Tarot of the Sweet Twilight Deck Review

​Deck: Tarot of the Sweet Twilight
Artist/Creator: Cristina Benintende
LWB: Barbara Moore
Publisher: Lo Scarabeo
​Purchased: 2019

I think the best way to describe this deck is that it's on the strange side of unusual. Tarot of the Sweet Twilight is bright and dark at the same time, it's full of Dali-esque images but there are no melting clocks and the most remarkable thing of all is that it contains a Death card that will tug at your heart strings. What more could you ask for? 

See My Favourite Cards for more about this touching Death card

This is not an RWS clone deck. Some of the images are reminiscent of the traditional RWS cards but some differ quite a lot. So it can't be read straight from the box unless you want to wing it via intuition alone. Remarkably, the little white book (LWB) meanings relate very well to the deck. If you're familiar with LWB's you'll know how unusual that is. So this is one guidebook that is well worth a read.

 Now, it is a 2009 mass market deck, so it comes in a tuck box with shiny satin card stock with borders showing six different translations of the title on the corners. I can't help but wonder how this deck would compare to an independent deck. If these images were reprinted borderless on lux matt card stock, placed in a nice two piece or magnetic closure box and the guidebook was upgraded I think this deck would sit comfortably alongside the Dark Mansions Tarot or Lux ex Umbra (review coming soon).  

In its current state, it's a little, low cost, easily accessible via Amazon deck that will leave you pleasantly surprised if you fancy something new but can't stretch to indie level prices. If you're a deck-modifier, you can colour the edges or if you really want to you could chop off the borders, although that would mean losing some of the reversible backs. 

I think the Page of Pentacles looks like Johnny Depp's version of Willy Wonka!

It's a standard size and good mass market card stock which makes for the all-important comfortable shuffle. But how does it read? Well, I've had my copy for a while and it's not one that I've reached for often. The imagery is compelling but as there is some effort involved, I've procrastinated when getting it out and using it. Or maybe its the lack of production quality that has put me off (yes, I know, all I need to do is get on Etsy and buy a fancy bag).

And there is one final surprise bonus with this deck. It comes with an original spread in the guidebook and it is excellent. Overall, this is well worth a look.