Renaissance Tarot Deck [With Book] [Cards]

I own many Tarot decks but this is my favorite one. This deck offers a wealth of details and symbolism, which will make interpretation resonate well for anyone who has a familiarity with the Roman/Greek Mythology and Astrology. Every corner of each card has more enlightening details to guide you through divination (including elements and the signs of the zodiac). In the corners of the Minor Arcana, are subtle small banners with words to suggest possible interpretations for upright and reversed cards, though this is not a simplistic deck by any means. The Major and Minor Arcana "Court Cards" feature some cards with Early Renaissance clad figures and some with more Ancient Roman influence. Of the Major Arcana, Fool, Magician, Empress, Emperor, Heirophant, Hermit, and Moon, and of the Minor Arcana "Court Cards" Wands, Swords, Chalices are more early (1490's-1550's)Renaissance. The Pentacles (represented as coins in this deck) Court cards having the exception in depicting solely Ancient Roman influence. The World card is similar in style to a Botticelli. The Chalices/Cups: depict the story of Psyche and Cupid/Eros uniting , and the tests of his mother Venus/Aphrodite. The Wands/Staves: relate the conquests and trials of Hercules. The Swords: show the passions of the Trojan War. The Coins/Pentacles: tell the story of the goddess of the harvest-Demeter, mother to the goddess of Spring-Persephone and Persephone's reluctant marriage to Hades-the lord of the dead. No detail has been spared. The backs of the cards are embellished with a repeating design which embodies the masculine and feminine forces of nature (center) and the elements as symbolized by turtles, birds etc. (in the corners). The backs of the cards have a white background, the images in a single color of umber. The colors on the fronts of the deck are reminiscent of early Renaissance paintings. Earth tones dominate, but there is quite a bit of subtle color in the Minor Arcana, whereas the Major Arcana features more range of color--captivating without overwhelming. You won't be able to take your eyes off this seductive deck. You will not be disappointed. This is a deck which will cheer you up just to look at it ! I own the Legend: Arthurian Tarot, Enchanted Tarot, Marseilles, Secret Tarot, and Art Nouveau Tarot (by Antonella Castelli), all are wonderful, but it is the Renaissance Tarot that friends and family gravitate to most. I am sure you will be as attached and will regard your deck as a favorite for years to come. Enjoy !

This is the first set of tarot cards I bought and they shall remain my favorite. I have bought the witch's deck and the halloween deck, and they aren't as well decorated or designed. The book that comes with this deck is thick and full of information, and is the size of a 'Harry Potter' book, not one of those 3x5 books that you have to use a magnifying glass to read. Usually a page and a half is set aside to explain each card. The deck is larger than some, so you might need to get a larger bag or box to store them in. I know its more money that some of the decks out there, but its well worth it.

The accompanying book is extremely enriching, unlike many of the texts that accompany decks. And the cards themselves? They are extremely beautiful and intuitive! The images are delicatey rendered with an airy and classic feel. However, if renditions of male nudity are not to your liking this is definitely not a set for you!