Review(s) for Crystal Tarot - CARDS

Inspired by the paintings of the 19th/20th Century Austrian artist Gustav Klimpt, all the cards in the Crystal Tarot have a remarkable jewel-like quality. All the people shown in the cards are elaborately costumed and all have carefully drawn expressive faces. There is a definite feeling that they are all trying to communicate an elusive 'something' to the reader.
Most of the backgrounds have turquoise blue as the predominate colour. However, on closer inspection the reader will see that all the backgrounds are full of detail and symbolic imagery. In some cards, such as The Fool, the figure stands out clearly from the background; but in others, such as The Empress, the figure merges into the background and the reader has to think carefully where the figure finishes and the background starts.
The Major Arcana cards show the cards' traditional name in five different languages. However, the accompying booklet gives different names to all the Major Arcana. For example, The High Priestess is called Science; The Emporer is called Stability and The Chariot is re-named Victory. The booklet does not offer any explanation for this and it is up to each reader to decide whether to use these alternative names and meanings or whether to stick with the more traditional names and meanings.
The Minor Arcana cards are not fully-illustrated in the Rider-Waite style. However, they do contain some imagery which will help the reader to interpret the card. They also contain a large amount of decorative detail, which contributes to an impression of richness and luxury.
As the Minor Arcana are not fully illustrated, the deck is perhaps not entirely suitable for absolute beginners. However, it will appeal to anyone interested in Klimpt and late-19th and early-20th Century art.

What can I say? 'Oh how I love these cards' Would it be enough? I suspect not. These are simply one of the most beautiful decks I have seen in a very long time and they fill me with enthusiasm. There's an overwhelming desire to look at them, touch them and an irresistible urge to read them! What more could you want? Once again Lo Scarabeo, Torino has, I suppose, literally 'Come up trumps' with this deck which is inspired by the artwork of Gustav Klimt, who said: 'The desire for happiness finds solace in poetry. The arts lead us to the ideal realm where we can find absolute peace, absolute love. Joy, that wonderful divine spark. This kiss to the entire world.' Certainly this Tarot in the use of geometric pattern and colour does indeed create a Tarot reminiscent of iridescent crystals.

The Major Arcana has a feel of the original 'Visconti' deck, teamed with the pattern and colour of Klimt. The Minor Arcana are unashamedly 'pip', but such a pip deck probably hasn't been seen since the 'Celtic Tarot' set by Courtney Davis (also available on this site). They are intricate, they are colourful, the chalices are golden, and the pentacles often like mini suns and the wands like myriad faceted crystals. For an evocative card, take a look at the 'Knave of Spades'; the power in that card just seems to reach out to you. This Tarot is not just 'Another one for the collection', it is a one which is guaranteed to become a favourite for readings and meditations.