Tarot Outside The Box

Book: Tarot Outside The Box by Valerie Sim

Tarot Outside The Box is a guidebook written for enthusiasts of Tarot cards. Intended more for those who are already familiar with the basics of Tarot readings and seek advanced ways to apply their technique or add creative twists, Tarot Outside The Box includes how to read without a querent, interactive readins, original spreads, creative writing with the Tarot, Comparative Tarot methods, combination Tarot, and much more. Diagrams and anecdotes help illustrate this marvelously clear-minded, inspirational guide.

Looking for new ways to expand your Understanding of Tarot? Renowned Tarot specialist Valerie Sim helps Tarot enthusiasts step "out of the box" and advance their practice to a new level. Emphasizing a fun, relaxed approach, she teaches how to break rules in order to stimulate creativity. Readers learn many valuable Tarot techniques, including the Comparative method, which involves practicing with several decks to fully understand each card and its abundant possibilities for interpretation.

Tarot Outside the Box also offers original spreads, sample readings, and valuable advice for practicing Tarot without querents, engaging in interactive readings (both reader and querent participation), and using Tarot for creative writing.

I find myself really engaged with her writing style, she says just enough, doesn't over intellecualize, and keeps it all clear, and very welcoming and allowing. I had left off with Tarot for quite some time, and had been feeling badly that I had done so, only to read that Valerie had at times left off with it too. So sure, I'm feeling behind, but not left out anymore. I am glad my instincts led me to her book as one of the first I read to re-encounter the cards, because it quickly helped me regain my connection with the Spirits of Tarot.

Those are my thoughts for now, and I may be back with more after I finish the book. I can already say I'd recommend this highly to anyone seeking to both deepen and broaden their connection with Tarot.

Buy Valerie Sim's book: Tarot Outside The Box

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Frater Achad - The Anatomy Of The Body Of God
Tommie Eriksson - Tree Cults In Northern Magic
Moses Maimonides - The Guide For The Perplexed
Saint John Of The Cross - Dark Night Of The Soul
Ann Groa Sheffield - Groa Top Nine Heathen Books

The Continental Tarots

Book: The Continental Tarots by Christine Payne Towler

In the essay titled "The Major Arcana" I emphasize that "Something happened" to the Tarot in the late 1600s, when a new trend emerged in the images of the Major Arcana. I point to the Marseilles family of decks and the Etteilla Tarots to illustrate my point.

The images shown by Antoine Court de Gebelin in his book Le Monde Primitif further validates this idea.The remainder of this essay is about exploring "what happened." Let's review the situation of Tarot in the first half of the 1600s. Since the early 1400s, both handmade and woodblock Tarots showed a remarkable constancy of internal structure even though some packs were either edited or expanded to meet the needs of the various games for which they were created.

Tarot appeared in 72-card form in Italy around 1450, although this model may represents "splice" between preexisting symbol sets: the twenty-two Hebrew alphabet-keyed set called the Major Arcana, and the Turkish Mamluk cards of unknown provenance, a 15th century version of which can be seen in Volume 2 of Stuart Kaplan's Encyclopedia of Tarot (see essay on the Minor Arcana).

Kaplan also explains that the numerical order the Arcana appear in now is carried over from the French pack by Catelin Geofroy, published in 1557 (Vol. 1, p. 65). Some earlier fragmentary Tarots show Roman numerals on some of their Major Arcana, but not all of them, and not in the order we are now familiar with. Those very old woodblock decks tend instead to follow the list enumerated in a sermon written by an Italian friar in the late 15th century (see illustration opposite page 1 in Volume 1 of Kaplan's Encyclopedia of Tarot). There is also another order derived from the Charles VI pack that keeps Temperence, Fortitude and Justice together in a group. A very small minority of Tarots follow this order, including Etteilla’s Tarots.

