Old Path, Pagan 2000, etc. : the best PAGAN deck?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 10 Apr 2005, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Kissa	10 Apr 2005
hi Witches, I do not consider myself as a Wiccan, more as a Pagan with great interest for herbs and animals and very little interest for stiff ceremonying and large gatherings. What deck would the Pagan doctor prescribe? I have the Druidcraft and (I am probably the only one), it's ok but I don't get "wow" readings from it ... I am thinking of getting another Pagan deck among the following: - Tarot of the Old Path - Tarot Pagan 2000 (not LS) I like some of the Gendron cards very much and some not at all, the men look pretty drag-queenish with too much make-up... Sorry to be so shallow... I am not so attracted by the Faery Wicca deck for some reason. I am no big fan of LoSacarabeo comics looks, and don't like the LS Pagan Tarot. I am old, fat and ugly and really cannot relate to these gorgeous witches wearing tight tops ;) Is there anything that comes to your mind? I searched for comparisons between Pagan decks in earlier threads but couldn't find any, if there are, please just tell me. Thank you veeeeery much in advance!! Kissa

Fudugazi	10 Apr 2005
I read this and was going to propose the DruidCraft - and then saw you were so-so about it ... I am surprised, because I do get "wow" readings with it - increasingly so. I find it very rich and deep - and it is leading me down interesting paths - celtic mythology and symbolism, druid mysticism, etc. And I am particularly impressed by its depiction of flowers, plants, trees - so much so that I have acquired the Tree Oracle, designed by the same artist. One very good pagan deck that I own and have started to work with is the Pythagorean Tarot. It's demanding - I am not doing justice to it at the moment - but it is very rich, thousands of years rich, in fact - and the book is a treasure in itself.

Kissa	10 Apr 2005
Hi Beauty, thanks for the answer! I am now off to 1) check the Pythagorean Tarot 2) try another reading with the Druidcraft... You have such a bad influence on me, I start to wonder whether you are the Beauty or the Beast... ;) Merci! Kissa

WolfSpirit	10 Apr 2005
I guess it would be a bit mean to suggest the Greenwood ;) I also like the Sacred Circle, I can understand why it is still in the top ten list. It is full of symbolism, I like the landscapes in the background that are mainly of the British isles. I just feel this deck was made with a lot of love. The Tarot of Timeless Truth also has some cards I really like...but as I said in another thread, the people in some of the cards seem to be "overacting" which makes it look unnatural to me. And, if you don't like decks with photographs, neither will be suited to you. But they would be my choices after the Druidcraft.

Kissa	10 Apr 2005
The Greenwood? You mean this over-rated set I just sold on amazon marketplace last month?? LOL Beautiful as it might be, minors were a bit so-so. I know, I know, first I dare criticizing the Holy Gilded Tarot and then the Greenwood, who the hell do I think I am??? LOL The Sacred Circle was on my wishlist for very long but then disappeared after a fellow Aeclectician told me out of it, calling it a "weird" deck. I have given some thoughts too, though. Timeless Truth??? Have to check this one as it doesn't ring a bell... A big thank you for your advice, WolfSpirit!! :) Kissa

Sulis	10 Apr 2005
The Robin Wood is supposed to be THE pagan deck. I don't like it myself and I've just looked in your profile and see that you already have it. The World Spirit (which is another one you have) is a deck that I think has very pagan imagery. I don't have the Sacred Circle but that's another one I'd suggest you take a look at. Love Sulis xx

Fudugazi	10 Apr 2005
Kissa wrote: thanks for the answer! I am now off to 1) check the Pythagorean Tarot 2) try another reading with the Druidcraft... You have such a bad influence on me, I start to wonder whether you are the Beauty or the Beast... ;) Oh my dear, undoubtedly a Beast ;) Check out the readings Wales Woman and I exchanged last week (3-9 April) , both of us using the DruidCraft. It might give you an idea of what I mean.

huredriel	10 Apr 2005
Well I have to say Old Path, as I have this myself, my first deck and the only one I really read with. It's lovely and quite gentle too :) x Huredriel

