This is the first Sunday in a long while in which I am not on the road. I did not go back home during the weekend as my partner came over, and we had lots of fun exploring my work town - including a sensational trip to the botanic garden! But now the fun is over and I am struggling to plan for the week ahead. I took a break so I can enjoy blogging and here I am, ready to talk about one of my most wonderful decks in its renewed edition: the Lumina Tarot by Lauren Aletta at Inner Hue.
Although I reviewed the first edition here and you can read its details there, I would like to repeat some of the information I included in case you’re feeling a bit idle: lumina means “brilliant” in Latin, which really suits both the art and the meanings behind each of the 78 cards. It has been hand illustrated by Tegan Swyny from Colour Cult. The colours, the balance between blacks and whites and the depth of the art is really alluring. In the cards you can find animals, people, sacred geometry, light and shadows, and astrological symbols among others, selected in such a way that it is easy to weave connections not only among the symbols within one specific card, but with the symbols of surrounding ones.
As you will see from the first and third detail pictures, some of the cards have changed (I counted 11 with varying degrees of modifications, 1st edition on top and 2nd edition at the bottom). The backs keep their original design, but the card size has indeed changed and the deck is smaller now (easier to shuffle). The box has been redesigned to fit the book within, and the set now comes with a matching bag to store the cards in.
The companion book reflects the card changes in its 180+ pages of information. Though this beautifully written book reflects a comforting and supporting approach to tarot, Lauren offers for each card “the yin and yang of its aspects presented in perfect Light and Shadow fashion!”. That means that harsher truths and more challenging conversations with oneself are not rejected, offering different layers of meaning and interpretation.
Just like the Connected & Free Oracle, the Lumina Tarot is a work of art, of love and of intuition. It is a very engaging deck that manages to be both cosy and adventurous, and even when you think you’ve reached the point of familiarity with it, it surprises you again - which was even more evident for me after this second edition. Its sheer beauty makes it a fabulous gift in general, and tarot lovers will particularly appreciate the enchanting vibes that flow from its tender but spirited energy. Remember to check it out at Inner Hue, and read my review for the Connected & Free Oracle deck for more magic!
