Did you see that U.S. Games Systems, Inc. is now utilizing Social Media to connect with Tarot enthusiasts?

You can visit the Fool Stop Tarot Blog at this link, and connect with USGS via Facebook and Twitter, too!

Some USGS fan favorites include the Deviant Moon Tarot by Patrick Valenza, Fantastical Creatures Tarot by Lisa Hunt and the Paulina Tarot by Paulina Cassidy. And have you seen the newest release, the Sun and Moon Tarot by Vanessa Decort? So pretty!

And guess what? Yours truly is the Social Media Maven for USGS! I've already made several posts to the Fool Stop Tarot Blog, including a never-before-published interview between Dr. Stephen Winick and Stuart Kaplan and a Horns and Hooves Spread I created based on Emerson's essay "Compensation" (as found in The Spiritual Emerson: Essential Works by Ralph Waldo Emerson, a Tarcher Cornerstone Editions with an Introduction by Jacob Needleman).

I'd love for you to stop by any (or all!) of the new USGS Social Media outlets and let me know what kind of things you'd like to see from USGS as a company, as well as future blog topics, favorite decks, questions for founder Stuart Kaplan and more.

Feel free to spread the word, adding the Fool Stop Tarot Blog from U.S. Games to your Blogroll, friending us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, putting our banner on your site/blog, etc. Your support is much appreciated! (By the way, you can grab a banner here.)

-- Janet Boyer, author of Back in Time Tarot; Founder of the Tarot Classroom

A provocative display of black and white photography, the Silver Era Tarot offers a unique spin on Rider-Waite-Smith iconography thanks to award-winning and exhibited artist Aunia Kahn. Arguably, the most dazzling and intriguing part of this deck arises out of that one touch of color that Aunia strategically places in each card.

For example, the woman in the Two of Swords wears a pink blindfold while the Magician concocts an emerald liquid in her test tube. Imperceptible ruby lips glisten on the female Hierophant and a wild teal mane crowns the woman in the Eight of Swords. Part of the fun of the Silver Era Tarot is looking for those lovely splashes of color! (However, the polychromatic touches appear to be more artistic capriciousness than symbolic).

Measuring approximately 4 ½ x 2 ¾ inches, the glossy, sturdy cards of this daring deck come in a flip-top box secured by hidden magnets, easily opened via a ribbon. A 96-page companion book authored by Russell J. Moon accompanies the Silver Era Tarot (and, if I’m not mistaken, he’s the male model in some of the cards).

You might think that a deck comprised of largely black and white photos would get a bit boring, but the lavish costumes, diverse hairstyles and artsy props make the Silver Era Tarot a classy set of cards. One of my favorite stylistic touches emerge from the Wands suits, where smooth, wavy, metallic “wands” tipped with orbs replace the usual rough wooden batons—giving this deck a futuristic feel.

The Minor suits of this deck are Wands, Swords, Cups and Pentacles, while the court cards range the usual Page, Knight, Queen and King demarcation. The reversible card backings in the Silver Era Tarot feature a diamond patterns in subdued grays.

I would have loved to see a more elegant backing to these cards, perhaps a subdued gray with a metallic pink rose in the middle (still reversible). Any simple symbol in the middle with a splash of color would have better reflected the theme of this deck, in my opinion. Also, I think the male model (the writer of the companion book?) was a poor choice; in almost every instance, he appears bored or looks like a dullard. In fact, in the King of Pentacles card, he looks asleep! (And the 10 of Pentacles? Ugh. Totally doesn’t match Aunia’s elegance; and what’s up with that beribboned woman’s hat he’s wearing?!)

The 96-page companion booklet begs for better editing, not only to prune Moon’s bloated prose, but also to catch embarrassing grammatical errors (e.g. using “eludes” instead the correct “alludes” in the Lovers description). Speaking of The Lovers, here’s the short description of the cards to give a feel for what I mean: “The Lovers stand back to back in a confident embrace which eludes [sic] to a relationship of trust and individuality, but ever common in their shared love by holding the same roses.”

