The Tarot Channel

Famous Faces in the Tarot

Do you have any famous faces in your Tarot decks?

That is, have you come across a figure in a a card and gasped, "Oh my goodness! That looks just like _____!" Well, I've had a few and I thought I'd share them with you: 

John Travolta in the 9 of Cups especially circa Vinnie Barbarino (from the Universal Waite Tarot)

 

Madonna (especially in Evita) in The Emperor (from the Vanessa Tarot)

 

Ken Wilber (deep thinker extraordinaire) in the Five of Coins (from the Phantasmagoric Theater Tarot)

 

George W. Bush in The Fool (from the Gilded Tarot)

 

Alan Cumming in The Fool (from The Sorcerers Tarot)

 

Lara Flynn Boyle (of Twin Peaks fame) in The Fool (from the Vanessa Tarot)

What famous people do you see in the Tarot?

-- Janet Boyer, Author of The Back in Time Tarot Book - Editor at The Tarot Channel

Tarot Reflections June 2009

Have you heard about the ATA's free monthly e-Zine Tarot Reflections? If not, you don't know what you're missing!

The June 2009 Tarot Reflections is now up for your enjoyment. In this issue, Editor Shari Harshberger raves about my book Back in Time Tarot (woohoo!), and the Pamela Colman Commemorative Set and the Undersea Tarot get star treatment, too.

Melanie Harris interviews beloved Tarot artist and author Robert Place in the June 2009 issue (click here for the interview), and--in case you've been living under a rock--his brand new box set Vampire Tarot comes out next month from St. Martin's Press (can I get a hallelujah?!).

There's TarotScopes, Soothsayer's Corner, an article on the Court Cards and more in this month's issue. And the June Giveaway Contest? A signed copy of The Back in Time Tarot Book and a copy of Robert Place's Vampire Tarot! Click here for more information.

Enjoy!

-- Janet Boyer

Rumi Tarot - Nigel Jackson

“The prophetic light blazes timelessly at the heart of Sufi way, for Sufism transcends all the outward forms of religion—it pervades them as their eternal essence and yet preexisted them all. Sufism is the subtlest and deepest core of universal truth, the purity of the all-pervading and traceless gnosis.” – From the Rumi Tarot companion book

I pre-ordered the Rumi Tarot from Amazon.com with great anticipation, especially since I’ve used Rumi’s poetry for contemplation for several years. As I began to read the well-researched and detailed 294-page companion book, my heart sank. The first 31 pages are a dry, meticulous discourse on Sufi theology—including the liberal use of dozens of unfamiliar Arabic names and terms. In fact, I think Sufi Tarot would be a better name for this box set. (Incidentally, Sufism is the mystical arm of Islam).

After slogging through, I concluded that those 31 pages were, in my opinion, unnecessary. I became encouraged when I got to the section on the seven chakras, but the information was unorganized, out of vertical order (either up or down, 1-7 or 7-1, would have been fine), and, in two cases, the chakra title/number wasn’t even mentioned. Despite being quite familiar with chakra teachings and theory, I couldn’t make heads or tails of two of the chakras, even after considerable re-reading and examination!

And to give you an idea of how the first 31 pages read, here’s an example of a chakra description. (Incidentally, I can’t figure out which chakra it’s referring to since the Third Eye and Crown Chakras were discussed elsewhere):

“The Alam-i-Mithal or Alam-I-Khayal is the world of images, or imaginal world, the mystical ‘isthmus of similtudes’ that exists between the sensorial and unseen realms is also known as Hurqalya, the ‘earth of the emerald cities’ Jabalqa and Jabarsa, the ‘cities at the end of the earth’, the ‘earth of visions’ or ‘intermediate Orient’. This is the sphere of imagination wherein, according to the seventeenth-century Islamic mystic Muhsin Fayz Kashani, ‘spirits are embodied and bodies are spiritualized’…”

That said, the explanations and insights for the individual cards of the Rumi Tarot are more accessible, appealing, and spiritually illuminating—as are the upright and reversed meanings provided by Mr. Jackson.

