Cartomancy
Showing posts with label Cartomancy. Show all posts

Quarantine Tarot: My Top 2020 Decks

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

A year.  An entire year now in basic quarantine.  Even as we phase to reopening, we have only recently become vaccinated enough to start hanging out more, planning events.  Like many tarot readers, I found myself incredibly blacked-out divination-wise during the lockdown.  I didn't want to explore the past, present or future.  I was tired of seeing disaster on every horizon, grief in every path... I just took a break and started focusing on practical crafts to keep my wandering mind busy.  The crushing anxiety of a pandemic, chronic illness, book release and personal losses made everything about reading for my path (or anyone else) just a nauseating thought.  And frankly, I've never gone so long in my life without being asked for a reading, which was honestly a breath of fresh air.  

But, all that aside, I never let go of my love for the cards.  I kept the collection growing, exploring what these incredible authors and artists from around the world have to offer.  And while 2020 may have been the dickiest year I've ever lived through, I have never been so impressed with the direction that cartomancy is taking. If you have been at a loss for inspiration and direction after a year sitting with this ridiculous nonsense of a past year, then maybe some of these fabulous offerings from 2020/21 will give you some fire.  I mean, these decks are fire.


1. The Infernal Tarot by E. Pollitt


I had begun backing this project in 2020 and it is a phenomenal deck, one that should prove very interesting for readers into that old-world demonology vibe.  Bendy, smooth, thinner cardstock, great gold edges, the etching/woodblock style is fascinating and the colors were a nice slash against the more muted background.


2. Materia Prima by Uusi


Uusi is basically the premium deck maker of our day with some really astonishing offerings in their catalogue, this large deck based on the periodic elements and their relationship to our universe is an interconnected journey through the spiritual interpretation of science and really takes some getting used to.  Those who know their chemistry will really excel with this deck, but people a little less familiar with the science will need to make sure they get the booklet that accompanies.  Perfect cardstock, silky and probably some of the highest quality you can get. Unboxing below...


3. Jonasa Jaus 5th Edition

Every green witch in the world needs this deck.  It's literally green!  And yellow, and black, and white.  It's seriously a wonderful pallet.  Floral, feminine, sensual and emotional, it is my favorite overall artwork for the 2020 picks and I highly recommend ordering her other editions as well.  What I loved was that the cards tell everyone a different story, and they tell me the story of a lush, wild, shaded garden and a woman's romantic journey through it. All of the editions are fascinating, and this edition is wider than a typical deck, but not too difficult to shuffle.  I'm a big fan of the overall aesthetic and you will be too. Unboxing below...


4. Ad Orbita

A wonderful offering through Old Rose Press is an interesting combination of nature and space, teaming planets and stars with rooted vines and seashells.  For those who prefer to do some work in interpreting and who dig the poetry of the abstract, this deck is very appealing.  While the cards are a bit heavy, and the deck is thick enough to be a little difficult for a traditional shuffle, I can't complain because as always, the quality is just so damn fine and the simplicity is refreshing.


5. True Heart Intuitive Tarot

Beloved figure in the world of witchy media Rachel True brings us a long awaited gift that really stood out last year in the best way.  Offering hope, guidance, positivity, color and inclusion, this deck was a splash of good vibes in a dreary year, and really reflects the wonderful evolution of tarot styles.  Frankly this is the deck I'd get anyone looking to start because it is so easily interpreted.  The packaging was great, the accompanying booklet was thorough and useful and frankly the whole thing looks really unique and classic at the same time.


Seriously, if you need to reawaken during these, the vaccine times, then these decks are ready to guide you.

The Modern Witch Tarot Review

Saturday, November 23, 2019

The Modern Witch Tarot

...An exploration of femininity, body positivity, divine sexuality, diversity and queerness in tarot.

What a phenomenon this particular tarot deck has been; truly an incredibly unifying experience for young witches all over the world, but especially for us brown and queer femme folk.  Almost every one of my femme P.O.C friends pre-ordered this deck with me- including members of my BGMN coven.

