Deck Review: “Wild Lands Tarot” by Leah Shoman
Pub: Sacred Scribe Publishing, 2024
78 Cards, 95 page Guidebook
Card Size: 81 x 114 mm
Card Stock: Paper based (heavy)
First I have to say that no pictures of this deck will do justice to it; they have to be seen in person. The cards are composite images layering holographic foil of familiar tarot symbols over photographs (some of these are themselves layered imposing different photographic elements on top of each other.) The resulting cards are beautiful, dreamy, and detailed; with lots of elements to draw you in, and aid in interpretation.
This deck is a traditional 78 card deck; Major Arcana, Wands, Cups, Ankhs (Swords), and Coins (also known as Pentacles.) The guidebook gives a quick introduction to reading tarot over 4 pages; but with enough information and reassurance for a complete novice to get going. The rest of the guidebook is a guide to the cards themselves. Each card has a page to itself; with keywords, photo location, and a brief but comprehensive explanation of each card. Shoman’s explanations are beautiful, and considerate; worth a read for experienced readers, and a lovely introduction for new readers.
Photographic decks are relatively unusual. This one really makes the photographic nature of the deck a feature. The overall design of the cards themselves gives them the feel of a polaroid; from the card stock, the size and shape, and the typeface used. As described above the cards are photographic, with familiar tarot symbols layered on top. The photographic techniques used have given the images a very dreamy quality which I love. As Shoman says in the blurb “I’ve wandered the planet to energetic centres…This deck contains photographs from these incredibly powerful locations”. Some of these locations will be familiar, some less so. For me when looking at these cards it feels like stepping into each location; this makes it easier to meditate with each card. Some cards feature people as well as places, this in no way interferes with the overall emphasis on landscape.
On a practical level it is an easy to use deck. Nice to shuffle, and the cards are a very good size for me to handle (which for those of us with smaller hands is important.) The box is sturdy with a magnetic closure, and a snug fit for the deck.
This really is a beautiful, and unusual, deck packed with meaning. I fell in love with it the moment I opened it up. I would recommend this deck for both experienced, and new readers; a brilliant addition to, or start of, a collection. My overall impression of this deck is that it is a dreamy, thoughtful creation following a traditional tarot format. I look forward to using it for years to come.
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