The Halloween Tarot

by Karin Lee and Kipling West

Black cats, ghosts, and jack o'lanterns offer enchantment and light-hearted perspectives in this lively Halloween Tarot Book. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0880799897
• ISBN13: 9780880799898
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: U.S. Games Systems
• Length: 148 Pages
• Weight: 0.33 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 4.7" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

Deck Only

(Although this review is about the BOX SET rather than the deck only, the observations about the cards themselves are still relevant). "Successful Tarot readings are based on insight into what you *do* see, and whatever flashes of insight into your own life the pictures may offer you. In fact, think of yourself as the black cat that appears in every card of the Halloween deck. He is your touchstone, and travels through the deck with you as your companion." - From the companion book For quite some time, I've had my eye on The Halloween Tarot deck and book set by Kipling West (illustrator) and Karin Lee (companion book and LWB author). Although I assumed I'd be pleased when I eventually bought them, I had no idea just how thrilling it would be to actually SEE the deck! While the outstanding cartoon-like artwork of The Halloween Tarot is colorful and clever, I wasn't prepared for the intuitive and symbolic richness of the cards. Designing many of the cards based on Rider-Waite iconography--but tweaked and twisted to incorporate themes from Halloween, old monster movies, circus images, and the German-made "Vegetable People" that were popular Halloween toys/decorations in 1920's America--Kipling West has given Tarot an influx of fresh perspective--while still paying homage to ancient esoteric symbolism. As I went through the deck one card at a time, I noticed how certain phrases popped into my head--a silent commentary to the arresting depictions--and a very good sign that this is a deck that would "speak" to me. From the terrified man strapped to the ever-turning Wheel (and the target of knife-throwing!), to the experimenting mad scientist in The Hermit--the jolly Pumpkin Man careening through paved cemetery roads in a hearse (The Chariot) to a chained Frankenstein fixed on his cement throne (The Emperor), associations both practical and divine made themselves known. Reading the delightful illustrated 137-page companion book was more than just a treat: it provided solid, yet innovative, ways to see and interpret the cards (including upright and reversed meanings). While you *can* buy The Halloween Tarot by itself--and it *does* include a LWB by Karin Lee--the companion book found in the box set is a not-to-be-missed traveling companion through this particular deck. The LWB only provides brief meanings, and doesn't elaborate on actual images (which is why I prefer the box set which comes with the companion book.) The suits of the Minor Arcana are Ghosts (Cups), Imps (Wands), Bats (Swords) and Pumpkins (Coins)--and the Court Cards follow the Page, Knight, Queen, and King rendering. The whimsical orange and black card backings are fully reversible, depicting a black cat, spider, smiling skulls, bats, vines, stars, full moon, and an all-seeing eye in the center. There is no nudity in The Halloween Tarot, nor are the images gruesome or threatening--making it a *wonderful* for deck for children. (My 8-year-old son is enraptured with both the cards

Great for professional readings too!

Terrie Reese sums up The Halloween Tarot extremely well in her own review, but for those who may have overlooked this factor I would like to iterate that this isn't one of those 'cute but unusable' novelty decks that will sit in the box for years on end (goodness knows most of us have purchased enough of those, lol). Quite the contrary, this is a legitimate tarot deck that as a professional tarot reader I use sometimes throughout the year when 'in the mood' and doing online readings for clients who can't see the cards, and I am also certain to pull this deck out every October when doing in-person consultations because clients are absolutely tickled by the whimsical pictures and storytelling. Since you have the option between using the more jocular interpretations of the cards found in the booklet that's included with the deck, or if you are an advanced tarotist you can use your own 'graver' interpretations (akin to any other Rider-Waite type deck), then this is one of those ideal decks for me. These cards are wonderful for casting Halloween tarot spells, too, if you are familiar with how to do said! Either way, The Halloween Tarot both entertains and provides accurate, insightful readings. Happy Samhain!

Meow!

This deck is lovely. The artwork is nostalgic wiithout becoming sickening. At first glance, this deck seems like a cute novelty but it actually reads very well. And it is very non-threatening for parties and other places where those not familiar with tarot might be. West is knowledgable about Tarot and a highly competant artist.

A delightful Halloween Tarot experience!

This deck is a total delight for anyone who like myself loves Halloween. The symbolism is marvelous in it's own whimsical setting. A Rider-Waite clone yet unique. There's not a scary sight in this deck, great to read with for people who get easily put off by morbid tarot imagery. Suits are Ghosts/Cups, Bats/Swords, Pumpkins/Pentacles and Imps/Wands. Comes with the little booklet with meanings, two spreads, introduction and some other fun information. Not to miss the cute black cat that witnesses each scene in the deck. I give it 5 stars!