The Modern Witch Tarot has taken the world by storm with bursts of delicious color, contemporary themes, diversity in representation and quality manufacturing.  While the cards are a tad stiff and glossy for the traditional shuffle, they are the highest quality you'll see in tarot, and they are masterpieces that hearken to graphic novel detail while in-keeping with Rider Waite tradition.  The pre-order edition came in a decorated golden tin with moths and moons printed along the sides.  Inside was a broach featuring the favored 10 of Swords Card with its popular meme-line, "Everything is Fine".  Next, a decorative patch as well as a black and gold reading cloth.  The deck comes in a stiff, high quality box and features stiff gold edges.


The illustrations themselves are a treat; headphones and cellphones, print dresses and braids, women with black and dark brown and pale cream skin, people with thick curves and waves and afros... what a wonderful experience to see myself reflected in witchy artwork.

Lisa, you are a wonderful artist and ally, supporting your work has been a pleasure and I cannot wait to see how your work impacts the tarot world in the coming months.


I'm stunned and I highly recommend getting your hands on a deck when it becomes available!

10/10 Via Hedera Tarot Rating.

2019 Indie Tarot Midsummer Review

Saturday, June 1, 2019

TAROT


Likes: Oh what a perfect card-stock and beautiful color palette choice!  The illustrations are really interesting, diverse in theme and folk-artsy.
Thoughts: I like this one, it's a good balance of life and death.

Le Beau Monde Tarot by Jennifer Pool
Likes: I'm such a femme, these designs appeal to the tea parlor madam in me.
Thoughts: It will get you interested in Victorian fashion, believe that.

The Philly Tarot by James Boyle
Likes: Remember back when I waxed poetic about this deck's release?  Well, it was worth the wait, I live for this hilarious and nostalgic deck.
Thoughts: The gold edging is a great touch and the suit themes are really fun!

ORACLES


Veleda Oracle by Betty Skeet
Likes: Smooth shuffle, bright contrast of color and darkness, good vibes from across the sea ^_^
Thoughts:  I'd love to see what this artist could do with a tarot deck, I imagine something truly unique!


Threads of Fate Oracle Rose Gold Edition by Brit and Blaire (Dec 2018-Jan 2019)
Likes: I've never seen a rose gold foil on a deck before, I adore it!  The images are beautifully illustrated and deeply meaningful.  It came beautifully packaged as well!
Thoughts: I'd love to see the rose gold effect on a Lenormand deck, tell me when to throw money at it and I will.

2018 Misses...

TAROT



Soul Cards Tarot by Kristine Fredheim
Likes: Wow, talk about symbolism, I love the geometry and symbolism of this deck! And the matte velvety texture? hell yeah.
Thoughts: How could I miss this?  That's what irritates me here, HOW did I miss this interesting, fascinatingly elegant deck?  The deck comes in rose blush and gold as well, a new favorite.

LENORMAND



The Golden Thread Lenormand
Likes: The shuffle is wonderful- moves like water!  The art is perfect, balanced, using the negative space beautifully, the foil is just spiffy!
Thoughts: Downside to the use of recycled plastic: the cards scuff incredibly easy, don't expect them to retain their fine surfaces after a few uses.

ORACLES

The Maiden Oracle by Leila +Olive
Likes:  I love everything Leila+Olive does, just so much beauty and interpretation in these thick, high-quality cards.  They really bring a sense of feminine balance to an oracle session.
Thoughts: Awe Leila+Olive I love your sweet floral ways.

Red Thread Oracle by Wychwood Oracle
Likes: I just think this deck is so fun; traditional art linked by the red thread of fate.
Thoughts:  I'd like to be able to choose my own card-back from a selection of options, just a personal preference.


WATCHLIST:

image borrowed from HERE, art by Lisa Sterle (link below)
Modern Witch Tarot by Lisa Sterle
Okay this looks pretty incredible and has already amassed a heinously large fan base.  I preordered within 7 minutes of the opening to do so, that's how crazy great this looks and I predict a rush sale of a deck this popular, accessible, lgbtqpa, femme, body positive deck of the modern witch.  Lisa you are a fantastic artist and I cannot wait to hold this deck in my hands, your choice to be so inclusive is really  going to resonate with our generation of readers. 

