Review of The Wheel of Change Tarot
by James Wells, Toronto
Featured in the International Tarot Society newsletter, February 1998.
One of last year's great treats was the appearance of Alexandra Genetti's Wheel of Change Tarot, a deck/book set. Ten years of patient painting has given the Tarot community a gift worth waiting for. A few of the deck's pluses, to me are
- it is multicultural
- it honours the earth
- it draws upon a variety of religious/spiritual traditions
- equal respect for females and males
- a good balance of traditional and contemporary images
- each suit has its own border colour-easier to find specific cards
- colourful, stimulating, evocative artwork- e.g., the bright swirling Star, the loud and fiery Three of Wands, the fragrant Four of Disks.
My favourite use for this deck is dream incubation. Before bed, sit for a time with the Moon and see where your nocturnal voyages take you.
The accompanying book, 383 pages long, is larger than most; however, it is a valuable companion to the cards. Genetti's excellent grasp of culture, mythology, colour, religion, psychology, magic, and symbolism shines through each card's description and interpretation. Her way of grouping the Major Arcana - the Tarot Tree - is interesting, as are the spreads near the end of the book. The glossary of symbols is helpful and the multidisciplinary bibliography is excellent. Stanley V. McDaniel's afterword is a good essay on the Mandela and how it relates to The Wheel of Change Tarot - a touching tribute from a former teacher, but it somehow feels "tacked on."
The only thing I would wish for is a portable container for the cards. The box is too big for the deck alone, because the book is packed with it. I have remedied this for myself by storing the cards in a cloth bag.
Welcome The Wheel of Change Tarot with open arms. The love which Alexandra Genetti has poured into every card enriches every Tarot session that employs her wonderful deck.