Customer Reviews

Renaissance Tarot Deck [With Book]

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Brian Williams returned to the historical roots of the tarot in renaissance Italy for his inspiration in designing this deck. The feel of the deck is warm, bright, and sensual. The delicately rendered figures of the major arcana are depicted against the backdrop of the Italian countryside. The minor arcana are illustrated with small vignettes drawn from classical mythology, and the court cards are associated with four major cities of the Italian renaissance.

The book accompanying the deck is a tour-de-force study of renaissance symbolism in art and literature as it applies to the tarot. The major arcana are related to mythology, Christianity, alchemy, astrology, and other cultural influences of the time. Much more than just a guide to this particular deck, the book is an essential resource for any serious student of the tarot.

Although the deck includes many variations from the more commonly encountered tarot imagery (being based on the Italian tradition rather than, like most decks, the Anglo-French traditon), it still manages to be very comfortable and easy to learn for those already familiar with other decks.

A superb set, highly recommended for beginner and experienced tarot user alike. There are few better ways to spend $30 on tarot.

I received this deck for Christmas and a better choice by my very intuitive friend could not have been made. I love the colors and symbols of this deck. When I first saw it I was amazed by the details of this lovely deck. The quality of the drawing and the evocative imagery made me want to use it as my primary deck. I have received many strong readings with this deck, and the questioners are happy afterward. Mr. Williams has a special way of drawing the male and female figure to capture the animus of their spirit. The archetypes are strongly engrained in our collective psyche and the words easily flow from the tableau.

I spent a great deal of time searching for a new tarot deck after wearing out my primary deck -- over 15 yrs... This deck is hauntingly beautiful with compelling imagery... Though its interpretation is different than the standard decks I'm used to, I purchased the deck with the book, so I could learn more... The book is also remarkable... I recommend the book and deck to anyone with an aesthetic sensibility and a desire to learn a different, romantic approach to the Arcanas.

As many have mentioned, this deck comes with a wonderful book which explores the history of the Tarot in Italy. The front cover photo is gorgeous and you would expect that the cards would contain similar elegant illustrations. While the major arcana cards do have the same lovely pictures adorned with gold, the minor arcana are not as detailed. There are pictures on many of them, but the pictures are tiny and you mainly only see a bundle of wands or swords or cups rather than a detailed illustration as you might find in decks that are inspired by the Waite deck.

I used this deck for a couple of years, but I let it go because I prefer to have detailed pictures when I do readings. If you are more of a clairvoyant reader using the pictures as a focal point for your intuition rather than giving very text-book style readings, then this probably isn't the best deck for you. If you are using the deck more for personal use and you don't need illustrations on the cards or you just want the deck for the book, then go ahead and buy this deck.

I will say that if you are a beginner, you might like the fact that it comes with a large fold out poster of the celtic cross spread so that you can easily place cards in the appropriate places and know what each position is for.

There are definate benefits to this deck, but as a reader, I don't find it as useful for doing client readings.

This is hands down the best book on tarot history and the origin of the cards there is and more. Classical mythology, history and fine art are the key words here. I found a new appreciation for an already great tarot deck. His book A Renaissance Tarot is the best there is as far as a course in Western traditions are concerned.

Mr Williams was probably the greatest scholar of the tarot to come from the U.S. to date. He passed in 2002 and left this wonderful legacy for all to share for generations to come. There are few books that mean as much. He gave the best in the business as far as I am concerned.

If you are looking for mysterious links to Egypt, Atlantis or Gypsies, look elsewhere. This beautifully illustrated book is packed with historical facts and mythological references that take you back to the real origins of the Tarot-Italy. It is well reseached with many original drawings by Brian himself.

This may be a new perspective for some in the New Age world. Tarot is something that can be translted into many different themes and philosophies. There is nothing wrong with that. It is the most universal tool of its kind. I have seen Egyptian, Hebrew, Celtic, Norse, Chinese, Middle Eastern and various fantasy themes that are all launched from these not so humble origins-The Classical worlds of Greece and Rome snuggled within the Italian Renaissance!