Favored 2018 Indie Tarot

Monday, January 14, 2019


    2018 was the year of line-drawing occult art.  Trends come and go but line-art and etching-style occult art never go out of style for us witches.  Black and white is the new style du jour in the tarot community, and I expect it's going to last a bit.  Like many of you, I'm a little tired of the hyper-colored, digital art extreme that tarot took in the mid 2000's so I'm enjoying this return to traditional, monochromatic simplistic designs.  The last few decks I've reviewed (Ophidia Rosa, Absurd and Mildred Payne) were all moving towards this new edge in tarotcraft, relying on less color and more illustration.  Well, 2019 is here and I've got some decks from last year that you are sure to add to your collection once you've seen them.

    For me, there were four stand-out decks from 2018:  The Bianco Nero, The Line Defined, The Moon Void and The Marigold Tarot (which I'm leaving out because it already received it's own review HERE).  I was a backer for Marigold and Line Defined on kickstarter, which is honestly one of the best ways to stay ahead of the crowd when it comes to up and coming tarot decks, artists and editions.  The Bianco I discovered at a pagan fair over the summer and the Moon Void fell into my lap while binging on tarot reviews.

Let's take a look at my Top Tarot Decks of 2018


3. Bianco Nero Tarot

Likes: the slim card-stock- I'm seeing a trend of fatter, heavier card-stock and I don't love it when it comes to shuffles, but the Bianco is slim, smooth and skinny enough to move in my hands like butter.  The illustrations are classic and realistic, beautifully detailed, with a ton of hidden symbolism.
Thoughts: Mr. Marco Proietto, make another deck just like this one, but with my adorable face on every card.  You'll sell millions!


2. The Line Defined Tarot

Likes: the rough gold edging, the detailed lines, the symmetry and balance; I love how life and death are depicted in every card.
Thoughts: This was a worthy backing, I think this artist could make a few really fascinating decks.


1. The Moon Void Tarot
Likes: Every card is full of self expression and I love the splashes of red here and there to break up the monotony of the black and white.  It's both feminine and soft without losing its edgy modernism, I adore it.
Thoughts:  None, buy this deck.

2019 Up-and-Coming Nods
The Philly Tarot


Follow HERE
Bruuuuhhhhh you have no idea how much this deck just tickles my patriotic fancy, but most importantly (and real the reason I'm backing and buying his deck) is Frank from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia will be gracing the World Card.  I literally need nothing else in life but this card.  The art looks great and the theme is a combination of pride and humor, but nothing will sell a deck like Danny DeVito.  Philly Tarot, shut-up and take my money.

Tarot Review: Mildred Payne's Oracle of Black Enchantment

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

If there's a bad-ass deck out there, I'm likely to find and own it.  The last three years have been great for tarot with the release of favorites like The Golden Thread, Tarot of the Absurd, Ophidia Rosa and Marigold Tarot.  Is it just me, or has the golden all-seeing-eye become very popular in the current witch zeitgeist?

The latest in my vast collection, lucky number 52 is Mildred Payne's Oracle of Black Enchantment by Deviant Moon.  It's marketed as a "haunted" oracle, made against the wishes of an early 20th century coven called Fenwood.  I don't know about the backstory or how it was created or why, and I don't think it matters to me personally because this deck is fascinating and fun regardless.

Do you want to live and read deliciously?  Then this is the deck for you.  I admit I didn't know a thing about it when I ordered it, but a fellow Riverton witch shared a picture of hers on Instagram and within a few seconds, I purchased my own copy.  They may be high gloss and almost impossible to casino shuffle, but that's because it's not a tarot deck, it's a very large oracle with thick glossy card-stock.  It's essentially a black and white deck, very popular right now; the card faces are all thick black line print on parchment colored backgrounds, and the backs feature an ornate golden eye on a black background.

The illustrations are such a treat, a complete throwback to English woodblock prints, particularly those popular from witch-hunting manuals, witch-trials and manuscripts on black magic.  Dancing devils, wind-swept hags, maidens of the sabbat and skeletons of the dead make this deck truly one of a kind.  I've waited my whole life for someone to adapt the woodblock style well enough for a tarot deck but it turns out the idea is even better suited to an oracle deck. 


