by
~*~Velvet
Angel ~*~
Arthurian
Tarot
This
deck is suitable for any question you wish to ask of the Tarot.
Note: This
deck should not be confused with the Legend Arthurian Tarot by Anna
Marie Ferguson.
You
may find that deck by clicking here.
© 2006 Deck by Caitlin
and John Matthews
Cards illustrated by
Miranda Gray
The theme of this deck is based on Arthurian legend. There is another deck entitled "Legend Arthurian," so this deck should not be confused with that one, or vice versa. The decks are by two different authors and artists.
How easy or difficult this deck may be to use can depend on one's knowledge of the Arthurian theme. This holds true for any themed deck -- the more knowledge you have about a particular theme, the more it may make sense and be easier to use. But for those who are intrigued by the Arthurian deck, there is a little guidebook that comes with the cards. Although it does not contain in-depth information, there are interesting questions posed for each card. For example, the Seeker Card (Fool) asks, "How does spontaneity and trust keep you on this path? What enthusiasm do you feel? What possibilities are calling you forth?" The Two of Spears (Wands) asks, "What is driving you towards your goal?" Most of these questions get at the heart of the information being conveyed and what you need to think about when the card appears in a spread. Some card layouts and a sample reading are also included in the little guide booklet.
For each card in the little guidebook, one page is dedicated to each card of the major arcana and a half page for each of the minors. Each card is provided a brief sentence regarding the description of the card's scene, brief keywords or phrases for both upright and reversed meanings, an oracle (which is how the card is meant to speak to you if it had a voice, and the key questions to ask.
The Arthurian Tarot, by Caitlin and John Matthews, is a republication of the Hallowquest Tarot and is based on the legend of King Arthur and his Round Table. The Major Arcana cards depict key figures, objects, and places in the Arthurian story. The Minor Arcana suit cards represent different aspects of life and are named Grails (for Cups), Spears (for Wands), Swords, and Stones (for Pentacles). The weather in the card scenes reflect the associated season. There are actually two companion books for these cards, one being "Arthurian Tarot: A Hallowquest Handbook" and the other entitled Hallowquest: Tarot Magic and the Arthurian Mysteries." As I do not have either of these books (surprising, I know, since I have a huge library on the Tarot) , I am not able to comment on them -- but they would likely be of help in understanding the cards and why particular images were chosen for each card. The Arthurian Legends are not a subject that has captured my interest as much as other topics, but for those who are serious about using this themed deck or learning about these legends in greater detail, I would recommend trying to get one or both of the books as a supplement to the cards. As of this writing, however, it appears that the cards and the associated books are out of print. But it looks like there is or will be a new edition of this deck to come out that features a black border instead of a white one.
The coloring of this deck is not bright or vivid, but it's not muted like the other Arthurian themed deck that I have (Legend Arthurian Tarot). The cards are printed on quality cardstock and have a glossy coating on both front and back. They are a little stiff to shuffle when they are new, because of the fine cardstock used. The cards measure approximately 4-5/8" x 3-1/8."
Although there is no nudity contained in the images, there are a few gruesome scenes that can be unsettling for some. For example, the Nine of Swords card shows three heads impaled on a fence. At first, it may appear that that it is three men looking over the fence, but their severed heads are actually on that fence. In the card of the Stone Maiden, the severed head of Perceval's cousin sits on a platter. There are only but a few of these types of scenes, but it is something to keep in mind for the more sensitive seeker.
I would recommend this themed deck to collectors and those who have an interest in the Arthurian legends. However, I wouldn't recommend this deck to the novice tarot reader, as things may be rather confusing -- even if one really loves the history of the Arthurian legends.
Velvet
Angel
Email
Velvet Angel
Number of Cards in Deck: 78
Size of Cards: 4-5/8" X 3-1/8"
Included with deck: 80-page booklet
Major Arcana:
Seeker, Merlin, Lady
of the Lake, Guinevere, Arthur, Taliesin,
White Hart, Pryowen,
Gawain, Grail Hermit, Round Table, Sovereignty,
Wounded King, Washer
at the Ford, Cauldron, Green Knight, Spiral Tower,
Star, Moon, Sun, Sleeping
Lord, Flowering of Logres
Suit Names: Spears (Wands), Grails (Cups), Swords, Stones (Pentacles)
Court Cards: King, Queen, Knight, Maiden (Page)
Back Design of Cards:
 |
 THE
ARTHURIAN TAROT
|
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