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Reviews: Tarot Decks
Tarot & Cartomancy
Deck Reviews
by Bonnie Cehovet
Tarot Master
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The Haindl Tarot
review by Bonnie Cehovet, TM
author: Rachel Pollack
illustrator: Hermann Haindl
U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
1990, 1999
ISBN #1-57281-220-6
suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, Stones (Pentacles)
court cards: Father, Mother, Son, Daughter
Trumps: Traditional, except for Alchemy (Temperance); Aeon (Judgment); The Universe (The World)
I came to the Haindl Tarot through a back door. I have had an interest in this deck since I first heard about it, but as fortune would have it, I ended up reading The Kabbalah Tree (by the same author/illustrator duo) first. I was so impressed by that work that I decided that it was past time to visit the deck that preceded it.
The original book that came with this deck was a very intense two volume set. Rachel wrote a second book (Haindl Tarot - A Readers Handbook), smaller and more geared to the actual reading of the cards was subsequently written, and it is that deck/book set that I am working with. I am thoroughly impressed with both the book and the deck - the work is of the intensely high quality that I have come to expect from both author and illustrator.
Some people tend to be put off by what they perceive to be the dark nature of the deck. Yes, the symbolism can be stark at times, and there is a heavy use of browns and grays, as well as muted coloring. The artwork is layered - no crisp lines, but a wonder fading in of one thing into another. The Haindl Tarot for me comes across as a very mystical, shamanic type deck. Each time you work with a card, you will see another level of richness, another "something" that you did not see or feel before. Looking back at Haindl's difficult personal history - especially the time he spent in a Russian prisoner of war camp during World War II, one can understand where the underlying seriousness comes from.
It is the shamanic quality that I see in this deck that brings across its message for me. The spiritual traditions of many cultures and mythologies are represented here. There is also a deep respect for the feminine, and a sense of respect for and connection to nature. Haindl did this deck in a very special manner - one that I have not seen done before. He took his own paintings, picking out a part of the painting that represented the energy of the card that he was working with, and overlaid the suits and symbols. The result is stunning in its depth, but it can be taken one step further. Because Haindl used only portions of a painting, he could use a single painting multiple times, with the underlying artwork acting as a bridge to connect the cards.
I am going to quote Rachel's own words in relation to the Haindl deck - she put it much better than ever could. From the book:
"This book focuses on the uses of Tarot in readings. To that end I have tried to interpret each card in more practical terms than the earlier book. Discussion of each cards symbolism and ideas focus on issues that affect peoples lives, especially emotional relationships and work, the two areas most asked about in Tarot readings. And yet, spiritual ideas so permeate Hermann Haindl's work that we cannot discuss these pictures without describing their sacred and political meanings.
Working with the "Haindl Tarot" helps us recognize that issues such as religious awareness, social responsibility, awareness of history and love of nature do not exist in separate categories, but actually fill our lives, affecting the decisions we make at work, and how we behave with our friends, lovers and family."
The Haindl Tarot makes its own path in the Tarot world. Many of the associations used are Golden Dawn in origin, but the titles on the cards show a definite Thoth influence. The card of the Fool is another step outside of the box. Haindl's Fool does not show the traditional dog, or even a less traditional cat. Haindl has used a wounded swan, tying the loss of innocence of the Fool as he takes his journey through life to the story of Parsifal, knight of the Holy Grail, who darkens his innocence by killing a swan.
In her preface to the major arcana, Rachel goes into the structure of the trumps. Of course, because this is also how I see it may have something to do with why I thought this was a great addition to the book! The major arcana is broken down into three levels, with the Fool set apart from the other cards. Level I consists of cards 1-7, and represents the basic challenges of life. Level II consists of cards 8-14, and represents our inner search for answers. Level III consists of cards 15-21, and takes us beyond personal issues into a sense of oneness with all.
The cards themselves are of good quality cardstock, and slightly oversized (2 3/4" by 5"), making it a little difficult for smaller hands to shuffle. The backs are a yellow-ochre color, and have a single, rather odd looking eye in the center. (The eye appears to have a sty in it.) Reversed cards would announce themselves with this deck. The card backs are the one thing that detracts from this deck - and might also be the one thing that would make readers back off of offering them to clients as a choice for reading decks.
