Hanson-Roberts Tarot

Hanson-Roberts Tarot

The Hanson-Roberts Tarot is the deck I learnt to read with.. it's an easy to understand one for beginners and has positive, slightly medieval artwork that was originally drawn in coloured pencil. Some of the humans look a little odd, but it grows on you.


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Hanson-Roberts Tarot Review by Tom LeBlanc, CTC

The Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck is often a favorite deck for novice and seasoned readers alike. Accomplished artist Mary Hanson-Roberts' primary goal appears to have been to provide an aesthetically pleasing, manageable deck that is a very faithful rendition of the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) system. Toward that end, her use of colored pencil, printed on high-quality plastic-coated card stock, provides a deck is quite durable with colors that are quite vivid without becoming garish.

It is easy to see why this deck is intensely popular, especially among novice readers. Hanson-Robert's artwork is, of course, extraordinary. In addition, the small size of the deck (roughly playing-card size: approximately 3-15/16" x 2-3/8") facilitates handling. This is a particular advantage not only for readers who find the larger decks cumbersome, but also for those who prefer to allow the querant, who is likely to be unaccustomed to handling the "larger-than-standard-size" of most Tarot decks, to shuffle prior to reading.

Although Hanson-Robert's faithfulness to the RWS system and small-sized cards is often considered an advantage, it appears that she took little opportunity for her own creativity to add to the system. Further, although the size of the deck indeed facilitates handling for many, one may get the impression that the small size of the cards required that many symbolic details may have been omitted to prevent the cards from appearing overly "crowded." In short, where the Hanson-Roberts Tarot has advantages in aesthetics and size, it appears to have significant deficits in salient symbolic representation.

This deck is usually accompanied by a standard little white book (LWB), which is adequate in that it provides a brief description of some of the traditional card meanings and the "Celtic Cross" spread. Consistent with the popularity of this deck, however, there are two companion books available specifically for these cards. Tarot Unveiled: The Method to its Magic by Laura Clarson is illustrated with the Hanson-Roberts deck and details a marvelous and easy-to-comprehend basic system for Tarot interpretation. Additionally, Susan Hansson's The Hanson-Roberts Tarot Companion has also been met with considerable accolades.

In sum, the Hanson-Roberts Tarot is an ideal deck for the beginning reader and more seasoned readers who prefer a faithful, attractive, rendition of the RWS system. It's size makes for ease of handling as well as portability, which should please both novices and experienced readers alike.

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Hanson-Roberts Tarot Review by Andryh

Remember the saying, "Lord, make my words sweet, for tomorrow, I may have to eat them"? It certainly applies in this situation. The Hanson-Roberts Tarot has long been the subject of my disdain. I was quick to dismiss it as shallow, sentimental and above all, saccharine. Not a deck for serious study...but one for slumber parties and teenage girls. Today, I'm sitting down before a large plate of crow with fork and knife in hand (where's the catsup?). The fact is, I've discovered that I like this deck... Actually I LOVE this deck.

I added this deck to my collection after viewing some scans of it on this very site! I've looked at those scans on several occassions and yet the cards never "spoke" to me. However, when I viewed the scans on this most recent occassion, it hit me quite unexpectedly: Maybe there was more to this little deck than I had at first assumed. My curiosity got me. The next day I was at the local bookstore. By the time I reached my car, I had stripped the deck of its shrink wrap and had the cards sliding out of the box. It was one of those marvelous moments of discovery. I sat in my car with my mouth open, utterly awed at how potent these cards were! This is a great deck, and one most worthy of serious tarot student.

Perhaps the most stunning aspect of the deck is the startling humanity expressed in the portrayal of each of the characters. Their eyes sparkle with such life. Unlike so many decks whose characters can resemble the same person (just with different hair!), the people in this deck all have a distinctiveness and depth. 

I know that this deck is often viewed as too cute and happy (I was on that bandwagon), but a close inspection of this deck reveals a marvelous scope of emotion. The five of pentacles is a great example of the deck's more somber side. Never have I seen this card convey poverty and suffering so personally or with such power. It really packs a punch. 

Another favorite among the many wonderful cards in this deck is the 'strength' card. It is so stunning...A woman whose eyes are closed, whose face reflects utterly unshakable peace, carresses an equally docile lion. His huge head lilts in her small hands. Wow. Its just gorgeous. 