Uncharacteristic of Llewellyn decks, the card stock is incredibly flimsy and low quality. After only taking out the Rumi Tarot cards a few times to scrutinize and scan, the corners began wrinkle, flake, and—in some cases—actually bend upward, exposing white card stock beneath.

Had I saw card samples online beforehand, I would have definitely reconsidered buying it, especially since the ornate borders, background, and quotes from Rumi’s Mathnavi hog most of the card, especially the Minor Arcana. In fact, the central imagery of the Minor Arcana measures (approximately) a mere 1 ½ x 1 inch!

It’s obvious that Mr. Jackson has taken great care with his intricate paintings, and the Majors and court cards are lovely. However, as I said, the double borders, moss green background, and quote banner overshadow the painstaking artwork, especially with the Minors.

Featuring a simple, delicate, reversible symbol on the backing, the cards of the Rumi Tarot measure 4 ½ x 2 ¾ inches with a matte finish. The box set comes with the companion book, white cardboard box for storage and a black organdy pouch.

Personally, I don’t feel that the Rumi Tarot makes for a good divination deck (and certainly not as a beginner’s deck!), but it would make a wonderful contemplation tool for those inspired and nurtured by Sufi mysticism. Mr. Jackson brings an innovative perspective on the cards, as well as an exhaustive treatise of Sufi theology.

To see 13 additional images from this deck, including a zoom of the chipped card border, click here.

-- Janet Boyer, Editor at TheTarotChannel.com - Author of The Back in Time Tarot Book

Mythical Goddess Tarot

“Our planet and all her species are at a delicate crossroads. The key to the survival of life on Earth in these days is the integration and expression of the Sacred Feminine in all of us, women and men. At this crucial time on the planet, humankind is being forced out of denial of its own divinity. Specifically, this is the spirit of the Goddess on Earth, not necessarily in worship, but in honoring, in each of us, our feminine core of being. She has always existed in all of her forms, no matter how buried, and is now returning in full expression for the healing of humankind.” – From the Mythical Goddess Tarot companion book - Sage Holloway (Author) and Katherine Skaggs (Artist)

From Mother Mary to Lakshmi, White Buffalo Calf Woman to Brigid, the Major Arcana of the Mythical Goddess Tarot glows with diverse faces of the Divine Feminine. Bordered in purple with some Trumps renamed, the Majors speak to the deep inner desire for healing, creation, acceptance, initiation and union.

Although woman-centric in imagery, the messages of Mythical Goddess Tarot speak across gender lines and racial divisions, spiritual paths and personal needs. Richly illustrated in vibrant hues by Katherine Skaggs, this deck is compassionately honest, surprisingly blunt, incisively accurate, and ultimately hopeful.

The Minor Arcana suits are Seas, Fire, Earth and Wind, with the Court Cards following Child, Maiden, Mother and Crone designation. Each has a relevant keyword adding to possible intuitive insights, with several cards offering delightful, clever expansion on traditional meanings.

Several of my favorite cards (a few because of the utter originality) from the vivid, lavishly illustrated Mythical Goddess Tarot include:

• 8 of Earth (Nurturance) – A full-figured woman surrounded by vegetation waters a mound of daisies, healing and love emanating from her other hand.

• 10 of Wind (Illusion) – On a sunny day, a person garbed in full yellow raingear stands under a red umbrella while a tiny rain cloud hovers above.

• Crone of Fire (Transmutation) – A smiling phoenix raises triumphantly from the ashes.

• 7 of Earth (Failure) – A leafless gnarled tree fails to thrive amidst city skyscrapers and gray skies.

• Child of Seas (Innocence) – A child lies asleep in a giant conch shell, protected from a heaving wave.

• 9 of Wind (Criticism) – Lightning bolts emanate from a figure’s head and mouth with a hand points in seeming accusation, powerfully capturing the damage inflicted by harsh judgment.

