The Dreamkeepers Tarot by Liz Huston: Indie vs. Mass Market | Unboxing and Side-by-Side Comparison

This is a side-by-side comparison of both the indie and mass market versions of The Dreamkeepers Tarot by Liz Huston. This video is on the long side because I wanted to point out the differences between the two editions. As far as the cards, only one card has been completely changed. There are other cards where a head has been changed or things were switched around or added to the imagery...nothing that detracts from the essence of the indie deck. There have been minor changes to the book as well.
This deck is not available on Amazon at this time and U.S.Games does not ship overseas, but the deck is available on Liz Houston’s site in several packages. The indie version is no longer available on her site. I have put links to her different offerings below.
Let me know what you think about the changes! As always, thank you for watching and supporting this small channel!
#dreamkeeperstarot #tarot #tarotdecks
Get the deck (United States): amzn.to/38iogra
United Kingdom: amzn.to/3v305qn
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www. oldsoulmermaid
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[@Netty5200]

I do like that the color on the mass market has a little more pop and I must say the new Queen & King of Pentacles are beautiful.

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

I do too! The colors in the mass market seems to pop!

[@whitetreetarot8864]

P.S. You asked for it 😊, so here is what I noticed: 7 of cups - cups are placed in a row, not chaotic 5 of wands - wands are placed 1 against 4, not 2 against 3 6 of pentacles - girls are standing on the ground, not in/near the pool, more "earthly" scene 9 of Pent - lady has four arms (and birds are placed differently 😊)

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

Ok...you have a super sharp eye 👁! I’m going back to investigate 🔬!

[@marie-francemercier7800]

The 4 of wands has also been significantly changed. THANKS

[@mistsoftimeemporium]

Thank you so much for this comparison! I've been debating ordering this deck, but didn't know whether to try to find the indie version. The Queen of Pentacles decided it for me. I love the new version.

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

If you love the deck, I would get the Mass Market Version…it’s beautiful! Also, with the mass market version, you get the book. If you are lucky enough to find an indie deck, it may or may not come with the book. I use my mass market deck and have my indie deck in safekeeping. But…you can always keep your eyes open for an indie deck 😉

[@mistsoftimeemporium]

@@oldsoulmermaid1543 Thanks to your lovely video I ordered the mass market version today!

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

I’m so happy you found my video helpful! I know you will love this deck as much as I do 😁

[@SabrinaDawn444]

I actually like the MM version more than the Indie! Thank you♡

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

I think I do to! My indie version is put away for safe keeping because it holds a special place in my heart ❤️.

[@tarotfortheheathens9556]

Great side by side!!! Loved it! I will be getting the MM now as I was on the fence about the indie version for a long time. Thank you for helping make that decision easier. ❤️

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

You are welcome! I’m getting a side by side video comparison of the Tarot of Mystical Moments and the Dreamkeepers Tarot ready to put up in the next day or two!

[@tarotfortheheathens9556]

@@oldsoulmermaid1543 I’m totally there for it. I’ll be watching that video too!!!

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

Maybe tomorrow, but probably the next day!

[@papermoontarot4219]

I've always loved this deck but the colors and images were so muted I didn't pull it out much, but I have this on order from US Games and am excited by the richer, crisper color tones and some of the changes to the art you point out. I'm going to do a comparison of Tarot of the Mystical Moments and this new Dreamkeeper on my channel as soon as I get it because I think their artistic feeling is so close. Thanks for the review!

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

I’m preparing one of those videos as well! I’ve been asked to do one because people are trying to choose between the 2, but I think they are totally different. But, maybe it will help make it easier to chose if you want to purchase only one.

[@crazybunnylady]

Somehow this deck has gone completely under my radar, but now that I've seen this video I must get it! It's so beautiful and mystical and I'm absolutely in love!

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

I find this deck completely mesmerizing and I always notice something new in the imageryevery time I use it. It’s a wonderful deck!

