Customer Reviews

Renaissance Tarot Deck

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of the most beautiful decks you are likely to find. The major arcana are detailed etchings, delicately colored and bordered in gold.

A casual look might make one think that this is a "period" deck, differing from other tarots mainly in the lavish Renaissance costumes shown on the cards. However, it is much more. The artist is a student of art history, in particular the Italian Renaissance, in which the very first tarot decks were produced. This deck captures something of the spirit of those original tarots, in which the major arcana were presented as classic, allegorical designs. We've become accustomed to tarot designs laden with 19th-century occult symbolism; this deck offers a refreshing taste of a different kind of tarot, one whose message is open to anyone with imagination and an appreciation of the language of art.

There are many references to Greek and Roman mythology in these cards, as well as medieval folklore and philosophy. So there is a lot of symbolic richness here, although it draws from somewhat different sources than many other decks. For this reason, it is a good idea to buy this deck along with the book, which explains the cultural context of the imagery in great detail, with lots of illustrations from art history.

I have found this to be a reliable and often stunningly powerful reading deck. Perhaps because the artist has studied so many centuries of western art with an eye for recognizing the tarot archetypes wherever they appear, these cards seem to capture the essential ingredients of the human condition with force and clarity. The suit cards in this deck require a little extra effort, however, being more reserved in dramatic content than those in many other decks.

This is a beautiful, powerful deck. Because its inspiration comes from the early Italian tarot tradition, rather than the occult systems of more recent times, I strongly recommend it be purchased along with the companion book, rather than trying to use it with concepts meant for a different sort of deck.

I Feel that one of the greatest thing one can leave behind is something that may help future generations. Brian William's wonderful tarot deck has done this. He was a great scholar and artist who lived and died with the tarot on his mind. I unfortnately did not purchase this deck until 2004. Then, I see what a great gift he left behind.

I had little or no idea about the cards. I always felt they may be over my head with the philosophy of the Renaissance behind them. When they were first published, I opted for the Medieval Scapini Tarot. Both decks now hold a very special place in my Tarot library. They were published at a time when Tarot was just getting off the ground in the world.

These cards demonstrate his genius as a scholar and illustator. The cards follow traditional meanings as well as give new insight into the neo-classical ideal. The Human form in all its wonder is presented here for the skilled reader as well as beginner!

Mr Williams and his wonderful Tarot deck will live forever in the history of the tarot books. His booklet is filled with wonderful information as well. If you dont see this, I advise you to hit the history books! This Tarot as well as the Medieval Scapini goes to the source of the Tarot-Italy! If you want a good lesson in philosophy and art, refer to this deck!

Tarot scholar, historian, and researcher Brian Williams has created an exquisite and exceptional tarot deck. Each card is a work of fine art. His concept of mythological narrative to explain the minor arcana is absolutely inspirational. The book that accompanies this deck may be the finest tarot text ever printed in English because it includes so many historial, pagan, gnostic Christian, neo-Platanic, and Humanist sources. Bravo Brian Williams!

First the positive: this is one of the most beautiful comercial decks available, created by the late Brian Wiliams for U.S. Games Systems(largest maker of tarot decks). It appeals to those(like myself) with an interest in the Renaissance and medieval periods. The gold highlights on the cards echo the historic ancient Italian decks(Visconti) from the 15th century. The reference to four major Italian renaissance cities(Florence, Milan, Venice, Rome) in the four minor arcana suits is a great highlight to this deck.

Unfortuantly there are some flaws I found with this deck that is not in keeping with traditional(and universal) tarot teaching/instruction. The major flaw is the reversal of two of the four elements(air & fire)in the minor arcana swords/staves suit. In traditional tarot teaching, Staves(or Wands) are linked to the element of FIRE, symbolizing action, and Swords are linked to AIR, symbolizing mental thought. The Brian Williams Renaissance deck REVERSES these elements, with the result that, if you are already a reader of tarot it will confuse you- because the elements play just as an important part in Tarot reading as astrological signs & other symbols. An alternative renaissance inspired deck that does feature correct element/symbol corelation is the "Renaissance Tarot" by Jane Lyle, featuring beautiful cast metal images against rich colors & medieval/renaissance imagery. Again, the Williams deck is beautiful, but you may want to take this into consideration if you are seriously planing to study and read the Tarot as I am.

I confess--I bought this deck originally to use while playing a 7th Sea RPG character, an Italian-Renaissance-themed sorceress (from Vodacce (7th Sea: Nations of Théah, Book 6), and for this, it was terrific. The cards are sumptuous and beautifully-drawn, rich in detail, and genuinely pretty to look at; even the regular number cards are gorgeous. The artist really did a great job making these. The stock used is solid and laminated, so it has lasted for years with no problem. The cards are larger than regular playing cards, but even with my small hands I don't have that much trouble with them--and the size of the cards adds to their mystique. There is a little booklet with the deck for learning how to cast several types of readings, as well as explaining what each card officially means; it's not badly-written at all. Years after getting it, I still find myself finding new things to see in these cards. I can't say enough how lovely they are! The theme of the deck, the Italian Renaissance, is well-represented here in lush detail; as someone's mentioned, yes, they do have a somewhat Christian overtone (which I didn't even realize for years), but so did the Renaissance, so that doesn't bug this heathen at all.

Since I'm not a "tarot person," I can't speak to how effective the deck might be for tarot-reading purposes, but can say that it's a gorgeous deck and well-made to boot, with fascinating artwork and a guide for usage should one desire to try that out. Of all the tarot decks I've seen (and I've seen plenty), this one is hands down the loveliest one I've ever seen and I'm entirely happy with the purchase.

I received this deck as a gift, and it is full of beautiful artwork. The deck has a heavy Catholic and Christian influence as well. which threw me when I tried to use it. If that is appealing to you, then I highly recommend this deck, with a few points of note. THe cards are relatively large, almost too large for the average person's hand, and the cards are quite slick until they have been used quite a bit. I ultimately decided to purchase another deck, mostly because of the size, Catholic influence, and relatively pale colors. That is not to say this deck is a bad one, just not the deck I work best with.

Love the Art and colors, price was good, I'm going back to my distributor to get more cards. It was shipped and arrived on time.

This deck encompasses all the important symbols used in Tarot -- both historically (faithful to the origins of the cards) and in terms of readings. Some of the images may not be "traditional" for those stuck in outdated paradigms, but the Renaissance deck offers a rich resource for anyone using the cards. I've had my deck for over ten years and regularly buy more for gifts.

I am writing to point out some flaws. Wands being Air and Swords Fire are the traditional way to associate the cards (pre Golden Dawn) unfortunately this deck's lwb is schizoid.

It is a true Marseilles-based deck but instead a modern take off on the Golden Dawn associations but then the late Mr Williams changes and goes back to marseilles. This is rather apparent around the court cards but one does not have to wait until you get there, it becomes evident right out of the gate with the Fool but alas it is not consistent, half is Marseilles (see the Ace of Wands) and changes to make some harsh meanings and terms more platable.

All of this, may make this deck hard to read with if you are looking for a pure Marseilles deck. My recommendation toss the LWB, but the Decker Scapini meanings and use the cards as is and life will be great.

Superb deck, lousy lwb. But lwbs are a minor consideration, it's the inspiration and the art that matters.

I recently purchased this deck because one of my students was trying to learn Tarot with it. I opened it with great expectations, but found a dud of a deck inside. Some cards bear symbols not associated with their key, and others hold very little symbolism at all. The Emperor has very little to offer, and the High Priestess shows a bundle of WHEAT and flowers that belong on the Empress. This deck gives difficult, confusing readings as a result. I would not recommend it!