for science, you monster

This deck, fam. This deck. Pagan Otherworlds is the third foray of playing card maker Uusi into the tarot world but the first one specifically created for the tarot reading community instead of the, erm, playing one. (you can, of course play with these, too). The concept is "pip deck with imagery incorporating European pagan archetypes" and the result is a stunning 78 card deck printed on high quality linen cardstock where each card is a small oil painting. (Really, the card's images were painted in oil and scanned). The deck has a stillness and serenity to it that makes is a great tool for meditation for me. I was apprehensive about it being a pip deck, but it reads easily. Some of the pips follow classic RWS alignment (most notably the 3 of Swords, the most disappointing card in the deck - 3 swords piercing a heart, sigh.) but most don't. The guidebook, which you can purchase extra, is beautiful but I don't find it particularly necessary.

It is currently in its third printing and this edition features one extra card (the Seeker) and 5 moon cards which have silver foil. Uusi recently posted on their social media that their printer has run out of the linen card stock & silver foil and that this will probably be the last one using those. 



 

The pentacles were the suit that made me fall for this deck and hard. I love the subtle arrangement and composition.There are details that help with the interpretation the you see only when you gaze at the image for a while. Also, cat no.1 approves of the cups.


 





 

The production details are just stunning.  


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Deck Interview: Fool's Journey 



1. What is your main characteristic? 3 of wands - opportunity, exploration, new horizons.

2. What are your strengths as a deck? Queen of cups - Intuition, wisdom, introspective, empathy, mystery. 

3. What are your limits as a deck? Ace of wands - manifestation, physical beginnings, wealth (both holistic and physical). I take this as this being a deck used best for introspection. 

4. What are you here to teach me? Seven of wands - challenge, perseverance, protection, turning point (creatively and spiritually)

5. How can I best collaborate with you? Six of pentacles - generosity, charity, giving and receiving, sharing. 

6. What is the outcome of our relationship? The Emperor - determination, leadership a sense of the bigger picture. 

The five of Swords thread by Owls and Bones Tarot

I'll update here with my notes once I've had a good think about them - In the meantime just enjoy the beautiful cards. 
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