The Mary-el Tarot: (Tarot Kit Box Set with 78 Cards and Guide Book)

This deck is an absolutely gorgeous, diverse and new look on tarot that I’ve never experienced before. I had my eye on this deck for a while, and decided to buy it during quarantine as to learn and concentrate my energy into this new deck, it’s artwork and system. I find this deck to be quite a divergent deck, some cards read very RWS, others are more marseilles, and some are completely redefined. However, they all read smoothly with understanding from the guidebook, and make for an excellent deck. The artwork itself is astonishing, features a variety of body types and ethnicities, and explores the mystical and multi-facetted energies we suppress and are yet to explore. The cards range in focal points, with scenic moments balanced by close up portraits, yet all maintain the engaging style. My only criticism would be the card stock, and the quality of the product. None of the cards were scratched on arrival, and they were packaged securely, however the card stock itself is too flimsy and malleable for my liking. The cards bend too easily into one shape and don’t snap back, and I’m afraid they’ll stay so after continuous use. I find that they only effectively rifle shuffle face up (which I don’t like doing), yet I know this will change with further use. Also, the guilding used (although gorgeous) is quite sticky, and I found myself separating the cards from chunks built up together. Again, this stopped after shuffling, yet they still feel sticky and uncomfortable to shuffle at the moment, and there is a slight amount of flaking. Despite this, the image resolution is astounding, and I’m not concerned about the clarity of the cards for some readers. The rest of the packaging (including box and guidebook) are in great condition. Despite the issue with card stock, I would highly recommend this deck for experienced readers for a new perspective on tarot; for the effective guidebook, beautiful cards, and interesting story to tell.

Have just taken delivery of this beautiful deck. The artwork is stunning and the card stock is excellent. The guide book is great and breaks down the card meanings very well.

I didn't know I need this deck until I got it. The art is so beautiful, in a dark way that doesn't spark any repulsion, like some of the other decks. The cards are great, but they seem a bit fragile when shuffling, the book is an amazing resource. Sturdy box, I'm sure I'll have a great time learning this deck.

I used this cards once and I am in love with the cards. The Art it’s beautiful which helps to trigger emotions, feelings, intuition. Great for who is new to the tarot and also for the more experience. The cards help to see in different perspectives. I just love it and strong recommend who likes to feel inspired to tell an amazing and mística story.

Absolutely impressive and special, but perhaps it is not the art that counts, at least for me. What distinguishes this tarot from others is its very deep interpretation. Looking at the photo and a short biographical note at the end of the booklet accompanying the cards I wondered how it is possible that such a wisdom flows from the woman I see. The description of cards and their meaning is much deeper than of other authors, it looks as if the cards were pre-meditated in the extent seldom encountered. The quality of the card edition poorly reflects their content. Perhaps the author should think about publishing the tarot by some renown quality publisher. But what can I say? Nevertheless the booklet itself is enough for the price customers pay. You will not come across such deep interpretation in most, if not all tarots and books on them you have ever bought. That one flows from the experience that amazes and intrigues me.

I love this deck. Is not easy straight forward interpretation so I only use for myself. I find that I need to spend a good amount of time sinking inn each card!

The first deck I ordered was missing a card and had two of the same was disappointed. So ordered another same day with reservations. and its perfect a beautiful deep thoughtful deck with a fantastic book

I've been a Tarot reader and teacher for 57 years but bought these cards for artistic inspiration. It's just as well that I didn't buy them for readings: some of the corners were cropped or bent and there were scratches on the back, making them marked cards. Marked cards are not much use when shuffling, cutting and drawing at random. I've been an astrologer since 1983, and I find the interpretation of the elements (Fire, Earth, Air and Water) very inconsistent. The numbering of the cards is poorly and inconsistently reflected in the designs. How does this help a beginner who's learning to be a Tarot reader? The accompanying book may offer adequate explanations, but it would have to be read from cover to cover for a beginner (or a professional, as I am) to understand the artist's intentions. Without a careful reading of the book, a newcomer to Tarot would be lost and doubtless the cards would end up in the bin. (Note: The lamination and the silver edges, which sometimes stick pairs of cards together, prevent recycling as paper waste.) I'm surprised this set is a second edition. There is nothing here to inspire me or give me confidence in the creator's knowledge. The printing quality is fine, but I consider the manufacturer's treatment of the cards to be deplorable. What about the creator? In my view (and what I deduce from the accompanying book) this is a very personal set of cards, and should be marketed as art rather than as Tarot. Such a shame to let down this otherwise beautiful set of cards primarily because of carelessness on the part of the manufacturer, and secondarily because the creator is essentially an artist. This is a revised review: dropped from four stars to one, because the manufacturer and artist (again in my view) have let down not only me but also potential purchasers.