Deck by Melanie Gendron

© 1997 US Games Systems Inc.

Melanie Gendron created the Gendron deck which is a blend of cultures from all over the world.  This deck was inspired by the Sacred Feminine, as the author feels the Tarot is a gateway to such wisdom.  The deck is multi-cultures and Goddess-oriented, however, male figures are also included in card scenes.  The art used in this fascinating deck appears to be a combination of paintings, drawings, photographs, and collage.  The combination makes for a very special and unique deck, although some reviewers do indicate that they feel they are using more than one deck due to the variety of imagery.  I think the various effects used on the cards makes for a very nice effect with each card being unique.

The Gendron Tarot is a positive deck where Transition replaces the Death card, and the Deceiver replaces the Devil card.  These renamed cards not only make sense when it comes to the actual meanings of the cards, but they are also much less frightening to clients who are hesitant or fearful about any or all of the cards in Tarot.  The cards in this deck are warm and pleasing to view, and they contain a lot of personality within them.  All cards are fully illustrated and include animals, dolphins, nature, and Native American images.  Scenes in the cards show the Earth in her many forms of beauty -- mountains, woods, waterfalls, and the ocean.  Manmade works are also present in the images, including castles, temples, and cathedrals.

A lot of symbolism is included in the deck, and thus the Little White Book that comes in the card pack is quite helpful for the symbolic information and card descriptions.  It includes information about the Major Arcana, the assigned Hebrew letter, planet, animal characteristics, symbolism, and upright and reversed meanings.  The Minor Arcana section is briefer, but provides information on the suit energy, astrology, element, direction, and totem animal for each suit, plus the upright and reversed meanings for each card.

This is a very pretty deck, and one that is also appreciated as an art collectible.

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

Size of Cards:  2-3/4" x 4-3/4"
Shuffled easily.

Included with deck: LWB (Little White Book) and title cards.

Major Arcana:  (Non-traditional titles are highlighted in blue.)
Fool, Magus, High Priestess, Empress, Emperor, Hierophant,
Lovers, Chariot, Strength (Card 11), Hermit, Wheel of Fortune, Justice (Card 8),
The Hanged One, Transition, Temperance, Deceiver, Tower, Star, Moon,
Sun, Judgment, Universe

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 GENDRON TAROT This Tarot Deck 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 dolphins image above is not associated with the Gendron Tarot . . . but it's such a pretty image, I couldn't resist including it here :-)
As I do not know the artist of this lovely picture, if it is yours or you know who created it, please let me know.  If it belongs to you, I will promptly remove it at your request, or provide a link to you, as per your wishes.