From the Llewellyn promotional materials: Over a century ago, a young boy left Wales and journeyed to America, where he started a small press, now known as Llewellyn Publications. Llewellyn George's adventurous spirit and Welsh heritage embodies The Llewellyn Tarot, which also celebrates the publisher's enduring legacy.
From the creator of the popular Legend: The Arthurian Tarot Kit, this lavishly illustrated deck offers universal appeal (based on Rider-Waite) with a Welsh twist. A compelling story unfolds starring Rhiannon as The Empress, Bran the Blessed as The Emperor, The Wild Herdsman as The Horned God (the Devil), Gwydion as The Magician, Llew Llaw Gyffes as the Bringer of Light, and other figures from Welsh mythology. Watercolor imagery beckons us forth into a mystic world of ancient forests, sensuous seascapes, and wondrous waterfalls-gorgeous landscapes brimming with mystery, meaning, and magic. Also included is The Llewellyn Tarot Companion, which features an introduction to the craft and history of tarot, along with Welsh legends infused in this deck.
The Llewellyn Tarot (ISBN 0-7387-0299-4) also includes a gorgeous golden brocade pouch that sparkles. Iridescent hues shift in the light, with deep reds and coppers swirling among the golden threads. Delicate tassels and gorgeous beadwork make this a truly special Tarot bag to compliment Ms. Ferguson's luminous artwork.
I received a Majors-only promo deck (with bag!), and I'm pleased to share 9 card images with you plus the card backing. The Llewellyn Tarot will be a full 78-card deck, and include a 288-page companion book.
Here are the Welsh mythos for each Major:
The Fool - Pereder
The Magician - Gwydion
The Priestess - Ceridwen
The Empress - Rhiannon
The Emperor - Bran the Blessed
The Hierophant - Taliesin
The Lovers - Dream of Macsen Wledig
The Chariot - Manawydan
Strength - Twrch Trwyth
The Hermit - Myrddin
The Wheel of Fortune - Arianrhod
Justice - Lady of the Fountain
The Hanged Man - Enchantment of Dyfed
Death - Arawn
Temperance - Keeper of the Well
The Horned One - The Wild Herdsmen
The Tower - Bala Lake
The Start - Branwen
The Moon - Lake of Maidens
The Sun - Llew Llaw Gyffes
Judgment - The Sleepers
The Universe - Cadair Idris
The Llewellyn Tarot by Anna-Marie Ferguson, © 2006 Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. 2143 Wooddale Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125-2989.. All rights reserved. Used by permission of the publisher.
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Content copyright © by Janet Boyer. All rights reserved. This review was written by Janet Boyer. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission.