The 127-page companion booklet to the Mythical Goddess Tarot is one of the most finely crafted I’ve seen, with each card reproduced in full-color miniature. Sage Holloway provides the astrological correlation for each card (unobtrusively painted on each card), as well as detailed explanations and encouraging advice. The shiny box it comes in is very sturdy and easy to open (thankfully!)

The glossy cards measure approximately 4 ½ x 3 ¼ inches with an intricate reversible pattern on back. Each of the Minor Arcana cards has an arresting border reflecting their elemental association: Wind cards are bordered with cloud-strewn skies, Seas have steel gray waves, Earth depicts leafy trees, while Fire cards have orange flame borders.

I’ve been using the Mythical Goddess Tarot for several months now and it’s one of a few “go to” decks that I use for personal readings and spiritual contemplation. I’ve found it especially helpful for ascertaining values, aligning with soul purpose, gaining insight into familial relationships, deriving comfort in stressful times, and sorting out emotional signals.

This deck is truly one of the finest I’ve come across in recent years and has become one of my favorites. It’s warm, user-friendly, diverse (in imagery and message), and clear. Although it’s self-published, it rivals any deck produced by known publishers in both quality and presentation. (It’s available from Amazon.com at this link.)

Thank you, Sage Holloway and Katherine Skaggs, for being a wide-open conduit for such an energizing and empowering Tarot deck!

To see 13 additional images from this deck, click here.

-- Janet Boyer, Editor at TheTarotChannel.com - Author of The Back in Time Tarot Book

Legacy of the Divine Tarot (Special Edition)

“The Emperor’s edict was unquestioned. The Kings of the Four Elements offered opinions but were ultimately subordinate to his authority. Within the context of this new imminent reality, their territories and dominions were now redundant—differences and conflicts of the past, now irrelevant. Instead, each was now commanded to adhere to a plan of action that would supersede all else. From this day forth, all activity would be directed to the common goal of survival, albeit for a few, whomever destiny might choose to favor.” – From the illustrated story book

Creator of the well-received Gilded Tarot (Llewellyn) and the Tarot of Dreams (self-published), award-winning digital artist Ciro Marchetti unveils his latest and, supposedly his last, Tarot deck: the Legacy of the Divine Tarot.

Arguably his most aesthetically pleasing and stylistically uniform deck to date, the Legacy of the Divine Tarot begins with a back-story crafted by Ciro in the form of a 42-page self-published book. Although Ciro tells me he’s “not a writer”, one thing I’m certain about after reading the intriguing fictional history of this deck is that he is, indeed, an engaging storyteller!

This version of the Legacy of the Divine Tarot is self-published, with the mass-market edition available fall 2009 from Llewellyn Worldwide. The illustrated storybook detailing the legacy of a civilization decimated by a foreseen cataclysm will not be reproduced in the mass-market edition; instead, Ciro invited four individuals to offer their personal take on the cards for its companion book.

I’ve been using this deck for several months now, and I’m so impressed with its imaginative artwork, lavish hues, approachable imagery, and unexpected details. For example, I once did a reading for myself and The Magician and The Chariot were among the cards.

They came up before, so it’s not as if I was unfamiliar with the imagery. But during that particular insightful and reassuring reading, a contemplative stillness descended upon me. I felt to “come closer” to the cards—to gaze at them with new eyes.

Upon closer inspection, I realized that The Magician had not five fingers, but six! I then noticed that one of the chains on the white horse of The Chariot had snapped and was flying loose. These unfolding details added intuitive information to the reading, not to mention that I was delighted to discover previously overlooked touches!

There are so many neat elements and cards, that it’s difficult to just pick a few to talk about—but here are some of my favorites from the Legacy of the Divine Tarot:

• The Empress – A pregnant young woman is surrounded by vibrant tokens of fertility, proliferation, ripeness and protectiveness—eggs in a nest, luscious fruits, scattering dandelion seeds, luxuriant vegetation, a rabbit, a whale and its baby, and so on.