Download Christine Payne Towler's eBook: The Continental Tarots

Books in PDF format to read:

Pyotr Demianovich Ouspenskii - The Symbolism Of The Tarot
Robert Wang - The Qabalistic Tarot
Samuel Liddell Macgregor Mathers - The Tarot
Aleister Crowley - The Zodiac And The Tarot
Christine Payne Towler - The Continental Tarots

Explaining Runes

RUNES


For as long as anyone can tell, runes have been around helping people in the
northern European area and now they are making quite a comeback on a worldwide
basis due partly to commercialism and partly due to the unknown uprooting of
many occult practices. People are looking for a better way to live and people
are looking towards oracles for answers and guidance to their troubles. This is
where the runes come into play. In this area, we will be looking at the meanings
of runes and how they can help you.

At this point, we will give only a brief overview of what they are and where
they came from. This is only a survey.

Runes come from the Nordic area where the ancient Vikings once lived, worked,
and fought. Though they were relatively savage in their outings, the Vikings
were people in touch with Earth and the many forces that coexisted with them.
They have a whole lore that includes many popular god figures such as Thor, the
son of Odin. Thor carried a mighty hammer and many of us know him from comic
books. The father of Thor, Odin, was the creator of the Runes and is the most
important holy figure of the Viking people. Odin hung upside down from a tree
limb for a chance of higher knowledge and right before he came down from the
tree limb, he was bestowed with the new system called the Runes. These symbols
were used for writing and magic by the high priests. On this page, we will
discuss the 25 runes most used today and their meanings.

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FEHU - Wealth, honesty, truth

Fehu is the light of truth that illuminates the way home where peace and comfort
abide. The desire to know and speak truth. To be true to yourself and others is
Fehu's counsel. The resulting harmony is a wealth beyond measure.

URUZ - Understanding, Strength, Health

Through empowering the components of mind, body, and soul creates a synergy
which manifests the desired reality. Each component supports the health and
growth of the other.
THURISAZ - Introspection, Withdrawal, Regeneration

Withdraw, reflect, review, and the correct path will become clear. Caution
against impulsiveness.

ANSUZ(on-sus) - Communication, Wisdom, Creative incitement

Energy is focused on the creative power of words. Acquiring knowledge through a
wise counselor promotes confidence in scholastic or communication issues. The
rune for a student or apprentice.

RAIDHO (raytho) - Movement, Action, Journey

Travel in comfort. A journey is encouraged, be it from one location to another
or from one stage of life to another. Now is the time to proceed from your
present position on to the next port on your journey.

KENAZ - Recuperation, Transformation, Healing

Recovery from any adverse condition, be it physical or material. A stabilizing
energy that heals and harmonizes. Transformation is highlighted, be it from the
state of disease to health, poverty to security, apprentice to artisan.

GEBO - Gift, Allowance, Acceptance

The gift of love is offered. The attainment of inner balance allows for the
acceptance of love from others. Self-acceptance which honors strengths and
weaknesses. The equal and harmonious union of two whole and complete components
provides a supportive and loving environment to share an adventurous journey.

WUNJO(wun-yo) - Joy, Happiness, Artistic expression

Artistic expression finds a medium. Joy and happiness through allowing the
freedom to pursue inner dreams, desires and ambitions.

HAGALAZ - Compliance, Disruption, Risk

Compliance with the natural flow of life. Struggling creates disharmony. Look
for the silver lining in any cloud, it awaits your joy of discovery. Disruption
occurs when one is out of balance. Do not be afraid to take leaps out of the
chaos.

NAUDHIZ(now-thees) - Deficiency, Tempering, Need

Need creates motivation to achieve or acquire. Focusing of fulfilling needs
creates self-reliance and inner strength. Frustration creates determination,
melancholy can inspire poetry or music.

ISA - Controlled strength, Inner will-power

Pure inner confidence empowers the will to influence and draw support from any
opposing factors. Like ice itself, this rune can be used to freeze a moment
preserving the strength from the situation.

JERA(yera) - Completion, Harvest, Gain

You have built your foundation. Provided that it has been structured with
attention to detail and no short-cuts have been taken, the outcome will produce
a fruitful return. A plant grown with love and care will blossom.