Huh?

And, unfortunately, the companion booklet—although offering upright and reversed meanings—provides the same keywords for *multiple* cards, which would no doubt confuse those new to Tarot. (And Moon’s attempt at flowery prose doesn’t help, either.)

Those sticking points aside, I’ve been experimenting with the Silver Era Tarot for a few months, and it reads clearly and pointedly. Those familiar with Rider-Waite-Smith renderings will likely feel right at home with this deck, while appreciating Aunia Kahn’s dreamlike photo manipulations and avant-garde interpretation of the cards.

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

-- Janet Boyer, author of Back in Time Tarot; Founder of the Tarot Classroom

Stephanie’s luminous renderings of billowing fabric, metallurgical inscriptions, unfurling wings, fractal mosaics and delicate creatures enticed me to return repeatedly, almost as if the fantasy world of Shadowscapes spun gossamer, seductive webs that never let me forget this momentous project.

When I discovered that the Shadowscapes Tarot would descend into the material world spring 2010, I was ecstatic. I placed my order on Amazon, counting the days when I’d finally hold this much-anticipated deck in my hands.

Finally, the box set arrived. I began looking through the Shadowscapes Tarot, not wanting to gulp it down too hurriedly.

Card by card I went…my heart sinking as I made my way further into the deck. Don’t get me wrong, Stephanie’s lovely artwork was a joy to behold; even the pearlescent lavender borders were pretty.  But the gorgeous pictures I saw on her website…they were so shrunken for this deck, that much of the detailing was lost.

Oh, sure, I turned to the 253-page companion book to compare the card against its full-page grayscale image (and believe me, I had to do it more than once because I couldn’t make out some of the details on the actual card)…but what fun is that?

My mind went to the large, glossy, sturdy cards from decks OTHER than Llewellyn…those of Blue Angel Gallery in Australia (Oracle of Shadows and Light, Mythic Oracle of the Ancient Greek Pantheon, Oracle of the Dragonfae, et. al.), Schiffer Books, Hay House, etc. What any of THOSE publishers could have done for the Shadowscapes Tarot…*sigh* Heck, even the box cover design is washed out!

It broke my heart.

My husband is an artist and I KNOW how excruciating it can be to paint 78 separate images, especially on large canvases. And Stephanie Pui-Mun Law’s artwork DESERVED special treatment, as far as I’m concerned. But rather than pulling out all the stops for this artist, we Tarot enthusiasts are left with the typical Llewellyn sized 4 ½ x 2 ¾ inch cards (approximately) of rather flimsy cardstock.

I’ve tried to read with the Shadowscapes Tarot and, most times, the imagery just doesn’t speak to me (maybe because I can’t see most of it!). A few minutes ago, I thought I’d give this deck another go, and asked “Where should I invest my energy tonight?” I pulled the Four of Pentacles and the dragon guarding (eating) the coin did confirm what I was feeling (now was a good time to conserve energy and “chew on” some of the wisdom I had received recently).

I thought I’d consult the companion book to see what Stephanie said of this card (why Barbara Moore is credited on this project is beyond me; from what I read in the book, she only contributed a few pages in the beginning…the usual general introduction to Tarot), but was disappointed yet again.

You see, I tried reading the companion book straight through, and although Stephanie is a superb writer and storyteller (which surprised me; I didn’t realize she had writing chops, too), I felt her interpretations were too black and white. There were no reversed meanings, which are fine, but there was little balance to the cards: they were either all bad or all good.

Case in point, here’s what a portion of the Four of Pentacles says: “No one shall touch it; no one shall steal it from him! ‘Mine!’ he hisses up to his tiny cousins who come creeping up to see…‘My gold!’ he declares. He knows the chameleons are watching with lustful eyes from above. He knows they are waiting for a moment of weakness to slip in and take…The Four of Pentacles embodies a possessive spirit, one who wants always to be in control…He is obstructive, in denial of his own weaknesses, chained by those very weaknesses. He is a miserly and miserable being…”

Yikes…that’s limiting. Sure, this card can be the “miser” card—but it can be so much more, too (like guarding what one has earned or keeping energy in reserve). So in my opinion, newcomers to Tarot are going to be sorely disadvantaged if they try to learn with the Shadowscapes Tarot—because of both the imagery and the companion book.

