Delos Tarot
I received two wonderful tarot decks in the mail this month. The first to arrive was the Dame Darcy Mermaid Tarot, followed by the Delos Tarot a week later. While they are very different in style, I can honestly say that I like both decks quite a lot. However, it is the Delos Tarot I've been using consistently with my clients since its arrival. I was slightly concerned that the deck might be too childish for professional use and that my clients might not take it seriously, however, this hasn't been the case at all. I've been reading with Delos Tarot for the past couple of weeks and so far my clients have responded really well to its simple and uplifting imagery.
Typically I'm drawn to decks with deep, intense imagery, usually with a Renaissance or Pre-Raphaelite feel to them, such as The Victorian Romantic Tarot and The Golden Tarot. While both of these decks are extremely beautiful and I really do love them, they were beginning to feel a little heavy to me. Moreover, I noticed that my readings were feeling a little weighty as well. I don’t blame the decks for this, of course. I think I just needed a perspective shift, something lighter, with a more playful nature, something that didn’t take itself so seriously. The Delos Tarot just happened to be exactly what I was looking for. It practically screams out, “Life is short! Get in touch with your inner child!”
The deck has a whimsical storybook feel to it. And while the deck does have a child-like quality, it is not without dept. It would be a mistake to dismiss it as a novelty deck or too juvenile to read with. Because while it is extremely lighthearted and perhaps a little childish, it is not without the relevant and/or traditional symbolism.
The deck has a strong Rider/Waite/Smith influence, but it is also its own thing, with its own unique qualities and inclusions. Small subtle differences lend to its overall, individual charm. I find the bright and cheerful colors most appealing.
The more I explore the deck the more I notice little things that might otherwise be missed at first glance. For instance, beginning with the Fool, rather than the traditional little white dog, you'll notice there is a little white cat as The Fool's companion. Upon further study, I noticed that this little white cat shows up periodically throughout the deck. You'll see her stretched across the lap of The Empress, across The Emperor's treasure chest, in The Strength card, representing the lion, and so on. After discovering the subtle presents of the little white cat, I was on a personal mission to find them all. In doing this I found other things as well, things I had initially missed, such as mermaids, cherubs, whales, faeries, and more. This was all good fun, and a great way to get in touch with my inner child I did!
The cards stock is a little more delicate than I prefer, as I am a kind of hard on my decks. However, the card stock does not feel cheap or flimsy to me. In fact, I actually like how easy they are to handle, and they shuffle just beautifully. Most likely I will have to order another for backup, but better to wear a deck out from overuse than have it collect dust due to lack of interest or love.
As I mentioned in my YouTube video, the little instruction booklet that comes with the deck is pretty much useless unless you have an understanding of the Korean language. Again, this really isn’t an issue for me. I rarely pay attention to these little instruction books anyway. This deck is really easy to read, especially if you have a basic knowledge of the Rider Waite Smith system.
In conclusion, while this deck is extremely cute and a little childish, it truly is more than that. It is a treasure box of thoughtfulness and insight. A welcome addition to my tarot collection.
