Old Style Tarot – A Timeless Vintage Homage to Classic Wisdom
Step into a world of antique charm and botanical elegance with the Old Style Tarot. Created by Alexander Ray in collaboration with the renowned publisher U.S. Games Systems, Inc., this deck is a 100% original and authentic masterpiece. It seamlessly blends the foundational structures of classic European tarot with a fresh, artistic sensibility. Featuring 79 beautifully detailed cards, this deck invites readers to explore the mysteries of the soul through a lens of vintage sophistication and subtle color palettes.
About this Deck
The essence of the Old Style Tarot lies in its "vibe"—it feels like a rediscovered treasure from a 19th-century study. The visual style is defined by elegant vintage cameos and intricate botanical decorations that frame each scene. Unlike bolder, modern decks, the Old Style Tarot uses a refined color scheme that highlights the delicate linework and psychological depth of the imagery. It is a deck that breathes; it offers space for reflection while remaining firmly rooted in the tradition of the Tarot de Marseilles and the Rider-Waite-Smith system.
Symbolism and Themes
This deck utilizes clear Rider-Waite® visuals, making it instantly recognizable to those familiar with traditional tarot. However, Alexander Ray has elevated these symbols by incorporating floral motifs and antique-style borders that add layers of meaning. The main themes revolve around the harmony between nature and human experience. A standout feature is the inclusion of a 79th card—a blank card designed to act as a mirror for the reader’s intuition, allowing for personal symbols or "wild card" interpretations that go beyond the traditional 78-card structure.
The Creators
Alexander Ray
Alexander Ray is a Russian psychologist and illustrator whose unique background informs every stroke of his art. By combining his deep understanding of the human psyche with a passion for vintage aesthetics, Ray creates decks that are not just tools for divination, but also instruments for psychological exploration. His work is celebrated for its ability to make complex archetypes feel approachable and artistically "open-ended."
Practical Use
The Old Style Tarot is exceptionally versatile. To begin, gently shuffle the cards and focus on a specific question or an open-ended "daily draw." The large card format allows you to fully immerse yourself in the cameo-style illustrations. The included 104-page manual provides comprehensive guidance on upright and reversed meanings, offering quick answers as well as deeper warnings and advice.
Usage Tip: Use the unique blank card as a "Significator" for yourself, or place it in a spread to represent an unknown factor that is currently hidden from your view.
Features
- Number of cards: 79 cards (78 traditional + 1 blank card)
- Language: English
- ISBN: 9781646711437
- Publisher: U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
- Weight: 453 g
- Card dimensions: 105 x 149 mm
- Box dimensions: 109 x 155 mm
Expert FAQ
Is the Old Style Tarot suitable for beginners?
Yes, very much so. While the art is vintage and unique, the symbolism is based on the Rider-Waite system, which is the standard for most tarot learning materials. The detailed manual also helps beginners get started immediately.
What is the purpose of the 79th blank card?
The blank card is a creative tool. It can represent a "missing" answer, a call to use your own intuition without a predefined image, or even a replacement card should you choose to illustrate your own personal archetype.
How does the card size affect the reading experience?
At 105 x 149 mm, these cards are larger than standard decks. This makes them perfect for professional readings or altars, as the intricate botanical details and vintage cameos are much easier to appreciate and interpret.
Are these cards authentic?
Absolutely. At Tarot.nl, we only sell 100% original decks. This version is the official edition produced by U.S. Games Systems, Inc., ensuring the highest quality cardstock and printing.
Why Choose Tarot.nl? Your Expert in Tarot and Spirituality
Since 1999, Tarot.nl has been a project of passion. As a family-owned business based in the Netherlands, we dedicate ourselves to the world of Tarot and Oracle cards. Our mission is to offer you not just products, but valuable tools for your spiritual journey.
- 100% Original Decks: We strictly distance ourselves from counterfeits and illegal copies. We only sell authentic decks, sourced directly from the most renowned publishers worldwide.
- International Shipping: We ship your order directly from our own warehouse in the Netherlands. We ensure careful packaging and personal service for every order.
- Expertise & Passion: Every deck in our collection is selected with care. We understand the symbolism, the feel, and the energy of the cards because we love and use them ourselves.
- Certified Security: As a proud Trusted Shops partner, we offer you full buyer protection and a transparent return process.
