Tarot Deck

Morgan-Greer

• Tarot Deck Name: Morgan-Greer
• Manufacturer: US Games Systems
• Date Created: 1979, by Lloyd Morgan and Bill Greer
• Level: Beginner and Beyond
• Approximate Cost: $18 US
• Especially Good For... beginners who want an easy Tarot deck with a different style than the traditional Rider-Waite
• Availability:common, sold as sets with an instruction book or the deck on its own
• Illustrated Minor Arcana: Yes

Whenever I think of the Morgan-Greer deck, I am instantly transported back in time and am a teenager buying my first Tarot deck. While there were times when I would rebel away from it - like all teenagers - eventually I would put my differences aside, come back and keep learning. I spent so much time using my Morgan-Greer Tarot deck, the designs have worn off in some places!

Created by Bill Greer and Lloyd Morgan (Greer was the artist and Morgan interpreted the direction), the Morgan-Greer Tarot deck features bold designs and a rich, deep colour palette. The illustrations of both the Major and Minor Arcana are borderless which makes them seem larger than life and brimming with detail. While the interpretations for this Tarot deck are based on the Rider-Waite, the careful detail creates new traditions while honouring old ones.

Likewise the illustrations. When you move throught the Tarot cards, it's easy to see the influence of the Rider-Waite design. Part of the reason why this deck is enduringly popular can be connected to the thoughtful design. At the same time, I think that some of the design changes make this Tarot deck easier for beginners to understand and work with.

The biggest and most persistent criticism of the Morgan-Greer Tarot deck is normally centred around its style and appearance. Yes, this tarot deck is a product of the 1970's and many of the characters look it. In a sort of Age of Aquarius way, you can tell when it was created. That being said, you could level the same criticisms about most other Tarot decks. If you like the design of the Morgan-Greer deck, the hippie styled archetypes will add to its substantial charms.

Any way you shuffle the Morgan-Greer Tarot cards, they're a strong choice for "Best Beginner Tarot Deck". This in spite of the bearded man in The Lovers that made me think of the musical Hair!

Lucy's Rating: 4.5 cards (out of 5)