BACK Designs of Your Tarot Decks

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 22 Oct 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Demonesse	22 Oct 2002
What do you think of the back designs on your Tarot decks - which is your most loved and most disliked back design? I started this thread because I actually loathe some of the back designs on my favourite decks and vice-versa. })

Sinta	22 Oct 2002
My Rider Waite deck has a floral back design to it, though I prefer the Universal Waite's design with the rich blue background with golden stars. There's just something about it that strikes me as terribly pristine.

wavebreaker	22 Oct 2002
The one I like best is the one on the Tarot Nova (which you can see here). I think I dislike the back of the Rider-Waite most, because it's so... boring... ;)

evenstar	22 Oct 2002
I like my universal waite back too - I love the gold stars... BUT I have just realised that I have the mini tarot nova as well (the one on the string if you look at tarotlady's link) that I got ages ago - it really is tiny, but cute. Anyway, this means that I actually have 2 decks... is that officially a collection :D ?? Uh oh...

ihcoyc	22 Oct 2002
Theoretically, you'd think a tarot deck ought to have a tarotée back, which is a plaid-like geometric pattern of small diamond-shaped lozenges. The only decks I own that actually have such a pattern on back are the 1JJ Swiss and my Rider-Waite deck. The Fourier Marseilles comes close, with a hexagon flower back. My chief concern is that the backs look the same way upside down and right side up, so I can't tell which cards are reversed.

Demonesse	22 Oct 2002
Ah. A reversible back is one of my chief requirements as well...a non-reversible back just takes away the element of discovery somewhat... ...but even though it's reversible, I really dislike the Vampire back; to me it looks like the artist got lazy and just drew squiggles on it :P

Talisman	22 Oct 2002
'Lo all, Here's this. I have very few Tarot decks, (5) so can't really compare, but -- My absolute preference is for decks where you can't tell if the card is reversed or not. And, I don't read with reversed cards. As such. I prefer the World Spirit "light and shadow" method. I prefer backs like the ones on the Robin Wood deck (a Celtic knot design in ugly color for those of you who haven't seen it) where you absolutely can't tell reversed cards. And, although I'm a four-eyes, I can spot a tiny difference (see the backs of the Wheel of Change, my collector's deck) across the room. My sentimental vote (from childhood before Tarot was a working word in my vocabulary) goes to the back often seen in poker cards: Bicycle decks. Talisman

Violet Gargoyle	22 Oct 2002
I am another one who likes the backs to at least be symetrical so that I cant tell reversed cards from others. Although this isn't a big requirement if I like the artwork. I get more bothered by think borders

Demonesse	22 Oct 2002
What's a think border?

rota	22 Oct 2002
Here's another vote for reversible backs. It would seem like a a no-brainer, but it's surprising how many deck designs don't take this into account. Bilaterally symmetrical doesn't count; they have to be vertically reversible. My favorite cardback is the W/S floral-and-square. It's usually in blue. (In fact, most Tarot cardbacks are single color, since it's easier to print.) In its tininess and squareness I see a metaphorical tarot deck...

Violet Gargoyle	22 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Demonesse What's a think border? Whoops- Thick border.

Mystica	22 Oct 2002
I agree with the others who mentioned the Universal Waite, that's my favorite. I like the back on the Spiral deck too.

DarkElectric	22 Oct 2002
I love the back of my Voyager deck. The blue is one of my favourite shades of blue, and I love the mitochondrial DNA pattern. My least fav deck back would have to be my Lo Scarabeo Secrets deck. It's a rendition of the 2 of wands. I like the colour (blue once again) but I wish they'd put more of a creative spin on it. And I like the spirals on my spiral deck a LOT! (but then again, there isn't anything about that deck I don't like.)

Phoenix	22 Oct 2002
DE I also liken the back of the Voyager Tarot, and I thought that the photograph of the cross-section DNA molecule is amazing! I also like the back on the Rohrig, but alas, it is non-reversanble. But who cares!! It is beautiful!

Myrrha	22 Oct 2002
One of the unexpected surprises in the Fantastical Tarot was the wonderful back design. It is a dragon in light blue on dark blue, reversable. Somehow the dragon lends a magical touch to the reading. In general though I think the backs should be a design rather than a picture, something neutral. The color blue really helps me get in the right frame of mind for reading. The Nigel Jackson deck has a lovely back, it is a blue design with a sphere, a lemniscate, crosses, stars. Myrrha

LadyShallot	22 Oct 2002
Has anyone else not used a deck because they did not like the back? This happened to me but I do not remember the deck. I like the Voyager back, the Vision Quest back. It doesn't matter to me if it is vertically symetrical or not as long as it is beautiful.

