Glory of Cups, Golden Age of Hollywood Tarot
This is the first Tarot deck review I have ever written, and I couldn’t be more excited that it’s of the Golden Age of Hollywood Tarot. Growing up out in the country, we didn’t have cable and very poor television signal for a long time, so my mother would always have us watch classic movies, such as Alfred Hitchcock, Gone With The Wind, Wizard of Oz, and many others. So when I heard about this deck on Aeclectic, I was instantly hooked. I’m also someone who is very drawn to colorful, borderless decks, so when I saw the preview images posted on Facebook, I knew it was something I couldn’t wait to have! I also showed images of it to my sisters, who aren’t into Tarot, but even they found themselves drawn to it and reminisced with me about watching some of the movies depicted on the cards. Disclaimer: I have not seen nor am familiar with all of the movies and programs depicted in this deck, but as explained below, I do not feel this hinders my ability to use and enjoy this deck.
One of the key strengths of this deck is gets the attention of people who might not normally find themselves drawn to a more typical Tarot deck but who love the glamorous nature of old Hollywood. In addition, this deck would be great for Tarot beginners or novices, even if they haven’t seen all the movies depicted. Many of the cards depict stories, characters and situations that are consistent with the typical archetypal meanings found in other Rider-Waite decks, but with enough “Pop Culture” appeal to be easily grasped by a Tarot Newbie. For example, the 3 of Swords shows a teary-eyed Tin Man, clearly from the Wizard of Oz, and the 4 of Cups features Elvis singing a love song. Other cards do not reference a specific movie or character but depict scenes easily identifiable as being consistent with films and shows produced during the era, such as the 10 of cups.
As with many “themed” decks, some of the labels and classifications for cards have been changed, although all the basic meanings feel consistent with the typical Rider-Waite style of interpretations. These changes, such as “the Psychic” for the High Priestess card, really help solidify the archetypal attributes and meanings the card represents. Again, this could be helpful for tarot newbies trying to solidify and understand meanings. In addition, the court cards, infamous within tarot communities for being difficult to understand and interpret, are presented as the Magic, Focus, Glory and Power cards for each suits, with easily identifiable images that really clarify meanings and assist in interpretations. Readers with clients who seek a deeper connection to the cards without any tarot knowledge or training may also find that use of this deck can enhance their client experience. For example, the 5 of Wands depicts a couple in formal attire singing to and over each other, with varied posturing consistent with conflict, clearly communicating discord and a lack of harmony that requires no formal training or study to see. This deck also includes or “Veto” cards, one for each suit, designed to stop exploration of an uncomfortable topic or area, but with a myriad of other uses for creative readers, as explained in the Little White Book (LWB) with the deck.
Two of Pentacles, Golden Age of Hollywood Tarot Deck
The deck arrives from The Game Crafter in a printed tuck box with space allotted for the LWB, which is available to be printed from Lorelei’s website and the Game Crafter site. The LWB is available to be printed in multiple sizes based on user preference, in addition to a digital version designed for use on mobile devices, computers, or tablets. The cards are tarot sized, borderless, and very colorful, which allows for quick, easy interpretation of the images shown. In addition, Lorelei did an impressive job of color coordinating each suit which allows for pattern identification with ruining a beautiful spread by over-saturation of a particular color. This was brilliant attention to detail on the creator’s part because the swords, cups and pentacles depicted in the pip cards are so well integrated into the images, a reader might miss the observation that multiple cards from the same suit have been drawn. The card quality themselves is ideal, easily shuffle without being too delicate for repeated, consistent use and lay flat in spread with minimal bending after shuffling.
To summarize, this is a highly creative deck that ideal for tarot novices, professionals, clients and collectors with an exquisite attention to detail, with consistent image and card quality which will likely make it a favorite addition to many a collection.
Deck: The Golden Age of Hollywood Tarot, created and self published by Lorelei Douglas.
For more information, visit the artist’s Facebook page.
Deck is available for purchase from the Game Crafter.
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