Unfortunately, the Shadowscapes Tarot will go on my shelf as a seldom-used (probably never-used) art deck. The original stunning imagery is now much too small for contemplation, let alone actual reading. And although Stephanie writes with poetic prose, it doesn’t add any breadth or depth to Tarot archetypes (but I could certainly see this deck and book as more of an oracle).

I’m so disappointed, and I truly feel sorry for Stephanie. If you’re familiar with her art and would like to own it in the form of a deck, then by all means purchase the Shadowscapes Tarot. However, in the event you HAVE been spoiled by the large online images as I have, you may very well end up saddened, too.

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

-- Janet Boyer, author of Back in Time Tarot; Founder of the Tarot Classroom; Editor at TheTarotChannel.com

When I first saw this minimalist deck, I had my reservations: would the ghost-like depictions in the ShadowFox Tarot--images resembling photographic negatives-- impart intuitive information? Would the absence of color, detailed surroundings and intricate symbolism hamper readings or stymie attempts at contemplation?

As always, there's only one way to test first impressions of a Tarot deck: actually read with it.

Cynical me, I wasn't expecting much but, WOW, was I blown away! I did a one-card spread about, well, the issue I usually do personal readings for: "What creative project should I focus on now?" (I am plagued by a condition that's the opposite of creator's block).

I drew what I consider "my" card, especially connected to this recurring issue--the 7 of Cups (in this instance, reversed). The ShadowFox Tarot version of this card spoke clearly and loudly (whether because of the minimalist style or something else, I'm not sure): "COMMIT, for crying out loud!"

Ouch. Yikes.

I was so busted.

At that moment, I realized that I was a commitment-phobe--not in personal relationships...but in creative pursuits! Yes, I worked on them all in a scattershot manner (which is why I chase my tail in this area), but I needed to focus on ONE at a time...and "git er done" (as they say in these parts).

As if the "aha" moment wasn't enough, my realization spurred a concrete action that led to a publisher requesting a proposal (so unplanned!). If I hadn't accessed the ShadowFox Tarot and its unusual, otherworldy wisdom...who knows? That book idea might have remained in a stack with the others!

Schiffer Books produced another high-quality box set with the ShadowFox Tarot, with its sturdy, glossy cards measuring approximately 4 ¾ x 3 inches. I love how these cards shuffle so easily, and the simple gray graph paper backing (reversible) lends itself to a quiet, meditative state.

And the companion book to the ShadowFox Tarot? Holy cow! The 224-page Book of Shadows blows away any deck companion book simply because of the correspondences and accessible charts. I Ching, Hebrew letters, Astrology, Runes, Numerology, Tree of Life paths, Esoteric Titles, Parts of the Body, Blood Type, Psychological Temperament, Sabbats, Time of Day, Angelic Regents, Magical Phrase, Alchemical Qualities, Gematria Values, Herbs....and more!

In fact, as a lover of 70s and 80s rock, my favorite correspondences in the book are the Musical Mood associations for every card. (Rush, Triumph, Blue Oyster Cult, Queensryche, Kiss, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Blackmore's Night, Rainbow--heart be still!)

Don't worry if you're not into rock music, though: Richard and Jennifer ShadowFox also correspond cards with artists like Miley Cyrus, Sting, Keith Urban, Michael Jackson, Garth Brooks, John Lennon, David Bowie, Alanis Morissette, The Carpenters, Simon and Garfunkel, Kool and the Gang, Santana, Destiny's Child, Green Day...

I know, isn't that insanely awesome? And all that incredible information is in addition to Keywords, Possibilities, Influencing Cards and comprehensive Upright and Reversed Meanings!

