Seventh Sphere Tarot

[Penthasilia]

So- this is the deck I almost didn't get.

 

You know that deck- the one you mull over, talk yourself out of, buy 3 other decks, then mull some more.

 

Yes- that was this deck.

 

I had a ton of reasons, the first being that the art style just isn't my typical love. I usually can't get into decks that look like this- usually my real working decks are ones that started out on canvas/paper- not computer. And the imagery was kind of strange on some of the cards- am I really going to like it or is this another wasted purchase? Let me buy 3 more I really don't love- that'll be the best plan. I know I can't be the only one here!

 

Finally, I just took the plunge- bought it, the lenormand and also the white one from their site (which I thought would be my favorite, and wasn't- FYI, that white deck- gorgeous, but a brick, and just not the same feel/punch).

 

So- a story on my bias for this deck. Interestingly- I was journeying yesterday, I saw myself reading cards in a park for someone I know- there was a lot to the journey, but needless to say- it was a powerful one, and I knew the deck in my hands. I came out of it- and discombobulated looked at my phone to see how long I had been gone- and there was a text that I had received a package- I knew what was waiting.

 

I went to pick it up- opened it- and that was it. I knew- this was not only the deck from the journey- but MY deck. Can't describe it- it just was. The reason I go through all of this is to show that I have a very strong bias of love on this one- so knowing that, here are my thoughts on the deck itself, falling through this lens.

 

The colors- forget all the walkthroughs on YouTube. There is absolutely no way to truly get the way these cards actually look in person. Yes- there is this muted, pastel, otherworldly look to them that kind of shows up in some of the flip throughs- but it is nothing like the real thing. Same for the lenormand.

 

The bling- understated yet eye catching at the same time- it doesn't stick out, but is really a part of the card. Think Baba decks here- where it doesn't feel forced but rather beautifully and tastefully done.

 

The cardstock- I have NEVER had anything like this. I thought the Maroon tarot would never be beat- not even the Pagan Otherworlds comes close. If you are a riffle shuffler- this deck is, by far, the most satisfying experience you will experience. I really cannot describe it. The cards bend more than any I have shuffled- but not too much- just enough for that scrumptious smack and light enough that the fluff of the bridge just makes you smile. It is SO good- you can even do it with the small lenormand- not as satisfying as the tarot- but the fact you can riffle and bridge a small little lennie lets you know this stuff is amazing.

 

Readability- you have the caveat listed above, the other is that I have not been reading with pip decks for an extremely long time- so those who haven't read with or are just starting with pips- you are in my boat versus the years-experienced readers we have here. That being said- I can fall into these cards, reading them more than the traditional Marseille- or even some of the newer ones like the tarot d'aux arcs. I don't know if it is the colors, the silhouettes, etc. But I find this one speaks to me on a very different level.

 

That being said- this is not for purists- I realize it doesn't exactly follow Marseille patterns in the majors and courts- I am OK with that. I have traditional Marseille decks. I wanted a reading deck- and for me, this is it.

 

This deck is the one- a long time ago, I had a deck that was my only deck and used it exclusively for years. I lost it and haven't found anything since until now. It was enough I gave the majority of my cards away to friends as this is really what I will be reading with- I had made a deal with the universe on that one, that if I ever found another deck that could be MY deck, I would gift the others I had. Any decks I keep are for sentimental purposes to remind me of places that are my home away from home.

 

There is a free app where you can download the electronic version (again, not as beautiful)- but the nice part is that the meaning for all the cards as through the eyes of the creator are listed there- and you can see all of them at least in electronic form. I had it- again I waffled- there is nothing like having it in front of you.

 

So- that is my review on this tarot. More than a little biased, I know, but if you like pip style decks but hate googley eyed traditional Marseille, or even if you like them and want to try something different- it is worth it. If you are a riffle shuffler and never even thought about trying a pip deck- this is worth it. And the lennie is as well.

 

Hope you all enjoy- if anyone has it, or gets it, would love to hear what you think. If you have any other questions- just let me know. I am happy to answer them.

