Fool Stop Tarot Blog

WINNER OF THE CONSCIOUS SPIRIT ORACLE!

Congratulations to E. E. Austin.

You are the winner of the Conscious Spirit Oracle. :D

Interview with Kim Dreyer by Tarot Dactyl

Enjoy this interview with Kim Dreyer, creator of the Conscious Spirit Oracle with interview questions by Mary McIntyre Brown (aka Tarot Dactyl).

To be entered in a contest to win your own copy of this lovely oracle, leave a comment. Share it on Facebook and/or Tweet it for an extra entry each. Leave a separate comment on this blog with the link to your share to be counted. Winners announced July 15, 2013.

 

MB: This is your first oracle deck, what inspired you to create it?

KD: Yes, this is my first deck.  For many years friends and family suggested I do a deck, but the time didn't feel right and I wasn't sure of a theme for it.  As my own personal inner journey to self unfolded, the contents of a deck became more and more clear.  My own journey was inspiration - I felt I could help guide others to find their own paths, their own inner light. Show them it was possible.  For months it sat evolving, germinating in my mind and heart, then one day I simply woke up and knew the time had come for me to physically start working on it. …. and so it grew from there.

 

MB: What did you learn from creating this deck?

KD: That it's one hell of a lot of work!!  And that one has to trust one's instincts, trust your guides and the Universe.  When you are working from a place of love, your bliss state, everything flows and falls into place.  You simply have to show up and allow. 

 

MB: What challenges did you encounter in the process and how did you overcome them?

KD: Time was one of my biggest challenges.  I had set a rather hectic pace for myself, especially towards the end.  And though physically, I seemed to find an almost inhuman energy and perseverance, when the last brush stroke was done; the final word typed and the whole package sent off to U.S. Games…. I crashed.  Physically and mentally I was exhausted.  It took me a whole month before I could get back to any normal creative routine.  My job was done, it was time to rest.

My second biggest challenge was my ego, second-guessing me.  'Was I qualified enough to take on this challenge; Was my art good enough? (The normal things that an artist is always asking herself) But I kept ignoring it and finally it went away.  And I was left in peace to continue creating.

 

MB: You wrote and illustrated the deck. Creating 44 beautiful images seems like a huge task in itself, what about finding the right words to illuminate the meaning of the cards? Did that come easily to you, anything surprise you during the process?

KD: Yes, it is a huge task to do both.  But since a young child I have always been happier when I am able to loose myself 110% in a large, challenging, creative project.  I find it stimulating and motivating.  As for finding the right words - they flowed fairly easily as I have always found the wee hours of the morning the time when spirit talks to me.  Many, many weeks and months of quietly getting out of bed to go sit in a quiet spot in the house to write down words which seemed to flow of their own accord onto the page, was how the insights came to me.  Surprising, not really.

Each insight almost seemed to be a lesson or a confirmation of a lesson learned.  And even though the work is complete I still find new insights coming through when I look at the artwork. And this is how I hope others will connect with the deck.  Find their own insights through the images.  For my insights are only guides and each of their journeys is unique.

 

MB: The deck includes Angels, Spirit Guides and Chakras, things and ideas that aren't always seen in everyday life, what did you draw upon in order to create them?

KD: I grew up in a home where the supernatural, esoteric and unexplained were part of our everyday life.  As I got older I was drawn to certain aspects of this more than others.  I also used to own and run an esoteric gift shop for many years and have always been interested and passionate about these subjects.  My own experiences I've had through life with Angels, Guides and Chakras helped give me a better understanding in creating the artworks.

Whenever I create an artwork, I go into a very deep meditative state where I can feel the energy and presence of the subject I am painting.  It's as if I am physically present painting, but mentally and spiritually somewhere else.

 

MB: Nature is also one of the themes of your deck, in what ways did the natural landscape of where you live in South Africa influence the Conscious Spirit Oracle?

KD: I have always loved every aspect of Nature and felt connected to it - I am an Earth sign of course.  The small village where I live is surrounded by mountains and rivers and has an energy that touches everyone who lives here or visits.  I tap into that energy daily for my inspiration from Gaia and the Elementals.