So if for some reason the ShadowFox Tarot card images don't thrill you, get this box set just for the companion book...you won't be sorry.

Well done, Richard and Jennifer--and you, too, Schiffer Books!

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

-- Janet Boyer, author of Back in Time Tarot; Founder of the Tarot Classroom; Editor at TheTarotChannel.com

A work-in-progress, the Joie de Vivre Tarot celebrates the happy side of life. Click here to see the images she has completed thus far, which are also available as prints.

In addition, Paulina is also working on a 40-card deck and book called The Witchlings.

To have Paulina's art through the year, her Pixie Kin 2011 Wall Calendar will be mailing out July 2010.

You can also visit Paulina through her Facebook page, which is updated regularly.

-- Janet Boyer, author of Back in Time Tarot; Founder of the Tarot Classroom; Editor at TheTarotChannel.com

Did you see this lovely deck-in-progress by fantasy artist Jennifer Galasso? http://www.crystalvisionstarot.com/

Wow!

-- Janet Boyer, author of Back in Time Tarot; Founder of the Tarot Classroom; Editor at TheTarotChannel.com

With colorful chalk-like pencil drawings amid black backgrounds, the Twilight Realm A Tarot of Faery by Beth Wilder offers a fresh take on Tarot imagery, as well as magical messages from the faires.

A child-like pixie reaches for bubbles in the 9 of Rings, while glowing purple sprites frolic among cascading waterfalls in the 10 of Cups. One fairy has horns, while others have feathers. Some seem part animal, while others appear as elves or dwarves. A galloping unicorn serves as the Strength card, while a fierce dragon guards the bountiful spoils in the 3 of Swords. Even humanlike spirits present gifts in this unusual deck.

Accompanied by a 175-page guide book detailing upright and reversed meanings, as well as grayscale images of each card, the Twilight Realm Tarot of Faery kit comes with a sturdy rectangular box with a magnetic flip-top lid that encases both the deck and the companion book.

Measuring approximately 5 x 3 ½ inches, the cards have borderless Major Arcana cards while the Minors have a thin, lined color-coded border (Rings are green, Swords are red, Cups are blue and Wands are lilac). Although Wilder, who is both the deck artist and companion book author, equates Wands with Air and Swords with Fire, apart from the lined border (and the companion book explanation), most Tarot enthusiasts may not even recognize the alternate association.

The reversible backings of the cards show a crosshatch design with a ring of white and purple flowers connected by greenery in the center. The court cards follow the Page, Prince/Princesses, Queen and King designation (the feminine suits of Rings and Cups have Princesses instead of Knights while the masculine suits of Wands and Swords have Princes).

The Twilight Realm A Tarot of Faery heralds a wonderful addition to Tarot (and kudos to Schiffer Books for creating such lovely box sets!). I’ve been working intermittently with this deck for about two months now and find it to be accurate and surprising. Those who rely heavily on imagery for intuitive information may find some of the simpler, abstract depictions a bit challenging to interpret, but with Wilder’s able treatment of card meanings, any troubles will likely be hurdled after careful study.

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

-- Janet Boyer, author of Back in Time Tarot; Founder of the Tarot Classroom; Editor at TheTarotChannel.com

A funkadelic black-and-white deck first published 40 years ago, Morgan’s Tarot has now been re-released by U.S. Games in all of its New Age glory.

Comprised of 88 cards, Morgan’s Tarot isn’t really a Tarot deck, but rather a higher-conscious oracle borne of mystical prescience (and perhaps one too many ethnobotanicals combined with a substance that begins with L and ends with D).

Irreverent at times (My Glob Reigns) and profound at most (Yesterday’s Truth: Or What Was It I Was Doing a Minute Ago), Morgan’s Tarot is arguably more relevant now than it was in 1970. With Now Age ideas like Awakening, Present Moment Awareness, Energy, Non-dualism, Oneness, OM, Lost Worlds (e.g. Atlantis and Mu), Akashic Records, etc. spreading into the “mainstream”, Morgan’s Tarot could have easily been first published in the 21st Century.