The oracle tells a story from the first block print illustration to the last, a story of wicked women dancing with death and the devils, the story of witching herbs growing from our gardens, dreams and bodies.   There's moonlight rituals and wild dances in graveyards, there are night-riders and twisted demons.   Hell, there's even a depiction of that classic moment when the witch must kiss the butt hole of the devil.  Even if traditional witchcraft isn't your vibe, this deck and its haunting occult imagery will be sure to entertain your magical whimsy. 

I think I was afraid at first that this deck was going to be a rehashing of overused motifs but it actually comes across as rather celebratory and humorous, with artwork that only hints at the old woodblock series without directly emulating every scene.  No card is boring, no two are very alike and each one seems like a complete story unto itself.  For me, each scene appears to be a still of the witch's journey to the sabbat, and a good deal of the cards depict night-riding and sabbat dancing and all of it from the perspective of English witch hysteria art.  Never gruesome or violent, and even a little bit cute where the bulbous-headed skeleton familiars are concerned, this oracle strikes a balance between fairytale and scary story.


While I never quite figured out a rating system for my tarot and book reviews because it would require me throwing shade on works that don't meet my personal standards, I always write reviews for the decks I believe deserve to be watched by the witching world and baby, you better keep an eye on these little demons.  Deviant Moon, I give you Oracle of Black Enchantment my full recommendation and thank you for your swift delivery and fair prices.  A PDF download of the workbook is available when you purchase the deck with the link provided in the shipping box.  Luckily, the cards sort of explain themselves, especially if you're already well acquainted with English and New English occult art.  I think I'll be using this deck for a while because it speaks to the plain old witch in me.

Tarot Review: The Marigold Tarot by Amrit Brar

Sunday, June 10, 2018



Talk about those moments in life you just wait for...

The Marigold Tarot, published 2018, may have taken longer than expected to arrive, but it was well worth the wait.  I had been following the updates diligently, charmed by the sweet slice-of-life pictures of the artist's family and enjoying her sense of humor even through the frustration of shipping delays.  I started as a backer for this project and soon became a fan of the artist herself.  Amrit Brar has a style and point of view worth following, so keep up with her at Amrit Brar Illustration and follower her on Instagram.

The first item I pulled from the box was the lovely black square of fabric with its luminescent golden skulls in each corner and lush, fat marigold in the center- a cloth for readings, and it is just dazzling.  The box is glossy, light, high quality and suitable for travel.  There is no accompanying book but a well-seasoned reader wont need a booklet.

The cards don't have that glossy card-stock texture to them, but rather an almost linen like texture in the vein of high quality casino cards, I think it's my new favorite card texture; smooth shuffle and pliant durability.  They are in standard tarot measurement and are 78 in number.

I was immediately impressed by the stunning contrast of the white skeletal figures and their elegant, symmetrical, golden surrounding boarder.  Stars, herbs, skeletons and hoops play prominent visual roles throughout the entire deck.  Each suit is beautifully illustrated, detailed and complete unlike what I expected.  I was happy that despite the theme of skulls and skeletal bones, the deck never comes off as anything less than a celebration of the life within death and the death that becomes all life.  .  This deck looks like it emerged from a garden in a graveyard in the cosmic darkness.


Favorite cards were most certainly The Lovers which to me tells a tragic love story of epic proportions in the making, and the King of Cups which glows with fertility and wisdom.   I give it my highest recommendation, just because having it is having a very exclusive work of art.  Very unique and one of a kind, a high quality deck suitable for people with tarot experience. I think I'll really enjoy this deck, and I'm sure you will too.

Please visit Amrit Brar and support her excellent work!

Tall Poppy: Top Ten Tarot Decks of All Time

Sunday, December 10, 2017

10. The Golden Botticelli Tarot by A. Atanassov, Lo Scarabeo
A perfect deck for an appreciator of quintessential Renaissance art; it is romantic, well edited and tailored to the traditional tarot mythos.  My favorite aspect is the vibrant colors and the play of the gold foil against the soft pastels common to the style. 

9.  The Alchemical Tarot: Renewed 4th Edition by Robert M. Place
A favorite among occultists, this deck is complex, vivid, modern and beautifully illustrated.  The prominent use of alchemy symbolism, astromancy and hermetic art lend to the classic vibe of this deck. It's polished and glossy which can bother some readers, but I rather like it's durable print stock.  This deck would appeal to the esoteric minded seer. 

