The Tarot Room – Georgianna

For today’s draw from Georgie’s Magic Card Collection, we’ll be looking at The Wild Unknown Pocket Tarot by Kim Krans, published in 2021 by Harper One.

6 Points About This Deck

1. Artwork – The artwork in The Wild Unknown is hand drawn natural imagery made with no tools, ie. rulers and such. It’s gorgeous, and feels very personal. Colours are sparse, making their impact even more powerful when they do appear. As Krans says in the accompanying book, “I wanted the imagery to speak to a world of wild nature and mystery … a place where the darks are truly dark, and the lights are bright and expansive.” She succeeded.
2. Booklet – For a pocket-size deck, this fully illustrated 207 page (also pocket-sized) booklet is impressive, with a description of each card, as well as an explanation as to how the deck came to be, some general info on Tarot, and a number of spreads to get you started.
3. Court Cards – Instead of Page, Knight, King, and Queen, the Wild Unknown names its Court Cards Daughter, Son, Father, and Mother, again, creating a more personal feel to the deck.
4. Tarot System – This deck follows the Marseille or Thoth ordering of the Major Arcana with Strength being #11 and Justice #8. And though the card descriptions basically follow the Tarot ideas of the Golden Dawn, the Wild Unknown is not a clone deck. What’s most striking about it is that there are no humans in any of the cards. Oddly, I find that refreshing.
5. Readability – Despite there being no humans pictured in this deck, the Wild Unknown is quite readable, and offers very human advice. Even without looking at the definitions in the booklet (which are very helpful, by the way), with the darks being dark, and the lights being bright, all the trees and animals in each card make clear what it is they’re trying to say.
6. Pocket-Size – There’s a full-size version of the Wild Unknown deck as well, first published in 2012. I have that deck too, and have always really liked it … but I’m very much enjoying this pocket size version. It fits so nicely in my palm, it’s easy to shuffle, doesn’t take up much space, and I love the tin box it comes in. This little version has reignited my love for this deck.

All in all, the Wild Unknown is a beautiful set of Tarot cards, whatever size you choose.

Today’s pull from Georgie’s Magic Card Collection is the Learning Tarot Deck from Witchy Cauldron. My copy was published in 2022.

6 or So Points About This Deck

1. Learning Tarot – This Rider-Waite-Smith styled deck is appropriately named Learning Tarot, as it’s definitely meant to help new readers learn the cards. It’s available in multiple different languages.
2. Key Words – A rather lengthy set of key words for both upright and reversed positions is printed on the front of each card.
3. Affirmations – Each of the Major Arcana cards has an appropriate affirmation printed on the front.
4. Chakras and Astrology – Each card identifies both its astrological associations and affiliated chakras.
5. Yes/No – Also on each card, is the word – Yes, No, or Maybe … just in case you’re looking for something definitive (or definitivish).
6. Image – The images for Learning Tarot are from the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, but are relatively small as they share space on each card with all of the above listed descriptors.

For someone new to Tarot, this deck would be great for practising and getting to know the cards. It allows you to throw them down without having to have a book with you to look things up each time. Eventually, you’ll probably want to move on to a deck that highlights the images more … but who knows. To each their own.

I kind of like this deck. The cards are hearty, the messages are clear, and it comes in two fantastic boxes. As a new reader, I would have loved it. As someone more seasoned, I don’t really need all the notes, and the images are a little small, but it’s fun anyway, and I’m happy I have it.

Today’s pull from Georgie’s Magic Card Collection is extra special to me. It’s a copy of my first Tarot deck … The Thoth Tarot designed by Aleister Crowley and painted by Lady Freida Harris. It’s published by US Games in association with AGM AGMuller.

