The Tarot of Oz (Hardcover)

I've been fascinated with tarot cards for years, but lately have become disenchanted with new decks that focus on dark, scary themes and monochromatic colors. Many times these decks come with a book equally foreboding and dull.

The Tarot of Oz brings imagination and vivid colors to the Fool's journey in a whimsical and delightful tarot deck. It has been a pleasure to spend quiet time each day reflecting on life's lessons with these beautiful cards.

Thank you, David Sexton, for rediscovering the Joy and Fun in tarot meditations!

First the good news. The deck is wonderfully illustrated with images of the L Frank Baum Oz characters - some of whom many people will be unfamiliar with if they have not read beyond "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz". There are illustrations from several of Baum's later Oz characters. The art is very much in keeping with the childlike fairyland of Oz. Also, after some getting used to these unusual new images, Tarot readers may be able to use these cards to get a fresh interpretation of the various meanings of Tarot cards. There's also a mini-story that goes along with each of the minor arcana series that can help in further exploration of the hidden meanings of the cards.

Dorothy is used to represent Coins (although Sexton calls them, more appropriately in this case, "stones") - and she is a very good example of someone who would be centered in that suit, with her constant desire to want to return home. Coins is the suit of Earth. Many of the images from Sexton's suit of Stones come from Baum's book "Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz" in which Dorothy returns to Oz in a most unusual fashion - through the center of the Earth. A very appropriate choice of story for these cards.

The Tin Man is used to represent Cups - and he is an excellent example of someone who has centered his very existence on the Heart, with his never-ending desire to prove that he still has emotions. Cups is the suit of the Heart. Many of the images from the suit of Cups come from Baum's book "The Tin Woodman of Oz" in which Nick (the Tin Woodman) Chopper finally goes in search of his true love. A very appropriate choice of story for these cards as well.

Now the bad news. There's at least two major mistakes, in my opinion. Sexton has the Scarecrow representing the suit of Swords and the Lion representing the suit of Wands. But it's the Scarecrow that is seeking knowledge - and knowledge is a facet of finding illumination, which is best represented by the suit of Wands. Even more telling, the Scarecrow is afraid of fire. Does that represent a fear of what might happen if he is revealed to "have a brain"? I feel this helps prove he could be better represented by Wands. On the other suit, the "Cowardly" Lion is seeking courage - and courage is a facet of fighting. Fighting and conflict is primarily represented by Swords. The Lion, therefore, could probably be better represented by Swords.

Other than these two mistakes, I'd still recommend purchasing this deck - Oz fans will love the illustrations - especially of the more esoteric characters, and Tarot Card readers, once they get used to the unusual illustrations, may find this deck helpful in readings - especially of children. 4 out of a possible 5 stars - I would have given it a perfect 5 if the Scarecrow had been Wands and the Lion had been Swords.