 

MB: How do you feel the deck can be best utilized?

KD: I feel that the best way (as with any deck) is to trust one's intuition when using it and allow spirit to talk to you through the images.  My hope is that the guidance and wisdom I gained through my own personal soul journey of finding the authentic me, will flow through the cards and illuminate their own paths to finding their true selves.

 

MB: You've said the purpose of these cards is also to awaken others to their own beauty and uniqueness and to remind them that they have valuable gifts and lessons to share -- why is that important to you?

KD: I strongly believe that one can only find personal peace if one can see these things within oneself.  And if one has inner peace, that is what will be reflected in their outside world.  Imagine a world where we are all at peace with ourselves and others?  THAT will be heaven on earth.  I am blessed to be able to wake up every day and do what I love.  I want that for all of humanity!

 

MB: What's next for you? Any more decks on the horizon?

KD: ssshh, secret………. yes.  I am currently working on two decks.  Another Oracle deck (but I am keeping its theme a secret for now) and for a much longer term project - a Tarot deck has been in the process of evolving since October last year.

 See more images from Kim's lovely oracle here.

Guess The Deck: Clue #2

Happy Mardi Gras! To celebrate this holiday with a French name, I'll tell you that I have a French flair for at least two cards. Both are in the suit of l'amore. One is a ruler of the heart while the other sits alone in a cafe.

What deck am I?

A winner will be chosen from all comments left this week. You will have your choice of one of our new magnet sets. Check out the Wheel of Fortune set here.

Tarot Blast From The Past: The Chinese Tarot

Another Tarot blast from the past, the Chinese Tarot by Jui Guoliang was first available in 1989.

Over at Tarot Passages, Joan Cole shares this review: "Designs based upon the symbolism, legends, beliefs, manners and customs of ancient China". The deck is enlivened by gods, demons and ghosts from the Chinese pantheon, such as the Heavenly Twins and the God of Longevity, and beautified by other traditional painting subjects, such as the "four gentlemen" (the plum, orchid, chrysanthemum and bamboo)."

---

The Tarot Deevah says: " I find it colorful, inspirational, workable, and a joy to use. "

---

Some reviews from Amazon offer:

"Jiu's expert implementation of flowing vibrant colors, fine lines and subtle shading resulted in 78 breathtaking mini-paintings"

"The artwork is outstanding... if you like the Asian style... you'll love these cards."

"Guoliang's renditions of Tarot symbolism in Chinese traditional style literally brought tears to my eyes."

---

This deck is being reprinted for 2013. Are you excited?

Check back on Wednesday 2/6 to try your hand at a three card reading with this beautiful deck.

Tarot Blast From The Past: The Ukiyoe Tarot

It's a blast from our past! First published in 1982, this deck celebrates a specific style of Japanese art. Ukiyo-e  is Japanese woodblock prints or paintings that depict the everyday life of ancient Japan (c. 16th century).

This Marseilles-style deck has long been a collector's dream and now we are bringing it back.

Aeclectic.net review by April Wagner "You can’t please all of the Tarot readers all of the time, but I think this deck could come very close. Readers of all skill levels and most backgrounds will find this deck useful. Although this deck has a very specific theme, it is not a niche deck."

---

Tarot Passages review by Michele Jackson "The art is beautiful. The colors are rich and deep and the drawings are very detailed, particularly in the patterns depicted in fabrics."

---

Amazon reviews from various "...not only stunningly beautiful, but it really works." "The subtle drama is carefully played out in each card." "Every card has such lovely colors and artistry."

---

What do you think of this deck? Are you excited that we are bringing it back? Check back on Wednesday to test your reading skills with this deck

HoHoHo #Tarot Magnet Winners Announced!

Sorry for the lateness of the announcement!

If you see your name below, please email Lynn!

1. Cynthia (SunMoonStarsTarot)
2. Kristen Eaton
3. FelicityK
4. Toni Walker
5. Ms. Amusette
6. Pamela Sorensen

Congratulations! You each get your choice of one of the six magnet designs. When you contact Lynn, please include which set you would like and your mailing address.

