I really did not expect to like this deck all that much, based on what I saw in the catalog.  However, it is much nicer than I had thought it would be.  Although I am not extremely well-versed in the study of primitive cave paintings, I can see how a lot of these pictures, which are renderings of actual cave and canyon art from all over the world, actually correlate to the meanings of the tarot.

The deck has the traditional 78 cards, but has been pretty much completely renamed in order to fit the system, which is based on aboriginal culture.  Those who are familiar with Native American tradition will recognize and be comfortable with this system.  The Major Arcana, while renamed, retain the numbers which correspond to traditional trumps, so it isn't terribly difficult to figure it out.

The Minor Arcana have also been renamed.  The suits are Intellect(Swords), Intuition(Wands), Emotions(Cups), and Sensations(Pentacles).  Courts, referred to in this deck as Guardian Spirits,  are Mankind, Womankind, Peacemaker and Defender.  The little booklet provides meanings and a couple of layouts in relation to this deck, and would not cross over well.

The deck itself is slightly larger than standard but handles and shuffles easily.  I actually got this as a deck-and-book set but the deck and book set are available individually.  I don't think the system would make as much sense without the book.  The booklet explains the meanings but the book provides the reasons why the cards mean what they do, in addition to giving a lot more background information on the petroglyphs themselves.

I would recommend this set for anyone who is interested in aboriginal culture or symbolism, as well as the collector.  It is a nice system.  I would recommend, however, that the book be purchased as well.  A lot more progress can be made with the resources from the book.

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Review Copyright 1998 by Gina M. Pace