The Cosmic Tarot book Paperback – September 9, 2011

This is a wonderful tarot deck. The artwork is very evocative, lending it easily to interpretation. The artist’s style and skill are exceptional (the artist is Norbert Loesche). He employs crosshatching, which makes the cards look almost like tinted engravings. The images are an interesting combination of references to 80s pop culture, 1930s-50s cinema, ballet, Indian/Hindu symbolism, Middle Eastern imagery, and something more timeless that it’s hard to pigeonhole—I’ll include a photo of one of my favorite cards that falls into the indefinable category, 0-The Fool. I’ve been using the deck now for 5 months, and was able to read it immediately with very minimal study. (I don’t even have a book for this specific deck and don’t think it’s necessary to get one.) That said, I have put quite a bit of time into learning more about the symbolism I’ve encountered in the deck, which deepens my experience. The deck is based on the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn’s interpretation of the Tarot. If you are interested in pursuing this, you can easily download a free copy of Book T from the internet—it appears to be in the public domain. Book T gives sketchy but concise info on each card of the Minor Arcana. I’ve been reading Tarot off and on for over 50 years and have a bunch of decks. This is now one of my favorites. My other top two decks are the Smith-Waite and the Crowley-Harris Thoth deck. Since the Thoth deck is also based on the Golden Dawn’s interpretation, if you read the Thoth deck you should easily be able to read this one. But even if you don’t—! I highly recommend it, beginners included. (I wish I’d had a copy of it when I was learning how to read.)As to one reviewer’s perception of racism, based on the image she encountered in XII-The Hanged Man—I believe that her outrage is misplaced. Yes, we should be outraged by racism. But no, this deck does not contain racist imagery, nor do I think the character depicted in that particular card is even supposed to be Black, as that reviewer believes. Unfortunately, their review is at the very top of Relevant Reviews, which undoubtedly negatively influences a lot of potential buyers. It actually made me feel sorry for the artist! Think about it: if you were hanging upside down, all the blood would rush to your head. No matter what your skin color, your face would be engorged with blood, darkening it. This is what I believe the artist was trying to capture. According to Barbara Walker, the Hanged Man depicts an ascetic practice from the Middle Ages called “baffling.” This card is traditionally a very spiritual card, which is why, in this deck, The Hanged Man’s hands are prayerfully poised in the Anjali or Namaste Mudra. Note also that in this particular deck, The Hanged Man is not bound in any way. In any deck, this card symbolises our deep surrender to a higher power during a profound moment of defeat and desperation, a surrender that opens us up to guidance from within and without. It does not symbolize or even hint at lynching, as the reviewer feared. That would indeed be horrible, if it were true. We should never fear this card for any reason. I wholeheartedly recommend this beautiful and spiritual deck.

I am utterly in love with this deck! In three days it has become my davorite tarot deck, without question. The artwork itself is done in such a clean, beautiful, and etheric, yet simple way that allows my intuition to not only speak, but sing to me! This deck is a steal at $10. Each card I pull is rich with symbolism without being overly occult about it, and the colors are so well done and really lend depth to.the imagination.I have to mention, the comment about the Hanged Man card being the darkest skin tone and offensive is absurd, this representation is the most peaceful and aligned, centered and blissful Hanged man I have seen, and in no way can be compared to lynching. An atrocious act of disturbing violence is not at all depicted, but a man of his own volition, gaining a new perspective, upside down with eyes closed, hands in prayer mudra, blissfully connected to source.Ic you are considering this deck, get it. You won't be dissapointed, and if you are then send it to me!

This deck is divine. I connected with it immediately upon receiving it and have had a great series of readings with it since.I am not a tarot expert but I do enjoy the process of learning the cards, analyzing their meanings and seeing what comes from the deck each day. These are beautifully made, creatively designed and are an excellent addition to anyones collection of tarot. In fact I would recommend these as the best "second deck" for those who already own the rider Waite. Many of the trending decks out there are not clear, detailed or full of symbolism which means the reader must know a mountains worth of information for each individual card. The wild unknown deck for instance, which so many people seem to love, while attractive, is not nearly as full of meaning, guidance, intuitive symbols or cosmic direction they're just a series of images. This deck is so layered with nuanced elements there is something of interest each time you turn a card.The fact that some characters in the suits are modeled after old Hollywood stars only adds to the interest intrigue and fun of this truly detailed and incredible tarot deck.I recommend it for both the beginner or the expert. And I think it's an essential to all people who love this exciting and intuitive art.

This deck is beautiful. I buy a lot of decks, I guess you can say that I’m a collector lol. So, I know decks. And this one I connected with right away because it’s energy is so positive & light. The card stock is on the lighter side, but not cheap. Not too thin where it becomes difficult to scuffle and gets worn out quick. It’s a good quality with a glossy finish. It shuffles wonderfully. So right away, those are huge pluses. Now, the illustrations are what gets me. I love the artwork. This deck gives you a different perspective with certain cards. It’s able to tell you the story beautifully and gracefully. The artist really appreciates feminine beauty and its shows in these cards. I can see experienced readers and those new to the tarot being able to work with this deck. The only thing that you might have to get used to, is the Pages are Princess and the Knights are Prince. I really don’t mind, because I love the perspective that this deck gives. I prefer this artwork over the newer, digital artwork that seems too unrealistic to connect with. This deck is a great deal! It’s sad that such a classic is so underrated.👍🏼👍🏼