HoHoHo #Tarot 6

This is the last of six posts about our NEW Tarot Magnets. All those who follow this blog will have their name entered into a drawing. Names will be drawn randomly and Prizes will be awarded. Six winners will have their choice from the six magnet sets  along with a note from Stuart Kaplan
himself to stick to your fridge. Comment to let us know you are following this blog even if you already follow. Winners will be announced 12/4/2012.

U.S. Games is excited to announce how attracted we are to Tarot. So attracted that you might call it...magnetic!

Available December 2012. Each set contains six different versions of a Major Arcana Card. What do you think of the Moon? Did your favorite deck make it?

Remember, to win, you have to follow this blog and comment. Whose stocking would you stuff with this fun Tarot gift?

HoHoHo #Tarot 5

This is the fifth of six posts about our NEW Tarot Magnets. All those who follow this blog will have their name entered into a drawing. Names will be drawn randomly and Prizes will be awarded. Six winners will have their choice from the six magnet sets  along with a note from Stuart Kaplan
himself to stick to your fridge. Comment to let us know you are following this blog even if you already follow. Winners will be announced 12/4/2012.

U.S. Games is excited to announce how attracted we are to Tarot. So attracted that you might call it...magnetic!

Available December 2012. Each set contains six different versions of a Major Arcana Card. What do you think of the Wheel of Fortune? Did your favorite deck make it?

Remember, to win, you have to follow this blog and comment. Whose stocking would you stuff with this fun Tarot gift?

HoHoHo #Tarot 4

This is the fourth of six posts about our NEW Tarot Magnets. All those who follow this blog will have their name entered into a drawing. Names will be drawn randomly and Prizes will be awarded. Six winners will have their choice from the six magnet sets along with a note from Stuart Kaplan himself to stick to your fridge. Comment to let us know you are following this blog even if you already follow. Winners will be announced 12/4/2012.

U.S. Games is excited to announce how attracted we are to Tarot. So attracted that you might call it...magnetic!

Available December 2012. Each set contains six different versions of a Major Arcana Card. What do you think of the Strength? Did your favorite deck make it?

Remember, to win, you have to follow this blog and comment. Whose stocking would you stuff with this fun Tarot gift?

HoHoHo #Tarot 3

This is the third of six posts about our NEW Tarot Magnets. All those who follow this blog will have their name entered into a drawing. Names will be drawn randomly and Prizes will be awarded. Six winners will have their choice from the six magnet sets  along with a note from Stuart Kaplan
himself to stick to your fridge. Comment to let us know you are following this blog even if you already follow. Winners will be announced 12/4/2012.

U.S. Games is excited to announce how attracted we are to Tarot. So attracted that you might call it...magnetic!

Available December 2012. Each set contains six different versions of a Major Arcana Card. What do you think of the Lovers? Did your favorite deck make it?

Remember, to win, you have to follow this blog and comment. Whose stocking would you stuff with this fun Tarot gift?

 

HoHoHo #Tarot 2

This is the second of six posts about our NEW Tarot Magnets. All those who follow this blog will have their name entered into a drawing. Names will be drawn randomly and Prizes will be awarded. Six winners will have their choice from the six magnet sets  along with a note from Stuart Kaplan himself to stick to your fridge. Comment to let us know you are following this blog even if you already follow. Winners will be announced 12/4/2012.

U.S. Games is excited to announce how attracted we are to Tarot. So attracted that you might call it...magnetic!

Available December 2012. Each set contains six different versions of a Major Arcana Card. What do you think of the Magician? Did your favorite deck make it?

Remember, to win, you have to follow this blog and comment. Whose stocking would you stuff with this fun Tarot gift?

HoHoHo #Tarot 1

This is the first of six posts about our NEW Tarot Magnets. All those who follow this blog will have their name entered into a drawing. Names will be drawn randomly and Prizes will be awarded. Six winners will have their choice from the six magnet sets  along with a note from Stuart Kaplan himself to stick to your fridge. Comment to let us know you are following this blog even if you already follow. Winners will be announced 12/4/2012.

