Universal Tarot [Cards]

Lo Scarabeo (Author), R. De Angelis (Illustrator), A. E. Waite (Designer)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 8, 2001

Drawn according to the instructions of the famous occultist Arthur E. Waite, artist Roberto De Angelis provides the student of Tarot with a useful working deck, appropriate for divination and study. Containing all the elements of traditional Tarot arranged in new and interesting compositions, this deck is perfect for the serious apprentice as well as the seasoned reader. Readers will recognize familiar scenes while being delighted by De Angelis' uncluttered adaptations and sophisticated use of color.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Since 1987, Art Publisher Lo Scarabeo has published over 100 Tarot decks that have been acclaimed all over the world for originality and quality. Only the best Italian and International artists are selected for our new decks, and the result is that Lo Scarabeo's decks are all recognizable as an exceptional artistic value.

Tradition
One of Lo Scarabeo's goals is the preservation of traditional Tarot decks.

Development
New decks and ideas are continually gathered from all over the world. This allows Lo Scarabeo to produce some of the most innovative decks available today.

Quality
Lo Scarabeo is committed to ever increasing quality and beauty of their products.

Distribution
*Llewellyn is the exclusive distributor of Lo Scarabeo products in North America.

Product Details

• Cards: 78 pages
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications; Cards edition (January 8, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 073870007X
• ISBN-13: 978-0738700076
• Product Dimensions: 2.8 x 4.9 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #607,361 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An alternative of the classic Raider Waite deck, December 15, 2002

By 

Yu Mei Chi - See all my reviews

This review is from: Universal Tarot (Cards)

I'm a beginner of tarot and I was wondering of which deck to choose before. I prefered to start from the classic deck of Raider Waite for a solid foundation. As many resources and books of tarot are based upon this deck. However, I found that no matter in the design, colours and brushstroke in the Raider or the Universal Waite are not as delicate as the Universal Tarot. Roberto de Angelis made a fantastic rendition in watercolour of the images. He kept most of the original features and essence in the Raider deck. When I look into the images I feel soft and calm. Moreover, the texture and size of this deck are just wonderful that when you play the card, it is so smooth as if you are touching silk. If you want to choose a deck which contains the traditional spirit in a graceful and elegant taste. The Universal Tarot would be a good choice.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Rider-Waite style deck, March 20, 2008

By 

Ikoi Hiroe "productmaven" (southern california) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Universal Tarot (Cards)

I have the mini version of this deck.

I ordered this deck by mistake thinking I was ordering the Universal Waite deck. When I received this deck, I was actually disappointed, but I kept it and it has grown on me. It is now one of my favorite deck to carry/travel with.

The comic-style artwork is very high quality, but the style is something I took some time for me to get used to. I actually don't care for the chiseled superhero look that some of the men have in this deck- but I actually adore the female depictions and find that they more than compensate for the lack of enthusiasm I have for the men.

Lo Scarabeo always produces top-notch decks in terms of print quality and card stock. The cards are a dream to shuffle, easy to spread like soft butter, and the printing is always spectacular. In that regard, this card is a joy to use.

Where this card shines is the usage of color. Reading tarot can be stressful on the eyes with some of the more vivid cards, especially if you do it for hours on end (I often end up reading for an entire night if I go to a party and I have a deck with me). This deck used subtle and muted colors and isn't jarring or garish. Hence, this deck is my preferred deck for doing readings for any extended amount of time.

This is a great beginners' deck and also a great deck for any level that enjoy Rider-Waite type decks. If you like the comic-book style artwork, then you'll really enjoy this one.

If you're not into the comic-book artwork in this deck, try the Universal-Waite or the original Rider-Waite.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Qabalistically correct Rider-Waite knock-off, December 2, 2010

By 

Angelina H. - See all my reviews

This review is from: Universal Tarot (Cards)

Two comments: First, there have been many excellent reviews of this tarot. I just want to add that while the Rider-Waite deck has deliberate "blinds" meant to keep the reader from correctly knowing certain tarot "secrets," this Universal Tarot does not have those "blinds." Secondly, the deck is very, very user friendly. A lot of small decks are either too stiff or too flimsy. This deck is just right. It's flexible enough to shuffle thoroughly (unlike, say, the Connelly small size deck), but strong enough to hold up under lots of use. It's big enough for the scenes to have their proper impact but small enough to carry conveniently in your pocket.
It is clear that a lot of thought went into the creation and manufacturing of this deck. It's got a really fair price, too. I was able to get one for myself and my 4 children, so we can all study and do readings together.