What a fabulous walkthrough, Sara(h)! I appreciate how you've brought your thorough knowledge of the series to play in most of your interpretations, and that at least some cards gave you the chills in a good way. I'm pleased to hear, too, that the deck is turning out to be a better reader than you originally thought it might, as you mentioned in your recent collection video. I'd love to hear if and how your understandings of the cards changed after working with them, when you have time.
Craig Coss thank you so much! As you can see I’m pretty new to RUclips so it was incredibly exciting and humbling to put my rambling thoughts out in the world and receive a lovely comment from the deck’s artist and co-creator himself! I think this deck yields so much richness when you bring the full Game of Thrones story and history to bear on the interpretation. The main changes for me after working with the deck and spending some time with the guidebook are a new appreciation for the Hanged Man and Moon cards. Again, thinking about the card from Theon’s perspective is key to the interpretation of the Hanged Man and I have started thinking of the card as a depiction of him as a character rather than just the Bolton sigil. My touchstones for that card are the concepts of self-sacrifice and a changed perspective, and Theon certainly gains a completely changed understanding of the world, his place in it, and what is important...and also becomes willing to sacrifice himself for Sansa as a result of his horrific experiences. The Moon card for me represents fears, illusions, irrationality, and this all makes sense if you think not just of the Moon Door but of Lysa and Robin Arryn themselves. All of Lysa’s decisionmaking in the series is based on her illusions and self-deception about the potential for a relationship with Littlefinger and her fearful refusal to otherwise engage with the world, while Robin’s decisions to execute people via the Moon Door are based on the pure irrationality of a child. So those cards work great for me now that I’ve given them more thought as opposed to my initial spur of the moment impressions on the walkthrough. Wow, more rambling!!! Anyway, thank you again for the lovely comment!
Not "rambling" at all! Instead, a recipe for how to draw more power into the imagery by tapping into the narrative context behind each card-particularly the cards that don't ostensibly depict characters, but only *imply* characters, in context. There are several cards that do this, including the Three of Swords, which you initially expressed was a boiler plate design-although you did see the flames around the heart, which is more than most reviewers see on in their first glance. There's more to find in that card: subtleties that point to an important "missing" character through its symbolism. I actually put a great deal of thought and care into it! Remember that Pixie Smith's rendition was derived from the Sola Busca, which she likely saw in the British Museum as she was drafting her cards, so there's a centuries-old tradition tarot artists are working with with those those three swords, and I appreciate that tradition, and wanted to give it a new twist that, when you discover who the references point to and why, might be exciting.
Craig Coss oh yeah! I forgot to mention the three of swords as one that changed for me too, especially when I realized that it was snow falling around it as opposed to the traditional rain in the RWS. Stannis and his attempt to retake Winterfell is represented there, of course, and you can do a lot both with his sacrifice of his daughter (shades of Euripides!!) as well as with his ultimate downfall at the hands of Brienne, very justly, due to the crimes he’s committed. So there is definitely more going on there than I originally thought. I do think a lot of deck creators kind of lazily recreate PCS’s three of swords imagery over and over but I agree there’s something more specific going on in your version.
Linda Cota (portoftarot on Instagram) is one of several tarot readers who recognized the need for more characters, and who, as early as late March, began to ascribe "missing" characters to certain cards by the narrative context a card evoked. Amber Tawn (Lavender Moon here on RUclips) has also explored this direction in her video series on the GOT Tarot, also worth watching. I'm thrilled that you and other tarot readers have realized that potential, built-in to the card designs.
That's the ticket. Now I'm eager to watch your video series or read your in-DEEPER-depth blog review of the individual cards, Sara(h)! There's so much potential that can arise in readings when such narratively charged cards occur together. And one may begin to realize how the repetition of a handful of characters-shown in different places in their narrative arc-can actually add to a reading... These aren't baseball cards; instead, they are a way to personally tap into the world of myth, and that world is not static, but works in narrative time. The "repeats" can be used as ways to see the past, present, and possible future of a character. It's all carefully designed; a labor of love, really. You might enjoy reading the interviews Liz and I independently have given where we talk more about the project.
