Modern Spellcasters Tarot

I am an experienced tarot reader, and I like to collect decks which seem unusual. This one is certainly unusual. While most of the Waite-Smith images have been employed here, to some extent, I'm not sure I'm on board with some of the meanings that this deck conveys. I stress that this is a totally personal reaction, and others might find these images perfect for their needs.For example, I have always tended to read the Hanged Man as a 'new perspective,' based on the look of exaltation on the face of the hanged man, who is always depicted upside down in most decks. This deck not only shows the figure upright, but it's actually a coffin nailed to a tree! Just ...no.I'm not sure what a woman riding a lion in front of a lake with a burning object in the middle of it is all about, either. It's supposed to be 'Strength' but I'm not seeing it, as she's gazing upward at a knife in her hand, dopey expression on her face, while a frog swims in the lake, and etc.The Fool is shown actually stepping off a cliff. I mean, he's toast. He can't pull back, even if he looks down at his feet. He's a goner. Most of the decks show The Fool in a position where a wrong step COULD send the figure over a cliff, but this one actually has the Fool going over. So what does it mean if it appears in a reading? Beware of journeys? Don't be optimistic because you will fall?Death is just plain scary, with no hint of anything other than a horror to contemplate. The aura of inevitability which comes to all living things, which is the most basic element of the Death card, is simply missing here. The Death card should never be feared. It signifies the natural end of something which is no longer needed or wanted. This particular Death card, however, would send a querent scurrying for cover.The Star, in this deck, is a very intimidating image, that certainly doesn't convey the idea of hope or peace to me.Three of Cups shows three people falling into a pond? And etc.Some of the images are excellent, such as The Moon, Temperance, The Tower, The Lovers, to name a few. But there are just too many images that clash with the decks I'm used to using. I can't honestly see me using this deck. Perhaps if this was a person's first ever deck they could accomodate the meanings of these cards ...but I think I would just be bucking against them the whole time.I recommend them for card collectors who like 'different' cards. I also think the book has some interesting insights into general tarot ideas, and the section at the back which deals with a few different spreads is excellent. So I will recommend the set, with some reservations.You might love it. I simply enjoyed looking at the pictures, then put it away.

I collect heaps of Tarot decks and this does has the potential to be a working deck professionally. The artwork is excellent, multi cultural (at last! yay!) detailed, gorgeous. I have had to get around my horror, though of the depiction of The High Priestess (masked and very frigid looking),The Hierophant (masked, verging on religious brutality) and the ridiculous version of The Devil (which we all know, is meant to highlight our Jungian shadowside, not some ridiculous, archaic "devil" to keep people in fear and brimstone). With those cards aside, the rest are great. The card stock totally lousy and very unflattering for the artist, I would say. The descriptions in the book do not seem to relate to the actual cards at all; and sadly, don't pick up on the many symbols and signs available in each card. I chose to keep this deck, as I did find myself referring to it, and using it for myself and have now grown to find it an easy, efficient read.

Beautiful set of tarot, with classic Rider Waite format and card names, but in a fresh modern style and art work.The human characters in the set as a whole are diverse in many ways, including age, ethnicity, body type, gender, and so on. The symbolism of each card is not lost or overshadowed by this or the art work, as some themed tarot can fall victim to, but is in fact retained and complimented by it.I personally found this a very good tarot for me to work with after learning the basics from my Universal Rider Waite set.The cards and accompanying guide book come together in a sturdy and beautifully designed box.However, I feel it a _small_ shame a smaller separate box for the cards alone was not included. This means to transport them without scuffing I have to take the whole book+cards box, which though not much bigger than a VHS (or 4-5 DVD cases), a small separate cards only box would have been handy.That smallest of complaints aside, I am still very happy with my purchase, and look forward to practicing and reading with my set.

Why did I wait so long to buy this deck. The image's are stunning. Easy readable. Comes in a great sturdy magnetic box. With beautifully colour illustrated guidebook. Highly recommend to all tarot enthusiasts.

In my top 5 of Tarot Decks. They are all unified, and a story in each. Vibrant energy.