First Impressions: The Wicca Moon Tarot

The Wicca Moon Tarot by Shirlee

I can't recall exactly where it was that I first saw images or mention of the Wicca Moon Tarot but I do know it was a few weeks ago and since then it's been on my mind.  I'd love to say that the image on the back of the cards was the sole reason for the deck catching my attention, as much as it looks like my beloved cat, but no it wasn't that although it does endear the deck to me quite a bit more.

First of all let me say that the speed of delivery was outstanding.  I ordered the deck on Saturday and it arrived today, Monday.  On opening the box I was impressed by the protective packaging but was even more impressed and delighted by the way the deck and book were wrapped in gift wrap and accompanied with a pack of incense.

Opening the softly scented gift wrap, the book and the deck tucked into a beautiful bag were revealed.  What a delightful experience to have on a chilly grey Monday morning.  It really felt like i'd received a gift.















So what are my first impressions?

The deck is contained in a tuck box with the image from the back of the cards on the front side with the deck title and address and website for Wicca Moon on the back.  The book is separate from the deck.

The Wicca Moon Tarot by Shirlee

The guidebook is A5 in size and is soft covered,  containing 118 pages in black and white with an image for each card in full page size.  The book by Shirlee is basic in terms of the meaning for each card, the character who inspired the card image and the relating Ogham, Rune and Planetary and Astrological Symbols.  I had hoped for more information and explanation about the Oghams and Runes for each card so am a little disappointed with that, but its a minor disappointment and doesn't change the way I feel about the deck at all.



The cards measure 14.5cm x 9.7cm and are printed on a thick matte cardstock making them a pleasure to handle.  Although they are larger that regular tarot decks (more like an oracle deck in size) they can still be shuffled easily by turning them on the shorter side.   I have small hands and manage quite easily this way.  The corners of the cards are square and after a bit of use have begun to wear a little so i've trimmed them with a corner rounder to avoid further damage and the result is pleasing.  The beautifully painted images are by Sandra Hollisbee on inspiration from the creator Shirlee.

The Wicca Moon Tarot by Shirlee

The Wicca Moon Tarot is a pip deck however the lovely thing about the cards is that there isn't a generic background to them all - they are illustrated to reflect the atmosphere or surroundings of the element of their suit. The pips are active - although there are no people represented, the placement of the swords, cups and wands convey the meaning of each card hinting at the RWS system - the pentacles less so though.

The Wicca Moon Tarot by Shirlee

The major arcana cards are rich in symbolism and the more you look the more detail you see.  This inspires me to want to learn more about what is found tucked away within the images.  The Sun card has got to be my most favourite Sun card in any deck so far.

The Wicca Moon Tarot by Shirlee

An interesting aspect of the deck are the court cards with the King and Queen of each suit portrayed together instead of the usual individual cards for each.  I really like this approach, especially since the court card couples are couples in real life.















I've not used the deck in a reading just yet so can't comment further from that point of view. However I can say at this stage of our relationship that it's a charming deck and is already providing lots of pleasure through the illustrations.  I've found myself returning consistently to this deck before bedtime to draw a card for the coming day - so this says a lot.



Wicca Moon Tarot by Shirlee
http://wiccamoon.org.uk

First Impressions: The Dragon Tarot

The Dragon Tarot by Nigel Suckling.

The Dragon Tarot by Nigel Suckling has been on and off my list for a few months.  On because of the Dragons and the Major Arcana - off because of the pips.  I decided to take the chance when the deck presented itself to me at a price that wouldn't make me sad if I didn't like the entire deck.















So what are my first impressions?

The Dragon Tarot by Nigel Suckling.

The box is attractive, good and sturdy and opens from the side revealing the book and the deck. These are held in position by a contraption made of thin white cardstock.  Sadly the configuration within the box becomes problematic once the deck has the plastic strip holding it together removed.  On putting the deck back into the box with the book, some cards slip down between the side of the box and the contraption and could potentially cause damage to the cards themselves. Ideally this should be taken out and thrown away - which I did.  The book and cards sit rather comfortably and free from harm inside the box without it.

The Dragon Tarot by Nigel Suckling.

The guidebook is soft covered and measures 13.5cm x 16cm,  containing 63 glossy and ornate pages in full colour.  The book by Nigel Suckling is informative in terms of the description of the card, upright and reversed meaning but doesn't go on to provide information to help with learning to read with pip cards. Five spreads are included in the book.

The Dragon Tarot by Nigel Suckling.

The cards measure 8.2cm x 13cm and are quite thin however being quite glossy are provided with some support and protection.   The beautifully painted images are by Roger and Linda Garland.  The illustrations in the Major Arcana, Courts and Aces are really lovely, with gorgeous dragons and lots of little details.

The Dragon Tarot by Nigel Suckling.

The pips are pleasing in that a landscape scene runs though each card which, when placed alongside another from it's suit, joins together to form a broader landscape view.  Although the borders are rather wide, this expanding landscape effect isn't really affected.  Each suit has a different setting from the others.



I've not used the deck in a reading just yet so can't comment further from that point of view. However I can say at this stage of our relationship that it's a charming deck and is already providing lots of pleasure through the illustrations.


The Dragon Tarot published by Cico Books.  Text by Nigel Suckling, editing by Liz Dean and illustrations by Roger and Linda Garland.

First Impressions: Game of Thrones Tarot

Game of Thrones Tarot.
©HBO Inc

It was with much excitement that my copy of the Game of Thrones Tarot arrived after months of eager anticipation.  I know I was definitely not alone in my feelings!

So what are my first impressions?

The box is great, nice and sturdy with a flip up lid revealing two recesses - one containing the cards and the other the book.  Both are easily removed using the ribbon within each recess.

Game of Thrones Tarot.
©HBO Inc

The guidebook is quite adorable, although i'd have preferred it about A5 in size because I absolutely need to wear my glasses when reading it.  It is hard covered and measures 12.2cm x 7cm,  containing 106 pages which are sepia in tone, with the text in black and the titles and numbers in brown ink.  The book by Liz Dean is informative and well written with explanations for each of the cards and how they relate to the story and character presented in the image.

The cards measure 12cm x 7cm and are good quality with a gorgeous smooth linen finish.  The hand-drawn images by Craig Coss are in a muted but rich palette and capture the characters beautifully.  This deck is such a pleasure to look at and to handle.

Game of Thrones Tarot.
©HBO Inc

I've not used the deck in a reading just yet so can't comment further from that point of view. However I can say, for me personally, that without a doubt it is definitely not one that's going to sit unused as a collector's item.  It's been quite chatty already while i've been looking through it.

A disappointment is that I wish some of the characters didn't repeat elsewhere in the deck and there are some characters who I would have loved to see included that aren't.  For example, Gilly who I would have loved to see as The Star.

I'm so pleased to have this set and look forward to getting to know it even more.

Game of Thrones Tarot.
©HBO Inc

Game of Thrones Tarot published by Chronicle Books for HBO.  Design by Michael Morris, text by Liz Dean and illustrations by Craig Coss.