8 Points About This Deck

1. Deck Size – there are a number of different versions of the Thoth Tarot, varying in size and colouring
   •small version – 5X9 cm
   •medium version – 8X11 cm (my copy printed in 1983)
   •medium version – 7X11 cm (my copy printed in 2023)
   •large version – 9X14 cm
   There might be more, but these are the ones I have and know about. The small deck is fabulous for carrying around. It fits nicely in my hands and I just love it … but I have to say that the words printed at the bottom of each card are a little fuzzy (or at least mine are). The large deck is beautiful!! But it is a little big for regular readings, and is difficult to shuffle. For me, at least for regular readings, the medium size is just right.
2. Colours – There’s been colour corrections done on the 2023 deck to apparently bring the images closer in line to those of the original watercolours by Frieda Harris. This change startled me at first, but I’ve grown accustomed to it now, and think the new (or should I say original) version is beautiful.
3. Court Cards – After thirty years, and many other decks, I’m still blown away by how dynamic and gorgeous the Court Cards are in this deck … every one of them.
4. Card Names – If you’re accustomed to the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, you’ll find some differences in the Thoth Tarot. First off, the Suit of Disks replaces the Suit of Pentacles. As well …
   • •Knights replace Kings
   • •Princes replace Knights
   • •Princesses replace Pages
   • •The Magus replaces The Magician
   • •Adjustment replaces Justice
   • •Lust replaces Strength
   • •Art replaces Temperance
   • •The Aeon replaces Judgement
   • •The Universe replaces The World
5. Ordering – The Thoth Tarot identifies Adjustment/Justice as #8, and Lust/Strength as #11 (opposite to the RWS Tarot).
6. Non-Tarot Associations – There are astrological and kabbalistic associations noted on each of the relevant cards.
7. Keywords – There are keywords noted at the bottom of each of the Minor Arcana (excluding the Aces and Court Cards).
8. Symbology – The Thoth Tarot highlights symbolism from all around the world and multiple spiritual/religious paths. Crowley intended it to be a compendium of the world’s spiritual and magical ideas.

There’s so much to say about this deck that 8 points is just not nearly enough, but that’s where I’m going to leave it for now. I’ve got nothing but positive things to say about The Thoth Tarot. It was my first deck, and after all these years, it’s still my favourite.

Today’s pull from Georgie’s Magic Card Collection is a Halloween treat … The Halloween Tarot by Karin Lee with artwork by Kipling West. My copy was published way back in 1996 by US Games, but there’s plenty of copies around today.

5 Points About This Deck

1. Theme: You may have guessed … Halloween is the theme of The Halloween Tarot. It’s a delightful celebration of monsters and goblins and vampires and ghosts and all kinds of tricks and treats,
2. Suits: Following with the Halloween theme, instead of Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles, The Halloween Tarot brings us Imps, Bats, Ghosts, and Pumpkins.
3. Artwork: Adorable. Bright. Cheerful. Spooky. But not at all scary.
4. Readability: The Halloween Tarot follows the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot structure, so if you’re comfortable with that, you’ll have no trouble with this deck. Not to mention, the pictures tell a great story on their own. It’s a pretty easy deck to read.
5. Black Cat: There’s a wonderful big eye’d black cat in every single card. Having a black cat angel ghost in my own life … this only makes me love this deck more.

The Halloween Tarot is fantastic – fun and sweet and full of spirits … I recommend it to all.

Today’s pull from Georgie’s Magic Card Collection is the Magic Mirrors of Kitty Kahane’s Tarot. It was created by Kitty Kahane, with the instruction manual written by Lilo Schwartz. My copy was published in 2006 by AGM.

5 Points About This Deck

1. Artwork: The images in the Kitty Kahane Tarot are delightful … or at least I think so. Cartoon style line drawings in dark, rich pastels. The images are quirky for sure, and that’s exactly what I like about them.
2. Tarot Structure: The Kitty Kahane Tarot basically follows the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) concepts, but of course, with a twist. The key elements of the RWS imagery are represented, but with something extra in most … like a bird man in the Empress card, or the additional people walking in the Tower, or the shouting heads on the 7 of Wands … all sorts of little extras that I just love.
3. #8 / #11: Though it mostly follows the RWS structure, the Kitty Kahane Tarot associates #8 with Justice and #11 with Strength as per the Thoth and Marseille Tarots.
4. Readability: Since it follows the RWS system, anyone familiar with those concepts is likely to feel comfortable with the Kitty Kahane Tarot … but even without knowing any Tarot system, between the images on the cards, and the instruction manual, it’s a fairly easy deck to read. The pictures tell a great story and there are plenty of symbols to work with.
5. Instruction Manual: Lilo Schwartz’s instruction book is excellent, with not only evocative descriptions for each card, but also a key phrase, and a quote from each central character in each card. She’s also included some basic reading instructions and some fun spreads.

I like the Kitty Kahane deck a lot. Looking at it now reminds me that I should be using it more.

The next pull from Georgie’s Magic Card Collection is the Tarot of the New Vision, created by Pietro Allego with artwork by Raul Cestaro and Gianluca Cestaro. My copies (I’ve got two – one standard, one mini) were published by Lo Scarabeo in 2003.

