pocket size
medium size
pocket size
medium size
Painted in 1988-9, by Carol Herzer, based on the Rider Waite designs by Pamela Coleman Smith. Available in three sizes with options, sizes and details all listed below. Email me with your questions at sun19@earthlink.net
NEW!! A less expensive medium size deck is now available for only $52. It has the same printed backs as the pocket size decks, is easy to handle and shuffles very nicely. Only the Large Size decks are being offered with the iridescent colors added by hand.
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pocket size |
medium size |
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pocket size |
medium size |
| Go to the end of this page to see letters from satisfied customers! |
| For wholesalers: we offer Illuminated Tarot refrigerator magnets! |
Sample cards:
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In the following Picture Gallery you can see all 22 cards of the major arcana of this deck. Click on the images.
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Specifications:
SHIPPING IS NOT INCLUDED IN PRICES: For anywhere in the USA add $6. Canada $9. Other places please email to inquire for shipping cost to your location: sun19@earthlink.net
POSTERS AVAILABLE! Of any card from the entire deck! see posters page. A review of this deck is available on the web at Tarot Passages and at Aeclectic Tarot . Now you can also download our free Illuminated Tarot Screensaver (With the 22 major arcana cards). Runs on any Windows 95 and later, PC. Dowload Illuminated Tarot.exe. Download Instructions: click on the download link. Save on your computer. Double-click on the .exe file to install. On the blue window, click Install. Click OK. In the Display Properties windows, click ok.
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Quality of the Illuminated Tarot:
The Illuminated Tarot has set a new standard for handmade decks, the quality is excellent and your deck will last a long time. A professional quality lamination is used, it is flexible, and ultra clear, never has bubbles or wavy surface like home laminating machines do. The cards are not easily damaged by water or other liquids and spills. If you lose a card it is possible to get a replacement card.
The style of painting adds atmosphere and light to the deck. Additions to the backgrounds add a truly magical, mystical touch, encouraging your imagination and intuition. Many happy owners claim the deck gives better readings. See the letters at the end of this page for rave reviews from people who have it. Created with love, it opens the heart to healing.
* TRADITIONAL TITLES ON LARGE SIZE DECKS
Titles are as follows: MINOR ARCANA: full word titles, for example instead of just a number 2 it is TWO OF CUPS or TWO OF SWORDS, and so on, making it crystal clear for reader and clients as well.
COURT CARDS: King, Queen, Page and Knight of Wands Pentacles, Swords, and Cups.
MAJOR ARCANA: traditional titles WITH A FEW EXCEPTIONS as follows: 5. The Initiate, 9. The Guide, 12. the Unconscious 13. Transformation, 15. Illusion, 20. Awakening, 21. The Universe. Also, Justice is 8 and Strength is 11, Waite changed them to fit his view of astrology, but in tarot decks before him they were as I have them, look at the Oswald Wirth tarot deck, for instance.)
* NON-TRADITIONAL TITLES ON MEDIUM AND POCKET SIZE DECKS:
When I first painted the Illuminated Tarot in 1988, my intention was to keep the titles as non-intrusive as possible, and to emphasize the visual aspect of the deck. Also, I based my use of the signs on the court cards on my work with astrology and my Astrotaro deck. When reading the cards the image and your intuition are far far more important than any titles, I expect most people actually ignore the titles most of the time. The NON TRADITIONAL titles on medium and pocket size decks are are as follows: Minor arcana, just numbers. Aces have the suit name, Wands Disks, Swords, Cups. Court cards are the 12 signs of astrology, shown below. The four Knights are the four elements and say Fire, Earth Air and Water. Major arcana is as listed above, with changes in 5, 9, 12, 13, 15, 20 and 21, plus the 8-11 switch. You can see them all in the picture gallery back at the beginning of this page.
More sample cards:
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For more information about the creation of this deck go to The Story of the Illuminated Tarot .
This deck continues to receive wonderful responses:
Dear Carol, I was so thrilled with the mini Illuminated Tarot that I knew the hand painter large version would be even better - but I truly had no idea how impacting the deck would be. From the moment I took them from the shipping package I knew I was holding the deck I have been waiting for as my personal deck. I have over 60 decks in my collection and each time I think I have found "the deck" and open it I have been disappointed to find that only some of the images really spoke to me. That is not the case with these cards - each one has a life of its own brought forward through your wonderful imaging and personal touch. I worried that I would regret the expense, but this deck is really not a purchase in my heart and mind, but rather a gift. Thank you for giving of yourself in this way. I love it all, from the cards to the handmade pouch in my favorite colors to the print of the guide that you so thoughtfully included. I look forward to sharing my Illuminated Tarot with others. Thank you so much. Peace and blessings, Karen
Hi Carol.
