Reviews & Endorsements Below you will find reviews of the Templar Tarot from professional Tarot Reviewers and from customers. Also included are endorsements by recognized professionals in both the Tarot and Templar areas of interest. To submit your review or feedback, please email us at reviews@templartarot.com
(Scroll down past the Reviews for the General Feedback section and read what other people have had to say about the Templar Tarot.)
From Joan Bunning: "The Templar Tarot creates a mood of spiritual drama and passion. With its swirling colors and rich detail, this deck has a way of drawing you into its separate world of meaning and revelation." Joan Bunning, author of "Learning the Tarot" and host of www.learntarot.com. _________________________
All of the reviews and feedback are very important to us. However, it is with great honor that we proudly post the following review from:
Stephen Dafoe Web Master of www.templarhistory.com and the Publisher of Templar History Magazine
Templar Tarot Allen Chester / Daria Kelleher Inspire By Design
We announced in our first issue of Templar History Magazine that the Templar Tarot deck was being produced and would soon be available for purchase. Since that announcement we have received a deck for review purposes and we must say that the artwork of this independently produced deck far exceeds the quality that we expected from initially seeing a single sample card.
The design is somewhat unique when compared to other popular tarot decks. The number and name of the card is in a faded raised text that forces the viewer to look closely at the card to determine what card it is. This may well have been by design because it forced us to look closely at each card and thus see some of the detailed artwork that may be missed at a cursory glance.
I've never been a believer in the Tarot as a divinatory tool and usually scoff at TV ads for Tarot readings. However, I have always felt that the Tarot is an excellent resource as a meditative tool and to this end, this deck is among the best I've ever seen.
Included with each deck is a 53 page manual, one of the most complete of any deck I've seen. This booklet written by Daria Kelleher covers the origins of the Tarot, a brief history of the Knights Templar and a summary of the cards in the deck. It is well written and informative and very nearly worth the price of the deck alone. Ms. Kelleher is a well-known author and her skill shows in the booklet as aptly as the artwork of Allen Chester. Together the effort is blended into an excellent presentation of the Tarot for those familiar with the cards and for those who have only a passing interest.
Note: Stephen Dafoe is also serving his second term as Grand Historian for the Sovereign Great Priory of Canada of the United Orders of Malta and the Temple. __________________________
From Amber Jayanti: "The Templar Tarot's minor arcana is perhaps the best artistic rendering I've ever seen in my 30 plus years of working with the tarot and Qabalah. Amber Jayanti, author of "Living the Tarot," "Principles of the Qabalah" and "Tarot for Dummies." _________________________ From Aeclectic Tarot
Templar Tarot Art by Allen Chester Published by Inspire by Design Tarot Deck - 79 Cards
Review by Solandia The Templar Tarot is a mystical tarot deck of 79 original paintings with its roots in legends of the Knights Templar.
The painted cards are borderless, giving the impression of a limitless feeling to readings. Cards do not seem so separated from each other when the edges almost seem to merge. The art itself are dreamlike, almost nightmarish painting. Not in the dreadful, frightening sense of a nightmare, but in the sense of overwhelming colours, swirling edges and a universe with its own logic.
The cards are unique in style, but offer enough standard tarot symbology to be familiar. They have the traditional Rider-Waite style titles in a translucent, raised and embossed font overlaid on the artwork. The full titles aren't used, only the number or type of court. The suit is left out, presumably because it's easy to tell which suit the card belongs to - i.e. check for the presence of one or more swords, wands, cups or pentacles.
The booklet also offers alternative titles that fit the theme of the deck more closely than the traditional. The Fool is also The Pilgrim; the Magician the Troubadour; the High Priestess Mary Magdalene and so on. Most of the court cards and some of the majors are medieval characters, though the minors are simply situational cards.
The deck also has an extra card titled 'The Magic Flute'. It is not part of the major or minor arcana, but an unrelated card without a supplied divinatory meaning. (The book suggests meditating on the true meaning of the card.)
