The Numinous Tarot Deck Review

​Deck Title – The Numinous Tarot
Creator/Artist – Cedar McCloud
Publisher - Independent
Date purchased - 2019

Introduction

The reason I bought this deck was because it was known as a very diverse deck. I need that for my practice, I thought (although to be honest, I've already got a deck that fits that niche, but anyway.....). When I first saw walk throughs of the deck I didn't think the art work was for me. Too much colour, too wild drawing style, what does numinous mean? But with consistent word of mouth promotion, I went ahead and bought my copy. I'm so glad I did because regardless of my initial misgivings this is a lovely deck. It's very different from anything I have seen before and the whole diversity thing is not too in your face. It just shows an inclusive world, like the one I live in.  

What's Good?

• The images are original, there's nothing that I've seen similar versions of in other decks. My initial concerns about the artwork seeming too child-like was way off the mark. When you see them up close, they're beautiful
• Although there is a riot of colour, when you get the deck in your hands it's not too overwhelming 
• The card stock is great with reversible backs and gold edging and they shuffle really well
• The guidebook is easy to read with large font and an image of each card reproduced in black and white inside. There are a few typos but the information is helpful and valuable 

What's Bad?

• The packaging is a large tuck box with a plastic insert to contain the cards and a guidebook about A5 size. Although the packaging is good quality and the image of the Lovers card on the front is lovely, it's not practical to combine everyday use and storage. The bottom corner of my guidebook was damaged from the tuck in the box. So I have ordered a tarot bag to keep the deck in for ease of access
• Although I love the colour of the card backs the pastel pink and blue seems at odds with the range of primary colours in the images. Still gorgeous though  

Deck Interview Spread

Instead of my favourite or stand out cards, I thought it would be nice to see a spread laid out for this deck. Thank you to @blewlotus.tarot for this Deck Interview Spread. Check her out on IG. Blewlotus got the inspiration and foundations for this spread from daily-tarot-girl.com. Here are the edited highlights (if I include a full nine card reading we'll be here all day).

Deck Interview Spread 
​
1. What type of deck are you? With one card describe your personality. 
Four of Candles - Stability. I am a stable, grounded but energetic resource for you to read Tarot. I will help you develop and celebrate your abilities. 

2. What areas of life and/or issues do you specialise in? 
XVIII The Moon - I'll help reveal whatever is hidden from plain sight and difficult to grasp. I specialise in the subconscious thoughts and feelings that lead to actions that you need to bring into your conscious awareness. I can see the cycles that you repeat and help you work out if they are a help or a hinderance to your future self. 

3. What are your strengths as a deck?
Four of Vials - I can show you that stable is not boring. I can help you look beyond the obvious, the easy answers and the pretty stories that are presented and help you realise the way forward is to be grateful for the present. 

4. What are your limits?
II The Diviner - I won't make you a psychic or whisk up magic spells, I am just a deck of cards. However, I will help you work with your intuition and allow you to see what's behind the veil.  

5. How can you best help me?
Two of Vials - By working together as a partnership. By honouring each others strengths and supporting our weaknesses, blending our skills and seeing things from different perspectives. 

6. What are you here to teach me?
Nine of Tomes - You have worked hard to achieve your current level of competence and are now welcome to access the wealth of knowledge within my cards. My images have a library of information just waiting for you to read.

7. What quality is most important in a Tarot Reader?
Four of Bells - the ability to sit in silence and allow messages to be revealed. The ability to hold a space and not let outside noise distract you (turn the TV off please). 

8. How do you see our relationship?
Two of Tomes - an equal partnership, we will balance each other and work together to provide the best possible readings.
 
9. What is the potential outcome of our working together? 
XVI The Tower - By providing the stability and the support that can be trusted and relied upon, I will help you break down any barriers you are experiencing and help you move into your future self. I will help you deal with the greatest of challenges and the biggest of wins!

Summary

I think this Tarot deck has the equivalent of 'hanger syndrome'. You know when an outfit looks uninviting on the hanger but when you put it on it looks fabulous and makes you feel great? Well, that's how the Numinous Tarot works for me. I wasn't sure if I should get it, but once I held it in my hands and worked with it, it felt great. I'd highly recommend picking up a copy. 

Where to Buy?

I got my copy from Little Red Tarot in the UK littleredtarot.com Excellent service and prompt delivery, as always.