EIHWAZ( A - was) - Patience, Enlightenment, Awareness

Being centered and aware of your position promotes patience at this midway
point. Now is not a time for extremes, be it gains or losses. Knowingness comes
from the central point of being.

PERTH - Change, Rebirth, Revelation

As coal is transformed by intense pressure into a diamond jewel and pearls are
created by the irritation of sand granules, so too can your greatest challenges
be presented as gifts. Change is a reflection of creation not destruction.
Through a diversity comes the opportunity of joyous revelation. A higher purpose
may be revealed.

ELHAZ - Protection, Friendship, Union

Powerful protective energies avail themselves. An invisible shield repels
negative influences. Honor this gift with honesty and compassion for others and
the energy will continue to guard you. A rune of harmonic union and positive
influences.

SOWILO - Achievement, Guidance, Clarity

Listen for the opportunity for guidance as wisdom follows. Time to further
education or successful completion of studies. The warmth of this rune is a
blessing of union and the simple pleasures in life. This energy provides a
direct path to victory.

TEIWAZ(Tay-was) - Analysis, Sacrifice, Honor

The gathering of pertinent facts, combined with critical analysis provides a
firm basis from which appropriate skill may be applied. Fairness and equality
are essential. A sacrifice willingly accepted yields success, honor and power.
This runes protection should neutralize competitive situations.

BERKANA - Motherhood, Domesticity, Nurturing

Time for domestic nurturing. This rune may announce a forthcoming marriage or
birth of a child. Simply, it denotes the qualities of nourishing and caring for
the development of an idea, project or relationship.

EHWAZ - Change, Partnership, Creative beginnings.

Growth through physical change, possibly involving travel, residence, or job
Creativity combined with harmonious team effort. A partnership is highlighted
based on trust and loyalty.

MANNAZ - Cooperation, Awareness, Awakening

The rune of humanity carries the message of collaboration, especially between
the conscious and subconscious. Emotional (ego) detachment is uplifting and
provides access to untapped resources. Viewing your situation as an impartial
observer will provide room for objectivity. Remember, energy takes the path of
least resistance, move in balance with the universal flow.


LAGUZ - Intuition, Talent, Initiation

Latent intuition and creative talents emerge. Fear of the unknown should be
replaced with trust in yourself and your instincts. This rune releases
imaginative and creative talents which should be cultivated. Rationality and
analytical thinking should be put aside to allow psychic energy to flow through.

INGUZ - The Void, Intermission, Introspection

The state between the completion of an old cycle and the gestation of a new
cycle. Relaxation, introspection and rejuvenation provide preparation for the
birth of a new and exciting stage on the wheel of life.

OTHALA - Communal energy, Tradition, Stability

Community minded thinking, members of a group working for the betterment of the
whole will provide support and security. Knowing that the foundation is firm
will provide freedom from constraint. Ancestral tradition instills comfort and
confidence. Heirlooms, or inheritances of objects symbolic of loving energy may
be passed down to you. Honor these gifts by preserving the tradition and
evolving from it.

DAGAZ - Truth, Hope, Illumination

This rune is synonymous with the sun's dawning rays supporting an awakening to a
new broader perspective. A change in consciousness may result, manifesting as a
change in previous plans in light of increased knowledge.

THE BLANK RUNE - Unknown, Karma, Universal Responsibility

Knowing the answers to your questions may not be advantageous to your growth at
this time. Knowing may affect your natural actions. Make sure that you have been
specific when posing your question.

This rune also indicates that the karmic wave may be flowing back to you. A
negative or positive vibration that originated with you will be coming back.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


NORNIC RUNE LAYOUT:

The following is a step by step guide to a personal RUNE cast. For the novice
seeker it is not essential to have a traditional hand crafted cache of Runes. An
easy make-shift set can be created by simply cutting 25 equally sized squares
from paper or cardboard. Then inscribe each of the squares with one of the Rune
symbols. For those who are more intent on learning the ancient method and
traditions of the Rune cast, it is suggested that when inscribing each symbol,
its teachings should be meditated upon. This process activates the energy of
each of the Runes symbolic wisdom.