[Flaxen]

What an amazing experience for you. [emoji3]

This looks absolutely stunning - I do love a pip deck! I like the colour palette.

 

I think this deck is one I’d really gel with - the only thing which puts me off is the potential customs hit to the UK...however, I can rationalise that by thinking of it as replacing 3 mass-market decks.

 

 

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[Penthasilia]

It is totally worth it- and if there is anything I can do to help, just let me know. I have done it in the past to help get past some of the outrageous customs charges.  8)

[Flaxen]

Thank you! That’s a really kind offer. I’ll wait till the end of the month when I get paid again and see how it looks then. [emoji3]

 

 

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[Cobweb]

Thank you for sharing!  It looks like such a gorgeous deck and is definitely on my wish list.  <3

[Flaxen]

Nearly payday again and I’m hovering over the buy button. [emoji3]

 

 

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[Bookworm]

I really want this one too.

[ayuryogini]

A modern TdM w/ rose gold foil!!

 

I'm on it.

[gregory]

It's lovely. Even though I had to go through hell to GET it ! (long story. Ask her NOT to use DHL if you aren't in the US.)

 

I also have her Golden Thread. Love it.

[Penthasilia]

It remains my main reading deck. I love it- and use it with the matching Lenormand.  Beautiful, fun to read and sublime shuffling- I could shuffle it all day.

 

Glad you guys are liking it. I was surprised it didn't have more roorah about it.

[Penthasilia]

Just wanted to post an almost month update on this set.

 

Still my main reading deck- and I really have found this to be a remarkably well done deck.

 

It reads exceptionally well- the caveat being that I have finally honed in on a really great style for reading pip decks and it seems to be amazingly suited to this deck.

 

Will still use the lenormand with it on occasion- but as I have solidified my approach on the TdM, I find it less necessary and so will often just use one or the other.

 

I have never in my life enjoyed shuffling a deck so much. I actually cringe a little when I shuffle others (including the buttery Maroon tarot) as they just do not stand up to the flickering softness of the riffle and bridge that I have with this deck.

 

It is truly wonderful- unless I have a reader that specifically asks for one of my other (few remaining) decks for a reading, this is really all I use.

 

Kinda nice to not have to ponder over which new deck to buy. :P

[EmpyreanKnight]

Rose gold foil ftw! It's a fresh and modern take on the Marseille, and it's been on my radar too. Glad that you found a deck that you feel a close affinity to, Penthasilia. :D

 

THIS is the deck's official page btw, for those who are interested.

[Flaxen]

A bit of extra funds this month means that I have finally ordered this. [emoji4]

 

Really looking forward to seeing it and working with it. Thank you, Penthasilia for your excellent enabling!

[Bookworm]

Good going, Flaxen. It looks gorgeous. :)

[Penthasilia]

A bit of extra funds this month means that I have finally ordered this. [emoji4]

 

Really looking forward to seeing it and working with it. Thank you, Penthasilia for your excellent enabling!

 

Yayyyy! So glad you were able to order it and I cannot wait to hear what you think of it. Still my reading deck- don't need anything else.

[Linfang]

It's lovely. Even though I had to go through hell to GET it ! (long story. Ask her NOT to use DHL if you aren't in the US.)

 

I also have her Golden Thread. Love it.

 

Oh, that doesn’t sound promising. I would really love to buy this deck, especially after the great review. But I’m in Germany and I never ordered something via DHL from the States. Furthermore, the idea of being hit but high custom charges makes me doubting if this is really worth trouble :(

[Flaxen]

My deck has arrived via DHL to UK without incident! No customs charges and stress-free.

 

It is a stunning deck in the flesh. I’m not sure what type the cardstock is, but it feels great. Very smooth, a bit whippy.

 

Will be very interesting to see how it reads for me.

[Penthasilia]

Glad it arrived without issue.

 

I absolutely love shuffling it- basically ruins the rest for me.

 

Can't wait to hear how it reads for you!