Table of Contents
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A deck of overwhelming beauty. Jack Sephiroth challenges the timeless symbolism of the Tarot with his extraordinary art, in which hidden symbols and shades are intertwined with the utmost craftsmanship. In this Tarot deck the boundary between spiritual and material is indistinct and everything becomes clear to a sensitive reader.
From Heaven & Earth Tarot product description
The Heaven & Earth Tarot by Jack Sephiroth and Jaymi Elford beautifully blends the mystical and the mundane, inviting readers into a world where celestial energy meets earthly life. The quality of this deck does not surprise me, as Jack Sephiroth is one of my favourite tarot artists with his unique style.
The detailed and evocative artwork in this deck pulls you into scenes that feel both familiar and otherworldly, reflecting timeless Tarot themes while adding a unique depth for introspection. This balance of spiritual and material realms makes the deck a compelling tool for guidance and insight.
This deck is a study of the harmony between the heavens and earth, creating the perfect backdrop for a practical and spiritual Tarot experience. The Heaven & Earth Tarot immerses you in ethereal landscapes while staying grounded in traditional Tarot symbolism, offering clarity and depth in readings. Whether you’re deeply exploring spirituality or seeking grounded answers, this deck has something to offer you. Let’s get this review started!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Excellent guidebook + Beautiful artworks + Sturdy, but a bit large, box | – Cards could have used a better paper quality – Back’s of the cards are bland |
About the Creators
All I could find about Jack Sephiroth is that he is an artist who works in the fantasy field. In addition to the Heaven & Earth Tarot, he has also created the Runic Tarot, a deck that brings Norse gods and mythology to the world of tarot. His artwork is truly impressive, and while I’m curious to learn more about him, I respect his privacy and understand if he prefers to keep a low profile.
The guidebook for the Heaven & Earth Tarot is by Jaymi Elford, also known as innowen online. She is a writer, tarot coach, fire spinner, and avid reader. Originally from the suburbs of Denver, she now resides in the Pacific Northwest. Jaymi’s passion has always been writing, and she began writing at a young age, obsessively penning her name into books. Today, she writes dark fantasy stories for the Young Adult market, designs booklets for tarot decks, and writes about tarot in various forms. With a B.A. in English, a minor in Anthropology, and a Professional Writers certificate, writing has remained a constant companion throughout her life. Jaymi’s mind is always overflowing with words, from stories to articles and technical documentation.
Cards and the Artwork
The Heaven & Earth Tarot is a breathtaking fusion of artistry and symbolism, offering a truly immersive experience. With 78 beautifully illustrated cards, each one feels like a portal to a realm where the celestial meets the earthly, seamlessly blending mystical and tangible elements. The artwork is undeniably ethereal, rich with symbolism that invites deep introspection and spiritual exploration. Sephiroth’s attention to detail is remarkable, as every card brims with meaning, drawing from both traditional Tarot imagery and more abstract, otherworldly elements that make each reading a visual and emotional journey.
While the artwork itself is mesmerizing, the physical quality of the deck is somewhat lacking. The cards are standard size at 70mm x 120mm, making them easy to shuffle and handle during readings, but the card stock could be sturdier. Unfortunately, the edges tend to damage easily, and after just a few shuffles, you may notice signs of wear. For a deck with such captivating imagery, the card quality feels like a missed opportunity. It’s a deck that deserves to be cherished. It’s a shame that you’ll need to handle it with so much care. Sleeving it to maintain its beauty might be a good option.
Another slight letdown is the design of the card backs. They are black with minimal decoration, which feels almost bland in comparison to the vibrant, intricate artwork on the front. A more elaborate or cohesive design could have enhanced the overall experience, making the deck feel more complete. Despite this, once you’re drawn into the world of the cards, these minor flaws are easily overlooked.
Overall, the Heaven & Earth Tarot is a visual masterpiece and easily one of my favourite decks. The artwork alone makes it a standout deck, perfect for those who appreciate beauty and depth in their readings. Despite the minor concerns with card quality, the deck’s ability to evoke emotion and insight more than makes up for it.
The Guidebook of Heaven & Earth Tarot
The guidebook for the Heaven & Earth Tarot is a 160-page, full-color companion that provides a detailed and thoughtful exploration of each card. Slightly larger than the cards themselves, the softcover book feels substantial without being overwhelming. Its layout is visually appealing, with vibrant illustrations that match the deck’s ethereal artwork, making it a pleasure to flip through. This guide is designed to complement the deck, offering insightful interpretations for readers of all experience levels.
For each card, the guidebook dives deep into multiple layers of meaning. You’ll find an explanation of the card’s imagery, which helps decipher the symbolism embedded in Jack Sephiroth’s artwork. What makes this guidebook stand out is its dual approach: offering both a heavenly and earthly interpretation for each card. The “heavenly” aspect encourages readers to explore the card’s spiritual or higher-level meaning. At the same time, the “earthly” interpretation keeps things grounded in practical, everyday insights. Additionally, there are questions and transformations for each card, prompting deeper reflection and inviting personal growth, making this a valuable resource for introspective Tarot practices.
Though the book is rich in content, it could have benefited from a bit more variety in its offerings. While it includes a couple of Tarot spreads and a brief introduction to Tarot reading, these sections feel somewhat limited. For a deck as intricate and layered as the Heaven & Earth Tarot, more spreads or expanded guidance for advanced readers would have been a welcome addition. Nonetheless, the guidebook serves as a solid companion for the deck, giving readers the tools to unlock its symbolism and dive into meaningful readings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Heaven & Earth Tarot is a visual masterpiece that invites deep introspection and spiritual exploration. While the card quality and design of the card backs may leave something to be desired, the captivating artwork and the insightful guidebook make this deck a valuable addition to any Tarot collection. Whether you’re deeply exploring spirituality or seeking grounded answers, the Heaven & Earth Tarot has something to offer for both experienced readers and beginners.
