Puzzled by the Morgan Greer

Aeric

I don't think dateable decks are so bad. Heck, my favourite deck the Gay Tarot can be easily dated to the early 2000s because everyone in it's using computers with large bulky monitors, corded telephones, and not a cell phone in sight. No smartphones or earpieces; someone who uses the deck in ten or twenty years will definitely notice the difference.

I think my hangup with M-G is that it chose to present Waite cards from the perspective of the faces, but reinterpreted others almost on whim.

The Devil card completely loses the human side of what Waite represents and converts the Devil's influence to an entirely spiritual, malevolent force.

The 9 of Swords originally showed mental anguish or nightmares; M-G physically binds the person in a way that makes the 8 of Swords almost superfluous, were it not for the fact 8 is visibly blindfolded but 9 might not be.

5 of Pentacles shows a Mary-like consolation. There is compassion and comfort where the Waite is starkly bleak.

I don't get the reason for some of these changes.
 

Sibylline

The 9 of Swords originally showed mental anguish or nightmares; M-G physically binds the person in a way that makes the 8 of Swords almost superfluous, were it not for the fact 8 is visibly blindfolded but 9 might not be.

Yup, the 9 of swords / 8 of swords bugs me too--you explained the conundrum I've had with this deck so perfectly, Aeric.

I held off buying the Morgan Greer for years because I was so put off by the 70s porn mustaches. I eventually caved, and I don't regret it at all. (I just love a borderless deck!) It just leaves me a bit puzzled with the choices involved in a few of the cards.

I have had a secret wish that someone would update the MG's cheesy and dated color tone--I think that bugs me the most. Imagine what it could be with today's technology!

My other secret fantasy is to do away with those creepy mustaches that waggle out at me every time I do a reading! I have to actively shut out the "bow-chick-a-bow-bow" every time a 'stache appears. :eek:
 

Morwenna

What's wrong with the mustaches? I think they're cute! :) Of course, most of the men I know these days have facial hair. Granted, that usually includes beards...

I've sometimes wondered about the changes, but I can stretch my brain around them, usually.
 

Le Fanu

I have had a secret wish that someone would update the MG's cheesy and dated color tone--I think that bugs me the most. Imagine what it could be with today's technology!
Ouch!

I think it's exactly that which people like! This is precisely the sentiment that leads to all those disastrous remakes which Hollywood does. Let's update, let's make it more contemporary!

I think one of the reasons people love the MG so much is that it has come to us, largely untampered, moustaches, colour tones and all, from another era.
 

Sulis

I have had a secret wish that someone would update the MG's cheesy and dated color tone--I think that bugs me the most. Imagine what it could be with today's technology!

Ouch!

I think it's exactly that which people like! This is precisely the sentiment that leads to all those disastrous remakes which Hollywood does. Let's update, let's make it more contemporary!

I think one of the reasons people love the MG so much is that it has come to us, largely untampered, moustaches, colour tones and all, from another era.

I agree with Le Fanu and I think we need to remember that the colours in the Morgan Greer deck are there for a reason, they mean something.. This deck was coloured using Paul Foster-Case's colour symbolism used in the BOTA deck.

I really like the 1970s vibe that this deck has, I like the close-ups, the moustaches and the card backs, in fact it was one of my favourite reading decks for many years, it has an authentic retro feel. It is of it's time and that's a very good thing methinks... I really think that there is too much emphasis on things being the same and 'contemporary' these days with clean lines and bright colours, as a result, we get a dumbing down of anything that doesn't meet with modern standards of what is beautiful.. I can't think of anything worse than an updated version, done with computers... Think of the new Mythic Tarot and what's been done to that... Eughhhh no!!!
 

Sibylline

I agree with Le Fanu and I think we need to remember that the colours in the Morgan Greer deck are there for a reason, they mean something.. This deck was coloured using Paul Foster-Case's colour symbolism used in the BOTA deck.

I am very aware that color symbolism used in this deck has a history (which, incidentally, I have read up on extensively prior to purchasing this deck). And I share the sentiment that such intensive thought that went into this deck makes the MG so special.

I am not suggesting that a color change would make this deck better. My god, if the colors did change, it would be an utter travesty! I was simply wishing that the color *tone* in the printing could be updated to make the existing colors more vibrant and attuned to Paul Foster-Case's vision that was not available when the deck was published. It is simply my personal wish. Perhaps I should have been more clear in my original post.
 

Tarotwolf

I love this deck for readings and have grown to tolerate the back design. If there's a downside, it's that the close up images tend to exaggerate the "medieval, sword/conflict" vibe which is sometimes bothersome. Not sure if others feel this way or not?

This is actually one of about ten decks I keep out in pouches for frequent use. I have seven different printings of the Morgan Greer and like to use a vintage copy to read with. There's just something about the older, vintage card stock which the newer decks just can't replicate. Anyway, this is one of the first decks I was ever drawn to and I still enjoy using it.
 

Rosanne

I reluctantly / happily gave my deck to one of my children, and as that is where I am staying, I am using it here.
I have some small dislikes, more humorous than horrible.
The jaw on the King of Cups, the disembodied lower female half on the Lovers, and the hilarious lion on strength. Talk about rolling eyes and pipe like tongue. I laugh every time I draw it.
On the other hand I Love the WOF, and Tower with their strong sense of movement, 9 Pentacles seem to embody everything I like about alone-ness- that sense of Luxury. The female in 2 swords has just staggered upright and is very pleased with herself, if not a little thoughtful about it.
The deck has been well used, but looks like it was bought today- wonderful card stock. I think the coloring is great, and of course been border-less. Great deck in all, and very pleased to hold it again.
~Rosanne
 

moonweaver

Ahh, my beloved "large print tarot," as I like to call it. Don't mind the mustaches and groovy colors - this is a great reading deck. Despite the lack of design intricacies and details, it provides spot-on insights. I would definitely put it in the workhorse deck category.
 

nisaba

I think it's exactly that which people like! ...

I think one of the reasons people love the MG so much is that it has come to us, largely untampered, moustaches, colour tones and all, from another era.

<takes long, hard look at Le Fanu>

Would YOU kiss that Magician?

Come to that, would I kiss that Queen Pentacles? I think not.

<hides grin>
 

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