1. Formulate a specific question and meditate upon it.

2. After you feel your question has been sufficiently stated, reach into your
pouch and withdraw three rune stones one at a time.

3. Lay the runes in front of you in the order that they are drawn, successively
from left to right

4. Make sure that the runes are placed as you naturally have pulled them. If a
rune is reverse position, it must be recognized to be in the reverse position.

*Reversed runes will indicate that the qualities invested in the Rune appear
blocked or inappropriately applied. It would denote that the energy of the rune
is available to you if you open yourself to receive.

5. First Rune: Past Influences concerning situation

6. Second Rune: Present influences and energies

7. Third Rune: Probable outcome as it relates to the conditions of the first
two. The future is changeable with a shift in current management.

8. These three runes can also be read as body, mind, and spirit when
understanding or clarification of self is sought.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Karl Hans Welz - Armanen Runes
Samael Aun Weor - Magic Runes
Bernard King - Meanings Of The Runes

The Magican Workbook Practicing The Rituals Of The Western Tradition

Book: The Magican Workbook Practicing The Rituals Of The Western Tradition by Donald Tyson

The forty exercises in this book are designed to develop the practical skills necessary to work ritual magic in the Western Tradition. Their value lies in the doing. They are not meant to be studied or analyzed, but repeatedly performed on a regular basis. When integrated into a daily routine of practice and done consistently over a period of months, the benefits they confer are automatic and universal. They strengthen the will, focus concentration, enhance creative Visualization, and awaken the perception of esoteric forces and spiritual creatures.

Anyone who follows the routine of practice set forth in the appendix will experience profound changes of mind and body. The degree of benefit will vary depending on the latent gifts within each individual, but just as no one can lift weights for months without enlarging their biceps, it is impossible to work these exercises of Practical Magic without expanding and strengthening the occult faculties. You will become more aware of the processes of your own mind, and increasingly conscious of your dreams. You will sense subtle currents of force moving within your body and through the world around you, and learn to control them.

Your intuition will grow keener and more reliable. You will perceive the presence of spiritual intelligences and interact with them. You will be able to project the power of your will as a tangible force to influence spirits and human beings. You will cleanse buildings and places of destructive atmospheres, charge objects with subtle energies, open gateways to higher spiritual realms, awaken the energy centers of your body, and call forth angels and elementals to serve your needs.

All exercises are completely practical. A brief commentary has been added to each, but these commentaries contain no theories or moral cautions or history lessons, only instructions essential to avoid confusion and insure accurate performance. Countless books explain, justify, and analyze various aspects and systems of magic, past and present, in exhaustive detail. These works have their place, but they often suffer from a deficiency of simple directions on how to actually do the magic they describe. Readers are forced to distill procedures from hundreds of pages of general discussion, or must translate abstract references into practical steps.

Download Donald Tyson's eBook: The Magican Workbook Practicing The Rituals Of The Western Tradition

Books in PDF format to read:

Richard Alan Miller - The Magical And Ritual Use Of Herbs
The Troth - Welcome To The Troth Honoring The Northern Tradition
Order Of The Golden Dawn - The Invoking Pentagram Ritual Of Water
Robert Mathiesen - Magic In Slavia Orthodoxa The Written Tradition
Donald Tyson - The Magican Workbook Practicing The Rituals Of The Western Tradition

Rune Magick

Rune Magicks
by Balder

There are many ways to use Runes, either by themselves or with other techniques
that can enhance your work. One such way is to focus on a single Rune itself and
call upon it to help effect the change required or strengthen the energy.
Another way is to use several runes in a line (much like a typical casting) to
shape the energy around or in the work you are doing. Yet another is to combine
runes into a single shape. These are known as binding Runes. The last is to
write out a word or group of words, spelled in the rune staves, and either
carved, painted, or written down on parchment.

Below I've listed some examples of Rune Magick in typical spell work. The use of
Runes will start to come naturally to you once you have spent time on them. Like
beginning any thing new, start with simple things. Don't get too complex until
you're Understanding of the Rune is clear. There are, in the sagas, tales of the
inexperienced Runester carving Runes for a well intended purpose and winding up
with disastrous results.

