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The Antique Anatomy Tarot Kit: Deck and Guidebook for the Modern Reader
Natural history meets spirituality in The Antique Anatomy Tarot Kit, a deluxe boxed set of cards and guidebook by award-winning artist Claire Goodchild, owner of the design studio Black and the Moon.
A tarot kit for the modern mystic, creatively reimagined with antique botanicals and anatomical drawings, here is a foil-stamped keepsake box containing a 78-card tarot deck and an accompanying guidebook.
The cards, which feature illustrations of vintage anatomical drawings collaged with plants and flowers, represent a fresh and creative interpretation of the tarot archetypes. Special features In the accompanying guidebook, Goodchild provides insightful descriptions of the meaning of every card. With beautifully styled photography and accessible text, she explains how to set up different types of readings—including Celtic Cross and Moon Cycle spreads—and clearly outlines the numerological, elemental, and astrological associations of the cards (powerful information to have at your fingertips when you are doing readings).
This is a beautifully illustrated book and deck. The illustrations are bright and dynamic, and the guidebook has insightful general tarot tips and colors, numbers, and relationships between the Major Arcana come into play within the deck itself, and these are outlined in vivid detail and description in order to teach you how to handle all future readings. In the book, the individual cards are two per page, with easy-to-digest descriptions for each.
Thoughtfully and beautifully conceived, The Antique Anatomy Tarot is an inspiring tool for spiritual and personal development.
A tarot kit for the modern mystic, creatively reimagined with antique botanicals and anatomical drawings, here is a foil-stamped keepsake box containing a 78-card tarot deck and an accompanying guidebook.
The cards, which feature illustrations of vintage anatomical drawings collaged with plants and flowers, represent a fresh and creative interpretation of the tarot archetypes. Special features In the accompanying guidebook, Goodchild provides insightful descriptions of the meaning of every card. With beautifully styled photography and accessible text, she explains how to set up different types of readings—including Celtic Cross and Moon Cycle spreads—and clearly outlines the numerological, elemental, and astrological associations of the cards (powerful information to have at your fingertips when you are doing readings).
This is a beautifully illustrated book and deck. The illustrations are bright and dynamic, and the guidebook has insightful general tarot tips and colors, numbers, and relationships between the Major Arcana come into play within the deck itself, and these are outlined in vivid detail and description in order to teach you how to handle all future readings. In the book, the individual cards are two per page, with easy-to-digest descriptions for each.
Thoughtfully and beautifully conceived, The Antique Anatomy Tarot is an inspiring tool for spiritual and personal development.
80 pages, Misc. Supplies
First published January 1, 2020
18 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 8, 2019
This deck of cards has the most delicate and enthralling imagery I have ever seen on a tarot deck. Some of the meanings correspond to the traditional deck, but some of them do not, and I have decided to go by the meanings detailed in the guidebook. They have an elegant Victorian energy and seem excellent for assistance in manifestation. The guidebook itself is succinct enough with its explanations of each card to allow for reading it all in one sitting, which is what I look for in guidebooks that come with decks. I also appreciated the explanation of color and season association and that these were both used to enhance the meanings of the individual cards. The minor arcana cards are surprisingly lovely and unique for a pip deck. Overall, I would absolutely recommend. I can't wait to start using them.
December 31, 2023
I love the art and simplicity of these cards. I also was impressed with the book, it was short and to the point with really helpful insights on the tarot that a beginner would find really helpful, and a seasoned professional can use as a reference with ease.
August 14, 2021
A pro Tarot reader's comparison between Claire Goodchild's Cartomancy decks:
Antique Anatomy Tarot
Oracle of Oddities (all three Editions combined)
Momento Mori Oracle and Lenormand
All three feature a 19th century antique Victorian medical drawings theme, so what's the difference?
The Antique Antomy Tarot works best through "feel" due to the limited pip illustrations of the Minors. Working with one or more of the 8 Clairs and/or tuning into how your body reacts to each image and color works better than relying on the art to tug at my intuition. This is definitely a III The Empress deck that works with Clairs and bodily senses more than other decks.
I wish there was more of an explanation of the items and flowers chosen for each card, but considering there are now five versions of this deck, I'm not surprised.