5 Points About This Deck

1. New Vision: If you jumped into the standard Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) deck and looked around at what you don’t see pictured in the regular cards … what’s off camera so to speak, that’s the ‘new vision’ of the Tarot of the New Vision. It shows us what might be behind the scenes, a 180 degree spin on what’s familiar.
2. Artwork: As might be expected, given the new vision, the artwork of the Tarot of the New Vision is very RWSesque, though perhaps a little more moody, slightly darker, with a bit of a sombre feel.
3. Readability: If you’re familiar with the RWS deck, you’ll have no trouble at all with the Tarot of the New Vision. It incorporates all of the traditional meanings from RWS, but just adds a few new elements – people, situations, and symbols. Each new piece adds a new perspective for your readings.
4. Twins: This next point is not really about the deck, so much as it is about the deck making. The Tarot of the New Vision is sort of like a non-identical twin of the RWS Tarot … and it was drawn/painted by twins!! Raul and Gianluca Cestaro are not only brothers, but twin brothers!! It’s silly, I know, but I just love that.
5. Plays Well With Others: Specifically, I mean the Tarot of the New Vision is a fabulous companion to the RWS Tarot when doing readings. Mixing both decks together, and pulling from the new merged deck is really fun. (NB. Since the two decks have different backs, if you try this at home, you’ll have to close your eyes while pulling your cards).

If you’re a fan of the RWS Tarot, the Tarot of the New Vision might seem a little disconcerting at first (or at least it was for me) … but with just a little play, I came to really like it. Maybe you will too.

The next pull from Georgie’s Magic Card Collection is Morgan’s Tarot, created by Morgan Robbins, and illustrated by Darshan Chorpash. It was first released in 1970, but my copy is from 2009, and published by US Games. It’s one of my favourite decks ever.

5 Points About This Deck

1. Artwork: Late 60’s, early 70’s style black and white line drawings. Clean, clear, and somewhat psychedelic. The cards most often include card names or phrases below the images.
2. Tarot Structure: There is no Tarot structure. Despite the name, Morgan’s Tarot is not a Tarot deck, though it is oracular. Instead of 78 cards, there are 88. There are no Major or Minor Arcana divisions, and no Court Cards. There are no numbers on the cards, or on the card descriptions in the Little White Book (LWB). In fact, the cards aren’t even alphabetized in the LWB. You’ve gotta just keep looking around for the card description you’re interested in. But it’s worth the hunt.
3. Theme: I guess the theme is what it says on the publisher’s card: Transmutation through Union of Opposites. As you may have surmised, Morgan’s Tarot was influenced by the late 60’s new age movement, and various spiritual traditions, especially Tibetan Buddhism.
4. Readability: Despite lack of clear structure, the cards in Morgan’s Tarot are quite practical and straightforward in their messaging. Some card examples: If There’s a Judge, it’s You, or; Your Mission is Not Yet Complete, or; Always Remember This; … or simply Boo!!!. The LWB describes them all (kind of).
5. Let George Do It: One card in particular sticks out to me (given my name is Georgianna, aka George) … Let George Do It … not sure I like the message, but I do like having a specifically George-card in the deck.

Go visit the Morgan’s Tarot webpages to see the various cards, and pull a free auto reading for yourself while you’re there. I love this deck.

In honour of another visit from my friend and colleague, Kitty Tangelo (a powerful reader in his own right) … today’s pull from Georgie’s Magic Card Collection is The Baroque Bohemian Cats’ Tarot by Alex Ukolow and Karen Mahoney. It was published by Magic Realist Press/Baba Studios in 2011.

