I just received this deck and kit today. Although I own ALOT of tarot decks I have never seen anything quite as magnificent and beautiful as this Universal version of the Marseille tarot. Let me tell you why!
Its beauty and enchantment lies in its pure simplicity of ancient design. The faces and figures seem to capture each singly, a mystery all their own from an era long perished; even though these cards were quite familiar to Europeans back in the 17th century and prior till! The colors are gorgeous, rich and draws you into the card. Each SUIT (chalices, swords, disks/coins and staves) is color coded, the chalices have a mauve/pink background, the swords have a blue background, the staves have a green background, and the disks/coins, a golden background.
The sheer mystique of these cards is unmistakable and irresistable. The accompanying book that comes with the cards, written by Lee Bursten is EXTREMELY well written, describing the use of the Marseille deck during its time as a playing card game and not a divinatory tool; he goes into history and use, each of the major arcana, the court cards, what they all meant at THAT TIME before the Golden Dawn threw occult meaning and symbolism into it, and the minor arcana with their strange, floral and vine patterns -- what it all meant as far as history can tell us! He then finishes the book with a great way of learning how to use the Marseilles deck with or without the minor arcana, - how to use it the 17th century way! Honestly, I am thrilled with this kit. I will spend many long, engaging hours with friends in the discovery and playing of this 17th century 'card game of life' ! Two of my friends have ordered their own set, they were so enchanted by it. For the price, this set is EXQUISITE and worth every penny.