I just wanted to let you know that I got my small-sized Illuminated Tarot on Saturday. Yay! :-) When I ordered it I thought that some of the detail of the cards might be lost on the smaller size, but I was wrong! Although the pictures are smaller, nothing is lost for me. In fact, I'm just so happy I can have this deck in my smaller purse! :-)
And thank you so much for the beautiful pouch! I love the way the fabric you chose incorporates my favorite color purple and the sheen of a little red in there. With the red liner, it's just wonderful!
And I really love these backs, also, I have to tell you that I love the images, even without the iridescent paint. Some people may feel that they've missed out on the medium-sized deck with iridescent paint, but the "plain" images are just as beautiful, in my opinion.
Carol, thank you again for all that you do!
Blessings,
Karen
Dear Carol
This is just a note to let you know how much I am enjoying getting to know and working with the Illuminated Tarot Deck you have given me. I just love it. It is fascinating in that my instinct to use your deck was to use a divination crystal and have the cards somehow in a circle/s. It only took a couple of times playing with this notion and then one day in January I sat down and it – my instinctive technique – just fell into place fully, and it produces powerful readings.
For your interest, my technique is:
- Outer circle of minor arcana
- Inner circle of major arcana
- Inner stack of court cards + the elements
I divine three cards and put them in that order:
- Minor arcana card representing the specificity of the recent challenge/issue for the querent
- Major arcana card representing the key theme/learning the querent is working through at the moment
- Court card representing the archetype of the behaviour the querent is being asked to take up or understand
I also find that my divination readings are best interpreted completely about 24 hours after I do them. This gives me time to let the 3 cards ‘percolate’ inside me and it also gives me time to get on top of understanding new cards I have picked, so I’m training myself as I go. Therefore, I have also found that it is most useful having a deck without a book with it, because it means that every time I divine a new card, I spend time learning about it from some diverse sources I have so I don’t rely on one source and I mix this with my instinct as best as I can for a novice!
It feels like wonderful stuff, and again, I love working with your deck and its beautiful colours.
With very best wishes
Kerry Angwin
Hi Carol
The deck arrived Thursday, late afternoon. It is so beautiful both visually and at the unseen vibration level. I feel such an instant connection. I have done two readings and somehow it seems that the deck, of its own accord, places my heart in a receptive state with enhanced clarity. The guidance received was very healing. The urge to mediate on single cards is strong and has assisted me with understanding some of my 'other selves'. I love the way the cards feel in my hands. The design of the bag is beautiful and uniquely functional. Thank you for all the extras. Your intuition in choosing for me was extremely accurate and very much appreciated. I am 'in love' with these cards...they seem to engender hope. The State of Being you were in when working on these surely was a blessed one as is your artistic talent and spiritual sensitivity. I am now blessed, too. Thank you for this life long friend and tool of connection.
J. Kayce
Carol,
I am not sure how to begin this email because I am overwhelmed by feelings and emotions. I received my deck ( Illuminated Tarot with iridescent colors added) today. First, I am so touched by your kindness, the picture of the hermit and the extra cards are just breathtaking and the thought and generosity are deeply appreciated. You have been so wonderful to do business with, this was not just a purchase but more like a giving and receiving of gifts between two friends. I cannot thank you enough, these cards were received so quickly, I really didn't expect to get them as fast as I did. Now to the cards themselves all I can say is WOW. The craftsmanship, the work and the heartfelt passion that were put into these cards is beyond description. These are beautiful works of art and I felt an instant relationship and connection with these cards. The handcrafted blue case you made with the hermit card is beautiful and the backing you put on the cards is perfect. It is so refreshing to deal with someone who puts a personal touch on each deck to make them one with their new owner, these cards have a personality to match the owner of each deck. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness, kindness and professionalism. This is a wonderful deck and one that I will cherish forever, I cannot thank you enough. These cards will help add more depth and meaning to my readings as well as years of enjoyment from just admiring the art and craftsmanship of these timeless and classic works of art. Thank you so much, this was not just an investment or purchase, this was much much more that cannot possibly be explained in words because a deck of this beauty can not be described, it needs to be experienced. Thank you so much for everything.
