Pamela Colman Smith Commemorative Set Cards – April 29, 2009

First, make sure this is the Pamela Coleman Smith Commemorative Edition (PCSC ed.) not the Centennial—I mean, assuming that’s what you want. (The other seems similar, but smaller, and in a tin, and I don’t own them.). [This review has been edited to add pictures and expand on some points, but mostly to correct the appalling typos!]I can’t say enough about these cards. Others might think they’re too dark, or not as striking at the usual RWS versions, or whatever, and that’s fine. There are plenty of choices for us all. I think this one gives you an antique choice—this may be as close to the original RWS deck as we can get.The cards are are not too thick to handle with ease. CBD Tarot de Marseille and The Golden Tarot are examples of “riffle-proof” decks. Those cards are so thick it’s nearly impossible to shuffle by flexing two halves between your hands so they whisk together like magic. Many prefer the running (overhand) shuffle anyway. But the PCSC ed. deck under review riffles with ease. The flip side is they are thin enough to bow if you do crazy things with your cards like put them in a bag beneath your head at night. CBD wouldn’t be bothered by that, but you know what you expect from your deck. Make no mistake: these are well-made cards that won’t feel flimsy or likely to wear out soon.So take them for a spin and come back smiling at the ease of handling.What do they look like? Old Timey. The colors are muted which makes a huge difference. There aren’t differences in the illustrations—this is just a beautiful, historical deck that transports to you the turn of the 20th Century. Now-beloved artist Pamela Coleman “Pixie” Smith did a job for A.E. Waite she described as a lot of work for very little money! Call me sentimental, but I felt closer to the artist with this deck. They are not only pretty, but have a great vibe. The word “tasteful” comes to mind. I can’t think of anything quite like it.I have included a picture of couple of familiar ladies and the back. Smith’s distinctive initials that are tucked away all tiny in a corner of almost every card are great big on the backs. There is something self-consciously artistic and charming about them, now seen large and proud. Almost touching. This is HER commemorative edition, after all, so it’s a good reaction!I’m not sure how well it comes through, but the yellow backgrounds are very slightly mottled as opposed to the bright flat (some would say garish) color of the typical RWS deck. The printing process leaves visible lines to shade the skin—if you look very, very closely you can see it. Check out the closeup of Strength. At normal distances for reading or other work, you’re not going to notice. Overall, it adds to—indeed is—the authenticity, which is why you’re interested in this deck, right? There is seldom a great match in RWS decks with the busy details and colors (except for recolored decks done well) and the faithful reproduction does not help here with that, but I don’t see it as a problem. Nothing is obscured. The muted colors may be less of a distraction.A lot of other stuff comes with the attractively designed and strong double box. A nice see-through bag for example. Some have expressed doubt whether it will protect your cards. I have had the same kind of bag with another deck and it was great. Even if it’s just until you get a different bag, it’s nice. There’s a lovely book about Pixie herself. It and several additional non-tarot cards shows a sample of her less-familiar work. The other side of the box holds A.E. Waite’s familiar “Pictorial” Key to the Tarot without pictures. Imagine this was out for the first time! I think sometimes A.E.W. Is given too little credit, just as P.C.S. has been too little credit. His book isn’t bad, operating as he was under oaths of secrecy and apparently sometimes none too sure what Pixie had done with a few illustrations!This is a beautiful deck that belongs in the collection of every tarot fancier, especially those interested in the deck that seized the imagination of the English-speaking world and became simply “The Tarot” for countless students.

There are so many factors a person considers, when it comes to assessing a tarot deck for oneself; and its so different for everyone. So I suppose to start, since I didn't see this info in the advert (strange, to me - as it's valuable info & excellent selling points) - let me tell you what all actually comes with this set:* The full tarot deck (with a title card)* A sheer bag to keep them in (I would suggest wrapping them in a designated cloth & keeping them in a tarot box, personally)* A companion book (a pictorial key by A.E. Waite, which gives an intro, some pretext, some of his thoughts, etc...as well as brief meanings/indications for each card, including the reversed - and some spreads you can do, for those who prefer pre-established methods [I like to use my own])* A little pamphlet with a couple more spread ideas* A neat little book with the non-tarot artwork of Pamela Smith (including her story, photos of artifacts, and anecdotes)* A few large cards with her artwork on them* Several postcards with her artwork* A 5x7 photo of Pamela* ...and a card which lists all these featuresAll come in a nice, sturdy, fold-out box - complete with lifting tabs, for the easy (and preserving) extraction of these items.The tarot deck:* Decent, if standard, card stock (not the worst or the best), which - given proper care & handling - should last awhile before starting to wear. Guess I'll find out, as time goes on; but so far, so good. I do think, being a commemorative set - that they should have used premium stock.* The backing of the cards is of unique & conservative design; an olive-periwinkle background, with a black border and bone trim. There is a bone & black-outlined flower in the center, with Pamela Smiths signature (more reminiscent of a sigil) in the right opposing corners. As a side note, I don't find the "direction" of the flower, to be truly problematic (in terms of reverse readings); it "points" to the right, for upright cards - and to the left, for reversed cards.* The cards are cleanly & evenly cut, and have a nice matte finish (still has a nice, low sheen). They have slip, but not too much. They are not gilded.* I find the artwork on the cards, to be detailed, colorful, and clean; rich, and not too bright or dark. The use of the colors within each scene works, for me. Facial expressions are clear. Understand that this is not in modern style, but old-fashioned (as it should be). So I speak within that context. The character of the cards, is aged, dated...which I like.* The atmosphere of the cards is fitting for working with the Mysteries; there is a seen, yet unseen dark veil over them. Not in terms of negativity - but the darkness of mystery. It is conducive to those who have The Sight. Its hard to explain well, but those who can See - will know what I mean, when looking at them.I like this deck, personally. It fits what I was looking for, and was easy to develop a relationship with. I cannot say how the deck will strike others - but mine has a distinct energy & personality, which I noticed from the beginning. It calls to me, when the Sacred wants my attention through the cards. I don't just pick up my deck, at my own whim; the Mysteries beckon me through it, as though it knows when I need it, or could use its aid. In other words - I find the deck interactive; the ultimate indication of resonance, when it comes to occult/Craft tools. This may sound crazy to the uninitiated (for lack of a better term); but again - those who Know, will know exactly what I mean. As a side note - it's simply not my style, to contrive; I find the very notion, an utter waste of time & energy. This was/is my unsolicited experience; and for the sake of those who may find such information useful - there it is.Overall, this set was worth the purchase; I really like my deck and all its accompaniments. My only complaint is that I do wish they would have just gone ahead and used premium stock for the cards. That would have made it virtually perfect. But everything else about the deck & set, earns the 5 stars, IMO; and the card stock is not so poor, as to warrant changing that.