Universal Fantasy Tarot

"In these tarot cards created by Martinello, the ancient symbols are reinterpreted, using the imaginary world of Fantasy literature. Every icon refers to a universe where elements of the medieval world merge with others that belong to myth and fantasy, taking on mew meanings, but maintaining ancient content and symbolism." - From the LWB When I saw some sample cards online from the Universal Fantasy Tarot, I was mesmerized. I loved the bold colors and unusual depictions--and felt confident that I would love this deck. So I pre-ordered it through Amazon.com and when I got it in my hands, I was *blown away* at the stunning artwork on this deck! Truly, I haven't seen anything like it. Aesthetically speaking, I believe it to be the most beautiful deck I've ever seen. And my husband, and artist, agrees! He's fawned over the Universal Fantasy Tarot ever since it came in the mail. He even went so far to say that he feels most--if not all--of the cards in this deck could be framed and hung with pride in our living room. I don't know about you, but when I hear the phrase "fantasy art", I tend to think of the gaudy, revealing covers of sci-fi paperbacks--or the half-nude She-Ra's entwined around the legs of a dragon ala artists like Boris Vallejo. (And let me tell ya, that ain't my idea of good art...) So I was thrilled to discover that the Universal Fantasy Tarot features gorgeous jewel-tone hues, fantastical creatures, unusual elements (such as body armor comprised of a many-windowed castle!), and incredible detail work. Sumptuous, flowing garments swirl and cascade around bodies (the icy blue gown on the Queen of Swords is *amazing*!), and Martinello's re-interpretation of Tarot symbology is astounding. For example, a huge, elongated headdress crowns The Empress--but it's supported by what looks to be a steel pole. When I first saw this image, I thought the headdress looked like a stylized brain (trust me--it's not gruesome!)...and how the "brain" and logic of The Emperor brings support and balance to the emotional subjectivity of The Empress. When I saw the 6 of Cups--which features a winged creature that looks rather like a feathered snail, with two children atop its shell..."fishing" for a lost cup that fell in the water--I couldn't help but think "trying to retrieve something lost in the past". And the 9 of cups? A yawning dragon-like creature (clad in what looks to be a smoking jacket!) seems to stumble out of a hangover fog while nine lamps burn inside golden cups. Has this party animal been burning the midnight oil in a drunken indulgence, perhaps? From the distressed Hanged Man suspended by a bird high above the Earth's atmosphere, to the elegant Knave of Chalices accompanied by an equally exotic companion (a floating, human-sized fish who breathes air!)--each dynamic image from the Universal Fantasy Tarot will draw you in, capture your imagination, spark intuitive insights, and enrapture you with its profound beauty. Whether you're a deck collector or a storyteller, a Tarot reader or a journaling seeker, the Universal Fantasy Tarot will almost surely surpass your expectations--and make you thankful that you have eyes to behold it. (Note: While it's easy for me to gush about this deck's beauty, I suppose I should include some minutia: the attractive, futuristic backs are fully reversible, the Minor Suits are Chalices, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles, and the Court Cards follow the Knave, Knight, Queen, and King rendering. And does it "read" well? You bet ya! I performed a few readings and they've been uncannily insightful.) To see 10 images from the Universal Fantasy Tarot, visit the Reviews--Decks section at [...] Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book: Picture the Past, Experience the Cards, Understand the Present (coming Fall 2008 from Hampton Roads Publishing)

If you're a Tarot deck collector, this deck is a must-own!! The artwork is original and stunning. The colors are not vivid/bright like some decks, but somewhat muted, fitting in nicely with the medieval time period. From the little white book enclosed with the deck: "Ancient symbols are reinterpreted, using the imaginary world of Fantasy literature. Every icon refers to a universe where elements of the medieval world merge with others that belong to myth and fantasy, taking on new meanings, but maintaining ancient content and symbolism." The magical fantasy creatures---dragons, elves, winged horses, giant mice and even a huge winged snail (6 of chalices)---bring to mind Tolkien's worlds. The deck itself is an enitre new realm to delve into. Imagination rules!!!!! I was immediately drawn to the Strength card which pictures an elegant, stately woman wearing a mauve/red gown petting a striking green dragon who is wrapped around her and appears to be leaning into her protectively and lovingly. Her hand rests gently on his head. Many of the cards I found true to Rider-Waite's interpretations, but I would not recommend this deck for beginning Tarot readers. If you're a novice and buy this deck for readings, it could be confusing as some of the cards' meanings are ambiguous and the little white book isn't very detailed or clear on some cards. I always recommend a Rider-Waite type deck for those first coming into Tarot. The four suits are Chalices, Wands, Swords and Pentacles. To me, Tarot is a tool for opening my spirit to life's mysteries and wonder: 78 cards with pictures and symbols that are used for meditation by connecting me with my subconscious mind. This deck is a beautiful, enlightening addition to my collection.

When I first discovered my interest in the Tarot I watched as someone read from a beautiful deck, and feel in love. This was many years ago and I thought I would never be able to find that deck again. I had spent my time learning with the standard Edward-Waite deck and figured it was time to go searching for the deck I had originally fell in love with. When I found this listing it was hard to tell if this was the deck or not, for the cards I had seen where not presented in any of the user pictures however I went with my gut and purchased it anyway. It arrived sooner than expected and to my highest delight I found the two cards that where shown to me years and years ago (House on stilts - four of wands, and a man releasing a swan - eight of cups). I had found my deck! I do not suggest this deck to anyone that is just getting started. The images, though truly breathtaking, are very difficult to read and many of them do not share similarities with those of the standard Edward-Waite deck. The cards themselves are not as strong as the Waite deck, the stock of cards is very similar to that of standard playing cards. Though delicate handling is easier than expected when holding this wonderful deck. You take care of it and it will take care of you. One thing that I did notice after doing my first few readings was the lack of the traditional pentacle symbol. The five point star is missing, but the five points are not. The symbol is re-represented by that of a collection of dots, five points to be exact. Or the presence of coins. I find this actually easier to read the suit of pentacles for others as many (unfamiliar or uneducated) feel very uneasy by the presence of a pentagram. I almost always have to say "Oh the pentacle represents the coins of the 14th and 15th century. Not that of the occult or witchcraft, so it is good." and I no longer have to say this in my readings to people who get uneasy when seeing the five-point star. All in all I am extremely happy with this deck!