• Faith (Traditionally named The Hierophant) – Like the Tarot of Dreams, this card is not only renamed, but its imagery reflects four different religious traditions

• 10 of Cups – A sleeping dog and cat lie together before a cozy fireplace, ten glass goblets upon the mantle and side shelves

• 3 of Swords – This image shows a close-up of a girl in braids, a tear streaming down her cheek that’s adorned with a heart tattoo (it reminds me of the Rohrig Tarot’s stunning version of this card)

• The Knights, rather than riding a horse or other beast, are represented by elaborate helmets among representations of the four elements

• 8 of Swords – The woman is not only swathed in loose cloth bindings, but she’s suspended in a gossamer web (oh the webs we weave?)

• 6 of Cups – A girl lays in the flower dappled field, daydreaming of a time when she was flying a kite with another child (shown in silhouette)

Astrological correspondences are artfully positioned within the cards (e.g. the symbols Sun in Capricorn for the 4 of Coins, Mars and Pisces for the 10 of Cups, etc.), but admittedly, there are some I simply cannot find! I’m not sure if this is because Ciro left some imagery without the astrological symbols or that he’s hidden them so cleverly that I just can’t decipher them even after close scrutiny.

The Legacy of the Divine Tarot cards are rather large, measuring 5 ½ x 3 ¼ inches with an attractive matte finish. The reversible card backing features an intricate mechanistic device, with both front and back borders framed in black, fading into the central image (a beautiful effect resembling looking through time’s window). The cards are quite sturdy, and seem to be holding up well under frequent use.

For variety’s sake, Ciro has created three different versions of several cards. After getting the cards back from the printer, he laid them out and then mixed them up, so mathematical uniqueness of each Legacy of the Divine Tarot (special self-published edition) is virtually guaranteed.

For example, the Magician’s garb may be crimson, blue or green. The woman’s dress in the 9 of Coins my be aqua, blue or shimmering turquoise.

This special self-published deck also comes with a black velvet drawstring bag with the words Legacy of the Divine Tarot embossed in gold. The price for the deck and bag is $175 plus shipping and handling. The full-color storybook—akin to a lavish children’s book—is $70 plus shipping and handling. Ciro has also created a 2’ x 2’ reading canvas depicting

There are only two minor issues I feel to mention: the storybook has some a few grammatical errors and typos (but that adds to the charm for me, personally). The second was the lamentable decision on Ciro’s part to allow someone from the internet to use the Queen of Wands face on her website and as an avatar. I thought, initially, that he created it for her as a commission piece.

So for me, it was regrettable to realize that, no, this pervasive image was indeed the Queen of Wands from the Legacy of the Divine Tarot. Pity, because every time I see the image (which happens to be the most attractive and photorealistic human depiction in the entire deck), it comes with an imposed association by default.

Barring those two “issues” (the storybook mistakes being truly minor and not detracting from the readability or its charm in the least), the Legacy of the Divine Tarot self-published edition (while perhaps pricey for a casual collector), is Ciro’s tour de force, in my opinion. It is stunning on so many levels—a truly remarkable deck for readings, contemplation, journaling, and sheer artistic admiration.

Although the cards of the self-published edition are durable, I look forward to the mass-market edition from Llewellyn for more rigorous and portable use.

Hearty congratulations to Ciro Marchetti for such a lovely multi-faceted creation!

To see 15 additional images from this deck, click here.

-- Janet Boyer, Editor at TheTarotChannel.com - Author of The Back in Time Tarot Book

 

Paulina Tarot - Paulina Cassidy

Sprightly delicate creatures dance upon branches, while festooned women celebrate around an unusual tree sprouting geometric boxes. Animals from both this earth and an otherworldly one dot the enchanting landscape of the Paulina Tarot, as do characters bedecked with colorful early Mardi Gras, Victorian-influenced costumes.

Reflecting artist Paulina Cassidy’s affinity for the city of New Orleans, the Paulina Tarot reflects Rider-Waite-Smith structure, yet imparts a fresh, lighthearted perspective to the cards.

