Correction! Borderless "Smith-Waite"

A follow-up to my unboxing video for the recently released Smith-Waite Borderless deck.
Folks - so sorry - this deck HAS been photoshopped.... A very nice email from the Director of Communications at US Games has confirmed that "in order to not sacrifice any of the existing art in the process, our in-house design team uses a bit of photoshop wizardry to carefully expand the background and scenery without introducing any additional significant elements. So for example, the sky might be extended but no additional clouds or birds would be added."
My unboxing vid: • Unboxing the New Borde...

[@RawYogaNurse]

Some people are saying this is nit-picky, but this is EXACTLY the kind of video I’ve been searching for! I’ve been doing months of research on the original ways these cards were read and all the symbolism of the cards, and what led the Golden Dawn to that symbolism. It’s made me a purist. Before that, I accidentally ordered “the Original” RWS, which is a mucky-colored Pam-B. Since then, I’ve done a lot of research and ended up deciding on the Centennial, but I couldn’t decide between the bordered or borderless. To me, the fact that the borderless changes what the eye is drawn to and what seems to be emphasized in the imagery is important to me. Because of that, I’ve decided to order the bordered version to keep with what was originally intended to be the primary focuses. Thank you so much for this video! Subscribed!

[@RetroXRicardo]

I concur 100%

[@arcana1973]

“…the fact the borderless changes what the eye is drawn to…”. is a very subjective. This stuff about the borderless IS nit picking. Does it really change the meaning of the cards; no it does not. If you think it does then your focus on the card is misguided.

[@bradfordjeff]

Thank you for this explanation. I can now order this deck knowing with complete confidence that the slight alterations will make absolutely no difference to me .

[@artlyons9024]

come on---people have been using RWS deck for years & not questioning details. People read it as they see it. It's the subconscious -linked to super-conscious that speaks to you. Use this beautiful deck for what it is. Don't over-analyze it or you'll cut off communication to the subconscious.

[@MindfulTarot]

Thanks for sharing your perspective and taking the time to watch and respond:

[@artlyons9024]

@@MindfulTarot You're welcome. I'll continue to review your other videos. We can all learn from each other.

[@XandriaRavenheart]

Photoshopping doesn't necessarily make images any less or downgrade them. As someone who studied photography, even most photographers use photoshop for color correction, etc. This deck is beautiful, whereas, if they simply dragged it out to be wider the images would have been morphed or pixelated. I think U.S Games did quite well. I really appreciate the lengths you went to find this out though!

[@portlandtarot1446]

This is my fav Smith-Waite deck, so far (well? I dont have an "Acid RWS," yet!) This is one reason why I like your channel, the scholarship. Im off for a 3 week retreat in Washington, tomorrow. (IMA do a vid, now) and this is the deck I'm taking. Wish me, "Break a Leg!" ☘️📴📿🧘 No cell phones!!!

[@MindfulTarot]

Hey there - how was the retreat??? Where did you go? Was it meditation related, or...?

[@artlyons9024]

I have been using the Smith Waite edition of the Tarot with the borders since the 70's. I LOVE the borderless deck a lot more because it brings life to the cards. I can't wait to find & purchase this deck.

[@MindfulTarot]

I love the borderless too and use it frequently - and also wanted to correct my earlier sense of its utter perfection by noting the real differences.

[@bigdoghat3827]

Would love if they'd release a borderless version without the photoshop extras. Just with no borders and so slightly smaller cards and no copyright and no aging

[@richardg8092]

I really admire your Strength in asking U S Games to come clean, Lisa. Now we can go ahead and appreciate this deck it for what it really is - a delightful extension based on Pixie's artwork. And I'm wondering if we can utilize some of the 'faults' in this deck? For instance, has the poor Empress simply been left unfinished? Or does she direct our gaze further afield - suggesting that there's something in the background that has gone unnoticed, something that requires our attention and nurturing before it will be ready to stand on it's own? And thank you Lisa for the laugh-out-loud moments - the columns in The High Priestess "This shape that's not like any column the world has ever known....weird...like asparagus stalks" Hahaha. You are fabulous!

[@MindfulTarot]

Thanks, Richard :) - Of course, I still feel like the silliest most hopeless goof for not spotting this earlier..... But bottom line - I completely agree that each successive adaptation, clone, reimagination of Pixie's work brings something new to the party. I LOVE your interpretation of the borderless Empress (and even the concept of something "borderless" ... is an insightful perspective to bring to the Empress. Her work is never done - Nature is everywhere - no bounds, no limits...) It's all really grist for the mill. What fun to be part of this interpretive community! xoxo

[@KatsIntuition]

Thank you for this video... I see it was done quite a while ago, but I still wanted to comment. Some may say its looking too deeply, but this is exactly what I was looking for... a very detailed look at the differences between the border/borderless editions. Thanks !

