Illuminated Tarot by Carol Herzer

[@BoyDiviner]

I remember your previous honest review of this deck and I still applaud your honesty then, because it's hard to talk about "negative" feelings over a deck. I critique everything I receive honestly too, but it's not always easy. It's so lovely to know that despite what happened between you and Carol, you were still open to ordering and trying the deck again + Carol's care with your deck. I love that you took the time to mention that previous video as well because not everyone will know -- you're so transparent because you could've just glossed over it. Great walkthrough and it is a purchase too extravagant for me atm (I don't need another RWS, but gosh these ones... maybe if I buy them in a smaller size). I'm sure they look much better in real life.

[@the_hermits_cave]

Thank you Casper. I really appreciate those words and for your understanding. Expensive, but an investment for sure and the quality of these are exceptional. 🙏🏼

[@SoulGuidance]

Thank you Simon. Healing happens. Yes, I do not waste any energy on being bitter, I would only harm myself. We grow and learn from the bumps in the road, none other. I have a few corrections to make as I watch the video. First, and most significant is about the source for the printing and how it came to be that it is so much sharper. What you have in your hands is more direct from the original art than what you had before. The original paintings are 5 x 7 with white borders and uneven image sizes. I scanned them to be able to go digital and make the borderless version. With the "perfect size" deck you got previously, I used a setup I created with prints made small enough to get ten cards on a page, and I I would place them on the printer scanner and make prints that way. There was a loss of sharpness in this process. Now here comes the magic. My husband Dirk painted a new alchemical major arcana, and asked if I could make copies from him, but asked if we could print directly from the flash drive and the digital files. It worked great, and then it dawned on me to do my borderless Illuminated that way too. Bingo!! I had to do a bunch of tests and work on photoshop quite a bit to get the colors right, but when I got them they were the best ever, and the reproduction is the closest ever to those original paintings i did 30 years ago. The "perfect size" set you previously had really did have some big differences in some of the cards. I painted into that setup to make it work better, but was not able to get the sharpness. I love to make very special decks with the added fluorescent color, and glitter. With those there actually is hand painting onto the card image. In your deck there is not, it just is the great quality of printing that you see, that made you think it was actual bushstrokes.

[@the_hermits_cave]

Wow, that just shows the quality and sharpness of printing Carol, where it actually looks like the individual piece has been hand painted. Carol, I appreciate you watching, I appreciate you taking the time to explain the process in detail. Most of all I appreciate that there is no bitterness. I have the most perfect deck, of the most superb quality, in my opinion. One that I know I will love and treasure. Thank you Carol 🙏🏼♥️

[@conjurebear]

Hi Carol! I am in the middle of Simon’s video and had to stop and pop on to make a comment about how much I love the artwork and the story behind your creating process. I saw that you commented, so I wanted to direct you to my message above so you can see how much I adore your lovingly-made artwork and this story without having to repeat everything over again, lol. So check up above and thanks for being such an amazing and authentic artist. You are both stars to me! ✨♥️✨

[@kaybrown7541]

They are absolutely gorgeous 😊

[@SoulGuidance]

UPDATE ON THE AVAILABILITY OF THIS DECK: (Wrote this in an email this morning) From the very beginning, 30 years ago, the Illuminated tarot was connected to healing energies. We are now in a time where much healing of the deeper psyche and emotions is desperately needed. I only have about 5 of the large heavy decks, and can not printmore as theshiop where i do thatis closed due to the virus situation, and I am worried aboutitclosing due to financial hardship caused by this.. the remaining prints I have for decks have not yet been made into decks, they will get the backs painted , laminated, cut, pouch made. I do that for orders and give a choice on the backs color. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to seeing to it that this work does not end up in a drawer in a collection, but instead it is used by those who are helping others. The large decks are especially impressive used for live readings with people. I also have a few medium size decks, not on heavy card stock, both in the borderless and a couple with white borders and titles. The white borders sets are not quite as sharp as the borderless decks. I leave it to you and your sensibilities to decide what is right for you to get. The price on the big heavy deck is $125 plus shipping. It is a valuable tool for doing much needed work. Medium works too, price on those is $69 plus shipping. One more thing about the large decks. If you are a die hard shuffler, it might not be so good. The lamination is more vulnerable with borderless decks, and when the backs are painted. Any shuffling at all stresses it. I recommend devising other ways of selecting cards, there are many possibilities. I think people use shuffling as a way of centering themselves, but it can be done in silence too.

[@somewhereintimetarot1508]

SIMON this deck reminds me of watching the Movie the Wizard of Oz going from Black and White movie To a BEAUTIFUL WORLD of COLOR.This Deck Took our Regular RWS and just took it too that Wonderful World. Its Breathtaking. Enjoy Thank you for Sharing. Hugs Caroline 🥰😘❤

[@the_hermits_cave]

Great analogy Caroline! 🙏🏼♥️

[@JensBalancedTarot]

What a journey it was getting this deck into your hands. The colors....wowowowowow. 😍 Gorgeous! I am so glad you are as happy with this deck as you are. It was great fun listening to your reactions as you went through the deck.

