Tarot of Pagan Cats

[dust]

I tried to find a thread about this deck but didn't find one! I've wanted this deck for ages and now that my local post office has returned to normal, I'm thinking of getting it. I'm just not really sure which edition to get. I was going to get the regular-size in the new (borderless) version but I'm not a huge fan of the purple graphic at the bottom, it looks kind of intrusive and like maybe it clips the bottom of the image?

 

The only bordered version I can find is in mini format, so I've got some questions about that: how good are the images? Are details visible? Does the size affect them much (if you can compare between the regular deck and the mini version)?

 

Alternatively, and this would be ideal, please let me know if you know where I could get the older edition in the regular size! 😛

 

Thank you!

[gregory]

It's the BEST deck ! The mini is fine, but it is a bit small if you love cats.

 

And the purple bit is OK. Then again - the paw print borders are to die for. And you're right - the purple bit does crop the images a bit.

 

There are a few copies on abe - most say 2021, but there is at least one that says 2012, and that could be the older one - you could ask the sellers. DON'T rely on the photo - could be a stock image. 

 

There are loads on ebay - but probably most are pirated copies. The same goes for Amazon these days.

 

We do have a trading section here - but you have to be a subscriber to use it.

[dust]

24 minutes ago, gregory said:

It's the BEST deck ! The mini is fine, but it is a bit small if you love cats.

 

And the purple bit is OK. Then again - the paw print borders are to die for. And you're right - the purple bit does crop the images a bit.

 

There are a few copies on abe - most say 2021, but there is at least one that says 2012, and that could be the older one - you could ask the sellers. DON'T rely on the photo - could be a stock image. 

 

There are loads on ebay - but probably most are pirated copies. The same goes for Amazon these days.

 

We do have a trading section here - but you have to be a subscriber to use it.

 

Thanks for your reply! Is the art/details in the mini still ok? I might settle for it for now.

 

It's so disappointing that the purple crops the images a bit. I understand they were trying to get rid of the borders but this almost seems worse!

 

I think the 2012 one is the mini, though I could be wrong. You're right about the stock photos, I figured I'd ask here in case someone can shed some light. I've seen new editions being sold with the old pictures. 🙄

 

I'm kind of worried about buying on ebay because of what you've mentioned... I don't buy from Amazon (for other reasons) but had no idea it was so dodgy nowadays! That's sad to hear.

 

I might consider subscribing for the trading section, maybe when I've got a bit more spare cash. Even if got the mini for now, I'd still want the full sized, bordered edition one day 😛

[gregory]

There's no-one actually with one up for trade here just now - but it could happen.

 

My original (paw-printed borders) copy is from 2010. Sadly the mini doesn't have those, IIRC - I will get it out tomorrow and try and answer your questions..... I SUSPECT (but can't be sure) that the mass of illegal ones on ebay right now are the borderless ones, but... Price is a good starting indicator though. Any "new" ones under $25 are not likely to be legit.

 

Where are you, by the way ?

[gregory]

OK @dust, I have bad news for you. I have the original version and two minis. The old mini doesn't seem to be around any more - but the mini one on sale now has the images of the borderless - with the purple strip you don't like - and very narrow white borders. So even smaller than they need to be - and the image is still cropped. Perfectly clear in every detail - but still cropped. If you can find an original one from either of the links I sent you - go for that; if not, of the two widely available right now, go for the borderless. (The colours haven't scanned that well today for some reason.... probably because of combining with an older scan !)

 

 

And to be sure it's genuine - buy direct from Lo Scarabeo: https://www.loscarabeo.com/en (You could even ask them if they have an odd copy of the older one with the paw print borders anywhere around - they are ultra-helpful.) It's listed there for €22, and you will know it's a decent one.

 

 

[Vesta]

https://www.bookdepository.com/Tarot-Pagan-Cats-Magdelina-Messina/9788883959813?ref=grid-view&qid=1625678422126&sr=1-1

 

The Book Depository has the deck listed as the 2010 edition.  Unfortunately they don't provide images of the cards.  I took a chance and ordered one so I'll let you know what they look like when they arrive.  I couldn't resist.  They're adorable!

