a link to some scans of this deck, Fulgour???

Fulgour	02 Mar 2005
Ninamagic wrote: Have you got a link to some scans of this deck, Fulgour??? Just yesterday I framed three print-outs sent to me by Otto of sketches for the Convos in early stages. There's a thread, with many cheerful contributions: "Marseille Forum - Convos Marseille Art Recreation" http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=34833

rota	02 Mar 2005
Fulgour wrote: Convos Marseille by Otto Spalinger... a sincere study of this historical pattern ... a revitalized appeal and insightful colorations. ++++++ I'll speak up for this one as well, since I've been using it a lot lately. Good points: * lovely and slightly garish colors, all based on the ones available during the time period. * poignantly weird artwork, perspectiveless and flat. (I've come to admire this approach over time, because it means that one is not always comparing card images to reality.) Bad points: * some cards 'reversible', others not. * card backs are a set of gray shades that I find unpleasant. Why not some sort of monochrome medieval patterning, instead? Adding to the list of underrated decks, I would add Tarot Nova. I like it partly for the sense of humor found in its decorative imagery, and partly for the easy-on-the-eyes black backgrounds, and partly for its smallish size. This is an unimposing deck that intrigues the eye, offends no one, and should be more popular than it is.

Fulgour	02 Mar 2005
rota wrote: * card backs are a set of gray shades that I find unpleasant. Why not some sort of monochrome medieval patterning, instead? This is one of those things, but it all makes (card) sense. There are the 3 basic shapes: circle, square, triangle. And then if you allow the circle's optical illusion to work, the four human forms, since now there's an Oval too! :)

rosyelf	02 Mar 2005
RedMaple, I have glanced at the scans of the Hudes, and a couple of reviews, and agree it is a very attractive deck. Just haven't got round to it yet ! May I mention the New Orleans Voodoo Tarot ? I find it so powerful. ( I do agree with some people who argue it is more like an oracle, in that the creators diverge somewhat in interpretation and iconography from the more, shall we say, "usual" decks. No matter.) The deck is dramatic, passionate, sexual, poetic. I knew nothing about Voodoo before buying this deck. I know lots of people are put off by that word because it has so many connotations of black (no pun intended) magic but I found nothing here that was intrinsically disturbing. It's a powerful tradition, and any form of power can be perverted and misused, that's all. Maybe it should not be relevant-just to say I am a white person. love to all rosyelf

WolfSpirit	02 Mar 2005
I think the fact that a deck is not constantly talked about does not mean it is underrated. New decks are talked about more than the old trusty ones most people already know. I think that is just the way it is, new things draw the attention - both positive and negative - but that does not necessarily mean we have stopped loving the old ones. One of my old favourites is the Animal Wise, it works great for me but yeah, when I first saw it I did not think it looked that great, and it has renamed the suits and...so I guess it will not be loved by everyone, but I have stopped caring about it, they just don't know what they are missing. Same for the Wolf Pack tarot, of which the reviewer at Aeclectic says: "This would not be a deck that would attract experienced readers, however for the novice readers or those interested in self-reflection and self-improvement it is quite acceptable." and "Don't totally dismiss these cards, they have their merits and purpose however, it may not be for professional or public readings." Yeah whatever sister :P I still love these cards. It is also a bit special, when you have discovered the hidden treasure in a deck that others think is not that special :D

Moonbow*	02 Mar 2005
I'm quite taken by some of the Italian 'Marseille' decks... like the Bologna and especially the Liguria-Piedmont. To me the people cards let the decks down a little, by being way out of proportion and a little clumsy looking, but that's one of the attractions of the deck. Generally though, they are smart little decks with the same or similar symbolism and details as the more usual Marseille decks. I also agree with Roots of Asia, it's a wonderful deck for hidden symbolism - which is what I love most about tarot and also some art. I wonder why it's not used or mentioned much on these forums too, it's a deck that I won't part with.

shaveling	02 Mar 2005
I'm enjoying the Convos, as well, and hope it gains popularity. rota wrote: Bad points: * some cards 'reversible', others not. Spalinger's initials, OS, appear at the bottom of each card, so you can determine uprights and reversals that way. There's a copyright notice in the lower right margin, too. But I understand that copyright notices have had a way of moving around with different printings of some decks.

dolphinprincess	02 Mar 2005
.... just a quick thank you to this thread for 'exposing' the Roots of Asia tarot. I had never really looked at this before, but it is beautiful!!!!! Definitely under-rated.