* Side-by-side comparison of Versions 1 and 2 of the original self-published Antique Anatomy Tarot , which is VERY different from the mass market editions available today
* A side-by-side comparison of the self-published Ephemera Edition vs the first mass market edition shows a lot of changes in the Majors, Coins, and Cups, a couple changes in the Courts of Rods and Blades, and the colors became lighter in this mass market version
* A side-by-side comparison of the first mass market edition vs the latest mass market edition (Q4 2020, box looks more bronze) , the most important change being the thickening the super flimsy cardstock that everyone complained about, plus the colors seem to be more vibrant like the self-published Ephemera Edition, but there doesn't appear to be any image changes
The Oracle of Oddities is the most colorful, easiest to work with, and most intuitive of all Goodchild's decks because there's no guidebook, just the title and image. I was worried some repeating elements in the images would bother me, but they actually don't.
There are "sibling" cards that are "mirrors" of each other that weave the three Editions together nicely. For example, Love, Power, and Joy are "sibling" cards in the First, Second, and Third Editions respectively with one thing changed on the same image. The three differences are shown ascending between two child skeletons joining hands in the Psyche card of the Third Edition. I figured this might represent the superego, ego, and id in Jungian psychology. I don't think that was actually Goodchild's intent because it would make more sense if the id were at the bottom of the column with superego on top, but I think this discovery will be part of my interpretation of this card forever.
The Momento Mori Oracle is the darkest, witchiest, most versatile, and most blunt of the three. It can be used as an Oracle deck with optional expansion decks and Patreon-only cards. It can function as a Lenormand deck with the traditional names replaced with more macabre versions. And it can be used as Ritual/Spell cards thanks to its more Pagan-oriented cards.
Antique Anatomy Tarot
Oracle of Oddities (all three Editions combined)
Momento Mori Oracle and Lenormand
All three feature a 19th century antique Victorian medical drawings theme, so what's the difference?
The Antique Antomy Tarot works best through "feel" due to the limited pip illustrations of the Minors. Working with one or more of the 8 Clairs and/or tuning into how your body reacts to each image and color works better than relying on the art to tug at my intuition. This is definitely a III The Empress deck that works with Clairs and bodily senses more than other decks.
I wish there was more of an explanation of the items and flowers chosen for each card, but considering there are now five versions of this deck, I'm not surprised.
* Side-by-side comparison of Versions 1 and 2 of the original self-published Antique Anatomy Tarot , which is VERY different from the mass market editions available today
* A side-by-side comparison of the self-published Ephemera Edition vs the first mass market edition shows a lot of changes in the Majors, Coins, and Cups, a couple changes in the Courts of Rods and Blades, and the colors became lighter in this mass market version
* A side-by-side comparison of the first mass market edition vs the latest mass market edition (Q4 2020, box looks more bronze) , the most important change being the thickening the super flimsy cardstock that everyone complained about, plus the colors seem to be more vibrant like the self-published Ephemera Edition, but there doesn't appear to be any image changes
The Oracle of Oddities is the most colorful, easiest to work with, and most intuitive of all Goodchild's decks because there's no guidebook, just the title and image. I was worried some repeating elements in the images would bother me, but they actually don't.
There are "sibling" cards that are "mirrors" of each other that weave the three Editions together nicely. For example, Love, Power, and Joy are "sibling" cards in the First, Second, and Third Editions respectively with one thing changed on the same image. The three differences are shown ascending between two child skeletons joining hands in the Psyche card of the Third Edition. I figured this might represent the superego, ego, and id in Jungian psychology. I don't think that was actually Goodchild's intent because it would make more sense if the id were at the bottom of the column with superego on top, but I think this discovery will be part of my interpretation of this card forever.
The Momento Mori Oracle is the darkest, witchiest, most versatile, and most blunt of the three. It can be used as an Oracle deck with optional expansion decks and Patreon-only cards. It can function as a Lenormand deck with the traditional names replaced with more macabre versions. And it can be used as Ritual/Spell cards thanks to its more Pagan-oriented cards.
October 7, 2019
I just thought the artwork was so beautiful I had to buy this. Wonderful mix of botany & bones, colour & darkness, modern art & Victorian sensibility. I just love it :)
September 24, 2023
love this deck
September 15, 2019
As a tarot reader of fourteen years, I have to say this book is a fantastic resource. The cards are well-thought-out, the premise is unique, and the springy cardstock shuffles like butter. I will definitely be using these with clients.