The medium-sized-white-booklet packaged with the Templar Tarot is comprehensive and professional for an independently published deck. The largest part of the book is devoted to the individual cards with a description of the art and symbols pictured, the upright divinatory meaning and finally the reversed meaning.
Finally, the back of the booklet holds a glossary explaining just who and what is named in the cards, like who exactly is Dagobert III, the man shown in the Emperor card.
In the hand, the cards are thick, stiff cardboard with a minimum of gloss. They are large and wide cards, a little difficult to shuffle in small hands. The backs of the cards are textured white with a dominating red/brown Maltese cross.
The Templar Tarot is an art deck, but also a suitable deck for readings. It's not as slick as decks from the major publishers, but it is well-produced, unique and eminently useable.
Visit www.aeclectic.net for 3 more reviews by Solandia's reviewers. ________________________
More reviews and endorsements will be added as they come in.
General Feedback Below you will find general comments, suggestions, complaints and/or compliments offered by readers or customers that have purchased the Templar Tarot cards.To submit your comments please email us at feedback@templartarot.com
Received July 23, 2002: "The Templar Tarot adds yet another dimension to the unfolding revelation of the Tarot in modern times. The borderless cards are beautifully rendered in deep swirling colour. This is a distinctive feature of this deck; the 'depth of field' in each image - a feeling of spaciousness and otherworldliness. Each card easily conjures up a sense of the mysteries of the ages. " - Tony French, Tarot counsellor and creator of the Taromandala Teachings at www.personal-growth.co.nz.
Received July 7, 2002: [refering to the Magic Flute card]
There are some sources which believe that there used to be another card in the deck. It represented man, as he journeyed along the path. It would not have had a number as it moved through the major arcana (which represents the spiritual journey) so that it was free to be anywhere.
It is possible that the methods of reading which have someone draw a card to represent themselves, are "borrowing" from this tradition.
No decks known to me have retained the vestiges of this card.
It is also interesting that he called it the Magic Flute. As you may know, that was an opera, by Mozart. He was a mason and the story is that of a flute who wanders through life's adventures. There is a wealth of symbolism in the story. Some say that the flute is symbolic of man... i.e., 7 notes and 7 chakras and how they play against each other.
It certainly seems to me that Allen was inpired by someone of deep Masonic knowledge. Meditation would not only put the "reader" in connection with the meaning of the card, but also help them discover where they are on the path.
I look forward to studying the cards further. Best, CF
Received June 23, 2002: Hello, I received yesterday your deck as a gift from a friend in Canada, as it is not available in Germany. I stumbled about your site accidentally. Since my youth I am interested in Tarot and also the history of the Templars. I have a lot of books about that, all I could afford to buy, there are much more, but one has to restrict oneself. But I have to tell you, I own different decks, use only two that *draw* me, that is Legend and the Enchanted Tarot. But since I received your deck I am sitting over it, the pictures they are wonderful. I have never seen a deck, (and I have seen a lot, because buying one, is for me to restrict me on essentials, as my pension is very small) that spoke to me as much as this deck. It is magnificent. I am an art lover, more old than modern art, but this deck, I cannot tell you, I look it over and over.
I will use this particular deck not for every day readings. For this I have my decks, I am used to. But I intend to learn the connections of the Tree of life to the Tarot. And because I thought after looking at some of your pictures, that your deck will be the right one to use for this. I am particularly interested in this part of Tarot using, that nobody seems to be interested in, as I am a Jew by heritage, and maybe you know or can think, how that was to be in Nazi time. I remember a lot, even that I was a child in this time, and I am a Christian as a lot of German Jews were. But that did not change anything in the treatment we got. So this Tree of life and Qabalah in connection with Tarot draws me, and I intend to learn it, even in my old age.
Sorry, I know it is impolite to write long letters. But I had try to explain, why this deck is so special to me. For me it is like a treasure cove, that as to be explored, maybe stumbling sometimes but the rewards to get this deck really known to me, will be great. I will have to dig a long time at the pictures to know them by heart, before I even can think about using them.