Nina*	02 Mar 2005
Fulgour wrote: There's a thread, with many cheerful contributions: "Marseille Forum - Convos Marseille Art Recreation" http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=34833 I really like these... :) thanks!

Emeraldgirl	02 Mar 2005
The tarot of St Petersburg is really underrated to me. The artwork is amazing and was done by an artist who was known for his picture of Russian folklore. I also agree that the Voodoo tarot of New Orleans is really underrrated it is such a vibrant powerful deck.

Little Baron	02 Mar 2005
I have been looking at the 'Voodoo Tarot of New Orleans' for quite a while. I must say that the images still give me the slight shivers, which is probably why I havn't bought it yet. LB

MercyMe	02 Mar 2005
The Hudes is my very favorite deck and I read beautifully with it. Something about it really resonates deep inside of me. I know and understand that a lot of people see it as a dark or depressing deck, and I can see why they say that, but when I look at the images, I see serenity, peace, somberness, quiet, study, concern, love. Sometimes images of ecstactic joy make me nervous. I love the calm feeling the Hudes evokes in me as I sit down to read with them and the intuition just flows because of that peace. Mercy

WooMonkey	02 Mar 2005
fyreflye wrote: The Albano-Waite deck. Who wouldn't prefer orange skies and purple horses to US Games' naturalistic washout?. I have only the original Tarot Productions, Inc. edition but I'm told by those who have both that the U S Games printing is almost the same. How many here have actually seen it? YES!!! I agree with fyreflye. I like so many of the Albano colorings (especially the Kings). I'm not sure about the "official" colors, but I have noticed that there are differences between my regular size, and mini decks. Woo! :)

Asher	02 Mar 2005
In addition to the regular and mini AW decks, there was a set of large AW Majors published in 1968 by Tarot Productions. These measure 5 3/4 by 9 1/4 inches, a great deck for teaching purposes! I just finished teaching a series of classes on the Majors using this deck. Comparing my mini (don't have the regular size) with my large Majors, the only discernable difference is that the mini's colors seem more vivid, while the enlargements have washed out some of the color. Also, the strong purple in the mini changes to a more dark blue in the large majors. Asher

fyreflye	03 Mar 2005
Asher wrote: In addition to the regular and mini AW decks, there was a set of large AW Majors published in 1968 by Tarot Productions. These measure 5 3/4 by 9 1/4 inches, a great deck for teaching purposes! I just finished teaching a series of classes on the Majors using this deck. Comparing my mini (don't have the regular size) with my large Majors, the only discernable difference is that the mini's colors seem more vivid, while the enlargements have washed out some of the color. Also, the strong purple in the mini changes to a more dark blue in the large majors. I have two printings of the "regular" size deck, the "NEW COLOR, Deluxe Edition" with no lwb and the "Accurate Color Tone" with an lwb that has a text that clearly was used for parts of the lwb accompanying the later US Games RWS deck. The decks are almost identical, even to the same printing flaws, though parts of some cards (e.g. The Magician's table) are slightly darker than on the cards of the other set. The "Accurate Color Tone" deck is laminated while the "NEW COLOR" is not. I'm aware of the large all-Majors and mini decks but have yet to come across copies of either.