FantasyWorld	10 Apr 2005
I have the Old Path as well and will 2nd it. It's a little light colored but it's a good deck. Alanna

Gwynne	10 Apr 2005
The Old Path was the first deck I ever really connected with. I don't have it anymore as it was one of the decks that suffered from my 'spiritual crisis' a couple of years ago when I gave away or sold all of my books, decks, tools, etc... anything pagan and went fanatically Christian (it lasted all of 3 months when I realized, yes I do connect better with Jesus and Mary, but in a pagan sort of way not a Christian way.... just could not get past the Biblical contradictions, in spite of the church's attempts to brainwash me.... and I was attending a Pentecostal church, so their were plenty of attempts....) I'm thinking of getting it again as I really did well with it. Right now I use the Quest, the Thoth and the Housewives, decks which aren't exactly Pagan, but I like. I also just received the Aquarian and I like it as well. Used to have the Robin Wood as well, I'm getting that one again this week too. Let's see... Pagan decks... hmmm... I work in a pagan shop as a reader so you'd think I'd know the answer to this huh? LOL You've already said no to the Faery Wicca (that's another on my wishlist...) how about the Goddess Tarot? Each card depicts a different Goddess. It's a beautiful deck and the designer has even written an excellent companion work book to help you get to know the deck better. I wouldn't necessarily consider the Thoth a pagan deck, in fact I know many pagans, Wiccans especially, who tend to shy away from it because of negative connotations having to do with Crowley (he really wasn't as bad as some people like to think...) Some others consider The Lord of the Rings Tarot pagan, I have it, and don't really care for it. I gave it to my son. It's set up not just as a Tarot deck, but a very complicated card game (nothing like Tarocchi, it's got its own rules...) Here's a link to a list of Pagan/Wiccan decks on Aeclectic, some of which have already been mentioned: http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/pagan-wiccan.shtml Over all I'd say your best bet is probably the Old Path as it is one of the more distinctly Pagan decks.

Kiama	10 Apr 2005
I would add the Wheel of Change Tarot, by Alexandra Genetti to the 'Pagan' list. It doesn't seem Pagan at first glance, but when you look at the cards and read the book, there is definitely some Pagan theology, philosophy, and ideas that the cards are heavily based on. Blessings, Kiama

Annabelle	10 Apr 2005
I own the Tarot of the Old Path, the Tarot 2000/Pagan Tarot, the Wheel of Change tarot, and the World Spirit tarot...and would definitely recommend each of them as a good pagan deck. One thing about the Tarot 2000/Pagan deck...the minors are not "scenic" in the Rider-Waite sense, and may prove challenging for someone not accustomed to non-scenic minors. That said, though, the art in the majors is just beautiful...in fact, I think the whole deck is beautiful. Very different from any other deck I have. The cards are a bit smaller than most, and the cardstock is thin...so if you like large, sturdy cards, this may not be the deck for you. The Tarot of the Old Path is great in that it is clearly identifiable as a pagan deck...cups are cauldrons, for example. A lot of the imagery is clearly designed to be pagan. And the accompanying book is excellent. And as for the Wheel of Change and the World Spirit decks, I'd recommend these to anyone as all-around fantastic decks. The World Spirit has a lot of nudity, though, if that matters to you.

Nydia	10 Apr 2005
The Barbara Walker Tarot http://www.themysticeye.com/pics/walker.htm If you get the deck and decide you like it, I recommend finding the book that goes with it, The Secrets of the Tarot: Origins, History, and Symbolism by Barbara G. Walker. This deck is the same size as the Hanson-Roberts.

Gwynne	10 Apr 2005
Nydia wrote: The Barbara Walker Tarot http://www.themysticeye.com/pics/walker.htm If you get the deck and decide you like it, I recommend finding the book that goes with it, The Secrets of the Tarot: Origins, History, and Symbolism by Barbara G. Walker. This deck is the same size as the Hanson-Roberts. I just took a look at that deck! Now I want it! :lol: It's been added to my wish list :) I also checked the book at Amazon. There are three available from third-party sellers, the lowest price is $46.02. Which of course makes me want it even more, because if it's that rare, it must be THAT good!

