Customer Reviews

Animals Divine Tarot

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I am a big fan of Lisa Hunt's artwork, so it seemed natural to review her new deck. I received the box set which contains the deck, a companion book, a bag to store the cards in and comes in a nice, attractive box featuring her artwork.

The deck itself is a breath of fresh air. First, the reverse color of the deck is a pale yellow with a gold stamped design of three flying birds and a triple spiral, reminiscent of Celtic designs. Very attractive and a much needed relief from the dark or black reverses on many decks. It sets the theme for the rest of the deck. Bright, colorful and airy is the description to give to the overall look of the deck.

The deck size is 2 ¾" by a little over 4 ½". Nice hand size, the deck shuffles agreeably and fits well. There are 78 cards in the deck, plus two cards which illustrate "spreads" suggested for use with the deck.

There are 22 "Major Arcana" cards, numbered 0 to 21. Each illustration is bordered by a gold and white border, with the name of the card and number at the bottom, and the subject of the card at the top, to make correspondence easier for folks used to using the traditional tarot deck. The similarities stop here. This deck now progresses off on the path that Ms. Hunt wants to proceed on, which is the influences of animals and various Deities. The Coyote is depicted as the Fool, Cerridwen as the Magician, Bast as the High Priestess. Except for the Wheel, which is labeled "All Animals" the Major Arcana's focus is upon Deity and it's animal association.

The artwork itself is stunning; very detailed and lifelike. If you take the focus the artist has for the deck, you can see the stories, as outlined in the book, and reflection upon these does give you insight into the meanings of the cards.

The "Court Cards" consist of 4 cards, starting with the Queen, King, Knight and Page. They are themed, with Cups representing Water, and using water Deities and animals. The Swords represents Air and uses birds and Deities with bird symbols. Wands is Fire, and uses reptiles and insects and Deities with these symbols and Pentacles is Earth, with mammals and Deities with mammals.

Every spiritual path is represented here: Celtic, Hindu, Phoenician, Green, Native American and more. Everyone will find something to identify with in this deck, and there will be plenty of fresh, new material for you to learn.

The Minor Arcana is split up the same way the Court Cards are, and each card has an animal representation, in addition to the usual suit assignment.

Working with the cards themselves was easier than I expected, though I needed to work with the book a bit. The meanings are not really all that far off from the traditional meanings; you are just looking at the meanings in a different way.

This would be a great deck for those who are working closely with animal guides or with the animal aspects of Deity. It is an excellent deck for anyone who enjoys variations on the Tarot. And it is a wonderful deck for someone who is very shamanistic in their spiritual path.

This is a lovely deck, from it's concept to the artwork. Presentation is everything, and this deck presents us with some new ways of seeing the Tarot. The artwork is outstanding, a perfect effort from Ms. Hunt, and a deck that I will be working with again and again. boudica

I am a professional tarot reader with over 20 years of experience and I collect tarot decks as a hobby. The Animals Divine Tarot by Lisa Hunt is one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring decks I have ever run across in my 10+ years of collecting tarot decks. The watercolors come to life with bright, vibrant colors that stir the soul. The animals depicted look incredibly life-like and the Artist also paid a great deal of attention to the background. Her efforts have resulted in the creation of a deck that is both useful and beautiful - a rare combination these days with myriad of decks published each year.

The accompanying book is very thorough, written by the Artist herself, as opposed to the common practice of the publisher matching the artist up with a professional writer who writes the interpretation of the cards. Ms. Hunt goes through a blow-by-blow interpretation of the main symbols depicted on each card, the significance of that particular animal being depicted, and each card description then ends with its tarot interpretation.

If you love tarot and if you love animals and art, this deck is a definite MUST-HAVE!

Blessings!

Dr. Mary E. Gutierrez
Magickal-Musings
Where Magick is a Way of Life!

Animals Divine Tarot is a gorgeous deck that follows Rider-Waite structure and incorporates original symbolism. Artist Lisa Hunt uses well-chosen myths, and gods and goddesses from many cultures to breathe new life into the major arcana and court cards. Animals, birds, insects and a variety of sea life prowl, swim, prance, meander, climb, slither, flutter and fly through the minor arcana. Truly this is a deck in motion, mirroring the constant changes and cycles of the earth and all of her life forms.