I only got into tarot regularly a little over six months ago so I had no idea that this deck existed. I found out a week ago and immediately ordered it. This deck is amazing. It seems that it would be really good for shadow work. I agree about the hangman. I think Theon Greyjoy would have been one option as far as someone gaining new perspective; especially forced perspective. It would have been a really dark interpretation for sure though. This is such an amazing and comprehensive deep dive into this deck. Thank you for all your hard work in this video!
Thank you so much and I’m so glad you enjoyed this video!! I totally agree with you on further reflection that the Hanged Man totally represents Theon and is actually a very good (though as you said, dark) interpretation of the meaning. There are several other cards in this deck that seemed shallow to me at first blush but on further reflection actually made a ton of sense…the Moon card is a great example. Sometimes I feel like I should redo this video with more considered thoughts beyond just my initial knee-jerk reactions 😂. Thanks again for watching!! 💖💖💖
Thank you so much! I feel like people sometimes write off this deck as a novelty and I think there’s so much more to it than that...so glad you enjoyed the walkthrough. 😊🥰💖
Wow thank you so much! I’m so glad you got so much out of it even years after I filmed it! I actually keep being tempted to do an update on it because I feel like there are some cards I initially dismissed that actually made a ton of sense once I gave them more reflection 😊
Great review I love these cards I have a deck 💕 and I feel like ramsy had logic more so then Joffrey like killing his dad and baby brother he was smart but evil most his important kills had a reason but Joffrey was the one who killed for joy and fear of failure and stupidity
You might enjoy participating in the in-depth card analysis that Jaclyn DeGiorgio in Milan is working on via her Instagram page, a_signorina_tarots. I think you have a great deal to offer the tarot community regarding insights on this deck.
Craig Coss thank you for this link! I’m loving her thoughts on the interpretations of all these cards...is there anything more fun than talking in depth about tarot and Game of Thrones?
You're welcome! Yes, DeGiorgio is spending time, doing research, contemplating the imagery and the narratives evoked, and going back to the series and hunting for clues. In contrast, many reviewers online have published only knee-jerk first impressions of the cards, and sadly, that may give readers permission to only look at them superficially, write the project off as a novelty deck, and not use it for readings. But your understanding of the series is strong enough that many of your initial impressions swung hard and hit the bell. I felt obliged to commend you! I would be very interested in reading (or viewing) a longer review from you, after you've had more time to study and work with them. In any case, I think you might contribute gems to the conversation.
Hi and thanks for the in-depth review! I haven't finished it but so far I like how you give your input regarding the characters chosen for the cards. I saw scans of this deck online and I really liked the artwork and the price was right so I decided to get it. The thing is, however, I have not seen the show or read the book. It was really popular, but reviews of the show seem very polarized to me. People either love it or hate it. Because I have the deck now, I was thinking of checking out the show in order to better relate to the deck characters. Speaking of which, one review said there are so many characters he couldn't keep up. But, again you seem to have no issue and the characters sound so interesting to me. Can you tell me what draws you to this show? Why it appeals to you? I understand that it's very graphically violent (which I was concerned would be reflected in the cards but they seem to be fine regarding that). I am still deciding about it but I think it would add to my working with the cards. So what made the show work for you, if you don't mind me asking? Thanks!!
