Ciro Marchetti (artist) and Lee Bursten (book author), Tarot of Dreams. Stamford, CT: U.S. Games Systems, 2015. ISBN: 9781572817579. (link to publisher)
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| Three of Swords card |
"In a reading, the Palace cards indicate the energies of the suit expressed as an environment" (58).
You can either remove the Palace cards or leave them in when using the deck. I left them in, and I did draw a couple of them during the daily draws at the time. I would say they add a different way to look at a suit.
The book is arranged as follows:
- Introduction.
- Esoteric Symbols Systems in the Tarot of Dreams. This offers a short explanation of the Kabbalistic, elemental, and astrological symbols in the cards. It is up to you if you want to integrate these in your readings or not. For me, using these elements is a work in progress, but I am good learning about them and trying to use them. For me, they can be an intensive to deepen my studies and work to enhance my readings. However, if using those symbols is not for you, you have the option to skip them.
- Introduction to the Major Arcana.This is mainly a look at the Fool's Journey.
- The Major Arcana. Each card entry features card name and number, keywords, and the text. It also includes meaning of Hebrew letter and astrological symbols in a card. Text features description of card, symbols, and interpretation.
- Introduction to the Minor Arcana. This explains a bit how the numbered minors (pip cards), the court cards, and palace cards work.
- The Minor Arcana. Entries for the numbered minors feature card name, keywords, and interpretation text. If a card has an associated astrological symbol, it provides brief explanation. In court card entries, it goes over a character's personality, stage of development, and approach. If they have an astrological symbol, it is explained. At the end of each suit's section you get the Palace card. These cards just get a paragraph for interpretation.
- Reading the cards. Some basic instructions on how to read and use the deck. A 7-card spread is included, "The Story Spread," a spread designed for this deck, though you can probably try it out with other decks.
The book does pack quite a bit of information. It is a relatively easy read. It gives the esoteric basics, but if you want to go in depth, you may want to add a supplemental book on the topic. The book is not illustrated. The card entries are well written and informative. The material is enough for card readers at any level.
The card art is excellent. It blends fantasy with a bit of steampunk. Art is very colorful and detailed, expressive too so it works for intuitive readers. The art falls well within the Rider Waite Smith (RWS) but also draws a bit from Thoth. If you read within RWS, you'll do fine. On a side note, if you already like Marchetti's art, you'll enjoy this one.
The cards measure about 5 inches by 3 inches. They are a bit larger than standard sizes but smaller than most oracle cards. The size allows you to see and appreciate the art. Good card stock; the deck does have some weight to it. The cards have a gradual black border; it is not intrusive. The deck is fully illustrated. Each card is labeled with name, Roman numerals, and esoteric symbols assigned.
I love this deck, and I am glad to have it. Not sure why it took me a while to get to it, but definitely worth it It is a deck you can use privately or for public readings. I highly this one, and I would use it again. They look great on top of your favorite cloth.
5 out of 5 stars.
This kit qualifies for the following 2024 Reading Challenge:
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