Gaian Tarot Cards – Box set, September 8, 2011

I've owned the self-published all-majors Gaian deck for a couple of years, and love them. With this newly published full 78-card deck, I found some problems in reading certain minor arcana and some of the court cards. I admit, when I look at a card, I want to reconcile in my mind what I already know about that card. The deck creator -- a wonderful, talented artist -- has changed some of the Rider-Waite icons so much, that I'm afraid I'm going through a bit of a learning curve.For instance,The Ten of Water depicts salmon swimming upstream in the background, with dead salmon laying at water's edge in the foreground. Joanna's message for that card is about the circle of life. So while the message and picture made sense, I've lost my card for how love conquers all and how the happiness of family is more important than material things. (Big happy family in the 10 of Cups.) The dead salmon in the foreground throw me off every time I pull this.Going the other way, the Ten of Swords gives a very negative first impression. In the Gaian Tarot, the Ten of Air shows the most beautiful fall sky, with 10 Canada Geese flying in their typical V pattern. When I read intuitively, my first instinct is that changes are coming -- good changes. So very different from the Ten of Swords!The Guardian of Fire is described as the dependable counselor who hangs back and attends the fire, and the Guardian of Earth helps things grow. In my R-W mind (i.e. Queen of Wands and Queen of Pentacles), shouldn't they be reversed?The King of Wands has always been Rhett Butler to me -- with his charm, his risk-taking, his ability to get things done. However, my favorite card in all the Gaian Tarot, the Elder of Fire, is definitely NOT Rhett Butler. :-) She's a curandera mesmerizing you with her stare. A fantastic card, but different from what I'm used to.There are about 10 cards that are throwing me off so much that I've decided not to use this for my clients yet. I'm sure I'll "find" card meanings that I've "lost" as I continue to get to know the Gaian Tarot. This deck is so phenomenal in every other way, I will continue to work through MY issues since I would love for this to be my primary deck.

The quality is not the best. These cards come in a box that is thinner than the stock used to box up playing cards. The box holds the cards (shrink wrapped) and the book. I have no issues with the book, these are the author's interpretations and motivations. I would not crucify her for that ever. In the book, she's quite thorough and puts particular emphasis on journaling (she even provides questions to prompt journal entries). I am an avid journal writer, so that was not off putting in the least. The author also isn't so arrogant that she would refuse to specify which cards are which in comparison to a traditional deck. My daughter didn't know right away from looking, so that was appreciated that she wants those to use her cards to have a firm grasp on the themes and meanings of the cards.Now, for the cards themselves. They come in a shrink wrap (they do NOT have their own box). You are more than likely going to need to get a tarot bag, pouch, or a silk to wrap these in. Be mindful that these cards are not traditionally shaped. They are shorter, but the loss of length is made up for in width, which may make them awkward to handle for those of us with average to smaller hands. It's important you keep these safe because they are flimsy as all get out. I'd say a step up from heavy printer paper perhaps? I mean THE thinnest card stock available. These could easily bend or get dog-eared, and heaven forbid you get them wet, they'll be RUINED. I'm not OVERLY impressed with the artwork although it is beautifully done. Some of the images look so much like real people as to be a bit comical and distracts you enough to wonder where you know the person from. A funny observation I made when looking at the "Guardian of Fire" card, the cat in the picture has a very human face, it was a little disturbing. I'm not a super pro at reading but I will say that one should use these based on the sensibilities and personality of the one you are reading. If they aren't very "earthy" or "spiritual", you may get some furrowed brows.Overall, I DO like them because I am one who likes things off the beaten path, I'm also not the fondest of anything even remotely renaissance, baroque, or victorian outside of looking at it and saying "That's pretty". To each his or her own, these cards are gentle and uplifting (if flimsy, LLEWELLYN!!!) to read, there are no particularly scary images, so I wouldn't mind my daughters having a go with them. Enjoy them!

I LOVE this set. When I saw one of the cards on a friends account I could not believe it as it reminded me so much of myself, doing what I love to do. I bought the set and there are several cards who remind me so much of people I know, and some of them are doing something that they actually would do!The people depicted on the cards range in age from young to old. They range in size although there are no obese people. The people are from different ethnic groups.There are some things I do not like. It says the cards are multicultural but I don't think they are. I think they are some sort of 'American idea of multicultural'. For example there are no people from Iceland, or Australian Aborigines etc. One card is from Glastonbury England but I think the rest are set in America.I feel that some of the images on the cards do not seem to 'fit in with the pack', but that is my own personal opinion.I find the deck 'easy to use' once you accept that many of the cards have been 'renamed'Despite the things I 'do not like' I still LOVE the deck and would recommend it for anyone.

I absolutely love this deck! It's unique artwork and renaming of many of the classic elements makes this deck easily accessible to beginners while deepening the knowledge for those who are experienced with the tarot. I love using the four elements for the minor arcana suits and how the court cards follow the life journey. The artwork is rich, colorful, and very earthy! This deck is now out of print, so I was ecstatic to find this deck at a reasonable price. The order was sent very quickly and the cards were in outstanding condition.

I have been using Ms Colbert's brilliant site for a while. It's worth checking out as it will give you a feel for the cards. The artwork is beautiful and each card draws you into a deeply symbolic window. The cards have a humananity about them - indeed Colbert used friends and acquaintances as models. I love these cards, they are easy to read and connect with and I wish they were not going to be a present for my friend's birthday!

I followed Joanna's journey over the years it took to create her Gaian Tarot, and it was well worth the wait. The picture on each card is many layered and infused with incredible energy. This tarot is unusual because it has a touch of realism about it whilst being steeped in earth magic and deeper, spiritual meaning. The cards are also incredibly accurate and I highly recommend them.

Can't say I am cock-o-the-hoop for the Gain Tarot. Just to say it is different and needs working with. Perseverance and persistence will pay off. Card stock and book excellent.