Mark Ryan (4)

This is the only deck I have ever been able to "read" without having to read the book first. Chesca Potter's illustrations are inspiring and are full of hidden depths.

The deck uses what might be termed pre-Celtic {?} British religious symbols, such as images of animals, landmarks and gods and goddesses, including the Green Man . The four suits are Wands, Arrows, Cups and Stones, each aligning to a different season and element on the Wheel of the Year, around which the deck is based.

The major arcana is also different in that some cards have been changed from the normal format. For instance, The ancestor takes the place of the Heirophant, The Archer replaces the Chariot, Balance is there instead of Temperance, The Greenwoman instead of the Empress, The Greenman as the Emperor, The Blasted Oak as the Tower, and there are a few other surprises, too.

The artwork is extraordinary and I am sorry that this deck is no longer in print. It is a great loss.… (mehr)