Deck by Susan Hudes

© 1995 US Games Systems Inc.

This is an attractive deck which follows a traditional trend in Tarot symbolism.  There is also no nudity in the deck, so it can be used effectively for even the more sensitive of clients without worry of offending.  Artist Susan Hudes was inspired by the beauty of medieval art and the symbolic nature of mythology which led to her creation and design of the Hudes Tarot.  She took advantage of a variety of resources in creating her images, including constellation charts, antique maps, and marbled paper.  The result is a beautifully rendered deck with rich colors to enhance the card scenes.

The cards and suit names follow the traditional Rider Waite version of Tarot, yet with an individualized and original style that sets them apart.  The artist chose to focus on one particular symbolic aspect of each card in the Major Arcana, so a lot of traditional symbolism is not contained here, but it does leave the images uncluttered and easy to work with nevertheless.  A beginner can use a standard book of Tarot meanings that go with a Rider Waite style of cards and learn effectively with this deck.  In fact, I would recommend this deck to a beginner or anyone who wants a visually appealing and comfortable deck to work with.

All of the characters' facial expressions within the cards appear to be either very serious, bored, or unhappy . . . but considering the era represented by the paintings, that is often how people were portrayed at that time.  It represents art from medieval times, so you don't see people smiling in the images, just as you wouldn't find from very old photographs and paintings where people had a rather "stern" kind of facial expression.

When the Hudes Tarot deck was originally published, there was no accompanying book -- just the standard Little White Booklet.  Since then, A. L. Samul wrote, Wisdom in the Cards to go with this deck.  It's a 300-page book filled with card meanings (both upright and reversed) for the deck, including affirmations and prayers for positive growth.  This book can be a very helpful guide to the cards, especially for the beginner.

Size of Cards:  2-3/4" x 4-3/4"
Easy to handle and work with.

Included with deck: LWB (Little White Book)
Available as card and book set with Wisdom in the Cards book -- or sold separately.

Major Arcana:
Fool, Magician, High Priestess, Empress, Emperor, Hierophant,
Lovers, Chariot, Strength, Hermit, Wheel of Fortune, Justice,
Hanged Man, Death, Temperance, Devil, Tower, Star, Moon,
Sun, Judgment, World

Suit Names: Cups, Wands, Swords, Pentacles

Court Cards:
King, Queen, Knight, Page
 

Back Design of Cards:

HUDES TAROT Book & Cards

Hudes - Cards Only

Wisdom in the Cards Book Only

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