Customer Reviews

Universal Waite Pocket Edition

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I ordered these because I like my larger (regular-sized) deck of Universal Tarot *so* much, and wanted something I could carry around. I got my deck today. My first thought was, "Eh. They're okay, I guess." I've now compared them to a pocket-sized original deck, and I guess I like them a little better. Enough to keep them. In comparison to the original RWS (Rider-Waite-Smith), the artwork is just more refined, with more detail in the shadows and such.

I do not, however, feel as though I got what I was hoping for. In comparing them with the large Universal Deck, the colors are more vibrant, which I don't like as much, but it's not just that, they are also more grainy.

For instance, if I compare the Ace of Swords, on the regular-sized deck, the sky is just a smooth grey. On the pocket deck, it's not only darker, but it has a noticeable grain to it. Now, whether this is better or worse may be a matter of personal opinion. I showed the difference to my husband and he liked the smaller one better. The one thing he mentioned was that on the pocket deck, you can see the radiance around the hand. On the large deck, you can barely see it.

On the larger deck, it's like there's a diffusion on it. That's the only way I can describe it. It gives it a softer, more subtle look. That's really what I was looking for, and what I like so much about the large Universal Deck. But, like I say, I think I probably like it more now that I've compared it to the original RWS deck, because the artwork does look much more refined and detailed.

I have several small decks: the original RWS in both mini and pocket size; Albino; LS Universal; and now this one. I was tired of the colors of the RWS and the Albino, and I'm not always in the mood to use the LS Universal, so I'll probably find this one useful. It's just not what I was hoping for. If you think you're going to get something that looks just like the large Universal Tarot, you won't. I do have to say, though, the backs on these are *awesome!* They're a very cool blue design with clouds and a yellow star.

A lot of people comment on the box. It *is* a nice box. I'm not sure how useful it will be carrying around, because it's pretty substantial, so just weight-wise, I'll probably put them in a bag, but it *is* very nice.

The one last thing I'll comment on is, I don't think the quality of the cards is quite as nice as the on the large deck. The large deck seems to have a much smoother finish. But the card weight seems to be fine. I think it'll be a useful deck. Now, I'll be interested if they ever decide to put out a mini or pocket-sized Radiant deck.

Caat

Addendum: July 19, 2007: I wouldn't change anything I've said about these cards, but I do need to say that the more I use them, the more I like them.

Caat

This is a nice-sized portable deck. I've been enjoying my full-sized Universal Waite and wanted to get something smaller to carry with me sometimes. This deck is a good size for smaller hands and still has good detail in the images, unlike some of the miniature decks. What I like about the Universal Waite is that the lines of the drawings are finer than the original Rider Waite and the coloring is more shaded, making the pictures look less cartoonish. One difference between this deck and the standard size Universal Waite is the colors are a little different. The greys are darker and the reds are a little duller, as though the pictures were photographed in a different light for this deck. The result is that this deck doesn't look quite as bright as the standard size deck. However, another effect is that some of the more subtle pastel blending on the cards is more visible, which is appealing. Another difference is that this deck doesn't have the glossy coating of the larger deck. The packaging is excellent, a sturdy little box with a top that slides on. Too bad the standard size deck doesn't come in the same style package.

I pre-ordered this MONTHS ago, and it arrived today! It comes in a nifty little dark blue box, with artwork from the deck of course. This box is much better than standard, where the top comes completely off: less wear on that one card that ends up at the back of the deck, plus it just looks nicer. The backs are a little different: dark blue sky with blue clouds and a single yellow star in the middle. The colors are much more vivid than the newer version of the standard-sized Univeral Waite (um, maybe USGames should look into that, as it's obviously a printing issue). Of course the size is very nice for us small-handed Tarot-holics! Well done version.

I use the regular sized Universal-Waite deck and thought having a small version to keep in my purse would be great.

As another reviewer mentioned, this deck has a grainy colorization to it. To me, it is as if I am looking at the card deck while wearing a pair of sunglasses or looking at it through dark tinted glass. The colors are more washed and a little deeper. The colors are bright but dark at the same time. Whomever the printer was, needed to turn up the brightness and saturation on these images!

