Way of the Panda Deck Review

​Deck Title – Way of the Panda
Creator – Kimberly M Tsan
Artist - Celia Libelle
Publisher - Independent
Date purchased - 2019

Introduction

This deck arrived in the mail on Saturday morning and all my other plans went out of the window. Now I don't want to repeat the words cute and adorable all through this review so lets start by getting those comments out of the way. The Pandas in this deck are so cute and adorable but they are also beautifully depicted in soft watercolours and the artwork is exquisite. The companion book gives all the Pandas' names, major and minor, which really helps you to connect with them and the deck. It reminds me of the Bad Bitches Tarot in a way, it's as if all these little furry creatures become your friends, helping you connect with your intuition, giving you advice and guidance. So they're not just cute and cuddly, this deck is a very effective Tarot tool.
It is impossible to find favourite cards as they are all so endearing, so I have chosen a few that stand out on first impressions. Here's what the Pandas offer:

What's Good? 

• Cute factor is off the scale but the art work itself is top quality, this isn't just sweet pictures of Pandas 
• The colours are fantastic, not too pale and not too bold with white space that help the images shine
• The card stock is great, matt finish, shuffles well with reversible backs and a lovely bamboo design 
• The packaging is excellent quality, a sturdy two piece box with an original image on the front
• The deck includes a little white book (called the little black and white book, in honour if the Pandas, of course). The content is original and well written with a Panda message for each card and light and shadow attributes. There are some spreads at the back
• You can also purchase the full size companion book that has loads of original content, including the names of all the Pandas and a quiz on how Panda are you! 

What's Bad?

• There are really no negatives about this deck. Unless you don't like Pandas 

Favourite/Stand Out Cards

The Star, the Moon and the Sun are a beautiful trio. Celia offers comfort while you wish upon a star, Jellybean's almost nodding off while perched atop the Moon and Yang Yang brings the sunshine with her golden sunflower headdress. 

Clover, in the Three of Swords, is having a Panda tantrum. It's very melodramatic but once she's accepted the information in the book that so distressed her in the first place, she'll recover. There are monsters under Steve's branch but his lovely wife pulls him back to reality from his nightmare. Hector is emerging from his oversized onesie representing shedding his old ego. There are a few other cards in the deck that also do not shy away from the "scary" messages but like these three, they're wrapped up in Panda-gorgeousness. 

Harry is a kind and gentle panda who wears his cat-ear hat so as not to frighten his friend Ashe in the Six of Cups. Hank is being encouraged by the fireflies to hang on just a bit longer. He has no idea how he ended up in this position in the Hanged Panda and if that feather tickles his nose, he may not be there much longer! 
I didn't think I'd be able to choose a favourite but Hugo and his indecision in the Two of Swords is the card that really stands out for me. It's the little paw by his mouth and the bewildered expression that is so perfect while he ponders his options. 

Summary

This is the best deck for…anyone with a love of art and animals. It may be better suited to personal use for some but if you are a professional reader and want a non-scary deck, this would be a great one to go for. 
There's a cartoon Panda on the back of the LWB that is sweet and cute and if that type of image had been used for this deck, it would have been a whole different thing. Kimberly, the Creator and Celia, the Artist, have done an amazing job with this project and their efforts have elevated this deck to the next level. 

Where to Buy?

Now that the Kickstarter campaign is complete, you can pre-order the deck and companion book from the Creators website www.fablesden.com . I'm sure other retailers will pick this up soon.