Dreaming Way Tarot (Upcoming U.S. Games Deck)

[Sword King]

Originally Posted by SixDegrees

I'm sure this is not what you meant, but the art reminds *me* of the old Hobbit cartoon (as well as The Last Unicorn). It's that sort of bizarre, pre-anime, washed out look.

I find the deck rather charming as a result.

This is also what I find attractive about the art. It reminds me of certain Art Nouveau works (such as ads by Henri Privat-Livemont) due to that washed out look and the use of repeating geometric motifs.

[Sword King]

Originally Posted by daphne

Post your impressions when you get it, please.

This deck arrived yesterday and I like it more than a little. The art speaks to me in a way that transcends some of the rubbish in the lwb - this is an artist's deck more than an author's. It adheres to the RWS tradition for the most part with some notable exceptions in individual cards. The restrained, washed-out palette brings to mind early October with its predominance of greens, greys, dark reds and muted yellows; if it's an autumnal deck, it's a transitional autumn with summer still quite evident in the rear-view mirror. There is an alien world here with its own continuity that recalls fantasy comics of the late 1970s, but without the overt sexism that often accompanied that genre.

Readers looking for deep, complex imagery as a gateway to inner journeys may be disappointed. There are slight twists here along the GD/RWS road, but their frequency may not be sufficient to engage those who find the RWS system limiting. I happen to love it, but I'm sometimes puzzled by the decks that get a lot of love here on AT. If you're taken in by style of the samples that have been published so far, chances are you will like it. If you find the substance wanting, I'm guessing you won't.

[Chiriku]

Great review, Sword King. I was one of the proponents of this after seeing the few scans available on various USG sites/blogs.

Last week, I ordered it at Amazon.com (was very pleased indeed to see that it was available so soon and that I didn't have one of those dreaded multiple year waits we often get in the tarot world).

Unfortunately, it has been temporarily out of stock for all of that time and if past experience is an indicator, they might just cancel the order.

I considered the USG site but I have to be honest: I have been biased against ordering directly from them ever since an incident 13 years ago when I ordered a deck from them and it took them something like a month and a half to get it to me (in the US, mind). We exchanged emails and phone calls on the subject, of course, but I can't remember any representative being able to give me a satisfactory reason for the whole thing.

Needless to say, I continue to hope I can buy this deck somewhere other than USG if Amazon falls through.

[Chiriku]

Speaking of which, Sword King, where'd you get yours?

[daphne]

Originally Posted by Sword King

This deck arrived yesterday and I like it more than a little. The art speaks to me in a way that transcends some of the rubbish in the lwb - this is an artist's deck more than an author's. It adheres to the RWS tradition for the most part with some notable exceptions in individual cards. The restrained, washed-out palette brings to mind early October with its predominance of greens, greys, dark reds and muted yellows; if it's an autumnal deck, it's a transitional autumn with summer still quite evident in the rear-view mirror. There is an alien world here with its own continuity that recalls fantasy comics of the late 1970s, but without the overt sexism that often accompanied that genre.

Readers looking for deep, complex imagery as a gateway to inner journeys may be disappointed. There are slight twists here along the GD/RWS road, but their frequency may not be sufficient to engage those who find the RWS system limiting. I happen to love it, but I'm sometimes puzzled by the decks that get a lot of love here on AT. If you're taken in by style of the samples that have been published so far, chances are you will like it. If you find the substance wanting, I'm guessing you won't.

Thank you for the impressions! I am now convinced I will like it too.

Where did you order it, amazon is sold-out and bookdepository it`s still in pre-order phase?

[SixDegrees]

Originally Posted by Sword King

This deck arrived yesterday and I like it more than a little. The art speaks to me in a way that transcends some of the rubbish in the lwb - this is an artist's deck more than an author's. It adheres to the RWS tradition for the most part with some notable exceptions in individual cards. The restrained, washed-out palette brings to mind early October with its predominance of greens, greys, dark reds and muted yellows; if it's an autumnal deck, it's a transitional autumn with summer still quite evident in the rear-view mirror. There is an alien world here with its own continuity that recalls fantasy comics of the late 1970s, but without the overt sexism that often accompanied that genre.

Readers looking for deep, complex imagery as a gateway to inner journeys may be disappointed. There are slight twists here along the GD/RWS road, but their frequency may not be sufficient to engage those who find the RWS system limiting. I happen to love it, but I'm sometimes puzzled by the decks that get a lot of love here on AT. If you're taken in by style of the samples that have been published so far, chances are you will like it. If you find the substance wanting, I'm guessing you won't.

I appreciate your perspective! I might end up getting this one, but here's the inevitable question: How is the lamination? Is it printed in China?

[Sword King]

Originally Posted by Chiriku

Speaking of which, Sword King, where'd you get yours?

I ordered mine direct from the USG website. I paid too much for expedited shipping because I am chronically impatient.

[Sword King]

Originally Posted by SixDegrees

How is the lamination? Is it printed in China?

Neither high-gloss nor waxy. I have only shuffled and laid out the cards a few times, but I would say the cardstock and lamination are pleasant enough despite their Chinese origins.

[SixDegrees]

Originally Posted by Sword King

Neither high-gloss nor waxy. I have only shuffled and laid out the cards a few times, but I would say the cardstock and lamination are pleasant enough despite their Chinese origins.

Oh, no, this is great news--I actually love USG Chinese printings! Much better than the super glossy Italian printings. Thanks for the news!

[BeyondtheVeil]

Originally Posted by HighPriestess

I don't know if anyone follows U.S. Games' Facebook page, but they have a few pictures up from an upcoming tarot deck:

The Wheel of Fortune - http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...type=3&theater

The World - http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...type=3&theater

The High Priestess - http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...type=3&theater

Page of Wands - http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...type=3&theater

The Lovers - http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...type=3&theater

My impressions: I really like the High Priestess and the Wheel of Fortune, less thrilled with the World and the Lovers--that couple does NOT look thrilled that they're paired up! (The angel/fairy has a very "Work with me, here...." kind of face, IMHO.

I am with you.. I like the Wheel of Fortune card, but not the Lovers card. It throws me.. I really don't see "Lovers" when I look at that card. Maybe arranged marriage?

I think the World card should have been King of Pentacles. I am not sure why, but when I looked at it... it just shouted King of Pentaclesp to me. I think the deck is cute, but I think I won't click with it because of the names. I just don't 'sense" what the artist saw when making some of these cards. I have only seen what you posted, but just from that know I probably won't be buying it.

Thanks for posting and sharing about this deck! I love seeing all the new decks that come along. Seeing pictures really helps because I have bought 4 decks so far just by looking at the entire decks and knowing I would love them.


Brightest Blessings,
BeyondtheVeil