Poppy Palin
Llewellyn, 2002
I bought this deck in early 2005. This was when I really started looking at other decks. Before this, I had my Mythic Tarot and one or two others. At that time, this deck was unlike anything I had ever seen before. It was so different!
The cards are the perfect size. They are a bit squat, have a nice feel to them and are easy to shuffle. The back of card image is probably the best of any I have seen. It is clever and really "trippy" to watch when you shuffle. Physically, the cards are really amazing. I wish more decks were this size.
I think it is important to state that this is Poppy's work - her vision so to speak. It is tarot in that it adheres to the structure of 22 majors, 16 Court, and 40 "pips". I found that the best way to approach the deck was to just leave the specifics of tarot behind and to just let the cards expand into the general structure. The Hierophant is one of those cards with which this works. He is called "The Interpreter." Studying this card finally made the whole concept of the tarot's Hierophant come into focus. It is the same for many of the cards. An interesting one is Silence. This is her interpretation of The Hanged Man. It caused another "Aha!" moment for me.This is a deck that is experienced, rather than read. Perhaps that is only me? I find this deck to be more like an older friend who is full of advice. I have tried to use it as a regular tarot, but it seems to just end up being more of a personal conversation that I don't want to share. Using it for others is extremely difficult.
Readings for the week were more like conversations over tea. I was encouraged, harangued, challenged, and comforted. All with 3 cards each day for 7 days. Amazing.
Rating: Keeper +
