Battle of the Silhouette Decks

Mystic Mondays Tarot
Creator/Artist – Grace Duong 
Publisher – Chronicle Books 
Date purchased - 2019

V

Everyday Tarot
Creator – Brigit Esselmont
Artist – Eleanor Grosch 
Publisher – Running Press
Date purchased - 2018

V

Spirit Within Tarot
Creator/Artist – Steven Bright 
Publisher – Schiffer Books
Date purchased - 2018

​Introduction

 So, you’ve looked at various deck reviews on YouTube and scrolled through online stores and you’re wondering which one go for next. Perhaps you’re ready for a more paired down style of art work. A deck that doesn’t have everything including the kitchen sink in there. That’s where a silhouette deck can come in. Just because they’re streamlined, it doesn’t mean that they’re minimalist and the three decks I’ve chosen for this ‘battle’ will show that there’s more to them than initially meets the eye. The bonus with these three decks is that you can pick one up for under 16 quid. In fact, one of the decks can be yours for less than a tenner. Easy on the eye and on the pocket. 

---

The three decks I've chosen are: Mystic Mondays Tarot, Everyday Tarot and Spirit Within Tarot. They all have two dimensional images and people without facial features hence the 'silhouette' look. 

What’s Good with Mystic Mondays Tarot?

• The colours in this deck are what really make it stand out. When I see these cards it makes me want to sing “Her name is Lola, she was a showgirl…” quickly followed by “Her name is Rio and she’s dancing on the sand…” (thankfully for everyone this review is in written form and you don’t have to listen to my terrible singing!). This is a real tropical deck and will brighten anyone’s day
• As well as the colour guidebook that’s included, this deck has a free app to download to your phone. A modern-day approach to the ancient art of Tarot 

The Lovers - palm trees and flamingos - we're practically in Club Tropicana!

What’s Good with Everyday Tarot?

All very high standard LWB's

3 of Wands - tiny white ships coming in!

• This is a smaller size deck (88x63mm) but the size of the cards does not affect the ability to see the images. It also makes it an excellent option if you’re travelling 
• The card stock is excellent quality that totally belies the price. They have a matt finish with a shimmering antique gold edging and a sturdy box. The plastic inner container can be tricky to open but once you’ve loosened it with a butter knife a few times, it’ll be fine 
• The content in the guide book more than stands up to the bigger decks and it’s much more than a little white book

What’s Good with Spirit Within Tarot?

A totally chilled out King of Pentacles

• The images are modern so if you find it difficult to relate to old-fashioned and more traditional art-work and are looking for something up to date but not too cute or cartoony then this deck is worth checking out 
• Although the figures are in silhouette, they can be interpreted with a nod to diversity. This is a more male dominated deck, so if you want a deck with a more masculine vibe, this will fit the bill

---

What’s Bad with Mystic Mondays Tarot?

The Chariot - this woman is not on her way to work on a Monday morning!

• - The name – this is clearly a Friday deck! Mondays make me think of rain, misery and a long day at the office. You’ll think sunshine holidays, cocktails and beaches when you see this deck. The creator says “The name Mystic Mondays is inspired by fresh starts and new beginnings”. I say bring on the weekend, paint your nails neon pink and roll your jacket sleeves up Miami Vice style. This deck belongs at the other end of the week!
• - When I first opened the box all the cards were stuck together and the linear holographic edging had bled a little over the front of the cards. A bit of flexing and a quick rub round the edges with a soft cloth though and they were just perfect. Bearing in mind the price, the quality is great 

---

What’s Bad with Everyday Tarot?

• ​The limited colour palette. If, like me, you don’t like purple, you won’t be instantly drawn to this deck. The three colours, purple, gold and white are used throughout the whole deck and as such it doesn’t give a colour definition per suit or separate the Majors and Minors in that way. But if you’re happy with the colours and just rely on images, this one might work for you 

Knight of Cups - in a purple world

What’s Bad with Spirit Within Tarot?

Death - great images, cardstock not so good

• Of the three decks here, this is the lowest quality card stock
• The book-style box is weirdly just a little bit too big for the cards and guide book, so the contents do tend to rattle around in there. It is a good quality book-style box with ribbons holding the lid in place when open but the size mismatch kind of baffles me

Favourite Cards

I've chosen one Court, one Major and one Minor card to represent each deck. 

Mystic Mondays Tarot

Knight of Wands - makes me think of Roger Moore!

The Empress- "Her name was Lola..." Manilow Magic!

5 of Pentacles - even the darker colour cards are vibrant

Everyday Tarot

Page of Pentacles - so much detail despite the limited colour palette

The Empress - the essential symbolism is all there

3 of Swords - I think those little golden raindrops are just beautiful

Spirit Within Tarot

Knight of Cups - makes me think of Morten Harket from A-ha!

The Chariot - cooler than the traditional roman look

4 of Swords - a bloke snoozing on a sofa. Genius interpretation

Summary

​Mystic Mondays Tarot is the best deck for…summer sunshine and anyone who likes 80’s retro with the benefit of a noughties app.
 
Everyday Tarot is the best deck for…two reasons:

1. This would be a great deck for anyone new to Tarot who doesn’t resonate with the traditional RWS (and it's under £10!)
2. If you are creating your own Tarot deck and you want guidance in which symbols to  include this deck is a great information resource

 
Spirit Within Tarot is the best deck for…the modern man who likes clean lines.  

Where to buy?

Mystic Mondays Tarot –  Amazon www.amazon.co.uk/Mystic-Mondays-Tarot-Grace-Duong  
Everyday Tarot – Amazon www.amazon.co.uk/Everyday-Tarot-Mini-Deck 
Spirit Within Tarot – Amazon www.amazon.co.uk/Spirit-Within-Tarot-Steven-Bright 
(these are not affiliate links)
​