Vision Tarot by Tim Thompson   There have been a lot of mixed reviews and criticisms of the Vision Tarot.  I myself had reservations about getting this deck, based on the things I have read about it.  However, I was pleasantly surprised when I got it.  While it certainly has its imperfections, and I can see where the critics of the deck are coming from, it has a nice feel to it and an overall attractive look as well.   The basic premise of this photographic tarot deck is a refreshing take on a classic: the enactment of the scenes portrayed in the Marseille Tarot, in real life, with real costumed actors, sets and props, and photographed in full color.  This takes the symbolism of the old classic tarot and updates it for a look that is wholly modern in style while retaining a period feeling.  Kind of like a day at the Renaissance Faire.   The strength of this deck lies, believe it or not, in the Minor Arcana.  The Majors are acted out and shot in lovely detail but it seems for the most part like the scenes were too far away from the camera to really make the most of all the included symbolism.  Light often seems to have been poorly managed, as well.  The resulting Major Arcana are decent but could have been better.   The Court Cards in the Minors are in brilliant color and detail.  These must have been shot at the high point of the sun during the day's shoot.  The Aces are equally well photographed and even the pip cards show every detail.  They look as though you could reach out and literally pick up the cup, sword, etc.   Suits are Staves, Cups, Swords and Coins, with the traditional King, Queen, Knight and Page for the court cards.  Pip cards are literally photographed arrangements of ten cups, five swords, et al.  The Major Arcana are traditionally titled as well.  In each Major card, the title is in English on the border of the card, which is black; and featured as part of each card image, a sign was made with the title of each in French.  So, for example, the Magician's card says The Magician in the border, but he is shown standing in a tent like the type vendors use at Renaissance Market Days, and ON the tent under his counter are the words Le Bateleur.   The deck is standard sized and handles and shuffles well.  The card edges are finished remarkably well and so the deck has a smooth, polished feel to it.  It is published by Carta Mundi.  I would recommend this deck for anyone looking or a fresh, new take on the Marseille Tarot, or for the collector of either Tarot cards or Renaissance Faire type items.  It would be appropriate either way.   Click here for pictures   or here to return   Please use your browser's back button to return from pictures   also see: Vision Tarot   Review Copyright 1998 by Gina M. Pace