From Saturday 11 April 2015, we will be at our new shop on the corner of York Street and Bridge Street, Stourport (close to the fun fair and river)
Parking is near by - there is a pay and display on Bridge Street or 2 pay and display car parks by the river and park (well signposted)

Hope to see you there!

Neil and Fi

The Celtic Tarot from Lo Scarabeo is illustrated by two different authors in comic-book style art. Gaudenzi created the majors, with images of Celtic legends and mythology; Tenuta created the minors. Each suit is linked to a people of Ireland - Fomori, Fianna, Ulaid and Tuatha de Danann.

Review by Charles F. Bryant II - Aeclectic Tarot

"This is a beautiful, highly detailed deck of 78 cards (22 Major and 56 Minor Arcana).

As the name suggests, these cards are based on the Arthurian legends. The Magician is Merlin, the High Priestess is Morgan, the Empress is Guinevere and the Emperor is Arthur, etc. I particularly like The Tower card (LWB: constructed by Vortigern) which depicts a knight approaching the forbidding tower surrounded by bare trees artfully depicted in black, browns, purple and bloody red.

The suits are Pentacles, Chalices, Wands, and Swords. The names of each card are also printed in five other languages (the deck is published by Lo Scarabeno and distributed by Llewellyn).

The style has a very detailed comic book look to it (and I do not mean this in a negative way) and the colors help evoke the right mood and always seem appropriate for the card depicted. The cards as a whole do not overwhelm you when you look at them for extended periods of time.

Contrary to most decks, the cards do not necessarily have the same number of wands, pentacles, chalices or swords on them as the pips would indicate. For example, the seven of pentacles depicts a woman lying in a boat (the LWB tells you that this is a depiction of the "sacrifice of the lady who never lied") In this instance, there are NO pentacles incorporated into the picture on the card. However, to aid the reader in quick recognition, all cards have a depiction of their symbol in the upper left hand corner and the number (Arabic) in the upper right hand corner. The Major Arcana have their Roman numeral printed in the upper left where the pip cards have their symbols.

The faces on all of the characters are detailed and individual. They all have actual expressions that evoke responses from within (not just all the same indistinct faces with different colored hair).

The LWB explains which Arthurian legend each card portrays and gives divinatory meanings.

In a reading, you will actually need to take some extra time and look at the cards carefully (which I believe is a good thing) rather than just noticing the same old Rider-Waite card and immediately plugging in a definition by rote (Don't get me wrong, the Universal Waite is the deck I use the most, and I like it; but even that deck should be LOOKED at carefully).

In this deck I found it to be easier to see what is happening in the cards than in the somewhat fuzzy "Legend the Arthurian Tarot" deck. I attribute this quality to the deft and detailed pen work of the artist, Joseph Viglioglia.

If you enjoy the legends of King Arthur, or if you just want a deck that will make you actually LOOK at the pictures to understand (or divine) their meanings (which we should always be doing anyway), and perhaps a deck that will also give you new understandings and insights into some of the cards, then you would probably enjoy owning this deck. I would rate it four stars" 

Review by Kathleen Meadows - Aeclectic Tarot
"What I immediately adored about this deck was its natural, cozy friendliness. The images are predominantly small-town, and rural, middle-ages scenes depicting characters that are rather homely, and therefore quite delightful. The pervasive colour scheme is soft, muted browns, and greens, the characters are typically outfitted in furry, elfin shoes, Viking helmets, and lose-fitting, plainly comfortable clothing. The dwellings are natural, humble cottages. I would describe the imagery as whimsical, and imagine it would appeal especially to younger readers.

For those studying the gods, goddesses and legends of the Druidic mystical tradition, this deck will be fun and helpful. You really have to see Lo Scarabeo’s depiction of Morrigan as the Empress, a voluptuous, Viking-like warrior woman playing the harp, or Brigh as the High Priestess, plump, contemplative, seated outside in a meadow-- to fully appreciate the thought and work that went into the creation of this deck. It is a real find for those who are wary of imagery that is alarmist, dramatic and potentially jarring. Certainly if you read this deck for others, they wont be frightened or put off by the images; in fact, in all likelihood they will giggle appreciatively at the scenes depicted.

For those who think the Tarot is a serious business, the deck may appear a little too storybook-like, resembling the types of illustrations you might find in a children’s fairy tale. But for the new reader these detailed and delightful illustrations will make your interpretive job much easier. The feeling, tone, action indicated, characterization are all plainly laid out for you, acting as great story prompts. This deck is like a down-to-earth friend who makes you laugh, feel warm and welcome. I highly recommend it" 

Click on the buttons below to see images of the decks we currently have in stock (March 2014)

Thought these were lovely cards and this is a nice simple review as you can see all of the images.  They will be in Ravens Gift Shop from Friday 21/3/14

If you are new to tarot, you may wonder what to do with them apart from "predicting the future"
Tarot cards  are great meditation tools.  You can think about a card picked at random or select one that has meaning to you and let your mind relax as you look at the images and imagine yourself within the card.  Sometimes, in the right state of mind, you find yourself on a journey and meet the characters of the tarot who may have a message for you.

Or try a  daily three card spread:
What do I need to concentrate on today (yourself)
What do I need to be aware of (how you relate to the outside world)
What can I look forward to (how the outside world will influence you)

This is one of my favorite sites  http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/learn/meanings/
and this link will take you to a page which gives information about each of the 78 cards.

There is also a huge database of different decks with images and reviews from experienced readers.

If you find a set you like that we don't stock in the shop, let us know and we'll try and get hold of it for you.

Enjoy!

Fi