Deck Review-The Stained Glass Tarot: An Illuminated Journey through the Cards by James Edward

Deck Review

The Stained Glass Tarot: An Illuminated Journey through the Cards

By James Edward

Publisher: Destiny Books

78 Card Tarot Deck, 325 Page Guidebook, in a sturdy, magnetically sealed box

Release Date: September 24, 2024

The Stained Glass Tarot: An Illuminated Journey through the Cards is, in a word, stunning. The deck itself features artwork that the pictures either I myself could take, or even from the publisher, just couldn’t serve justice to how exquisite these cards are. If you love the artwork in Catholic & Orthodox churches, as many mystics, pagans and spiritualists do, myself included, then this deck might just be for you. James Edward, the creator of this beautiful deck, took an approach to this deck that I really appreciate, being a Tarot nerd & connoisseur; he mixed imagery from the Marseilles Tarot as well as the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot decks. For those who don’t know, there are multiple systems of Tarot out there. The Marseilles Tarot is more memory based, in that the suits don’t have images, just however many of whatever suit, for example, 10 Pentacles. No other imagery that we normally see in a RWS deck. The RWS deck, however, does feature this imagery, and the imagery matches the meanings associated with the Marseilles Tarot, making this an easy combination that adds depth to the meanings you get from this deck during a reading. Aside from that, the artwork itself is highly symbolic, and this combination of highly symbolic colors, images and symbology, as well as combined systems of Tarot, makes this deck my new all-time favorite. It’s beautiful, reads well, and is accurate as all get out.

I chose this deck because I had seen it on social media (a true nerd, I follower all my favorite publishing houses & authors), and was immediately enamored with the beauty of it. Now that I own it, I can safely say this is the deck I see myself returning to time and again because the artwork really speaks to me in a multitude of ways, and I appreciate the subtle nods to the Marseilles Tarot tradition that’s within each card. The color palette of this deck reflect the elemental influences within each suit, and planetary, zodiacal and elemental colors are also included in the major arcana cards. The guidebook provides in-depth looks at each card, from the major arcana (which always seem to get more attention in guide books than the suits), to the suits and court cards. Mnemonics are given for the cards, as are interpretations and keywords. The cardstock is sturdy, and the deck itself is of standard size. The card backs are uniform, so those that do read with reversals will find no trouble with bias while shuffling or before drawing the cards to do a reading.

I absolutely love this deck! It’s in my top 5, and to be honest, it may just be #1 right now! I’ve found myself turning to it for mundane things, to more philosophical, deeper things, or things having to do with my spiritual & magickal pursuits. I have zero critiques; I will recommend this deck to friends, those looking to start, those who are drawn to Stained Glass artwork, and those Tarot nerds like myself who love the fascinating factoids and combination of Tarot systems. It’s the perfect deck for the beginner and seasoned Tarot reader alike-and the beginner may have an edge over their cohorts by learning two Tarot systems at once! I give this deck a 5/5 Pentagram rating. Seriously, get one for yourself, you won’t regret it!

James Edward is active in witchcraft and the occult, and has been for more than 20 years. A scientist by training, he is an animist as well as a Spiritual Ecologist. He lives in southeastern Texas.

 

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Author Bio:

The Modern Merlin has been a Polytheist and Animist Pagan, Wytch, Sorcerer, Cannabis Wytch, Poison Wytch, Druid, Mystic, Ceremonial Magician, Occultist, Seer and Soothsayer for over 15 years. He venerates and casts magick with deities and spirits from many pantheons, including those from Ancient Greece, Rome, Celtic Lands, Norse & Germanic Lands, Khemet (Ancient Egypt) and others, as well as numerous spirit allies, ancestors, and even Saints, Angels and Demons! He has experience practicing both the Left and Right Hand Paths, working with both hands as needed. He practices Necromancy as well as Traditional Witchcraft, Ceremonial Magick, Grimoire Magick and Natural Magick, as well as Occultism in general. He incorporates all of these different practices into a personal system that’s ever evolving as he continues to grow and learn as a person as well as a Sorcerer & Occultist. He also studies and practices Astrology as well as Tarot and other forms of divination such as Runes, Palmistry and Ogham. He has also been investigating the paranormal for over 10 years and has a keen interest in researching various mythologies, cosmologies and folklore from around the world. He is the Co-Editor of PaganPages.Org and the author of multiple columns, including The Modern Merlin’s Corner, Entheogens for the New Gen, Stellium, and Scary, Strange and Mythical Encounters. He gives readings and other spiritual services on his Facebook Page, The Modern Merlin, as well other free informational posts for everyone to see!