Tarot Sparrow	03 Mar 2005
I can think of two decks off the top of my head that are particularly underrated. The Hudes, being my first deck and one of my favourites, and another one of my favourites, the Tarot of Transformation. Both are gorgeous, inspirational and unique tarots that are either ignored or have a bad rep for reasons I will never understand. I encourage everyone to check them out and give them a chance :)

Jewel-ry	03 Mar 2005
People often extol the virtues of the Italian decks, in particular the Soprafino by Gumppenberg and I have a couple of the limited editions which I truly treasure but I have the Lo Scarabeo version which I have used so much in recent weeks. There have been decks before which I have felt a connection with but to be honest nothing comes anywhere close to this deck. It is a real treasure. Very useable and is beginning to whisper quite wonderfully to me. http://www.wicce.com/classicalpix.html Yes, it has keywords written along the sides but I just dont see them.

rainwolf	03 Mar 2005
The navigators tarot was only rated three stars on this site and i think it should have a four. The drawings may be "bizarre" but thats if you are comparing it to the RWS, and there are much more bizarre decks featured in the deck section. The depth of the symbolism and meaning should also bring the score up since it is a deck that is based on a reworking of the tree of life's positions. I bought the deck because it spoke so much to my emotion which is very rare for me; even now i dont use it all the time but it is my favorite because of how appealing it is. The Golden Rider also, i think it did wonders to the images of the original RWS which was rather choppy even though i like it. Again, only three stars. I think the subscribers should be able to vote on the card ratings as a benefit, that would probably boost subscriptions...just a thought.

Little Baron	03 Mar 2005
I have the LoS Ancient Marseille tarot. I like the bold colouring on these cards - the greens and yellows, in particular. Not many seem to use this one but I actually find it a nice reading deck - probably not as sharp as my Grimaud or Hadar, but I do use it a lot. LB

WolfSpirit	03 Mar 2005
LittleBuddha ~ I have that one too, and I love it. It really gives me the feel of something old.

Rachel Nguyen	03 Mar 2005
I have a copy of the 1889 Oswald Wirth deck and think that one reason why the deck is 'underrated' is because the reproductions of it are hideously ugly. Frankly, the real thing is stunningly beautiful. Most of the reproductions I have seen are based on the 1927 version, which are lovely (and Wirth felt, more correct in their symbolism) but somehow less evocative for me. I agree, too, with the LS Ancien tarot de Marseille. I have been a big fan of the Bicentennial version of the Conver deck for a long time. I also had the Heron edition of it. This year, during Llewellyn's $5.00 sale, I finally broke down and bought the LS version of it and am totally entranced. It is a completely different printing than the Heron, and, in my opinion, just wonderful.

catti	03 Mar 2005
In my opinion suffers from its name. The author /artist Karen Kuykendall was a talented and interesting lady who created the fantasy world of the Outer Regions where the Tarot of the Cat People takes place. Her art is great with a consistent style and feel, the world is also complete. Two books accompany the Outer Regions; Mark of the Cat and Year of the Rat - Andre Norton penned them with the artist assistance. The Year of the Rat was published after Ms. Kuykendalls death from cancer. She made incredible costumes and wore them that were from the Outer Regions...but back to Tarot It is a very approachable RWS clone and always has been direct for me and a friend of mine who is a beginner uses it just fine also I just wish it could be called Tarot of the Outer Regions to get away from the negative associations dog lovers may have ;-) Catti PS my sn has nothing to do with cats and i dont have them for pets ( just so you know i am not animal biased ;)

bleuivy	03 Mar 2005
I officially love this thread! I love people plugging the decks they love that just don't get the recognition they deserve. The Roots of Asia tarot is now on my wish list for when I'm a bit more sure of the cards. Thanks to whoever posted it. :D I personally love the Secret Tarot, which I don't see that many people discussing, but I think it's a great deck with deep symbolism, and it reads really well. But, I know that the comic book style doesn't appeal to everyone. Works great for me though.

magpie9	03 Mar 2005
the Arthurian tarot by John and Caitlin Matthews (Hallowquest) is a wonderful deck that hardly ever gets any attention. It's based on the more historic/celtic version of the Arthurian myth, and the illustrations are clear and wonderful. They are so fascinating that they led me into both Arturian and Celtic studies, a splended journey that continues to enrich my life still, all these years later. The minors are all scenic, rather than human, and are wonderful landscapes--especially nice for those of us who have never been to the UK--they give a wonderful sense of Place. It reads deeply and clearly for me, and I can't recomend it highly enough.

