The Connolly Tarot Deck
Review by Michele Jackson
If you would like to purchase this deck, click
here.
- This deck is designed by Tarot author Eileen Connolly and drawn by
her son, Peter. Connolly has made major changes to the symbolism of this deck, though she
did seem to try to convey the Waite-Smith or “Traditional” meanings in her deck.
If you can read with the Waite-Smith deck, you should have little difficulty reading with
this one. Connolly has made some changes to the major Arcana. Death has been changed to
“Transformation” and The Devil has been changed to “Materialism”. The
symbolism on the other Majors has been changed as well. The Fool for example, is shown
standing in the middle of a crossroads, vice on the cliff; The woman in Strength is seated
on a brick fence with the Lion standing behind her and the lemniscate in the sky above
them both; The Hermit is shown handing off a torch to a man below him; The Star shows a
young man, vice a young woman; The Moon shows a couple looking at the moon, The Sun is
encircled with cherubs; Judgment shows a couple, obviously at odds and The woman in The
World is not dancing. The scenes in the Minors have been re-interpreted artistically, but
the meanings remain traditional. The suit of Swords has been toned down. There is no
bloodshed or violence to women depicted anywhere in this deck.
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- The art is very good. The colors are bright and vibrant and there
is lots of detail. My only complaint about the art is the facial expressions on most of
the people. They look bored or indifferent for the most part. I even like the backs, which
are deeply veined white marble.
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- Connolly currently has two Tarot books on the market: “Tarot: A New Handbook for the Apprentice” and
“Tarot: The Handbook for the Journeyman”. The Handbook for the Apprentice is
available in two versions, one illustrated with the Waite-Smith deck and one illustrated
with Connolly’s own deck. A third, "The Handbook for the Master" is due to
be released soon. Her Tarot books have a strong Christian slant, with prayers and
meditations.
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- If you would like to purchase this deck, click
here.
See more images from the Connolly Tarot Deck
- Connolly Tarot Deck
- ISBN: 0-88079-437-6
- Available from US Games, 179 Ludlow St., Stamford CT,
06902, (800)544-2637) Fax: 203-353-8431
Copyright 1996/97 Michele Jackson
