Customer Reviews

Universal Tarot

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

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This is a good deck in various ways. The artist try to render the classical Raider Waite or Universal Waite in a more soft and delicate version by the wonder application of watercolour. It gives a peaceful and imtimate feeling. Moreover, the size and texture are just fantastic! When you play it you'll find it as smooth as silk! This deck kept most of the original design and features in the Raider Waite deck, if you are planning to learn tarot by the traditional classic system, this would be a very good choice other than the Raider one.

Frankly, this is really superior to the standard Rider-Waite in every aspect. The art is good, and symbolism is abundant. Mr. De Angelis faithfully referred to the original instruction from Arthur E. Waite and did a better job than Pamela Coleman Smith. Simply perfect.

Lo Scarabeo shines when it comes to the content and art of the deck. Where they don't shine is card stock. Thin and flappy. Also, do they HAVE to put the name of the card in 27 languages on the face of each and every single card?