Customer Reviews

Rohrig Tarot

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I like the artwork in this deck, but the meanings seem a little off to me. Perhaps its because the deck seems to be derived from the Alister Crowley Thoth tarot deck (kings are called knights, knights are called princes, card names are obviously taken from the thoth deck, etc.) and I don't entirely agree with crowley's interpretation. Also, the artist seems to be obcessed with breasts. Naked women don't disturb me at all (in fact I like them :) but the disembodied breats in some of the cards are really bizarre. I suppose being disturbed is part of what art is about though :) The other thing that bothers me is that the cards are too big and difficult to shuffle. I'd rather pay less and have smaller cards that are easier to work with. This is a great deck for a collector but not a good deck for someone who just wants a deck to read with.

This is without question a beautiful book. The illustrations alone are worth the cover price (if your a fan of the style ... as I am). In addition, his wife Carol, has written the commentary on the cards. She offers a comtemporary commentary on this ancient means of divination and prophecy bringing it cleanly into the present. While the text is updated the references used include symbolism associated with more traditional decks such as the Waite. Rohrig has interpeted the tarot according to both the traditional symbols found in older decks and his own more contemporary mystical insights. I personally enjoy using this deck for the illustrations and the symbols contained therein as I tend to a more Jungian approach to tarot and this deck is particularly appropriate to an archetypal reading. I have also found that the comments on the cards and the interpertations Carol Rohrig offers to be useful and illuminating additions to my usage of the tarot. As an additional or only tarot deck for those of you who would like a more contemporary approach I recommend this deck without reservation.

I have used the Rohrig Tarots cards for over 11 years now and I have to say that while I collect other cards, this deck is still my all time favorite and the one I use.

I started out with this deck not knowing very much about tarot. Over the years I have become a tarot afficionado and what is brilliant about this deck is that the art conveys the meaning of the cards beautifully. Stunning art with a contemporary twist, the major arcana cards meanings are not as readily apparent for a beginner so make sure to hang on to the little white book (LWB) that comes with the deck. Even if you purchase the book specific to this deck, the major arcana isn't explained easily for a beginner unless the beginner is well versed in astrology, runes, and other esoteric studies.

I have heard others stating that the deck is too large, but I haven't had much of a problem with this. Once you developed the knack of shuffling, it becomes relatively easy to do. Tarot decks that are meant to be used for readings seldom stay in pristine conditions. Instead of trying to shuffle length wise, shuffling width wise is very workable.

For those who are not comfortable with nudity, specifically that of the female breast, this is not the deck for you. The blatant sexuality apparent on the cards may shock some, so for the faint of heart or those underage, look elsewhere. However, if the nude form doesn't bother you and you understand the sybolism it conveys, this deck couldn't be more gorgeous and accurate and perfect for your use.

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Visually, this is the most stunning deck I have ever seen. I am more of a Tarot Card collector than a Tarot Card reader, so I cannot really say how accurate the readings are with this deck. What I can say is WOW! What art! Everyone I have shown it to was also stunned by how great the artwork is. If the deck were close to a size that an average human can actually shuffle, I would say it is my favorite deck. Maybe someone could prevail upon the producers of this deck to come out with it in a pocket size version, as US Games has done for the Rider-Waite and the Crowley-Thoth decks -- or at least something closer to the standard-sized Tarot deck. This deck is not for the traditionalist or the feminist (or prude) who is upset by nude human anatomy -- in other words, if you don't like adult images or if you are afraid of a modern reinterpretation of Tarot's ancient symbolism, stay away from this deck. On the other hand, if you want a deck with images containing all the power of the Crowley deck but little of the darkness of that deck, this one is for you.

Without a doubt, the Rohrig Tarot is my favorite tarot. It is the one that I read with, and it has given me stunningly accurate results.

I would particularly suggest the Rohrig for those who are deeply in touch with their emotions. The art is sensual, sexual, and the cards speak in a language that is deeply intuitive to the empath. Carl's art is simply inspired.

If you are planning to use this deck on a serious or professional level, the companion book is a must have. There are subtle variations between the Rohrig and (for example) the Thoth or the Rider. Carl explains these subtle shifts in detail, and they'll make a lot of difference in your readings.

"Certainly anyone who is seeking spiritual understanding has heard of the tarot. But what is it? Perhaps the tarot is best described as an initiation into a secret metaphorical language-a language that leads each of us to our own spiritual center." - From the Rohrig Tarot Book

Aesthetically speaking, the Rohrig tarot deck is the most beautifully captivating deck I've seen. In fact, this deck contains some of my favorite tarot images-especially The Fool, Magus, High Priestess, Hermit, and the Court Cards. At first glance, you may think you're looking at a collage deck, especially with images and writing superimposed on torn notebook paper. Upon closer inspection, however, you realize that German artist Carl-W Rohrig has painted each of the vibrant images. Sensuous lines (and bodies), hues of electric blues, starscapes, photo-realism, and stunning visual metaphors grace this sumptuous deck. Another intriguing aspect of the Rohrig tarot is the artist's inclusion of sketches and writing on the cards-mostly on lined notebook paper renderings, but also on the component images themselves.

