Tarot Pathways - Issue 25

The Da Vinci Code and the True "Sacred Code"
by Carl Llewellyn Weschcke

The tremendous wave of interest that followed publication, and then the movie, of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code left a lot of excitement, and some confusion, in its wake.

Many readers accept the novel's details as historic fact and want to know more about the Feminine Mysteries and their repression, about Sacred Sexual Rites, the 'truth' about Mary Magdalene and Jesus, the extensive use of symbols in architecture and art, the roles of Freemasonry and the Catholic Church, the Illuminati and conspiracies, and the reality of an alternative European spiritual history.

From a "factual" point of view, there isn't a lot that can be authenticated. But, the lack of proof doesn't always mean that these ideas are wrong. The book was a powerful "wake-up call," stirring a lot of interest in these subjects and in Leonardo Da Vinci himself.

Da Vinci was a genius that many believed actually drew inspiration for his many "inventions" from real visions of the future. Whether he was indeed some kind of psychic isn't all that important. Nor is the question of his involvement in some kind of esoteric society or order that may still exist today. However, these questions are all interesting, and will no doubt be explored both in fiction and in 'alternative history' projects.

What is important is that he left a record of extraordinary insight into the natural world and into human nature in the form of notebooks, sketches and artwork. We have only to look at "the record" to confirm this. As a scientist, Da Vinci was far in advance of his contemporaries. His theories were based on careful and precise observations which were recorded in his notebooks. Had these discoveries been published in his lifetime they would have revolutionized 16th century science and advanced thinking for generations after, in areas ranging from meteorology to astronomy, from hydrology to aerodynamics. Today's science and technology could have benefited enormously from Da Vinci's work.

Click here to read the full article.

Da Vinci Tarot Kit
by Lo Scarabeo & Mark McElroy
Since the Tarot is really a product of the Italian Renaissance, it is only appropriate that a Tarot deck be based on the genius of the quintessential Renaissance man: Leonardo da Vinci.
ISBN 0-7387-0894-1
Price: ~~$19.95~~
Special Offer! $10.00

Start Seeing Faeries
by Llewellyn

Are You Ready for an Adventure?

There are many Tarot decks available. Each can help you discover more about the past, gain insight into the present, and predict possible futures. But only one Tarot deck is a true adventure, filled with dramatic, intriguing and mystical stories while adhering to the traditional and familiar designs. That deck is the Mystic Faerie Tarot.

The box that holds Mystic Faerie Tarot comes to you with everything you need. It begins with a full-color, 78-card Tarot deck by famed fantasy artist Linda Ravenscroft. Every card is an elegant, evocative masterpiece filled with the mystery, magick and joy of the world of the fae. The included bag will safely carry and protect the deck. Finally, the book written by Tarot expert Barbara Moore reveals the concepts and symbolism of the deck so that it can be used by anyone: beginner, expert, or follower of faerie.

Enter the Garden

When you first look through the deck you will see that you have entered a garden filled with delightful faeries, mischievous elves, fanciful sprites and nimble nymphs. The faeries of this deck act as your guide to better decision making and achieving the life you'd like to live. The book is a road map to this garden.

Each of the 22 cards of the Major Arcana is fully explained followed by a message the card has when used in a Tarot reading. Most Tarot decks focus on the Major Arcana, and this one is as filled with meaning and beauty as any. Many decks downplay the Minor Arcana, but this is an area where the Mystic Faerie Tarot excels, as each suit tells its own, emotion-filled story.

Click here to read the full article.

Mystic Faerie Tarot
by Barbara Moore &
Linda Ravenscroft
Step inside the enchanting world of the fey. Rich watercolor images by renowned artist Linda Ravenscroft capture the vibrancy and grace of faeries, sprites, elves, and nymphs in their lush gardens.
ISBN 0-7387-0921-2
Price: $24.95

Excerpt

Mystic Faerie Tarot
by Barbara Moore & Linda Ravenscroft

Why Tarot?

