This is, quite simply, a beautiful deck. The art alone is worth the price. As an artist I find inspiration here. I also appreciate that the cards are printed in both color and, on the opposite side, in black line drawings. I think this deck would be quite good for personal intuitive readings though perhaps you would need to be quite adept at Tarot to effectively read this deck. (which I am not) That said, it's still my favorite.

As I quickly scanned through the deck, I thought - oh, it's a fairy deck. No, they are not fairies, they are insects. They are bugs! Upon closer examination, I also saw salamanders, and owls and bushes and foxes... there are even people on some of the cards.

This deck can be worked as two decks, as each side of the card has a similar design, one in "color" and the other in black and white. There are subtle variations in the designs, and in some cases they are opposites, in others they are the same.

Let me say that this deck is very similar to other Lo Scarabeo decks in it's lack of use of bright color. I think it was supposed to be "earth toned" but the colors seemed drab. The artwork, watercolor and wash, is "suggestive" in some areas, yet very well defined in others.

There were designs I got right away, and some that I failed to see the association. Working with the cards also proved to be a "challenge" and I found myself referencing the book and looking at how to interpret the designs rather than having the usual flow and ease of working with a deck. Even after a few readings, some of it clicked, some did not.

If you really want to work with this deck, there will be a learning curve. The images are interesting, intriguing for some. The meanings can be found, but for some it will require digging. Some of the designs are clever and unique and well thought out.

But the deck lacks consistency in my opinion. And color. Some of the insects could have been rendered a bit more colorfully and maybe with a touch more detailing. The figures are mostly abstract, and I understand that in many cases.

You should look at this deck completely before purchasing it. It has pros and cons, and that is probably the biggest issue with this deck. It does not seem to be consistent in design or content. And again, my own issue with the color choices which diminishes its interest value even more. It might appeal to a small market but overall it is a curiosity and not a practical, working deck. boudica