Review - Crystal Visions Tarot

Author/Illustrator - Jennifer Galasso

Publisher - U.S. Games Systems, Inc. 2011

ISBN -13:  978-1-57281-702-9

ISBN -10:  1-57281-702-X

Fantasy artist Jennifer Galasso renders traditional tarot symbolism in a unique style with ethereal faerie imagery and a vibrant color scheme inspired by the four seasons and the four elements.  The Crystal Visions deck includes an Unknown Card for gazing  into the future, or exploring issues with deeper insight. 

If you like fantasy art, (and who doesn't?) this deck is a must have for all Tarot deck collectors and readers.  It's beautifully illustrated, full of symbology, and  evocative.  Based on the traditional structure of the RWS (Rider-Waite-Smith) system of a 78 card deck, you will find the familiar names of the Major Arcana, the Court, and the suits: Wands, Cups, Pentacles, Swords.  Included is an added bonus, The Unknown Card.

LWB-The figure in the card beckons the querent to take a look into her crystal ball, however the image in the ball is cloudy and unclear.  With time, patience, and introspection, the picture will soon be revealed. 

It can signify something from the past that one may not fully understand, or something that will happen soon.  An answer that's not yet meant to be revealed.  

Images of Crystal balls, another interest for Jennifer, appear in many of the cards throughout the deck.

The Unknown Card is the only card that does not include a reversed meaning.

The cards are of quality card stock with a slick finish which allow them to shuffle easily.  Of a typical U.S. Games size, 2.75" x 4.75" and comes with a 59 page little-white-book, where you will find the Celtic Cross spread with instructions.  Strength is no. Eight and Justice Eleven.  The images are clear in their detail and of sufficient size to see them clearly, and surrounded by a narrow white border.  The backs are reversible with a large opalescent sphere in the center which is surrounded by a filigree of rose vines and gems.  A pentacle rests in each corner, while a chalice sits in the center at top and bottom.

The four suits are represented here and the deck uses the following symbols representative of  each as follows:

Cups - different phases of the moon, enchanted coves, water lilies, and dragonflies.

Swords - birds, in particular, ravens, butterflies, and winged and armored characters, and roses.

Pentacles - earth spirits, dryads, lush and fruitful trees and plants, wildlife, crystals and gems.

Wands - candles, sprites, dragons, lions, unicorns, horses, crystal balls, and snapdragons.

An example of these symbols as shown in the Aces.

The courts are made up of Page, Knight, Queen and King.

A beautiful deck as you can see, that would be appropriate for beginners to more advanced readers.  I believe I will be spending many delighted hours now and in the future, working with this deck.  I'm sure clients will find it as pleasing, if not more so, as I do.  If you happen to be on the fence about purchasing this deck, I would recommend it for either yourself or as a gift.  It's a win-win!

Be sure to visit the official website of Crystal Visions Tarot where you can see images of the complete deck, and find out what new projects Jennifer Galasso might be up to.

In the meantime, Happy Tarot'ing and may your journey be an enchanted one.

Original post NewPathsTarot.com