RedMaple	05 Mar 2005
Wow, this thread really took off! I've been away for a few days and came back to find this great discussion. Thanks, everyone.

Junia	06 Mar 2005
[quote=Emeraldgirl]The tarot of St Petersburg is really underrated to me. The artwork is amazing and was done by an artist who was known for his picture of Russian folklore. QUOTE] I know someone who has this deck--It really is amazing. Stalin is The Devil in the deck. Also, what is really great about this deck is the companion book to it. It is really detailed and comprehensive--covering aspects of Russian History and culture. The original artist (Yuri Shakov [which is a variation of chekov as in anton--i was told]) defected to America from Russia and was forced to leave any art that he had created behind in Russia. He started the Deck and had finished the Major Arcana and the Suit of Cups and a rough draft of the rest of the Deck. Although, he died before completing it. He drew in the miniature style best known for egg drawing (as in Fabrege). The backs of the card have that beautiful gold filigree effect. In my opinion, a good book is great boon if the creator of the deck has written one to accompany it. It gives depth to meanings (some are just a little different from the standard). Does anyone else find the companion books interesting or are there any with the decks that have been mentioned above?

Milamber	06 Mar 2005
I'm going to climb out on that loose limb I seem to like so much, and say the Winged Spirit Tarot. I've been scouring for quite a while now for a deck that really expresses the elements in a way I enjoy, and I ran across this one. Now, I don't own the deck, but I love the way that the minors in this deck are shown, and at least to me, it seems better than three stars out of five. Still on the hunt for a really good elemental-style deck though. Shapeshifter has my eye now, but I'm not sure. Tarot of Dreams too.

Cerulean	06 Mar 2005
I've been looking at oracles and tarots that correspond to seasonal cycles of the years...and elements for the suits that include water, fire, earth and air...is that what you mean? I am guessing, as you mentioned Shapeshifter, which is more natural elements...I was thinking of such decks that work well that might be underrated... I know this might seem a silly question, but I once mistook a mention of "elemental" dignities from a scholarly sort who was describing something more complex. (They were doing things much more complex that dealt with systems that included how the Queen of Pentacles can be called Water of Earth, etc.). Regards, Cerulean

Milamber	07 Mar 2005
I've actually treated the courts like that in the past, but yeah, I was referring to using Earth, Fire, Water and Air as suits -- or at least have them expressed more within the suits. The elemental decks I've seen to date, barring Shapeshifter, have all had artistic styles that clashed with me. Native or Egyptian designs, for example, really don't speak to me. I guess I've been looking for an elemental-style deck that isn't depicted in such an abstract way. It needn't be related to nature, either, though I don't mind it.

WolfSpirit	07 Mar 2005
Junia wrote: In my opinion, a good book is great boon if the creator of the deck has written one to accompany it. It gives depth to meanings (some are just a little different from the standard). Does anyone else find the companion books interesting or are there any with the decks that have been mentioned above? Decks mentioned in this thread that come with a good book: Tarot of Transformation Arthurian Hallowquest Animal Wise There may be me more, but these are the ones I know :)

Bean Feasa	07 Mar 2005
I think the Glastonbury is underrated, possibly because the artwork, on some of the cards at least, tends towards a slightly naive style. I'm just getting to know it and am finding it wonderfully communicative. The strong colours can look a bit offputting in scans, but in reality I find them uplifting. It has a very warm, powerful, serene feel to it... yikes, I think I'm falling in love (AGAIN!)