[@the_hermits_cave]

And the Starlight version is on its way! So excited 😆

[@tamipie]

Wonderful!! So glad it all came out in the wash....I noticed most people really adore her work. Enjoy Simon!

[@the_hermits_cave]

Alls well that ends well, as they say 😉

[@inspirationspsychology]

Wow, just wow 🤩 What an absolutely beautiful deck. I’m thrilled you’re so happy with it 😍💖😘

[@the_hermits_cave]

Science to Soul Tarot with Jen Thank you lovely 😊

[@kitcat123ful]

Oh my Goddess, how lovely!!!! Just stunning! I love the intensity of her colours! Wow. Thank you so much for doing what you do, Simon!

[@ElaineMurphy66]

OMG i love the borderless Starlight beautiful.

[@jaimekelly7722]

I don't think it sounds daft at all to be emotional over this, especially in light of the disappointment before, and Jessie's assurances and Carol's care. I found myself getting emotional for you. It is simply gorgeously done!

[@the_hermits_cave]

Jaime Kelly Thank you lovely 😊

[@6driscolls]

❤️

[@VLoveCrystals]

Great art here. love that HP card!!

[@LouValcourt]

What a gorgeous deck! Also what a lovely story to go with it. So glad you now have this wonderful deck.

[@the_hermits_cave]

Lou Valcourt it’s so beautiful, I’ve been studying it all evening 😍

[@LouValcourt]

The Hermit’s Cave each card is a beautiful work of art. Those skies alone are stunning.

[@justinmichaeltarot]

You got the thick ones!!!! I love it! I’m so happy there was a happy ending here! Two of my favorite people in the tarot world Simon and Carol💙❤️😂 My favorite deck!!! Simon you were being honest before dnd no one can fault you for that. Honesty is why I love your channel. I just think you got an off deck before.. but it’s also clear the product has improved.. 100% I love the black glitter backs!!!

[@the_hermits_cave]

I’m happy too, I’ve ended up with my perfect deck.

[@justinmichaeltarot]

The Hermit’s Cave thank the gods

[@6driscolls]

❤️

[@naomihewitt7119]

Very beautiful! love the colours especially in the skies and really happy for you x

[@the_hermits_cave]

Thanks Duck

[@lisamcneill8545]

I love your cup! A good favorite cup is a blessing!

[@Raven_Intuition]

I LOVE that it has no boarders, no numbers, and no titles! Just gorgeous pictures. I’m smitten!

[@Quianna]

Beautiful! I would love to get one of these with the thicker cardstock.

[@Artandaltar]

I just found your channel and I'm an instant follower! 😊 I enjoy your style. I just inherited 4 of Carol's early decks (1989 through 2013 productions) and so your video helps me put things into perspective about her deck construction! I appreciate the info and look forward to watching more - and also ordering one of her recent decks 😍🌠

[@the_hermits_cave]

Welcome aboard! Enjoy your new deck! 😍

[@6driscolls]

Yay! I’m so glad you love it so much. ❤️ I love the Starlight one that I got when you chose this one! It really is amazing that Carol and I live in the same town and I didn’t know that until we were working out shipping (which became unnecessary)! Again, I’m so happy that you love it. ❤️ I love the package I got from you, too. What fun!

[@the_hermits_cave]

I SO appreciate you for enabling this to happen! See you tomorrow 🙏🏼♥️

[@6driscolls]

The Hermit’s Cave ❤️

[@kaybrown7541]

I remember the video you are talking.im glad you are so happy with your deck,they are lovely.😀

[@jamieloom22]

I'm so happy that you now have the CH deck you always wanted and that healing has closed this chapter. Now I want another copy of the Illuminated with the new artwork and thicker card stock.

[@PsychicMediumshipSelkie]

Beautiful

[@SpiritofAvalon]

This deck is absolutely beautiful! The colours are amazing, I definitely need to save up to get a copy! I also want to say one of the things I love about you my friend is your absolute honesty and openness which really shines through and is so heartfelt ❤️ I am so happy for you that you have this wonderful deck and that you love it so much, which could be heard in your voice. It’s definitely not daft to feel emotional about a deck, sometimes the images just touch us so deeply and I have felt that myself with a deck that I own. Absolutely loved watching this 😍❤️

[@the_hermits_cave]

The Whispering Well Thank you lovely. I appreciate that so much 🙏🏼♥️

[@SpiritofAvalon]

@@the_hermits_cave 😘❤

[@conjurebear]