U.S. Games is excited to announce how attracted we are to Tarot. So attracted that you might call it...magnetic!

Available December 2012. Each set contains six different versions of a Major Arcana Card. What do you think of the Fool? Did your favorite deck make it?

Remember, to win, you have to follow this blog and comment. Whose stocking would you stuff with this fun Tarot gift? 

 

Announcing: The Chrysalis Tarot

Originally posted on Toney Brooks blog August 25, 2012. 

Destiny's Child

As Holly Sierra and I near the completion of Chrysalis Tarot, a project we've been hard at work on for more than 2-years, we will utilize this blog from time to time to feature glimpses into the deck and the Chrysalis philosophy.

Originally posted on Toney Brooks blog August 25, 2012. 

Destiny's Child

As Holly Sierra and I near the completion of Chrysalis Tarot, a project we've been hard at work on for more than 2-years, we will utilize this blog from time to time to feature glimpses into the deck and the Chrysalis philosophy.

Holly's art on the left is titled, Divine Child (click image for greater detail). He or she (the child is androgynous) symbolizes the rich yet unfulfilled potential of Self, i.e. a person's destiny. Psychologist C.G. Jung termed the fulfillment process individuation. He taught that every individual soul is, at birth, analogous to a pencil sketch on a painter's canvass.  

The journey of transformation from birth to destiny, and to destiny's full-color, wall-sized portrait, is the storied Hero's Journey of mythology. Examples of the Hero's Journey are the Quest for the Holy Grail, The Odyssey and, as I was delighted to discover online this morning, Shrek.  The journey itself supplies the artistry needed to fulfill the canvass' potential.

All tarot decks, in one form or fashion, portray the Hero's Journey and are tools for the artistry of self-discovery.

Our Divine Child, then, is a symbol of the transformational process of Self becoming fully individuated Hero.  This process progresses from black and white to brilliant color as we ascend to higher consciousness and greater spiritual awareness.  During the black and white, pre-destiny, fumbling around state of ego-dominated being, a person will project an incomplete, imperfect image of Self onto gods and saviors, or others they deem worthy of hero worship.

Chrysalis Tarot, which we call "transformational technology for everyone," is designed to increase awareness of the adventurous Hero's Journey and make it compelling.  Many stuck in the black and white stage think they've already arrived when, in fact, they've never left the station.  And that's okay.  Religion, it's said, is often the entropy of spirituality.

Other souls are restless, questioning, and intuitively sense a higher calling and purpose in life.  Even so, destiny presents a zigzagging, co-creative, moving target, never a fixed absolute.

This is where the journey gets intriguing.  "Co-creative with whom," you might ask?  Well, first let's dismiss saccharine platitudes like, "The Lord has a plan," or even worse, "If it's God's will."  A grief-stricken mother, for example, striving to prevent her starving infant from dying in her arms has little need for such sanctimonious eloquence.

Glib sayings like those presuppose a fatalistic universe, a universe in which people are mere puppets dependent upon an officious puppetmaster in the sky pulling billions of strings simultaneously.

Or even more unlikely, the random universe of a detached cosmic clockmaker who wound up creation 14-billion years ago and then scurried off to attend to other cosmic duties, thus dooming the world to the mechanistic fortunes and misfortunes of ticking gears and classical physics.

In the middle ground, we find reason, free will, moral responsibility, personal accountability, quantum physics and a cerebrum under the hood we're expected to use. Still, we realize we do not travel alone; that there's a guiding light we perceive to be both transcendent (exterior) and immanent (interior).  And then we move beyond the fantasy of dualism and realize we are One with the guiding light and that everything is connected.

A person's soul sketch is inherited from the collective unconscious of all humanity, thought Jung.  He defined the collective unconscious as a memory bank serving the human species: "a collective, universal and impersonal nature that is identical in all human beings."  Our conscious mind isn't aware of Jung's collective unconscious, but our unconscious mind decidedly is not only aware of it, but in continuous interplay with it -- if consciousness is a flower, the collective unconscious are the roots.