[gregory]

I am willing to bet they are selling the new one, but - yes, do let us know.

[dust]

Thank you so much, both of you! 🙂

 

Unfortunately, I'm trying to avoid buying from Book Depository because it's owned by Amazon... I hope I can stay firm, because I'm so tempted to just email them and get it from them if it's the old one.

 

And looking at the pictures @gregory posted, is it just me or does the old version have warmer colours? That makes me like it even more. I'm horrified that they gave the mini a blank border and the bar on the bottom, they don't even match!

[vulprix]

I am lucky enough to have the old version of this deck. It is a keeper for sure 🙂 but be assured that the images, no matter the borders, are where it’s AT.

 

The deck is beautiful and the clipping doesn’t look too bad on the new version. I hope anyone interested can enjoy this deck!

Edited July 12, 2021 by vulprix

[gregory]

12 hours ago, dust said:

Thank you so much, both of you! 🙂

 

Unfortunately, I'm trying to avoid buying from Book Depository because it's owned by Amazon... I hope I can stay firm, because I'm so tempted to just email them and get it from them if it's the old one.

 

And looking at the pictures @gregory posted, is it just me or does the old version have warmer colours? That makes me like it even more. I'm horrified that they gave the mini a blank border and the bar on the bottom, they don't even match!

 

I got it out - and the colours aren't as much warmer as they appear (that scan was the one for my "catalogue", done ages ago on my old scanner...)- but the pretty borders add warmth, I think.

[Vesta]

@dust @gregory 

I received my Tarot of the Pagan Cats and they're unlike any of the pictures posted so far.  They are borderless like the middle picture @gregoryposted,  At the bottom of the card a paw print replaces the Roman numeral and is flanked by the two moons.  On the bottom left side is the number of the card or its symbol (like a horse's head for Knight} in yellow. On the bottom left is a picture of the suit, or for the majors, a pentagram in yellow.  I'm trying to take a picture on my laptop but so far it's been uncooperative.  I'll keep trying.

 

I absolutely love them! Whoever created this deck knows a lot about the habits of cats.  I love the Knight of Pents which shows a cat nonchalantly sitting on top of a goat. My only complaint is that the card stock is pretty flimsy but since I mainly wanted them for the pictures, I'm not too unhappy about that.

[gregory]

I think they are the same. I posted a major card; here's a minor - which is just as you describe:

 

[Vesta]

You're right @gregory.  That is the very deck.  I got confused by the variations at the bottom lol.

[gregory]

But isn't it LOVELY ?

[Vesta]

14 minutes ago, gregory said:

But isn't it LOVELY ?

Yes!  I adore it.  Can't wait to find a quiet moment to do a reading with it.

 

On 7/12/2021 at 4:37 PM, dust said:

Unfortunately, I'm trying to avoid buying from Book Depository because it's owned by Amazon... I hope I can stay firm, because I'm so tempted to just email them and get it from them if it's the old one.

This makes me sad.  Is there anything Amazon doesn't own?  I hope the BD doesn't change.  It's my main source for obscure Victorian novels.

[gregory]

I choose sellers on amazon who I know do Good Works - like webuybooks, awesomebooks, betterbooks...

 

If you are wanting to buy new (never any reduction though) https://uk.bookshop.org and it' equivalent in the US which I CANNOT get the address for as it keeps redirecting me. It has a twitter page though: 

 

https://twitter.com/bookshop_org

 

(which won't load as such, so....)

Edited July 29, 2021 by gregory

[Vesta]

Thanks @gregory.  I've bought books from awesomebooks and betterbooks before.  They're both excellent.  The books are always in the condition described and both places have quick delivery.  I'll definitely check out the other links as well.

[GreatDane]

Just got the borderless regular size today and LOVE it.  Only cat deck I own and after looking at pretty much EVERY cat deck out there, this is the one, THANKS GREGORY!, I settled on.  

 

My cats give it two paws up.

[gregory]

Why not four paws ?