Barbara Walker (2)

Barbara Walker is an excellent scholar of symbolism and her substantial knowledge is evident in this complex and evocative Tarot deck that she based on her book "The Secrets of Tarot: Origins, History and Symbolism". The paintings for this deck combine traditional Tarot themes with preclassic mythology, influenced by feminine spirituality. The court cards each depict a different Goddess or God, many of them lesser known but all fascinating. This is not a beginner's deck in that its imagery is complex, however it is one of the finest decks in terms of keyword association and in that sense is a very useful teaching/learning tool. The pip cards each bear a keyword that aids greatly in understanding the card's meaning. The keywords and the titles of the cards are printed in five different languages with English being the primary language. The tiny little guide book that accompanies this deck is actually of great use and helps to interpret the symbols specific to this deck unlike so many guide books of this type. Some of the imagery is quite dark but so is some of life. I think this deck teaches more about life and Tarot than most decks. It requires deep reflection and introspection but it is at the same time the perfect vehicle for such work. My only complaint is that the deck is too small. The cards measure 2 1/2" x 3 3/4" and are similar in size to ordinary playing cards, however, the paintings have a wide white border so the actual paintings are only 2" x 2 1/2" and I personally have to use a magnifying glass to study them. The art is simple in style but there are many beautiful images. The Eight of Cups, one of my favorites, shows a despairing satyr with his back up against a willow tree as nearby eight cups drain their contents into a lily pond. He does not see that the willow tree is actually a beautiful dryad with flowing hair and a shapely female body. The delineation of these symbols in the little guide book is surprisingly detailed and scholarly. I recommend this deck to any student of the Tarot but especially to pagans and Goddess conscious people.… (meer)