Yuletide Tarot is an absolutely charming and fascinating Tarot concept, which I believe is the first of its kind . It was created by Chief of the Anglesey Druid Order in Wales Kristoffer Hughes. He had casually mentioned to his Editor at Llewellyn that there was no complete Tarot that honoured the Christmas season. He was then asked if he would like to create a deck on this theme. The set is gloriously illustrated by Erin O'Leary Brown who specializes in children's illustration as well as botanical and nature themes.
The set
arrives in a sturdy magnetic lock box with a brown paper package design
complete with stamps and postmarks from the North Pole. A Christmas tree and
all the symbols of the season adorn the cover.
The
Yuletide theme continues with the backs of the 78 cards being decorated with a
festive wreath and holly. The high quality card has rich glossy colours and
shuffles very well.
I must
admit that with it being a midwinter themed deck it does feel very whimsical
and light hearted as it should, and indeed the word whimsy is used proudly
throughout the 302 pages of the stunningly illustrated guidebook. However,
don't be fooled by the candy canes which represent swords, the candles
which represent rods, the gifts are the pentacles , and good cheer are the cups
. This deck is a serious deck and should be treated as such, it proved spookily
accurate in my own circumstances this season with the 3 of candy canes being
the first out. As is the way with the subtle art of tarot as a tool for
communicating with the divine, Yuletide tarot does indeed guide us through the
dark. The darkest part of the year to be exact and often dark circumstances
that life throws our way even though we strive to be merry and bright. There is
an empathy and compassion to the insights given by Kristoffer, who uses the
festive art of storytelling throughout. The major arcana is fascinating and
covers everything from Krampus to good old Father Christmas, The Mari Llwydd of
course as the High Priestess, and many other fascinating representations from
both the traditional and Pre Christian pantheon of midwinter deities and
traditions. They are all woven together beautifully in a sparkly ball of
wonder.
The spreads
are really interesting too including The Darkest night, the List, and the Three
Ghosts spreads . All are very revealing and nurturing in their design, and
give a sense and understanding of how we are part of the season and it is a
part of us.
I sincerely
look forward to using this set year after year , it is set to become part
of Mid winter traditions in my house.
Suitable for intermediate to adept tarot readers Yuletide tarot makes a perfect gift . Nadolig Llawen - Season's Greetings from N.Richards aka Mortasha Reviewer.
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