The Zombie Tarot: An Oracle of the Undead with Deck and Instructions [Cards]

Well, what can I say that hasn't already been said :)
This deck is a tarot deck first and foremost. It does not stray too far from the RWS imagery, but obviously it comes with a zombie twist. So yes, it is a themed deck but I do not see this as being a novelty deck by any means. Those who want to stay true to tarot will get a reading from it without being taken out of their comfort zone. Those who want to bring a sense of fun to their readings, will perhaps see this is a deck that can certainly open the gates to many a tongue in cheek reading.

I did a reading today and the recipient was open for a tongue in cheek zombie style. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to plant the tongue in the cheek and type away. Yet when I read back over my ramblings there was still a recognisable serious message underpinning the humour. I think this deck will be a stayer and will be used when it is appropriate to be a little light hearted.

As for the quality of the product, you just cannot beat it. I mean come on, under $12 for this? It is worth that and more. The box is sturdy and is very well made to go with the deck. Read the small print on the side of the lid to get an idea of what awaits. Then when you peel off the lid, you see the ammo casings around the side. It really does resemble a box of ammo. The small book does only have a small amount of text per card, but it uses 50 words when only 50 are needed if that makes sense. Besides which, it then allows the reader to expand in their own style without spoonfeeding, or dulling their own intuition. I loved the wee adverts at the back of the book which of course - are zombie related and again not to be taken seriously.

As for the deck, I have heard many people complain about standard of cardstock of modern day decks. They are either too flimsy, too slippery, too small, too big. The list goes on. This seems about right to me. I can hand over hand shuffle, and they are fairly thick so will stand up to the rigours of regular use. The borders are small, thus leading to good sized card images. It has a sepia / 1950's feel to it throughout.

Would I recommend this? Yes, to those who are already familiar with the RWS tarot. You can fall straight into using it out of the box and trust me - you will be itching to do your own zombie style readings :)
Those who are new to tarot may find the images are a little too off centre to read straight off the bat so to speak, but it wouldn't take much to get a lot from this deck as a newbie. The book really does help no end.
Even though we are only 6 months into 2012, this may end up being voted as my deck purchase of the year on a certain tarot forum. It is refreshing, different and does not take itself seriously.

If you love zombies, campy humor, or 1950s style ads, this is The Zombie Tarot deck for you. The 78 card deck comes in a sturdy box that looks like an ammo box when you are taking off the lid. An instruction booklet is provided for those who want some guidance in how to conduct a reading. A description of the major and minor arcane are included as well - so you will know just what they mean for your reading!

At the end of the book there are a few advertisements too. You know - for those items you just know you need like Zombigone: "Sufferers From the Walking Death use Zombigone to feel ALIVE again!" I'm sure knowing these items are available will come in quite handy.

The cards themselves are masters of 1950s style art, with zombies added in of course. A favorite, The Wheel of Fortune, shows a zombie up on a knife-throwing wheel. The description of the card tells you this:

"Taking the Wheel of Fortune out for a spin may result in more than a little dizziness. Sure, some things are out of your hands, but you'd be silly to leave your fate to chance. You control more of your destiny than you think. Opportunities are headed your way. Don't try to fight it just go with the flow."

Another, the Six of Cups features a precious little girl all dressed up with her little zombie boy friend.

"Ahh, the carefree days of childhood! No zombie plagues, no hiding in abandoned houses, and your best friend was always at your side. Well, there's good news: someone from your past may soon arrive for a visit. Just don't mistake a friendly kiss on the cheek for a zombie gnawing off your face."

This deck will help you with the undeniable impending zombie infestation or zombie apocalypse if you will. It will guide you in the correct actions and help you remain calm in a time of turbulence. The Zombie Tarot is a "prediction/protection" resource providing "insight and ammunition for surviving the undead uprising". Adding this to your stockpile of ammunition and supplies hidden in the basement, attic, or between your walls is a necessity to ensure your future.

Reviewed by Jessica for Book Sake.

Giggle. Snort. Roll on the floor laughing. Guaranteed you will do one or all of these if you get this deck! What a complete package! I gotta say, I just got these cards today, and I can't stop looking at them. I have been thru this deck three times, the third time literally with a magnifying glass...the authors have made the words "attention to detail" their mission statement. Campy, hilarious, sick in a good way, and slightly disturbing- I haven't tried reading with them yet, I have been having too much fun looking at the cards, reading the not so little and not so white book included in the sturdy cardboard box, reading the BOX, reading the fine print on the cards...Wow, I can't put these guys down! My favorite card is the...no, wait, it's the..., no I can't decide! I love em all. The very first card you see when you open the box is the Fool...boy, is that appropriate! All I can say is if you love campy humour, zombies, and BOB's and survivalist stuff, oh, and Tarot, then get these cards! They come in a 3x4x6 very sturdy cardboard box with a lift off top, great for storage-the box has litho type designs all over it, when lifting the top off, it looks as if you are lifting the lid on a box of hollow point ammo. First up is the LWB, not so little, and not white! It's called The Mystical Prediction Oracle Instruction Booklet, complete with the mystical Zombie Swami head. The book is written in a hilarious style, double entendres abound, and oh, actual layouts and card meanings included. Be sure to read to the very last page, where you will find old fashioned ads for self defence lessons and Zom-B-Gone. The cards are quite thick and stiff with a cardboard feel, measuring 2.75" x 4.75". The whole stack of 78 cards is 1&5/8ths thick, a handful to shuffle if you have small hands. The artwork is done in a campy, 50's bomb shelter vs Mad Men vs B grade horror flicks style . All the standard cards are there, from the Fool to the World, and Minor Arcana are the (un)usual Cups (braaaaiiiinnnsss), Wands (leg bones disconnected to the...), Swords (and axes, Uzis, shotguns,meat cleavers...) and (bio)Hazards (everyone needs their very own Pet Zombie, huh?) I must say, if I have to be really picky, the one thing that would have been the absolute icing on the birthday cake (see the 4 of Wands)would have been a scraggly, black, Zombie kittie on the Queen of Wands card. sigh.