Customer Reviews

Tarot of Mermaids MINI

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Not a starter deck but beautiful and a collectors deck nonetheless. I love mermaids and was surprised to find a mermaid deck. My only complaint is that the illustrations are so wonderful that I wish the cards were larger and I actually did not realize it was a mini deck until I received them. I collect tarot decks and this is one I will keep. I also wish there was more to each individual card description, hardly any info there either. These have a different feel than another deck, I feel there is more to each card and subtle differences than the typical card meaning. No luck on the website provided for further information. But again if you love cards and mermaids don't hesitate to get one.

This is the second mini tarot set that I've bought by Lo Scarabeo (the first being the Art Nouveau tarot), and first of all, I must say that I love the size of these mini cards-- they're smaller than a regular playing card and fit my hands nicely.

This is an easy to read deck with simple imagery. The card of Justice, for example, is shown in a very traditional manner that evokes the Rider Waite deck: she is crowned, holding the sword and scales, and seated between pillars. She just happens to also be a mermaid! Temperance is another good example of unambiguous and lucid symbolism: the mermaid of that card is shown in a somewhat androgynous pose, pouring the liquid essence of life from one chalice to another, and at the edge between water and earth (traditional images of Temperance show an angel with one foot on land, one foot in the water). So, for those who seek a conventional tarot, this is a good deck with clear symbols.

Aesthetically speaking, this is a gorgeous deck, filled with soothing blue, gold, and green flourishes and very lovely mermaids. The minor arcana cards are presented in the same easy-to-read style as the major arcana, but with more mermaid-specific imagery-- for example, the Ace of Wands is shown as a mermaid underwater with one hand thrusting an oar into the air-- a very dynamic card. The fiery element of the suit of Wands is downplayed somewhat and is only evident if one is deliberately looking for it in the use of color symbolism. The creative aspect of this card is the foremost image that comes to mind, with illumination and ambitious action as strong impressions.

As for the set of instructions that comes with this deck, I find it very basic, but suitable as a jumping-off point for those who are new to the tarot in general or a reminder of a card's meaning. A simple explanation of each card is offered, for example, "Ace of Wands-- creation, initiative, point of departure" or "0 -- The Fool -- madness, non-conformism, lightheartedness". Some but not all of the alternate names for the cards, such as "Pentacles (Bells)", et cetera are included. (This leaves out other names, such as the names Coins, Disks, Stones, or Diamonds as synonyms for the suit of Pentacles). In the instructions, the very traditional spread the Celtic Cross is demonstrated, as well as a suggestion for choosing a "Card of the day" as an indicator for one's day. However, the instructions are somewhat limited-- this is first and foremost a tarot deck, not a tutorial book for the tarot!

All in all, this tarot would make a suitable first or second deck for a new tarot reader, as well a lovely and unique addition to the more experienced tarot reader's collection. Any lover of mermaids will not be disappointed!