The cards themselves seem only slightly better than the feel and thickness of an index card or Rolodex card. I have to admit I was expecting more.

This deck will grow on me. I don't hate it but don't love it. I just wish the colors and quality of card stock was as nice as they could have made it for the amount I paid for them. The box is nice and holds the cards respectfully, which I do like.

For years I have been using the Aquarian Tarot because I was turned off by the artwork on the original Rider Waite. I do, however, like the symbolism of the original deck, which was very carefully worked out by Waite, and I would often refer to it in order to delve into the subtler meanings of the cards. Thus I am delighted by Mary Hanson-Roberts' reworking of Pamela Coleman Smith's original illustrations. The Universal Waite cards are very beautiful, and all of the original symbolism has been preserved, as far as I can tell. I got the pocket version because it is the perfect size for easy shuffling and portability.

The Universal Waite deck is my favorite of all the flavors of Rider-Waite Tarot Decks on the market. The original drawings have been re-colored by Mary Hanson-Roberts and they are beautiful to look at as well as inspiring to use for readings.

This deck is smaller than a normal tarot deck but not as small as mini tarot card decks. They measure ~3.5" x 2.25" in size. They come in a heavy duty box with a lift off lid. It measures ~3.5" x 2.75" x 1.5" in size. The top comes off without much effort, so I keep the deck in a travel case that is used for soap.

My only issue with this deck is that the language in the LWB is somewhat archaic, flowery and hard to follow at times. It reminds me of Victorian English using terms like hoodwinked for blindfolded. It is not really a problem since this deck is easy to read without any help.

One more thing I was happy with about my deck is that the drawings are very fine with more detail visible on this deck than on my Albino-Waite deck which uses the same line work; and this deck is smaller.

This deck I would recommend if you want a deck of tarot cards to travel with or carry with you. I am very glad I bought this deck.

I have a fairly small hand. Wrapping my hand around the larger tarot decks for shuffling has always been difficult. This deck is about an inch shorter than the regular Universal deck and a bit smaller than a regular playing card deck. Its soo much easier for me to riffle shuffle.

The card stock isn't as sturdy as the full-sized tarot cards, and the colors are just slightly different but they're still the images I've come to know. The card size isn't too small so you can still make out the details of the image so I can still easily focus my attention on the meanings.

The little box is nice. Not a travel box but sturdier than expected. All-in-all I'm pleased with this deck!

I personally carry and use this deck full-time as my *main* deck! I have very small hands, and most full-size decks are too large for me to shuffle skillfully or handle comfortably.

This deck also gives very accurate Readings on myself and others. Great for daily draws, as well.
I love the box it comes in, but I don't use it, instead just tuck the deck and little white book in a tarot bag, and have it in my purse, at all times.

Makes a great gift for family and friends, and the small size would be excellent as a first deck for kids or teens, as well.

I was already a proud owner of the Druidcraft Tarot but I wanted an actual Waite deck also.

This deck is just like the large Universal Waite Tarot except the cards are about the size of regular playing cards - about 1/4 inch slimmer. The cards are all colorful, well-illustrated and easy to read. The back of the cards has a dark blue evening sky with clouds and an octagram in the center. I honestly like this deck better than the large version - much more space to give readings yet still good quality. This is not one of those cheaply-manufactured decks by any means.

They are also very compact and easy to carry around. They come in a box with a top that comes off. The deck also includes a mini-booklet with all the meanings of the cards and a history of the Tarot. I couldn't be happier with this purchase (and I'm usually very picky).

I LOVE this deck!! The size is absolutely PERFECT!! It's not like the mini decks you get in other pocket editions. These are very similar to the size of a deck of playing cards. I like the imagery a LOT. It's bold enough to see all of the symbolism but not overly bright. The little box it comes in is AWESOME for storage as well as carrying it around from place to place. I have to say that I have only done a handful of readings with it BUT...It has been so accurate and SPOT on with the advice! I feel very connected and that is the most important thing! This is my new FAVORITE deck!!!