8. The Tarot of the Absurd by The Barefoot Fool 
I've reviewed this one before so I'll keep this brief:  it's contemporary, strange, easy to read and eye catching.  The vendor is kind and helpful and their work is a fascinating play of shapes and dynamic movement. 

7. The Etruscan Tarot by Riccardo Minetti, Silvana Alasia, Lo Scarabeo
The Etruscan culture is fascinating to learn about, and most of what we know of their aesthetic is gleaned from the impressive and vast amount of art work and artifacts left behind. Drawing from the sources of vase paintings, frescoes and mosaics as well as graffiti and etchings, this deck portrays the tarot through the mythology and social life of the Etruscans, whose style resembles a multitude of cultures who influenced them.  History fans will like this deck, I know I certainly do.

6.  The Aquarian Tarot by David Palladini, U.S. Game Systems Inc.
A retro deck from 1970 with a cult following that's lasted damn near 50 years, it is exceedingly difficult to find an original in mint condition but well worth the price if you do, it belongs in any classic collection.  It is one of the classic Waite-Smith schools of deck but its style is just individual enough to make it its own class of deck rather than a Waite-Smith clone. The characters depicted are elegant, the colors somewhat muted by age but none the less vibrant.  Vintage decks like these appeal to the younger crowd of readers these days and I'm hoping the style will make a resurgence.

5.The Dame Darcy Tarot by Dame Darcy
The Dame Darcy is absolutely one of my babies, a deck worth keeping close and passing only to a loved one.  This deck is so much fun- it ranged between cutesy and  pleasantly-cartoonish to raw and abstract.  The entire theme is oceanic, maritime and board-walk, you will love the feel of them as they shuffle.  It's an extremely feminine deck and will appeal for its diversity and individuality.

4. The Golden Thread Tarot by Tina Gong at Labyrinthos
I reviewed this deck a while back on my Reviews page and I stand by my belief that this is among the most high quality and lovely decks you could possibly purchase.  Not only is the artwork fun, interesting, graphic and well designed, the quality of the cards is top-notch and you can download an app which arts as the companion book and guide to this deck.  I can't recommend it highly enough for readers who appreciate a slight quark to a serious deck.  They move like water when shuffled and come in a quality two part box.  Golden decks are a particular favorite of mine and I make a habit of collecting every golden or gilded deck in production, I must say, this one takes the cake when it comes to the illuminated deck game.

3. The Ophidia Rosa Tarot by Leila & Olive
Once in a while, I receive a piece of artwork so stunning I spend a whole day with it in my hands, just staring at every inch of it.  This deck is the single most impressive deck in my collection; it has it all- quality, metaphor, meaning.  It appeals to my naturalistic sensibilities and aesthetic as an herbal occultist.  The vendors/artists are punctual, talented and stylish and this deck reflects their talent.   For a review, visit HERE.

2.  The Golden Tarot of Klimt by A. Atanassov, Lo Scarabeo
The Klimt is the deck I use the most.  I've read the majority of my readings with this deck, both privately and publicly.  It communicates with me on every level because Gustav Klimt communicates with me.  The gold foil is expertly applied, the art chosen for each card is well chosen in my opinion, though it can take a little bit more interpreting.  There's a dreamy sweetness to the cards as well as a stark realism that gives this deck a mass appeal.  I recommend this to any painter, any sketch-artist, anyone who glows in the presence of creative expression.  This is the deck for you.

1.  The Morgan Greer Tarot by Bill F. Greer with Lloyd Morgan, U.S. Game Systems Inc.
The ultimate learners deck; it is classic, vintage and colorfully illustrated.  The shapes are pleasing and rounded, nothing too harsh or edgy and it captures the themes in tarot necessary to learning and memorizing the common themes of cards; red roses, white lily, dogs, crayfish, crescent moons under feet and blue mantles; each is ripe with symbolism which deciphers deeper meanings of the cards and their spirits.  For any beginner, this is the most highly recommended non distracting deck, I'd say far superior in translation of imagination than the Waite Smith.

Deck to watch for...