Illustrated by Darshan Chorpash, this deck features line drawings and text on one side and an intricate, non-reversible Love is God design on back. Some of the wise, silly and/or provocative cards in the Morgan’s Tarot include:

• It is not what you do that counts, it is…Where your head is at.

• There is No You

• Your doubt is your faith if necessary in your particular case perhaps DOUBT

• Boo!

• Keep up the good work

• What’s happening?

• I think I’ll make A Buddha

• Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards for they are subtle &  QUICK TO ANGER
• There are NO MISTEAKS

• Your mission is Not Yet Complete

• If there is a judge, you are it. Judge

• MAYA: THE FIELD OF THE LORD

Formerly OOP (out of print) and selling for outrageous prices online, the Morgan’s Tarot’s reprint is easy on both the eyes and the pocketbook—a quirky collector’s item (and bona fide oracle) that most Tarot enthusiasts will want to add to their shelf of curiosities.

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

-- Janet Boyer, author of Back in Time Tarot; Founder of the Tarot Classroom; Editor at TheTarotChannel.com

Replete with bold, bright coloring, the Otherworld Tarot—conceived by Alison Williams and illustrated by Sarah Nowell—features Rider-Waite style Majors with mostly static Minor Arcana imagery.

What struck me about the Otherworld Tarot were the alarmingly emaciated figures populating this deck. Gaunt faces, protruding bones and stick-then people distracted me from the otherwise vivid renderings in most of the cards. (In fairness, I showed my husband this deck to see if he got the same impression, and didn’t mention the anorexic folks on the cards—but did remark on the vibrant artwork.)

I forged past the negative first impression though because there are times I don’t like a deck at first blush but, after working with it, the cards presents delightful revelations upon further examination.

Unfortunately, even after two months of attempting to bond with this deck, I’m afraid to say that the Otherworld Tarot and I are still at odds.

Measuring approximately 5 x 3 ½ inches, the thick, difficult to shuffle cards have way-too-big-and-busy borders that distract from the central image. The color choice of Minor Arcana borders are a bit perplexing, too: olive green for Wands, rust for Pentacles, sage green for Cups and blue for Swords (well, the latter makes sense, since Air=sky).

The fronts of the Otherworld Tarot depict card name and a key word/phrase at the bottom. This may help those new to Tarot, but I find them limiting (as with any cards that include keywords). The reversible card backing shows two purple flying unicorns with blue wings, floating among an S shape ring of pink flowers.

The Minor Arcana depicts mostly static imagery (e.g. Nine of Pentacles shows a tree with nine pentacles on and around it, the Four of Swords shows four swords with a snake coiling around them, the Six of Cups shows six cups with a heart and some flowers, and so on).

The coloring of the Otherworld Tarot reminds me somewhat of the Tarot of the Sweet Twilight, although I feel the latter is a far superior deck in execution.

I found the 96-page companion booklet to be a bit shallow both in its card interpretations and in the author’s understanding of Tarot. For example, the description of the Queen of Wands reads:

“Although the suit of Wands is largely to do with movement, action, and career, the Queen of Wands cuts a very homely figure. She has a very loving caring nature and also boundless enthusiasm for the positive things in life, especially anything to do with nature. If you meet a real-life Queen of Wands then beware—cross her at your peril, for you will feel her wrath. She is one to keep on the good side of! Ultimately, this Queen teaches us to put our thoughts and ideas to creative use.”

If you’re drawn to the imagery of this deck and don’t mind the drawbacks that I mentioned (if, indeed, you would even consider them as such), then you may want to give the Otherworld Tarot a try. However, I’d advise most to pass on this particular Tarot, especially given the wonderful array of truly original, stunning decks already on the market.

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

-- Janet Boyer, author of Back in Time Tarot; Founder of the Tarot Classroom; Editor at TheTarotChannel.com