Fudugazi	10 Apr 2005
Well, one I don't own but that really attracts me is the Glastonbury Tarot. It looks beautiful - modern pagan. It makes a change from the twee oldie-worldie style of pagan deck which seems to be common fare (DruidCraft and Pythagorean excepted).

Sulis	10 Apr 2005
I'd definately recommend the Glastonbury tarot. I use it for spell work and it really is gorgeous. The colours are lovely. The card stock is a bit wierd though - very strange, sticky lamination. LOve Sulis xx

Kissa	10 Apr 2005
Thanks to all of you for your advice and opinions!!! I am still going thru the scans of different decks and reading reviews as my experince told me a deck can be beautiful on scans and a perfect deception in real. On the opposite, some scans don't do gorgeous decks justice. And sometimes, a deck doesn't look that stunning at all on the scans but when I finally hold it there is this magic that makes my soul sing. :-) I truly hope one deck in your suggestions can make me go "pom pom pom" ... ("Road to Mandalay", R. Williams) Kissa

magpie9	10 Apr 2005
Have you tried Tarot of the Nothern Shadows? Very Pagen, to my eyes, and a fine clear read. Hallowquests' christian veneer is very thin, it's a pagan deck, too. Celtic Dragon is Pagan, but you have to like dragons everywhere ;) RJ Stewert's decks (Merlin and DreamPower) are very pagan, but the minors are competely dull unillustrated pips, not even as interesting as playing cards, and that puts a lot of people off him. He kind of has his own system, with the numbers, as well. Have you checked out Poppy Palin's Waking the Wild Spirit? Very Pagan, very good deck. Don't let the book put you off it! Good luck in your hunt. I hope you'll let us know when you find your deck!

Fudugazi	10 Apr 2005
Gosh, is Waking the Wild Spirit pagan? I never realised!!! I just thought it was Green with fairytales thrown in. I like it. Very different system, I used it like an oracle, not a Tarot at all - completely intuitively. I make up my own stories with it it. Some charming cards. That Root card is wonderful! And the Fiddler! And the Trickster...Fabulous......(I think I like the wicked cards best). The backs are (almost) the best thing. I read those sometimes ;)

Kissa	10 Apr 2005
Helvetica wrote: The backs are (almost) the best thing. I read those sometimes ;) Time for your medication, honey... ;) Kissa

magpie9	10 Apr 2005
I think it's Pagan.......it certainly has a Pagan spirit to it. Now that you mention it, I wonder if the artist meant it to be Pagan or not? It's not really tarot for me either, I can only use it as a completely intuitive oracle. Somehow it conects me to Charles de Lint's stories, as well. I wish I could find something useful to do with the book! ;)

Fudugazi	10 Apr 2005
Kissa wrote: Time for your medication, honey... Thanks for reminding me! Right, now. Ok... now this is your fortune: you are going to meet four alien-looking creatures that will open their arms to you and give you flowers and berries that don't look like anything you know(don't trust berries you don't know!),symbolising your acceptance into a strange but delightful world, which might contain inedible foods. No! oops, I'm reading the backs again :P OK - front now: You'll meet a man with a beard lounging in the grass, surrounded by a fox, a fawn, a deer and a butterfly, symbolising the harmony you will reach in yourself, but a tendency to laziness if you get this deck.

Fudugazi	10 Apr 2005
magpie9 wrote: I wish I could find something useful to do with the book! ;) Follow the author's philosophy...recycle the paper ;)

Mimers	10 Apr 2005
Hello Kissa, I felt the same way about the Druidcraft. Even though it is absolutely beautiful, I don't get wow readings from it. May I suggest the Mother Peace? I would have never bought this. I always looked at it and thought it was ugly and honestly, the artwork isn't good at all, but wow, the readings I have gotten. This is more of a Goddess deck, than Pagan, but I just know that I am glad I got it as a gift or I would never have known how wonderful it is. Another wonderful pagan deck I know you would like is the Gaian. Kissa it has touched me deeply, but unfortunately it is limited edition, majors only and expensive. When it comes out as a full deck, I think you should give it a try. You will not regret it. Let us know what you decide. Blessings, Mimi