Since the discovery of quantum physics, there are other hypotheses, in addition to inheritance, providing plausible explanations for interconnectedness with the collective unconscious.  One is termed quantum entanglement.  Another is Gaia Theory.

Chrysalis Tarot is a tool, like many other tools used for personal growth, whose primary goal is to integrate the personal, conscious mind with the unconscious mind, thereby lifting it into consciousness.

Chrysalis accomplishes this through the inspiration of art and archetypes (psychological instincts) to help our users explore the depths of the collective unconscious. This leads to a fuller understanding of our own Self and more useful discernment of the myriad choices and crossroads leading to personal destiny.

Discernment is aided by synchronicity, the topic of our next blog featuring The Pilgrim (pictured left).

Follow Holly on Facebook.

Sneak Peak: Dreaming Way #Tarot

Here's a sneak peek at some of the cards from the Dreaming Way Tarot coming out very soon. You know how we like to tease! Today is the Three of Cups. Cheers to you!

Deviant Moon Tarot Companion Book: Sample Page King of Coins

Here is the King of Pentacles sample page from the Deviant Moon Tarot companion book.

 

King of Pentacles

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

The stout King of Pentacles proudly displays the silvery emblem of his industrial dynasty. He is a powerful individual, who has worked diligently through the years to attain his status. Unlike other kings, he does not rest on his riches. He involves himself in every aspect of his kingdom, from major to menial tasks. Being a perfectionist, he often toils inside the factories alongside common laborers, making sure each product meets his strict specifications.

The king's impressive crown of smokestacks shows that business is always foremost on his mind. Unfortunately, this preoccupation leaves little room for spirituality. The pressure gauge fixed in the crown’s center signifies mental stress, which is inherent to his position as an executive. When the meter gets too high, the king releases steam and converts his tension into useful energy.

The king’s mighty suit of armor conveys his steely determination to succeed. He has fought hard to build his empire, and he will do anything necessary to maintain it. However, underneath that worn exterior, there may be a woman dying to break free! Such femininities include a studded kilt, high-heeled shoes, earrings, polished fingernails, and the dainty way in which his pinky sticks up. These attributes subtly express his soft caring nature, which he often has to hide when dealing with ruthless business competitors. One might also interpret the king as a female who has assumed masculine qualities in order to compete in a male dominated world.

************************************************************

Upright meanings:

 

The King of Pentacles signifies an enterprising figure that will likely become wealthy through his business ventures. This captain of industry is not only a strong administrator, but he is also an authority in his field. He is a wise investor and is proficient in all types of financial matters. Learn all you can from this shrewd character! Always look for ways to capitalize on unique opportunities. Be sure to set high standards and demand nothing short of excellence from yourself and others. By practicing self-discipline and control, you will be successful in everything you do.

The card may also represent an organization that prospers because of skilled management. In a well-ordered establishment such as this, supervisors lead with integrity and strive to bring out the best in their workers.

 

 

Reversed meanings:

When reversed, the King of Pentacles often represents a materialistic person fueled by greed. Beware! This crook may try to swindle you out of your hard-earned money. He might disguise himself as an honest financial consultant or a sincere investor. In this position, the card could also signify a supervisor who exploits his underlings for profit.

Perhaps you are the corrupt one! If so, you must realize that you are only cheating yourself! It is time to turn your dishonest values around, for your lust for gain will only cause you to lose your soul in the end!

In this position, the king might also symbolize business mismanagement. A once promising venture will fail because of inefficiency, fraud, or unethical practices.

************************************************************                        

I originally intended to use coins for this suit rather than pentacles. The borders of the cards were to be royal purple, and the images would have pictured wealthy citizens dressed in 18th century fashions. However, by the time I began working on them, I realized that the opulent theme I had planned, as well as the color palette, would have been similar to what I already created in the Suit of Cups. At that point, a dark, gritty, industrialized premise seized my imagination. Decaying factories replaced Arabic style palaces, and a blackened color theme absorbed the jeweled colors in darkness.

