The Lover's Path Tarot Set Paperback – January 1, 2004

After purchasing this deck to help a friend tool out her relationship difficulty, I quickly became mesmerized by not only the beautiful artwork depicted on each of the "Lover's Path Tarot", but the extremely satisfying manner in which creator Kris Waldherr has interspersed important legendary love stories from history, myth and literature with important emotional markers to mirror our own inner relationships to underline and further illuminate the Tarot's traditional archetypical connotation.Each of the 22 Major Arcana represents a famous pair of lovers. Instead of the usual tarot name of the card, the actual emotion corresponding to the traditional tarot symbolism or story of progressive life lessons simplifies and at the same time helps one to remember the actual meaning of the card by remembering the moral of the story signified by the featured couple. For example, Major Arcana card number XIII Death, usually perceived as a frightening card in a reading, is denoted in this deck as the emotion Transformation and embodied by the relationship between Persephone and the god of the Underworld Pluto, The significance of something having to die in order for change to occur becomes poignantly realistic while recalling that Persephone had to allow herself to transform through her 6 months in Hades with Pluto in order to be reborn each Spring. Equally compelling is Waldherr's number XXI World card. Entitled "Triumph" it utilizes the story of Ariadne and Dionysus to elucidate the meaning of the card. Ariadne, abandoned by Theseus after helping him through the Labyrinth, finds greater fulfillment with the god of wine on Naxos. One truly gets the feeling of expansion, hope and a triumph over difficulties that the traditional card represents.Waldherr's treatment of the 56 minor Arcana cards greatly aids the reader to a more significant understanding and recognition of the meanings behind the appearance of these cards in a reading. Each of the 14 cards in each distinct suit (here, cups represent cups, staves represent rods, arrows represent swords and coins represent pentacles) is used to milestone events in four major stories affiliated with four of the Major Arcana cards. The cups suit (water) details the story of Tristan and Isolde, two lovers definitely influenced by the cups suit traditional theme of a strong emotive influence---Desire. Each beautifully rendered depiction helps the reader to remember the part of the story that the card traditionally and archetypically characterizes. Knowing the story allows the reader to respond to the emotions evoked and to put together a mini-story that facilitates superior spiritual and emotional insight. The Stave ( Rod-fire) suit retells the action story of Sigfried and Brunnhilde--Strength. The story of Cupid and Psyche -- Awakening (the Sun) brings the intellect suit of Arrows (Swords- air) to life while demystisizing some of this suits bleaker cards. The love between Danae and Zeus (Fortune- Wheel of Fortune) exemplifies the suit of Coins (Pentacles - Earth) where the best the world can offer is shown to transform one's life.In addition to full page and color representations of all 78 cards, the author provides a chapter in the acoompanying book where she explores different spreads designed specifically for particular queries. An addendum completes the author's text, offering a quick, easy-to-read table of both the major Arcana, complete with small photos of each card for easy remembrance and cross-reference, major themes and the paired lovers. Resources are made available for those who want to further their reading about the included paired lovers or about tarot in general.Bottom line: This exquisite deck adds dimension to the usual Rider-Waite Smith symbolism which still lurks at the heart of each of the cards. The use of the paired lovers not only provides extra visual splendor, but enhances one's initial response to each of the cards in a reading. Well done, Ms Waldherr! Recommended to all those interested in newer Tarot decks that will link famous love relationships with our own thrust for inner growth.

Reading through these cards is like reading through history and enjoying a museum at the same time. I loved it. The box cover is a rich red, not tacky. This would be a lovely gift item as it comes with a sumptuous art book inside and scroll and cards. This deck might sell out on Valentines day for that reason.Once again, this deck illustrates Waldherr's gorgeous art and her art ability. The cards are cleverly interpreted like the Goddess deck.Major arcana is renamed as usual: O-Innocence, 1 Magic, 2 Wisdom, 3 Fertility, 4 Power, 5 Tradition 6 Love, 7 Desire 8 Strength, 9 Contemplation, 10 Fortune, 11 Justice, 12 Sacrifice, 13 Transformation, 14 Balance, 15 Temptation, 16 Oppression, 17 Grace, 18 Illusion, 19 Awakening, 20 Judgement, 21 Triumph. Again a nice reinvention of the Major arcana just like the Goddess deck.Relationship cross is a tarot spread given in the LWB. Burning question, Lovers path, Dueling path and Celtic cross are given on the yellowed scroll with rich red print. Nice work. She pairs famous couples for each Major arcana card. Magic is Merlin and Vivianne from King Arthur legend. Variety of cultures are represented here. I know I will use and love this deck. I have been unable to put it down since I got them! I recommend this to people familiar with the tarot and art lovers.

This deck and book set is positively gorgeous, presented well in its packaging--just superbly done in every way. The book is filled with beautiful stories that give the tarot reader so much inspiration from which to do readings and gain insight. I've been collecting tarot decks for 20+ years, and this is by far one of the very best I've ever seen in terms of the quality of the art work, packaging, and accompanying book. I highly recommend it to all tarot enthusiasts; you MUST add this one to your collection. It is truly a masterpiece.

OH I really love these cards. The colors and images are soft and beautiful. Each card follows a love story of our history and they beautifully blend with one another. This deck is a must have if you are a sucker for a love story or if you are a tarot card collector.

I gave this 5 stars because what you get for the kit is gorgeous and the suggestions for spreads is comprehensive. Perhaps a bit too comprehensive if you are like me and this is something that you do casually for fun. I think that despite the great tutorials on spreads, the actual analysis on the cards sometimes isn't in depth enough for beginners. And if you have small hands like me, shuffling this is almost impossible. I wish it was just a little smaller to it was more maneuverable. But all in all a great deck with fascinating stories.

Looking for a very nice gift for a talented tarot reader? Look no further, because the cards in this set are simply beautiful! The set, as a whole, is very nicely done, and it will be well received as a gift. I highly recommend the complete set like this one.

Great investment. Everything comes in a hard gift box 8x 8x 2 1/2'. Large book (8x8") with lots of explanations. Wish the cards have some print written on them. It would be easier to read them rather then referring back to the book each time. Love them anyway! :)

Amazing and what a deal. I have a special picnic box to keep them in. As these are special cards of romance and the beauty of love. Thank you!