This re-colouring of the traditional Rider-Waite deck has been a popular choice for tarot readers over a period spanning several years now and after purchasing the deck myself it is easy to understand why. Mary Hanson-Robert's pencil colourings of Pamela Coleman Smith's original black and white line drawings are simply fabulous and really do breathe new life into the traditional colouring of the much-maligned Rider-Waite deck.

The pencil re-colouring is beautifully executed at every turn, allowing a lot more light and texture into an otherwise bland deck. The subtle nuances of light and shade used, draw the reader into the deck and highlight sections of the artwork that might have otherwise been largely ignored. Every detail contained within the High Priestess card is now perfectly clear and the great lady in question shines from under her veil. The pregnant Empress positively glows amidst her bounteous garden, and the Sun shines over a happy child riding a horse. The deck itself shines as a newly polished lamp - it is quite simply, divine.

For purposes of meditation, I would suggest that this deck is more suited to the reader than the Rider-Waite. The re-colouring allows the reader greater access to the characters/archetypes contained within the cards, and the mind appears to wander wherever the pencil lines take it. The skies are particularly welcoming, as is the luscious grass and warm characters contained within. For once, the Court cards are real, living, breathing people and the reader is able to connect with them almost instantly - marvellous!

All things considered, this really is a beautiful deck and my warmest thoughts go out to Mary Hanson-Roberts for her accomplished re-colouring. If a reader feels particularly drawn to the artwork/colouring of this deck, I would suggest that they purchase the Hanson-Roberts deck (which is in itself a Rider-Waite clone). Both appeal to a wide spectrum of readers and with good cause. Mary Hanson-Roberts is obviously an extremely gifted artist and for this reason I would recommend either of these decks to the appreciative tarot reader. Simply lovely.

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Guest Review Copyright 2000 by Bethan Arrowsmith
used with permission