For example, on the headdress of the Knight of Swords, Rohrig has written-in both English and German-words like passion, flexible, ambition, straightness, thinking, aims, concerning. On the Magus card, the upper part of the Magician's head gives way to a star-lit sky, with a bright super nova at the center. Rohrig has superimposed writings and sketches on the body of the Magus, which include a drawing of a winged foot (Mercury), sketches of lemniscates (the infinity symbol that's above the Magician in RWS decks) and the German words for communication, flexibility, and geniality.

The writings and sketches themselves are an added source for intuitive information, but so are the visual metaphors that Rohrig employs. For example, a large, round eggshell-hued sphere is superimposed on the belly of a naked woman on the Princess of Disks card. With the Judgment card, a trumpet mouthpiece floats below a woman's chin, symbolic of the horn blown on the traditional Judgment card. In fact, a sketch resembling the RWS card is on the lower left of the image.

The cards are quite large, measuring approximately 6 ½ by 3 ½ inches. The backs are non-reversible, but depict a surreal water/spacescapes of blues, violet, and silver-with hints of black, hot pink, and black. The card attributions follow traditional renderings and each of the Major Arcana cards depicts a Hebrew letter, astrological glyph, and rune symbol. These are explained in the Rohrig Tarot Book, but not in the L(ittle) W(hite) B(ook) that accompanies the deck. The LWB is eleven pages and provides key words and phrases for each of the cards. Both the LWB and the Rohrig Tarot Book provide three spreads and an explanation: The Cross, The Seven Cards, and the Partner Spread.

Disks, Swords, Cups, and Wands comprise the Minor Arcana, with the Court titles following the Princess, Prince, Queen, and Knight tradition. At the top of each fully illustrated Minor Arcana card, the suit name is displayed in light gray, almost like a shadow, while the keyword is superimposed in dark black. This could present some difficulty for those new to Tarot or beginning readers, because, at times, the suit isn't obvious-especially with the Cups.

If you're not sure you'd like to work with the Rohrig Tarot, you could always purchase the Rohrig Tarot Book, a 160-page companion book that reproduces each card in full-color on its glossy pages. The only thing missing from the card images in the book are the borders, which include the card title/keyword at top. In the companion book, Francesca Marzano-Fritz provides a thorough treatment of the Majors. Her insights are sharp, accessible, and profound. However, only key phrases are included for the Minors and Courts.

If you're a fan of artist Salvador Dali or collage decks in general, I'd be very surprised if you weren't seduced and enamored by the Rohrig Tarot. Surrealistic and symbolic, this deck captures the senses and stimulates the imagination. It's probably not a good working deck for those new to the tarot, but the Rohrig Tarot is a must-have for those who collect art decks. Personally, this deck doesn't work well for me in terms of readings, however, I've found the cards to be fantastic for contemplation-and I can see how they'd work great for journaling, as well.

(To see 9 card images from the Rohrig Tarot, visit the Reviews--Decks section at JanetBoyer.com)

I've been using this deck in my work for the past 15 years and it is my preferred deck. In my opinion the cards are wonderful and my clients and I can all relate to them. The imagery on the cards is beautiful and acceptable to today's adults, be aware they are adult oriented and do depict some nudity. The imagery and color selection elicit responses and reaction from the sitter and the reader and serve as a wonderful conduit of connectivity. There are some many themes embedded in the images, Jungian, traditional, even some Crowley. Additionally, there are other systems embedded into the card, numerology and astrology just to name two. Every time I use the cards I notice something new, something I've missed even with 15 years of use. These cards are wonderful.

Hopefully they will be republished. I personally believe they are well worth the $25 price tag that was affixed to them and would be willing to pay up to $50. BUT I would not support the opportunistic profiteers asking more than TEN TIMES the original commercial price tag.

Don't buy this deck if you are offended by nudity because there's plenty of it. As a professional reader, I return to it again and again because its beautifully-rendered images speak to me and make for a very in-depth reading. The cards are large and thin, and it takes a bit of adjustment to learn to shuffle them, but once you have this deck, don't be surprised if it becomes your favorite, as it has mine.

This tarot provides a good tool for daily mediative readings. I have used it most effectively in giving readings to others, for the visual imagery is stunning, the addition of runes in the major arcana symbolism is exquisite, and the use of modern day symbols helps those I'm giving a reading understand the cards themselves. quite useful, extremely beautiful.

I have been reading cards since I was a child and am 41 now. I have over 20 different decks and use this one almost exclusively. For one, the imagery is gorgeous. Unlike a few other reviewers, I don't find the nudity inappropriate at all. It's done tastefully, the bodies shown are all beautiful and the end result is about as offensive as a statue or a painting in a museum. I especially love that the deck has been modernized (ie - the Chariot as a race car). I've taught others to read, and I think that the "traditional" images almost hamper a learner's efforts. The fact that the deck is modern allows readers to connect with it more, and as a result, obtain better, more insightful readings. I HIGHLY recommend this deck and feel that it is worth every penny of the price. I would like to see the same artist design other decks as well.

The only slight negative/suggestion that I have for this deck - being that it is modern - is that the artist should have included "alternate" cards for The Lovers. I have experienced reading for gay and lesbian couples, and I think it would offer them a more personalized experience if I could substitute the man/woman couple with a Lovers of two men or two women. But that is the only comment I have. As I said, I LOVE this deck.