Celestial Tarot [Cards]

I just recently purchased this deck, and when I looked at the cards, I realized I already owned a deck by this same artist. This is Kay Steventon, who did the work for the Spiral Tarot. As someone who has studied art (as in doing, not reviewing), I fell in love with the techniques she used for both decks. In the Spiral tarot, though, the art work isn't quite as lush on the minors (except aces and court cards); on this deck, the lushness exists on all cards.

The imagery used in this deck is radically different. Every card, and I mean EVERY card, here, is tied to a planet or constellation (and one star). Steventon is both an artist and astrologer, which explains this. In the majors, the cards associated with the signs of the zodiac (starting with the Emperor-Aries) often depict the actual zodiacal sign, and if there's a reference to the traditional image, it's a small sillhouette in the background. Nevertheless, Steventon and Clark work extremely hard to tie the symbolism of the constellation or star used to the symbolism of the card.

Some of the constellations depicted in the minor arcana amused me, as "Crater" (which is a Greek drinking chalice) is used for the Ace of Wands, but the author and artist team do tie it in, with a history of the constellation. The suit symbols are very simple monochrome figures at the base of the card, while the major illustration is a lavish, with bead-gemstone-gold thread embellishments as are the major arcana.

I'm rating this deck at 5 stars for the artwork, but subtracting 2 for two reasons: the "seasons" associated with the four suits are not always the traditional seasons (cups are autumn, pentacles are spring, swords are winter), and I believe there were some twister-like gyrations used in order to fit the constellations used on some cards to fit the "traditional" meanings.

I really enjoyed the unique attribution of "Ptolemy's 48 constellations" as represented in the Celestial Tarot ( noted in page 272-274 of the extensive book of the kit edition. You can also order the book separately at the U.S. Games site). The art is beautiful to me. My first printing in 2004 was printed in China and had more turquoise and royal blue tones. But I still liked the brightness of the art by Ms. Steventon. The deck alone comes with a little white book of 48 pages.
The 2006 printing of the book adds a wonderful wealth of detail. The compact book of almost 300 pages, based on three courses designed by Brian Clark. I had ordered the information in workbook formats prior to 2006 and found to my delight, the 2006 book and deck set has much of the same information.
I also like that the reprinting of the deck in Italy since 2006 has given the deck a richer look. Still deep colors, but more plum-blue tones to me.
It does take time to see the small details--such as the wispy and delicate 'mini-picture' motifs in the majors that echo a standard Rider-Waite Smith depiction of the major arcana. And the minors may be too creative a leap for some, especially if they are not interested in Golden Dawn derived astrology.
I've a few versions of this deck since it first came out and find it is rich and is well-worth the time...hope you enjoy this rich and 'stellar' deck!

I do love the art. It is dreamy and lovely, but is not a deck that speaks to me. For those who know the myths of the planets and stars this would be a wonderful deck, as that is the theme.