Oh my gosh, Simon, I’m only through the Emperor right now and I just had to stop and say how much I love this deck! And the story behind it is so precious and shows what can happen when people are authentic and kind to each other. I see that the creator has commented below, so I’ll direct her to my comments here so I don’t overload your channel with the same ramblings. Simon, you have been a major part of my tarot journey the past couple of years, and it’s because of you that I found a brand new appreciation for Pixie’s artwork and the traditional RWS. I now own several versions when I thought I’d never own one again, lol. So listening to your story and then seeing the truly and lovingly hand-crafted wonder that Carol has made has literally given me goosebumps and shivers. Just the first glimpse of the Starlight (sp?) sample card of the Hermit struck some kind of chord in me. I’m only to the Emperor right now, but I am so blown away and touched by this story and the art that I had to pause to comment. How amazing is it that something like tarot can touch so many people over so many centuries and still inspire such responses in people? And what an age to live in that makes the world so small. Stories like this and such lovingly-made art are just the kind of good vibes we need more of in these sometimes bleak-seeming days. Simon and Carol, you are both shining stars! ✨♥️✨

[@the_hermits_cave]

Thank you Chris for your wonderful kind words. This is the first message that I have read today since waking up and picking up my phone. What a lovely message to read. I am really grateful for your ongoing support of my channel and for appreciating what I do. I’m thrilled to hear I have played some part in your journey towards loving and appreciating the RWS and Pixie’s work. 🙏🏼♥️

[@conjurebear]

Happy to be a part of what I hope is a great day for you! ♥️🙏♥️

[@jartotable]

I adore it...💖🤗

[@caveman3021]

What a stunning deck! Im just catching up on these after being away for a few years. Great story, and that incense is interesting, as Ive never heard of rope incense. I dont know if you get them in the UK, but the Fool looks like he has the northern lights behind him.Lovely deck! Thanks for sharing : )

[@the_hermits_cave]

No, we don’t, unfortunately... but I have seen them when I was in the states. 😉

[@annaolak15]

I love this deck

[@annssundream4729]

I love buying cards and books anyway but have to keep it a bit under control... spring summer I'm out and about more🍹🤯🍾 A very beautiful deck

[@nicholas-rochester.77]

The Ace of Cups !!! 💖

[@ElaineMurphy66]

Ooohhh I do like your reading cloth 👍

[@the_hermits_cave]

Thank you! 🙏🏼

[@chelle1256]

oooooooh that page of cups!!!!!!

[@the_hermits_cave]

Right!

[@Penny6984]

Hi luv these cards where can i get them from....

[@the_hermits_cave]

You have to buy direct from the seller, I just Googled Carol Herzer

[@clare5one]

Looking debonair in black!💜 I admire your honest opinions. It is up to the viewer if they wish to buy a deck. I will weigh in you opinion on a particular deck and then decide. PS... FOOL---Is the sun in an eclipse or a "black sun"?

[@the_hermits_cave]

I see it as eclipsed because of its rays!

[@golden1789]

I thnk this or the Starlight version could be my Soul Deck,

[@the_hermits_cave]

It’s beautiful, for sure 👌

[@DogsRGr8]

Can you still get the thinner card stock? I prefer that personally.

[@SoulGuidance]

Yes I have it.

[@tld3173]

Carol and I both create decks at home, by hand. I am creator of both the Portal and Totem Tarots. Carol has been a long time friend of mine and an Artist whose Grace and insight I can only aspire to. I saw your 1st review and felt it lacking insight into what creating a true self-produced work of Art involves. It is literally a pregnancy, labor and Birth. I will NEVER mass produce my decks and I know Carol feels the same. Each one is an original piece of Art. The original. Not a copy, like every other kick-starter, 'independant' deck out there. I admire you for taking a second look and opening yourself to something that comes directly from the Artist's hands. Carol is a gorgeous Spirit. She deserves tribute for being one of us, the first who began true self-publishing, to continue on with what is now frowned upon as somehow being sub-standard.

[@the_hermits_cave]

I appreciate your feedback, but I stand by the fact that I was being honest in the original video and that I was disappointed by the quality of the first deck I received. They were my views and I repeated many times over that this was the case.

[@tld3173]

@@the_hermits_cave You were SO angry during that review. You may stand by what you said however your presentation of your views reflected bias. There is a way to present feedback constructively, whether positive or negative, and that review bordered on disdain. It was embarrassing and harmed. For the most part, you dont seem like that type if person.

[@the_hermits_cave]

Traci Darin You are entitled to your opinion as I am mine. I had spent a lot of money and was disappointed with what I had received. I am entitled to share my views on my channel. I have since unlisted the video, as I wanted to move on from it. however I am tempted to re-list for transparency, as I won’t be accused of something I’m not.

[@tld3173]

@@the_hermits_cave As you say, I am entitled to my opinion of your review of that Artist's work.

[@the_hermits_cave]

Traci Darin “It was embarrassing and it harmed” Just to be clear Carol herself said to my friend that it did her no harm. ‘Embarrassing’ Is your opinion, others appreciated the honesty. “For the most part, you don’t seem like that type of person” well that’s just passive aggressive!