Tarot Deck Review - Elemental North Tarot

Tarot Review – Elemental North Tarot

Overview:

• By C.A. Mallad – Illustrated by Amanda Noteman
• Published by US Games Systems, Inc.
• 78 cards in the deck.

My Review

The Elemental North Tarot is a fabulous addition to the world of tarot decks, blending traditional tarot symbolism with the influences of runes, numerology, astrology, and ancient elements, creating a stunning mix of diverse possibilities for interpretation.

Design and Quality

The quality of the cards is good, with a flexible feel without being too flimsy. They are of a satin print, which reduces reflection from lighting; however, it does mean they are slightly slippery to shuffle. The lack of borders works well alongside the artwork in the centre, highlighting the symbolism rather than drawing the eye away. The bright and vivid colours bring clarity to the minimalist yet detailed illustrations. The white background of the cards, intentionally aged in appearance, adds a vintage charm that enhances their design.

Each card incorporates at least one subtle nod to the traditional Rider Waite style imagery, sometimes so small that it may take a while to discover it - but that's the joy of this deck... discovery! This clever integration ensures that the deck remains rooted in the tarot tradition while expanding into other branches of esoteric knowledge.

The accompanying book is excellent and even has a small section regarding spellwork and manifestations; in fact, there is so much information held within the pages that each section will be helpful to use alongside other decks.

While including runic symbols adds depth, they can be challenging to decipher it is hard to distinguish which of the many signals are meant as runes or simple geometric shapes. Even the manual, which details which runes are relevant to each card, doesn't appear to detail where the runes are depicted within the cards (although I admit I haven't read the manual page to page). It does, however, mention that the runes are often repeated for effect. The astrological symbols are more apparent, and, of course, the elements themselves are depicted in the minor arcana. Reading these cards may be a case of finding your own system of recognising and interpreting all the symbols.

Despite its simplicity in pictorial design, amalgamating all the different symbolism could be a little off-putting to a beginner. At least a basic understanding of the various symbolic elements is required to make the most of this deck. However, I feel that readers with some experience of any of the symbolic references would find the Elemental North Tarot a huge asset to deepen their knowledge and add a new dimension to their readings.

Recommendation

Would I recommend the Elemental North Tarot? Absolutely. It is a stunning deck that offers both aesthetic beauty and intellectual challenge. However, readers must decide for themselves how best to navigate its complexity. This is not a deck to use casually or in a rush; it demands patience, study, and intuition. It promises richly rewarding and inspiring readings for those willing to invest the effort.

In conclusion, the Elemental North Tarot is a masterpiece of design and depth. Its excellent quality, attractive aged aesthetic, and multi-layered symbolism make it a worthy addition to any tarot collection. It is a deck that invites exploration and encourages growth, embodying the spirit of the elements it so beautifully represents.

For information regarding my many IPHM-accredited courses, such as Tarot, Psychic Development, Reiki, Mediumship, Spell Jars and much more, visit my website www.beacontarot.co.uk

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