VGimlet	23 Oct 2002
Likes - Universal RWS, Wheel of Change and the original Aquarian (a plain bright blue) Dislikes - The plaid back RWS (eeew, hate plaid anyway). I don't really care if the backs are reversable or not - I don't pay that much attention until I start reading the cards anyway.

Zhritza	23 Oct 2002
Two of my Lo Scarabeo decks, the Crystal and the Art Nouveau, have beautiful reversible monochromatic backs that are very much like Bicycle poker-deck backs, but more ornate - the Crystal has a peacock design, and the Art Nouveau has a design with that deck's Fool. And the Ancient Italian Tarot (1880) published by Lo Scarabeo has a very pretty, William Morris-style floral back design that is reversible. Oddly enough, the Aquarian's back design is sort of like a psychedelic Bicycle design, but it is not reversible -- nearly so, but not. I also like the random-looking star pattern on the back of the Morgan-Greer. It's not reversible either, but it's impossible to tell upright from reversed, at least. However, the Halloween has by far the coolest back ever. It is reversible, it has that black cat, and it is orange-and-black and is so utterly Halloweeny. I had it tiled as my desktop picture on my Mac for quite a while. I can't find it online to show you... guess you'll just have to get that deck, if you haven't already, because it is so awesome and you need it. }) For me the lamest back design is probably the Zerner-Farber. It is reversible, but the background color is a fairly obnoxious purple, and it has a cheesy cursive thing in its center that is four fancily-crossed Z's, which therefore also look like F's (get it? Zerner - Farber, so clever). Not that I don't like this deck, but the backs look like the heading on hotel stationery or something. Why monogram a work of art? Jeepers. :rolleyes:

Liliana	23 Oct 2002
I ususally prefer reversible backs, but Rohrig is my favorite back even tho it is not reversible. The wave of stars is gorgeous enough to be a card Least favorite back is MerryDay, its a god awful nonreversible black and white back with MerryDay Tarot written in big letters in the middle that totally clashes wih the art on the front I also dont like Spirals back just because I really rthink it should of been [purple not blue, to better match the cloudty purple borders in the front :THP

Pollux	23 Oct 2002
Nigel Jackson, I am growing fonder and fonder. The back looks so cute and calm and divinatory-like, with that bright yellow, and that symmetry and the thin lines, and the blue... One more reason to get it as soon as possible, thanks to the one who mentioned it above. As regards backs, apart from the ones I could hypotetically see online i.e. almost ANY deck *lol*, as far as mine are concerned... - Gill: GREAT! Original and very interesting. Non reversible, but bringing in some great ideas. It represents a tree-of-life design and it is VERY VERY VERY interesting, the three pillars are highlighted, the sephira have specific colours and symbols, the colours are bright but consistent and not distracting. And the quote it has on it is so nice: "and I see man as trees walking" - what a nice way to put the use of Kabalah! :D - Aquarian: HARMFUL!!! That back is an eyesore, with that psychedelic blue swirly designs. Non reversible, but as Qolus says it's nearly impossible to detect. Not one of my favourite backs at all, and not even in the 1970 vintage edition I have - a worse chessy 80s-like golden/red shield. But I love the cards, so I just ignore it. ;) - Vision Quest: WOW! Non reversible but who gives a f&§%? It looks so awesome. The flight of the eagle made me think of the Moskha golden eagle at once when I held it in my hands - I know Native Americans and Hindus are pretty far but I'm good at matching irrelated stuff! *lol* The blue ky image is so nice! I could look at it for gaes. It gives me hope in a way. Maybe a back that doesn't fit in with the cards' designs, but again who gives...? ;) - Cosmic: RULEZ! Non reversible but irrelevant. A black pentacle design with circles and suns and stars and moons. Very nice looking and inspiring, sort of magickal. But again, maybe not a perfect match with the cards' images. - Spiral and Goddess: pretty. Not outstanding works of art, but they are fine all the same. A simple yellow/golden drawing, respectively a double spiral and a line motif. Agreeable, tafteful and gentle. - Bosch, Visconti Gold and Shakesperian: idle. Meaningless. Not impressive and maybe not meant to impress. - Rock and Roll: neat! And VERY ADEQUATE! ;) - Celtici (Tuan): INEXISTING! *LOL* - Witches by Reed: simple but cool. Intriguing. a White Pentacle on Black backgroung makes its effect. ;) P.S. Gill is the ultimate deck. Get it.

