The Tarot of the Enchanted Soul by Yasmeen Westwood, published by Red Feather Mind, Body, Spirit (Schiffer Publishing) will be released in the UK on 26 May. It is available for pre-order (Amazon affiliate link). I was fortunate enough to receive a review copy recently and have already spent some delightful moments in the company of this gorgeous deck.
The Tarot of the Enchanted Soul is a 78-card, fantasy/steampunk-themed Tarot deck. It contains, among other things, merpeople, dragons, lots of top hats, strange insects and anachronistic Viking-looking types. This mix of influences gives the deck a rather whimsical, dreamlike feeling. The glossy cards contain lots of details that draw your eyes during a reading, making for a great intuitive reading deck. It is not a traditional Waite-Smith style deck but the structure of the 78-card deck is true to tradition and only a couple of cards have been renamed, such as Perspective for the Hanged Man and The Mentor instead of The Hierophant.
The cards are quite a bit larger than a traditional Tarot deck but this is necessary considering the detailed imagery. I suppose a compromise could have been made if the cards were borderless but I quite like the Larimar-coloured borders. At the bottom of each card, there is space for some keywords for each card which beginners will find helpful.
This Tarot deck and book set comes in quite a sturdy box with a flip-top magnetic lid. This is my favourite type of Tarot box. I don’t know why but I just find the little click the top makes when it shuts very reassuring.
Bling!
I don’t know about you but gilded borders always make me happy!
The Guidebook
As well as creating the images for the deck, Yasmeen Westwood is also the author of the companion guidebook included in this kit. Because the companion guidebook takes you from Noob/Zero to Tarot Hero, this deck and book set would make a lovely gift for a young beginner Tarot Reader. There is also enough detailed information about each card to keep the more seasoned reader feeling like they are getting good value. The guidebook discusses the imagery used, as well as the meanings. For the Majors, you also get a section on what the card might mean when representing a person. My favourite section for each card is ‘Thoughts’–These make for great journaling prompts.
There are seven Tarot Spreads included. See sample of one of them below:
Video Flip-Through to Music
Tarot of the Enchanted Soul Deck Interview
Describe yourself in three words or less. 10 of Coins
TES: A warm hug
2. How would your best friend describe you in three words or less? 9 of Swords
TES: A nightmare
Me: Surely he’s kidding?
TES: Yeah, it’s just good banter. But he’s not wrong. When I’m in a mood, I can definitely be a nightmare. He still loves me though.
Me: That’s okay then!
3. What gift do you bring? Judgement
TES: I help you make those really important decisions in life by allowing you to tune into how you truly feel about the situation. Spiritual bypassing or intellectualising are not allowed!
4. What do you expect in return? Temperance
TES: That you allow yourself some space for soul alchemy to take place in the chamber of your heart, the seat of your emotions
Me: I was hoping Temperance would show up in this reading since it’s one of my favourite cards in this deck. I just love the black and white feather symbolism here!
TES: Thank you very much! Which other cards do you really love?
Me: The Two of Wands springs to mind. There is a dragon on one of the paths–Choose that path!
TES: Well, yeah. Duh!
5. How can you help me serve? Knight of Cups
TES: I can help you be authentic about how you truly feel and not give up on your quest for true love
6. Is there anything else you would like to tell me about yourself? Knight of Pentacles
TES: I work hard and am a good all-rounder. You won’t tire of using me for different types of readings as long as you are willing to do the work.
Me: Yeah, I can see that already. There is so much to explore in each card. I look forward to allowing for lots and lots of soul alchemy together!