Whether you prefer this deck or not, if you have any draw to study the Tarot, do yourself a favor and read this precious book! It is a complete course in valid Tarot history. Not bad, considering the price. Oh yes, I recommend this with a good Tuscan Chianti.

The accompanying book is extremely enriching, unlike many of the texts that accompany decks. And the cards themselves? They are extremely beautiful and intuitive! The images are delicatey rendered with an airy and classic feel. However, if renditions of male nudity are not to your liking this is definitely not a set for you!

Brian Williams returned to the historical roots of the tarot in the Italian renaissance to find inspiration for this deck. The feel of the deck is very warm, bright, and sensual. The deck conveys the renaissance spirit of optimism about humanity: mind, body, and spirit are drawn together and glorified. The minor arcana are illustrated with small vignettes from classical mythology, and the court cards are connected with four major cities of the Italian Renaissance.

The book that comes with the deck is a tour-de-force study of renaissance symbolism in art and literature, as it applies to the tarot. Williams relates the tarot trumps to mythology, Christianity, alchemy, astrology and the other cultural influences of the time. Not just a guide to this particular deck, it is an important resource for all serious tarot students.

Although this deck differs in many ways from most contemporary decks (which are based on the Anglo-French tradition rather than the Italian), it still manages to be comfortable and easy to learn for those already familiar with other decks.

I recommend this set wholeheartedly for beginners and experienced tarot users alike.

I own many Tarot decks but this is my favorite one. This deck offers a wealth of details and symbolism, which will make interpretation resonate well for anyone who has a familiarity with the Roman/Greek Mythology and Astrology. Every corner of each card has more enlightening details to guide you through divination (including elements and the signs of the zodiac). In the corners of the Minor Arcana, are subtle small banners with words to suggest possible interpretations for upright and reversed cards, though this is not a simplistic deck by any means. The Major and Minor Arcana "Court Cards" feature some cards with Early Renaissance clad figures and some with more Ancient Roman influence. Of the Major Arcana, Fool, Magician, Empress, Emperor, Heirophant, Hermit, and Moon, and of the Minor Arcana "Court Cards" Wands, Swords, Chalices are more early (1490's-1550's)Renaissance. The Pentacles (represented as coins in this deck) Court cards having the exception in depicting solely Ancient Roman influence. The World card is similar in style to a Botticelli. The Chalices/Cups: depict the story of Psyche and Cupid/Eros uniting , and the tests of his mother Venus/Aphrodite. The Wands/Staves: relate the conquests and trials of Hercules. The Swords: show the passions of the Trojan War. The Coins/Pentacles: tell the story of the goddess of the harvest-Demeter, mother to the goddess of Spring-Persephone and Persephone's reluctant marriage to Hades-the lord of the dead. No detail has been spared. The backs of the cards are embellished with a repeating design which embodies the masculine and feminine forces of nature (center) and the elements as symbolized by turtles, birds etc. (in the corners). The backs of the cards have a white background, the images in a single color of umber. The colors on the fronts of the deck are reminiscent of early Renaissance paintings. Earth tones dominate, but there is quite a bit of subtle color in the Minor Arcana, whereas the Major Arcana features more range of color--captivating without overwhelming. You won't be able to take your eyes off this seductive deck. You will not be disappointed. This is a deck which will cheer you up just to look at it ! I own the Legend: Arthurian Tarot, Enchanted Tarot, Marseilles, Secret Tarot, and Art Nouveau Tarot (by Antonella Castelli), all are wonderful, but it is the Renaissance Tarot that friends and family gravitate to most. I am sure you will be as attached and will regard your deck as a favorite for years to come. Enjoy !

I bought two sets of these cards about six months ago. I believe that these cards are so much nicer than the rider-waite cards. Now I am buying another set of these cards. I've used them a great deal of time, and enjoy the feel and beauty of these cards. There is something about these cards that you will fall in love with.

The only thing you have to watch out about these cards is that they are larger than some cards. I actually like the size! You just have to make sure to get a velvet bag that the cards can fit into. Normal bags are too small.

I LOVE THIS SET and sooo should you!

These cards are just awesome! They are beautifully designed and will just take your breath away. The book has complete details about the meaning of the cards. This is one hot item that I highly recommend.