Universal Fantasy Tarot Cards – March 8, 2007

"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 LWBWhen 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)

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.

The media could not be loaded. 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.