The major arcana faces show a gray border, followed by a narrow black border. Approximately 1/4" in from the black border is a slightly wider colored border, representing the elemental association for each card (red for Fire, blue for Water, white for Air and yellow-ochre for Earth). At the top of the card, in white, is the card number. Across the bottom of the card, in small black letters, is the card title. In the upper left hand side we see the Hebrew letter associated with each card. In the upper right hand side we see the Rune that is associated with each card. In the lower right hand side of each card we see the astrological symbol associated with the card.
In the presentation for each of the major arcana, Rachel discuses the qualities that the card represents; the Hebrew letter and its associations; the Rune and its associations; the Astrological symbol and its associations; the Element and its associations; a description of the card; what it significance is in a reading (the upright meaning) and the reversed meaning for the card.
Normally in a review, I talk about a limited number of cards. Here I am going to let myself go and talk about what impressed me - and there was a lot that was impressive! In the background of the Fool we see a swan with a wounded breast. The Fool, dressed as a court jester, is placed in front, with his finger over the wound, as if to stop the bleeding.
The Magician has to be an all time favorite for me. In the middle of the card we see the face of Merlin. In front of him are representations of the four suits. In back of him we see a new moon, as well as a second face, which may represent Nimue, a female apprentice that Merlin taught his secrets to. The amount of layers in this card are incredible!
The Hierophant zaps you immediately into his world - and you are well aware that his is a world apart from yours. In the middle of the card we see the face of a Grandfather, with a flowing white beard. Look closely, because the faces of a father and son also appear. This is not a card of ruler and ruled, but one of love of family. As Rachel points out, it is also a card that is specifically Jewish in thought.
The card of Strength fascinated me with its boldness. Here we see a nude woman, standing in front of a tree, with a snake wrapped around her. Her left hand is held above her head, and holds the head of the snake. Her right hand is at knee level, holding the body of the snake. This is meant to appear to be part of a ritual, and certainly portrays an enormous amount of personal energy and confidence.
I always look for the Hermit, as he is one of my birth cards. In the Haindl Tarot, the Hermit is shown facing away from us, with his lantern held upraised in his right hand. In the star at the top of the card we see the Rune Hagall, indicating that the Hermit's wisdom comes from his understanding and love of nature.
The Haindl card of Death also carries many shamanic qualities. In the forefront of the card we see the bones of an arm and hand reaching up towards the sky. Behind this we see the head of a bird, in profile, facing to the left. In the background we see blue water, with a small boat and an oarsman standing in it. What more do we need to know about the journey of releasing that which no longer serves us!
The minor arcana cards show the same border sequence, with the inner border showing the Elemental quality. The card number, suit and direction (North, South, East or West) appear at the bottom of the card in small black letters. In the upper right hand side of the Two's through Tens we see an I Ching hieroglyphic.
The presentation for the pips includes a description of the card, how the card is represented in a reading (the upright meaning) and the reversed meaning. For the Two's through Tens we also see the upright and reversed meaning for the I Ching symbol/
All four Aces literally sparkle with energy! The Ace of Wands shows a Wand with its tip sending flames up into the sky. Behind it stands a rock in the same phallic shape. The Ace of Stones (Pentacles) is one of those surreal, shamanic cards, showing a large ball in the middle of what appears to be a desert. Arched over the ball we see a rainbow, while flying over it is a black, Raven like bird. In the background we see a bright blue sky.
The court cards are titled Father, Mother, Son and Daughter. At the top of the card, in black lettering, we see the name of the person depicted on the card. Along the bottom, we see the card name, suit and direction, in black lettering. Under this, also in black lettering, we see the traditional name for the card. Haindl has chosen different cultures to represent each of the suits. Cups represent the North, and Europe; Wands represent the East, and India; Stones represent the West, and Native Americans; Swords represent the South, and Egypt.
Daughter of Stones (Pentacles) in the West is the traditional card of the Princess of Stones. In the Haindl deck, she is represented by White Buffalo Woman.
Son of Stones (Pentacles) in the West is the traditional card of the Prince of Stones. In the Haindl deck, he is represented by Chief Seattle.
Something that I always look for (generally before I read the book!) is what spreads have been included. Rachel has included several spreads in the book - my favorite being a spread called the Hagal spread. Someone else liked it - because this is the spread included in the LWB also! (OK - Rachel does say that the Hagal spread was created specifically for the Haindl deck.) There are three parts to this spread: the first four cards (from the minor arcana pips) form the middle section, and show current conditions and beliefs. The next three cards (all from the Major Arcana) form a triangle over the first four cards, and represent Spiritual History, Spiritual Task and Metamorphisis. The last three cards (taken from the court cards) form a line under the first four cards, and a Helper, Yourself and a Teacher.
