Customer Reviews

Oracle Tarot Cards (Large Card Decks)

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Let me just start out by saying that I love this deck. It has captured my imagination and my spirit, and presently I find myself reaching for this fresh, vibrant deck before any other.

Bringing the mystical tradition of Tarot firmly into the 21st century, The Oracle Tarot by Lucy Cavendish is a bright, colorful, positive and feminine deck that exudes "girl power". You will not find any frightening images or meanings in this deck, so there's no need to feel apprehensive of the messages contained therein. Some people have never delved into the mysterious and profound world of Tarot precisely because of cards like Death, The Devil, and The Tower. However, in The Oracle Tarot Death is re-named Change and The Devil is re-named Bondage. Although upbeat and positive, this is not a "fluff" deck; I guarantee you that outmoded or negative thinking patterns and behavior will be challenged by the messages in these cards!

Instead of a straightforward deck where the 10 of Swords would be merely depicted as 10 interlocking swords, Cavendish has created a visual allegory for every single card. The stunning, hand-painted artwork of Melinda Ayre adds so much pizzazz to the images; I'm reminded of the wetly vibrant oil-painted images in the movie What Dreams May Come.

An intriguing aspect of The Oracle Tarot is that there are no court cards. I've never been attached to the court cards, and for me, they've seemed redundant in readings--so I was happy to see a deck without them, quite frankly. Another name change besides the ones already mentioned is The Hierophant being re-named Tradition.

The thick, glossy cards measure 1.61 x 5.50 x 3.84 inches, come in a sturdy, high-gloss box, and are accompanied by a 69 page instruction booklet with a few pages in the back expressly for notes. Each card contains a key word or words written in white on the outer edges of the image. The backs of the cards are a gorgeous mix of blues and greens, with shimmering stars in a diagonal swathe.

The Cups suit are teacups and the way they are incorporated into the images is very inventive. For example, for the 2 of Cups, two people are seated facing one another at a small table. It looks as though they are playing footsies under the table, and that they are doing a "cheers" with their red mugs. The steam swirls from each mug, almost forming a heart. The keywords are Loving union, teamwork.

The Coins suit is just as inventive. The 9 of Coins depicts a smartly dressed woman in profile, striding downhill. Her violet dress features 4 yellow disks on the hem, her purse clasp is a yellow disk, 2 are on her shoe straps, 1 is an earring, and 1 is the top of her hat. (9 total) The strings that flow from her hat turn into dollar signs, and the keyword of this card is Good fortune. For the 10 of Coins, 9 yellow disks form the border of a pool where a woman sits lounging in a bikini--a drink on the table beside her. The brightly glowing sun makes 10. The 3 of Cups is a woman in a blue dress atop a skateboard with 3 yellow disks for wheels. The keywords are Purposeful action.

And the Wands and Swords? Also very cleverly portrayed. The 6 of Wands shows a woman blowing out 6 candles (wands) on a birthday cake. The keywords are Wisdom of experience. For the 8 of Swords, a white-haired woman in a green dress sits before a steaming cup of soup with a spoon in her hands. Eight swords are painted on the borders of the image. The keywords are Caring for yourself.

It's always nice to see a deck creator take so much time and care with the Minor Arcana--something that often seems like a mere afterthought in some decks.

The Major Arcana is just as gorgeous. The Chariot, a card that keeps popping up in my own readings, features a woman in a crimson dress and high heels with one hand on a shopping cart and the other formed into a pumping fist. She sports a sassy smile, as well as a heart tattoo on her upper arm. The keywords for this card are The inspired warrior. Change (the card formerly known as Death) features a nude, winged woman emerging from a cocoon. The keywords are Release the past. The Sun portrays a nude woman whose long orange and gold hair flows upward, spiraling and morphing into a sun above her head. The keywords for this card are Awards, camaraderie, affection.

I have been getting amazing readings and insights from this deck. I primarily use it for personal meditation and journaling. With fresh, empowering images, this deck inspires, illuminates, and expands self-knowing. I'm sure it would do the same in readings for other people, as well. I admit, I was put-off at first by the images of perky breasts and nude women, but somehow this deck kept calling to me. I'm so glad I gave The Oracle Tarot a chance, and that I heeded it's gentle call to my spirit. As I'm now beginning my journey into The Goddess, these cards have provided me with extra comfort and direction.

This deck would be perfect for those just beginning working with Tarot--and for those seeking a more modern, accessible, and positive approach to this mysterious and sacred art.

(To see 6 card images from this deck, 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)

This is a powerful deck which provides easy-to-understand and insightful readings. Even if you have never worked with Tarot before, you may want to consider using this deck- there are no frightening or negative images, and the enlcosed guidebook is user-friendly. I especially like the earthy, grounding feeling and colors of the cards- it helps me feel more connected to my physical self and what my daily lessons are. The cards will alert you if there is a challenge or issue which requires your attention, but they do so in a positive and supportive manner. And there is a lot of vitality in the vibrant artwork and colors of the deck. A nice addition to your oracle card collection!

I have spent a great deal of time over the past few years trying to learn the tarot, as well as accumulating many decks. Although I found the tarot fascinating and beneficial, many of the card images can be a little scary. No one wants to do a reading for advice and wind up feeling scared! Some people say this "shadow" element is necessary - and that you can't avoid life's tough lessons. Still, I wound up selling most of my tarot stuff and gravitating toward more positive oracles.

