Product Description

Step into this wondrous world of mystical lands, heroes, and beasts-all from the imagination of artist Paolo Martinello. This extraordinary fantasy of magic, races, and culture blends wells with traditional tarot archetypes.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #423189 in Books
• Published on: 2007-03-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Cards
• 78 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780738710600
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

About the Author
Since 1987, Art Publisher Lo Scarabeo has published over 100 Tarot decks that have been acclaimed all over the world for originality and quality. Only the best Italian and International artists are selected for our new decks, and the result is that Lo Scarabeo's decks are all recognizable as an exceptional artistic value.

Tradition
One of Lo Scarabeo's goals is the preservation of traditional Tarot decks.

Development
New decks and ideas are continually gathered from all over the world. This allows Lo Scarabeo to produce some of the most innovative decks available today.

Quality
Lo Scarabeo is committed to ever increasing quality and beauty of their products.

Distribution
*Llewellyn is the exclusive distributor of Lo Scarabeo products in North America.

Customer Reviews

Outstanding Distinctive Artwork! Stunning!
If you're a Tarot deck collector, this deck is a must-own!! The artwork is original and stunning. The colors are not vivid/bright like some decks, but somewhat muted, fitting in nicely with the medieval time period.

From the little white book enclosed with the deck: "Ancient symbols are reinterpreted, using the imaginary world of Fantasy literature. Every icon refers to a universe where elements of the medieval world merge with others that belong to myth and fantasy, taking on new meanings, but maintaining ancient content and symbolism."

The magical fantasy creatures---dragons, elves, winged horses, giant mice and even a huge winged snail (6 of chalices)---bring to mind Tolkien's worlds. The deck itself is an enitre new realm to delve into. Imagination rules!!!!!

I was immediately drawn to the Strength card which pictures an elegant, stately woman wearing a mauve/red gown petting a striking green dragon who is wrapped around her and appears to be leaning into her protectively and lovingly. Her hand rests gently on his head.

Many of the cards I found true to Rider-Waite's interpretations, but I would not recommend this deck for beginning Tarot readers. If you're a novice and buy this deck for readings, it could be confusing as some of the cards' meanings are ambiguous and the little white book isn't very detailed or clear on some cards. I always recommend a Rider-Waite type deck for those first coming into Tarot.

The four suits are Chalices, Wands, Swords and Pentacles.

To me, Tarot is a tool for opening my spirit to life's mysteries and wonder: 78 cards with pictures and symbols that are used for meditation by connecting me with my subconscious mind. This deck is a beautiful, enlightening addition to my collection.

Stunning, Lush, Exotic, Fantastical
"In these tarot cards created by Martinello, the ancient symbols are reinterpreted, using the imaginary world of Fantasy literature. Every icon refers to a universe where elements of the medieval world merge with others that belong to myth and fantasy, taking on mew meanings, but maintaining ancient content and symbolism." - From the LWB

When I saw some sample cards online from the Universal Fantasy Tarot, I was mesmerized. I loved the bold colors and unusual depictions--and felt confident that I would love this deck.

So I pre-ordered it through Amazon.com and when I got it in my hands, I was *blown away* at the stunning artwork on this deck! Truly, I haven't seen anything like it. Aesthetically speaking, I believe it to be the most beautiful deck I've ever seen. And my husband, and artist, agrees! He's fawned over the Universal Fantasy Tarot ever since it came in the mail. He even went so far to say that he feels most--if not all--of the cards in this deck could be framed and hung with pride in our living room.

I don't know about you, but when I hear the phrase "fantasy art", I tend to think of the gaudy, revealing covers of sci-fi paperbacks--or the half-nude She-Ra's entwined around the legs of a dragon ala artists like Boris Vallejo. (And let me tell ya, that ain't my idea of good art...)

So I was thrilled to discover that the Universal Fantasy Tarot features gorgeous jewel-tone hues, fantastical creatures, unusual elements (such as body armor comprised of a many-windowed castle!), and incredible detail work. Sumptuous, flowing garments swirl and cascade around bodies (the icy blue gown on the Queen of Swords is *amazing*!), and Martinello's re-interpretation of Tarot symbology is astounding.

For example, a huge, elongated headdress crowns The Empress--but it's supported by what looks to be a steel pole. When I first saw this image, I thought the headdress looked like a stylized brain (trust me--it's not gruesome!)...and how the "brain" and logic of The Emperor brings support and balance to the emotional subjectivity of The Empress.

When I saw the 6 of Cups--which features a winged creature that looks rather like a feathered snail, with two children atop its shell..."fishing" for a lost cup that fell in the water--I couldn't help but think "trying to retrieve something lost in the past". And the 9 of cups? A yawning dragon-like creature (clad in what looks to be a smoking jacket!) seems to stumble out of a hangover fog while nine lamps burn inside golden cups. Has this party animal been burning the midnight oil in a drunken indulgence, perhaps?

From the distressed Hanged Man suspended by a bird high above the Earth's atmosphere, to the elegant Knave of Chalices accompanied by an equally exotic companion (a floating, human-sized fish who breathes air!)--each dynamic image from the Universal Fantasy Tarot will draw you in, capture your imagination, spark intuitive insights, and enrapture you with its profound beauty.

Whether you're a deck collector or a storyteller, a Tarot reader or a journaling seeker, the Universal Fantasy Tarot will almost surely surpass your expectations--and make you thankful that you have eyes to behold it.

(Note: While it's easy for me to gush about this deck's beauty, I suppose I should include some minutia: the attractive, futuristic backs are fully reversible, the Minor Suits are Chalices, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles, and the Court Cards follow the Knave, Knight, Queen, and King rendering. And does it "read" well? You bet ya! I performed a few readings and they've been uncannily insightful.)

To see 10 images from the Universal Fantasy Tarot, visit the Reviews--Decks section at JanetBoyer.com

Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book: Picture the Past, Experience the Cards, Understand the Present (coming Fall 2008 from Hampton Roads Publishing)

Stunning, ethereal, solid...
To call this deck both ethereal and solid might seem a strange contradiction, but for me it is. The colors and forms are bright and vivid, they have a PESENCE while at the same time seeming to melt between this world and the next. It seems an inspired hand made them, and they inspire me. I've been reading casually for almost two years -- does that make me a beginner? -- and I feel as if I have "graduated" to this deck from the first that called to me (Hanson-Roberts). Since I started, I've only been able to read with "my" deck and even been hesitant about collecting others, but this one is staying.

I like how the designs are patterned after the traditional while adding their own style and flair and magic to each image. Echoes of what I feel to be the primary guiding symbols and structure (the choreography of each, if you will) are present in each card -- close enough to Rider-Waite for me to be able to stick to my understanding (and the book I use!), and far enough to feel more free and deeper to the subconscious in the reading. Probably what would be called an ideal intermediate deck. I absolutely love it.