Rachel also shows the following spreads, with examples: the Celtic Cross, Dream Readings and Body Readings. The spreads alone are worth the price of admission!
I would not recommend this deck to someone new to the Tarot. Nor would I necessarily recommend it as a reading deck - most clients won't want to do the work that this deck takes. I highly recommend it to those with at least a minimal Tarot background, those who want to use it for meditation, spiritual growth, ritual, ceremony or personal readings. And yes - this would be a deck that a collector would want to have!
Illustrations from The Haindl Tarot reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902 USA. Copyrights © 1990 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited.
Ancient Mysteries Tarot Deck
reviewed by Bonnie Cehovet, TM
author: Roger Calverley
Lotus Press
2004
ISBN #0-940985-73X
suits: Fire, Water, Air, Earth
court cards: King, Queen, Page, Knight
majors: Traditional, with the exception of Prisoner (Hanged Man), and Prophecy (Judgment)
The Ancient Mysteries Tarot is quite an interesting deck. I would advise purchasing the book and deck together, as the deck alone, while certainly usable, does little to take the reader to the depth of the cards. For the images on the Major Arcana, Calverley has referenced the ancient mystery schools of Egypt, Greece, Mesopotamia and India. The images for the Minor Arcana use a background of megaliths, sacred fountains and stone temples.
The LWB (Little White Book) that accompanies the deck got a grumble from me to start with. It is not presented as a booklet, but is a single long sheet of paper, nicely folded. There is no information about the author or the background of the deck on this sheet. There is the requisite publication information, along with three paragraphs on how to use the cards.
These three short paragraphs are quite magickal - in that they open up the Tarot from the very beginning! In his first sentence, Calverley notes that each card can be used as a question, as well as an answer. How he does this is to follow the nature of the elemental qualities of the cards: Fire cards refer to will and creativity; Air cards refer to the intellect; Water cards refer to feelings and relationship issues; Stone (Earth) cards refer to the practical side of life and material issues.
He goes on to state that the Major Arcana represent both destiny and spirit. (No note is given on the Pips, or the Court Cards).
Using his process, one card is drawn to determine the nature of the question. Calverley attributes five possible levels of meaning to each card: Spirit, Fire (will and energy), Water (emotional), Air (mind) and Earth (physical). Drawing a second card lets the reader know which level of meaning is most in effect at the time of the reading.
The remainder of the LWB lists keywords for each card - one keyword for each level of meaning, in the following order: Spirit, Fire, Air, Water and Earth. From the LWB:
The Fool: Purity; Adventure; Innocence; Openness; Freedom
Ace of Fire: Opportunity; A New Cycle; Inspiration & Initiative; New Ideas; Optimism & Enthusiasm; Initiative
Five of Water: A Correction; A Challenge; Regret, Endings; Emotions re: Loss or Broken Relationship; A Dislocation
Queen of Earth: Grounding and Stabilizing; Enjoyment of Self and Nature; Practicality; Generous, Creative, Nourishing; Sensual & Pleasure-Loving
The deck itself is approximately 3 1/8" by 4 3/4" - able to be used by those with smaller hands reasonably well. The cards are good quality, glossy card stock, and will stand up well under use. The backs have a slim black border surrounding a golden inset. The inset shows a graphic that is reflected from side to side, and end to end, so that a card in the reverse position would not be evident.
The face of the card shows the same slim black border, surrounding a wider border that is reflective of stone - and the ancient origin of the graphics for this deck. Centered in each card is a 2" by 3" insert with the imagery for that card. The card number appears at the top of the card, with the suit (for the Pips) or the title (for the Major Arcana) along the bottom. The Court Cards show the title along the top and the suit along the bottom.
The text for each suit is coded by color, with Fire as red, Water as blue, Air as yellow and Earth as green. The Major Arcana text is coded in black. The imagery used for Fire is candles; the imagery used for Water is waterfalls; the imagery used for Air is open windows cut into stone, reflecting the sky behind them; the imagery used for Earth is stone.
