Deck Julian De burgh and artist Mary Guinan

© 2000 St. Martin's Press

Although I've read reviews that criticize the artwork of the Celtic Tarot . . . I personally have to disagree.  The art of this deck reminds me of paintings or colored sketches that can vividly tell a story.  Even though the artwork is not bright or intense, the cards are attractive in the pastel and muted colorings.  The borders of the cards are light gold, embellished with gilt designs reminiscent of ancient Celtic art, and I think that adds a nice touch to the cards.

To be fair, I will mention the "cons" of this deck of cards, too.  I do agree with the reviewers who have a quibble with the cardstock.  The quality is not as good as I prefer.  They do seem almost "cheaply" made.  The cards feel "thin" or "flimsy," and since I've not used this deck a great deal yet, I can't say how the cards will hold up after repeated use . . . but it seems they might not withstand prolonged usage as other sturdier cardstock will.  Certainly all decks should be handled with care . . . but this deck especially will need to be given extra care and handled gently.

Except for the Hierophant being renamed the "Druid" in this deck, the names of the Major Arcana are the same as those in the Rider-Waite deck.  The Knights and Pages have been replaced with Prince and Princess.  When comparing this deck to the traditional Rider-Waite, I believe this deck will work well for beginners who are interested in a Celtic type of Tarot deck.  In addition, a 173-page book is included with the cards, and the book offers a simple, but useful method for studying the Tarot in stages.  It guides the new reader with general meanings and methods to help one get started on the right track -- deeper meanings can come later after mastering the basics.  The book offers keywords, upright & reversed meanings, and also relationship meanings for each card.

There is a blank card included in the deck for those who like using an extra or "wild" card in readings.

Here is an excerpt from the beginning of the book:

"It is my intention in this book to take you through the steps of learning and understanding the Tarot.  In the first section of the book, I deal with the process of learning the Tarot, and becoming familiar with the cards themselves.  The second section deals with layouts and readings.  Each stage is carefully structured to allow you to refer back and refresh yourself on any points you may have missed.

In the early stages of learning the Tarot, I recommend that you avoid trying to understand the deeper meanings.  Get used to handling and giving basic interpretations of the cards first.  As you become more proficient in and have more experience of reading the cards, you will begin to develop your intuitive and psychic side, enabling you to give more detailed readings.  But all in good time.

Of course, it is only natural when you obtain your first Tarot deck that you will want to get straight into reading the cards, but be patient -- take it step by step and it will pay off in the long run.  Learning the Tarot can be an enjoyable journey of self-discovery."

Although not a deck of choice for everyone, I think it is one that can be appreciated by Tarot Readers and seekers both, especially those who like the Celtic theme of the cards.

Number of Cards in Deck: 78 cards (22 Major/56 Minor)

Size of Cards:  2-3/4" x 4-3/4"
This deck is easy to handle.

Included with deck: Comes as a deck and book set, packaged in a glossy-coated box.

Major Arcana:  (Non-traditional titles are highlighted.)
Fool, Magician, High Priestess, Empress, Emperor, Druid,
Lovers, Chariot, Strength, Hermit, Wheel of Fortune,
Justice, Hanged Man, Death, Temperance, Devil, Tower,
Star, Moon, Sun, Rejuvenation, World

Suit Names: Cups, Wands, Swords, Pentacles

Court Cards:  (Traditional titles are noted in parenthesis.)
King, Queen, Prince (Knight), Princess (Page)

Back Design of Cards: 
 

THE CELTIC TAROT This Tarot Deck and Book Set is Available from Amazon.com:

TAROT DECKS -- CLICK HERE FOR FULL LIST Animals Art-Styled Celtic Decks Christian-Based Decks Cultures/Multi-Cultural Decks Historical Myths & Legends Other Traditional/Beginner Decks Whimsical Decks Wiccan-Based Decks Women

The above images are not associated with the Celtic Tarot . . . but they are quite pretty, and I couldn't resist including them in this "Celtic" theme page :-)  As I do not know the artist of these lovely pictures, if they are yours or you know who created them, please let me know.  If they belong to you, I will promptly remove them at your request, or provide a link to you, as per your wishes.