The Universal Key Tarot deck is a perfect example of a combination of timeless classics and a modern approach. The purchase of a deck should be a balanced and deliberate decision, so we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the gallery and meanings of the Tarot "Universal Key" and a detailed description of the deck before making your choice.
Description and features
"Universal Key" is a rather young deck, its development was completed only a few years ago. The basis of the structure is the Rider-Waite system, which is considered a classic, recommended, including for beginner tarologists. However, there are some differences from the immortal classics.
Standard deck structure:
- total number of cards: 78;
- number of Major Arcana: 22;
- number of Minor Arcana: 56;
- card size: 66x120 mm.
The Minor Arcana are represented by the four regular suits: Swords, Wands, Pentacles and Cups. The designations of the Major Arcana also do not go beyond the standard Rider-Waite classification.
The main feature of the deck can be traced already in its name: it is universal and suitable for layouts on most topics. The illustrations themselves are quite neutral, made in the technique of romanticism. The possibilities of computer graphics were used to create the "Universal Key" Tarot gallery. Some adherents of the classical school of esotericism criticize this approach, as they believe that the use of modern technology negatively affects the energy of the deck. Another point of view on this issue suggests that only the symbol and skill of the fortuneteller matter, and the material and technique of execution are secondary.
Another distinctive feature that indicates the versatility of this deck is the lack of signatures and names: the cards are numbered in Roman numerals, which means that a native speaker of any language familiar with the classical system of interpretation can use the deck - this is an idea the author of the deck, who wished that interpreters from all over the world had no problems using the "Universal Key".
It is worth noting separately that the "Universal Key" Tarot Gallery presents high-quality illustrations, so it is much more convenient to interpret, you can get acquainted with the main details of each card at a glance.
Included with the original deck is a book with basic interpretations, but you can also use standardRider-Waite Tarot textbooks.
Major Arcana: gallery and description
These cards are considered the main ones in any Tarot deck - it is their presence in the layout that allows you to highlight the main accents of the prediction. Their symbolism has been worked out for centuries. In this deck, the main 22 Major Arcana do not differ from the generally accepted ones.
Card numbering: Jester is number 0, Strength is number 8, and Judgment is number 11.
It is from the study of the Major Arcana that it is recommended to familiarize yourself with any Tarot deck. A feature of the "Universal Key" is that anyone who is familiar with the meanings of the Tarot according to the Rider-Waite system can easily master these cards.
Below is the gallery of the Major Arcana Tarot "Universal Key".
As you can see, the numbering here is standard for the related Rider-Waite deck, the illustrations are worked out very carefully, the symbolism is fully preserved. There is the possibility of meditation on individual Arcana to understand the deep meaning contained in the images presented.
Minor Arcana: Cups
In the Minor Arcana lies the deep meaning of the alignment. The individual meanings of the cards reveal in detail the fate of the questioner or open up new facets of meaning. In combination with the Major Arcana, they show the situation in detail and in detail. The suits of the Minor Arcana in the Universal Key Tarot Gallery have a meaning and symbolism similar to traditional decks.
The symbolism of the suit of Cups is everything related to the spheres of love, relationships, fertility,subconscious and intuition. The element associated with them is water.
Below are all the Arcana of this suit in the "Universal Key".
The images in the "Universal Key" Tarot Gallery for the suit of Cups have deep symbolism and are often intuitive. In spreads, cards of this suit most often indicate changes in the short term.
Minor Arcana: Wands
Wands (in some translations Staffs) symbolize energy, creative growth, development, striving forward. It is worth paying attention to the fact that the cards most often depict tree symbolism, greenery, forest or leaves as a symbol of growth. In combination with other Arcana in the layout, these cards can symbolize a certain stimulus (both positive and negative - its meaning is interpreted depending on the cards with which it is associated).
The Gallery of Wands in the "Universal Key" is shown below.
Under one of the opinions, this suit is responsible for the events and actions taking place at the present time, with the help of values, the prospects for the development of the situation are viewed.
Minor Arcana: Pentacles
Pentacles, or Denarii are usually associated with the sphere of the material world, often pointing to money, property and similar aspects. Upon closer examination of the cards, you can see that most of the Arcana depict people engaged in some kind of work.
Below is how the Pentacles look in the "Universal Key" Tarot Gallery.
If the suit of Pentacles is predominant in one or another scenario, this may indicate that the situation in question is in a state of stability, radical changes will not follow soon.
Minor Arcana: Swords
The Suit of Swords is responsible for such aspects of the situation as struggle, overcoming difficulties, strength, courage and honor. It is among the cards of this suit that the largest number of Arcana can be noted, which are responsible for certain misfortunes and disasters. For example, one of the most unfavorable cards in the Tarot can be considered 7 of Swords (deceit, fraud, heavy obstacles) or 10 of Swords (collapse, emptiness, tragic end). But you can't despair. All values must be considered in conjunction with other cards in the layout, which can drastically change the resulting value.
In layouts, cards next to the suit of Swords can often be seen as indicating some long-term perspective and events of the distant future.
Examples of layouts and reviews
Most of the standard layouts aimed at predicting the future in all areas can be applied to this deck. Whether it is love, material matters, work and career, or the deep realms of self-discovery.
The following spreads can be used as examples:
- "Three cards" - three cards are drawn one by one from the shuffled deck. The first symbolizes the past, the second - the present, the third - the future.
- "Two options"- take seven cards. Six of them are laid out in two rows, and the seventh is placed on the left. The top row of cards indicates the prospects when choosing the first option, the bottom - the second. The seventh card gives a general description of the situation.
- "Past and Future" - first they take three cards, put them in a row. The middle characterizes the questioner. The map on the left is his past, the map on the right is his future. This layout differs from the first layout in that the second step takes out two additional cards to clarify the interpretation for the future and the past.
Reviews about the Tarot "Universal Key" are mostly positive. Interpreters note the convenience and beauty of the cards, good workmanship, and a clear system of interpretation.
Conclusion
You can use the "Universal Key" to solve most of the questions that interest the fortuneteller. These cards are equally suitable for both a beginner and an experienced fortune teller.