Great question and I’m probably about to get long-winded. 😂😂😂 My feelings on Game of Thrones the show are especially complicated because it’s one of my absolute top favorite shows of all time with the exception of the fact that I haaaaated the ending....not so much the specifics of what happened but how it was executed from a storytelling standpoint. So I’m even polarized about it within myself! And yet I do think on balance it was absolutely worth the ride even if the end was a bit disappointing. The great thing about Game of Thrones is that it is a fantasy show that subverts every fantasy trope...if you think of like, Lord of the Rings or something similar as setting the pattern for high fantasy, Game of Thrones (the books first and then the show) came along and broke every one of those rules in a mind-blowing way-it goes for intrigue and realism and characters with flaws instead of perfect heroes (perfect heroes don’t tend to last long when they’re surrounded by actual humans with agendas and questionable morals-it’s a show where the good guys very much don’t always win). It is definitely violent and there are some villains that are horrifically depraved, but in a human way...psychopaths as opposed to like, all-powerful dark lords. So a lot of the story is about relationships and political intrigue and the more “fantasy” elements (dragons and ice zombies) are more like metaphors for existential threats like nuclear weapons or climate change. It is definitely complicated and there is a huge cast of characters...I didn’t struggle with that because I was a massive fan of the books before the show came out so I was already familiar with everything, but I also know many people who were able to keep up and become dedicated fans of the show without ever reading the books, so it’s definitely very doable. And the characters, above all, ARE some of the most interesting in all of pop culture in my opinion. They grow and change in astonishing ways...some of the ones you hate at the beginning will wind up as your favorites by the end, and some of the ones who seem like heroes will reveal their fatal flaws over time. Plus up until the end it was just straight up great storytelling with mysteries and twists and surprises. Most of the people I know who start it get sucked in by the plot pretty fast! So....those are my feelings on Game of Thrones. I think if you’re feeling intrigued from the deck it’s worth giving it an episode or two just to see how you like it, because there are truly a LOT of layers and rich meanings that get added to that deck once you’re familiar with the context. LOL....sorry about the wall of text! Put a quarter in me and I can talk about game of thrones all day! 😂
@@SunsetBoughTarot Wow! Lol. Thank you so much for responding to my question. Really. I certainly asked the right person, that's for sure. Don't worry about being long-winded; I am fine with that. I, too can be that way when I'm passionate about something. I understand. If there was ever a tarot of Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles I'd have a lot to say even though I'm not crazy about every book in the series, but the character of Lestat from book 2 forward is my favorite character of any book, bar none. I find him to be a very complicated, indepth, extremely well developed character. So, I get it. Lol But, this is so helpful and perfect for me because I didn't want a simple answer regarding a show that you say is multi-layered, (and based on what you've said) it sounds that way to me too. It seems it's a lot deeper and more complicated than just saying on the surface, "it's very violent" or "there's too much sex." Your review of the deck discussing the characters did intrigue me more than anything else I've heard. I don't think I would have bothered to see it based on what I heard prior to your deck review. I believe you when you say that I'll get so much more from the deck if I am familiar with the characters and the show. It will layer my reading and that is something I'd want. I spoke with someone who suggested that since I've never seen it, to start with the show, not the book and as you said I will know whether or not I want to continue very early on. Another thing that I had heard is that the main characters (even the ones you really like) are killed off so that one can't invest in any of them and since most of us really do get into our favorites that can be disappointing. That was a turn-off. However, all things considered, I am going to check it out. It's obviously not going to be like anything I've already seen. What you said about heroes typically being perfect, but not in this case, about how the characters evolve and change is very interesting to me. I plan to begin watching this week so we'll see how it goes. It may turn out that I will be able to get past certain aspects. One thing is for sure, trying to work with the deck in a more cursory sort of way, is not appealing to me at this point. The deck creators made the deck for fans of the show just as they are. Most will be drawn to check out the deck for that reason whereas it is the other way around for me. Thanks again!!!!
This was great !! Best video on these cards hands down
Thank you so much!! 💖
What a fabulous walkthrough, Sara(h)! I appreciate how you've brought your thorough knowledge of the series to play in most of your interpretations, and that at least some cards gave you the chills in a good way. I'm pleased to hear, too, that the deck is turning out to be a better reader than you originally thought it might, as you mentioned in your recent collection video. I'd love to hear if and how your understandings of the cards changed after working with them, when you have time.
