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Touchstone
Tarot is
the second deck by Kat Black, author of the
popular and critically acclaimed Golden
Tarot.
The
artwork used in the deck is digitally collaged composites from
the artwork of the European Renaissance and Baroque eras,
with expressive and surprisingly modern looking faces to communicate
the meanings of each card.
Touchstone
Tarot was published by Kunati who
unfortunately closed due to the global economic crisis in September
2009. It comes as a luxury, gilt-edged deck with a small companion
book
and a sturdy hinged
box to store them in. It is available at Tarot Connection and
Tarot Garden,
and will continue
to be available for some time despite the publisher's closing
their doors.
You
can join the Touchstone
Tarot Facebook Page and/or the Aeclectic
Tarot Thread to keep up to date with all
the goings-on.
In
addition to the Kunati release of Touchstone, there was
a limited edition for Collectors published by Leisa
ReFalo at TarotConnection.net -
which went on sale 1st August 2008 and quickly sold out.
IX
- the Hermit
Meanings: Look
within. A time for reflection, quietness
and solitude. Stand apart from your everyday life
to assess your goals. You will find the answers
you seek there.
Reversed: A
lonely recluse. Isolation, lack of necessary
social skills. Inability to empathize or compromise.
++++++++++++++
Edit
notes: One of my mentors mentioned that the animals
(and his rapture) make him seem not as alone as this
card usually indicates. I know my association of the
Hermit with Francis
of Assisi (as per Golden) isn't very traditional,
but it's how I've always felt about this card. ie,
it means drawing away from human company, but not necessarily
non-human company. Closer to nature, closer to God
(or spirit, or whatever you call that force).
(note:
the real deck does not have the
name 'Touchstone Tarot' on the card).
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Queen
of Wands
Meanings: The
star. This woman is a flame that
draws others in. She is confident, passionate and
sensual. She laughs easily and lights up a room
with her vivid personality, but she can be exhausting.
Reversed: The
advocate. A woman who takes action
on behalf of others. She loves a cause and is passionately
interested… until she isn’t. She has
a very short attention span, don’t rely on
her for the long haul.
++++++++++++++
Edit
notes: I have used the body of a young Queen
Elizabeth I, and a Baroque-era face that reminded
me of Queen
Elizabeth II (current Queen of the United Kingdom)
circa her coronation. I feel they both started out
as Queens of Wands, but the weight of their responsiblities
later made them more Queens of Swords. So, in a way,
this is my tribute to them both as young, passionate
idealists (and hotties!).
I
have used venetian
red as the colour for the suit of Wands.
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Eight
of Coins
Meanings: Practice
makes perfect. Skills mastered by repetition.
Success is ten percent inspiration and ninety percent
perspiration – keep at it and one day you
will be a master at your craft.
Reversed: The
impatient apprentice. No skill worth learning
can be mastered overnight. Natural ability and
talent will only get you so far, tools take time
to become part of your hand.
++++++++++++++
Edit
notes: I'm fascinated by the tools here. A cartographer
or engineer perhaps? Being a bit of a compulsive workaholic,
I love the Eight of Coins.
I
have used forest
green as the colour for the suit of Coins.
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Two
of Swords
Meanings: A
truce. Resolution of conflict, willingness
to negotiate and compromise. Political savvy. Effective
defence. A rival drives you to improve your skills
and strategy, then mutual respect results.
Reversed: Dropping
one’s guard. Indecision, lack of
concord, disputes arising. Take care to avoid unnecessary
conflict and people who enjoy creating trouble.
++++++++++++++
Edit
notes: Portrait is of Kristina
of Denmark, who supposedly
said she'd consider marrying Henry VIII 'if I had two
heads'
:P
Unlike
RWS, she is not blindfolded - I am NOT covering up
those lovely eyes, and also I think that all choices
need to be made with eyes wide open.
I
have used black and gold as the colours for
the suit of Swords.
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Page
of Cups
Meanings: The
dreamer. A warm, loving and romantic
youth, one fragile and easily hurt. Messages about
emotions – eg, love letters.
Reversed: A
hopeless romantic. One who does not value
reality and is happy to become lost in their own
fantasy world, oblivious to the fact that their
affections might not be reciprocated.
++++++++++++++
Edit
notes:
All
of my Pages are students, in black cap and gown - a
common format for portraiture of the era.
My
little, fluffy cat Ellie sleeps beside me as I work.
She's not grey, but she's just as sweet.
I
have used ultramarine (blue)
as the colour for the suit of Cups.
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