I wish you blessing always,
Kelly
Dear Carol,
well, I have had the deck for a few days now and I can hardly put them down! They just feel so good to shuffle and I am loving all of the new insights I am getting from your use of color and light! That is part of what has prompted me to write. At the tarot group I belong to, I have been sharing my excitement about this deck - from deciding which size deck to get, to the wait and then the thrill when they arrived!!! Oh, I also pasted a link to your site so they could check them out for themselves and see what all the fuss was about in case they hadn't heard of the deck before. So far, everyone that responded to my posts, that didn't already have an Illuminated deck (or 2!) has said they are getting one or putting it high on their wish list! They won't be disappointed, I know.
Here are the cards I have narrowed it down to (there were 12 but I cut it down to 6 - not easy!) - in no particular order: (note from the webmaster: click on the thumbnails to look at a full size image)
1. Nine of Swords: First I noticed the imagery behind the swords - I mean, it looks like a nightmare in action! I even saw hints of a possible couple of 'eyes'... And I loved that the sword hilts are glowing - this tells me that the mind is fully engaged in these thoughts - lots of energy invested here and it shows!
2. Two of Cups: This is the only card I noticed that had this specific background/sky - the way it is painted, the whole atmosphere of the card just 'shimmers' with possibility! Perfect effect with this card!
3. Four of Swords: I love the way this card is expressed! The way the healing colors around the swords just flow down and around the prone figure, swirling around his head a bit, not only shows that he is perhaps healing and resting, but it is so alive compared to some versions I have seen. When I first saw the UW version of this card (the deck I learned on) - I really thought he might be dead... And again, there is one glowing hilt on a sword, and it is the one beneath the figure - also (to me) showing that he is regenerating and lives! Perfect.
4. Three of Hearts: This is beautifully done - it's all here! The rain just pouring down gives my the traditional meaning for this card, but the added rainbow colors hint at the sun shining again - that 'this too will pass'! And again the glowing sword hilts, but this time they are slightly different from each other... The one on the far right doesn't actually glow now that I look at it, but it shows a closed circle shape, and it and the hilt itself are the same blue as the rain. In the middle, there is a little bit of everything happening around that hilt. Still an enclosed circle, with both hints or remnants of the blue and introducing some of the rainbow colors - it does glow and this hilt is glowing and not blue. On the far left we see the happiest looking sword hilt, and even though it also shows an enclosed circle, it feels more 'open' than the other 2 because of the light! The ones at either end seem to be at opposite ends of the spectrum and the one in the middle sort of integrates them.. I just noticed this - the one in the middle has a suggestion of rainbow colored rays on the right side (next to the dark 'enclosed' hilt) and on it's other, left side (next to the light, rainbow hilt) has little smaller circles (or spheres) that mimic the dark, right side! It isn't like a rainbow would be, where one side blends and flows into the other - by flipping the imagery on the middle one, what I get from it is this. In order to get from one side to the other - from the dark, sorrowful rainy part to the hope and healing that the rainbow might bring, there is work to be done to get there - you have to work through it! If the card were posted, I wouldn't have to say that in so many words - I do tend to type as I think... I just love your imagery Carol - thank you, thank you, again!
5 & 6. I would like to compare and contrast the sky in the 5 and 6 of Cups. You see that same difference as is surrounding the sword hilts above, played out in a larger scale - it's wonderful! I see turbulence in the sky of the 5 of Cups, but it is also swirly circle (enclosed) shapes, that suggest to me that the person is turned inward emotionally. Contrasted so well with the giant rays of the sun sparkling down on the 6 of Cups! Here I see the openness of the sky/rays suggesting the opposite -an openness and ability to give and receive! Wonderful!!! I would love to show both cards next to each other!
Robyn
(Note from Carol: the 5 of cups shown above is as it appears in the pocket and medium size decks. There is an earlier version of it in the large deck, in any decks with the traditional titles.)
Carol,
I have to tell you! I LOVE my tarot deck! I have well over 50 decks as I have been on my quest for the "perfect" one....the quest has ended! I have found it! And I call it my Carol deck! I did a reading today for my sister and she couldn't stop touching the cards, picking them up, turning them sideways, examining every little detail....she just kept saying, " WOW"! I love it, love it, love it!
