Review: The Grail Tarot

The Grail Tarot

Author: John Matthews

Illustrator: Giovanni Caselli

Red Feather/Schiffer Publishing, 2020

Description: 78 Card Deck, 192 page companion book

"The Grail Tarot brings together two of the most enduring and enigmatic mysteries of the Middle Ages: that of the Holy Grail, once described as the holiest relic in Christendom, and the Order of the Poor Knights of Christ and the Temple of Solomon, better known as the Knights Templar."

Schiffer Publishing has brought back The Grail Tarot from the previous published, out of print, edition of 2007.

The cards of the Major Arcana "form a continuous frieze when laid side by side, creating a landscape in which events follow each other somewhat in the manner of a cartoon." The four suits of the Minor Arcana also form a sequence, following the journey of the seeker.

The guidebook begins with a brief history of The Grail and the Knights Templars, and then delves into the cards. Matthews begins with a short overview of the Major Arcana. Each individual card is described in a short paragraph, presented with a background, and meaning. He also offers a Grail Question for each of the cards. 

The Gnostic Christ/Grail Question: What knowledge informs your life?

After a brief overview of the Minor Arcana, the author gives an overview of the suit and then the individual cards, including description, background and meaning.

The Two of Lances, traditionally the Two of Wands, shows: Gray skies and lashing rain. The knight stands dejectedly at a crossroads, soaked and bedraggled, his former determination gone. Hidden within the rain is the shape of the lance, but the knight cannot see it because he is turned inward on his own feelings.

The One of Vessels, traditionally the Ace of Cups, brings "the presence of bounty, fulfillment, plenty-the richness of life itself. The Seeker rediscovers the joy of the quest."

Matthews closes the guidebook with a chapter on Working with The Grail Tarot where he offers some thoughts on getting to know the deck and a variety of different spreads to use with this deck, along with sample readings.

I recommend this deck to anyone who wants a better understanding the mysteries of The Holy Grail and The Knights of Templar. 

 

Grab your copy from Red Feather/Schiffer Publishing.

(Review Product supplied by Schiffer Publishing)

Visit Rowan Tarot for some more thoughts on this deck and a sample reading.