When I read the description for this deck, I was so excited. When I opened it, I was elated! Lucy has created a Tarot deck that has kept with traditional meanings, while portraying them in a more positive, uplifting way. The deck doesn't avoid tougher issues, its just not "three swords piercing your heart"... some of the cards have been renamed (death, devil, etc.)... to show their true meanings... . The court cards have also been eliminated - for me this was a blessing bc I had always found them difficult to read with.

I recognize that many tarot traditionalists will probably hate this deck... but if you are looking for a more positive spin of the tarot, this deck may very well be for you. the artwork is colorful and vibrant - and the little book is comprehensive. Give it a try.

I was so happy to find this deck! I was intrigued by tarot cards, but never really liked the negativity I felt from most of them - then, I found these. The instruction book is very well-written and the cards are smooth, shiny, and easy to shuffle. They almost have a shimmer/glow to them. The artwork is fun and expressive. They are positive without ignoring that there are tough issues you must face a times. I think this is a great deck for anyone wanting to explore tarot without the negative pictures/titles .... A truly enjoyable and informative deck!

I am an intuitive who uses oracle cards and decided I wouldn't use tarot as I felt I could get the same message across in a more positive way from oracle cards. I saw this deck of tarot oracle cards and thought "why not give this a try". I knew I needed a wide variety of cards in order to acomidate all of my clients and eventually I was going to have to get a set of tarot cards... I am so happy I came across this set of cards. Although I have not done much work with these cards yet, I feel a strong connection to them! The pictures are amazing and captivating. There are no negative images and the cards that most people decide not to delve into the world of tarot for, are not included in this set or the names have been changed. What I love most is that the name of the card along with the meaning is on the card itself which is different from tarot cards I've seen in the past. This makes it easier to give a reading. I'm extremely happy to add this deck to my collection of oracle cards. I now feel that I can acomidate all my clients who prefer tarot readings. Now they are able to get the tarot reading they want and I feel comfortable reading with them because ultimately they are oracle cards! This would be a great addition to your personal collection!

I own this deck along with Lucy's Magical Spell cards. Both are very positive and encouraging. Some may see the deck as too sweet or as one friend said, "This deck is for people who can't handle the truth". I completely disagree. Lucy does not avoid the tough stuff and she gives hope and solutions. When reading with any deck I've always believed in that philosophy, if a challenging card comes up, how can you work with that energy and learn from the challenge. I read several times at a local metaphysical bookstore and the owners loved this deck and only wanted me to read with this deck because the images and messages are uplifting. My readings have been accurate and I've also noticed when onlookers saw someone getting a reading and these cards were on the table, people were much more intrigued and apt to do a reading because the cards weren't "scary" looking. I highly recommend this deck and it's great to combine it with some of Doreen Virtue's decks like the Goddess Guidance Oracle.

I love this deck for easy quick guidance for readings. I do them and love the artwork and how she explains each card. She did a nice job with this.
The only thing I don't like is the constant nudity in many of the pictures. But I love the warmth of the colors of the designs. The other thing I like is her language. Cavendish makes everything good seem possible with this deck, empowering you to create a positive future. Few tarot decks do this.
The court cards are not in this deck. She did away with this. I believe she could have interpreted those. She put a few words on each card to assist with interpreting in during a reading and it is invaluable. The cards look like paintings from an art gallery. The sun is a woman with a sun above her head. She is nude with a red background. Good fortune is a rich lady with nine coins cleverly put in her shoes,dress, hat and earrings. She has two dollar bills for tassles for her hat. This card is the nine of coins. Lastly, the two of cups is a couple with two tea cups touching, with the words loving union, teamwork. For deck lovers, art lovers, this is a must have.

I got this deck months ago and I love it! It's such a positive deck with such colorful pictures. The deck doesn't avoid problems that you might need to solve, but does it in a positive way. It's very easy to use and very helpful. You won't regret buying this deck.

As I am just experimenting with tarot and oracle cards, I was drawn to these at once. The art is amazing and although I've only had them for a short time can already feel a great connection forming between us. The explanations and artwork behind the cards meanings are super easy to understand and it's becoming a wonderful way to add a little more insight to my readings. Although I do have small hands, I did know the size of the cards before I ordered them they may be uncomfortable for some to use...I myself don't mind, I absolutely love them and look forward to continuing to grow with them!

Coming from a fervent Christian background, I long thought of tarot cards as the work of the devil :) Listening to Lucy on Hayhouse let me in on a little secret: tarot cards are a way for our own higher self to speak to us. I have about 6 oracle card decks now (Doreen Virtue, Sonia Choquette etc) but this set ... this set is so powerful, so spot on EVERY TIME, and so profoundly moving. I don't know how it happens but I always draw a card that 1) I feel is true and yet 2) it reveals something new. Something I'm aware of and something else I was NOT aware of. So the message is perfectly clear, and I'm sure every time that it's relevant. The drawings are oh so whimsical and reassuring.

Lucy's descriptions... are so funny, so sweet and so full of love and strength. I really appreciate her updating the traditional "death" card to "change" and other small edits that make the cards so user-friendly. Also a summary of the message is written ON the card (e.g. on the 6 of wands, "wisdom of experience") - so you pretty much get the idea immediately. More (delightful) explanations on each card are in the booklet.

These are by far my favorite cards and I thank Lucy with all my heart for making the tarot so accessible and yet still so powerful. Thank you :)