Gwynne	10 Apr 2005
magpie9 wrote: Have you tried Tarot of the Nothern Shadows? Very Pagen, to my eyes, and a fine clear read. Hallowquests' christian veneer is very thin, it's a pagan deck, too. Celtic Dragon is Pagan, but you have to like dragons everywhere ;) RJ Stewert's decks (Merlin and DreamPower) are very pagan, but the minors are competely dull unillustrated pips, not even as interesting as playing cards, and that puts a lot of people off him. He kind of has his own system, with the numbers, as well. Have you checked out Poppy Palin's Waking the Wild Spirit? Very Pagan, very good deck. Don't let the book put you off it! Good luck in your hunt. I hope you'll let us know when you find your deck! Just stole Tarot of the Northern Shadows from my husband :D If you like Tarot of the Old Path, you'll probably like this one, it's by the same pair. You can definitely see that it is by the same artist. She's incorporated Runes in quite a few of the cards, something I love because I'm a Rune reader as well and it just pulls more out of my intuition.

WolfyJames	10 Apr 2005
I have some pagan tarot decks like the Duidcraft, the Old Path and the Fairy Wicca. The Fairy Wicca art is pretty but the deck is not a traditional tarot deck and is a bit hard to handle. As for the Old Path, I love this deck, and it's way better than the scans. I read reviews saying people in the deck looked stiff and angry (except in the majors) and I admit the scans don't do the deck justice but I got it anyway and I was very excited and worried to take a look at the deck once I got it. I don't find them stiff and angry but nice and smiling. I guess people view the deck differently but I think it's a deck you have to see for real to really make up your mind about it before making judgement. It's a lovely, light and colorful deck and the majors are breathtaking. The author and artist put a lot of time in meaningful details for the cards.

Kissa	04 May 2005
UPDATE: my list of pagan decks: - Druidcraft (trimmed) - LS Tarocchi Pagani (big surprise, i loooove it) - Old Path (even got the one with silverish majors -> thanks Kim!) - Shapeshifter - Tarot of the Secret Forest (haven't melted to that one yet) Pagan with a celtic twist: - Sacred Circle -> thanks Matt! - Celtic Dragon - Arthurian Hallowquest - Legend Arthurian Waking the Wild Spirit is either lost in the big world or stuck at customs somewhere... but a very nice trade it was, all the way. Kissa

Elizabeth Genco	06 May 2005
Kissa wrote: the Holy Gilded Tarot Ha! That totally made me laugh. With all due respect (I've had the pleasure of meeting and hanging with Barbara Moore several times and she is delightful, not to mention knows her Tarot stuff), I just can't dig that deck. The artwork... ghah... I'll throw in another vote for the Old Path tarot. Though I'll also admit that I'm loving the Druidcraft deck, too. But if it doesn't work for you, it doesn't work for you! Another one that might appeal to you is the Legend deck, that Llewellyn Arthurian deck. Not strictly Pagan, obviously, but it's got serious appeal nonetheless. Trying to wrack my brain for others...

Elizabeth Genco	06 May 2005
Oh my goodness, I totally missed your last reply. Sorry about that! Whoops... too early in the morning, I guess!

Cerulean	10 May 2005
I think the pips are not illustrated, though. It's definitely a colorful forest-like deck, maybe subtropical...the discussion with various scans... 1.http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=14335&highlight=eden+tarot 2. The French-language edition that I just found might be available now--Tarotgarden.com doesn't have this one, will be receiving likely German language pack with the enlarged borders and book OR an English subtitled deck... Here's a link to the French language one with a cover picture: http://www.lamaisondutarot.com/c64914p16543852.2.html For more pictures and the various names the deck went under, please refer to the above discussion link. Hope the deck seems pretty to those who posted to this link... Cerulean

The Old Path, Pagan 2000, etc. : the best PAGAN deck? thread was originally posted on 10 Apr 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.