Craig Coss thank you so much! As you can see I’m pretty new to RUclips so it was incredibly exciting and humbling to put my rambling thoughts out in the world and receive a lovely comment from the deck’s artist and co-creator himself! I think this deck yields so much richness when you bring the full Game of Thrones story and history to bear on the interpretation. The main changes for me after working with the deck and spending some time with the guidebook are a new appreciation for the Hanged Man and Moon cards. Again, thinking about the card from Theon’s perspective is key to the interpretation of the Hanged Man and I have started thinking of the card as a depiction of him as a character rather than just the Bolton sigil. My touchstones for that card are the concepts of self-sacrifice and a changed perspective, and Theon certainly gains a completely changed understanding of the world, his place in it, and what is important...and also becomes willing to sacrifice himself for Sansa as a result of his horrific experiences. The Moon card for me represents fears, illusions, irrationality, and this all makes sense if you think not just of the Moon Door but of Lysa and Robin Arryn themselves. All of Lysa’s decisionmaking in the series is based on her illusions and self-deception about the potential for a relationship with Littlefinger and her fearful refusal to otherwise engage with the world, while Robin’s decisions to execute people via the Moon Door are based on the pure irrationality of a child. So those cards work great for me now that I’ve given them more thought as opposed to my initial spur of the moment impressions on the walkthrough. Wow, more rambling!!! Anyway, thank you again for the lovely comment!
Not "rambling" at all! Instead, a recipe for how to draw more power into the imagery by tapping into the narrative context behind each card-particularly the cards that don't ostensibly depict characters, but only *imply* characters, in context. There are several cards that do this, including the Three of Swords, which you initially expressed was a boiler plate design-although you did see the flames around the heart, which is more than most reviewers see on in their first glance. There's more to find in that card: subtleties that point to an important "missing" character through its symbolism. I actually put a great deal of thought and care into it! Remember that Pixie Smith's rendition was derived from the Sola Busca, which she likely saw in the British Museum as she was drafting her cards, so there's a centuries-old tradition tarot artists are working with with those those three swords, and I appreciate that tradition, and wanted to give it a new twist that, when you discover who the references point to and why, might be exciting.
Craig Coss oh yeah! I forgot to mention the three of swords as one that changed for me too, especially when I realized that it was snow falling around it as opposed to the traditional rain in the RWS. Stannis and his attempt to retake Winterfell is represented there, of course, and you can do a lot both with his sacrifice of his daughter (shades of Euripides!!) as well as with his ultimate downfall at the hands of Brienne, very justly, due to the crimes he’s committed. So there is definitely more going on there than I originally thought. I do think a lot of deck creators kind of lazily recreate PCS’s three of swords imagery over and over but I agree there’s something more specific going on in your version.
Linda Cota (portoftarot on Instagram) is one of several tarot readers who recognized the need for more characters, and who, as early as late March, began to ascribe "missing" characters to certain cards by the narrative context a card evoked. Amber Tawn (Lavender Moon here on RUclips) has also explored this direction in her video series on the GOT Tarot, also worth watching. I'm thrilled that you and other tarot readers have realized that potential, built-in to the card designs.
That's the ticket. Now I'm eager to watch your video series or read your in-DEEPER-depth blog review of the individual cards, Sara(h)!
There's so much potential that can arise in readings when such narratively charged cards occur together. And one may begin to realize how the repetition of a handful of characters-shown in different places in their narrative arc-can actually add to a reading... These aren't baseball cards; instead, they are a way to personally tap into the world of myth, and that world is not static, but works in narrative time. The "repeats" can be used as ways to see the past, present, and possible future of a character. It's all carefully designed; a labor of love, really. You might enjoy reading the interviews Liz and I independently have given where we talk more about the project.
