Review: The Crystal Tarot

Halloween is a traditional time of year to perform divinations, so I was delighted to get an new tarot set to try out - The Crystal Tarotby Philip Permutt, who also wrote The Complete Guide to Crystal Chakra Healing.

The first thing that struck me about this set is that it comes in a very sturdy box. Many tarot decks have rather flimsy packaging and, although some people like to take them out of their original containers and wrap them in silk, I'm one of those who prefers to keep them their boxes. This one should last as long as the cards.

Inside the box, as well as a 78-card tarot deck, there is a 64-page colour book with pretty illustrations by Emma Garner.

The images on the cards are reasonably traditional, but with a twist that each is also linked to a specific crystal. The book not only gives interpretations for the major and minor arcana, but also suggests ways of using crystals to help overcome particular problems or ease times of transformation.

The High Priestess card, for instance, shows the lapis lazuli crystal, which links her tarot meaning of spiritual truth and intuition with help in listening to our own inner voice of truth.

The Crystal Tarot is published by Cico Books, and its website says: "Crystals, like tarot cards, have for centuries been used for healing and divination. In The Crystal Tarot, the mysterious imagery of tarot and the beauty and power of crystals intertwine to give unique insights into our lives."

The book that comes with the set is well written and would be ideal for novice tarot readers who want to learn the basics as well as those who want guidance about what crystals to use. With a very reasonable RRP of just £12.99, it would also make a great gift for anyone who likes interesting tarot sets.

Links
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/03/review-crystal-chakra-heaing.html
The Crystal Tarot
http://www.cicobooks.co.uk/