This is one of the most breathtaking new systems of tarot divination that I have ever seen.  I say new, not in the sense of when it came out, but rather because it breaks the molds as far as traditional tarot systems go.  Instead of attempting to discern what is going to happen, the Osho Zen Tarot is a system built on concepts of personal transformation and zen awareness.  Thus, the questions you seek answers to, are answered from within.

Each card in the 79-card deck has a highly evocative, intuitive illustration on it, with a title which sums up the whole point of the card in one word.  The accompanying book (the Osho Zen Tarot is only available as a deck-and-book-set) shows a matching black-and-white illustration, with a commentary on the card, explaining what the picture itself means, and on the facing page there is a small discourse on the Zen meaning of the card and how it relates to you and
everyday life in general.

Anyone who is seeking enlightenment and personal transformation should experience a new fuller awareness of the Tarot through these cards and their potential to assist in changing the quality of one's life is limitless.  I am completely impressed with this tarot system.

The cards are standard in size and slightly stiffer than usual, but I feel they would break in fairly well with use.  There are cards which are designated Major and Minor Arcana, but the concept of suits seems to have been dissolved.  There are cards called "Mastery of Action," "Mastery of the Physical," "Mastery of the Mind," and "Mastery of Emotions" which I feel correspond to the court cards in a traditional deck.  Alignments towards action, mind, physical and action probably supplant the actual suits themselves.  I can see a correlation between emotions and Cups, for example.  Swords and action.  The mind and Wands.  Pentacles and the physical.

I highly recommend this deck for anyone who is seeking to use the tarot for personal transformation rather than divination of future activity.  The cards are beautiful enough for the collector as well.

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Review Copyright 1998 by Gina M. Pace