Mythic Tarot

I have to say that this is a weird deck.  On first glance it's simple enough but the differences are enough to make most people pause at least once. Also I like this deck so much I have two of them.

One is the 1986 Tricia Newell version, the second is the 2008 Newell and Caselli or "The New Mythic Tarot" version and they each have their advantages.  The earlier deck I have has much higher quality cards, the newer version has updated artwork which begs the question, which do you care about more?

The left is the newer release and the overall look is softer but the original has much more detail especially with the faces.  The original does look dated which I admit isn't as accessible.  There also a few changes, Athena's sword has changed shape and her arms have changed angles so she looks less relaxed.  Hera's posture has also changed slightly and she is now looking at Paris.  Paris meanwhile has a new crook and like Aphrodite has had a hairstyle change.  Aphrodite seems to be the most improved.  More Goddess less woman who grabbed the nearest scrap of cloth in a rush after getting out of the bath. I could even say it's lost details in the art while paying more attention to details.

With the deck there is a very comprehensive book which you will need.  This is the lovers card after all and it's clearly the judgement of Paris.  While choice isn't alien to the lovers card, it's a seriously weird card.  Yeah choose love and start a massive war that will destroy your entire country!  If he had made the more practical choice, military strength or a cat empire he still could have found love and if he needed to fight a war over it he'd be able to.

Not sure who I'd pick but it would not be Aphrodite.  This isn't even the weirdest myth choice.  There are several obscure myths and stranger choices throughout.  So if you really like the Rider-Waite-Smith and you don't like quirky decks just stop now.  If you like variety and a challenge though this definitely does that.  It's not a good Tarot deck if you are more traditional unless you are very interested in Greek mythology.

I have enough experience with Tarot and Greek mythology as well as a desire for new challenges to really like this deck and I love using it. I`m not surprised that it`s not for everyone.