Well, it's been a really long time since I had this much fun reviewing a tarot deck.  This was a pure pleasure to look at and the imagery is just delightful.  In fact, I hadn't expected to like it this much, having previously seen only pictures in a catalog for it.  However, this tarot deck is one that just plain works.

When we are younger and more carefree, we enjoy the simple things in life, and Halloween is one of the most magical times of year for a child.  It is only when we grow up and forget the magic and become (ugh) responsible that we see only the commercialism and the problems.  This deck is one that reunites us with that small child who remembers and still loves Halloween, who is buried deep within us.

The traditional symbolism of the Rider-Waite deck is still present in enough of its original form to be recognizeable, but the analogies which are applied to this deck from Halloween symbolism make the points really hit home comfortably.

The Major Arcana cards have all kept their same names and there are a lot of familiar faces in here.  The Bride of Frankenstein.  Frankenstein's Monster.  The Werewolf.  Dracula.  To name a few.

The Minor Arcana are my favorite, which is unusual because most artists concentrate most of their effort on the Major Arcana and little time is expended in making the Minors as detailed.  Not true in this case.  The suits have all been renamed in accordance with the theme of the deck, and we have Pumpkins, Bats, Ghosts and Imps instead of Pentacles, Swords, Cups and Wands.

Here, too, are familiar faces, like Wednesday Addams and the Hunchback of Notre Dame.  The essence of the tarot remains the same, but is translated with a light heart and a warm spirit.  The deck itself is of a standard size, and handles and shuffles pretty much as usual.  The card stock used is kind of slippery until the deck is broken in.

I highly recommend this deck for anyone who is accustomed to the traditional Rider-type decks, and is looking for something more interesting.  Anyone who is just beginning can also use this deck equally well, and gain a lot from its symbolism.  Halloweenie kind of people like me will get an extra amount of insight into the tarot.  But I must warn you, if you take yourself too seriously, then this deck is not for you!

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also by Kipling West:
Tarot for Cats
also check out Where Every Day is Halloween

Review Copyright 1998 by Gina M. Pace