Hello, soul friends!
After a brief hiatus, as life got a bit too busy, I decided to get back to completing some of these deck reviews I had on my list to do before I forget to add them on here. I am not going in any order, so that is helpful. Today's review is covering a deck that was caught my attention as soon as I saw it! It's vivid imagery, bold colors, and standout artwork set my deck collector's heart thumping away.
I hope you enjoy my review and generous pictures!
Lumina Tarot
This is a beautiful deck that I had my eyes on but missed out on purchasing, and as it was in Australia at first print, I found it to be an expensive and long process to await for a deck. I was lucky enough to have the creator, Lauren, gift it to me, and it has quickly become a fave and must have deck in my collection. I also own her Connected and Free Oracle, and have found that these two speak so well together. The artistry, unique designs, and aesthetic just resonate with me very deeply. The deck has been republished a few times, and you can check here for pricing and estimated available dates.
About the Creators
Learn more about Lauren: http://innerhue.com/
Learn more about Tegan: http://www.colourcult.com.au/
My Personal Review
This is a 78 card tarot deck which includes a lot of traditional elements, exquisite depictions, and artistically unique cards. The first thing I noticed was the luxe and thick cards. This deck has got to be the thickest deck I own. The card stock is stiff, chunky, beautifully matte. This makes photos a dream. No shine, luster, or stickiness.
As I shuffled through the deck the first time, I was taken aback by the beautiful artwork. Tegan's artwork is absolutely stunning. I own the Connected and Free Oracle which is also a collaboration between these two ladies, and just loved the direction they took with the Tarot. Tegan and Lauren did a fantastic job of interpreting each Tarot archetype and traditional character with their own modern and beautiful spin.
The illustrated 185 page guidebook takes you on a Tarot Tour! The book is larger than the deck, so storage is a bit odd, but I was used to it with the Connected and Free, and much prefer a thick and well-done guidebook than just a few simple keywords. Each card offers you the yin and yang of it’s aspects presented in perfect Light and Shadow fashion! Reversal meanings are included in the beautiful guidebook. My guidebook was well-loved right from the beginning. The warmth and multi faceted layers of insight will see it loved, worn at the edges with the guide book dog eared.
Each card has the traditional name of the card on there, and they all include very RWS influences. Of course, Tegan did her own unique take on all of the cards, but you can look through all of the cards and recognize the familiar symbolism.
As you can see in the pictures here, I have included each of the suits that have the traditional symbolism depicted. Pentacles, Cups, Wands, and Swords - all easily identifiable. The Majors are all engaging and stand out in their own way. All of the cards have a label so you can easily recognize and match it up to the guidebook.
It is a deeply enchanting, highly engaging and powerful tarot deck that continues to send goosebumps of delight and confirmation rushing over me! Lumina melds animal magick, archetypal energy and symbolism together in potent visual imagery that will support you in accessing your own intuitive abilties. For every seeking question you present, the deck will hold you and offer a clear response, calling you back into your Truth.
The card stock is actually super thick, but lacks the shinier finish that newer decks tend to lean towards, but the weight of the card stock does not allow it to bend. No flaking or separating of the edges with this deck, either. Always a welcomed thing with such hard to find Indie decks that are crowd favorites. I also love that these beauties are great to take pictures of since they are much more of a matte finish that doesn't take away from the beauty of the artwork.
The backs are reversible, as most traditional Tarot decks have, so you can easily use upright and reverse meanings for your readings. They are simple, but not my least favorite backs. I actually prefer these simplistic symbols on the back of the decks that allow an opportunity to pull cards either upright or reverse.
The box is a beautiful and large lift-top box with a gorgeous black and white design on the outside, and watercolors inside. It is thick and solid box that makes the cards easy to store. The cards are a slightly larger tarot size, but not too large that they rival the Blue Angel cards. I feel that the thickness of the card stock gives them the slightly larger appearance.
It is a well-done, high quality deck that is perfect for anyone on the Tarot journey and would like a more modern take on the traditional symbolism.
Enjoy the gratuitous deck porn below. It seriously just photographs so well!
Overall, I found this to be an exceptionally well executed Indie Deck - enough to be picked up by a well-known publishing company. The artwork is unique, crisp, very contemporary and modern, there is a hipster, new-age vibe. There is a very definitive look to the deck, and I just love the amount of love that went into each card. Lauren and Tegan did a stellar job, and I highly recommend this deck to anyone who loves Tarot, and is looking for an updated and modern deck to work with!
My overall opinion is that this deck is a 4.5 star choice.
Artwork - 5 stars
Card stock - 4 stars
Ease - 4 stars
Guidebook - 5 stars
I hope that you enjoyed my deck review, and also enjoy other deck reviews that I add to this site. I have a passion for exploring new decks and also finding various ways of connecting to my intuition. I appreciate you checking out my site and taking the time to read my review.
Happy Reading!