5 Points About This Deck

1. Cat-centric: I’ll start with the obvious … as one should expect, The Baroque Bohemian Cats’ Tarot is full of cats. All the central characters are Baroque Bohemian Cats, and each and every one of them is fantastic.
2. 79 Cards: Instead of the traditional 78 cards, the Baroque Bohemian Cats’ Tarot has one extra – The Fortune Teller. The Fortune Teller is a majestic and mystical black feline, clearly in touch with the psychic realm. You can use this card as a significator, or a simple representation of perfect virtue (ha ha … Tangelo told me to say that last part about virtue, I don’t really believe it)
3. Artwork: Warm, rich, luxurious … and of course very baroque. And did I mention the cats? Photographic manipulation, not actual cats in costumes, was used to create the images in this deck. It was all digital magic, and as such, the creators of this deck warn ‘Please don’t try really dressing any cat, they don’t like it!” (For the most part, I’d agree with that, but I have a copy of Fashion Cats that suggests a different perspective …)
4. Readability: The Baroque Bohemian Cats’ Tarot follows the classic RWS Tarot structure, so if you’re familiar with that, you’re already prepped for this deck. Not to mention, the images are strong and tell their own story, with or without knowing any system. If in doubt though, the Little White Book (LWB) provides helpful direction.
5. Major Arcana: Though all 22 of the traditional Major Arcana cards are represented (plus one, the above-mentioned Fortune Teller) … none of the Majors have numbers on the cards. They’re numbered in the LWB, just not on the cards themselves. This doesn’t change much, just thought I’d mention it.

All in all, I love this deck! And it comes in a good box, strong, sturdy, and opens from the side.

And one more thing … while looking at the Bohemian Cats’ website, I noticed that a new Bohemian Cats’ Tarot is in the works … The Bohemian Cats’ Theatre Tarot. You know I’m going to want that.

Today’s pull from Georgie’s Magic Card Collection is Vanessa Tarot by Lynyrd Narciso, According to the Little White Book (LWB) that came with the deck, my copy was published back in 2006 by US Games (but it looks to still be available … and reasonably priced)

5 Points About This Deck

1. Size: Vanessa Tarot is compact, or some might say small, with the cards only 6 X 10 cm (2.3 X 3.9 “) … which is a lovely size for smaller hands – easy to hold and to shuffle, and you don’t need a lot of space to lay out a spread
2. Artwork: The art is sweet, sassy, chic (in a cartoony sort of way) and dare I say, ‘girly’. Yeah, it is girly, really, really girly .. and I love it! Bright cheery, and non-threatening, but not without a bite.
3. Woman-centric: Going along with the really, really girly aspect of Vanessa Tarot, like the last deck I reviewed (The Muse Tarot), there are very few males pictured in this deck … even the Kings are Ladies.
4. Tarot System: Vanessa Tarot pretty well follows the RWS/Golden Dawn Tarot structure, just with a modern and female twist. The medieval imagery is replaced by contemporary situations that are clear and evocative. It’s quite readable, but if you do need help with a card meaning, the LWB offers helpful descriptions of each.
5. Box: You might have noticed by now that I’ve got a bit of an illogical obsession with the boxes my Tarot decks come in … they shouldn’t matter, but they kind of do. Anyway, Vanessa Tarot comes in a delightful little purple metal tin that I think was the reason I bought it in the first place all those years ago. I stand by my choice.

So … if you’re in the market for a fun, and adorable, girly-type deck, check out Vanessa Tarot. I like it a lot.

Continuing on with the creativity theme (see: Sakki-Sakki Tarot Review and The Creativity Spread), for today’s pull from Georgie’s Magic Card Collection, we have the Muse Tarot by Chris-Anne. It was published in 2020 by Hay House.

6 Points About This Deck

1. Artwork: The images in the Muse Tarot are vibrant, very pretty, and boldly feminine. There are no borders on these cards, leaving more space for the dynamic collage-style imagery.
2. Gender Theme: There’s no doubt that this is a woman-centric deck … men, of course, can use it, but it’s definitely aimed toward the feminine.
3. Kings: The Muse Tarot replaces the four King cards with four Muses. These Muse cards are all horizontally oriented. By being different than the other Court Cards, the side-ways orientation seems to give the Muse cards a little more authority when they show up in a spread … but maybe that’s just me.
4. Suits: Instead of Cups, Swords, Wands, and Pentacles, the Muse Tarot has the suits of Emotions, Voices, Inspiration, and Materials.
5. Readability: Though the images in this deck are absolutely unique and inspire their own story-lines, ultimately, the Muse Tarot follows a Golden Dawn/RWS structure familiar to many readers. If in doubt though, the rather thorough instruction booklet should help you along.
6. Random Stuff: The box is great, the backs of the cards are as pretty as the fronts, and the cards are of hearty stock. All around, it’s a beautiful deck.

And if you go to the Muse Tarot’s website, you’ll find all sorts of other extra goodies, including a chance to pull a card, read and/or listen to descriptions and meditations for each card, prompts to inspire you even more, as well as various creativity-oriented spreads. Check it out … there’s lots to play with over there.