Deviant Moon #Tarot Companion Book: Sample Page 3 of Wands

We are pleased to share with you some sample pages from Patrick Valenza's upcoming Deviant Moon Tarot companion book. A long awaited treat, this book expands upon Valenza's vision of his celebrated deck. We know you will enjoy seeing some of the early sketches of this terrific deck.

Three of Wands

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Upon a grassy hill, an expectant mother anxiously awaits the blooming of three wands. A chunk of orange amber glows hot on her belt, signaling that birth is eminent. Having committed massive energy into the growth of this new life, she reflects on the journey that has brought her to this moment. Although she is hopeful for success, the number three represents unpredictability and the chance that things may not develop as imagined.

A vine-like umbilical cord connects the young mother’s swollen belly to the wands. Her warm blood streams through this vital link, which nourishes the blooms and keeps them alive. Her exposed breast shows her readiness to foster the plants after they flower; however, she keeps her other breast tucked under her arm in a guarded fashion. This might imply that she has mixed feelings about the perpetual responsibilities that lie ahead.

In the days before raising these wands from seed, the young mother was immature and wild. Nurturing something greater than herself taught her to focus on creation instead of destruction. She has flipped her fierce warrior mask around to the back like a cloak, revealing the caring side of her personality.

From afar, the deviant moon imparts its spirit upon the buds with its silver breath. The young mother has done her part, and now the universe will complete this unique creation.

************************************************************

Upright meanings:

 

The Three of Wands represents the circulation of creativity from one form to another. Like a mother with child, your life force flows into your creations and sustains them until they can survive on their own. You have given so much to bring your ideas into existence, and they are flourishing brilliantly. Although this should be an exciting time for you, vicious thoughts of self-doubt run in the back of your mind. As you contemplate your efforts, you may be wondering if you planned well enough to ensure favorable results. Stop worrying and let your remarkable conceptions unfold naturally.

 

Reversed meanings:

Upside down, the Three of Wands says that a creative endeavor will go wrong despite your best attempts. While you meant well and tried to think of everything, the little mistakes you made along the way will compound into a tremendous failure. Regardless of any setback, you must remember that you did not waste your time. Learn from your errors, conceive a better plan, and try again!

Perhaps the negative aspects of your character are getting the best of you, making it hard to concentrate on projects or see them to fruition. Realize that neglect or a lack of dedication may also lead to your creations demise.

Unfortunately, this reversed card might predict a miscarriage or premature birth.

************************************************************

  

 ”Three of Wands” -Rough Sketch-2007

In this early variation, three impaled skulls mark the boundary between a pristine environment and a polluted industrial zone. Deadly toxins leached from the factories contaminate the water and encroach upon the countryside.

 

 

Introducing the Art of Life #Tarot Deck

We here at US Games Systems Inc are excited about a new Tarot deck called Art of Life Tarot which will be releasing very soon. This unique deck combines masterpieces of art with masterpieces of words. Reviews are already rolling in.

Charlene says, "...by drawing inspiration from my background in art history and my lifelong passion for quotations, I could capture the essence of the meanings behind each card while simultaneously encouraging the reader to interpret its personal meaning."

 One thing we love is the box design. It is a heavy-duty weight with a stand-up lid that serves as an easel. You can slide in your card of the day to use it for your daily focus.

Donnaleigh de la Rose was moved to tears. She says, ""I sank into the cards, their quotes, and marveled at how closely I felt they interacted with my life." You can see her full review here.

Don't miss the review from Christiana Gaudet who had this to say. "Art of Life Tarot from U.S. Games is a truly unique and valuable deck. It easily teaches two important concepts with which tarot students often struggle." You can enjoy her review here.

Janet Boyer says, "I marveled at the Art of Life Tarot." Read the full review here.

Zanna Star remarked, "I am truly impressed and delighted with the choices of art and quotations chosen by Charlene Livingstone for the cards in Art of Life Tarot." You can read the full review here.