October 26, 2021
Edition owned: Dutch
I really don't like the cards, or at least the feeling of them. They are incredibly thin. However, I do really love the artwork and the booklet with it is one of the most informative ones I've gotten!
I do like them, but I won't be using them regularly.
I really don't like the cards, or at least the feeling of them. They are incredibly thin. However, I do really love the artwork and the booklet with it is one of the most informative ones I've gotten!
I do like them, but I won't be using them regularly.
October 13, 2019
Today I'm reviewing The Antique Anatomy Tarot by Claire Goodchild.
Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an contemporary witch. I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft. I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts over 412,000 views.
To add to my growing list of Tarot and Oracle card reviews, the set I'm looking at today is completely different than any other I have encountered. I am well aware of those who collect these cards for their artistic worth however, I have never seen a set quite like this. I'll give you the low down, in just a bit. First let's talk about the packaging. Tarot cards generally come in some sort of box or enclosure that would allow the reader to keep the cards safe from harm. Each set generally is accompanied by a book or pamphlet to instruct the reader on how the author intended the cards to be used. The Antique Anatomy Tarot is no exception.
The books is a soft cover book with a cover to match the beautifully illustrated cards. While there is no index, the author does provide is with a brilliantly illustrated contents section which leads into the introduction and a brief history of Tarot. We're introduced to the Major and Minor Arcana, Numerology and Astrology of Tarot in the first few pages. We are whisked through the elements of the tarot including a list of which cards fall into which elements and then leading into how color impacts a reading.
On pages 14 - 17 the author provides detailed information on how exactly to use the cards. Journaling, spells work, dream interpretations, mediation and spreads are presented with instruction on how to move forward in their individual works. One of the most important steps, in my opinion, and often overlooked by new readers is detailed in the section called "Caring for your Deck". The author provides instructions on initiating, cleansing and storage of your deck.
The final chapter in the basics section is called (drum roll please) The Spreads! What we've all been waiting for. As with most Tarot decks, this author has also provided several spreads that are outlined in detail. A single card draw, the Three Card Spread, the Moon Cycle Spread (this one was new to me) and finally the Celtic Cross spread. Each one with individual attention paid to the card location and name as well as a sentence or two about the placement and expectations for the reading.
The remainder of the book focuses on the cards themselves. This is the point when I call out the amazing illustrations on these cards. Sourced from creative commons works, these cards are suitably for framing. Overall, an amazing set of cards which I totally recommend!
Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an contemporary witch. I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft. I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts over 412,000 views.
To add to my growing list of Tarot and Oracle card reviews, the set I'm looking at today is completely different than any other I have encountered. I am well aware of those who collect these cards for their artistic worth however, I have never seen a set quite like this. I'll give you the low down, in just a bit. First let's talk about the packaging. Tarot cards generally come in some sort of box or enclosure that would allow the reader to keep the cards safe from harm. Each set generally is accompanied by a book or pamphlet to instruct the reader on how the author intended the cards to be used. The Antique Anatomy Tarot is no exception.
The books is a soft cover book with a cover to match the beautifully illustrated cards. While there is no index, the author does provide is with a brilliantly illustrated contents section which leads into the introduction and a brief history of Tarot. We're introduced to the Major and Minor Arcana, Numerology and Astrology of Tarot in the first few pages. We are whisked through the elements of the tarot including a list of which cards fall into which elements and then leading into how color impacts a reading.
On pages 14 - 17 the author provides detailed information on how exactly to use the cards. Journaling, spells work, dream interpretations, mediation and spreads are presented with instruction on how to move forward in their individual works. One of the most important steps, in my opinion, and often overlooked by new readers is detailed in the section called "Caring for your Deck". The author provides instructions on initiating, cleansing and storage of your deck.
The final chapter in the basics section is called (drum roll please) The Spreads! What we've all been waiting for. As with most Tarot decks, this author has also provided several spreads that are outlined in detail. A single card draw, the Three Card Spread, the Moon Cycle Spread (this one was new to me) and finally the Celtic Cross spread. Each one with individual attention paid to the card location and name as well as a sentence or two about the placement and expectations for the reading.
