Author: Laun Tuan
Artist: Antonella Catelli
Book and Cards Set
Publisher: Llewellyn (Lo Scarabeo)
Publication date: 2003
ISBN: 0738704164
View Sample Cards
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The Angel Voices divination deck is eighty cards depicting angels -- specifically angels from Judeo-Christian scripture and mythology. There are 72 angel cards, 8 archangel cards, and 1 Angelic Palace card. The angels are divided into nine formations, each identified by the background on the card. For example, angels in the "Formation of Powers" are on a background of "a red sky at sunset." Each angel is also associated with a planet (and the symbol of their planet is on their card).
The artists has portrayed each angel in pastel colors. The cards are pretty, but not spectacular. Each angel is drawn on the card with some symbol associated with her. Despite this, the cards do not have much depth to their symbolism. These cards remind me of some angel cards I once saw a a church, except that the art is more interesting and they don't come with a specific prayer printed on the back.
Unlike the majority of the Lo Scarabeo decks I've seen, the Angel Voices deck comes with a trade paperback book of some 190 pages instead of a small flyer or multi-language booklet. This book was translated from the Italian by Harriet Graham and Elizabeth O'Neill. The first part of the book describes the deck and how to use it, provides the layout used for the guided interpretations in the card descriptions, and gives six layouts that can be used by more experienced readers with the basic meanings assigned to the card. The rest of the book details each of the 80 cards. Each card is pictured and general divinatory meanings are provided. In addition, the meaning of the card in each position of the "guided interpretation" layout is provided, making it easy for a beginner to start reading with this deck. As this is the only book available on this system, it is important that it be complete and easy to use. Fortunately, it is.
The Angel Voices deck is interesting and worthy of a close look -- especially for those who are interested in angels or who work with Judeo-Christian symbolism. However, my personal recommendation is neutral. It's not a Tarot deck and it doesn't interest me enough to learn the system's subtleties -- especially given the low amount of symbolism on the cards. However, it is a fairly pretty deck and many will enjoy it.
Reviewed by Randall
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