See how Tarot blogger, Koneta Bailey, uses the Art of Life tarot in her daily draw here. She comments, "The quote on the card pretty much sums it up… Don’t you think?"

Have you reviewed a U.S. Games Tarot product? Let us know! Send Lynn your link so we can highlight it here and on Facebook and Twitter.

Want this deck? Ask your retailer to order it for you from U.S. Games today. It will be in your hands as soon as we have it.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Winner of the Lisa Hunt Interview contes

The Wheel of Fortune has been spun.

Out of the many comments on the three part Lisa Hunt interview, we have drawn a winner at random.

Congratulations to Raquel!

You win your choice of the upcoming Ghosts and Spirits Tarot by Lisa or her already available Fantastical Creatures Tarot.

Email Stella to let me know which deck you want!

 

Italian Vacation Anyone?

Arnell Ando has created a marvelous slideshow of their grand tour of Italy. She shares this in the hopes that you can see a "bit of the magic & wonder so atmospheric in bella Itali."

Come take a mini vacation with Arnell and friends.

Tarot Art & History Tour ~Italy 2011

Want to go yourself? Check out the upcoming 2012 Italy tour: http://www.arnellart.com/tarot-italy-tour2012.htm

Five New Decks

U.S. Games is happy to announce the release of three new Tarot decks plus two new oracle decks for your holiday happiness. 

The Cat's Eye Tarot by Debra M. Givin, DVM, is an unusual deck in that the author and artist is also a feline-focused veterinarian. The card meanings and numbering follow Rider-Waite interpretations, with reptiles, fish, birds, and mice replacing the usual suit symbols. Even the newcomer to tarot will be able to relate to these delightful images of cats and learn valuable lessons from them.

Then we have Jennifer Galasso's Crystal Visions Tarot. It combines her love of crystal balls with a nod to a famous rock-and-roll singer. The luscious card imagery also illustrates the elemental aspects of each suit in order to aid the novice in forming associations with the cards.

Joie de Vivre Tarot is the latest from Paulina Cassidy. It features her trademark fantastical creatures and eye for detail. Those who take a journey through this wondrous realm will rediscover their own child-like spirit.

And don't miss our latest oracle card decks!

The Woodland Wisdom Oracle deck by Rev. Frances Munro features artwork by the talented Fantasy artist Peter Pracownik. Elves and fairies share their Woodland Wisdom to help you move your life forward in positive ways.

Last but certainly not least is the Rae Hepburn's Tea Leaf Fortune Cards. Rae Hepburn, an accomplished tea leaf reader, teaches you to unlock the ancient secrets of reading tea leaves. Follow a few simple guidelines, and you can immediately read your fortune.

Here are some recent reviews and interviews. If you have reviewed any of these, please send that link to Stella at US Games. We would love to feature that here and on our Facebook page and our Twitter feed.

• Christiana Gaudet Reviews the Cat's Eye Tarot
• Bonnie Cehovet Reviews the Cat's Eye Tarot
• Bonnie Cehovet Reviews the Crystal Visions Tarot
• Janet Boyer Interviews Crystal Visions' Jennifer Galasso (Jan. 2011)
• Christiana Gaudet Reviews the Crystal Visions Tarot
• Bonnie Cehovet Reviews the Joie de Vivre Tarot
• Christiana Gaudet Reviews the Joie De Vivre Tarot
• Zanna Star Interviews the Artist of the Tea Leaf Fortune Cards
• Zanna Star Intervies the Author of the Tea Leaf Fortune Cards
• Lizzie Reviews the Tea Leaf Fortune Cards
• Bonnie Cehovet Reviews the Woodland Wisdom Oracle Cards
• Tarot By Arwen Reviews the Woodland Wisdom Oracle Cards

So which ones do you want? Leave a comment. We want to hear from  you.

Haindl #Tarot Winners Announced

Last week we ran three videos about Hermann Haindl. Every comment was put into a hat. Those of you who follow us on Twitter got a chance for another entry just by retweeting.

