![]() The Elemental Tarot is, after all, my first deck. This however in no way changes how I feel. Perhaps the abstract nature of the images do not particularly appeal to me, or perhaps the astrological elements confuse rather than clarify matters for me. I keep it mostly for sentimental and collector’s reasons. The cards are very colorful, and each is striking in its own way.Īs for myself, despite my fondness for the deck, I seldom use it. I would however highly recommend it to art lovers and the more adventurous Tarot user. Together with the fact that the card titles have changed, such potential confusion makes the deck unsuitable for beginners. ![]() This, while intended to clarify, could lead to confusion. One of the drawbacks of this deck could be the many interpretive elements on each card. Nevertheless, the cards are beautifully illustrated: devotees of abstract art are most likely to find the images appealing. I would therefore not recommend it for very young Tarot users or for the “sensitive” viewer who is easily upset by graphic nudity. In general, the artwork of these cards is very abstract, but also in some cases very graphic, especially the Lovers (or Choice, as Ms. This suggests a family rather than the royal relationship of the traditional Tarot. The Court cards are renamed to Daughter (page), Son (knight), Mother (Queen), and Father (King) of each suite. At the top of the card is a word suggesting the meaning of the particular card, while an associated god or goddess name appears at the bottom. Each card features astrological and mythical Egyptian symbols in the right and left margins. The Minor Arcana are equally interesting. Smith has replaced some archaic terms with more modern ones. These “new” names appear to be more in connection with the modern world and current values, although this is a matter of opinion. 1 is called the Trickster, Card 5 is the Pope instead of High Priest, and Card 21 Aeon instead of the World. ![]() Instead of the Magician, for example, Card no. Some of these are quite cryptic, and a creative mind would most thrive on deciphering them.Īnother interesting thing about the Major Arcana is the fact that, while some retain their traditional titles, such as The Sun, The Star and The Fool, others have been renamed to more clearly, according to their creator, suggest their meaning. On the sides, there are two lines in fairly poetic language, which also relate to the meaning of each card. For the Major Arcana, the name and number of each card appears at the top, with an associated key word at the bottom. Smith for example includes symbolic references as reminders of each card’s meaning. The deck itself is unusual in several ways. The cards are also color coded according to each element. The holistic Element for the Major Arcana is represented by an oval, Water by a half moon turned on its side to take the form of a cup or bowl, Earth by a square, Air by a circle and Fire by a triangle. The symbols for the elements are at the very bottom of every card. For the Minor Arcana, the element earth refers to pentacles, air to swords, fire to wands, and water to cups. The Elemental Tarot is so named for its use of the four elements, earth, air, fire, water, and then the fifth, holistic Universe element represented by the Major Arcana. I therefore have a particularly emotional connection with the Elemental Tarot, which goes beyond my fondness for image or meaning. The aunt and I are both mystically-minded individuals, and she knew I would love to learn about the Tarot. A favorite aunt gave me the cards as a gift, and set me on a path of mystery, magic and joy that I hope to continue throughout the rest of my life. I am particularly fond of this deck, because it was the first I ever received.
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