Keslynn	23 Oct 2002
I also love the backs on the Nigel Jackson. They're very cool and makes me feel "divinatory." Is that a word? ;) I also like the backs of the Gill, the Halloween, and Tarot de Paris (I adore stained glass). The back of the Etruscan isn't particularly noteworthy but it does suit the deck's theme very well. I agree with Liliana that Spiral backs would probably be better off in purple but they're not so bad. The yuckiest back, I think, is for Sacred Circle. The cards are so lovely and colorful on the front, but those nasty beige-ish backs with the clearly computerized items.... blech! :) Kes

Logiatrix	23 Oct 2002
the one deck that i won't use purely because of the back is the Haindl Tarot, and that horrible eye! i love the art, themes, and symbolism, but the rheumy-lookin' eye staring back at me 78 times is not gonna happen...bummer, 'cuz in every other way, that deck is great. my favorite card back design is on the legend (arthurian) tarot deck. it's a gold labyrinth centered on a purple background. if i'm remembering correctly, the design is based on an actual existing labyrinth in great britain or thereabouts. the back of the voyager deck is nice, too. i also like the back of the tarot of the saints. the aquarian deck had a nice back design, but it bothered me that the blue was so much brighter than any colors in the cards. after all that blue, the pictures looked REALLY muted and pale. oh, another cool back design is on the diamond tarot... i'll probably think of more. HMMMM...

ihcoyc	23 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Qolus And the Ancient Italian Tarot (1880) published by Lo Scarabeo has a very pretty, William Morris-style floral back design that is reversible. That one is another current major favourite of mine as well; then again, that's my favourite deck all around. Most of the Lo Scarabeo Ancient decks I've seen have nice backs. The Classical Tarot has a brown reversible pattern based on the Star card from that deck. And the Ancient Lombardy has a very subdued reversible back that has the two dancing cherubs from the Sun card.

cyan	23 Oct 2002
Like Talisman I think the back of the Robin Wood deck is an ugly color, and unsuitably bold. According to her tho, she would have prefered a rather lovely spiral design. Too bad she didn't get her choice. Robin Wood is one of my favorite decks but the backs of the cards always jar me.

Riversea	24 Oct 2002
My favorite card backs on my decks are the Old English (so rich and warm!) and the Glastonbury (beautiful colors) I like the Universal Waite back pretty well, it is certainly attractive if a bit staid. The back was the deciding vote when I was trying to decide between it and the regular RW. That plaid... ugh!

Kiama	24 Oct 2002
My faves have to be... Rohrig, Vision Quest, Wild Spirit, World Spirit, Celtic Dragon, Shapeshifter, and Glastonbury... I don't really have dislikes though. Although I was disappointed to see the back of teh Robin Wood deck, cuz it doesn't seem to fit with the fronts of the cards! I don't read with reversals, so I don't mind whether you can tell if the card is upisde down or not by the backs, I just go by artwork... Kiama

evangelion	24 Oct 2002
Interesting subject, I like it! I'd have to say my favorite card-back is the Thoth. Nothin really special I just love everything about that deck!

aeonx	24 Oct 2002
I loooove the back design on my Hanson-Roberts deck, which you can view here. The color-combination is beautiful, and I adore the drawings as well. :) ~aeonx~

Demonesse	25 Oct 2002
Ooh the Hanson-Roberts back is nice! So far, the only non-reversible back I like is the Avalon...am I picky or what? The Art Nouveau's reversible Fool is quite passable, although it's a purple overdose. I wish Aeclectic's decks section had a catalogue of the card backs as well...I haven't come across any sites which show many backs, and most don't even show any at all *huff and puff*

wavebreaker	25 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Demonesse I haven't come across any sites which show many backs, and most don't even show any at all *huff and puff* Joan Bunning's site does show the backs of all the cards listed.

Sorceress_Jade	25 Oct 2002
I'm another vote for the universal waite, however I love the back of my Crow's Magick deck as well. It's reversable and VERY simple. Black with two red crows you can see it here, about 4 1/2 clicks down http://www.geocities.com/sorceress_jade/cards.html

Emily	26 Oct 2002
I love the design to the back of my Spiral simple blue with gold spirals but I'm still not sure that the backs of the Robin Wood match with the deck - they seem so modern and garish for such a pretty deck. The back of the Diamond tarot is stunning - lotus blossoms spreading out over the card, they match with the fronts perfectly.

ssplam	04 Nov 2002
I wanted to tell you about my favorite deck back. It's not on a Tarot deck, but rather an Oracle Deck... I just bought the Faerie Oracle (http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/faerieoracle/) and the back of this deck is so awesome. The design is one same as one of the cards itself too... They're called Topsy-Turvet. It's symmetrical in the up/down sense. And even though it is made up of faces... they all look like faces from both directions. So that's my little moment of sharing. If you get a chance to see the deck, spend a few minutes with the back. Beautiful. Have a great day Christina

Demonesse	04 Nov 2002
Nice to see this thread's started up again...my new favourite is the back of the Halloween! I didn't see it until I got to Joan Bunning's site, those rare creatures (like me) who still don't have this deck can view it at http://www.learntarot.com/hldesc.htm - and it's a case of instant adoration, hehe.

