Unlike many modern decks, I Tarocco Balocco was not created by drawing traditional Tarot cards. Instead, the artist, Morena Poltronieri, took pictures of darling little toys, most of them old fashioned, invoking a feeling of nostalgia. You should be aware that the 22 cards of the Major Arcana are numbered and titled, but in Italian. Also, only the major Arcana is included here.
Published in 2006, this deck had an original run of 500 decks, each numbered and signed by the artist. The Toy Tarot is a cheerful deck featuring adorable pictures of wind-up toys, tin sand pails, roller stakes, porcelain dolls, and many other items from days gone by. Despite their unique appearance, these Tarot cards are interpreted using the symbolism associated with the Rider-Waite deck. I Tarocco Balocco (The Toy Tarot) is available, but you usually have to order it online.
Have you been looking for a book that explains the Tarot in depth, but with a simple and direct approach? Released in 2011, Tarot Deciphered: Understanding and Using the Tarot does just that. This book includes individual descriptions for each card complete with guided interpretations. Ten different spreads are explored, each accompanied by a diagram so there is no confusion regarding layout. The symbolism of this book is based on the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, but it can be easily adapted for use with any traditional Tarot deck.
From the back of the book:
Reading the Tarot is a complex and mysterious art. The seventy-eight cards that
comprise the traditional Tarot deck are full of archetypal symbolism that can
help anyone to connect to the universal subconscious.
That Tarot can be
used to reveal information hidden deep within your own subconscious. This book
discusses each of the seventy-eight cards in depth, addressing their possible
interpretations based upon the symbolism of the standard Rider-Waite deck. These
interpretations can be applied to most other traditional decks as
well.
In addition to card descriptions, "Tarot Deciphered" provides ten
different spreads that can be used with most Tarot decks. These spreads range
from the common Celtic Cross Spread to the complex Astrological Spread. Also
include is the Healing Spread, a tool which can be used to aid psychological
healing.
This book is perfect for both the novice and experienced reader.
It contains all the information you need to further your exploration of the
Tarot.
There are hundreds of tarot decks out there, some still in print, others no longer available unless you can find a use deck for sale. But despite the sheer number of tarot card decks for sale, new decks are always being produced. In 2008, for example, I Tarocchi dell’Iride was published. Perhaps better known as the Tarot of the Rainbow, this deck is full of unique artwork and majestic symbolism.
Designed by Claudio Parentela, the 22 Major Arcana cards of this deck feature brightly painted scenes in a whimsical style. Traditional interpretations are applied to this tarot deck, so even if you can't read the enclosed leaflet (written entirely in Italian), you can still use this deck. My favorite thing about this deck is that it comes tied with twine and stamped with a wax seal. My least favorite thing? Well, I Tarocchi dell’Iride is really very limited in terms of supply. To my knowledge, only 100 numbered and signed decks were produced. Unsigned decks may be available.
The artwork on the cards is lovely, reminding me strongly of the 1960s. The colors are psychedelic and each card seem to pulse and vibrate with a life of its own. The artwork on this tarot deck might be in the traditional vein, but its still refreshing and captivating. And it certainly isn't lacking in color. The picture here doesn't do the deck justice. You really have to see the deck in person to fully appreciate the brilliant colors.
If you enjoy whimsical artwork, the Tarot of the Rainbow might be for you.
The Tarot reading for September 15th, 2012 through September 21st, 2012 encourages you to choose wisely. You must learn to trust if the situation is to resolve itself to your satisfaction. Be prepared for a new circle of life to begin.
Card 1: The Lovers— You need to choose wisely between two equally attractive things or people. But you will only be able to choose wisely if you feel satisfied with who and what you are right now. Get in touch with what is truly attractive to you before making your decision, because once the decision is made, there is no going back.
Card 2: Two of Wands — Excessive planning will get in the way. Taking too much time to think or having too many plans to pursue is counterproductive. Get your plans in order and focus on one thing at a time.
Card 3: The World — Pay attention to the realities of your life as it is and bring your expectations in line with what is real and true. The world and your situation is evolving, and you can also evolve if you open your eyes. Plans can come full circle, but only if you can see the entire picture.
Card 4: Five of Pentacles — Crucial to success is your ability to cope with stress and anxiety. Worries can paralyze you, so face despair and worry head on. Get busy. Sitting back and doing nothing won't get you anywhere.
Card 5: Eight of Pentacles — In the past you saw the gain resulting from the best use of talent and attending to details. But too much perfectionism wasts times. Perfection may have been the goal, but you're moving forward now, so let perfection go.
Card 6: Four of Swords — You will soon evaluate the necessity of seclusion, detachment, and retreat. These may be methods for accomplishing your goals, so be prepared to spend some quality time with yourself. In this way you might be able to avoid unnecessary pair and stress.
Card 7: The Hermit — You are surrounded by sources of good advice, but you must be willing to seek them out and ask for help. Get out of your routine and use introspection for self-mastery. Being a little eccentric may help you now, but don't take it too extremes.
Card 8: The High Priestess — Others may see you as intuitive and deeply spiritual. Some think you are mysterious and powerful because you seem connected to forces outside the normal range of perception. Chaos does not seem to affect you like it does other people.
Card 9: The Magician — You hope you are clever and skillful enough to transform your situation in a way that benefits you, but you fear you might not be able to. You may fear your own power or the more esoteric aspects of life.
Card 10: The Fool — Knowing how to trust and inspire trust in others is a valuable quality. A new cycle or adventure will begin. Look at each part of the situation as if you're seeing it for the first time. Enjoy this and learn what you can. Try to go with the flow.