The tarot has been used for fortunetelling, for people to try to see what the future holds. But this is not the best use of the cards, for the future is not set in stone, and you do have the power to make your own fortune. You can use the tarot to see what happened in the past that is affecting your present. You can see what is happening now that you should be aware of. And you can, it is true, see what the probable future holds -- but that future is always being remade with every moment that passes. Within those moments, you can make decisions that will change the future.

Why is the tarot so effective? What makes the tarot different from any other deck of cards? The tarot is not a random collection of pretty pictures and odd names. It is a carefully designed deck that covers all aspects of the human experience--from major events like graduating college to everyday happenings like having an argument with a loved one. It can even show personality traits of yourself or of other people in your life.

How does it do that? A tarot deck has seventy-eight cards divided into three main parts: the Major Arcana, the Minor Arcana, and the court cards. Each of these sections covers a different aspect of life. Arcana means "mystery" or "secret."

Click here to read the full excerpt.

Review

The Mystic Faerie Tarot:
Art by Linda Ravenscroft, Book by Barbara Moore
by Errol McLendon

The following review appeared in the June 2007 issue of Tarot Reflections, a publication of the American Tarot Association.

This beautiful gold-rimmed deck looks as if it was discovered in a moss-covered fairy chest. The artwork is intoxicating; even for non-Tarot readers, as is evidenced by my wife's wanting to frame some of the cards. The deck is definitely G-rated with no nudity; however, there are some of the most sensual and seductive looking creatures I have ever encountered on cards. The whole fascination with fairies is more than sufficiently satisfied with the depiction of rich landscapes, magical costumes and four very fanciful fairy tales told in the Minor Arcana cards.

The Major Arcana cards are rich with symbolism. Some is very evident; however, some is so fairy-specific, that it takes some time with the accompanying book to understand all the elements you see in a given card. For example, the Emperor wears shoes. Not being fairy-literate, I did not know that was unusual. It appears that Ms. Ravenscroft's choice to shoe her Emperor indicates his bowing to social conventions. He literally stands between the world of the fae and the world of the humans.

Even without knowing all of the fairy lore, I still was fascinated by the detail of the artwork and the plethora of symbols incorporated into each card. This detail had me spending long periods of inspection with each card. Working with the Major Arcana for meditation was a deeply rewarding experience.

Click here to read the full review.

New Kits and Decks Coming Soon!

Dragons Tarot Deluxe
The dragon, an image of primitive force and power, is present in the imagination of all civilizations. Inspired by myths from every corner of the globe, this imaginative deck features the mystical beast and its many forms amid diverse iconography from Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania.
ISBN 0-7387-1235-3
US $24.95

Lo Scarabeo Tarot Deluxe
For the first time, three tarot traditions--the Marseille, the Waite-Smith, and the Crowley-Harris--have been combined into one deck! This dynamic blend offers themes and symbols from the most influential decks in the history of tarot.
ISBN 0-7387-1233-7
US $24.95

Sensual Wicca Tarot Deluxe
Vivid imagery with a hint of eroticism blends with Pagan themes in this tarot deck. Heed the wisdom of the Great Goddess and the Horned God. Encounter the mysteries of the Maiden, Mother, and Crone. Let the sacred Sabbats guide you.
ISBN 0-7387-1234-5
US $24.95

The Hidden Path
Raven Grimassi, Stephanie Taylor and Mickie Mueller - creators of The Well Worn Path-introduce another innovative system exclusively for Pagans, Witches, and Wiccans.
ISBN 0-7387-1070-9
US $19.95

Necronomicon Tarot
Donald Tyson strikes again with another innovative tribute to renowned occult writer H. P. Lovecraft. Tysons trilogy of works--inspired by the magical adventures of the mad sorcerer Abdul Alhazred--achieves brilliant completion with Necronomicon Tarot.
ISBN 0-7387-1086-5
US $26.95