Product Description

An original tarot based on Celtic spiritual traditions.

* Written by the bestselling author of The Celtic Book of Days. * Draws upon the ancient oracle traditions of the Celtic druids to * create striking visual images. * Major and minor arcana cards reflect the druids' belief in the * immortal soul and the values that infused daily Celtic life. * Honors ancient Celtic tradition in a way that will provide * inspiration and direction for modern seekers.

Divination was an honored art among the Celts, who believed that spirit was present in all things. Caitlin Matthews's The Celtic Wisdom Tarot draws upon the ancient oral traditions of the Celtic druids to create striking visual images that profoundly reflect the druids' deep-rooted belief in the interconnectedness of all things. Immortality of the soul was a tenet of druidic belief and the 22 cards of the major arcana follow the sacred triple spiral of the soul's path through many lifetimes. These cards mirror the mysterious thresholds of the Celtic otherworld where all life is subject to powerful transformations. The minor arcana, on the other hand, is redesigned to depict the rich spiritual values that infused the daily life of the Celts. Battle skills, art, and knowledge--the chief hubs of Celtic life--replace the standard pentacles, wands, cups, and swords. Together the wisdom cards of the major arcana and the folklore-based cards of the minor arcana create a meaningful fusion of deep spiritual truths and the lessons of daily life.

The Celtic Wisdom Tarot provides a portable oracle to help clarify confusing situations and empower readers to take advantage of life's opportunities. It honors the ancient traditions of the Celtic peoples in such a way that their truths can still be a rich source of inspiration and direction for modern seekers.

---

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #714298 in Books
• Published on: 1999-04-01
• Released on: 1999-04-01
• Format: Box set
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 128 pages

Review
. . . remarkable and stunningly illustrated tarot adaptation. A completely new path into personal divination. -- Napra Review

One of the top three or four decks ever in terms of art. -- Lee A. Bursten

The Celtic theme provides a nice introduction to Matthews' knowledge of Celtic myth and cultures. -- Michele Jackson

This is first class all the way. Wonderful book. Well written. Filled with information about Celtic ways and divination. -- John Gilbert, American Tarot Association Newsletter, Summer 2000

Without a doubt, this is the best new Tarot set I've seen this year--a "must-have"... -- Anne Newkirk Niven, SageWoman

Review
". . . remarkable and stunningly illustrated tarot adaptation. A completely new path into personal divination. For the serious student of shamanism and spiritual wisdom, this is a tradition--and resource--not to be missed."
(

Napra Review

)

"In my position as editor of SageWoman I get to see a lot of decks; the good, the bad, and the ugly. Only rarely nowadays does one come along that really knocks my socks off; but the Celtic Wisdom Tarot is such a deck. Without a doubt, this is the best new Tarot set I've seen this year--a 'must-have' for lovers of Celtic lore and Tarot enthusiasts alike. Highly recommended."
(

Anne Newkirk Niven, SageWoman

)

"Provides extremely in-depth divination - delving into the querent's soul for the truth and honesty of a situation."
(Aleesha Stephenson, Body Mind Spirit Magazine, October 2003 )

"One of the top three or four decks ever in terms of art." 

(

Lee A. Bursten, www.ArtofTarot.com

)

"The Celtic theme provides a nice introduction to Matthews' knowledge of Celtic myth and cultures."
(

Michele Jackson, www.ArtofTarot.com

)

"This is first class all the way. Wonderful book. Well written. Filled with information about Celtic ways and divination by tree."
(

John Gilbert, American Tarot Association Newsletter, Summer 2000

)

". . . this deck is helpful in attuning to the innate wisdom residing in each of us."
(Four Corners, Oct-Nov 2006 )

About the Author
Caitlin Matthews teaches the practical application of Celtic spiritual and shamanic traditions in Europe and the U.S. She is also the author of The Celtic Book of Days, The Arthurian Tarot, and The Celtic Book of the Dead. She lives in Ireland.

---

Customer Reviews

Celtic diviners these are for YOU!
I did research on what tarot deck I wanted to buy and came up with a list, then went to the local bookstore to see which deck 'spoke' to me. I had originally crossed this title of my list because of some reviews of it but once I saw it on the shelves there was no going back. The deck has lovely art and the cards are reorganized in attune with Celtic culture. The stories and archetypes seen in the deck are wonderful. The book is informative on general tarot interpretation and more specific ones as well. The Soul Wisdom questions are great for getting to the heart of the matter if you are puzzled. The spreads are also very good, the main three being a general spread, a more daily spread, and one that focuses on a relationship. Tarot fans will love the new twist on divination and Celtica fans will love this method as it will speak to your heart. Well worth the investment and sure to be treasured.

A good buy
This is a stunning set with colorful Celtic-inspired Tarot cards and an informative hardcover book that has incredible knowledge of Tarot (obviously the author, Caitlin Matthews,did her homework when making this book). The Tarot cards are standard, but have a twist with beautiful pictures that portray Celtic mythological stories. Those stories appear in the book for you to read, so, im this way, you learn not only about Tarot, but also about Celtic myth. The twenty-two cards include easy-to-follow instructions so almost anyone can use them, even those who don't know how to use Tarot cards at all. It's even useful for people who don't even know what Tarot is, so it's useful for beginners. Above all, this makes Tarot fun! Yet it still includes a formal, serious appeal. The book explains each one of the 22 cards in great detail so you know what it means if it comes up in one of your readings, either right-side up or upside down. But, contrary to my praises, this Tarot is not much like the cards of traditional Tarot, but you can still figure what it means. Also, the cards are awfully large (almost clown-like), which can be both good and bad. The cards are easier to use and read, but take up a lot of room when working with them. I would prefer smaller cards, but some people like them to be bigger and even I must admit bigger has some advantages.

The book has informaiton on things like how to show respect for the cards. For example, it said you should place all cards upright after use, something I had never heard before. The book also includes information on Celtic religion and history. It has informative charts that can be useful and includes quotes that fit where they're placed well. It has guidelines on what questions to ask and info on doing readings for friends and family, and even for meditation. Unfortunately, the cards have been renamed and changed (which is ultimately confusing). This is a must-have for Tarot collectors, for, though it may not be great for doing readings, it is very informative and the cards are simply magnificent in their colors and exquisite beauty.

A Stunning Deck, and a
Although the cards are rather large, as noted by other reviewers, the up side is that their size makes them ideal for contemplation and visualization, as the cards virtually shimmer with the most radiant and lively colors I've ever seen in a Tarot deck. In conjunction with the beautifully produced hard cover book that comes with this deck, one can get involved on many different levels, i.e. some may wish to pursue readings, while others may want to use the book and cards as a colorful means of gaining an in-depth familiarity with Celtic myths and legends. Be forewarned, though, that this deck bears no resemblance whatsoever to other traditional Tarot decks - Caitlin Matthews has created her own system; however, one senses that it is well worth the effort to delve into it.