11/12/2017
In case you missed it: Tony Mierzwicki's full review~*
Incredible Psychic Meow Tarot by Serena Toxicat
The “Incredible Psychic Meow Tarot” is a unique and collectable deck, where each card is a collage of a combination of cat-themed photographs, drawings and paintings, which may or may not have been digitally edited. The overall look of each card is like that of an attractive 1970s movie poster.
Most Tarot newbies begin with the Rider-Waite deck, or occasionally with a Rider-Waite inspired deck. This is the most commonly used deck, and most Tarot literature written in the English speaking world assumes a familiarity with it. The social grouping of white, straight, cis, able-bodied men and women tend to be comfortable with the symbolism inherent within the Rider-Waite deck and its many spinoffs, as they seem themselves portrayed. Obviously these decks do not represent the diversity of society, and many who do not fit into this social grouping do not resonate with these decks and feel excluded.
For the last few years there has been a push towards producing decks which are more diverse. Other decks have abandoned representing humans altogether in favor of animals, trees and other objects found in the natural world.
The choice of a Tarot deck is very personal as it needs to resonate with you on a deep level. I can see Serena’s deck being snapped up by connoisseurs of cats, retro movies and those wanting something different. Her deck is certainly a conversation starter.
My only criticism is that there is only a small two sided page outlining the meaning of the suites and the individual cards in tiny print. While more advanced users will readily intuit the meanings of the cards, beginners may be challenged. Fortunately, Serena is addressing this issue with an explanatory text which will make the deck accessible to everyone, regardless of their level of expertise.
- Tony Mierzwicki (author or “Graeco-Egyptian Magick”)