Tarot is visual; the art is such an important part of the experience. And sometimes it seems that the art needs no words. The Tarot of Durer is, I think, one of those decks. However, since I really cannot keep quiet, I will add a few comments. Today we’ll look at the three cards and on Thursday I’ll share another three. Before looking at the images, here’s a bit about this deck. Giacinto Gaudenzi, the artist, used animals as allegorical symbols. They show up in the major arcana cards and shape the minor arcana suits in this way: Cups feature doves, representing feelings, spiritual abundance, and white magic. Pentacles feature eagles, representing economic situations,

Professional Edition Universal Tarot A while ago, I asked readers if there were any card images that they'd like me to post. One request came from Corrine Kenner who wanted to know more about the Lo Scarabeo Professional Edition of the Universal Tarot. Here are images of the Professional Edition and the standard edition: As you can see in the picture, there is a difference in size as well as a difference in border color. The backs are also different: The Professional Edition, I think, is a great tool for professionals. It is handy to use in workshops or classes. For smaller classes, the teacher can use this deck as a visual aid. For larger classes or workshops where the

Recently I attended two Victorian-era-inspired holiday events at which the famous letters from eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon and the response from Francis Pharcellus Church were read aloud. I had not heard these letters in many years and had forgotten how happy they make my heart. The older I get, it seems, the more willing I am to believe in a beneficent and wondrous world filled beauty, kindness, and happy surprises. I was, in my youth, “affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age.” I clung to the certainty and security that various forms of fundamentalism gave me. But now I realize, along with Mr. Church, that there is far more to this life than what we can see or what

Like many tarot enthusiasts, I have quite a collection of decks. Most of them don’t get used much, beyond an initial review, some brief study, and a few readings. No matter what decks move through my life, I always have one main deck that I use. This deck has changed over the years, so I think of myself as a serial monogamist. The World Spirit Tarot was one of my longest and fondest relationships. I adored this deck and still have my beat up old cards and worse-for-the-wear book, signed by artist Lauren O’Leary in 2001. I am not sure why I move on from one deck to another. And generally speaking, I don’t go back. However, this may be a first. The World Spirit is calling to me.