The Hanson-Roberts Tarot deck stands as a distinctive and cherished tool within the realm of divination, offering a unique blend of traditional symbolism and accessible artistry. Created by Mary Hanson-Roberts, this deck is widely recognized for its faithful adherence to the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) system, reimagined through delicate, pastel illustrations that invite intuitive exploration. While its visual style is often described as sweet and fairy-tale-like, the deck possesses a surprising depth, capable of conveying the full spectrum of human experience, from joy to solemnity. For spiritual seekers and individuals pursuing holistic well-being, the Hanson-Roberts deck serves as a gentle yet potent medium for introspection, decision-making, and understanding the subtle energies that influence daily life.
The deck's design philosophy centers on visual storytelling. Unlike decks that rely heavily on esoteric or abstract symbols, the Hanson-Roberts deck utilizes detailed scenes and expressive figures to communicate the meanings of the cards. This approach makes it particularly accessible to beginners, allowing readings to be conducted based on the imagery presented on the cards themselves rather than requiring memorization of complex keywords. However, its utility extends to experienced readers as well, who often find that the deck’s soft rendering and attention to background details offer fresh perspectives on established archetypes.
The Artistic Vision and Symbolic Fidelity
Mary Hanson-Roberts’ artistic contribution to the tarot world is defined by her ability to maintain the structural integrity of the Rider-Waite system while infusing it with a distinct aesthetic. The deck is described as a "faithful Rider-Waite clone," yet the term "clone" belies the unique charm of the artwork. The illustrations are rendered in pastels, featuring "delicately colored pictures" that are both visually pleasing and symbolically rich. The attention to detail is significant; small elements in the backgrounds and the nuanced expressions on the faces of the figures contribute to the overall narrative of each card.
This visual approach facilitates what readers describe as "intuitive flashes of insight." The imagery is designed to spark the imagination, allowing the reader to enter the scene and interpret the story unfolding within the card. For instance, the deck does not shy away from the somber or difficult imagery found in the RWS tradition. The Four of Swords, depicting a knight's effigy resting atop a marble tomb, conveys a sense of "lifeless solemnity" effectively despite the pastel color palette. Similarly, the Tower, the Devil, and Death are present with their traditional warnings and transformations, ensuring that the deck remains a comprehensive tool for divination.
The deck’s structure follows the standard Western esoteric tradition: * Major Arcana: 22 cards representing significant life themes and spiritual lessons. * Minor Arcana: 56 cards divided into four suits: * Wands (Rods): Fire, representing action, creativity, and ambition. * Cups: Water, representing emotions, relationships, and intuition. * Swords: Air, representing intellect, conflict, and clarity. * Coins (Pentacles): Earth, representing material matters, work, and stability. * Court Cards: Page, Knight, Queen, and King in each suit.
The ordering of the Major Arcana follows the Strength VIII and Justice XI placement, consistent with the standard RWS ordering.
Suit-Specific Interpretations and Nuances
While the deck is rooted in tradition, the specific rendering of the cards by Hanson-Roberts can highlight certain aspects of the meanings. Readers have noted that the deck offers a "lightness of being," yet this does not equate to a lack of seriousness.
The Suit of Coins (Pentacles)
The Suit of Coins deals with the material world, finances, and work. In the Hanson-Roberts deck, these cards are rendered with a focus on the reality of labor and reward. For example, the Seven of Coins (Pentacles) is traditionally interpreted as a card of hard work, growth, and eventual harvest. The imagery in this deck, however, may evoke a sense of "discontent and a lack of enthusiasm" in the viewer, suggesting a need to reevaluate one's relationship with work. It serves as a reminder that while diligence is necessary, a balance between labor and leisure is essential for holistic well-being.
The Suit of Wands
Representing energy, passion, and will, the Wands suit in the Hanson-Roberts deck is depicted with dynamic yet delicate lines. The Ace of Wands signifies a spark of new creative energy or enterprise. The imagery invites the querent to embrace new beginnings with enthusiasm, while cards like the Five of Wands (conflict) show that constructive friction can be a part of growth.
The Suit of Cups
As the suit of emotions, the Cups are perhaps where the deck’s "sweet and innocent" quality is most apparent, though it retains emotional complexity. The Ace of Cups offers the promise of emotional fulfillment and spiritual love. The Two of Cups, representing partnership, is depicted with a focus on connection and harmony. However, the Five of Cups, indicating loss and regret, is still rendered with the gravity required to convey the sorrow of the situation.