I recommend focusing on each Rune, one at a time. Use them in simple divination
and meditate on each staves shape. Note the flow, their relationship, the "tone"
that each one has. There are both the elements of sheer strength and hidden
subtleties to look for. Like the rushing stream, there is both the power of the
movement and the delicacy of life hidden beneath. Or conversely, the seemingly
gentle appearance and the powerful current below.

Candle Magick

Prepare your altar or space, set the lights dim or use lighting by candles only.
Play soft music in the background, I recommend instrumental or non-lingual
vocals. Select the type of candle you wish to use, depending on its purpose.
Carve on the can

dle a binding rune upon it, or you can instead carve the purpose of the candle
in rune staves (E.g. Health).

Set the candle down for a moment and concentrate on your intent. Gather your
energy, pick up the candle, and charge it. The runes will help shape the energy
you send it into its pattern. Set the candle down and meditate on it for a
moment, then light it.

The runes will partially insure the energy you sent into is shaped to its
pattern. This focuses the energy into a very tightly knit band that is very
difficult to disturb. Thus, the work you've just performed is less inclined to
break down due to forces of entropy.

Charging Oils

How you prepare your oils and what type to use is strictly up to you. Some
extract the oil from their own garden of herbs and plants. While I admire such
dedication, many of us rarely have the time or resources to dedicate to such
purity. One must bear in mind though, that what one puts in to their efforts
will be returned.

I usually purchase my oils from a source that knows the difference between good
oils and cheap ones. To those just starting I might point out that you should
stay clear from synthetic based Essentials and stick to the natural Essential
oils. In my industry there's also a known acronym "GIGO", Garbage In, Garbage
Out.

Set about your workspace the Runes you wish to invoke. I frequently use another
set of Rune stones that I use for spell work. Blend your oil using the base of
your choice, if its meant to be worn. Otherwise, combine your oils carefully.
After pouring the oil into its vial, meditate on the Runes you've selected and
the energy you wish to send. Charge the oil, hold it, and set it down carefully.
At this point I like to let the oil set overnight, with the Runes surrounding
it. The cone formed by the Runes surrounding the vial help protect it and lets
it "mature" to its fullest potential.

Optional: If you wish to go a step further, you can write your spell to which
you are preparing your oils in Runes, usually on parchment. The spell can be
prose, verse, a single word, or a binding rune. Anoint the parchment with a
touch of the oil. Set the parchment in your cauldron and light the paper. This
acts as the initialization of the oil, activating it.

Sealing Your Home

Its good to protect your home every so often. Many of us absorb a lot from our
environment and as such we should do as much as we can to insure our comfort and
protection. Sealing one's home is really setting up filters on all points of
entry. These filter allow the positive energy to flow in while preventing the
negative from gaining entry. In some cases you may also wish to limit what you
allow out. No need letting the neighbors get hit with whatever you're sending...

What you use in this as a medium is completely up to you. I use incense ash,
others use oils. For the doors, you can use a cord knot or a mounted plate with
your Runes carved on them. This technique will use the ashes, and can be
combined with the more traditional Smudging.

In candle light, with soft music, draw your circle and create your sacred space.
Start with the shielding and Protection of your space. Light your incense. The
kind you use is strictly up to you. Keep in mind, however, that you are doing a
protection spell. If you wish to add other elements to that, such as cleansing,
feel free. Again, sometimes it is better to keep it simple, and there for
minimize the chance of confusing the spell.

As the incense burns, expand the walls of your circle slightly. Meditate on the
feeling of being within that space while the incense burns. When the incense has
stopped burning, and you have adequate ashes, you can let your circle down. Go
with the burner and mark each door and window frame with your Runes. Elhaz and
Thuriwaz are the most "protection" or "defense" attributed. "Uruz" can also be
invoked, albeit cautiously so, and "Othila" can be as well..

