First published in 1991 ...Created by Caitlin and John Matthews.
The Arthurian Tarot is a very high quality book and card set that is nicely packaged and presented in a well-designed box. The cards are printed on quality, durable stock with vivid designs. The card designs are detailed and inviting, and they depict the essence of the grail mysteries. This deck differs from traditional tarot decks in that the suits of the minor arcana have been changed in keeping with the symbolism of the Hallows. So instead of the sword, wand, pentacle, and cup, we have the sword, spear, stone, and grail. The traditional icons of the major arcana have also been adjusted to incorporate Arthurian characters, for example, the High Priestess is now the Lady of The Lake, Strength is Gawain, and the Magician is Merlin. Each card’s image is bordered with a black frame which gives the reader the impression of looking through a window into an alternate realm. The images themselves are intricate, vibrantly coloured and have great depth, which facilitates a detailed reading.
The book which accompanies the Arthurian Tarot is not merely a guide to the meanings of each card, though in-depth interpretations are included. It is a workbook which guides the reader, whether expert or novice, on a personal grail quest called the Hallowquest. This is a meditation course designed to be spread out over a 12 month period. The course is divided into five parts. The aim of the first part is to enable the reader to prepare for the esoteric journey, while the subsequent four parts comprise the course’s seasonal sequence, which is intended to be started at the closest solstice or equinox.