[@UnboundSoulTarot]

I know I'm a bit late to this, but thank you so much! Your video randomly popped up in my YT feed and I was called to watch it. SO glad I did. I had never heard of or seen this deck before and as soon as you showed the cards, I immediately fell in love with this deck, so it's high up on my wishlist now. I already preordered the Mystical Moments (the joys of living in Europe 😅) and I HAVE to have this one too. Like you, this kind of art speaks to my soul and I think you mentioned somewhere in the comment thread that even though the art style of this and TMM is similar, they have a completely different energy about them and I 100% get what you mean. Oh, and about the subtle differences in the cards - here's what caught my eye, besides what I've seen some other people already point out: The Creatrix - An eye in an upside down triangle in the shadowy hands The Devil - The background is flipped, so it's a mirror-image of the indie version 6 of Wands - Flowers on the stone thingy behind the lady on the MM one King of Wands - There's also a flame coming out of what he's holding on the MM one (which imo adds a rather important feature to the card, with it being the Wands suit and all) 3 of Cups - Butterflies above the ladies heads on the MM version But generally, it seems that the main differences are, as you said, in the saturation and the fact that they've zoomed in a bit on many of the images in the mass market version. And lastly, I just wanted to say that the energy and atmosphere on your channel is amazing. There's something very kind, warm, and welcoming about you that comes through your videos. So long story short, you have a new subscriber. Love from Estonia! 🤗💜✨

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

Thank you so much for your kind words...you made my day! You have a keen eye in picking out all the minute differences! This is definitely one of my soul decks. I learned to read tarot with this deck...using it in tandem with the classic RWS. They did such a wonderful job with the mass market that I put away my indie version for safe keeping. And you are right, Dreamkeepers and TMM read completely different. I’m just getting to know and develop a relationship with the TMM. I’ve been working with the Dreamkeepers for a while now and I love it more and more every time I use it!

[@UnboundSoulTarot]

@@oldsoulmermaid1543 Noticing minor things that someone else might miss is generally more of a nuisance than a positive thing, but I suppose it comes with the territory of being a Virgo 😅 But honestly, it's great to hear that you are enjoying the deck so much and keep working with it. It's making me even more excited about getting it, even though the release date here in Europe is April 1st, so there's still a while to go 😕

[@phoebecasin]

Had to pause the video just to say that the bottom parts of the images have been cut a bit by the borders where the card names are. I do see the difference in color! You can’t go wrong with either of the decks, though. Both are absolutely glorious! Can’t wait to get the mass market version! Thanks, Bonnie! 🤎

[@phoebecasin]

Oh and the wands have changed in the Page of Wands!

[@phoebecasin]

They also added a butterfly overhead the women in the Three of Cups mass market edition. 🤍

[@phoebecasin]

Less foliage in the background in the mass market version of the 9 of Pentacles and one of the birds’ position has changed.

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

I apologize if the titles on the cards are cut off...I’m still working on my filming 😉! You are going to be so excited to get this! I can’t believe the quality for only $25!

[@phoebecasin]

Oh and the woman in the 9 of Pentacles now has two arms!

[@whitetreetarot8864]

Thank you for doing this detailed comparison!! 🙏🏼 I must say - this is the first time I'm considering getting a mass-market deck because I like it better that the indie version I already have... Some of the little changes make more sense. Pre-press work (when pictures/text is adapted for printing on the specific paper, with specific printing machine etc.) is done way better - more visible details and leveled color tones. Which is totally understandable - it was done by someone who does it every day not the artist who is professional in different area 😊

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

U.S. Games did knock it out of the park with this deck! I think I prefer everything about the mass market version as well, except for the backs. I’m attached to the indie backs, but the new ones are appropriate ant fit.

[@whitetreetarot8864]

@@oldsoulmermaid1543 Yes, I think you and this video convinced me - I need that mass market version 😉😊

[@vmtoglia]

New sub here!... although I *thought* I had subscribed a couple of months ago, back when you had under 600 subscribers! (Your gaining fast! Good for you!) I guess I thought I had clicked it but missed. (A lot can happen (and go wrong) when lying on my side in bed watching YT during insomnia LOL the joys of aging!) Anyway, I've enjoyed watching your channel, and also hearing your opinions on aging in decks too, as having just turn 54 last week, I never really thought about it before until I heard you mention it. :-) Thanks for your content and your time and I'm off to do some more binge watching! I'm trying to enjoy the decks I have and not purchase much this year so I'm scratching my itches watching your channel. ;-) Thanks again and congrats on your channel! :-)

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

Thank you, Vera! I do the exact same thing with watching KZbin lying on my side and watching documentaries to get to sleep 😴! I’m going to hit 54 in March, so I guess I’m hyper aware of how age is or is not depicted in a Tarot deck, just as POC or some other demographic are looking to be seen in a deck. We all make up this world, so we all want to bee seen. Thank you so much for subscribing! It will really help the future of this channel!💕

[@grumpyschnauzer]

I definitely prefer the Mass Market edition. Even the titles look better and clear. I was so happy to find out the artist is in my “neighborhood” at the Last Bookstore in Los Angeles so I ordered a deck. I know some people complained on Amazon reviews about blurriness and the color being muddy/dark but I could care less... the art is unique and beautiful.