Enchanting an Item

The purpose of carving Runes on specific objects is to essentially bless and
dedicate them to their specific tasks. The Runes are either that of Invocation
to make their attributes purer, stronger, and more reliable. Enchanting ones
drinking horn or sword was an extremely common practice. Drinking horns were
carved to enchant the drink it held, or to detect poison. Usually sounding horns
were carved to sound true and over long distances.

For Swords, the enchanting normally called upon its strength, sureness of
stroke, sharpness, etc.. Blades were also named, for naming a thing gave it its
identity and personality. To this end we have essentially created something
which is partially "aware" in the astral realm. Name usually corresponded with
its function or desired result. "Helm Splitter", "Ever Bright" , etc.. In the
case of my ceremonial sword, I have named it "Veil Cleaver" for its ability to
define and cut through the "veils" of reality and the planes on which we work.

Start with candle light, incense, and low playing music. Music for this type of
work may be a Richard Wagner piece.. (that's pronounced Rikhard Vaagner). With
all elements and tools within your reach, create your Sacred Space. Open a path
to your patron deity and ask for their guidance. Offer up the item and call upon
those you wish to help enchant it. Each deity has their own particularities and
qualities, remember the path you choose and why you are dedicating this.

On smudge the item with the incense. This should be prepared for cleansing the
item and help bias it with the properties you will later instill (i.e. Astral,
Truth, Defense, Healing). Hold the object close and let your energy wash it.
Fill it with the energy you wish it to have. Like the candle or the oils, what
we need to possess qualities we must first place therein.

After charging the item, meditate on it. Visualize your use of it. Walk though
its properties and how it helps you. Pick it up again and continue to reflect on
these visions, the feelings. We are programming it, making it our own, and
fashioning its purpose. Once done, paint or carve the Runes you have already
designed. Unless your instinct is well defined, I strongly recommend thinking
Very carefully before marking any object irrevocably. Not only physical marks,
but the astral marks it will bear from the energy you are etching upon it.

Upon finishing the Runes, seal it with an oil or the drop of wax. This in effect
states you are clearly finished with that phase of the rite, putting the period
to the binding of the Rune. Sit a while, meditate, clear your mind and feel the
object. Sense it in the now, and beyond. Open your channels and see how it moves
energy. After satisfactory calm and meditation, lay the object down, clean your
circle, and close. Let the object "cool" overnight.

Other Tips

As I stated previously, all the efforts you put into something is what you can
expect back. IF you feel comfortable, you can start more complex rituals and
Rune Magicks by tying them in with other elements such as Moon phases,
Astrology, Crystals and stones, group circle rituals, etc...

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Thomas Moore - Candle Magick For Love
Anonymous - Galdr Verbal Rune Magic
Phillip Williams - Night Magic
Aleister Crowley - Intro Magick
Aleister Crowley - Magick

Introduction To Runes

RUNE INTRO



Could working with the Runes possible help you to better discover who and what
you truly are and then you can give more fully of yourself to others?

I think so. I have been doing the Runes for about 10 years now. They have given
me an insight into a fuller Understanding of who and what I more truly am, not
only now but has given me insights into my past and also into my future.

How did I find out about the Runes? Glad you asked.

I am sure that this has never happened to you but one day I went into the
bookstore, just to look around and found myself in the Metaphysical section. As
I browsed, this set of Runes in a box jumped out, grabbed me by the throat, and
said it a very authoritative voice, "YOU WILL TAKE ME HOME!"

Well, you can bet you bottom dollar I was not about to argue with this, so I
bought them, took them home and the great adventure began!

My first Runes were from Ralph Blum and his book THE BOOK OF RUNES The runes
were made of clay? and in carrying them around with me I broke one or two. Now I
am using a beautiful set carved in rock and the rocks, themselves look like
wood. The carved staves or symbols are done in gold. If there is a Metaphysical
bookstore or shop you can usually find sets there.


RUNES & MUCH MUCH MORE!

Why Runes, over the I-Ching, Tarot, etc. etc.?