I have a feeling...I have a deep resonance with this deck and with the artist.  They are a marvel, and totally charming and cognizant of their fan base.  It looks like death and gold and glorious meaning.  I'm especially excited to see a P.O.C person do a deck relevant to their beautiful heritage.  I'm in awe of the style already and was really happy with the vendor's updates. I'm looking forward to this deck in February and am honored to have backed it.  I'd have bought twenty if I could!  It's just... well, it's bound to be something special. I have a feeling.  Amrit Brar: you are a fantastic artist, may you always be inspired!

"Step into my parlor,"
said the reader to the guy.

Tarot Review: Ophidia Rosa and Absurd

Saturday, October 21, 2017


The Ophidia Rosa Tarot


Wow.  I mean wow.  This deck is a combination of rustic, feminine, botanical, natural, grave and sweet.  It is highly detailed and beautifully printed with golden edges and thin lines, presented in a smooth black illustrated box complete with a leaflet for basic reading (no reversals); I'm floored.  Snakes and moths, spiders and fungi act as spirit guides through this world of floral interpretation and symbolism.  The illustrations are simple, like they were taken from the diary of some wild botanist; a dreamy garden of familiar and magical herbs.  They aren't traditional Raider Waite Smith or Marseilles style, they will have to be interpreted a little differently and really studied before rendering accurate-to-the-deck readings, and I've never been so excited to commit a new style to memory.  Though there is a bit of resistance to the push of the cards during the corner shuffle, they move nicely under simple shuffling techniques and become smoother with use as most decks do.  Everything about this deck is quality so the cost is well worth it.  For a green witch like me, this is a dream-come-true of a deck and will probably join main circulation in the Parlor.  I highly recommend this deck to readers who want quality and substance with simplicity.



The Tarot of the Absurd


I found this deck refreshing, odd (in the best way) and personable.  Not only is the artwork somewhat androgynous, gender bending and queer; it was diverse in sizes and shapes, it expressed femininity and masculinity in fluidity... I was really pleased with the style, and even more so with the detail of the artwork in every single card, no matter how simple it appears at first glance.  The theme borders on hip art-house but ventures into almost cartoonish exaggerations without being cartoonish at all (not that I knock that genre); it's just very contemporary and clean, all rounded lines and stark contrasts.  Absurd is such a well done deck with quality printing, the cards have a cool smoothness to them that I found easy to shuffle.  It quickly became my most popular requested deck from the Collection for the last few weeks, especially among my black and queer clientele as well as art students.  Black and White decks are a popular new phenomenon in tarot, and this is among my favorite decks because it stands out from the others vividly.  This deck tells a story for sure, but also meanders like a dream.  Shipping was swift and the vendor was kind, attentive and charming, definitely the kind of vendor I'll be frequenting in the future (as should you).

Before the Dark of the Moon

Monday, October 16, 2017

I took a personal day recently, just to myself, to do some petitioning for my neighbor in need of help, to see backwards, to see forwards. There are things to be seen, and things to be hidden.  Everything seems clouded to me right now, especially my judgement.  It's reminding me to be careful and heed the three swords on my arm; I'm a creature of conflict and part of my nature is the struggle to confront conflict head on.  If my soul had a form, it would be wind and  leaves; fluttering, fickle and hard to catch.  These are the conflict times, the Hag of Winter has ridden in.   The last great harvest is coming soon.  I plan to spend it with the sorrors; my black girl magic night witches.  I guess I'm in some kind of coven, a sisterhood of black community associated ladies who meet every so often to express our magic selves.  We've decided to do our own samhain.




Absurd Moon

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Waxing Moon. Moon's Day. Hour of the Moon (last Monday)

I chose two tarot and a lenormand, all of them with vintage and rare feels to begin this journey.  I had a lot of questions, and a lot of answers came. 

The Chelsea Red is a limited lenormand, she tends to read for life more than the heart.  It's my favorite buy from a few years back.  The Tarot of the Absurd is a new addiction to the collection; It's a beauty and moves in the hands like water, I'm fond of the stark artsy style and it is easily one of the highest quality monochrome decks I've ever seen.   I'm very fond of this deck and it's very cool and professional creator Barefoot Fool.  She's the noise, give her a gander.

Tarot of the Absurd.
Vintage 1970 hand-me-down Aquarian Tarot.  Doesn't get used too often because of it's delicate nature, much like my vintage Hoi Polloi, but occasionally it's exactly what I need.



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