I have been stalking your site again and think I simply must have a chakra deck! You really are talented! Kaycie Chester www.dreamkeeperfarm.com
Hi Carol,
Received your deck today. It is breathtaking. Love the new backs, love the lettering that you have added, love the feel, borders, shape of corners. It is my new current favorite and I plan to do all my readings with it. Thank you for sending it so promptly and thank you for creating such beauty. The newsletter will be out in January/February and I will be sure to send you a copy. Good good going, light and peace, Geraldine Amaral. www.tarotcelebrations.com
Good Morning, Carol,
I received my cards yesterday!
Carol, I am so happy with your work! I feel like I am looking at the Rider Waite deck for the first time. I see details that I never observed before -- it's shocking & thrilling to see so clearly. Your art has truly illuminated these cards and revealed meanings and answers that escaped me in the past. The energy emanating from each card is palpable. Your cards not only look magical, they feel magical! I must be feeling what you've put into them -- you are doing a wonderful work, Carol! I am grateful that you've chosen to share yourself in this way -- you possess an amazing ability. Thank you!
Sincerely yours,
Kathleen
Dear Carol,
Thank you SO much for the beautiful cards... They are BREATH_TAKING! I received them last week they only took 4 days to get here... The packaging was wonderful.... I was soooo excited... I framed the posters and have them sitting here at my desk.. I LOVE them and will not use anything else for my reading as I have been wanting to treat myself to these for a long time.... Oh the colours!!!! Colours emotion-evoking and have a immense impact changing the flavour of my readings... hehe Thank you again! Blessings Elita
Dear Carol,
I wanted to let you know that I received my deck (and goodies) in the mail today. I am simply stunned. Your scans, and the other reviews do not do this deck justice. Breathtaking is all I can say. My first tarot deck (which I still have) is around 17 years old...the standard Coleman Smith-Waite deck, and what I have found through trial and error, and years of searching...is that I like this deck. I would always compare other decks to it, probably as this is the one I learned on. However, something was missing...just couldn't put my finger on it, so I kept searching. I found your web-site by mistake (or was it?), and kept coming back to it...day after day, until, as I told you before, I decided I just couldn't live without it. I do not regret my decision for one moment. The way this deck feels in my hands, the detail, the iridescent colours, the pouch (which I adore!! I never did like drawstring bags), I could go on and on forever. I have never felt an attachment to anything so quickly. The only problem with this, is that now I cannot even look at my other decks. As soon as I went through this , I immediately went into the kitchen, and boxed up my daily cards...it will be awhile before I can even look at them again.
I definitely want to get another deck, but the purse decks don't come in iridescent, do they? I think I am spoiled after this one. I am going to curb my impulsive, write out a check right now side, and wait a week or two. I have some auctions going off, and as long as I can curb myself from buying some more books (sigh), I should be able to get another deck in no time. I'll write you back as soon as I can. I think I want another deck just like this one. It just feels wonderful in my hands, I love the way they shuffle. I love, love, love the detail.
You are certainly in the right field of work. Oh, btw, did you know that the pouch for the cards glows in the dark...well, the stars do. I put these under my pillow last night, and as I turned out the lights it was "Eureka" all over again. What a wonderful touch. Thank you again for the best investment I have made in a very long time."
Karen Grishkin
Dear Carol,
I received your Illuminated Tarot in the mail two days ago, and I have to tell you, it's absolutely breathtakingly beautiful!!!! I couldn't be more happy. The colors are just incredible. I am so glad I went for the extra "illumination." I love everything about it. I love the cards, I love the large size, I love the little blue flower backing, and I love the glittery blue pouch with the "fool" card on the front. I think it appeals to me too because although I am fairly new to Tarot, I am somewhat familiar with the Universal Waite. Yesterday I took the two decks out to compare, and oh my! there is no comparison. They are the same but not the same at all. In fact, I've been taking the Illuminated to work and everywhere I go. Thanks again so much. This is my absolutely favorite deck, and I am so glad to have it :) :)
Brigit Horner
Dear Carol,
I received the Illuminated Tarot on Monday. I want to let you know how much I love it! It's beautiful. I'm grateful that the cards are so well made and durable, because I've been picking them up constantly to look at them. The backgrounds on the cards are vibrant and alive but they never overpower the images. This deck is much more than another "recolored" version of the RWS deck. You have filled the cards with your own artistic vision. You have truly enhanced this deck. The scans don't come close to showing how lovely these cards are. Even though I have small hands the large cards handle wonderfully. Thank you for both the Illuminated Tarot and the extra surprises you enclosed. They are great also!