Junia	07 Mar 2005
Thanks, WolfSpirit, I'll check them out! Junia

Moonbow*	07 Mar 2005
Bean Feasa wrote: I think the Glastonbury is underrated, possibly because the artwork, on some of the cards at least, tends towards a slightly naive style. I'm just getting to know it and am finding it wonderfully communicative. The strong colours can look a bit offputting in scans, but in reality I find them uplifting. It has a very warm, powerful, serene feel to it... yikes, I think I'm falling in love (AGAIN!) Oh yes... and the Glastonbury I agree with this totally. It's a wonderful deck and one of my favourites. The artwork is good but simple and goes very well with the whole atmosphere of the deck. It's a beautifully calm and peaceful deck to use.

blackroseivy	07 Mar 2005
For me, the Jacques Vieville - a little-studied (as far as I've been able to ascertain) predecessor to the Marseilles.

Emeraldgirl	07 Mar 2005
In my opinion, a good book is great boon if the creator of the deck has written one to accompany it. It gives depth to meanings (some are just a little different from the standard). Does anyone else find the companion books interesting or are there any with the decks that have been mentioned above?[/quote] The Buckland Gypsy Tarot comes with a great book relating the cards to the Gypsy way of life and traditions. It's also a really well illistrated deck and probably another underrated one.

Sulis	08 Mar 2005
Bean Feasa wrote: I think the Glastonbury is underrated I couldn't agree more :) I love the Glastonbury tarot, the colours are just wonderful and I like the naive art syle - I think of is as a little 'edgy'. The main problem with the Glastonbury is that awful, sticky, glossy laminate. I wish they'd do another printing without the sticky feel. Love Sulis xx

Cerulean	08 Mar 2005
but I've grown to like it more after tasting some appropriate poetry and movie delights. Regards, Cerulean

all78degrees	08 Mar 2005
I'm not sure if it's under-rated but I haven't heard the halloween tarot mentioned for a while. Tarot of the origins, comparative tarot, vision quest, dante, and Libr T could all be done with have the limelight on them. gav.

BlueLotus	08 Mar 2005
Of the more recent decks, I like the Celestial Tarot, but I do not see many people as thrilled about it as I am ( so far ). It feels so good and natural to hold it in my hands and read with it. The size of the cards are just right and the artwork is beautiful. I may be a bit biased toward Kay Steventon's work ( Spiral Tarot ), but this is not the only reason I like this deck. To give more credit to this deck I think that the astrological symbols and signs on each card are a plus, and I find this quite helpful. However, I wish there was a more detailed accompanying book to go with it. I am sure there will be one in the future though.

Chronata	08 Mar 2005
A couple of decks I really like that I would consider under-rated are... The Fradella Adventure...with it's super hero and comic book stylings... The Vision (but only after I cut off the incredibly useless borders!)... The Baseball Tarot...which really is a great working deck...but no one believes me!... and the Nigel Jackson...which I love for its soft colors and artwork. I would also agree with others here about the Tarot Nova...which is really a great deck for intuitive readings!... and the New Orleans Voodoo, which is one I always find my way back to.

Umbrae	08 Mar 2005
International Icon Tarot Chronata wrote: The Baseball Tarot...which really is a great working deck...but no one believes me!... I do – it’s a brilliant working deck (but not the Tarot of Baseball, different deck and not even close).

SongDeva	09 Mar 2005
Umbrae wrote: International Icon Tarot I do – it’s a brilliant working deck (but not the Tarot of Baseball, different deck and not even close). Umbrae, Did you mean that the Tarot of Baseball is not underrated, or that the Baseball Tarot is no Tarot of Baseball? Personally, I think they are both great, with the ToB being more purely baseball perhaps (I may need to look at this again) and the BT being a little more Game of Life. But then, as we all know, Baseball *is* the game of life....;) Anyway, I love how inclusive the BT is, of genders and ages...can't recall on races. My own underrated thoughts.... Totally agree on the Tarot of Transformation. Spent the nicest month doing daily draws...what a lovely language it speaks. Very transcendant (sp?). Also agree on the Halloween Tarot....if you haven't checked this one out closely, you probably missed the work and thought that went into the symbolism. And if you spent your childhood trick-or-treating, then you will vibe with it. I use it to read for kids at halloween and its brilliant. I also have always thought of the Hudes as meditative, and perhaps as depicting a world where people communicate telepathically. I think the Witches Tarot is too much maligned. Get over the guy with barbells already. :) I underrated the Fey at first. Boy was I wrong. :D I also underrated the Cosmic Tribe. I bought one to sell, and took a look at it. Found myself really vibing with it! Who knew?! I'll surely add more, but that's it for now.