Delightfully detailed and gracefully rendered, the artistry of this deck invites users to come along for a magical ride that, while whimsical, captures the everyday situations, emotions and dilemmas faced in the ordinary world.

With cards measuring approximately 4 ¾ x 2 ¾ inches and featuring a subtle reversible pen-and-ink imagery on the back, the suits and courts of the Paulina Tarot follow the Rider-Waite-Smith array: Swords, Wands, Pentacles and Cups for the suits, with Page, Knight, Queen and King for the courts.

The Paulina Tarot is accompanied by a general 47-page L(ittle) W(hite) B(ook) that provides brief descriptions as well as upright and reversed meanings.

I've found the Paulina Tarot to be a playful deck, while still speaking to the inner world (and issues) that often brings us to do readings in the first place (especially when it comes to reminding me not to work so hard and expect so much of myself!).

Case in point: Last week, I felt that I was behind on reviews (so many products, so little time), but I wasn't feeling well. What I *really* wanted to do was play PS2 games with my son! I did a 3-card reading with the Paulina Tarot as I was debating on how to spend my evening and drew the Page of Cups, Fool, and The Sun. Play, play, play!, the cards encouraged.

And so I did, for hours, having a blast with my son. (Interestingly, The Sun card usually comes up in my personal readings when referring specifically to my "son"!) A few days later, I was feeling torn yet again by my desire to catch up on reviews but realizing my weakened physical condition. I shuffled for probably five minutes, just gazing nowhere in particular. My son asked "Doing a Tarot reading, Mom?"

"How did you know?" I replied. When I deal cards for any reading, I draw based on feel and a mental rhythm in my head. I couldn't seem to find the "right time" to draw, which is why I shuffled so long. Finally, two cards popped out of the deck, landing face up on the floor. Guess what they were? The Page of Cups and The Fool!

As you can probably tell, I love working with the Paulina Tarot, especially for personal readings and journaling! With intricate line work, fanciful characters, and muted watercolors, this deck pleases the eye and lifts the spirits. But, truly, it's not just a "pretty" deck; the Paulina Tarot imparts illuminating wisdom, emotional comfort and pointed answers for those who go beyond its lovely surface.

To see 18 additional images from the Paulina Tarot, click here.

-- Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book

Fiona Dolenga: Body and Soul podcast

It's not unusual to discover a dance artist with a strong talent in other arts or areas of interest. But as a longtime Tarot counselor and teacher, I was intrigued and delighted to learn that choreographer Fiona Dolenga has designed a Tarot deck of her own, featuring photos of colleagues from New York's dance community. For my dance podcast, Body and Soul, I spoke with Dolenga about the creation of this beautiful deck and her dance work-in-progress.

Click here to hear the 23-minute interview.

Learn more about Dolenga and her dance work at Hidden Arena Dance/Fiona Dolenga and Company.

And, for my own Tarot-related site, click here.

(c)2009, Eva Yaa Asantewaa, InfiniteBody (dance blog) and Body and Soul (dance podcast), http://infinitebody.blogspot.com

Pamela Colman Smith Commemorative Set

"Although she may have been disillusioned with the art and publishing establishment, Pamela never ceased to believe in her abilities or in the worthiness of her art. Her personal effects contain many scraps of paper covered with drawings and doodles, and even her church missal is sketched on its margins and flyleaves. Smith was always busy with pencil and sketchbook." -- From The Artwork & Times of Pamela Colman Smith by Stuart R. Kaplan

While Pamela Colman Smith is best known for illustrating the Rider-Waite Tarot, in her day she received accolades and endorsements for not only her drawings, but also her paintings, theatrical set designs, cardboard props and storytelling abilities. In fact, J.M Barrie of Peter Pan fame thusly raves of Smith's oral presentations of folk stories from Jamaica: "I know of no more delightful entertainment for children than yours, so quaint, so simple; and it is the prettiest of pictures, the children sitting agape around you."

Irish poet and Nobel laureate W.B. Yeats echoes Barrie: "Miss Pamela Smith tells her little stories so naturally and simply that one cannot think she would have told them differently at the other side of the world, or a thousand years ago..."