Once I started working with this deck, I found it to be quite vibrant. (This tells me that I need to get out of my own way sometimes and just accept what is there!) One of my favorite cards is the Devil, who appears as a mask like face with mouth wide open and Medusa-like hair. This is a thought provoking, rather than a fearsome image.
Another image that caught my attention was the Page of Earth, which shows a face that appears to be cut into stone. I loved all of the Fire cards - the candles in each card are presented as a golden yellow, with bright white flames in front of a darker background. The Seven of Fire shows seven candles in front of a stone face. The Three of Fire follows the same concept, with three candles in front of a stone face that is in partial shadow. the King of Fire is an extraordinary card - showing what appears to be the head of a Pharaoh, in shadow, surrounded by Egyptian relics.
The Air suit images, while certainly appropriate, are repetitive - windows cut into stone walls, with the sky showing in back of them. The feeling here, at least for me, was stronger on the stones (which are an earth centered image) than the air that is supposed to be represented.
The suit of Earth shows imagery that is also repetitive, but strongly centered on the representative element of stone, so it does work well. The same goes for the suit of Water, which shows images of waterfalls over stone.
There are other marvelous images: the Wheel, which shows a seated God with a pentacle superimposed over it; Justice shows a golden, warrior like image; the Fool shows a joyous dancing figure. There is a slight discrepancy involving Judgment. In the LWB, the card is referred to as Judgment. On the card itself, the title is Prophecy.
I enjoyed working with this deck, which I feel can be used for any type of reading, or for meditation or ritual/ceremonial purposes. I also feel that the deck is appropriate for any level of Tarot student/practitioner. As with all decks, study the cards first to make sure that you are going to be able to work with the imagery - to make sure that the deck resonates with you. And I do recommend purchasing the deck and the book together.
New Century Tarot
review by Bonnie Cehovet, TM
author: Rolf Eichelmann
illustrator: Rolf Eichelmann
U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
2003
ISBN #1-57281-411-X
suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles
court cards: King, Queen, Knight, Page
Trumps: Traditional Titles
New Century Tarot is one of the latest works to come from U.S. Games, and certainly is a good representation of their quality and vision. It also has the distinction of being birthed from the work Tarot Classic, by U.S. Games head Stuart Kaplan. Eichelmann received the book from his wife as a gift in 1989. From it, he received the inspiration to bring a new deck into the world.
The Major Arcana was sketched while vacationing on the island of La Gomera (one of the Canary Islands). Eichelmann then went back to his native Germany, where in the year 2002 he finished the deck.
While following the thought and structure behind the Rider-Waite Tarot, the artwork is quite different - stunning and unique. I have never seen another deck that has been done in this manner. The colors are bold, vibrant statements. They jump out from the cards and grab your attention! The manner of dress for me is reminiscent of Medieval style dress, exaggerated in a fantastic manner, with wide shoulders, flowing sleeves and voluminous skirts.
The cards are 3 1/4" by 4 3/8", on good quality card stock. They are easily handled by those with smaller hands. The backs are a deep purple with a pattern in black, orange and light blue superimposed over the background color. Reversed cards would not be able to be determined from the back of the cards.
The card faces carry a 1/4" deep purple border, with a smaller gold border edging the inner illustration. Card numbers and titles are in white across the bottom. The Major Arcana all carry the same landscape: in the upper half of the card we see a line of trees across the horizon, done in a reddish hue. In the lower half of the card we see an open landscape, with figures, plants and animals in the foreground. An interesting technique has been applied here, in that each of the figures is portrayed in front of a different colored "veil". The cards become surrealistic - but do not lose their intent and purpose (archetypal quality). There is another interesting anomaly here - the Fool carries the number 0 (Zero), yet in the accompanying LWB (Little White Book - which was translated from the original German), and in the organization of the cards straight from the package - he is placed after the World.
The cards in the suit of Wands all show a green sky with reddish clouds, with the ground in shades of gray and violet. In the pips, each scene is presented with a red patterned veil behind it. In the court cards, each figure is presented with the veil behind them.
The cards in the suit of Cups all show a red sky with crimson clouds. The ground is in shades of gray and violet. Each scene shows a light blue patterned veil, appearing to drop from the sky, on which the cups are presented. The court cards are shown in front of the veil.
The cards in the suit of Swords all show a blue sky, with clouds in a reddish hue. The ground is in shades of gray and violet. Each scene shows a yellow patterned veil, on which the swords are presented. The court cards are shown in front of the veil.
