Review by Melanie Stoehrer
I love this deck! The imagery jumps off the card at you, making reading a lot easier than with many other decks. The author's explanation of the symbology synthesizes the complexity of Egyptian mythology into an easily understood form. Anyone with even a small background in studies of ancient Egypt will recognize the buildings, temples and other scenes depicted on the cards.
The cards are large, but the picture fills up most of the card, so there is very little in the way of white border. When the book is referenced for explanation, not only does it describe each card, and the significant symbols found, but the card meanings themselves are easily associated with the vivid imagery. Each element in the card is explained in detail, including the colors, and associations of the 'totem' animals. The major arcana explores the myth of Osiris, using individual 'scenes' for the cards.
In the minor arcana, the artist/author ties in astrology and planetary associations
that will aid someone with a fairly solid astrology knowledge in understanding the card. Each card has a title that ties into the scene's symbolism, making it (the symbolism) even easier to understand, and there is a logical progression in the scenes from Ace to 10. The 'court cards' even use Tattwa to explain the aspects of the cards 'personality'. For example, the court of Water is the Prince (Air of Water), the Princess (Earth of Water), the Queen (Water of Water) and the King (Fire of Water).
The detail in each card is very well researched. Even the back of the card is beautiful and accurate - a phrase from the Egyptian Book of the Dead. The author even includes a section on this amazing text in the book.
The accompanying book is easily understood. The chapters are broken up in a
logical fashion, and it includes general information on tarot, such as origins and usage. A page about symbolism within the tarot is included, which explains the evolution of the modern tarot and it's connection to the Cabbala. The book also contains information about Egyptian mythology/culture, as well as comparisons to the much later Arthur legends, illustrating how resurrection myths, such as that of Osiris, were retold and refined many times in other civiliations.
The only 'problem' with the deck that I found was the Sword/Air and Fire/Wand
association. Many people view Air as Wand and Fire as Swords, but this is easily 'worked around' by the author insightful associations with Cabbala, astrology and, of course, symbology.
I strongly recommend this deck to ANY tarot reader, most especially for the rank beginner. The combination of well written book and easy to understand symbology makes this deck a great one to begin tarot exploration. The added elements of Cabbala, astrology and tattwa will continue to challenge and refine the abilities of more advanced readers.
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