Whimsical Tarot Deck (Cards)

The images on the cards do not obviously correspond with the imagery from our experiences with the Rider-Waite style of decks. Gone are the confusing "Quabalah mystery" symbolism that we pondered and studied in order to interpret the meanings of those older decks. This is the use of simple and obvious imagery that gives us instant insight into the meaning of the cards.

The images are drawn from well known fairy tales and are familiar to just about anyone. The art work of Mary Hanson-Robert is clean. She gives us very colorful images that attract attention but are not obtrusive. The art work is not distracting, but is lovely to sit and reflect upon.

As we explore the deck, we find some familiar tarot references. We do have a Major Arcana comprised of 22 cards, all clearly marked with the number of the card in its order, and the name of the card. There is no mistaking the card's association. The Fool - 0 - is the scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz. If you look at the tarot as a personal journey of the one who begins as a fool, this association is very obvious. We have the symbolism of the yellow brick road, we have Toto and so much more. The Magician is Puss in Boots, the High Priestess is the Fairy Godmother. There are some very interesting associations, as with The Emperor being Father Christmas, the Old Woman in the Shoe for the Emperess, Judgment using The Cricket from Pinnochio, Glinda for The World, "Goldilocks being discovered" as Justice. The images are so obvious in some instances, yet they challenge you to use your own judgment and personal insights.

The Minor Arcana is numbered one through ten with the court cards being page, knight, queen and king. There are four suits: rods, cups, pentacles and swords. The cards are clearly marked with the name on each. However, the suits symbol does not necessarily appear in the graphic on the card. As with the page of Cups, we see a crystal ball supported by golden fishes with morning glories growing around the ball. The meaning is clear; we are looking to the future. What we are looking for is what we must answer or ourselves.

Each card gives us the same kind of feeling. We see the familiar, what we have grown up with and are very aware of. What we need to do is examine why this card is speaking to us - what is it that we can associate with ourselves in this card.

I also find myself drawing on my own knowledge of the tarot and associations when I am using this deck. While someone who is not familiar with the traditional meanings of the tarot will find this a very easy and fun deck to use, those of us who are trained in the traditional meanings will not find this "foreign" as there are familiar associations here. When we look at the "Two of Cups", the traditional meaning being a lesser "Lovers" card, it's association is still retained with the story of the "Owl and the Kitty Cat", so we are not totally out of familiar grounds. Pentacles still retains its meaning of material matters while cups still reflects inner emotions. The "Ten of Swords", a card of chaos and mistakes, shows the story of Humpty Dumpty falling off the wall. The traditional meanings are not told in the mysterious symbolism but in very obvious and well thought through imagery.

There are small details on the cards that also attract attention. In the "Seven of Cups", a card traditionally of choices, we see a divided road, presumably the yellow brick road from Oz, forking off in many directions, with a multi-sign post. If you read the little signs, we see choices like Emerald City, To Market To Market, Rabbits Hole, Ginger Bread Lane, Rapunzel's Tower, McDonalds Farm and the Castle. The associations with these choices leave one with much to ponder. It is details like this that allow special reflection and a good look at one's inner self. And these special touches make this a remarkable deck.

There is the usual box that is provided by U.S. Games, and a small booklet with some quick references for interpretation. However, I would highly recommend that you get the book that accompanies this deck, as there is much here that you should dwell upon, and look into. I have not seen the "Box Set" that is supposed to be available, with the deck and book sold together and I bought the book and the deck at the same time even though they were sold separately. I have reviewed the book as well, under the book's listing.

I love this deck for personal contemplation. And I do not mean this as being a deck you should use only for yourself. I have used this deck for clients who wantedto examine their own personal feelings and issues and it has provided much insight. It works as well with clients as it does with personal readings.

I would also like to suggest that if you have a youngster who is interested in tarot cards and readings, that this would make a perfect first deck. As our children watch us using the cards, they will also want to explore the path with you, as all children look to their parents for guidance. This deck is so perfect for the younger apprentice that I couldn't think of any deck more perfect for the "almost teenager" or the "First Deck" gifting.

If you are looking for something that is perfect for a holiday gift, or someone just starting, or the "first deck" give this deck a viewing and see if you don't agree this could be the deck for you. boudica