The art is exceptional and the imagery powerful and evocative. When first looking through the deck, I could not put the cards down. Each one beckons you to enter and once drawn in you are transported to a magical place where the spoken or written word is extraneous and meaningless. Each time there is something new to experience.

I found myself smiling and nodding in recognition of some of the visual interpretations, whilst others were a bit more difficult to grasp at first. Further pondering upon those more difficult to grasp has proven to be very rewarding. The animals are wonderful teachers. I am delighted by the new understandings that Lisa Hunt's fresh use of symbols has facilitated.

The accompanying book is well done and fairly detailed and includes some writing about each card, two spreads especially designed for the deck, and thoughts on meditation and connecting with the images. I haven't used either of the spreads, but have used the deck in a few readings for others and the insights shared through the imagery have proven to be relevant and helpful.

The cards themselves come alive beyond the book to lend new insights and imagery to old themes. The Empress represented by Hera, languishes comfortably upon a rock, bare feet grazing the grass. A cow stands behind her. A peacock is to her left (the right side of the card). Only the body and head of the peacock are visible; the tail is hidden. In the forefront and all around the peacock colorful flowers bloom. This seems to suggest that the Empress is highly creative, but uses her creativity to nurture and beautify the earth. Instead of parading it around for show and solely personal gain (peacock's tail) the colorful flowers embody instead the fruit of her creative endeavors.

I especially love Lisa's choices for the court cards; White Buffalo Calf Woman, Poseidon, NaNa Buluku, Ahau Kin and Quetzalcoatl to name a few. These mythic figures capture an archetypal energy that offers another layer of interpretation and meaning; perhaps a more pure one.

Another choice I find particularly meaningful for humanity today is her use of Sedna for the Death key. Other favorite majors include Tara as Strength, Thunderbirds as The Tower, and Xochiquetzal as Temperance. Favorite minor arcana animals include Tiger as the Three of Pentacles, Firefly as the Ace of Wands, Whale as the Ten of Cups, Crow as the Nine of Swords and Alligator as the Five of Cups. Altogether the animals, myths, and legends weave a magical tapestry of wisdom that speaks to the Soul.

Animals Divine may not be the best choice for beginners interested in learning the traditional symbols. It is an excellent deck for anyone wishing to read intuitively, for those desiring a fresh new perspective, for animal and nature lovers, and for those just wanting a feast for the eyes.
After watching the progress of and eagerly anticipating this deck's release, I was delighted to find it was even lovelier than I had imagined it would be. Animals Divine has already become a favorite and I'm certain it will withstand the test of time.

"The animals that are showcased in the Animals Divine Tarot serve to bridge the divide between conscious resistance and unconscious knowledge. Their appearance is one that can help you to re-center and redefine who you are. If you tune into animals, you can learn to tune into yourself and identify the wealth of potential that lies within your grasp." - From the companion book

According to author and artist Lisa Hunt, re-establishing a connection with animals can help us better understand the deep layers of the human psyche. By observing all manner of wildlife--such as the predatory instincts of a shark or the diligence of a beaver--we can marvel and appreciate each unique expression. With further contemplation, we can examine how wildlife behavior may apply to our life, including developing insight for navigating situations and cultivating growth.

With the Animals Divine Tarot, Ms. Hunt has created 78 exquisite, luminous paintings of animals, reptiles, insects, fowl, and fish--marrying them with mythological figures from around the world. Many cultures honor the sacredness of animals, which often accompany gods and goddesses, with some of these divine beings actually shapeshifting into various animals.

For the Major Arcana, each card highlights a different myth connected to a particular animal, god, or goddess. The Trickster Coyote, a beloved figure in Native American lore, makes an appearance as The Fool. The elephant-headed god Ganesha, a mover of obstacles according to Hindu mythology, is The High Priest (Hierophant) in this deck, while the Welsh goddess Rhiannon represents the archetypal Shadow (Devil). The fierce but glorious Thunderbirds make their appearance on The Tower, and Horus epitomizes the blazing energy of The Sun.

Various deities from all over the world depict the varied approaches of the court cards, while critters majestic and tiny comprise the Minor Arcana. For example, caterpillars transform on the 6 of Wands card, the tiger embodies the 3 of Pentacles, the flapping, flailing heron reflects the 10 of Swords, while distracted dolphins swim on the 7 of Cups.

