This is my soul deck; it has been since I first opened it. The courts were a little difficult until I started thinking of them as guides. There are so many symbols in the cards, but many of them are subtle, coming to the fore as I need them. I find they can pack a wallop when it's needed. The Moon on Water (18) and The Mirror (12) are so rich in meaning! But all the majors are, really. I enjoyed your review. 💜
Your comments made me pull it off the shelf and do a reading with the bow spread. Of course there were three courts, but looking at them as you say works very well! The time frames were all significant and very interesting. I think this one will live on my desk for a while. And this is why I love comments!!
Thanks for your thoughtfulness and for diving in to the guidebook so deeply. Just bought the deck on my iPhone, Yeah! I saw other unboxings but I didn't get how powerful the deck was from those videos. I am curious though, the deck seems to not be strictly following the meanings of the classic Rider Waite Smith Tarot deck-right? Isn't 5 of cups the loss grief, regret card not 7? Also 10 of arrows (swords) is usually so dark- but not this deck- which I am actually grateful for and I love the keywords on the cards. Anyway looking forward to spending time with this deck.
You're welcome! Deep dives are how we roll here in the Slow Zone. With the explosion of decks in the last 20 years, the discipline is evolving and many authors are stepping off from the traditional meanings, some with just a few cards, many with entirely new systems, like the Dreams of Gaia tarot. I like my decks to reflect the full experience of living, from the lowest to the highest. But yes, the five of vessels and the ten of arrows do not equate with the five of cups and ten of swords. However, the suit of arrows has several cards showing strife, so it does show the full spectrum. I always love keywords, especially when a deck deviates. As with all of John Matthews (and Caitlin Matthews) deck, there is deep research and a whole world to explore. I'm sure you'll love it!
Beautiful deck! I cannot tell...are the cards lightly laminated? I thought they were completely matte. Other reviewers complained about the thin card stock but this one looks like might be a different publisher.
This is my soul deck; it has been since I first opened it. The courts were a little difficult until I started thinking of them as guides. There are so many symbols in the cards, but many of them are subtle, coming to the fore as I need them. I find they can pack a wallop when it's needed. The Moon on Water (18) and The Mirror (12) are so rich in meaning! But all the majors are, really. I enjoyed your review. 💜
Your comments made me pull it off the shelf and do a reading with the bow spread. Of course there were three courts, but looking at them as you say works very well! The time frames were all significant and very interesting. I think this one will live on my desk for a while. And this is why I love comments!!
Thanks for your thoughtfulness and for diving in to the guidebook so deeply. Just bought the deck on my iPhone, Yeah! I saw other unboxings but I didn't get how powerful the deck was from those videos. I am curious though, the deck seems to not be strictly following the meanings of the classic Rider Waite Smith Tarot deck-right? Isn't 5 of cups the loss grief, regret card not 7? Also 10 of arrows (swords) is usually so dark- but not this deck- which I am actually grateful for and I love the keywords on the cards. Anyway looking forward to spending time with this deck.
You're welcome! Deep dives are how we roll here in the Slow Zone. With the explosion of decks in the last 20 years, the discipline is evolving and many authors are stepping off from the traditional meanings, some with just a few cards, many with entirely new systems, like the Dreams of Gaia tarot. I like my decks to reflect the full experience of living, from the lowest to the highest. But yes, the five of vessels and the ten of arrows do not equate with the five of cups and ten of swords. However, the suit of arrows has several cards showing strife, so it does show the full spectrum. I always love keywords, especially when a deck deviates. As with all of John Matthews (and Caitlin Matthews) deck, there is deep research and a whole world to explore. I'm sure you'll love it!
Beautiful deck! I cannot tell...are the cards lightly laminated? I thought they were completely matte. Other reviewers complained about the thin card stock but this one looks like might be a different publisher.
They seem to be typical cardstock--not too thick, not too thin with a slight sheen.