The cards in the suit of Pentacles all show a yellow sky with reddish clouds. The ground is in shades of violet and gray. Each card contains a blue patterned veil upon which the pentacles are presented. The court cards are shown in front of the veil.
The LWB is the only book out that I know of for this deck. It carries an explanation of the coloring for each of the suits and the Trumps, with a small write up on each of the cards. There is no explanation of how to use the cards, nor of the thought process behind them. I like the cards a great deal - and would love to see a book that explained them a bit further.
From the book:
III High Priestess
Wearing a transparent red dress, the High Priestess stands with outstretched arms on a blue carpet. She is serene - she is a goddess and woman in one person.
The crown on her head is open like a cup, symbolizing the receiving woman. Yet at the same time she is closed by the moon inside; the symbol of priestess as representative of the gods.
She holds a wand and a circle in her right hand. The wand is a symbol of transience, the circle infinity. In her left hand she holds an opened book, offering a glimpse of the knowledge she has to offer.
Card Meaning: Intuition, patience, mysterious knowledge, female power, a visionary, or someone skilled in medicine. Also depicts the veiling of true intentions, one who has bewitching and destructive powers.
Ten of Swords
Five swords are arranged horizontally with five more resting perpendicular. The largest perpendicular sword has a red stone embedded in the handle. On either side of the sword arrangement there is a figure standing bound cocoon-like in cloth amidst a cloudy vapor.
Card Meaning: The Ten of Swords represents sorrow, grief, pain and divorce. The end of a situation. The red stone appears as a glimmer of hope.
Page of Cups
The Page stands in the middle of a river wearing a red robe. His expression is tender, and he dreamily looks off into the distance. In his left hand he holds an opened cup.
Card Meaning: The Page of Cups stands for softness, playful amusement and an agreeable impulse. It can also indicate someone who is very emotional, delusional and secretive.
There are several cards in this deck that I feel a strong pull towards. On of them is the High Priestess. From the description above, you will realize that the High Priestess is shown nude wearing a red, see through dress. Sounds tacky, but the effect is great on the card! Lots of wonderful energy!
The Empress is another compelling card. A young, dark haired woman in a deep blue, flowing gown with white sleeves is shown seated, with her head bowed to a white bird seated on her left arm. The book describes the bird as an eagle - but it looks more the size and coloring of a dove to me. On her right hand you see a reddish-brown scepter.
The Hanged Man appears in front of a reddish-orange veil - so that the energy of fire, of change seems to surround him. He is hanging from a crossbar held between two decorated columns. His face is turned towards the front of the card - towards the viewer. This card carries a great deal of energy, but the columns themselves seem somehow "inappropriate" to me - not "serious" enough.
The Moon, being one of my birth cards, always fascinates me. In the center of the card we see a pale blue full moon, with a yellow, sickle shaped crescent moon on its right hand side. Two wolf like figures, with reddish coats and black faces are in the forefront of the picture - one on either side of a flowing stream, howling at the moon. A green snake winds itself around the wolf on the left hand side of the picture. In the background we see a stone tower, with two faces appearing in the window to watch the scene.
The Page of Cups is an interesting figure. He appears in bright orange garb, with flowing yellow sleeves, holding an upright yellow cup in his left hand. From his cap we see a large feather emerging. He is standing in the middle of a river (appearing to walk on water).
There is much symbolism in this deck - just not that which one normally sees. This deck would be a good deck for meditation or spiritual work, and could easily be used as a reading deck. I would recommend that the reader have a solid background in Tarot before attempting to read with this deck.
Illustrations from The New Century Tarot reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902 USA. Copyrights © 2003 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited.
© June 2004
Motherpeace Tarot
author: Karen Vogel
illustrator: Vickie Noble & Karen Vogel
U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
1995
ISBN #0-88079-747-9
suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, Discs (Pentacles)
court cards: Shamans (Kings), Priestesses (Queens), Sons (Knights) and Daughters (Pages)
Major Arcana: The traditional titles are retained, with the exception of Hermit, who becomes the Crone (shades of Ellen Lorenzi-Prince's Crone Tarot!), and the Hanged Man, who becomes the Hanged One.
