Review by Terri Clement
Ghosts and Spirits Tarot by Lisa Hunt
Published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc., www.usgamesinc.com
ISBN-13: 978-1-57281-661-9
ISBN-10: 1-57281-661-9
Looking for something different? Maybe even a little frightening? Then the haunting Ghosts and Spirits Tarot may be exactly what you are looking for. This is a 79-card (yes, 79) Tarot deck, filled with pleasant and startling ghostly beings bringing messages from the beyond.
The ghosts and spirits included in this deck represent an array of ethereal beings from legends all around the world. This is an opportunity to hear messages from Shellycoat (4 of Wands), Cloud People (Star), and even the Headless Horseman (King of Swords).
The deck is sealed in plastic within a fold-top box. It includes an un-numbered bonus card and a Little White Book. The deck measures 2 ¾” wide x 4 ¾” tall. The deck does have a bit of a chemical smell fresh out of the box and the card edges are a bit sharp, however both of those issues should resolve with use.
The front of the cards have a tan antique looking 1/8” border around the top and sides, with a ¼” border across the bottom of the cards, which contains the title of the card. The back of the card features a trio of ghosts in a mandala style, with what appears to be a ring of bones circling them on a dark blue background bounded by a ¼” white border.
Strength is numbered 8 and Justice is numbered 11. The Hierophant (5) has been renamed The High Priest and the Devil (15) has been renamed Chains. The Majors are numbered using Hindu-Arabic numerals. Suits are Cups, Wands, Swords and Pentacles. Courts are King, Queen, Knight and Page.
Refreshingly, the LWB is not just a standard LWB with divinatory meanings. This LWB is very well written and thought out. It contains an introduction by Hunt, explaining her fascination with ghosts and spirits since childhood and how they manifest during times of transition. Each card is then listed in order, naming the card, the spirit associated with that card, the legend or lore that revolves around that being, and then a divinatory meaning. There is a 5-card spread in the back of the LWB, titled Realm of the Spirits.
One of the not so pleasant images is the 10 of Wands – (Zombies) This card features a dark flooding and rainy night and there are several zombies emerging from the darkness. The LWB says “The floodwater and rain represent oppression. The energy of the wands is extinguished as they struggle to remain above the water. The tangled garments are indicative of the need to tie up loose ends."
One of my favorite cards is the Page of Pentacles – (Jack Frost) This card features a fern-like houseplant sitting in front of a sparkling frost filled window. Jack has left his mark and his image has been captured here. The LWB says that “Jack Frost is a solitary creature that remains unseen, but nips at the ears and noses of children to warn them of the potential dangers of the cold. The green plant tells of potential for growth. The transparent glass reveals the world outside. If you look closely you’ll see things with more clarity and insight.”
This deck can easily be used by readers of all levels from the rookie with no Tarot experience all the way through the professional. Though you can follow the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith method with this deck, it would be very beneficial to spend some time with the LWB and work with the information provided.
There are many instances where I can see this deck being used, from reading for messages from those who have passed on, issues around endings, death and dying. It could also be an excellent deck for shadow work. It may also prove beneficial for those who are into ghost hunting and the like.
Other decks by Lisa Hunt are The Fantastical Creatures Tarot, Animals Divine Tarot, The Celtic Dragon Tarot, and Shapeshifter Tarot.