Although the 198-page companion book to the Animals Divine Tarot doesn't mention traditional Rider-Waite-Smith imagery, symbolism, or numerology (except for a brief mention of the elements), the card interpretations are mostly consistent with these meanings. Ms. Hunt offers a rich repository for lore and symbol, but reminds readers that delving into the art on each card--and the realm of each animal--will yield unique, unexpected revelations for those who take the time for contemplation.

Ms. Hunt does not discuss reversals in the companion book, and in a refreshing departure from the norm, there is no mention of rituals for "cleansing" or storing your deck. Three spreads are included in the back of the book, while two of the layouts are illustrated on separate cards.

The satiny cards measure approximately 4 ½ 2 ¾ inches, resulting in easy shuffling. The card backing depicts a bronze mandala in the center of a cream-colored background, rendering the deck fully reversible. In addition to the deck and companion book, the Animals Divine Tarot set includes a black organdy bag and a cardboard box for storage.

Unless you're quite attuned to animal energies and world mythologies, you'll likely be unable to use this deck "out of the box". Therefore, as a Tarot deck, I don't feel it's good for beginners. (However, if you're new to Tarot but have used animal oracle decks with success, you should be just fine.) Ms. Hunt's adept interpretations of her visions for the cards will ably equip readers to use Animals Divine Tarot for oracular and meditative purposes. Her intimate knowledge of wildlife will no doubt add breadth and depth to any reader's repository of associations.

I've found this deck to be surprisingly pointed in its guidance, with each reading providing accurate, relevant insight. The artwork is gorgeous, making the Animals Divine Tarot a must for deck collectors, as well as those with an affinity for animal totems, shamanism, and animal-themed mythos.

(To see 10 images from the Animals Divine 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)

The Animals Divine Tarot is a stunning addition to Lisa Hunt's body of work. If you are familiar with the previous best-selling decks she illustrated, The Shapeshifter Tarot and The Celtic Dragon Tarot, then you should be quite excited about the Animals Divine as this kit is all Lisa Hunt. She is the author of the book as well as the painter of the cards. The 78 cards in the deck are true works of art, each watercolor image done in Lisa's signature ethereal style. If you were impressed with the art from her previous decks, then this imagery will blow you away.

First impressions:

When I received my advanced copy, I excitedly tore it out of the mailer and gazed at the packaging. The artwork on the box is subtle and tasteful and will look great on my shelf. Inside, the book and cards were neatly packed and I was pleasantly surprised at the inclusion of an organdy bag. Stunning art on the cards aside, they are sturdy, feel comfortable in the hand and shuffle well. There is a definite positive energy to them. I have shuffled through them many times and every card is beautiful. Some of my favorites are Kutkinnaku (Knight of Swords), Ganesha (The High Priest), Cerridwen (The Magician), Seal (Ace of Cups), Firefly (Ace of Wands), All Animals (The Wheel), Gaia (The World), Thunderbirds (The Tower) and Rabbit (Ten of Pentacles). The major arcana and the court cards are represented by a goddess/god from world mythologies and their corresponding animal. When it comes to the suits, pentacles are earth, cups are water, wands are fire and swords are air. Each of these cards showcase an animal that best fits that element. The cardbacks are classy with a neat looking Animals Divine logo triskellion in the center, printed in metallic gold ink.

At first glance, the book has a quality appearance and seems well written. After the foreword by tarot artist/author Kris Waldherr, Lisa delves into how connecting with the animal realm can help broaden our understanding the world, our relationships and ourselves. Her explanations for the cards discuss their meaning, symbolism and describe how the animal and/or goddess/god represented apply to that specific card. There are accompanying illustrations of the cards with each description, which I find extremely useful as a reference tool. Lisa finishes the book with insightful meditations using the cards, as well as sample spreads designed specifically for this deck.

I would, without hesitation, recommend the Animals Divine Tarot kit for any practitioner of tarot or a collector of quality decks. This sensational kit is a must have!