I like the "feel" of the Runes when I swish my hand into the bag. They also are
not a Divination tool per say, but a very subtle way of finding out about
yourself, in ways you never thought possible.

I believe we are in a time when these Runes, like they did in the past will
speak to our inner self to awaken our Higher Self - the highest and most noble
aspect of your being. Then you will find that the Greater Self will respond by
giving of Itself for the benefit of the little self. This is what has been true
for me. I also have become aware of my Spiritual Warrior within.

Now there are many books on the Runes because I believe this is "their time." I
would like to recommend only two that I use daily and am familiar with. These
are:

Blum, Ralph, THE BOOK OF RUNES, Michael Joseph, 1982.

Meadows, Kenneth, RUNE POWER, Element Books Inc. 1996.

May I recommend the same thing that Blum did in his book on working with the
Runes.

"Contemplating the Runes is a process by which we may grow in clarity, in
stillness, in being at one with the Self. To that end , a single question, a
simple prayer, will always suffice:

Show me what I need to know for my life now."

Above all else, let your work with the Runes be as play! My inner guides,
teachers seem to like it this way. Maybe yours will too!

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

William Wynn Westcott - An Introduction To The Study Of The Kabalah
Aleister Crowley - Brief Introduction To The Religion Of Thelema
Anonymous - Introduction To The Old Religion Lesson 7a
Anonymous - Introduction To The Old Religion Lesson 8
John Ronald Tolkien - Introduction To The Elder Edda

Golden Tarot Deck

Book: Golden Tarot Deck by Kat Black

This deck is so very beautiful, the box is sturdy, the booklet is a nice size and I really like the interpretations, fresh and yet very intuitive. The card stock is firm, but soon becomes easy to handle, the gold gilt edges are truly luxurious. I must say that I was pretty surprised at how reasonable the price is on this deck. I cannot imagine how this was possible, as this deck and book set seem to be of such high quality. U.S. Games System has really outdone themselves in the production of this lovely deck.

The most unsual aspect of Golden Tarot is that deck creator Kat Black has digitally collaged images from various lesser-known paintings from a period she calls International Gothic. This period of time, 1200-1500 A.D., evolved into the Reniassance. She deliberately avoided using art by well-known artists such as da Vinci and Michelangelo, and most of the paintings used for the deck are hanging in European churches. (A sight that most of us will never see!)

The collaged images are so seamless, that I didn't know I was looking at a digitally collaged deck until I read the 200 page bound booklet included in the package. I even showed my artist husband, and he had no idea, either! The images on the cards are truly breathtaking. I feel like I'm looking at a masterpiece with each and every one. I'm sure that Ms. Black intends this deck to actually be read not just admired as an art deck, but they're so gorgeous I'm reluctant to read with them! (So don't expect Information on how they read...I'm too busy drooling over the images!)

The cards themselves are smooth and silky-feeling and strong enough to hold up to use, without being overly stiff. The gilt edges give the deck a rich look. And I LOVE the packaging US Games has come up with for this set and hope they use this design in the future! The box is sturdy and attractive and easy to use without mangling the cards getting them in and out. And the book, while small compared to a "real" book, is MUCH larger and more comprehensive than the typical LWB that accompanies most decks.

The artwork on the cards is really gorgeous, I for one did not immediately realize that it is collaged, as each cards imagery is so well integrated. Now a confession, I buy new decks all the time ever searching for that perfect deck which I can actually figure out how to read with. Always there are a few cards which turn me off and send me back to my trusty Rider Waite. This deck is the deck I have been looking for - finally a deck that incorporates the best of RW interpretive imagery, and actually improves on it! If you are comfortable with RW - you will actually find this deck even easier to read with! I never have had such an easy time coming up with interesting insights and more in depth perceptions. Excellent Deck - Highly Reccomended!

Buy Kat Black's book: Golden Tarot Deck

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Aleister Crowley - Intro Magick
Morwyn - The Golden Dawn
Archmage Bob Andrews - Old Witchcraft Secrets
Samuel Liddell Macgregor Mathers - The Tarot
Aleister Crowley - Thoth Tarot Deck