Renaissance Tarot Deck & Book Set

Rating:
Summary: an excellent set: artistic, literary, and historically rich
Review: Brian Williams returned to the historical roots of the tarot in renaissance Italy for his inspiration in designing this deck. The feel of the deck is warm, bright, and sensual. The delicately rendered figures of the major arcana are depicted against the backdrop of the Italian countryside. The minor arcana are illustrated with small vignettes drawn from classical mythology, and the court cards are associated with four major cities of the Italian renaissance.

The book accompanying the deck is a tour-de-force study of renaissance symbolism in art and literature as it applies to the tarot. The major arcana are related to mythology, Christianity, alchemy, astrology, and other cultural influences of the time. Much more than just a guide to this particular deck, the book is an essential resource for any serious student of the tarot.

Although the deck includes many variations from the more commonly encountered tarot imagery (being based on the Italian tradition rather than, like most decks, the Anglo-French traditon), it still manages to be very comfortable and easy to learn for those already familiar with other decks.

A superb set, highly recommended for beginner and experienced tarot user alike. There are few better ways to spend $30 on tarot.

Rating:
Summary: excellent deck: artistic, literary, and historically rich
Review: Brian Williams returned to the historical roots of the tarot in the Italian renaissance to find inspiration for this deck. The feel of the deck is very warm, bright, and sensual. The deck conveys the renaissance spirit of optimism about humanity: mind, body, and spirit are drawn together and glorified. The minor arcana are illustrated with small vignettes from classical mythology, and the court cards are connected with four major cities of the Italian Renaissance.

The book that comes with the deck is a tour-de-force study of renaissance symbolism in art and literature, as it applies to the tarot. Williams relates the tarot trumps to mythology, Christianity, alchemy, astrology and the other cultural influences of the time. Not just a guide to this particular deck, it is an important resource for all serious tarot students.

Although this deck differs in many ways from most contemporary decks (which are based on the Anglo-French tradition rather than the Italian), it still manages to be comfortable and easy to learn for those already familiar with other decks.

I recommend this set wholeheartedly for beginners and experienced tarot users alike.

Rating:
Summary: Breathtaking Imagery
Review: I bought two sets of these cards about six months ago. I believe that these cards are so much nicer than the rider-waite cards. Now I am buying another set of these cards. I've used them a great deal of time, and enjoy the feel and beauty of these cards. There is something about these cards that you will fall in love with.

The only thing you have to watch out about these cards is that they are larger than some cards. I actually like the size! You just have to make sure to get a velvet bag that the cards can fit into. Normal bags are too small.

I LOVE THIS SET and sooo should you!

Rating:
Summary: A Tarot for Roman Myth & Art enthusiasts
Review: I own many Tarot decks but this is my favorite one. This deck offers a wealth of details and symbolism, which will make interpretation resonate well for anyone who has a familiarity with the Roman/Greek Mythology and Astrology. Every corner of each card has more enlightening details to guide you through divination (including elements and the signs of the zodiac). In the corners of the Minor Arcana, are subtle small banners with words to suggest possible interpretations for upright and reversed cards, though this is not a simplistic deck by any means. The Major and Minor Arcana "Court Cards" feature some cards with Early Renaissance clad figures and some with more Ancient Roman influence. Of the Major Arcana, Fool, Magician, Empress, Emperor, Heirophant, Hermit, and Moon, and of the Minor Arcana "Court Cards" Wands, Swords, Chalices are more early (1490's-1550's)Renaissance. The Pentacles (represented as coins in this deck) Court cards having the exception in depicting solely Ancient Roman influence. The World card is similar in style to a Botticelli. The Chalices/Cups: depict the story of Psyche and Cupid/Eros uniting , and the tests of his mother Venus/Aphrodite. The Wands/Staves: relate the conquests and trials of Hercules. The Swords: show the passions of the Trojan War. The Coins/Pentacles: tell the story of the goddess of the harvest-Demeter, mother to the goddess of Spring-Persephone and Persephone's reluctant marriage to Hades-the lord of the dead. No detail has been spared. The backs of the cards are embellished with a repeating design which embodies the masculine and feminine forces of nature (center) and the elements as symbolized by turtles, birds etc. (in the corners). The backs of the cards have a white background, the images in a single color of umber. The colors on the fronts of the deck are reminiscent of early Renaissance paintings. Earth tones dominate, but there is quite a bit of subtle color in the Minor Arcana, whereas the Major Arcana features more range of color--captivating without overwhelming. You won't be able to take your eyes off this seductive deck. You will not be disappointed. This is a deck which will cheer you up just to look at it ! I own the Legend: Arthurian Tarot, Enchanted Tarot, Marseilles, Secret Tarot, and Art Nouveau Tarot (by Antonella Castelli), all are wonderful, but it is the Renaissance Tarot that friends and family gravitate to most. I am sure you will be as attached and will regard your deck as a favorite for years to come. Enjoy !

Rating:
Summary: This tarot deck provides powerful images to help your sight
Review: I received this deck for Christmas and a better choice by my very intuitive friend could not have been made. I love the colors and symbols of this deck. When I first saw it I was amazed by the details of this lovely deck. The quality of the drawing and the evocative imagery made me want to use it as my primary deck. I have received many strong readings with this deck, and the questioners are happy afterward. Mr. Williams has a special way of drawing the male and female figure to capture the animus of their spirit. The archetypes are strongly engrained in our collective psyche and the words easily flow from the tableau.

Rating:
Summary: Wanted to like this deck....
Review: Real talent and research went into making this deck. The artwork is quite lovely, and I looked foward to receiving this deck. Unfortunatley, I was a bit dissapointed. The cards were very thin and flimsy, and while the majors were all quite lovely, the minors were too plain and redundant for me. Pip cards aren't necessarily bad, but these just seemed repetitive and stark.

The book is interesting, packed with information about mythology. The book could stand alone, really. But I was interested in a deck, not a book. The price was not worth the deck, in my opinion, so I returned this one.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Set
Review: The accompanying book is extremely enriching, unlike many of the texts that accompany decks. And the cards themselves? They are extremely beautiful and intuitive! The images are delicatey rendered with an airy and classic feel. However, if renditions of male nudity are not to your liking this is definitely not a set for you!

Rating:
Summary: A Tarot for Roman Myth & Art enthusiasts
Review: This is the first set of tarot cards I bought and they shall remain my favorite. I have bought the witch's deck and the halloween deck, and they aren't as well decorated or designed. The book that comes with this deck is thick and full of information, and is the size of a 'Harry Potter' book, not one of those 3x5 books that you have to use a magnifying glass to read. Usually a page and a half is set aside to explain each card. The deck is larger than some, so you might need to get a larger bag or box to store them in. I know its more money that some of the decks out there, but its well worth it.