In the introduction to Smith's illustrated book Annancy Stories, American diplomat and novelist of the South Thomas Nelson Page described the Jamaican tales as "perhaps the most original contribution to Negro Folklore since Uncle Remus."

In addition to her prolific art--which included watercolors, portraits, children's book illustrations, theater program drawings, book frontispieces, sheet music graphics and theatrical costume designs--Smith was also a publisher, poet, children's author, essayist and superb raconteur.

With the much-anticipated Pamela Colman Smith biography, author and U.S. Games founder Stuart R. Kaplan chronicles the social milieu of Smith's day, as well as Smith's originality, panache, friendships, business ventures, manner of dress, and engaging storytelling.

The 101-page book The Artwork & Times of Pamela Colman Smith features over 100 non-Tarot full-color samples of Smith's art interwoven with Mr. Kaplan's meticulous research. One of the most fascinating elements of the biography is the plenteous entries from her personal visitor's book containing poems, comments, signatures, doodles, and sketches from many prominent artists, writers and actors.

Another intriguing inclusion is a hand written letter from Smith to Alfred Stieglitz asking for money and mentioning that she "just finished a big job for very little cash: a set of designs for a pack of Tarot cards 80 designs."

The handsomely packaged double-sided fold-out box with two easy-pull yellow ribbons not only includes The Artwork & Times of Pamela Colman Smith biography, but also:

• A 238-page glossy version of Arthur Edward Waite's Pictorial Key to the Tarot

• The Smith-Waite Centennial Edition Tarot Deck, faithfully reproduced from the original 1909 deck

• Sky blue drawstring organza bag for deck storage

• Six glossy postcards featuring an assortment of Smith's art

• Three 5 x 7 glossy replications of Smith's artwork

• Black and White photo of Pamela Colman Smith

• 5 x 7 foldout of three Tarot spreads

Chock full of wonderful goodies, the Pamela Colman Smith Commemorative Set is a must-have for deck collectors, fans of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, art lovers and theater enthusiasts. This deluxe keepsake box set will be especially treasured by those who feel it's high time "Pixie" gets her due as an accomplished artist, keen observer, and soulful artisan outside of her Tarot illustrations.

To see 16 card images from the Smith Waite Centennial Edition Tarot, click here.

-- Janet Boyer

Pirate Tarot

"From the beginning of time those who sail the seas have been a superstitious lot. They made signs against the evil eye, sacrifices to the gods of the sea for good weather, and some considered it the height of bad light to have a woman aboard a ship... Pirates, being sailors themselves, kept up this tradition of superstition and would use any method they could to get good luck and protection from harm. One method to keep themselves safe was fortune-telling." -- From the Pirate Tarot insert

Yargggh! If you're a fan of pirates, elaborate wood art and unusual Tarot decks, read on!

It was early 2006 when New Jersey residents Lucas and Carrie Amodi dreamed up the Pirate Tarot, initially desiring to make a deck that could be engraved on wood.

After the Amodios discovered artist Liz Haper, otherwise known as Galindorf, the deck creators designed and engraved the card scenes on cherry wood. During the Spring of 2006, they completed the Major Arcana, going on to finish the entire deck the following year.

The warm hues, striking contrasts and detailed engraving bring a special touch to the Pirate Tarot. Measuring approximately 5.75 x 3.75 inches, these large, glossy cards feature keywords on each one as well as reversible backings. While reflecting the spirit of Rider-Waite style decks, some cards are renamed--including the court cards--yet fresh imagery can be found within the Pirate Tarot.

The Minor Arcana suits are Pistols, Swords, Cups and Coins in this deck, with the Court cards designated Cabin Boy (page), First Mate (knight), Lady Captain (queen) and Captain (king).

The High Priestess transforms into The Figurehead in the Pirate Tarot, while The Magician becomes The Chirugeon. A clever interpretation of the Judgment card, The Plank shows a young man walking the gangplank at sword point while menacing, open-jawed sharks wait below.