Yours truly, Rochelle
Dear Carol,
I received the Illuminated decks, yesterday. They look, feel and smell absolutely divine. It was worth the money. Regardless of the expense, I won't feel frightened to let people handle them because they are durable, more so than regular card stock. You did a great job on these. I also like the pouches that the cards came in. Many thanks and appreciation for such a beautiful rendition of this classic deck." Pauline Barrett
Dear Carol,
Right now I just want to mention that, although I have many decks in my collection, some of them from different well known artists, the Illuminated Tarot is still my favorite and I still consider it the most
beautiful deck in the world and the best one for reading!Rylla Andras
Carol,
I just received my new deck, and it's absolutely stunning! I love the subtle effect of the "illumination." I can tell that a lot of love went into the deck and I appreciate you energy! Blessings,
Kelley Collis
Dear Carol,
My deck arrived yesterday morning. Sorry I haven't written sooner to let you know it arrived safely, I've been delaying writing the email because I just Couldn't find the words to compose it. I still can't! I've been sitting here at my keyboard for ages already, and <<--- this is how little I've written so far! It's very rare that my mind empties and lets my heart do the talking instead, so forgive me if I go and sound all gushy here... The large picture of "The Guide" (from the extra goodies department) brings tears to my eyes every time I pick it up to look at it. I absolutely LOVE it. As well as being bright with the illumination of your special painting technique, and shimmering with the iridescent colors ..it also now shines with your generosity. I will treasure this Carol! Thank You so much! There's a deep deep peace in this picture which I've never noticed before. As I said in a previous mail, this card is a personal one to me on many different levels, but there was a time when I couldn't see this card appear in a reading without getting a sinking feeling inside. I've befriended certain aspects of it somewhat along the way ..but I never imagined it would become my very favorite image as it has now in the Illuminated deck. I think the beautiful light streaming from the lantern and the fact that the image is painted in ALL my favorite colors has a lot to do with that ..and those very things have also taken on symbolic significance for me, (of having not only finally acknowledged and accepted my path in life, thus finding an eye of the storm kind of peace, but in actually coming to realize it's the very path I was searching for all along, finally "following my bliss". And the cards themselves? well, I'm so pleased with them that even though I paid you, these too feel like a gift, (which I will definitely also treasure). I showed them to a friend earlier who asked if they were very expensive ..and she was amazed that such a lovely and unique deck was so reasonably priced. I'm also thinking my future will never look as bleak again, after all how can it look anything but bright with cards such as these?!
Ok back to the cards, literally! I love the card backs, I love that you changed the title of the hermit card to "The Guide" and was equally thrilled to see the hanged man renamed "The Unconscious". I absolutely adore the iridescent hand painted touches, and am in awe of how much has been put into each card and how time consuming that must be ..do you really have elves helping you there? ..or perhaps you really are Mrs Santa Claus! ;) Wow! You made my pouch in purple with a bright pink lining. ..Well just a few weeks ago, I bought myself a tarot journal ..bright pink with purple pattern, a perfect match! So I guess by now you get the idea of how happy and pleased I am?! I feel blessed in having found this deck Carol, and to have encountered your generosity of spirit ..both in the friendly openness of your emails, and in the *extra goodies* you sent ..I love them all, I wish I could express my appreciation and gratitude by giving you something beautiful in return.
Sincerely, Brenda
A week later, when Brenda got her deck:
Hi Carol,
Yep, me again! Well, I've had my deck a little over a week now, and I love it even more. I'm absolutely enthralled by the iridescent colors. I keep interrupting my readings by holding them in the light, turning them this way and that, and just getting lost in wonder at their shimmering beauty. I'm sooo happy you made these! I bought my first tarot deck about 15 years ago ..and during these years I must have bought at least as many decks ..not so much as a tarot collector, as a seeker of that ever elusive "one" .. and I've finally found it!!! ..truly. my search is over ..and it was well worth the wait! I'm sure I'll be happy with these for a lifetime. The point of the email is to ask if I can order the large size deck too. (with the iridescent colors again also ..of course! ;) Originally I thought this was just a little too out of my price range ..but now, having seen the quality and beauty of the deck ..I just can't resist. I would LOVE to have the large size deck as a meditation/study deck ..it's all I want for Christmas!
