Customer Reviews

The Tarot of Oz

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Tarot of Oz, a set of all 78 Tarot cards and a small book that helps explain them, has wonderful art, and a booklet that helps new users of this deck interpret readings. But, as a Tarot card reader myself, and Oz fan for many years, there are at least two places where I think it misses the boat.

First the good news. The deck is wonderfully illustrated with images of the L Frank Baum Oz characters - some of whom many people will be unfamiliar with if they have not read beyond "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz". There are illustrations from several of Baum's later Oz characters. The art is very much in keeping with the childlike fairyland of Oz. Also, after some getting used to these unusual new images, Tarot readers may be able to use these cards to get a fresh interpretation of the various meanings of Tarot cards. There's also a mini-story that goes along with each of the minor arcana series that can help in further exploration of the hidden meanings of the cards.

Dorothy is used to represent Coins (although Sexton calls them, more appropriately in this case, "stones") - and she is a very good example of someone who would be centered in that suit, with her constant desire to want to return home. Coins is the suit of Earth. Many of the images from Sexton's suit of Stones come from Baum's book "Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz" in which Dorothy returns to Oz in a most unusual fashion - through the center of the Earth. A very appropriate choice of story for these cards.

The Tin Man is used to represent Cups - and he is an excellent example of someone who has centered his very existence on the Heart, with his never-ending desire to prove that he still has emotions. Cups is the suit of the Heart. Many of the images from the suit of Cups come from Baum's book "The Tin Woodman of Oz" in which Nick (the Tin Woodman) Chopper finally goes in search of his true love. A very appropriate choice of story for these cards as well.

Now the bad news. There's at least two major mistakes, in my opinion. Sexton has the Scarecrow representing the suit of Swords and the Lion representing the suit of Wands. But it's the Scarecrow that is seeking knowledge - and knowledge is a facet of finding illumination, which is best represented by the suit of Wands. Even more telling, the Scarecrow is afraid of fire. Does that represent a fear of what might happen if he is revealed to "have a brain"? I feel this helps prove he could be better represented by Wands. On the other suit, the "Cowardly" Lion is seeking courage - and courage is a facet of fighting. Fighting and conflict is primarily represented by Swords. The Lion, therefore, could probably be better represented by Swords.

Other than these two mistakes, I'd still recommend purchasing this deck - Oz fans will love the illustrations - especially of the more esoteric characters, and Tarot Card readers, once they get used to the unusual illustrations, may find this deck helpful in readings - especially of children. 4 out of a possible 5 stars - I would have given it a perfect 5 if the Scarecrow had been Wands and the Lion had been Swords.

I must say that Mr. Sexton is wonderful! Really he is! This deck is so gorgeous and wonderful illustrated, it is unreal. Mr. Sexton really did his homework and presented the fruits of is labor is a deck of wonderfully illustrated cards. Tarot of Oz, comes in a little slipcase that houses the deck and the book. The book is an adorable 192 pages illustarted manual that not only gives the meaning (or interpretation) of the card but also the history behind the character of scene. The pictures themselves stay 100% true to the books( the Baum books that is) and are superbly done. The deck is a large size (good for us with big hands) and printed in heavy stock paper. The suits are wands, swords, stones, and cups, with each suite following a certain Oz story(for example the stones following the story of "Dorothy and The Wizard in Oz"). This is a must have for any hardcore Oz fan (and more delight for tarot enthusiats with and Oz obsession!), and is sure to delight all the children in your life.

David Sexton has presented a lovely deck based on the majority of the Oz books, of which there are now more than fifty. He does not even make an attempt at correlating them with the classic movie, which may make it difficult for people who are not extremely well acquainted with L. Frank Baum and his successors' Oz universe, but it is a blessing for those of us who are, as the deck is worlds more well-rounded than it would be otherwise.

Like other reviewers, however, I found that the correlation of the suit of swords with the Scarecrow and the wands with the Lion was not the most appropriate. I know that this discrepancy is based on some magickal systems which associate the sword with the element of air, and therefore the intellect, and wands with the element of fire, and therefore with virility, passion, conflict, and courage. Many modern occultists, however, agree that these associations were "blinds" created by ceremonial magicians to discern between those inside the fold and those outside. It certainly makes sense to me, as wands are a gentler magickal tool and would certainly be consumed by fire, whereas swords are forged and created by fire and are easily recognizeable as being associated with conflict. Still, even with this issue, the deck is lovely and very useful as a meditative and divinatory aid.

Again, those who are not and who don't plan on becoming well versed in the mythology of Oz in its entirety would probably find the imagery in this deck too obscure, and would certainly not be able to figure out what luminaries such as Santa Claus are doing in the deck, but those who love Oz, as I have for over 30 years, will find this exquisitely rendered deck a joy to peruse, and likely an excellent divinatory tool.

Postscript: For those who would like to use the deck and need to get acquainted with the world of Oz, or need to brush up on the series, Jack Snow's "Who's Who in Oz" is invaluable.

What a breath of fresh air!

I've been fascinated with tarot cards for years, but lately have become disenchanted with new decks that focus on dark, scary themes and monochromatic colors. Many times these decks come with a book equally foreboding and dull.

The Tarot of Oz brings imagination and vivid colors to the Fool's journey in a whimsical and delightful tarot deck. It has been a pleasure to spend quiet time each day reflecting on life's lessons with these beautiful cards.

Thank you, David Sexton, for rediscovering the Joy and Fun in tarot meditations!

The Tarot of OZ is Wonderful! David Sexton captures the energy and essence of the OZ stories with great compassion. I have been looking for a Tarot Deck to truly call my own. Thanks to David I have done it. My love for the OZ stories and interest in the mystical arts are right here in my hands. Thanks David......!!!!

David's art work is truly Spiritual. I recommend you take a look at his other works.

I ordered this for a friend who collects and loves all things "Oz". She loved it. I would recommend this item. The packaging and delivery speed were fine.

This is a light hearted and attractive deck suitable for kids who know and appreciate Baum's "Oz" books. Interesting to see Sexton's take on weaving RWS meanings into Baum's narratives. Stylish art too. Only one negative comment - Sexton seems to have a hard time drawing young girl's faces - many look prematurely aged; some of the older female characters also have a tendency to look like men in drag.

I bought this deck because it connected two things I love... Tarot and Oz. I was curious and a little worried about how the two things might fit together. I must say I am really impressed by the research and the connections made by the author between the two subjects. Of course, the Wizard of Oz is a quest for the four elements of the Tarot! Home, a Brain, Courage and a Heart are Pentacles, Swords, Wands and Cups! Why didn't I realize that before! There were so many AHA moments for me while exploring the deck that I lost count. Highly recommended! Wonderful indeed!

This is Out Of Print, and the prices today are really reasonable. I recommend buying while the prices are still low.
I've been really enjoying playing with this deck. It has some great angles on the readings.

These cards are very creative and interesting. You have to read more than just "the Wizard of Oz" to know all of the figures depicted on the cards. The use of the big Oz on each card is very artistically pleasing. I think it is a great collectors deck. I do not think I'll use the deck for reading cards, though.