By Terri C.
The Paulina Tarot by Paulina Cassidy
Published by: U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
ISBN-13: 978-1-57281-629-9
ISBN-10: 1-57281-629-5
“…A charming world of energy and inspiration.” Quote from the side of The Paulina Tarot deck box.
Paulina Cassidy has created this delicate and romantic seventy-eight tarot deck with instruction book (LWB). The cards are definitely packed with detail. It is charming, has a Victorian flair, with a hint of New Orleans, Mardi Gras. Many of the characters in her art have a porcelain doll-like quality and are wearing Victorian period clothing.
The deck contains much of the Rider-Waite-Smith symbolism, as that was her earliest tarot influence. Paulina’s chosen modality is watercolor. The artwork is done in soft, muted shades.
Using this deck gives one the feeling of stepping back into a time of whimsy and magic. It takes you to a place where Dragons and Pegasus fly and many other magical creatures live side by side, comfortably with humans. Paulina mentions in the little white book, that she knows that these creatures exist even though they cannot be seen by the naked eye. You will also note many birds, butterflies, dragonflies, all in magical forest and woodland settings.
The deck is printed on a high quality cardstock and measure 4 ¾” tall x 2 ¾” wide, with a very narrow, white border. The backs are done in soft shades of beige and grey featuring beautiful birds in flight. They are reversible, for those who choose to use reversals. The cards have the card number and title on the bottom of each. Strength is numbered eight and Justice is numbered eleven. The suits follow the standard: Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles.
The little white book, which just so happens to be the same size as the cards, contains forty-seven pages. The Major’s are listed first and the Minors follow in suit order. There is a description for each card, as well as, traditional meanings for upright and reverse draws. There is a brief segment discussing the Art of Divination, which recommends a daily, single card draw. The LWB also includes the traditional Celtic Cross Spread and two blank pages to write notes.
This deck would be a nice fit for beginners as well as the professional reader (especially anyone who may doing readings at a venue with a theme, such as a Mardi Gras party). The deck is also suitable for all ages. It will be enjoyed by anyone who is interested in a Rider-Waite-Smith type deck, but looking for something a little more whimsical.
Paulina was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. She has been a life-long artist, starting at the age of two. At the age of fourteen, she began illustrating cartoons for the local newspapers. Her artwork can be viewed online at Restless Moon Gallery. Her interests include ocean life, holistic healing, dream imagery and the Victorian era. She now lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee with her husband. Prior to that, she lived in New Orleans, Louisiana, which continues to be her muse.