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

My sister lives in Playa Del Rey and I’ve sent her on a mission to visit The Last Bookstore! I don’t think she has yet 😉. I think U.S. Games knocked it out of the park with the mass market version!

[@patryceeleazer5661]

Thank you for this in-depth side-by-side comparison Bonnie! I have the Indy version but now have to have the mass market version. You’re right, US Games really knocked this one out of the park! I enjoy the more saturated US Games cards and appreciate the changes they made to the cards. 💕

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

I’m afraid to admit it, but I think I love the mass market version more too 😉!

[@Shaysways87]

Wow, this is a beautiful deck! Thanks for showing the comparison. 🙂

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

You are welcome 🙏! I can’t believe the quality you get for $25 with the mass market version!

[@kit5730]

The indie version has, since day one, been a soul deck for me; mid video I simply had to order the mass market version. This will, most likely, be my one and only "backup" or second copy of a deck. Can't wait for this version to arrive.

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

I’ve had the same experience with this deck. I’m doing the opposite, though and putting the indie version away for safe keeping and intend for the mass market deck to be my deck for heavy use! At some point down the line, I may even pick up a 3rd copy as I never want to be without this deck!

[@kit5730]

@@oldsoulmermaid1543 Once the mass market version arrives, we shall see which version gets the heavy use. Going to go hug and have a conversation with the indie version now.

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

Oh, I love how you phrased this💕!

[@MinaDeCaro]

I am glad to see they enhanced the color saturation! I like it much better this way🥰

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

I am too! The images seem to have more life injected to them.

[@mikki3740]

Excellent video! I accidentally came across your video and love this deck. I already just treated myself this week to a new Tarot deck AND a new oracle deck so I'm tapping into Pentacles discipline and making myself wait until next month to get this lol The indie version is beautiful but I prefer the mass market in every way except the Queen of Pentacles. I prefer the indie Q of P - she so purdy! But the new one with the horned crown and brown gown also works very well!

[@kristaodegaard3226]

Mid video I emailed my local bookshop for this deck. It's absolutely stunning!! And I would say I prefer the colours in the mass market edition.

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

I do too! And the packaging is so beautiful!

[@toadstooltarot]

I can't recall an instance where U.S. Games left their copyright off the cards, but can't see it here in your video. Is it subtlely embedded somewhere less noticeable?

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

It’s on the back and so subtle, that I had a hard time seeing it with a magnifying glass 🔍! It’s on the top and bottom borders. It looks like part of the artwork. It’s integrated very nicely.

[@toadstooltarot]

@@oldsoulmermaid1543 thanks!

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

You’re welcome!

[@K_Peck]

I prefer the Queen of the Pentacle in the original deck although the new one goes better with the king. I like the fact that the color is more saturated in the mass market deck. I don't have this deck but I really like it.

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

I go back and forth as to which Queen I prefer. You’re right that the new Queen matches the King better and that’s a plus! I really think that U.S. Games knocked it out of the park with the production of this deck!

[@certs743]

I just purchased the US Games version today and I am very very impressed. Definitely not feeling like I missed out on anything.

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

No, you definitely didn’t. U.S. games really knocked it out of the park with this one!

[@chelle1256]

Another fab video Bonnie ❤ I own the Indie version and have preordered the mass market but being in Australia it will probably be awhile away. I love what US Games has done especially making the colours more saturated this was the only thing I wasn't happy about with the Indie version and I love that they didn't use glossy cardstock like they did with Tarot of Mystical Moments (which is still making me wonder why why why not do the same cardstock as the oracle?????) I will be keeping my Indie version and book as I adore this artist and you can never have enough of a good thing I reckon 😍 Much love from down under Bonnie 😙

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

Thank you, Michelle! I’m doing a side by side of the Dreamkeepers and the Tarot of Mystical moments that should be out in a couple of days. I think in that video you’ll be able to see that the glossy card stock suits the Tarot of Mystical Moments. I was initially disappointed with it, but now I’m ok with it.