UPDATE (Aug. 08, 2006): The Animals Divine Tarot is the winner of the prestigious
2006 COVR Interactive Sideline Award

UPDATE (Jan. 23, 2008): I have found this a rewarding deck to use. If anything, it has grown on me over the years. I still can't recommend it highly enough. If you are interested in more from Lisa Hunt, be sure to check out her latest deck as well, the Fantastical Creatures Tarot: Premier Edition.

I just received my kit and I cannot be more pleased. At first glance, the companion book appears interesting, informative and well written. The cards feel comfortable in my hands and shuffle easily. The card stock is quite sturdy and should last through years of heavy use. The art itself is something to behold and it really speaks to me. I am an animal lover so this deck looks like it will fit my needs perfectly. At this point, I cannot find anything to dislike about this deck.

I've been reading tarot for many years and I can safely say that this deck looks like it will soon become my favorite. I give it my highest recommendation. I'll post an update after I've used it for a while, but at this point I want to thank Lisa Hunt for creating something that I feel deep within my heart will become a most cherished possesion and tool for reading.

Ps. I just love her representation of Mama Cocha as the Queen of Cups!

This Deck Is A Keeper! I relate to Animals a great deal and the art work draws me into each card. It is very importaint to "feel Part Of The Cards" and these allow me to do so. I have bought many decks that were bragged about just to be disapointed...The in-Depth descriptions of each card and the multi- symbols on each allow me to go into the pictures and see and feel the energy I need to to get a true feeling for what I am seeking. I am a Cancer and I need to feel my way around the symbols, absorb the energy.. not just look at the art work. These cards were so well thought out that I can do just that! They come with a FULL SIZED book, of nearly 200 pages, not a flimsy little stapled booklet made so it will fit into the deck box. I found my cards FINALLY!

I bought this deck for myself and I adore the illustrations. They are amazingly detailed and display a wide array of animals, gods, and goddesses. The major arcana feature representations from every continent and many cultures. The animals in the minor arcana are gorgeous and I appreciated the color. Great gift for a first deck, yourself, or any animal lover.

The art by Lisa Hunt is breathtaking. The book that comes with the cards lists different layouts for readings and examples of readings. The book also gives well written details of interpretation of each card. This deck is also good for self readings as well as for other people.

This deck is an evocative combination of Pagan, Native American and Druid themes. It is traditional to the extent that it includes all 78 cards, but does not follow the themes of the Rider Waite images. Instead, it asks us to journey with our divine and animal guides for enlightenment.

The major arcana and court cards have a God or Goddess depicted on each card. Its hard to pick one that is stand out...there are so many. Bast is radiant as The High Priestess. Hera makes a lovely Empress. Odin as the Moon and Horus as the Sun are well chosen and well executed. I like the two page descriptions of each card, each God and Goddess.

The exception is the Fool. A handsome Coyote graces the Fool card. Hunt writes:

"In Native American traditions the Coyote is the fool, the teacher, the traveler, the transformer and the trickster. Stories about the Coyote are varied and sometimes complex. But the essence of his character as culture hero can be found throughout Native American cultures."

This Companion book is more than just the "little white book" that comes with so many decks. It is a perfect (soft) bound, 5 1/4 x 8, 216 page book. It's a great resource. This deck would make a wonderful teaching devise for Pagan children! To that end, the book also has a bibliography with over 30 sources.

The detail in each card includes symbolism consistent with meaning of the card. Kuan Yin is on the Star. The traditional pool of water and pitcher joins her. The illustration also show the peacock (sun, energy), panda (Yin & Yang) and the serpent that brought her water in the story of Kuan Yin.

The suits are wands, swords, cups and pentacles. They are aligned with the Elements. Each one is as carefully crafted as the Major Arcana. The Companion descriptions and guidance for each pip are quite complete, 2 pages each.

The cards are good quality, 2 3/4" x 4 5/8" format - just slightly larger than playing cards. They have a white border, thin gold "mat" and are in in muted, earthy tones of green, blue and brown. There is very little red in this deck. The God, Goddess or animal is identified on each card. The artwork is very detailed in a dreamy but realistic style. It appears to be watercolor or pencil - it has a translucent look to it.

I recommend this deck to the collector that is looking to add an earthy, artistic Pagan deck to their collection. For the reader - it's a personal choice of course, but this is a fantastic, well-documented deck if are looking to add an animal deck to your repertoire.