This past year has been one of "catching up" with the Tarot world for me. I have been working with both decks and books that have been in print for some time - they just haven't been residing in my home and in my hands! I have felt a deep need to immerse myself in this Tarot history, of which the Motherpeace Tarot certainly holds a place of honor. It is unique onto itself - by nature of its geometric shape (circular), and its format (feminist/Goddess oriented). (Well, perhaps no longer "unique", but it certainly set the path for work outside of the more traditional work of the Tarot.)
There are two versions of the Motherpeace Tarot - a regular size deck, and a mini deck. I am working with the mini deck and Motherpeace Tarot Guidebook set. Even before I opened the book or the cards, a smile came to my face. The sacred geometrical form of the circle is represented by the deck itself - I think that everyone understands this. However, when I turned the box that the deck came in over - there was a red square outlining a red circle, with the deck information in the middle. The circle squared says a great deal about this deck!
One of the things that I appreciated about the accompanying book was its gentle nature. There is humbleness and respect in Karen Vogle's words that one does not always find. It interested me to see that the Motherpeace project, from the beginning, was a joint effort coming from two women with differing backgrounds - Karen Vogel's in anthropology and biology, and Vickie Noble's in women's studies. The focus of the project was to find the root of the subjugation of women - which, in Vogel's words, seemed connected to sexuality and spirituality, and acts of suppression and control regarding each. The nature of their research was into psychic studies and Goddess history. Perhaps today we might find this not out of line with a lot of other work that is being done, but please remember that this work was being done in the 1980's. It took a great deal of courage to walk this path then (and still does - even though there is a great deal more support today for Goddess oriented work that there was then).
The book begins with a short history of Tarot, followed by a short history of Goddess cultures. The Motherpeace Tarot itself reflects Goddess cultures, as well as working within community. The Major Arcana uses scenes and symbols from several different cultures, and several different parts of the world. The symbols and the cultures are sometimes mixed, to reflect the understanding of the authors and the feeling that they wanted to portray.
In the Minor Arcana, each of the suits represents a different part of the world. Wands, representing the element of Fire, are located in ancient Africa. Cups, representing the element of Water, are located in the Mediterranean Sea, with images largely from Crete and Greece. The 10 of Cups and the Daughter of Cups use imagery taken from the Southwestern United States. The suit of Swords, representing the element of Air, is European based, largely in Greece. The suit of Discs, representing the element of Earth, is taken from the indigenous peoples of the America's, and from European Folk and Goddess traditions.
The write-up of the cards is done in a very interesting manner. As the cards are round, they have much more than an upright vrs reversed orientation. In the book, black and white scans of the cards are followed by a discussion of the scene on the card, and four positional meanings. I think that this is a good start, and Vogel does encourage the reader to determine for themselves what the cards mean to them, and what the orientation of the card means to them. I think that we can take this one step further: if we assign the most positive meaning for a given card to the upright orientation, and the most negative meaning for a given card to the reversed position, than we have a full 180 degrees of differentiation between the two. I find this very important, and a good reason to experiment with using a round deck, because it very much fine tunes what a given card means for the Seeker in a reading and in their life.
From the book:
1 Magician
The Magician is performing a ritual. She puts on her leopard robe as a commitment to the pursuit of justice. She takes up the knife as a tool to conduct the lightening of the mind through her heart. In her heart she transforms the lightening into the creative fire of the torch.
The Magician begins the ritual by looking to the Goddess of Wisdom who lives in the Egyptian Sphinx. She asks the Sphinx to watch her dance in the full spotlight of the sun. She lifts one foot and fills a beautiful cup with all the water she desires. From her other foot pours seeds and whatever else she needs to build her ritual towards its end.
Upright: The Magician takes action. The creative impulse of the Fool is brought into form. She has the ability to get things done with focused energy and power. The Magician represents outward fiery energy. She is able to harness all of the elements to get the desired results.
Left: The energy or will of the Magician is held back, or hard to access. There is a lack of confidence.
Right: The Magician is using a lot of effort and pushing hard to make something happen.
Reversed: The Magician's potential is unable to come out right now. Self-doubt is preventing the expression of her power or individuality. If this energy is too long repressed or reversed, there is a tendency to abuse power. The Magician may hurt someone and/or herself.