[@chelle1256]

@@oldsoulmermaid1543 Bonnie I will look forward as always for your video and comments.

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

Video is up!

[@RootsAndWaves]

This deck is definitely on my to buy list but, unfortunately it’s currently not available here in Canada just yet. Thank you for this comparison! I really enjoyed seeing the similarities and differences.

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

Did you see my links to Liz Houston’s site? She may ship to Canada and she offers different packages with art prints included with the deck!

[@RootsAndWaves]

@@oldsoulmermaid1543 Oh, thank you!!!!! I missed her link I was looking at the US Games one and they currently are not shipping outside of the USA. And even Amazon.ca isn't stocking this deck just yet. I just placed an order on her website. Thank you so much, Bonnie! xo✨✨✨✨

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

You are welcome!!! I can’t wait for you to have it in your hands!❤️

[@annehauge]

Great video! I can get the indie version used in Norway but I am really not sure which version I like best.... Sometimes I like the colours muted especially when it`s something that has this dreaming, oldfashioned theme. But I would have liked the indie in a warmer tone. Also I like the Q of P better in the mass market😂 and the price makes quite the difference... I can get the mass market on bookdepository or my scandinavian online bookshop in a month. So not a problem for me to get any mass market deck. I love your channel by the way! I like long and thorough videos, so many rush through and only comments on how beautiful it is😁 I like what you are doing👏

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

Thank you so much Anne for the kind words and encouragement! If it helps, I will tell you that I put away my indie version for safe keeping since the indie version is out of print. If you can get it at a good price, I would say get it as the mass market one is going to be around for awhile. If you only want one, I would say go for the mass market version because of the superior packaging system and for the fact that because of the deeper color saturation, the cards seem to have a little more pop and images are a bit sharper. Oh, if you decide on the indie version make sure that you can get the book too. There is a lot of great writing and insights in the book and it really enhances the experience when using this deck. I’m glad I have both versions because it is probably my favorite indie deck! I hope this helps!

[@annehauge]

@@oldsoulmermaid1543 Thank you for your input! It is sold quite expensively.. app $ 75... plus shipping 😳😳 so I am getting the mass market since collage is not my first choice either. I would have loved the original book with the mass market deck though!

[@HazelJaneTarot]

OK having watched all the cards... I'm going to have to get this. It looks gorgeous. The definition of detail and the slightly more saturated colour in the US games edition looks wonderful. I was seeing details I'd not noticed before. As for the Queen of Pentacles... I do love the old one. She's a favourite of mine. But the new one looks nice too.

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

I’m going to be using my mass market version and put my indie version away for safe keeping now that it is oop. U.S. Games really did a great job with this deck, but I’m glad I have both!

[@discoveringdel]

The MM just pops. Thank you for this comparison.

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

It does. U.S. Games really did a wonderful job. I hope other indie creators will look at this production when they try to decide if they want their creations to go mass market!

[@kyleliz7807]

Two gorgeous decks! You can see if you compare the images at the bottom that some has been removed in the mass market version. The images do look bigger, and the color is more saturated. Oh dear, so far I've been able to resist the new versions of the Touchstone and Field tarots, but this....oh, yes! The art has been changed, so I'm justified, right?

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

That is absolutely correct! The whole presentation is bordering indie quality for $25!

[@lennoxrees]

What a gorgeous deck! I prefer the typography and border on the mass market version. Looks like I'll need to add it to my list. 🤭

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

I love the color saturation on the mass market, but the jury is out on what border I prefer 😉!

[@lennoxrees]

@@oldsoulmermaid1543 Fair enough! As a graphic designer, the mass market border is quicker to read and the font and alignment is cleaner, whereas the indie border feels more artsy and ethereal paired with the imagery. Both still work! With the increased saturation of the mass market, I think the indie border would have had too much contrast stylistically and tonally.

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

Yes...each border suits its deck!

[@HazelJaneTarot]

Does the mass market book include comment on the images... like what's in the picture and even why it was used or what symbolic elements she sees as important? I think I'll have to get it. Cause I'm not going to get the indie book. And the new book looks beautiful.

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

Yes, it does! The book has been re-edited...some of the paragraphs have been switched around and some things taken out, but it has stayed very similar to the original book.

[@HazelJaneTarot]

@@oldsoulmermaid1543 Thank you!

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

🥰

[@bjrg832]

Really considering getting This deck now. Usually not Big on collage art, But there’s something about these, that makes me wan tot give them a try.