The remainder of the book focuses on the cards themselves. This is the point when I call out the amazing illustrations on these cards. Sourced from creative commons works, these cards are suitably for framing. Overall, an amazing set of cards which I totally recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2020
When I got this deck, I was bummed. It is beautiful, but the guidebook is tiny. The card meanings are one paragraph.
I just pulled it out again for Halloween season. OMG, I love it! I didn’t give it enough of a chance last time. The author gives multiple ways to look at the cards. She explains colors, elements, numbers, astrology, etc. This is explained at the beginning of the book, not repeated for each card. So you actually get much more than the card meaning if you apply all of these approaches. She also mentions many ways to use the cards. She gives a few spreads too.
I am now in love with this deck. The art is gorgeous. I can riffle shuffle. The book is so succinct that you can dive right into reading and it doesn’t take an hour to figure out the meaning of your reading. This is a deck for short, quick, straight forward answers. And it is bang on from the get go.
This is a deck for engineers. Short, succinct, formulas. It’s almost a scientific approach to tarot. Apply astrology, apply numerology, apply color, and meaning comes out. Like an equation.
I just pulled it out again for Halloween season. OMG, I love it! I didn’t give it enough of a chance last time. The author gives multiple ways to look at the cards. She explains colors, elements, numbers, astrology, etc. This is explained at the beginning of the book, not repeated for each card. So you actually get much more than the card meaning if you apply all of these approaches. She also mentions many ways to use the cards. She gives a few spreads too.
I am now in love with this deck. The art is gorgeous. I can riffle shuffle. The book is so succinct that you can dive right into reading and it doesn’t take an hour to figure out the meaning of your reading. This is a deck for short, quick, straight forward answers. And it is bang on from the get go.
This is a deck for engineers. Short, succinct, formulas. It’s almost a scientific approach to tarot. Apply astrology, apply numerology, apply color, and meaning comes out. Like an equation.
June 9, 2020
The cards are amazing, however I think the real gem was the guidebook.
If you buy tarot cards you know that most come with a small book, with a handful of pages on basic meanings, this one however, includes a larger book (like not tiny card sized, actual book sized) with deep meanings and translations. Also includeds lots of great spreads.
I highly reccomend the antique anatomy tarot and guidebook.
If you buy tarot cards you know that most come with a small book, with a handful of pages on basic meanings, this one however, includes a larger book (like not tiny card sized, actual book sized) with deep meanings and translations. Also includeds lots of great spreads.
I highly reccomend the antique anatomy tarot and guidebook.
September 7, 2021
Libro guía
4.25 estrellas
Baraja
5 estrellas
Una baraja simplemente preciosa, muy bien diseñada y editada, con detalles (como el efecto de papel avejentado) encantadores.
4.25 estrellas
Baraja
5 estrellas
Una baraja simplemente preciosa, muy bien diseñada y editada, con detalles (como el efecto de papel avejentado) encantadores.
October 24, 2019
It’s pretty and all but the cards are INCREDIBLY flimsy, they’re printed on basic, lightweight paper and I like my cards to have some weight to them. Ended up returning them.
January 6, 2020
The paper for the tarot cards was a little thin to me but otherwise, I loved the deck and the book. <3
June 21, 2021
This is my first venture into tarot, and the book is so incredible informative! And the images are to die for!
July 23, 2021
Am yet to use this deck though I love the illustrations and quirky take on the suits. Disappointed to not have the guide book!
July 17, 2022
Loved it!, This is my first book on my journey learning about Tarot and it was incredibly helpful and insightful! It’s absolutely gorgeous and informative!
February 14, 2023
This deck and book and box came in is so beautiful. I love this so much and can't wait to use more. So stunning.
October 17, 2023
I adore this deck! 👏👏
April 28, 2024
A beautiful deck and the guidebook paints a fantastic picture on how to start or refine your tarot practice.
September 18, 2019
The artwork and the book for this deck are gorgeous, but the cardstock is thin and flimsy. The cards stick together, are difficult to shuffle, and are easily split or creased. Super disappointing.
August 29, 2020
Love love loooove this deck. Just gorgeous!
July 11, 2020
https://youtu.be/Z_pdiM1h5ZI
Click on the above link to see a walkthrough of this deck.
Click on the above link to see a walkthrough of this deck.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews