The Quest Tarot (Book & Card Pack) [Paperback]

Joseph Martin (Author)

Book Description

Series: Book & Card Pack | Publication Date: January 8, 2003

A Visual Feast for the Eyes, Mind, and Spirit

You're going to love the brilliant and colorful imagery on The Quest Tarot! Its familiar design and the keywords on each card make it ideal to learn the Tarot. For more depth you can work with the symbolism that includes the I Ching, runes, animals, Kabalah, gemstones and more.

Hidden on the court cards is an easy-to-use system that will let you quickly answer yes/no questions. The difficulty of timing in predictions is finally resolved by using a clock symbol on each card. For more information about people discussed in your readings the cards indicate hair, eye, and skin color. Everything is explained in the accompanying 288-page book.

The Quest Tarot can be used in so many different ways that it really can be considered a universal divination tool. The more you learn about astrology, the runes, the I Ching, and other systems, the more information you can add to your readings and the more useful this deck will become. However, if you're like most people, discovering all of the amazing uses of this deck is just a bonus to the joy you'll experience as you gasp in awe at the art. The deck is filled with intense colors and 3D computer realism and surrealism. The background in The Fool appears to have been cut from the Grand Canyon. Pillars around The Magician seem to be transparent light bound in place. This may be the most amazing deck you'll ever see...or use!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Joseph Ernest Martin (California) has been a professional Tarot reader for more than fifteen years. He is also a professional artist and art director, with more than sixty-three design awards.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

the stars, planets, and
constellations
The astrological aspects in the Quest Tarot follow traditional interpretations.
What follows is a shorthand guide to the essence of the planets and
their configurations. You can easily look up the cards by referring to the
first few words in each paragraph. Also, the planetary associations have
been highlighted in bold to make them easier to find. Pictures of the actual
cards have been included so that you can become familiar with the symbols
as they appear on the cards.
The planets and stars move like a grand machine above us. They have
been considered magical ever since we could raise our heads and look up.
Astrology has been through quite a renaissance. The planets tell us their
stories using symbols, glyphs, and circles. If we watch the planets carefully,
we will realize that they shed their light upon us as influential energy.
Imagine that a planet or star is a colored light. When that light is in the
right position, it influences how we see our surroundings and therefore
how we react to our surroundings. We still have free will and those who
are enlightened are probably the least affected by the energy of the stars,
though they cast their influence anyway.
It is important that we become aware of the movement of our little
planet through the universe. We are all traveling so quickly (around 700
miles per hour around the sun) that we forget to stop and contemplate
how our existence is a miracle. By taking the time to look up and even to
learn about what we see in the heavens, we open ourselves up to the divine
guidance the heavens offer us.
9
Planets Signs
Moon s Aries 1
Sun a Taurus 2
Mercury d Gemini 3
Venus f Cancer 4
Mars g Leo 5
Jupiter h Virgo 6
Saturn j Libra 7
Uranus È Scorpio —
Neptune l Sagittarius Õ
Pluto Capricorn 0
Chiron c Aquarius -
Pisces =
the suit of wands
Ace of Wands
The Ace in each suit does not have any planetary
connection. The Aces contain time references.
Two of Wands
Mars in Aries. Strength and assertiveness. Running over
the tops of others. Not caring about others as you climb
the ladder.
Three of Wands
Sun in Aries. Fierce determination to succeed. Selfcenteredness.
Disregard for others. High energy level.
Restlessness. Leadership.
Four of Wands
Venus in Aries. Passion and energy. Risk taking. Love of
physical intimacy. Excitement. An enterprising person.
Impulsive.
10 The Stars, Planets, and Constellations
Five of Wands
Saturn in Leo. Kingly and prideful. Great strength.
Serious attitude. Refusal to accept limitations. Extreme
effort. Too much pride and willfulness.
Six of Wands
Jupiter in Leo. Outgoing personality. Blowing your own
horn. Tendency to be bombastic. Noisy. Showoff. Love
of life. Overly optimistic or rash judgment.
Seven of Wands
Mars in Leo. Dominant leader. Encouraging attitude.
Dramatic actions. Courageous and vigorous. Great
physical vitality. Strength.
Eight of Wands
Mercury in Sagittarius. You become more and more negative.
It’s time to think. Be serious in your current tasks.
Avoid scattering your energy.
Nine of Wands
Sun in Sagittarius. Love of physical and intellectual
journeys. Self-improvement. Philosophical. Great
curiosity. Visionary.
Ten of Wands
Saturn in Sagittarius. Improving your mind.
Continuing education. Sharing your thoughts.
Curbed enthusiasm. A love of teaching.
the suit of cups
Ace of Cups
The Ace in each suit does not have any planetary
connection. The Aces contain time references.
The Stars, Planets, and Constellations 11
Two of Cups
Venus in Cancer. The intense desire for a stable and
long-lasting relationship. Don’t sacrifice yourself.
Romance. Nurturing energies. Sentimental. Strong
family ties.
Three of Cups
Mercury in Cancer. Don’t dwell on the past. Emotions
may stop you from progressing. Exaggeration. Difficulty
thinking.
Four of Cups
Moon in Cancer. Self-protection. Hard outer shell.
Appearing different from who you really are.
Mysterious presence. Need for emotional security.
Five of Cups
Mars in Scorpio. High sexual drive. Intense. Penetrating
to the essence of things. Inner strength. Situations are
difficult to understand. Beware of jealousy. Extreme.
Six of Cups
Sun in Scorpio. Examining the inner self. Searching for
the meaning of life. Introspection. Contemplation.
Seven of Cups
Venus in Scorpio. Creating harmony among your many
and varied intense relationships. Possible resentfulness.
Eight of Cups
Saturn in Pisces. Humane. Afraid to be in public.
Lack of self-confidence. Caution around self-expression.
Shy. Vague fears.
Nine of Cups
Jupiter in Pisces. A kind and sympathetic nature.
Caring deeply about people. Taking care of those in need.
12 The Stars, Planets, and Constellations
Ten of Cups
Mars in Pisces. Imagination in sexual performance.
Difficulty asserting oneself. Inner restlessness. Overly
emotional. Artistic and musical.
the suit of swords
Ace of Swords
The Ace in each suit does not have any planetary
connection. The Aces contain time references.
Two of Swords
Moon in Libra. Peacefulness. Sensitive to the problems
of others. Bring peace to situations. Easygoing presence.
Need for harmony and peace. Avoid indecisiveness.
Must be honest with yourself and others.
Three of Swords
Saturn in Libra. Justice, diplomacy, and fairness.
Learning lessons through relationships. Cooperation.
Possible intolerance.
Four of Swords
Jupiter in Libra. Being attractive to other people.
Laid-back attitude. Taking the time to enjoy surroundings.
Refinement. Love of beauty.
Five of Swords
Venus in Aquarius. Emotionally cool. Intellectualizing
relationships. Strong desire for independence. Hating
any restrictions. Head rules the heart. Humanitarian.
Six of Swords
Mercury in Aquarius. Quick and original intellect.
Unique ideas and opinions. Nervous tension.
Be consistent.
The Stars, Planets, and Constellations 13
Seven of Swords
Moon in Aquarius. Brittle energies. Pushing away help.
Surprising responses. Need for independence.
Eight of Swords
Jupiter in Gemini. Unsettling energy. Restlessness.
Upbeat and carefree. Scattered energy. Wanting to be
on the move. Unsettled. Enjoys intellectual activity.
Nine of Swords
Mars in Gemini. Hard to relax. Versatility and energy.
Always busy. Many challenges and events. Experiment.
Ten of Swords
Sun in Gemini. Strong mental abilities. Love of learning.
Passionate about sharing knowledge. Innate curiosity and
versatility. Adaptable.
the suit of stones
Ace of Stones
The Ace in each suit does not have any planetary
connection. The Aces have time references.
Two of Stones
Jupiter in Capricorn. Being grounded. Exercising
caution and common sense. Sensible challenges.
Controlled growth.
Three of Stones
Mars in Capricorn. Incredible stamina. Enduring what
others cannot endure. Taking calculated risks. Stability.
Four of Stones
Sun in Capricorn. Advancement in material wealth and
social status. Strong sense of responsibility. Make your
mark.
14 The Stars, Planets, and Constellations
Five of Stones
Mercury in Taurus. Obsessive and stubborn. Firmly
fixed in your position. Desire for security. Practicality.
Six of Stones
Moon in Taurus. Conservative and conventional. Intense
emotional state. Strong desire for creature comforts.
Need for material security. Sensuous.
Seven of Stones
Saturn in Taurus. Moving forward at a slow and steady
pace. Caution brings stable success. Deliberate motion.
Avoid possessiveness of people and things.
Eight of Stones
Sun in Virgo. Adherence to strict daily routines.
Concerned with health, diet, and exercise. Verbal
communication. Analytical. Perfectionistic. Modestly
serving others.
Nine of Stones
Venus in Virgo. Charming in a quiet way. Modest
appearance. Willing to help others. Can be too
critical of loved ones.
Ten of Stones
Mercury in Virgo. Strong problem-solving abilities.
Common sense. Firmly planted in reality. Short-sighted.
Practical and detail oriented. Nervous. Keen intellect.
Good verbal skills.
the major arcana
The Fool
Uranus. The energy of individuality. Being independent.
A new direction. Personal revolutionary transformation.
Fresh start.
The Stars, Planets, and Constellations 15
The Magician
Mercury. Using the mind. Decision maker. Speaking to
others about what is on your mind. Thinker.
The High Priestess
Moon. Parental and nurturing feelings. Feminine ener...

Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications (January 8, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738701955
• ISBN-13: 978-0738701950
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 2.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #464,032 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ethereal And Gorgeous - Truly A Deck For The New Age, November 20, 2003

By 

Janet Boyer "Author, Blogger, Radio Host" (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Quest Tarot (Book & Card Pack) (Paperback)

When I first beheld online images of this deck earlier this year, I drooled. I've always been drawn to computer-generated images, and my two favorite archetype decks are both computer generated. I was dabbling in traditional Tarot, and although I liked the concept of the deck I was using, the readings felt forced and uninspiring. Maybe Tarot wasn't for me? Maybe I should just stick with archetype decks?

Then I received The Quest Tarot. I was excited to finally get to see the entire deck and feel them in my hands, but my heart sank as I thought I wouldn't be able to use them. I guess I convinced myself I would never be able to understand or use traditional Tarot. I did a reading, not expecting them to "speak" to me. Boy, was I ever wrong--and wonderfully surprised! I have received eerily accurate readings every single time I've used this deck.

I had a misgiving about this deck, I admit. The author and artist, Joseph Martin, has imbued the cards with additional divinatory elements such as astrological signs, runes, Hebrew letters from the Kabbalah, Roman letters, I Ching, gemstones, yes/no features, and the ability to discern hair and eye color. Absolutely daunting, I thought. I already felt like a Tarot failure--why would I want to add to it by mixing in things like the I Ching and Kabbalah?! When I saw the deck for myself, however, I realized these elements did not distract me in the least. If anything, they added a special dimension to the reading. If you know nothing about these other divinatory elements, don't worry--I'm pretty clueless about Kaballah, runes, and I Ching myself. The thorough explanations of these elements are clearly laid out in the book that accompanies this deck, so you can just look up their meaning and see how it adds to the reading. However, you don't need to use any of the additional divinatory elements if you don't want to. These symbols add to the beauty of the cards, but don't distract from the images and messages.

The Book

The book that comes with the deck, The Compass Guide to the Quest Tarot, is a hefty 296 pages. The first 107 pages are detailed instructions, with graphics, on how to interpret the astrological symbols, runes, gemstones, I Ching, and other divinatory features. There are 28 pages dedicated to Tarot games and spreads, including a special Quest Tarot spread. Included is a Celtic Cross record sheet that you can photocopy and enlarge to keep track of readings.

For both the Majors and Minors, there are two pages dedicated to each card. The page on the left includes an image and the divinatory elements, and the page on the right includes card explanation, upright meaning, and reversed meaning. The author also addresses each of the four suits, and how they play out energetically in everyday life.

The Cards

This deck is a traditional tarot deck, but includes a special addition to the Major Arcana--The Multiverse card. Also included is one blank card that you can personalize however you see fit. My husband is an artist, so I can't wait for him to draw up personal totems and symbols that I hold dear. The cards dimensions are approximately 4 ¾ x 2 ¾ inches, and feel very sensual and smooth when handling and shuffling.

The Minor Arcana contain astrological features found on the upper left of the card, where one circle contains a planet and the second circle contains the sign it is in. The Aces of each of the four suits do not have planetary connections; instead, they have time references. On the upper left is a circle containing a clock with 3 numbers highlighted. On the upper right, is a circle containing seasonal symbols: fallen leaves for Autumn, a setting sun for Summer, falling snow for Winter, and flowers for Spring. The I Ching symbols on the upper right hand corner are only found on the other Minor Arcana cards. All the suits follow traditional Tarot, except the Pentacles (Disks) suit has been re-named Stones.

This deck has an Ouija-like yes/no feature that is in the form of a pair of swords found only on the Court cards. Also exclusive to the Court cards are hair and eye color indicators. Since the people featured on them are made of shiny metal or glass--deliberately vague as to be universal--this indicator helps to determine physical attributes. Another unique aspect of the Court cards: Martin feels that since we no longer lived in a social structure filled with Kings, Queens, Knights and Pages, that the Court cards should reflect a more familial structure. Giving a nod to entering feminine energy at this point in history, Mother leads the way, followed by Father, Daughter, and Son.

The Major Arcana features runic symbols on the upper left hand side, as well as Hebrew letters. One astrological symbol (sign or planet) is on each of the Majors. On all cards, at the bottom, are small Roman letters and gemstones throughout the border in varying degrees. (The Multiverse card features Chiron and no Roman letter--being a "wild card".) In addition to the card name on the front, there is also a keyword below it. I've found this a great feature that makes the card meaning readily recognizable--even if I'm just reading intuitively as opposed to taking the description in the book at face value.

Number 14, traditionally known as Temperance, is re-named Alchemy in this deck. Likewise, card number 20, Judgment, has been re-named Aeon.

Conclusion

I highly recommend this deck and book to the Tarot veteran, as well as the individual who has never used a Tarot deck. The ethereal, high-tech images speak of ancient mysteries and archetypal wisdom, and the extra divinatory elements add sacred and specific knowledge for insight, clarity and personal transformation.

(To see 12 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)

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous Tarot Deck & Awesome Book!, September 11, 2003

By 

Cynthia Sue Larson "www.realityshifters.com" (San Francisco bay area, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Quest Tarot (Book & Card Pack) (Paperback)

Whether this is your first Tarot deck or the newest addition to your Tarot collection, THE QUEST TAROT will soon become a trusted friend. The luminous graphics on each card open up multidimensional doorways to other worlds -- with meaningful constellations, rainbows, animals and flowers gracing many of the cards. This deck is instantly accessible, since each card contains a keyword along with it's name (such as "The Moon" -- "Dreams") for easy interpretation. In addition to providing regular tarot readings, THE QUEST TAROT cards are designed to help you foretell timelines, as well as include gemstones, rune stones, the I Ching, and Kabbalah in your readings. This deck also contains a couple of new cards: "The Multiverse," and a blank card.

What impresses me the most about the companion book is that the information for each card is perfectly aligned with the pages, so at a glance you can read all about each particular card without having to turn any pages. Joseph Ernest Martin demonstrates his creative, playful side by including several games to play with this deck -- everything from "Quest Tarot Poker" to "Truth or Dare!" My other favorite thing about the companion book is how clearly Martin describes techniques for getting the most insight from each of your readings -- "turbo-charging" them so they provide you with the most awesome insights.

If you've got burning questions, THE QUEST TAROT has the answers for you!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Get some good magnifying lenses, September 8, 2006

By 

Mary Fowler (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Quest Tarot (Book & Card Pack) (Paperback)

These cards have saturated colors and artistic images but look very abstract, cold, small, and generally like something out of a science fiction flick. The people look like androids or something which i found particularly disturbing. The images are packed with tiny little, shadowy details jammed together inside even smaller frames. The author recommends that you read in dim lighting. I have no idea how anyone will make out those shadowy, cold, miniscule details in a dim room. i found myself straining to make out the tiny details even under bright lights.

The good thing about this deck is the features for yes no answers using the court cards and exact time answers if an ace falls propitiously in the reading. The other good thing about the deck though is the added gems, astrological, planetary and Hebrew significances added to the cards. I can only say, get a good magnifying glass.

I was very excited about getting the deck because the images looked so large and bright with rich saturated colors when enlarged online. Upon getting them though i was totally disappointed with the execution of the imagery. It is a marvelous approach and idea but the images are less than i expected. The suit images are neither intuitive nor have traditional significances. The cards are very hard to see and interpret and not at all intuitive.

Bottom line they need to redo the images and make them more opened up, brighter and larger. I think such jammed pack images would benefit from larger sized cards. They would feel more personal if there were people in the cards instead of androids. i also think they should be closer to the Rider-Waite significances, especially in the suit cards which are a particularly unintuitive presentation. The same space age slant is fine to a degree too if more humanized, intuitive and larger so you can see them. A novel idea and great attempt but not quite on the money.