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

The collage style is very smooth and not as choppy as some collage decks!

[@kathleen.l]

The mass market version looks brighter and clearer! But Mystical Moments is also very beautiful! Hmm, I don't know which one I like better. But both are on my wishlist for now. The more I watch you loving these collage art decks, the more I'm starting to like them. There's also these collage art indie decks made a fellow Filipino that I'm thinking of getting, too.

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

I filmed a side by side video of the Dreamkeepers and the Tarot of Mystical Moments today. Hopefully I can get it up tomorrow or the day after! Maybe it will help you make a decision!

[@serenityjewel]

The four of wands has a huge tree in it on the mass market version. There is no tree on the indie version. Plus the wands are all on the left side on the mass market version. 😂 Just laughing because you said there was no difference and I'm like "There's a huge tree!" 😂

[@HazelJaneTarot]

So excited to watch this. I love the card stock of the original. It's delicious. But I like US Games too. Anyway... I'll keep watching. Lol

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

Both decks have yummy card stock! I think I will be using the mass market version and put away the indie version away for prosperity since it is now oop!

[@kristinkatsuye4792]

Oh, I’m a bit torn between the two still! Although the saturation in the mm gives almost no comparison right away compared to the indie, but I much prefer the backs of the indie. Now if it were just that no big deal, but I also don’t really prefer thicker decks. I know us games has good card stock but many of their card stock isn’t my favorite because of its solid thickness to the cards. So, hmm to go with color & price or prettier backs with card stock I’d much rather prefer? Either way, thank you very much for the comparison video! It was much needed & love the long walkthrough (I’m also one of those liking long videos type person).

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

The card stock of the mm is not overly thick...my small hands can handle it! I must say that I love the packaging of the mm...everything is contained in one place. If you love long ramble videos, I’ll give them to you 😉. Thank you so much for watching!

[@marshahostetler]

I have the Indy but I am loving the mass produced with the deeper color. Right now I am working with the Pocket of Peers Tarot Tiles by Jamie Sawyer loving it and have not wanted to get any new decks since I got them which is not normal for me. I have been using charms with the tiles and I am learning Runes right now.

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

Omg 😆! I just posted an unboxing video of the Pocket of Peers Tarot Tiles! I love them and I can’t wait to get the deck! I understand why you don’t want to work with anything else!

[@serenityjewel]

On the devil card, the landscape horizon line is different on the mass market version versus the indie version.

[@fourofcats5803]

I do prefer the new MM version of the Queen and King of Pentacles (the first are also lovely and I would have been happy with them, but I still prefer the second). Definitely ordering!!! Also where did you get that bat and moon cloth? Oh my gosh I want it so much thank you as always!

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

I prefer them as well! I made the bat and the moon cloth with quilting fabric I got from Jo-Ann’s fabrics. It was part of their Halloween collection. The other side is a black background with stars!

[@fourofcats5803]

@@oldsoulmermaid1543 that's marvelous--have you ever considered/done a video showing how you make things like that?

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

I have, but I don’t know if I have the filming skills to produce one that is adequate. I may give it the old college try and do one for a spread cloth...they are fairly simple to make!

[@angelwitch1980]

It's totally because of the bigger border in mass market. That's why seems closer. But the question is this... Dreamkeepers or Mystical moments 🤔 I really can't decide. Love and light from Greece!

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

You know, I was just thinking of doing a side by side comparison of the two decks! I think I can have a video up in the next couple of days!

[@angelwitch1980]

Old Soul Mermaid that would be awesome! I bet there are more people having the same struggle with me. I even searched for a comparison video but couldn't find one. Looking forward!

[@pocketstring3634]

Just looking through the comments and I was struck that in a year, no one noticed at 18:10, that big hunking tree on the right and all four staffs on the left, while no tree on the old one, just two staffs on each side.

[@serenityjewel]

On the Creatrix card, there's an eye in a triangle floating above her hands. That's not on the indie version.

[@serenityjewel]

The page of wands is holding a different stick on each version.

[@adrianamichalik1747]

The art work is beautiful but the Mayor Arcana, I don't know can they work in a spread.

[@ox-micha-xo]

Background's different in the devil card

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

Yes it is!

[@tiffanie399]

i love US Games more

[@oldsoulmermaid1543]

The indie version holds a special place in my heart, but yes, I think this is one case where the mass market deck surpasses the indie deck!