I only got into tarot regularly a little over six months ago so I had no idea that this deck existed. I found out a week ago and immediately ordered it. This deck is amazing. It seems that it would be really good for shadow work. I agree about the hangman. I think Theon Greyjoy would have been one option as far as someone gaining new perspective; especially forced perspective. It would have been a really dark interpretation for sure though. This is such an amazing and comprehensive deep dive into this deck. Thank you for all your hard work in this video!
Thank you so much and I’m so glad you enjoyed this video!! I totally agree with you on further reflection that the Hanged Man totally represents Theon and is actually a very good (though as you said, dark) interpretation of the meaning. There are several other cards in this deck that seemed shallow to me at first blush but on further reflection actually made a ton of sense…the Moon card is a great example. Sometimes I feel like I should redo this video with more considered thoughts beyond just my initial knee-jerk reactions 😂. Thanks again for watching!! 💖💖💖
Loved hearing your great insights about the cards!! Pretty much agreed completely. Really fun walkthrough, thank you ☺️💝
Thank you so much! I feel like people sometimes write off this deck as a novelty and I think there’s so much more to it than that...so glad you enjoyed the walkthrough. 😊🥰💖
January 26, 2024. I just got this deck and watched your review. You’ve got great content. Thanks.
Wow thank you so much! I’m so glad you got so much out of it even years after I filmed it! I actually keep being tempted to do an update on it because I feel like there are some cards I initially dismissed that actually made a ton of sense once I gave them more reflection 😊
I have this deck. Love this video. I agree with your analyses. Thank you!
Thank you!! 😊
I know you made this video quite a bit ago... Who would you assign to the court cards? Curious 💞🕯️Blessed Be 😊
Great review I love these cards I have a deck 💕 and I feel like ramsy had logic more so then Joffrey like killing his dad and baby brother he was smart but evil most his important kills had a reason but Joffrey was the one who killed for joy and fear of failure and stupidity
That’s a really good point that helps make sense of Ramsay as the Knight of Swords! Thanks for watching....it’s such a great deck. 😊
Oh my gosh yes! Love this comment!
lol did see season 8 think the major cards are pretty close now I have this same deck
You might enjoy participating in the in-depth card analysis that Jaclyn DeGiorgio in Milan is working on via her Instagram page, a_signorina_tarots. I think you have a great deal to offer the tarot community regarding insights on this deck.
Craig Coss thank you for this link! I’m loving her thoughts on the interpretations of all these cards...is there anything more fun than talking in depth about tarot and Game of Thrones?
You're welcome! Yes, DeGiorgio is spending time, doing research, contemplating the imagery and the narratives evoked, and going back to the series and hunting for clues. In contrast, many reviewers online have published only knee-jerk first impressions of the cards, and sadly, that may give readers permission to only look at them superficially, write the project off as a novelty deck, and not use it for readings. But your understanding of the series is strong enough that many of your initial impressions swung hard and hit the bell. I felt obliged to commend you! I would be very interested in reading (or viewing) a longer review from you, after you've had more time to study and work with them. In any case, I think you might contribute gems to the conversation.
Hi and thanks for the in-depth review! I haven't finished it but so far I like how you give your input regarding the characters chosen for the cards. I saw scans of this deck online and I really liked the artwork and the price was right so I decided to get it. The thing is, however, I have not seen the show or read the book. It was really popular, but reviews of the show seem very polarized to me. People either love it or hate it.
Because I have the deck now, I was thinking of checking out the show in order to better relate to the deck characters. Speaking of which, one review said there are so many characters he couldn't keep up. But, again you seem to have no issue and the characters sound so interesting to me.
Can you tell me what draws you to this show? Why it appeals to you? I understand that it's very graphically violent (which I was concerned would be reflected in the cards but they seem to be fine regarding that). I am still deciding about it but I think it would add to my working with the cards.
So what made the show work for you, if you don't mind me asking? Thanks!!
