The Universal Key Tarot deck is a perfect example of a combination of immortal classics and a modern approach. Purchasing a deck should be a balanced and deliberate decision, so we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the gallery and the values of the Universal Key Tarot and a detailed description of the deck before deciding on a choice.
Description and Features
"Universal Key" is a fairly young deck, its development was completed only a few years ago. The basis of the structure is the Ryder-Waite system, which is considered to be classical, recommended also for beginner tarologists. However, there are some differences from the immortal classics.
The structure of the deck is standard:
- total number of cards: 78;
- number of Major Arcana: 22;
- number of Minor Arcana: 56;
- card size: 66x120 mm.
The minor Arcana are presented in the form of four ordinary suits: Swords, Wands, Pentacles and Cups. The designations of the Major Arcana also do not go beyond the standard Ryder-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. To create the Tarot gallery "Universal Key" were used the capabilities of computer graphics. 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 are of importance, and the material and technique are secondary.
Another distinctive feature, which indicates the universality of this deck, can be considered the absence of signatures and names: cards are numbered in Roman numerals, which means that a native speaker of any language familiar with the classical interpretation system can use the deck - this is the idea of the author of the deck, who wanted so that interpreters from all over the world have no problems using the Universal Key.
Separately, it is worth noting that the Universal Key tarot gallery presents high-quality illustrations, so it’s much more convenient to interpret, you can get acquainted with the basic details of each card at a glance.
Included with the original deck is a book with basic interpretations, but you can also use standard Ryder-Waite Tarot books.
Senior 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 Senior Arcana do not differ from the generally accepted.
Card numbering: The jester goes at number 0, Strength - at number 8, and Justice - 11.
It is from the study of the Senior Arcana that it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with any Tarot deck. The peculiarity of the Universal Key is that anyone who is familiar with the values of the Tarot according to the Ryder-Waite system can easily master these cards.
Below is a gallery of the Major Arcana Tarot "Universal Key".
As you can see, the numbering here is standard for the related Ryder-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 presented images.
Junior Arcana: Cups
In the Minor Arcana lies the deepest meaning of the alignment. Individual values of the cards reveal in detail the fate of the questioner or open up new facets of meaning. In combination with the Senior Arcana, they show the situation in detail and in detail. The suits of the Minor Arcana in the Tarot gallery "Universal Key" have a meaning and symbolism similar to traditional decks.
The symbolism of the suit of the Cups is all that is connected with the spheres of love, relationships, fertility, subconsciousness and intuition. The element associated with them is water.
Below are all the Arcana of this suit in the "Universal Key".
Images in the Tarot gallery "Universal Key" for the suit of the Cups have a deep symbolism and are often intuitive. In the layouts, cards of this suit most often indicate changes in the short term.
Minor Arcana: Wands
Wands (in some translations of the Staffs) symbolize energy, creative growth, development, and striving forward. It is worth paying attention to the fact that on maps most often depicts wood symbolism, greenery, forest or leaves as a symbol of growth. In combination with other Arcana in the layout, these cards can symbolize a certain incentive (both positive and negative - its value is interpreted depending on the cards with which it is associated).
The Wands Gallery in the Universal Key is presented below.
Under one of the opinions, this suit is responsible for events and actions that are taking place at present, with the help of values, the prospects for the development of the situation are viewed.
Junior Arcana: Pentacles
Pentacles, or Denarius, are usually associated with the realm of the material world, often indicating money, property, and similar aspects. A closer look at the cards reveals that most of the Arcana depict people doing some work.
Below is what Pentacles look like in the Universal Key Tarot Gallery.
If the suit of the Pentacles is prevailing 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 one can note the largest number of Arcana responsible for certain misfortunes and calamities. For example, one of the most unfavorable cards in the Tarot can be considered 7 Swords (deceit, fraud, heavy obstacles) or 10 Swords (crash, emptiness, tragic end). But you must not despair. All values should be considered in conjunction with other cards in the layout, which can dramatically change the value obtained.
In the layouts, cards standing next to the suit of Swords can often be considered as indicating a certain long-term perspective and events of the distant future.
Examples of layouts and reviews
To this deck, you can apply most of the standard layouts aimed at predicting the future in all areas. Be it love, material issues, work and career, or the deepest areas of self-knowledge.
The following layouts can be cited as examples:
- "Three cards" - three cards are drawn from the shuffled deck in turn. 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 the situation a general description.
- "Past and Future" - first take three cards, put in a row. The average characterizes the questioner. The map on the left interprets his past, the map on the right - the future. This differs from the first scenario in that the second step is to take 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 cards, good workmanship, an understandable interpretation system.
Conclusion
You can use the "Universal Key" to solve most of the issues that interest the fortuneteller. These cards are equally suitable for both a novice and an experienced predictor.