I absolutely love these cards. They are standard size with medium card stock, making them extremely easy to shuffle. The art work is incredible and beautiful to look at. You can't go wrong with this deck. A nice addition to my tarot decks.

Received this deck a few hours ago and had to write a review. Had viewed this deck on website and it called to me immediately. So glad I purchased it. What a beautiful deck, full of detailed gorgeous artwork. Each card has so much detail to it that it will take some time to study and learn them. Quality of cards is very good, laminated and borderless which adds to the quality of the art. This is not a deck for beginners, as one needs a knowledge of the tarot to work with this deck. It follows the RWS basics to a degree, but the artist has taken license with this and redefined many of the original images and added his own interpretation. This is not a criticism, actually it adds to the quality and individuality of the deck since the art is so detailed. There are many images on each card that will need to be studied and learned and interpreted. As I viewed the deck for the first time, I could see how there were many other interpretations that could be used for each card in addition to the basic ones. According to the "little white book" that comes with it, the author has created a "fantasy" edition . The interpretations given in book were more esoteric and spiritual and even more timely and practical than the basic ones of RWS. It will take a bit of study to learn them, but I am looking forward to expanding my ability to read with these cards. My only complaints are that there is NOT a better more expanded book with the deck. It could certainly use a more extensive explanation of the cards. The booklet does give 2 new spreads for readings and instructions how to do them which I have not seen before. The size of the cards is average, they are easy to handle and shuffle, but wish they were larger so that the art could be better seen and appreciated as it is wonderful. Some of the imagery is a bit intense and could be called dark but I do not have a problem with that, and normally I do not care for dark imagery. There is also some partial nudity but this is not a problem either, as it is all part of the beautiful artwork and this deck is a piece of art. I am a reader and collect decks as well and this deck is a great addition to my collection. Had seen an out of print copy for sale for $900 so am happy to have this one at a reasonable price.

I think this is a beautiful deck and I see no problems with the artwork or quality. Yes, it doesn't have a border all the way around, but Im not sure how that detracts from the deck. I also think the emotions amd symbolism displayed in the are are actually universal. I don't think the images are confusing, even if they can be complex. Cardstock is also nice and sturdy. Thick enough to withstand regular use but thin enough to flow like actual cards.

These cards are absolutely beautiful. I was struck by the vivid colors, almost tactile textures and intricate detailing of the images, all the images, major and minor arcana. The scenes are magically, truly fantastical. The cards are good quality, thick, and a good size, not too big for someone like me with smaller hands. They have a lively and almost sultry sense to them that I identified with immediately. Usually I have to spend some time working with new cards to get an affinity for them, but these cards I felt an affinity for right away. My only complaint is that the detail is almost too much. The colors are very similar on many of the cards, and with the figures accompanied by feathers and fabrics and very detailed scenery, the some cards are very "busy" and it makes identifying symbols harder and can make identifying the cards themselves harder. Hopefully I will get used the them and be able to identify them more easily. I'm use to simpler illustrated cards with easily seen symbols, so this amount of color and detail is new for me.

I am going to date myself here (and please no one say 'good, because no one else will - wakka wakka) but this deck reminds me so much of a magazine from my college days called Heavy Metal. The artwork is absolutely impressive in a somewhat jarring to the sensibilities way. On first study, there is a lot of 'what da?' feelings from the art by Paolo Martinello. The cards are of sturdy stock and true to traditional decks. It probably is not a deck for everyone, but if you have been a reader for a while it just might be the thinking to recharge your readings.

Gosto muito do material das cartas e Lindas imagens. Recomendo!

Ich war absolut positiv überrascht, als ich bereits heute die "Universal Fantasy Tarotkarten" von Paolo Martinello per Post erhalten habe. Die Lieferung von Amazon ging wieder einmal blitzschnell und alles ist wie immer in tadellosem Zustand angekommen. Ich habe mir jede einzelne Universal Fantasy Tarotkarte angesehen, jede ist wunderschön bis in kleinste Detail gemalt und wer die Bedeutung der Tarotkarten schon kennt, wird bei diesem Deck sogar noch mehr daraus deuten können... Es gibt unzählig viele verschiedene Tarotmotive, aber diese sind eindeutig die schönsten und vor allem aussagekräftigsten Tarotkarten, die ich je gesehen habe (nebst den "Shadow Escape Tarotkarten" von Stephanie Pui-Mun Law).

Tarot magnifique c’est un basic

This deck exudes magic, power and space, with deep colours, sharp, flowing lines and poignant characters and scenery. It's a serious but empowering Tarot and allows for expanded insights and deeper meaning whilst keeping to the basic traditional symbolism. It's a very enjoyable, uplifting and dreamy deck to look at and use. It would be OK for the beginner, but might be easy for someone who is already familiar with the traditional Rider-Waite deck. The cards are standard sized and come in their own tuck-box with LWB that fives interesting key-phrases for each card.

The artwork on the front & back of these cards is absolutely stunning! Quality card stock. Nice gloss finish. Easy to shuffle, especially for aged, weak or frail hands. Nice little guidebook.