Great question and I’m probably about to get long-winded. 😂😂😂 My feelings on Game of Thrones the show are especially complicated because it’s one of my absolute top favorite shows of all time with the exception of the fact that I haaaaated the ending....not so much the specifics of what happened but how it was executed from a storytelling standpoint. So I’m even polarized about it within myself! And yet I do think on balance it was absolutely worth the ride even if the end was a bit disappointing. The great thing about Game of Thrones is that it is a fantasy show that subverts every fantasy trope...if you think of like, Lord of the Rings or something similar as setting the pattern for high fantasy, Game of Thrones (the books first and then the show) came along and broke every one of those rules in a mind-blowing way-it goes for intrigue and realism and characters with flaws instead of perfect heroes (perfect heroes don’t tend to last long when they’re surrounded by actual humans with agendas and questionable morals-it’s a show where the good guys very much don’t always win). It is definitely violent and there are some villains that are horrifically depraved, but in a human way...psychopaths as opposed to like, all-powerful dark lords. So a lot of the story is about relationships and political intrigue and the more “fantasy” elements (dragons and ice zombies) are more like metaphors for existential threats like nuclear weapons or climate change. It is definitely complicated and there is a huge cast of characters...I didn’t struggle with that because I was a massive fan of the books before the show came out so I was already familiar with everything, but I also know many people who were able to keep up and become dedicated fans of the show without ever reading the books, so it’s definitely very doable. And the characters, above all, ARE some of the most interesting in all of pop culture in my opinion. They grow and change in astonishing ways...some of the ones you hate at the beginning will wind up as your favorites by the end, and some of the ones who seem like heroes will reveal their fatal flaws over time. Plus up until the end it was just straight up great storytelling with mysteries and twists and surprises. Most of the people I know who start it get sucked in by the plot pretty fast! So....those are my feelings on Game of Thrones. I think if you’re feeling intrigued from the deck it’s worth giving it an episode or two just to see how you like it, because there are truly a LOT of layers and rich meanings that get added to that deck once you’re familiar with the context.
LOL....sorry about the wall of text! Put a quarter in me and I can talk about game of thrones all day! 😂
@@SunsetBoughTarot Wow! Lol. Thank you so much for responding to my question. Really. I certainly asked the right person, that's for sure. Don't worry about being long-winded; I am fine with that. I, too can be that way when I'm passionate about something. I understand. If there was ever a tarot of Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles I'd have a lot to say even though I'm not crazy about every book in the series, but the character of Lestat from book 2 forward is my favorite character of any book, bar none. I find him to be a very complicated, indepth, extremely well developed character. So, I get it. Lol
But, this is so helpful and perfect for me because I didn't want a simple answer regarding a show that you say is multi-layered, (and based on what you've said) it sounds that way to me too. It seems it's a lot deeper and more complicated than just saying on the surface, "it's very violent" or "there's too much sex." Your review of the deck discussing the characters did intrigue me more than anything else I've heard.
I don't think I would have bothered to see it based on what I heard prior to your deck review. I believe you when you say that I'll get so much more from the deck if I am familiar with the characters and the show. It will layer my reading and that is something I'd want. I spoke with someone who suggested that since I've never seen it, to start with the show, not the book and as you said I will know whether or not I want to continue very early on.
Another thing that I had heard is that the main characters (even the ones you really like) are killed off so that one can't invest in any of them and since most of us really do get into our favorites that can be disappointing. That was a turn-off.
However, all things considered, I am going to check it out. It's obviously not going to be like anything I've already seen. What you said about heroes typically being perfect, but not in this case, about how the characters evolve and change is very interesting to me. I plan to begin watching this week so we'll see how it goes. It may turn out that I will be able to get past certain aspects. One thing is for sure, trying to work with the deck in a more cursory sort of way, is not appealing to me at this point.
The deck creators made the deck for fans of the show just as they are. Most will be drawn to check out the deck for that reason whereas it is the other way around for me. Thanks again!!!!