Following what has been an emotionally draining and difficult month, I took a little break from reading tarot. This week, however, I returned to my ‘tarot table’ and got to grips with a brand new deck, The Insight Tarot which was very kindly sent to me by Schiffer Publishing to shuffle through and to share on this here blog.
Stanislav Reshetnikov
Designed and created by Stanislav Reshetnikov, a student of C.G Jung, this beautiful tarot deck is said to be a pathway to clear divination messages, meditation, and psychologic practices which will apparently resonate with all readers.
Born and raised in Moscow, Russia, Stanislav Reshetnikov is a graduate of Moscow Medical Academy with a specialisation in pharmacology and pharmaceutical marketing. Following years of successful work as a marketer for large pharma-companies, reaching top positions within his career, Stanislav shifted his focus to psychology and surrounding disciplines, specifically the Jungian school. This led Stanislav to the completion of the Moscow association of analytical psychology (Jungian analysis).
Stanislav soon became a skilled tarot reader, psychotherapist, trainer, and leader of several popular thematic seminars, he then created his own course on Tarot based upon years of practical experience.
Packaging
Packaged in a large, sturdy white and gold box, the Insight Tarot features a magnetic-close flap to open, inside of which is cardboard housing for the cards and a chunky, informative guide to the tarot.
The Guidebook
The 176-page colour-printed, guidebook includes an informative introduction, a guide upon how to work with tarot cards, a full-colour layout of each of the major arcana cards, a three-page guide upon each of the major arcana cards, a single-page guide to each of the minor arcana cards, an interesting conclusion and further information upon the author.
The Cards
The Insight Tarot is a large tarot deck, far bigger and chunkier than a standard-size tarot deck. Each tarot card is numbered, labelled (in a black font at the base of the card) and includes a rounded white border with gold detailing. This beautiful tarot deck features gorgeous, gold gilding and a watercolour blue, rectangular motif upon the back of each card.
The Major Arcana
Unlike traditional tarot, the Insight Tarot includes an extra card within the major arcana – The White Card. I quite like the idea of including a blank card signifying a blank page, a fresh start and new beginnings – precisely what I need right now!
Other than the extra card, the major arcana cards are stereotypically based upon the ‘Rider Waite’ tarot – each of the cards features a beautiful, watercolour, soft image which alongside the rounded white borders are visually stunning.
The Minor Arcana
Following the four traditional tarot suits of wands, cups, swords and pentacles, each of the minor arcana cards are clearly labelled and numbered in an italic, black font at the base of the card. The minor arcana features very ‘pip-like’ illustrations, which although I’m happy to read with aren’t entirely to my taste.
Heres a short video-walkthrough guide that I put together further explaining and outlining The Insight Tarot.
The Court Cards
Whilst the minor arcana is usually organised from one to ten and then the court cards follow, Stanislav has chosen to separate the minor arcana from the court cards in the guidebook and I rather like this formatting, although it makes absolutely no difference whatsoever when reading with the cards.
The Pages
The Knights
The Queens
The Kings
Reading with the Insight Tarot
The Insight Tarot reminds me very much of my first ever tarot deck – The Prediction Tarot Deck as the illustrations and artwork are very alike. This is a wonderful deck to work with if a little on the large side.
I’ve used the Insight Tarot several times now to carry out readings and although I’m not entirely keen on ‘pip-style’ decks, I adore the artwork throughout this deck as it feels nostalgically similar to the deck which I first used back as a twelve-year-old.
Purchasing & Pricing Information
The Insight Tarot deck retails from $34.99 within the USA and is available directly from Schiffer Publishing / Red Feather Books. If you happen to be within the UK like myself, the Insight Tarot is available to purchase online via Gazelle Book Services for £33.99, I have also found that it is currently available via Amazon for only £22.55.
To Summarise
Stanislav has suggested that the most interesting things in life are set behind the scenes – in our subconscious where the puppet masters reside and I love this theory and therefore love this tarot deck. I appreciate how Stanislav has aimed to create a tool for which to soul-search – a method for which to examine the unconscious and explore the important aspects of our humanity.
I would most certainly recommend the Insight Tarot deck to all readers as it is suitable for any level of reader and makes for an interesting read especially with the additional ‘white card’.
For further information upon The Insight Tarot or alternative Schiffer Publishing products visit www.schifferbooks.com
Disclosure: I was sent the above product for the purpose of this post however all opinions are my own.