Customer Reviews

Swiss 1JJ Tarot Deck

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

 

 

I have the version with the French titles, but the images are the same as in this edition. As one reviewer noted, the art is reminiscent of the visually stunning Soprafino decks, but the 1JJ seems to have a certain warmth and friendliness that makes it a joy to use. This is probably my all time favorite deck, and I have been using Tarot cards since 1969. Don't be put off by the non-scenic pip cards. There are several easy systems for interpreting them. (For example, the Tarot Authentique web site offers some good suggestions.) Eventually you may want to devise your own system.

This is the deck that I was given as a gift when I was 17 (a long time ago). I have since replaced it twice. The Rider-Waite decks have more symbolism, but this is the deck that I have used the longest and that I am most comfortable with. I think the cards and the coloring are beautiful.

If this deck is out-of-stock, check out the "Tarot Fortune Telling Game." This is a combination of the deck plus a book, for about the same price.

The images are simply beautiful, the size makes it easy to handle, is truly a magical gem !

When this deck became available I bought it as a collector's novelty because of its early association with U.S. Games and the intriguing appearance of Juno and Jupiter instead of the Pope and Papess. After seeing a previous reviewer compare it to the Soprafino decks, I expected finely drawn art that would be somewhat stale for readings. However, this deck possesses a unique vitality that combines with the quality of the art to produce a delightful reading deck. For those who fail to connect with the Pope and Papess or their modern equivalents, the High Priestess and the Hierophant, Junon and Jupiter may provide a workable solution. The scenes do present variation from those of the traditional Marseille, but I believe the detail of the figures and the evocativeness of the imagery are enough for an advanced reader to find beneficial. My only complaint is that this deck departs from tradition by listing the titles in English rather than French or Italian. Also this is a pip deck, meaning the suit cards are not fully illustrated, which may make reading difficult for those who are more comfortable with modern decks such as the Rider-Waite.

I was but a small child when I first seen these cards on TV of all places on "Dark Shadows" in 1968. I felt they must be sinister and haunted. We've come a long way from those primative attitudes of the cards and thier meaning. I was afraid to buy them as I grew older. I believe it was in 1987 that I finally gathered up courage to pick up my second deck of cards. My first was the traditional Rider Waite.

With fear and curiosity, I glanced at each card. It is strange now that this "Marseilles" style deck was the only deck commecially available in the U.S. until 1971. The images seem to echo a time gone by; the minors are not illustrated, The color scheme is not very broad, yet to many this was the Tarot. All of the sinister associations came with it. Now, this attitude seems inane. Within 40 years, this simple pack of cards would be revised, augmented and loved by many as a tool for divination and wisdom. It is worth having for this reason alone to add to one's collection!

The 1JJ is an absolute delight. I've been using many different forms of divination, never thought I'd even purchase Tarot cards. A mentor brought them to a workshop recently with several other decks. They've been talking ever since! Absolutely a delight to work with. Vivid colors, strong suits, and well detailed Major cards. I've done research on this deck and although the Marsailles requires more thought and familiarity with suits it is well worth the time.

After a considerable amount of academic research into the history of the pack I've come - much to my own surprise - to the conclusion that the minor arcana of the IJJ (at least) is a most faithful reproduction of the very earliest traditions in the west, truer even than the Visconti-Sforza's minor arcana. The IJJ Major Arcana may have been equally authentic, but the nineteenth-century card-makers who modernised it let their heads go and there isn't enough left of the original form to be quite sure. (Luckily they didn't spend so much effort on the minor arcana).