Thank you, Insight Editions, for a copy of the Universal Monsters Tarot Deck and Guidebook in exchange for an honest review.
I’ll admit — I’ve always been curious about tarot but didn’t have much experience or know-how in that department. So, when Insight Editions offered me a copy of their Universal Monsters Tarot Deck and Guidebook to review, I jumped at the chance. Firstly, I’ve always loved Universal Monsters. Secondly, who doesn’t go gaga over gorgeous artwork?
About Universal Monsters Tarot Deck and Guidebook
Joe Wilson provides said gorgeous artwork for this tarot deck, with a creatively-written guidebook penned by Casey Gilly. This 78-card deck includes 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana. Each card depicts classic tarot iconography. Additionally, they draw inspiration from Universal Monsters films, creatures and themes, such as Bela Lugosi’s Count Dracula and Boris Karloff‘s Frankenstein. And a monstrous tarot deck wouldn’t be complete without the Wolf Man, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, the Mummy, the Bride of Frankenstein and much more.
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Besides the intricately illustrated tarot deck and in-depth guidebook, you also get a positively frightful gift box to house it all. The inside looks like a coffin, complete with claw marks and blood spatters on the wood. As a staunch advocate for perpetual Halloween (at least in my mind), I approve of this deck’s ornately spooky presentation. It’s wonderfully detailed.
The guidebook opens with a comprehensive introduction to your tarot deck, including how to read each card and explanations for the four suits representing the Minor Arcana. (They’re aptly titled Claws, Crypts, Castles and Candles.) Then, you get a breakdown of each card in the Major and Minor Arcana, along with beautiful Universal Monsters illustrations in vibrant color. With each card, the guidebook offers descriptions for upright and reversed positions.
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The Spreads
If you’re itching to dive into your first tarot reading but don’t know where to start, the Universal Monsters Tarot Deck and Guidebook gives you three simple spreads for easy readings. Be sure to check out the sections regarding how to read your spreads and what to expect. These spreads include “Van Helsing’s Cross,” “The Wolf’s Moon” and “The Monster Lives.” I’d start with the latter to get your feet wet, as only three cards are involved. Each card in these spreads presents you with questions pertaining to their themes.
The Gist
This deck is the perfect launch point for a novice like myself. The macabre imagery combined with notable gothic icons will tick off multiple boxes for any horror and pop culture fan. The gift box is sturdy and in excellent condition, while the tarot cards are high quality. They look as if they can withstand wear and tear, making it easy to care for them. (There’s a helpful section about deck maintenance in the guidebook.)
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It’s been fun exploring the tarot world with the Universal Monsters. I’d love to see actual paintings I can mount on my wall featuring this artwork. As I said, it’s a delightfully dark deck that facilitates learning tarot. While this makes for a perfect gift for the horror lovers in your life, you don’t need to whip this out only on Halloween. Although, I’ll be curious to see how my readings fare this year around that time…
You can check out photos for five of the Major Arcana below. Be sure to purchase Universal Monsters Tarot Deck and Guidebook through Insight Editions or wherever you buy your tarot decks.
Melody.McCune@geekgirlauthority.com
What I do: I’m GGA’s Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet. Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium. I love cheese. I love geek. I love lamp.
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