It is true that the children in this deck are almost caricaturized. They have rounded, cherub-like faces. I'll admit that this was the biggest obstacle between me and this deck. I detest the sentimentalization of children. But somehow, after viewing the deck as a whole, and actually working with it, I find the children's images tolerable and occassionally appealing. The little child featured in the ten of pentacles is just plain cute! 

Hanson-Roberts based her cards on the classic Rider-Waite deck, with little deviation of symbolism. This would be a superb deck to learn on. The art is well executed throughout. There is no lapse in quality from the major to minor arcana. The entire deck reflects the artist's full talent and dedication. I am sure that this deck won't appeal to everyone (what deck does?), but if you are the least bit attracted to it, I can't imagine anyone being disappointed with it. If you want a deck full of beauty, drama, and the fire of the human spirit, this deck is a wonderful choice.

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Hanson-Roberts Tarot Review by Sally Ann

The Hanson-Robert Tarot Deck is great for the novice and seasoned readers alike, and is perfect for readings where the questioner is new to the Tarot. Beautiful illustrated colored pencil art work by Mary Hanson-Roberts, based on the Rider-Waite deck. The artwork is slightly medieval but softer looking and still keeping with the imagery. The use of the colored pencil and printed on high quality plastic coated card stock provides a deck that is durable with colors that are vivid.

It comes in a deck set of 78 cards and a well written book. The cards are the size of regular playing cards which makes it easier to work with and handle. The back of the card is Turquoise with a fancy yellow and pink scrollwork. One feature that this deck has is that the titles of each card are printed at the bottom in five languages. The English is centered, surrounded by German, Italian, French and Spanish titles for each card. This means that most people will be able to use them with out having to translate to whatever language you are the most comfortable with.

The numbers and titles follow the Rider-Waite standard form, although Strength is 8 and Justice is 11. The minor cards are traditional suits of Cup, Rods (instead of Wands), Swords, and Pentacles. The court cards are still King, Queen, Knight and Page. The Pages look like girls at times, it may be to help with the male-female balance in the Courts.

There are two companion books available for these cards. Tarot Unveiled: the Method to its Magic by Laura Clarson and illustrated with Hanson-Roberts deck which details an easy to comprehend basic system for Tarot interpretation. And the deck set has its own.

The most stunning aspect of the deck is the startling humanity expressed in the portrayal of each of the characters. Their eyes sparkle with life, unlike so many decks whose characters can resemble the same person but with just different hair. The people in this deck all have a distinctiveness and depth.

For the querent who is likely to be unaccustomed to handling the larger than standard size finds this deck much easier to shuffle prior to a reading. It is the one deck I use most often when doing readings, for I find it friendly and accurate. It is a pretty deck with medieval flavor, which the client finds comfortable. Its size makes it easy for handling as well as portability. I would recommend this one for your collection of Tarot decks.

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Complete Details of Hanson-Roberts Tarot

Creators: Mary Hanson-Roberts
Publisher: US Games 1985
Deck Type: Tarot Deck
Cards: 78
Major Arcana: 22
Minor Arcana: 56
Deck Tradition: Rider-Waite-Smith
Minor Arcana Style: RWS-Based Scenes
Suits: Cups, Swords, Rods, Pentacles
Court Cards: Page, Knight, Queen, King
Major Titles: The Fool, The Magician, The High Priestess, The Empress, The Emperor, The Hierophant, The Lovers, The Chariot, Strength, The Hermit, Wheel of Fortune, Justice, The Hanged Man, Death, Temperance, The Devil, The Tower, The Star, The Moon, The Sun, Judgment, The World
The Fool is Unnumbered
Strength is 8
Justice is 11
Card Size: 2.37 x 3.87 in. = 6.03cm x 9.84cm
Card Language: Spanish, Italian, German, French, English
Card Back: Reversible
Back Design: Celtic knotwork design in green, yellow and pink on blue.
Companion Material: Small companion leaflet usually accompanies this deck in its several editions.

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Theme: Beginner, Rider-Waite-Inspired
Category: Available Tarot Decks, Small-Size Tarot Decks
Creator: Quick and Easy Tarot, Tiny Universal Waite Tarot, Universal Waite Pocket Tarot, Universal Waite Tarot, Whimsical Tarot by Mary Hanson-Roberts






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