Chubby Mummy	09 Mar 2005
This hasnt been mentioned - and I dont know why but Im really drawn to it...nearly got it once on ebay, but lost the auction to someone else. Anyone else got this ?? what do you think of it?? xx cm

Umbrae	09 Mar 2005
SongDeva: sorry I wasn’t clear. Love the Baseball Tarot. Hate ToB. And…Baseball is… Halloween is cute never been able to read with it. Lovecraft Tarot – gave mine to Kiama…it wasn’t dark enough (it's kinda silly - like having a picture of one of the 'Old Ones'? Like what are they thinking?).

Lurea	09 Mar 2005
This is a great thread! I was interested to hear people's views on the Tarot of Transformation--that is a deck that greatly appeals to me and that I've been thinking about buying. I agree with the Halloween Tarot--in fact, for me it has an oddball sense of humor that comes through in the readings! That took a little getting used to! :D

Sechat	11 Mar 2005
I would like to stand up for the Tarot Erotica by Lori Walls. Yes, it's a very graphic deck, disturbing even. And I only use for insights into "people" situations: readings where I want to get a take on the primal aspects/motivations/currents of a situation. Sex, Eating, Health, etc. The fact that the imagery is so graphic makes me pay more attention to my visceral reactions, and is actually helpful in developing a more intuitive interpretative approach, compared to the analytic approach of working with the established card meanings. Peace, sechat

jema	11 Mar 2005
A deck for every reader and for every reader a deck - Ranganathan - only he spoke of books of course :-D I constantly re-evaluate all my decks and find new favorites all the time. Many of the decks mentioned here are old favorites of mine (Asia, Glastonbury and a few others) My contribution to the list of under-rated decks is the African Tarot. Tiny, cheerful (unless you look closely and it can be pretty spooky at times) colourful and still very tarot-ish My next name for the list - don't know just how under-rated it is though, the deck has passionate fans on the forum, is The Tarot of the Spirits. Most people that see it the first time either love it or hate it. My first contact was a few minutes of disappointment, so murky and hard to read, then I sat down and actually did work with it and it is a gem. Whoosh - words or wisdom straight to the heart.

Junia	11 Mar 2005
I don't know how this one rates, as far as popularity goes; but I sure liked my first read with it. Now I need to find some of her books for interpreting as the LWB is a bit different. The suit of swords isn't impaling anyone. The Devil has changed into Materialism and heck Death is Transition. I might corrupt (er, I mean convert--wink wink) a few Christians to Tarot w/this little hummer-he he.

ArwenNightstar	07 Apr 2005
Chronata wrote: A couple of decks I really like that I would consider under-rated are... The Fradella Adventure...with it's super hero and comic book stylings... . The Fradella deck is my main reading deck. I've worn one copy out and am on my second now. The first one found its way into a Tarot Journal. Now to find time to actually write about each card! lol.

rosyelf	07 Apr 2005
Another under-rated deck I'd like to mention is the Merryday. It's superb artistically, with many fantasy creatures mixing with people in various settings. And the colours ! I'm particularly enamoured of the greens-they are so vibrant, you can almost see them pulsing. (No, I have not consumed any unconventional substances this evening !). In fact, the Merryday is one of the few decks I've traded-hope you're still enjoying it, dolphingirl !- and then, several months later, felt the need of again. It has an accompanying book now, which helps iron out some of the mysteries it posed before. I'm not keen on the numerological aspects of Merryday, but I think these can be ignored. Perhaps it's underrated merely because it isn't published by one of the big companies ?

Emeraldgirl	07 Apr 2005
This is another one I feel is really under-rated. The cards stock is not great and the cards are a bit of a funky uncomfitable size but the artwork is fantastic really bright and colourful. I also love the fact that Mary Magdalene is the High Priestess although I would have liked to see someone really stir things up and put her as the Emperess }) .

