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Osho Transformation Tarot
by Osho International Foundation, illustrated by Pujan

This is a new publication of a deck that was previously published; I have a review of it listed as Osho Neo Tarot.  I have also seen it listed as Rajneesh Neo Tarot, and other various combinations of Osho, Rajneesh, Neo, and so on and so forth.  The deck, as published before, came with a small white paper booklet, but now it is published in a grand new boxed set complete with an excellent book and nicer card quality.  Even the box is gorgeous.  It's made so when you hold it in your hands it is like two halves which fit together in the center; you lift off the one half to open it.  The cards nest tightly inside in two stacks with the book behind them.  You have to be careful putting them back in, or they won't all fit inside; but this guarantees that they won't slide around or get crushed or anything, and sometimes taking your time to put something away is a good thing.
 
I had to look inside the book cover to even find out who did the deck; obviously, the writings in the book are either BY Osho himself or based upon his writings, but since the credit is only given to the Osho International Foundation, I cannot be certain which it is.  I believe this is done because of vows of modesty/poverty etc, denying the ego and not taking personal credit for spiritual writings which are meant to generously benefit all.
 
The cards are done in beautiful vivid colors and illustrate a wide variety of parables and stories from several different spiritual cultures from around the world.  I see Jesus Christ on some of these cards; he is included as Osho's faith holds him among the highest of teachers, but he is not the only one, and many other teachers and wonderful examples of spiritual enlightenment grace the cards with their images.  Gautama Buddha is also here, as is Bodhidharma; Junnaid, who is a great Sufi Master; Lao Tzu; St. Francis of Assisi, and many more.
 
This deck is not a true tarot deck, in that it has no Major or Minor Arcana, but rather, simply 60 cards numbered from 1 through 60, each illustrated with a scene which emphasizes a particular moment of spiritual truth and enlightenment.  The by-line on the deck offers that there are "Insights & Parables for Renewal in Everyday Life" and that's exactly what they are.  The cards are bordered in a light grey pattern with the Arabic numeral in black at the top of the card, and the title at the bottom.  Titles in this deck bear no connection with traditional tarot, but are each indicative of a truth or lesson in regards to spiritual renewal.  Examples are: Ego, Worth, Living Totally, No-Mind, and so on.
 
The cards are more or less standard size; they are slightly wider than standard tarot decks, but since there are fewer cards, the deck is still manageable quite easily.  Good card stock has been used, and is flexible, and has a thin protective coating on it.  The back design matches the box and is a painting done in orange monochromatic shades, a painting done by the master, Osho.  It looks reversible if you don't look too closely, but a close inspection shows that it is not true when reversed.
 
The book that comes with this set is a real gem and can be enjoyed just by reading it straight through; I know it is meant to be used with the deck, but I found myself unable to stop reading just a few cards, and pored over the entire book with joy and understanding as I was trying to write this review; I did not want to put it down!  144 pages include at least two pages for each card, with a picture in black and white, and then the story or parable for that card; 4 different spreads, and instructions for use, are also included.   The book is finished up with a listing of Osho International Foundation Retreat centers and more information on other publications that are available.
 
I thoroughly enjoyed this deck and highly recommend it for any kind of spiritual path; everyone can get something from this.  It's not as much geared towards reading for others as it is for your own enrichment; however, I could see a variety of ways to use this deck just from looking it over for review.  Since it does not require any previous tarot experience (because it is totally unique) a beginner can use this just as easily as someone with years of reading expertise.  Definitely a great deck and book set!
 
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also see
Osho International Foundation website

also available:
Osho Zen Tarot
 
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Review Copyright 2001 by Gina M. Pace

Osho Transformation Tarot by Osho International Foundation, 1999
published by St. Martin's Press, New York
ISBN 0-312-24530-0