The Suit of Swords
The Swords suit addresses the realm of the mind, communication, and conflict. The Ace of Swords represents clarity of thought and truth cutting through confusion. The Ten of Swords, depicting the ultimate defeat or painful realization, is rendered with a solemnity that respects the weight of the card's meaning. The deck’s ability to convey the "darker imageries" without losing its aesthetic appeal makes it a versatile tool for addressing difficult questions.
Practical Application in Holistic Consultation
For practitioners of holistic energy balancing and spiritual advisory, the Hanson-Roberts deck offers a reliable method for tapping into the subconscious and the energetic currents surrounding a situation. Its visual nature makes it an excellent tool for "image-based" reading methods, where the reader interprets the scene directly rather than relying solely on memorized definitions.
Intuitive Reading
The deck facilitates "intuitive flashes of insight." The detailed backgrounds and facial expressions allow the reader to pick up on subtle cues. For example, in the King of Pentacles, the traditional image of a jovial, wealthy man might be interpreted differently based on the specific rendering in this deck, perhaps suggesting a focus on stability and mastery rather than just enjoyment of luxury. This encourages a deeper, more personalized reading experience.
The "Here and Now" Deck
One of the unique characteristics attributed to the Hanson-Roberts deck is its ability to focus on the present moment. It has been described as a "here and now deck," a "focus, and oftentimes a celebration, of what is going on right now." This makes it particularly useful for clients seeking clarity on immediate concerns rather than distant futures. It helps ground the querent in their current reality, encouraging them to "look at the magic in my own world" and address present challenges and opportunities.
The Guidebook
The accompanying guidebook, written by Stuart R. Kaplan, is described as a "LWB" (Little White Book), typically a small booklet included with tarot decks. It is noted to be 47 pages in length. While it covers the basics, including a "Ten-Card Spread" (a version of the Celtic Cross), some users have expressed that the book "ends suddenly" and could have offered more depth for such a beautiful beginner’s deck. Therefore, while the book provides a starting point, the primary mode of learning with this deck is often through direct interaction with the artwork and the reader's own intuition.
Physical Characteristics and User Experience
The physical handling of a tarot deck contributes significantly to the user's connection with the tool. The Hanson-Roberts deck has specific characteristics that influence its use:
- Card Size: The cards are relatively small, measuring approximately 6cm x 10cm. While this may initially seem disappointing to some, it is comparable to other popular small decks. The compact size can be beneficial for travel and for readers with smaller hands.
- Card Stock: The deck features a "plastic-y feel" and is described as flexible. This stock is durable and resistant to wear, which is advantageous for a deck intended for frequent use.
- Shuffling and Handling: Despite the flexible stock, the deck is "fine to shuffle in any manner" and "smooth to fan and flip through." This ease of use ensures that the deck does not present a barrier to the flow of a reading.
- Packaging: The deck comes in a standard tuck box.
These physical attributes, combined with the visual appeal, contribute to the deck's reputation as a "pleasure to use or look at."
Evaluating the Deck’s Energy
There is a recurring theme in the commentary regarding the deck’s energy: it is often perceived as "happy," "innocent," or "cutesy," but this perception is challenged by its actual performance. The deck is described as having "a lot of power to be heard in a loud and clear voice" and reading "like a dream."
The "fairy-tale" or "faerie enchanted" quality of the art is not a sign of superficiality but rather a specific stylistic choice that allows the deck to bridge the gap between the conscious and subconscious. For "children and psychic/sensitives," the deck is said to be instantly attractive due to its "feeling of purity." However, the deck does not dismiss or underappreciate serious emotions. It is a tool that balances sweetness with resilience, capable of delivering profound insights with a compassionate aesthetic.
Conclusion
The Hanson-Roberts Tarot deck is a significant resource for those engaged in holistic practices and spiritual advisory. Its strength lies in the harmonious combination of traditional Rider-Waite symbolism and uniquely rendered, intuitive artwork. By prioritizing visual storytelling, it empowers readers—from beginners to experts—to access deeper layers of insight. It serves as a "here and now" tool, grounding individuals in their current reality while exploring the timeless themes of the human experience. Whether utilized for personal introspection or professional consultation, the deck’s gentle power, durability, and visual richness make it a valuable asset for anyone seeking to navigate life’s journey with clarity and grace.