[@vanessacheung7781]

The rainbow of the Ten of Cups in the borderless version is weird. Thanks for pointing out ;)

[@eolden7749]

Thanks. I like the borderless.

[@lricci007]

I have this deck and want to love it, but I can't because of the outrageously awkward choices they made in extending the images. I felt it was s sloppy rush job considering the artists and tech they have at their disposal. There is no excuse for the Empress, Magician and High Priestess issues. The deck did not need to be even wider than the original and if they had just removed the borders and evenly expanded the images it could have been so much better. I'm also a little insulted that the publisher so underestimated our ability to immediately notice the detail issues. Ok I have ranted, having said that I love your videos and appreciate your viewpoint.

[@babalokenath4642]

My comment is about the top of the pillars in the High Priestess. I think you should have a look at the King of Cups. It is exactly the same symbol as what's on the lower part of the arm of the throne, the rod/staff in his hand, and the back of the seat of his throne. The connection this implies makes sense when you consider he is the masculine active aspect in what could be arguably the most feminine suit. In a way the High Priestess externalized. In the throne they are grey, the combination of white and black showing the pillars in the High Priestess are no longer separated but one. Also possibly the reason why there is only one showing in the lower portion in the King of Cups symbolizing the two now as one. The one in his hand is gold. Gold being one of the greatest conductors showing his ability to actually utilize these traits externally. In my humble opinion either the person who extended the tops if these paid a great deal of attention to the details and the correlations between the two cards and made a great choice or Pixie herself had a hand in it from the other side. I personally like the thought of the latter. Either way I personally feel no mistakes were made with this. Also I really appreciated this video and the info in it. Thank you.

[@cance7984]

Thank you for your honesty and scrutinization. I’ll be steering clear of the borderless edition.

[@mysideofthebed]

I have been looking for a RW tarot deck that caught my eye for months now. I saw this borderless version on amazon and decide to watch your original video/ flip through. I was so inspired by what you said I purchased it. Now seeing this video I am even more excited about the deck. I love quirk and unique tarot cards (voyager tarot). It looks perfect for traditional and intuitive readings. The high priestess card does look funny but, the original chalice column top is now more like a tulip going in on itself. It looks like a headdress folding in on itself. Cool though and could add to further interpretation. Really enjoyed your videos. Don't feel bad. Variety is the spice of life...

[@m0rdresh]

I must admit, I never even considered buying any borderless tarot edition, but this deck looks stunning. Buying borderless is not exactly going for authenticity is it, hence some rework is passible but ofc debatable as it will not rub everyone the same way.

[@pawstalk]

I have to laugh a little. A couple of nights ago I came across your Centennial Borderless review and ended up clicking away because I so dislike that deck for the very reasons you are highlighting here. As a photographer, there’s a lot to be said for composition and what they have done is not only completely screw up Pixie’s composition, in some ways, they’ve taken away something called “psychological closure” which is the idea of not completing an image so that the mind can fill it in. I hate the borderless Radiant Wise Tarot for the same reason. I’m not sure they added like they did here as much as enlarged an image into a different aspect ratio, since the original Dirty Pam was a thinner deck than the average tarot size. (Love that size on my Dirty Pam.) I think your contact at U.S. Games had it wrong, they would be much better just chopping the borders off and giving a smaller deck. But in Dirty Pam’s case, they shouldn’t have made it borderless at all, they should have just re-issued it as it was. Either way, they need to stop screwing around with her artwork. Some may not notice, but tarot enthusiasts, artists and photographers certainly do. And others, even if they can’t put their finger on what’s wrong, many just see it as ‘off’ because the composition is not right. Glad I ran into this video. I can’t see the positive in the deck like you do, but at least you see it’s different. All is right with the world again. ;)

[@WhenMySoulWhispered]

Thank you Lisa! I love this borderless Edition! I'm just about to go and watch your original video. I can't get this in Australia yet! But this version feels like it has so much more depth. Would be great for pathworking. Thanks again!

[@MindfulTarot]

Yes, I think it does have great depth and I've been loving my own work with it -- have been pulling from it several times a day since it arrived!

[@The_Ali_G]

thank you for this video, i want both the centennial and the borderless but not at the same time, i want to buy one now and the other one in the future (i really like rider waite decks) this time around i wanted one of either and wasn't sure which one to get, now i decided to get the borderless first and it's thanks to this informative video

[@meishot00]

The High Priestess is a joke ngl with that photoshop and Empress also. I can't unsee it after your video. Thank you !