Jewel	04 Nov 2002
I have never really paid a lot of attention to the backs of cards. I guess I prefer reversible backs, but honestly as long as I like the fronts of the cards I could pretty much care less about the backs.

DarkElectric	04 Nov 2002
Eeeek! I just got both the Robin Wood, and the new Aquarian decks. And I really don't like the backs of either one. I don't think the back design goes with the Robin Wood cards at all, and if the old Aquarian back design was just plain blue, they should have maybe kept it, instead of this whirling, jarring, blue and white nightmare it has now. To me, neither design does these cards any justice, and are quite disconcerting.

Major Tom	05 Nov 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Vianne I like the back on the Spiral deck too. Bless you. :) The back of the Spiral is my favorite. Also submitted for your approval, I attach the back from Major Tom's Tarot:

Sulis	05 Nov 2002
My favorite card back is Tarot Nova. I also like World Spirit and Gill. I`m not really bothered whether the backs are reversible as I don`t use reversals. Love and light Crystalmynx xx

la_huesera	05 Nov 2002
Uuuh, I absolutly love the back design of the Wild Spirit Tarot (Poppy Palin) !! I could look at the backs for hours and just get lost in the beatiful colours!! Anyway, to me reversible backs are important and I am one of those who can spot the smallest of differences... Least favorite back? Must be the Raider-Waite.. Hmm, I am surprised to read how many of you dislike the Robin-Wood backs. It's not my favorite, but I do quiet like it... Blessings, *Mareike*

Maan	05 Nov 2002
like many of you i really don't like the back of the robin wood. The back design of the hanson roberts is my favourite. But i also like the design of the old enlsih and the halloween ( wich are both not yet in my collection :( ) The spiral is a beauty too!

Trogon	05 Nov 2002
Interesting thread... Interesting observations too! As I only have 4 decks (so far ;) ) and haven't paid a lot of attention to the backs of the others I've looked at, I'll have to vote from the ones I have. My favorite is, by far, the Röhrig. The colors and the images of space are just fantastic. And, while it isn't truly reversable, it isn't critically so. The paterning is random enough that unless I consciously look at the backs, with the idea of trying to tell which cards are reversed, I don't notice it. Next would have to be the Unicorn Tarot. 2 unicorn heads swirling out of the sun... pretty neat. I do like the gingham back of the Rider Waite Smith deck as well, it is simple and relaxing. The only one I really don't care for is the back of my Albano Waite deck. It's slightly asymetrical "gold" sunburst looking thing on a plain white background. The "gold" color looks more like tarnished brass to me and the pattern is just not appealing to me.

Jewel	05 Nov 2002
Major Tom, thanks for making the backs of your deck reversible! I also like the design & colors. But your Devil card will always be my favorite thing about your deck :)

violinlily	05 Nov 2002
'lo everybody, Of the decks that I've seen (I only have one, I'll have to fix that problem, hmmm, lol), my favorite back is the Hanson-Roberts. It's a yellow/green celtic knot-sorta-thingy w/ cool lavender flowers and on a background of tourqouise. then again, my least-favorite-back vote is walking a fence between two: the LOTR (I love the deck, hate the back), and the Cat-people (this deck's ok, too, I just don't like the chesure-cat-Alice-in-wonderland look.). flip a coin. I really like the symmetrical-ness of the Old English deck's back. It's sort of a red mono-chromatic diamond pattern. =), violinlily

Shadow Wolf	29 Nov 2002
I like the backs of all of my tarot decks--- all 4 of them. But my favorite is the back of the Celtic Tarot. It's pale golden with a Celtic knot design. It makes me think of my Celtic heritage, which makes me think of druids and all the wonderful mystery that goes along with them !!!!!!

Trish	30 Nov 2002
My Cat People deck has a really cool sorta Yin/Yang kitty design on the back. The same design is on the wheel in the Wheel of Fortune card. My Tarot Nova deck has florals and all sorts of other pretty stuff on the back. I like 'em both! ;)

The BACK Designs of Your Tarot Decks thread was originally posted on 22 Oct 2002 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.