The Rumi Tarot Kit [Cards]

Nigel Jackson's new Rumi Tarot contains 78 beautiful cards and with an over 300 page accompanying book. As a significant contemporary esotericist and esoteric artist, Nigel is ideally suited to create a deck that combines the spiritual Sufi wisdom of Rumi with the spiritual system of the Tarot.

This is not, like many contemporary Tarot decks, full of photo-shopped images. Each card was individually painted in the exacting tempera technique. The images are incredible! Nigel has really captured the Persian/Moghul miniature style though staying within the overall scheme of the standard Rider-Waite deck.

Each card is paired with a specific quote from Rumi and its spiritual import as well as divinatory significance is fully elucidated in the voluminous accompanying book.

I really can't say too much about the stunning visual images of the Rumi Tarot. Clearly a must have for Tarot collectors, but also a true manifestation of the Tarot as spiritual wisdom visually encapsulated.

Bearing in mind the historical Mamluk cards and the tarot's possible Sufic connections, Nigel Jackson has aptly turned his talents to produce what really amounts to a lyrical Sufi deck that would undoubtedly have delighted the heart of Idries Shah.

Not one of your average fortune-telling decks, Jackson's exquisitely designed Rumi tarot cards strongly bring to mind Turkish and Persian painted miniatures of the sixteenth century. Even if some might be deterred by the challenging but highly satisfying text of the book that accompanies the deck, the cards themselves "speak" volumes to the contemplative, making customary written divinatory interpretations hardly necessary. This is a tarot that will be treasured by those that value fine art, and Llewellyn Publications is to be congratulated for venturing into such sophisticated territory.

This is a masterful deck, beautifully rendered in the traditional tempura technique. Some of the hand painted images are exquisite. I'm particularly partial to the Death and the Hanged Man cards.

True to the tradition, Nigel Jackson has kept the symbolism of the lesser Arcana; the Staves, Cups, Coins and Swords. The Aces are excellent, top-notch craftsmanship, rhythmical in their arabesques and elegant forms. Each card of the minor Arcana has the suitable suit and number associated, as the early Tarot decks depicted. Nigel has added in a small picture that aids with memorizing their meanings, adapted from the more modern forms. Some are superb. I particularly like the 10 of coins, the 3 of coins, the 7 of staves, the 10 of cups, the 2 of cups, and the 10 of swords, but there are many more examples.

Each backdrop is lovingly drawn with rhythmic stylized lines, the waters curl and foam, running like flame. There is more symbolism contained in them than space here to relate. But know a lifetime of research and direct experience informs each card.

A quote from the Sufi Saint Rumi adorns each card and informs the image with resonant meaning. Rumi was a love poet, divinely intoxicated with the inspiration that unites all things. His voice sings with this enchantment, and echoes in Nigel Jackson's images.

This is a great deck for its mystical symbolism and the language of the Soul!

To the book. The accompanying book is worth the price of the whole set. It is chock full of Gnostic wisdom. Nigel Jackson is an initiate into some of the foremost Gnostic mysteries, a walker along that golden thread that leads out of the labyrinth. Detailed research into the Sufi tradition, and initiation into particular currents, has enabled him to subtly relay profound truths. Those secrets that can only be given to those who already possess them. There are many great quotes to be drawn from the book, reflected on, and marveled at. Nigel Jackson uses Rumi as the coat of his wisdom, much like Rumi used Islam as the clothing of his Sufi way. The result is a powerful synthesis and presentation of ideas that will, in deepest meditation, reveal powerful secrets about the nature of being, one's place in the cosmos, and the knowledge of the Holy things.

If you are an experienced Tarot user, this deck is an excellent addition to any collection. It you are a novice, this is a great place to start. But, while providing a strong tool for divination, this deck excels as a contemplative aid to meditation. Indeed, many of the images Nigel Jackson has drawn can be traced to esoteric sources. I own a number of decks - a traditionalist, I own Jean-Claude Flornoy's resotration of the Jean Noblet deck. For readings, I have used Nigel Jackson's Medieval Enchantment Deck for years (I find it strikingly accurate). But it is a rare delight I take in the Rumi Tarot. I strongly recommend this deck!