[@GinniAimee]

Thank you SO much for making this video! It was reall helpful, I want to buy this borderless deck, just hope it's good quality

[@MindfulTarot]

Hi Gianna Marie! Thanks so much for watching. I did an updated video about this deck that you maybe should also watch - as I learned more about the way it was made,

[@GinniAimee]

@@MindfulTarot perfect, I'll check it out too! :)

[@annerobinson2288]

Yes! That complete framing where the images do not reach the edges of the card, reminds me of the Millennium edition of the Tarot de Marseille by Wilfried Houdouin. Although that deck is based upon Sacred Geometry, the containing of the images is similar and I like it. Thanks so much for your careful clarification of this deck's creation. Regards, Anne

[@Kiki-vr8ic]

My only wish is for the regular centeninnel to have the toned down sepia colouring like the borderless, if possible ;^;

[@MindfulTarot]

ah... good point!

[@simonfernandes6809]

Hi Lisa, I've followed the development of the Borderless deck for some months so I knew the deck had been digitally extended. I had my doubts but got a copy anyway; love the deck and personally the changes don't bother me at all (and I knew about all the things you've pointed out). I guess all art (and tarot art) is subjective; this deck has leapfrogged the Premium AGM to be my favourite in print RWS. I have 2 backup copies!

[@MindfulTarot]

Hahaha! Well my backup is on the way, of course!... I have only been vaguely aware that this edition was being released - good to know that the word was out there ahead of time, for those who were paying attention!

[@ivanlocaso544]

I saw your video and personally I dont care those digital extensions, I have one and soon I´m going to get a buckcup copy hehehe This is my favourite RWS deck.

[@the_hermits_cave]

I rather expected as much, hence my original question. It doesn't necessarily put me off, but I think it should've been made more explicit perhaps in the book. 🙏🏼📿

[@MindfulTarot]

Yes indeed. You were right to be skeptical. But - a gal has to have her sense of wonder and hope!! - Meanwhile: HUGE CONGRATULATIONS on your STW award. I just heard! So deserved - you're amazing, Sir! xo

[@the_hermits_cave]

Mindful Tarot Wow, Lisa, coming from some I admire so much and have the utmost respect for, that really means a lot to me. Thank you 🙏🏼📿

[@MindfulTarot]

Right back atcha - I love your videos!!!!

[@DDS_1117]

You rightfully identify with the Queen of Swords, haha :) But really, thank you for gathering and relaying this info about the deck.

[@NobodyHere]

Thank you Lisa for confirming this! I don't think it matters in the end, aesthetically speaking, and therefore, functionally. My own obsession with the RWS is from a historical reproduction angle :P So I will not be getting this. But really, it is a LOVELY edition!! :D And I can very much see why a lot love this :) I still think USG is very very sneaky in many many things. That, in itself, put me off a lot of USG's decks... But. That is a VERY personal position to take :) and decks like this one is a very personal tool :) The AGM's Tarot of AE Waite for me is still the best, of all the current, reasonably priced ones that we have today. I have three (used to be four!) copies of that!! :D Thank you again Lisa!! :D

[@MindfulTarot]

Ah... the AGM - yes - a beautiful beautiful version. But, without Pixie's calligraphy. The quest for the Holy RWS Grail continues! (and I wouldn't have it any other way, I think!) xo blessings to you, dearie!

[@richardg8092]

Nobody Here - I absolutely agree with you - AGM's Tarot of AE Waite is still the best of the current editions. The Rider Blue Box being the best of the past, with (it irks me to say) the USG's early pre-© yellow boxes coming in a close second. I hold that wicked enabler Ms. Lisa 100% accountable for me purchasing AGM's Premium, Deluxe, Pocket, the German editions, the English editions... you name it - it's all 100% her fault. I'm sure she's in cahoots with PayPal :) I was NOT going to purchase the Borderless on principle - until I saw it on Wordery for AU$30 inc delivery (US$24). I mean, really, how could I not ? So, goodbye ethics -- especially when it's destined to be soooo collectable after it's been deleted/recalled. Are you sure you don't want one....just in case....?

[@MindfulTarot]

hehe! So proud to be your wicked enabler! - But a serious question: do you really think the Borderless will be recalled, deleted? My backup copy (ahem) just arrived on Saturday.... ;)

[@NobodyHere]

Richard Gray Hahahahahaha .... You mention the magic word "collectible"! But no :P By the way it is interesting to hear you say vintage Rider blue box with vintage yellow USG closely following because my theory is that they are the same cardstock produced under a "joint publications" :P

[@NobodyHere]

Mindful Tarot I am missing something here, it is to be recalled?? But why?

