Yesterday while in Lambertville (picking up copper tubing for our still), I stopped into Phoenix used bookstore. There I found, much to my delight, a tarot deck I'd never heard of before: the Hermetic Tarot. So, as a result of this, I've chosen to post a few tarot decks I admire very much. I have attempted drawing my own renditions of the tarot a few times, and have always drawn from these styles and symbols.
Hermetic Tarot
Hermetic Tarot
by Godfrey Dawson
Like the Rider Waite and Thoth decks, it was designed by an original member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and so its occult symbolism represents early contemporary mysticism with complete authenticity. However, that also means that the deck is dense with cabalistic and astrological symbolism, making the cards almost entirely incomprehensible without some studying of these subjects.
Like the Rider Waite and Thoth decks, it was designed by an original member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and so its occult symbolism represents early contemporary mysticism with complete authenticity. However, that also means that the deck is dense with cabalistic and astrological symbolism, making the cards almost entirely incomprehensible without some studying of these subjects.
Original Rider Waite
written by A. E. Waite and illustrated by Pamela Smith
The Rider Waite is the default deck upon which the vast majority of modern decks are based. Recently several different versions using the basically same line art have been produced, including the Original Rider Waite. This version claims to be closer to the original colouring and contains slightly different imagery on some cards.
The Rider Waite is the default deck upon which the vast majority of modern decks are based. Recently several different versions using the basically same line art have been produced, including the Original Rider Waite. This version claims to be closer to the original colouring and contains slightly different imagery on some cards.
Marsailles Tarot
Traditional
The Marsailles Tarot is at traditional playing card deck dating from the 18th century. Although meant to play games, it has been assimilated into the occult tradition and now is available in many different styles and printings.
Thoth Tarot
writted by Aleister Crowley and illustrated by Lady Frieda Harris
It is not surprising that the bizarre character that is Aleister Crowley, who has probably had more influence in the occult than any other recent figure, designed his own tarot deck of completely esoteric content.
Alchemical Tarot
by Robert Place
Robert Place's introductory book on Tarot was the first I read, and it has been a wonderful resource for study. He has also designed a few decks himself, including one based on Bram Stoker's Dracula and the Alchemical tarot. The art here is clean and appealing, and the symbolism complex but understandible.
Golden Tarot
by Kat Black
Kat Black composited many different Renaissance paintings, none immediately recognizable, into the Rider-Waite style. Although the meanings are a bit shallow and simple, the artwork is breathtaking and beautiful.
Medieval Cat Tarot
by Gina M. Pace & Lawrence Teng
This thing is so cute.
Old English Tarot
by Maggie Kneen
This deck puts a modern swing on Renaissance-era style, with two-dimensional characters and simple colouring. It is very tastefully done and easy to read, although a bit straight foreward in terms of symbols.
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