Getting to know the Universal Waite Pocket Deck

One of the things I love about tarot is the diversity in decks available. Some decks have a very light and positive feel to them, whilst others are more dark. The artwork ranges from simple images to  more intricate designs, the symbolism in cards is sometimes easy to read, or you might have to fully rely on your own intuition to unravel the messages. Some decks are very down-to-earth, other decks have different layers and every time you work with them you discover something new.

Tarot decks I tend to like best are the decks with a more feminine feel to them, for example the Shadowscapes Tarot, the decks by Paulina Cassidy or the Dreaming Way Tarot(I'll be reviewing them too). The more classic decks don't really appeal to me, mostly because of the use of harsh primairy colours and the lack of 'personality' in the people depicted in the cards. 

 But then I came across the Universal Waite Pocket deck.The images seemed softer as well as the colours. The size of the cards and the sturdy box were the final thing that made me buy this deck. Turned out the Universal Waite Pocket Deck is a really nice deck. The quality of the cards is very good, and the cards are a great size for smaller hands to shuffle. The sturdy box allows you to carry the deck around with you without damaging the cards, although I would recommend using an elastic band to keep te box closed since the lid slides off easily. The white booklet that comes with the deck is really not that great(which isn't very different from the way the white booklets that come with decks usually are); the meanings of the cards are very simple and incomplete. I expected a bit more from it. For instance I find the booklets that come with the Paulina decks pretty accurate. But still, it doesn't really bother me that much, since it's just for reference and I don't actually use it when I do my readings.

First thing I do when I get a new deck is get to know the deck by briefly looking at every card, trying to see if the deck speaks to me or not. Are the cards easy to read or are the messages very hidden? Somehow there has to be some kind of click and this first time of going through the cards always tells me if that click is there or not.

After this brief introduction, I set up for an 'interview' reading to get to know the deck a bit better. And so I did with this deck. I was surprised by the majority of Major Arcana cards popping up! Here's what the deck showed me:

1. Welcoming card - The Hermit

Pulling this card as the very first one, told me the click is definately there! This card has this serene and wise feel to it. The Hermit who calmly and solemnly lights the path to go, the wise mentor to rely on. What a nice welcoming card!

2. What are you strong points and your limits? - The Hanged Man and The Devil

 This deck will probably let me see things from a different angle. Look at thing from a different perspective to get a better view and to hang tight for a while to observe instead of acting in the moment. That definately makes sense to me. The limits of this deck lie in The Devil. It may not be able to uncover and dive into my deepest and most hidden emotions even though sometimes that's just the thingneccessary to take the next step. I'll keep it in mind when reading these cards!

3. What are you here to teach me? - The Fool

The Fool is all about innocence, spontaneity, new beginnings and free spirit. It's about being courageous to open up new areas in your life, and enjoy every day of it. The lesson to learn is to sometimes take a step in the unknown without having fear, trusting the Universe to guide you. Believe in yourself and have faith that the path you're taking is the right one.

4. How do see me? - Page of Swords

The Page of Swords has a very curious and energetic personality and an intelligent and sensitive nature. Often times this personality feels mentally restless. This deck tells me that I start new projects and journeys with lots of energy and passion, but that I find it hard to keep up that pace. True!

5. What will be the outcome of our working together? - Two of Pentacles

Life will throw its many demands at you, but in the end there will be balance and harmony as long as you learn to be able to cope with change and remain flexible and adaptable in the way you handle things. It's all about keeping things in check.

The Universal Waite Pocekt Deck showed itself off with the daily two-card spread I did this morning. It gave me a strong and direct message with these darker cards!

Energy - Seven of Swords

Advice - Ten of Swords

Are you procastinating things, running away from the truth, or are you fooling yourself? The time has come to stop hiding, to face facts, and to surrender. For only if you surrender are you able to let go and make way for new beginnings!   7h
Read more at http://web.stagram.com/n/eeffie/#zWgykFtweuelbcB1.99

Are you procastinating things, walking away from something or are you fooling yourself? The time has come to stop running, and to surrender. Accept defeat and surrender for only then will you be able to let go and make way for new beginnings.

Are you procastinating things, running away from the truth, or are you fooling yourself? The time has come to stop hiding, to face facts, and to surrender. For only if you surrender are you able to let go and make way for new beginnings!   7h
Read more at http://web.stagram.com/n/eeffie/#zWgykFtweuelbcB1.99