Ancient Egyptian Tarot [Paperback]

The author uses ancient Egyptian symbolism, and ties this in with the cabbala, astrology, and traditional tarot systems. The book is a good guide for using his deck, but ultimately you will have to let the cards speak to you and your own intuitive interpretations -- since both the major and minor arcana are illustrated, you can let the pictures speak directly to the right side of your brain. I also own the Rider-Waite, Morgan-Greer, and Crowley decks, and although I have had good results with Rider-Waite and Morgan-Greer, I feel the Ancient Egyptian Tarot deck speaks more to me. I have used this deck to do readings for myself and my friends, with very favorable results.

If the Netjer call to you at all, or if you are just interested in ancient Egyptian myths and/or symbolism, you need to get this deck. Children of Ausar and Auset especially, as well as Anpu, Bast, Heru, Het-hert and Sekhmet will be pleased at the treatment of their Netjer in the deck. The Netjer are featured prominately in the major arcana, and at places in the minor arcana as well. As an example, I think that the use of Anpu and Ausar in the Death card is a much better rendition of the traditional interpretation of the card -- in Barrett's deck, you get more of the Egyptian view of death as more of a transition, as opposed to the negative reaction a lot of people see when looking at a skeleton with a scythe.

As an Isian, I would never part with this deck. While I don't use this particular deck for readings, I do use it to help me understand my beloved neteru ... or I should say, the neteru use this deck more than I do to help me understand them!

The book that comes with the set is well written and easy to understand and I find it a necessary addition to my Egyptian mythological library. Tarot does not just discuss the myth, it is the human journey. The myths of Ancient Egypt are still relevant and being acted out today.

I highly recommend this excellent deck for meditation, spiritual journey work, kemetics, Isians, tarot readers (old and new), tarot collectors and those who love Ancient Egypt.

The book included is straightforward and easy to read. It does a good job explaining the cards and details unique to the deck. For complex spread arrangements, do get a supplemental book on the tarot.

If you're looking for a deck that's a little more "ethnic" and easier to understand (vs. the New Orleans Voodoo Deck) get this one. At any rate, if you're into collecting tarot decks or just looking for something new, get this one. You won't be disappointed. I love this deck so much that I don't see myself getting another one anytime soon.