[@Pablo99336]

I dont know...I kind of liked the way the sword tips were resting against the border...interesting though..

[@vanessaholden1575]

I am curious if you prefer this to the Radiant Wise Spirit deck. They both look gorgeous but of course have small differences compared with the originals with borders.

[@purelypersephone2864]

Thanks for doing this video! I watched this one first, then went back and watched your first one. I actually think the expansions are a deal breaker for me, and I would not have known that without your two reviews! Interestingly enough, the one that did it for me was The Magician. When I saw that in your first video on this deck, and the way it looks like the foliage at the top is just floating in the air (the same with one of the queens), I knew I didn't want it. I actually don't like the way they added a top border to the stained glass window in the Five of Pentacles. In my mind, that's not where the window ends. There are other things, but you get the idea. I do see how it offers a nice expansive feeling to some of the cards, but overall I don't feel like they really did put much intention into the way they expanded some of these cards. I'm super bummed, because the centennial RWS is the first RWS that has appealed to me! But I'm sure I'll survive with the two versions of it I have already! ;) Thanks again!

[@MindfulTarot]

Thanks so much for stopping by!! Yes, my first review was too quick to enthuse! I'm glad I was able to give you the info you needed. I totally understand the deal-breaker here for you... although the Borderless does now remain my favorite full-size RWS to use. The paper stock and coloration are both just delicious. BUT - I wonder if you've seen either "Pam's Vintage Tarot" or "Pam's Original Tarot"? Both are available inexpensively on Gamecrafter - and I have them and really like them both. They're extremely well done borderless versions of the RWS; bridge size and cropped, but in a manner that I find really smart and reliable. I'll do a review one of these days when I show off my favorite smaller decks.... for now there are a slew of KZbin videos on the decks as well: see this comparison vid for starters kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKq1Z51qgK2brck

[@purelypersephone2864]

Mindful Tarot Oh my! I haven't heard of them! Thank you for the recommendation! I'll definitely check them out, and look forward to your review! :)

[@MindfulTarot]

Purely Persephone Let me know what you think of the deck(s)!

[@purelypersephone2864]

Mindful Tarot Well... there goes my "no tarot spending" year! I just ordered the vintage! Holy Moses!

[@maryanndonnarumma7438]

Uuugghhh I can't unsee this lol. 🤣

[@MindfulTarot]

so sorry!! :)

[@maryanndonnarumma7438]

Mindful Tarot I'm going to try to live in denial and still love it ❤️

[@suvi0910]

the art work was added recently by a different artist, the company who produces the cards clarified that :( so it wasn't her original art work that got lost unfortunately

[@annerobinson2288]

Why don't you trim the Centennial edition and see if that pleases? I might try that.

[@cl9826]

Hi, can you recomend a nice RWS that is smaller size? Like the size of regular playing cards.

[@pinchopaxtonsgreatestminds9591]

I could tell that it was Photoshopped early on in your video when a piece of background was repeated in the 5 of pentacles.

[@MindfulTarot]

Pincho Paxton Good eye! I guess I just wanted to be a believer ...

[@eternalreincarnation]

What are your thoughts on the newly released 1909 Art Restoration deck?

[@MindfulTarot]

I love it! Although - I'm not a huge fan of the MPC smooth card stock.... it's okay... but a little uncomfortable for shuffling, a little too smooth.

[@SpookyStregaAL]

ok so no birds would be added but shrubs are added? I'm, triggered.. ;-P

[@MindfulTarot]

hehe! Yes, birds and clouds are no go. But topiary, apparently, is fair game! xo

[@crazyfurbabieslady]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@8polyglot]

It's a beautiful deck. This seems nit-picky.

[@tylerd8711]

Im not a tarot reader and I could note that at first look. Just watch "The Fool" to understand it... How did not you realize it?

[@MindfulTarot]

good point!

[@ZosAos]

Sorry, but regardless of personal proclivity about this "borderless" US Games edition, the company has been (typically) intentionally deceptive. I have broken down the facts elsewhere, regarding the details of this "borderless" deck, and won't waste more time on it commenting here, but suffice it to say that the whole debacle (the "borderless" deck itself) is a disgraceful marketing ploy, nothing more, nothing less. Integrity of this company only further deteriorated.

[@MindfulTarot]

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hear ya - and YES: no matter what we think of a particular deck, ie. whether we like it or not, that opinion doesn't change corporate politics... (I'd be interested in reading/watching your comments elsewhere, if you want to point me there...)