Customer Reviews

The Shakespeare Oracle: Let the Bard Predict Your Future

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

 

 

I own several Tarot decks, but this one is by far most pleasing esthetically, except perhaps for Haindl's deck. The cards are solid and rather large, so they might take some getting used to, but no matter - the size goes perfect with the rest of the design characteristics. The booklet is written knowledgeably, both in terms of the Tarot and literature. A lovely tool whether one intends to divine, or simply meditate on humanity of Shakespeare's characters.

The title of this set: "Shakespear's Oracle" is slightly misleading to those searching around for just the right Tarot deck- but make no mistake, this IS a tarot set(complete 78 cards, major/minor arcana). The great thing about this deck is the subject: Shakespere's plays and characters are so inbedded in our culture(even after 400 years)that it's easy to relate to them(his character's also "reflect" the Tarot's images: King Henry VIII as the "Emperor"- no other historical figure could fit this card better!. Even if you are not familiar with Shakespere(a rare condition!), it's still easy to see the similarities between them. Glad I picked this one up and highly recommend it to any Tarot reader. 5 stars!

I gravitated towards this deck simply because it is Shakespeare. I have several other decks, but, being a former English major I thought this tarot would provide me with more insight.

At first glance, I was struck by the chunkiness of the cards. This deck is typical of an over-sized tarot set, but the cards seem thicker. I am 6'2" with large hands and I still find it problematic to shuffle this deck. I often find myself having to cut the deck in half in order to shuffle it.

The cards contain artwork that is apropos for the Elizabethan era. The colors are not too vibrant and have the feeling of old woodcuts. I am quite happy with the major arcana: the selection of artwork for each card is more than apt. It is in the minor arcana that this deck fails. The minor arcana follows the typical four suits (albeit transposed into sceptres, chalices, coins, and quills) of other decks. But, in other decks you will find what this minor arcana is lacking: art. Unfortunately, the artwork on the minor arcana is beyond boring. For example, a VI of Coins simply shows 6 coins and a scroll. Each minor arcana card is differentiated by these scrolls; each card of the minor arcana contains a quote plucked from the Bard in order to aid in interpretation. While some of these quotes are perfectly in line with standard interpretations of tarot meaning, others are a little more ambiguous and without a firm understanding of Shakespearian archetypes or tarot interpretation, a user will find himself going back to the book again and again to get an accurate interpretation.

So overall, it is a good set, especially if you are a fan of the Bard. The artwork on the major arcana really makes this deck a worthwhile addition to your tarot collection. But, I would recommend having a tarot book close by to help you through the minor arcana if you do not have the suits completely memorized by number alone.