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CARD DECK REVIEW:Card DecksReviewed by Marie T. Russell Inspirational Cards | Yoga Cards | Cards for Readings Affirmation Cards | Astrological Decks For additional decks not covered in this review, click here. Inspirational Cards
Yoga DecksI recently "took up" yoga again after a hiatus of over 20 years... While I've registered at a local class once a week, these cards are a definite boon to any yoga practice. While they are designed for someone to use "on their own", I find that they are also powerful in helping you continue your yoga practice at home. You pull out the cards that depict the poses you want to work on that week (or whatever period) and they help you follow the pose through from start to finish. Here's the two decks that I'd like to share with you.
Cards for Readings (Tarot & more)
Affirmation CardsWe all know, or at least have heard of, the power of positive thinking. This is not a new concept. Even Jesus spoke of having the faith of a mustard seed -- and one who has faith obviously has positive thoughts about the outcome. Many books have included affirmations in their teachings. The power of an affirmation lies in numbers -- in other words, repeating it and repeating it until it becomes ingrained in your thought process, until it incorporated in your basic belief system, in your essence. Affirmation cards are a wonderful tool in this direction, because you can carry one in your pocket, post one on your fridge, mirror, computer monitor, desk or dresser, etc. Again the idea is to be constantly reminded of this new thought or new seed you are planting in your consciousness. Here are two decks I'd like to share with you.
Astrological Card DecksAstrology is a complex field. There is so much data, so many things to remember as to what planet rules what, the characteristics of various planets, signs, houses, etc. That's where a card deck comes in handy. You can use them as instruction in general, for information on a specific chart, you can use them to do readings, or as a divination tool (ask a question and pick a card for an answer).
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Very
beautiful angel cards. Slightly bigger than regular cards, but the
artwork deserves the extra space. Some of the angels look like they
came from Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, others look more modern --
yet they all carry a wonderful energy. I tried to pick a
"favorite" one, yet could not, as each one has its own
wonderful uniqueness and beauty. Each card has a one-word focus:
Abundance, Harmony, Playfulness, Soulmate, Trust, Balance, etc. Great
for a word of the day. Comes with a 48 page booklet that gives
instructions (suggestions) on how to work with the cards. Each card is
featured in the booklet with a paragraph or two which focus on the
card's meaning. The messages are heart-warming. For example, the card
"Emerging: Your angels are guiding you to honor your true
feelings by expressing them to yourself and others. The angels will
help you lovingly talk about your feelings so that no
misunderstandings occur with friends and loved ones." A wonderful
deck either for yourself or as a gift!
A
powerful deck! A great tool for personal growth. Each card focuses on a
personal attitude or trait (Boldness, Joy, Perseverance, Sincerity,
Health, etc.) and has a short affirmation that corresponds to it such
as: "Patience: Today I will be patient with everyone, including
myself." The the card refers you to a page in the book (138 pages)
with thoughts to reflect on and practical suggestions to incorporate the
attitude into you day. For example the one on patience suggests:
"Listen and try to better understand...", "... see the
best in people and situations", and more practical suggestions. A
great tool to use as a "goal of the day" or "goal of the
week". Pick a card at random after a short meditation or centering
process.
What
beautiful artwork! The back of each card is graced with a beautiful
painting by Sulamith Wulfing (40 cards/40 paintings). This deck is worth
getting for the artwork alone. Then to make this deck even more
enchanting, each card has a motivational and inspirational saying.
Example: "If your heart and your mind lead you in different
directions, follow your heart", "The only important things in
life are the traces of love we leave behind", "Every major
achievement began as a small thought". Definitely a great deck for
a thought of the day, or even to include one in a letter or as a gift to
share with people in the office. (You might want to get two decks -- one
to keep complete and the other to share out cards from.) You can even
use cards to grace little nooks and crannies with the artwork of the
fairies. A wonderful deck! 
What
a fun deck! Small round cards (2" diameter) which are small enough
to carry in your pocket -- either just one card or the little box that
holds all 102 cards (the box is about 2" x 1 ½"). Great to
use as a focus for a meditation or for the day. Examples of cards: In
Balance with Nature; Gridwork of Light; Liberation; Unconditional Love;
etc. Comes with a wonderful 384 page book which has a few pages written
for each card -- first it has a short paragraph expanding on the words
on the card, then a short article giving a more in-depth perspective on
that card's theme. The book is great and can be used on its own...
either by simply reading one "card section" per day, or
opening it "randomly" after a short meditation or centering
exercise. The book also explains a few layouts that can be used to do
readings with the cards and the little box has an insert that also shows
some layouts for readings.
The
84 cards show a posture, give instructions, and also at times refer to
the accompanying book which gives additional directions as to setting up
an exercise series, explains various breathing exercises, and more. Each
card gives indications for positions: Starting; Static; Optimal;
Dynamic; Compensation; and the effects, both physical and
mental-emotional, on the person -- and gives complete explanations as to
how to execute the position. The posture is depicted in a clear black
silhouette. 