Well, we had a great turn out for this prize so we drew two names instead of one. Every one who commented or retweeted the link on Twitter were in the drawing.

 

I'm pleased to announce that Linda in Holland (Subrosa on Twitter) and Carolyn Cushing are our winners!

Ladies, we will be emailing you for your mailing information. Congratulations!

We love doing contests. Subscribe to this blog to stay informed of other chances to win some really fun Tarot prizes.

 

 

12 Day Tarot Art and History Tour of Northern Italy, Autumn 2011

I appreciate the wonderful Tarot decks U.S. Games is donating to the Tarot Museum in Italy, as well as this opportunity to share about how it came to be that I find myself bringing a suitcase laden with decks and a merry band of Tarot travelers to bella Italia this fall…

BRINGING TAROT TO THE TABLE: World Tarot Day 2011

On World Tarot Day (May 25th) You Will See one of the Rarest Tarot Images -- Ever.

Before I talk in this guest blog post about World Tarot Day on May 25th, imagine the scene, if you will -- it is a foggy evening in England, November 1921 ... so foggy that travel is being disrupted across the country. Elsewhere in the world, the Japanese Prime Minister is assassinated, and Hitler and Mussolini are as we speak establishing groups which will soon plunge the world into yet another war. However, a spiritual seed is also being sown -- by

ANNOUNCEMENT: Mlle Lenormand Blue Owl Deck

There are Tarot decks. There are Oracle decks. Then there are the Lenormand cards. Although you can find many versions of this cartomancy system, the one touted as the top seller is the Mlle Lenormand Blue Owl. It was published in the 1920's.

An interesting fact about the Lenormand cards is that the first deck was actually published after Mademoiselle Marie Anne Adelaide Lenormand (Alençon, 27 May 1772 – Paris, 25 June 1843), aka Mlle Lenormand, died. It is said that she read for more than 40 years. By her own accounting, she read for Robespierre, the Empress Josephine and even Czar Alexander among others. She lived through the French revolution. She did see some prison time but only short terms.

Though this is a French deck, the country where it is the most popular is Germany. Mlle Lenormand claimed that she got her first deck of cards from Gypsies when she was a young girl. She designed her own 36 card deck and those images still grace many of the Lenormand decks.

This Blue Owl version is one you want to own if you are a Lenormand aficionado. And even if you aren't, try your hand at this intriguing system. The meanings of each card change by where they are in relationship to the person card that is being read for. Many Tarot enthusiasts study this system as a companion to Tarot.

Mary K. Greer shares a bit about Madame le Normand and the cards here. Liz Hazel did an astrological chart for Mlle Lenormand that is fascinating. You can see that in the comments on MKG's blog. We here at U.S. Games Systems, Inc. are delighted to announce that you can now get this famous little deck.

Mlle Lenormand Blue Owl deck is the English language version of the famous fortune-telling deck used by Mlle Lenormand.

The 36-card deck is packaged in the traditional tuck box with its original Blue Owl design. The pack includes a small instruction booklet with a brief explanation of each key card and sample readings.

In a reading, meanings are determined by the relationships between cards in a spread, as well as by individual cards.

Mlle Lenormand rose from humble beginnings in 19th century France to become the most prominent fortune teller in Europe. Her clients included Napoleon, about whom she made bold and astonishingly accurate predictions.

Her card-reading methods are still popular today.

Are you a Mlle. Lenormand fan? Want to become one? Check out the Mlle Lenormand Blue Owl deck at your local retailer. If they don't have it, send them to U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Here are a few images.

 

If you like online oracles, check this Lenormand one out.

© April 2011 U.S. Games Systems Inc.

About.com Readers' CHOICE Awards 2011 Finalist!

We are delighted to be nominated in the About.com Readers' CHOICE Awards 2011.

http://healing.about.com/od/tarotcardsdecks/ss/best-tarot-cards-2011.htm is the page to vote on. Voting will take place from Feb. 11 through March 8. Winner will be announced on March 15th.

There's some stiff competition with some classic decks and one new one as well, but we think the RWS is the best. Do drop by and vote!