The friend who gave them to me, she finds the pictures to sad. I see that myself, even on the cards, which are the traditional cards for luck, success, love, the persons on it all look sad. I think, maybe it is wrong, that this is because of the sad history of the Templars. My favorite picture at my first go at the deck is Maria Magdalene, but I am sure, when I have worked with the deck, I fill find more pictures that I will think to be my favorites.
That is enough, really, please excuse my rambling on but - the deck is the best I have ever seen.
Regards G
Received March 27, 2002: WOW! I love the deck, it is more profound and moving than I'd given it credit for by the samples on the 'net and the artwork is as spectacular as it is unique.
Received February 13, 2002: A co-worker showed me her copy of the Templar Tarot. It took my breath away, I got on line and ordered one for myself a soon as I could get to a computer. Thank you to the artist for a truly inspired rendering of the tarot.
Received January 30, 2002: This is the perfect tarot deck! The artwork is truely inspiring, and that is the key to reading the tarot deck. In reading the booklet, I find that the artist lists various artists that I am a huge fan of that have inspired him...I like that :) The only small problem I have with the deck is that I think it needs more of a coating or gloss. I am worried about wearing it down considering I'll be using it so much! The idea of making borderless cards was a great move. I have never heard of the templar knights before, but that didn't stop me from buying this deck or calling it the perfect tarot deck. Thank you so much for introducing it to the world.
Response: We thank you for your wonderful feedback! "Perfect" is quite an honorable compliment! We are pleased to know that Allen's acknowledgements are read and those musical artists are appreciated by others. Their music is a great inspiration to his art. As far as the coating, the cards do have a dull varnish coating to help preserve the deck. We deliberately used a dull varnish instead of a high gloss to resist glare and fingerprints. I hope you come to know and appreciate the Templars as much as we do.
Received January 22, 2002: I just purchased your deck a few days ago, first time i had seen it...absolutely beautiful, the colors are incredible and the cards really spoke to me...i am truly impressed with your artwork!! it is awesome to look at each card as a painting and i would be hard pressed to pick a favorite card....i LOVE them all!!
Received January 10, 2002: The art work and imagery are extraordinary. The cards are vibrant and unusual, unlike any cards I have seen before. I have enjoyed the Tarot for only two short years, and I have come to love the cards and the insights they can provide. I have collected 30 decks thus far, and am certain the Templar deck is my most stunning to date. Allen Chester has created a wonderful tarot deck. I find that I tend to be partial to larger cards (I have large hands), and these cards are large, with the borderless feature serving only to enhance this impression. Also the LWB is not so "little", and it has quite extensive information on the meanings of each card.
I look forward to exploring the symbolism and mystery of the Knights Templar through this deck!
Received December 10, 2001: What a beautiful deck! And what a lovely surprise to find it signed by its creators! This is truly a treasure, thanks so much.
Received December 2, 2001: Received both decks Cathy and they are fantastic and so colorful. I believe that any Templar would be proud to display and use them. Thank you again and keep all of us informed on upcoming projects and such.
Received December 1, 2001: Some of the most beautiful art work, I have seen. This deck is a wonderful addition to my collection. Your service is excellent. I placed my order 11-28 rec. 12-1. I have already recommended this deck to others. A+ in everyway. Thanks
Received November 30, 2001: Just a short note to let you know that the deck arrived today in perfect condition and to thank you for not only an amazingly quick delivery, but also for the gorgeous postcards! Very nice touch! This has to be the most stunning deck of my whole collection [460 decks and counting].
Response: You are absolutely correct! With our first orders being filled today we have discovered that the shipping cost is actually less than we originally expected. We have decided to use the US Post Office as our default shipping so the $4.95 covers anywhere in the US with Priority Mail and Tracking. I have removed the $3.00 Handling Fee from the web site. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
This Feedback page was started on November 28, 2001, the first day that the Templar Tarot was available for shipping.