Decameron Tarot (English and Spanish Edition) : Book Review

Giacinto Gaudenzi's "Decameron Tarot" is a captivating and exquisitely designed deck that combines the worlds of tarot and the Italian literary masterpiece, "The Decameron." What sets this tarot deck apart is its 78 cards, each depicting a scene from one of the 100 tales told in "The Decameron." The level of detail and vibrant colors in Gaudenzi's artwork showcases his exceptional talent.

The accompanying book serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding and reading the "Decameron Tarot." Gaudenzi provides a thorough interpretation for each card, drawing on the themes and symbolism found in "The Decameron." These interpretations offer a fresh and intriguing take on tarot, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the cards and the stories they represent.

One of the standout features of this book is the inclusion of passages from "The Decameron" that correspond to each card. This adds a layer of depth and richness to the interpretations, allowing readers to explore the connections between the tarot archetypes and the tales from the book. It also serves as a fascinating introduction to "The Decameron" for those who may not be familiar with it.

In addition to the interpretations and excerpts, Gaudenzi offers practical advice on how to use the "Decameron Tarot" for readings. From simple three-card spreads to more complex layouts, readers are equipped with the tools to embark on their own personal journeys of self-discovery and insight with this deck.

In conclusion, "Decameron Tarot" by Giacinto Gaudenzi is a must-have for both tarot enthusiasts and fans of "The Decameron." Gaudenzi's artistic skill and deep knowledge of both tarot and literature shine through in this beautifully crafted deck and accompanying book. Whether it is used for divination or purely appreciated as a work of art, this deck offers a truly unique and enchanting tarot experience.

What are readers saying?

Giacinto Gaudenzi's "Decameron Tarot" has garnered a range of opinions from readers. Published in 2001, this deck intertwines the classic Tarot cards with the narratives and characters from Giovanni Boccaccio's "The Decameron." Here is a summary of the reviews for this book:

Some readers were captivated by Gaudenzi's artwork, describing it as stunning and inspiring. They appreciated how the fusion of Tarot symbolism with the tales from "The Decameron" added a unique and thought-provoking aspect to the deck. Many found the accompanying guidebook to be informative and well-written, enhancing their understanding of the symbolism and stories behind each card. Positive reviewers also noted the good quality of the cards, which made them easy to shuffle.

On the other hand, several reviewers expressed disappointment with the content of the book. While they acknowledged the beauty of Gaudenzi's illustrations, they felt that they deviated too much from the traditional Tarot meanings. Some found the artwork confusing or lacking clarity, hindering a deeper connection with the cards. A few readers also found the accompanying guidebook to be incomplete or insufficient in providing clear interpretations. These negative reviewers suggested that the deck may be more suited for collectors or art enthusiasts rather than serious Tarot practitioners.

In between the positive and negative opinions, a portion of the reviews highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of the Decameron Tarot. Some readers appreciated the creativity and storytelling aspects of the deck, but felt that it may not be suitable for beginners due to its deviation from traditional Tarot symbolism. Others mentioned that while they enjoyed the artwork and theme, they had difficulty connecting with the deck's energy or finding it useful for practical readings.

It's important to note that individual preferences played a significant role in the reviews. Some readers stated that their opinion of the Decameron Tarot depended on personal taste and deck preferences. They advised potential buyers to thoroughly research the deck and view sample images before making a purchase, as the unique style may not resonate with everyone.

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