As much as I wanted to be able to get on with my reacquired copy of Doreen Virtue’s Angel Tarot Cards, I think I’ve gone off them. I needed another Angel Tarot deck for comfort readings. You know, for those days where you get really hard on yourself and your self-talk needs adjusting. But you also want the kind of straight talk you tend to get from Tarot rather than an Oracle deck. Do you have days like that? As a Capricorn, I have my fair share. So in the end it was between the Angel Wisdom Tarot and the Guardian Angel Messages Tarot.
Both these decks are by Radleigh Valentine (illustrations by Dan Craig) who is now flying solo. I’m wondering if he is happier now that he is no longer encumbered by someone who didn’t get the Tarot and who used to remove the ‘scary’ cards from the deck. Anyway… In the end, I decided to go with the Guardian Angel Messages Tarot, simply because it had less writing at the bottom of the cards. I used the video below to help decide. It shows all the cards from both decks.
Side-by-side Comparison of the Angel Wisdom Tarot and the Guardian Angel Messages Tarot
Deck Specs
So this deck is a typical Hay House deck which means it is larger/wider than your traditional Tarot deck. The card finish is silky matte which is ideal for sharing pictures of the cards on social media (less glare than with a glossy finish). Unfortunately, the card stock isn’t very sturdy and my cards are already slightly warped. However, this is not a big issue for me considering the price point. And, as you can see in the image below, it’s not significant enough to show in a photograph with the cards laid flat.
There is quite a strong smell of ink on the cards even after a few weeks of working with them. Like the lady in the video above, I quite like the smell. If you don’t, you can always wrap the cards in a scented silk scarf or store them with some fragrant herbs.
The deck comes in a sturdy, two-part box. Included is quite a hefty companion booklet. But as you can see from the sample pages below, there is quite a lot of empty space. That’s a shame really since Radleigh has enough knowledge to fill the pages properly. Perhaps this project was a wee bit rushed? Or maybe this was intentional to give us space for entering our own notes?
In addition to card meanings for each of the cards, there are the two standard spreads included: past-present-future and the Celtic Cross. There are also instructions on how to do a one-card draw. Finally, I will give bonus points for the court card meanings. They include situational meanings as well as descriptions of what these cards are like as people.
4.5 out 5 Stars
I’m happy enough with this deck to consider also getting the Angel Wisdom Tarot in spite of the excessive amount of text on the bottom of the cards. I love the artwork and it’s the same artist for both of these decks. I wonder if people who have both decks combine them into a mega deck… Tempting!
Overall, this deck feels uplifting and to the point. The only minus for me is how easily the cards warp no matter how carefully you shuffle them.
As a beginner, you can probably read with this deck straight out of the box thanks to the keywords on the cards. The images themselves also give very clear messages.
In my own experience, this deck makes a wonderful companion to my Angel Journal. It’s my current favourite Angel Tarot deck and is the main deck I will be using in my next monthly Tarot challenge.
Guardian Angel Messages Tarot Deck Interview
Describe yourself in three words or less. The Sun
GAMT: Solar Logos-inspired
2. How would your best friend describe you in three words or less? The Ace of Swords
GAMT: Logical, sharp, analytical
Me: I honestly didn’t expect that. I would have thought you were more of a ‘warm fuzzies’ sort of deck.
GAMT: Appearances can be deceiving. Though, to be fair, you’ll get plenty of comfort from me too. But there is no harm in getting clear guidance alongside a warm hug, is there?
Me: No, there certainly isn’t!
3. What gift do you bring? 4 of Pentacles
GAMT: Stability through a sense of tradition, orderliness and continuation
4. What do you expect in return? 4 of Swords
GAMT: That you strive for harmony within as well as in the world around you. You can do so by making sure that you rest, pray and meditate just as often as you need to.
5. How can you help me serve? The Emperor
GAMT: I can help you move forward with confidence. Applying what you learn from me according to the interview answers above, you will also learn to work smarter instead of harder. I love to support those who are self-employed and seeking to make a difference in the world.
Me: That’s awesome! Thank you so much! I also couldn’t help but notice that there were three 4 numerology cards in a row here… Is there a special message for me there? 444 is the Angel Number after all…
GAMT: Yes. You are starting to bond energetically with your divinatory tools on a higher level than before. This makes it easier and quicker to tune into the angelic realm.
6. Is there anything else you would like to tell me about yourself? 10 of Wands
GAMT: No need to wait until you are under pressure to reach for me. I’m a good work-horse for everyday guidance. However, there aren’t many decks better to reach for when you find yourself under pressure and in need of solid, comforting guidance.
Me: Yes, based on what I have experienced in my readings already, I can vouch for that. I look forward to many more sessions together!
GAMT: Me too!
Check out my other Tarot and Oracle Deck Reviews!
Comments 2
I have both decks. The Guardian Angel cards I recently acquired. The Angel Wisdom cards I’ve had for a year and half and they are my favorite cards.
I think the cardstock is a bit better than the Guardian angel ones. It’s kind of like Llewellyn without the gloss. Thin but easy to shuffle and they snap back into shape unlike the Guardian angel tarot.
I side shuffle and they are already warping.
But, I love love love the messages. I find them a useful tool to communicate with my guardian angels.
I didn’t put both of them together but I use them together in readings .
They actually read very differently from one another although they look quite similar .
I never really liked the original Angel Tarot cards too much.
I think Radleigh’s decks are a lot better without Doreen’s influence.
Author
That’s really great to know about these two decks, Tara. Thank you for sharing your experience of working with both. I’m definitely going to get the Angel Wisdom Tarot too after reading this. And yes, I can imagine they read quite differently since the Angel Wisdom Tarot has an encoded system in the cards. Agreed about Rad being better off without DV.