The cards in the mini-Tarot version of the Motherpeace Tarot are 3" in diameter - easy to handle for smaller hands (shuffling with round decks is not easy - the smaller version may well be the better version if you plan to use this deck a great deal). The backs of the cards (illustrated by Cassandra Light) are amber colored, with eight circles surrounding a larger inner circle. They are soothing, and lead to a form of meditative experience all on their own. The face of the cards has a 1/4" white border surrounding the inner illustration, which is bordered with a fine black line. The card number is listed at the top of the card, with the card title at the bottom. Copyright information is on the left hand side of the card, in small black print.
There is a separate card included with the deck, on which is printed the following poem:
Traditional "Charge of the Star Goddess"
I who am the beauty of the green earth and the white moon among the stars and the mysteries of the waters.
I call upon your soul to arise and come unto me.
For I am the soul of nature that gives life to the universe.
From Me all things proceed and unto Me they must return.
Let My worship be in the heart that rejoices, for behold - all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals.
Let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you.
And you who seek to know Me, know that your seeking and yearning will avail you not, unless you know the Mystery: for that which you seek, you find not within yourself, you will never find it without.
For behold, I have been with you from the beginning, and I am that which is attained at the end of desire.
by Starhawk
Powerful words, accompanying a powerful deck.
The artwork in the Motherpeace Tarot is primitive (as in the Shining Tribe Tarot, by Rachel Pollack, which is another outstanding Tarot deck), and there is a great deal of nudity (which can be a consideration, depending upon your clientele). I was not bothered by either, and would not hesitate to offer it to my clients as a choice of reading decks.
In trying to pick out my favorite cards - well, there are so many! The Magician, dancing in her leopard skin robe, is certainly one of them. The High Priestess, seated between two pillars. The left hand pillar has an Owl on it that represents the Goddess's life experiences, the right hand pillar carries a geometric pattern that represents what remains to be done, and what lies ahead.
The Chariot is really unique: it shows a female chariot driver, guided by winged goats in place of the traditional horses, on a green hill, with a tree in the background. Nut, the Egyptian Goddess, watches over in the night sky.
The Wheel of Fortune shows planets in the middle of the card, with the 12 astrological signs surrounding it. Judgment is portrayed as an Egyptian Ankh that surrounds a globe of the earth with rainbow light.
The Ace of Wands carries a powerful image of a baby being born from a robin's blue egg, and being ignited by the fire of life. The Eight of Cups shows an octopus with a different beautiful cup held by each of her eight tentacles.
The Two of Swords shows a woman standing on the beach, balanced on one foot. There is a full moon in the background, and she carries a feather in each hand, which she uses to make the sign of the lemnescate around her. Her teacher, the Stork, stand beside her. The Four of Swords shows a woman who has placed four swords, one at each of the four quarters, to create a sacred space to work within. The Five of Swords shoes five swords placed in the shape of a pentagram, with a yellow jacket in the center.
The Four of Discs shows a woman standing in her doorway - ready to either open or close the door. A warm fire burns behind her, while behind her a rock deflects the wind from the fire. There are four signs on the wall to the left of the woman which carry interesting designs that are not mentioned in the book.
The LWB (Little White Book) included with the deck includes a section on Tarot and Meditation by Vickie Noble, card definitions by Vickie Noble, Minor Arcana meanings by Karen Vogel, a short section on the meaning of the numbers by Karen Vogel and a presentation of the same spread that she uses in the Motherpeace Tarot Guidebook, which is a permutation of the traditional Celtic Cross spread.
I am enchanted by the possible permutations on Tarot that this deck offers, and fully intend to use it in my practice and in future Tarot work. I would recommend it to students of any level - all they need is an open mind. (Note: While the references in the book are largely feminine, Vogel does suggest that if the reader wishes they may change the reference to the sex of the Seeker.)
Illustrations from the Motherpeace deck reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902 USA. Copyrights © 1995 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited.
© June 2004
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Bonnie Cehovet,
Tarot Master, and Reiki Master/Teacher.
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Bonnie Cehovet is a Tarot Master, professional Tarot reader and Reiki Master/Teacher.
Bonnie has been reading the Tarot professionally for over ten years. She has served in various capacities with the American Tarot Association, including Secretary and Web Assistant For Links. She is currently Certification Director and Secretary for the American Board For Tarot Certification. Bonnie is also a founding member of the World Tarot Network.
Bonnie has had her work published in the ATA newsletter, in Geraldine Amaral's "Celebrating The Tarot" print newsletter, on the World Tarot Network and other internet sites. She is editor for her own monthly newsletter "Gateway To Tarot" (Yahoo Groups).
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