The Hierophant transforms into The Bosun (another name for boatswain, or non-commissioned officer in charge of maintenance) takes on a storyteller guise, speaking animatedly with small children on the ship. And The Wheel of Fortune? Why, a directional compass called The Winds, of course!

Here are some keywords associated with a few of the cards in the Pirate Tarot:

• The Fool - Ambiguity, Chaos, Faith, Luck
• The Lovers - Choice, Passion, Union
• The Tower - Release, Upheaval, Destruction
• The Sun - Contentment, Clarity, Confidence
• 8 of Pistols - Speed, Action, Predetermination
• 2 of Swords - Indecision, Equipoise, Defensiveness
• 6 of Coins - Charity, Patronage, Responsibility
• 5 of Cups - Mourning, Healing, Acceptance
• First Mate of Pistols - Passion, Charm, Recklessness
• Lady Captain of Cups - Sensuality, Productivity, Harmony

One small issue I have with the Pirate Tarot is that some cards bear the same keywords, which can prove quite confusing for those new to the cards. I could never understand why deck creators who choose to put keywords on their card select repeating words. For example, both The Sun and the 9 of Cups cards say "Contentment", and The Emperor and Ace of Pistols both say "Virility".

Still, the Pirate Tarot offers visually intriguing artistry and depth. Wood grain and knotholes are visible on some cards, and the intricate laser etches are utterly remarkable. Published by Schiffer Books, this deck is clear, readable, and attractive. And, if you're a card game enthusiast as well, instructions for playing the Italian game Tarocchi is provided on a fold-out sheet, along with the Celtic Cross Spread and a sample Three Card Reading.

You can order an actual wooden copy of the Pirate Tarot at dragonfire-games.com.

To see 16 additional images from this deck, click here.

-- Janet Boyer

Auction from the Collection of Stuart R. Kaplan

Hi folks,

This news just in from U.S. Games:

Swann Galleries of New York is presenting a Fine Books auction on April 2, 2009 featuring Works on Cards & The Occult from the Collection of Stuart R. Kaplan. Many of these works are referenced in the Encyclopedia of Tarot by Kaplan.

Collection highlights include rare manuscripts and first edition books relating to playing cards and tarot:

LOT 16: Les Cartes a Jouer du XIVe au XXe Siecle: A two-volume, first edition (1906)of an encyclopedic history of playing cards with lavish illustrations in full color.
LOT 17: First edition (1770) of Jean-Baptiste Alliette's first book, a treatise on divination with regular playing cards
LOT 18: Group of 7 works by Alliette from the 1780s
LOT 19: First edition of the final volume of Aretino's dialogues concerning card games and tarot, 1589re
LOT 20: First edition (1572) treatise on games with reference to tarocchi
LOT 21: 1526 poem on Italian card game primiera, old vellum loose binding
LOT 22: 47 engraved plates and maps concerning mythology and esoteric language, and ancient origins of tarot (1787) Pages 365-410 in Volume 8 includes  the famous "Du Jeudes Tarot" detailing the ancient Egyptian origins of tarot.
LOT 23: First edition of Moonchild, a 1929 novel by Aleister Crowley
LOT 26: Handwritten notebook, containing over 180 leaves, with original transcribed text from the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, circa 1890s.
LOT 29: Group of 8 first-edition volumes signed by famous fortuneteller  LeNormand (published 1814-1831)
LOT 33: Three 1782 volumes by Saint-Martin on the occult philosophy of the Major Arcana
LOT 34: 19th century manuscript The Art of Divination by Cards: A Complete Revelation of Destiny by Means of Cards & Tarot

Descriptions and images of all items (Lots 16-34) may be viewed online at www.swanngalleries.com or at the public Exhibition March 28-April 1 at 104 East 25th Street, New York, New York.

Public Auction Sale 2175 is being held Thursday April 2 at 10:30 AMLOT 32: 18th century handwritten manuscript English Fortune Tellers, with astrology diagrams

-- Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book and Editor at TheTarotChannel.com