Requiella	07 Apr 2005
jema wrote: My next name for the list - don't know just how under-rated it is though, the deck has passionate fans on the forum, is The Tarot of the Spirits. Most people that see it the first time either love it or hate it. I'm with you! I acquired that deck a couple of years ago, and I can get lost in the artwork (in a good way). Nevertheless, I don't really read with it, simply because of its complexity and points of departure from more mainstream decks. Does anyone know if there is a book that accompanies this deck?

WolfSpirit	08 Apr 2005
There is a big and very good book for the Tarot of the Spirit, written by Pamela Eakins (the daughter of the artist). If you like the deck I would really advise you to get the book, you won't regret it.

Junia	11 Apr 2005
Okay, so I really didn't get the deck. But, a book store had a hardbound copy w/full color pictures of each card and explanations of them on the opposite page. I had the strangest Jungian Dreams after looking at it that I recommended it to my psychologist friend who is looking for a deck to work with in her practice. Does anyone out there read w/this deck as their main? And if so, do you get a lot of Jung references reading it or more mainstream (if there is such a thing ;-)) readings from it? I did notice that Zerner-Farber mentioned Jung archetypes as a foundation for this deck (after I had all the weird dreams, that is). Probably a good idea to look at the description first and the artwork second on this type of deck from now on-Junia-LAM (laugh at myself).

Ahria	11 Apr 2005
ncefafn wrote: I agree with Roots of Asia, gorgeous deck, and I don't understand why it's not more popular. Kim I have to agree with you here, if you hadnt use it in a reading for me I would never have known about it. And I love it too bits, so I also feel its very underated. PS Thanks I went and bought it the same day you read for me. Edit: *sigh* you did it again I went to go look at the Gendron Tarot and now - well you surely know.... Second Edit: I just looked at Tarot of the Spirit and I want that one as well now, let me get out of this thread before I am broke. :)

Requiella	12 Apr 2005
WolfSpirit wrote: There is a big and very good book for the Tarot of the Spirit, written by Pamela Eakins (the daughter of the artist). If you like the deck I would really advise you to get the book, you won't regret it. Awesome! That's going to be very helpful, especially for cards as complex as these. Thanks very much for the recommendation.

cybercat	12 Apr 2005
Catti I agree with you on this one. This was my first deck and only deck for the longest time. It is still my main deck. I wish we had enough people here so we could have a study group for this deck. The reading I get from it amaze me. They are so correct that is scarry sometimes. Cat

muteswan	13 Apr 2005
I'd have to say the Golden Tarot of the Tsar. I never see it mentioned here, and it's the most gorgeous deck I've ever seen, let alone had the privledge of using. It was my first deck, and I still have not seen it's equal in beauty. I think that it's heavy Christian-based imagery makes it often difficult to learn to use; each card is based on a story, so to better understand the card, every story has to be understood. But the depth it grants it, to me, only adds to its beauty. It's a deck that I will constantly learn from and about.

peridot	13 Apr 2005
Well, I've done a couple of searches on this one and nothing pops up, so perhaps this one is underrated as well. I love the New Century Tarot! It is rich with color, bold and sort of abstract I guess you could say. The cards are square instead of rectangular and the card stock is just right - not too thin, not too thick. Ooo I really love this deck. You know, they remind me of the Lion King Broadway production for some reason. It's as if you're looking at a theatrical production...They are beautiful to me. :) Helvetica wrote: Also: Tarocchi di Vetro - Crystal Tarot - which flares now and then, but in my view is one of the greatest decks ever created and one which I imagine standing the test of centuries. That one reads like - well, like a tarot deck that will last for centuries ;). . Oh, yeah... I really like this one too. I love the stained glass type of look. Great colors, lots of detail and it's the only deck that I've really liked so far where the pips are not "storybooked" or illustrated with other images. Great deck.

The Under-rated Decks thread was originally posted on 02 Mar 2005 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.