This
yoga deck is also color coordinated. The colors are according to 13
themes such as: Becoming Present, Balance, Twist and Cleanse, Tummy
Toners, Meditation, etc. The pack does not come with a book -- the
introduction and explanation are on individual cards. One of the
explanation cards suggest session variations from a Quickie Session,
Rejuvenator Session, De-Stress Session to an Emergency Session, and
more. 
While
I'm by far not an expert on tarot, this deck appeals to me because of
the wonderful imagery on the cards and also the great book (238 pages)
that comes with it. I appreciate the concept of shapeshifting, since for
me it implies our ability to change and grow as we meet challenges and
blessings in our life. While each card corresponds to a traditional
tarot card (which is indicated on the card itself), it also has one key
word inscribed on the card (such as knowledge, burden, darkness,
victory, choice, power, clarity, etc.). It can be used as a traditional
tarot deck, but I find (since I'm not much of a tarot reader) that I use
it as a tool to get clarity and guidance simply by picking a card and
then reading its interpretation. The book gives you the traditional
corresponding tarot card, key words that relate to that card, a
description of the card and its symbology, and then a
"prophecy" related to that card. I've had this deck for
a few years, and I always enjoy pulling a card from the deck and
reflecting on its imagery and message. The artwork by itself makes it
worth getting this deck.
This
deck focuses on the Native American teachings with 44 cards (4 and 44
being Native sacred numbers). The themes of the cards are centered on
Native tools such as Medicine Wheel, Sun Dance, Dreamtime, Sweat Lodge,
Drum, Talking Stick, etc. The fact that this deck comes with a hardcover
book (326 pages) is also a pleasure. Several spreads are suggested (8 in
all) again with Native themes such as: The Tipi Spread, The Four
Directions Spread, etc. The book has great information and can be used
by itself to learn more about Native Sacred teachings and about
ourselves. Each card has a 4 or 5 page explanation which includes The
Teaching (an explanation of the card's meaning) and The Application (how
it applies to you). If you are drawn to Native American wisdom, you'll
love this deck and the accompanying book.
I've
had this deck for years and I still love it! Every time I pull it out, I
am awed by the artwork. The deck is a little bigger than
"regular" cards, but I appreciate it since I enjoy the beauty
of the cards so much. The book (336 pages) is a hardcover so it
withstands the test of constant use. The authors describe this deck as a
journey into fairy tales, myth, and nature, and maybe that's one of the
reasons it appeals to me so much. While each card has the traditional
tarot correspondent card, the major arcana also has a fairy tale
character associated with it such as Aladdin, the Fairy Godmother, Peter
Pan, Rapunzel, Cinderella, and more. As with most decks that come with a
book, you can use the book by itself (though with the appeal of the
graphics on these cards, you'd
miss out on a lot of the pleasure of using the striking and colorful
cards). The book offers an interpretation of each card and the meaning
for you when this particular card appears in your life. Some layouts are
suggested which encourage our inner child to come out and play. Examples
of layouts: the Wishing Well, the Rainbow, Hopscotch, etc. The guidebook
also offers suggestions on how to use this deck with children. A
beautiful enchanting deck!
If
you love crystals and gemstones, you'll love this deck. And if you're
interested in learning more about crystals and gemstones and their
healing properties, this is a great tool to do so. The book (224 pages)
describes the healing powers of the gems (approx. 45 of them) and has
grouped the gems according to which area of the body they affect: the
emotional body, spiritual, mental, pranic, and physical. There is a
section in the book about how to work with crystals for healing and
protection, as medicine, and for color healing, plus information on the
chakras. Several layouts are suggested. Each card has two or three pages
of information related to it which gives the following information:
related chakra, element, color ray, origin, governing anatomy,
anatomical location, gland, gem's meaning, healing purpose, divine
wisdom (interpretation when this card or gem appears in your reading),
and an awakening affirmation to support you on your journey. The book is
a treasure of wisdom about gems and healing, and the deck a pleasure to
work with. Each card is colorful and includes symbols as well as the
exact representation of the gem itself. A wonderful tool for gem
enthusiasts.
These
cards are fun to look at due to their colorful and sometimes childlike
illustrations. They're a work of art in themselves. Created by the
legendary Louise Hay, the "master of affirmations", this deck
of cards is powerful. 
A
similar card deck to the Wisdom Cards (above) -- also very colorful and
measuring approx. 4" x 4". A total of 64 cards with a positive
power thought on one side, with the reverse a little longer statement
which tends to give direction to the day. For example one card which is
"My work is deeply fulfilling" states on the reverse:
"Today I give my best to that which I do, knowing that when one
experience is complete, I am led to even more fulfilling and rewarding
experiences." 
This
set of astrological cards is very different from the previous with its
focus more on getting a grasp of your chart -- it does not supply and
form of "readings" or spreads. The deck comes with a 320
page book which provides a lot of detailed information on each sign,
house, etc. While each card (44 of them) does include some information
on each sign, house, etc, its main impact is the fact that it is
graced by a collage. The user is encouraged to reflect on its imagery
and get intuitive feedback -- thus accessing our right brain (non
linear or intuitive) through the use of the imagery on each card.