It's here!
I have just come back from the mailbox, where I found the package containing my book and deck set! I did not get a shipping notice, so it was a wonderful surprise.
I have had reservations about the deck since I first heard about it. Would it be a readable Lenormand, or would it be more of an oracle? But given the expertise of Rachel Pollack and Robert Place (whose art work I have always admired), I decided to go ahead and order it. And, at first glance, I am glad I did!
As I knew it would be, the art of the deck is stunning. The cards are larger than traditional Lenormand cards (they are about 2.75 by 4.5 inches). At first glance, I can recognize all of the Lenormand emblems, even though some of the titles have been changed. I'm not sure how they will work for me in a Grand Tableau, however. I will have to play with them and see how they read in such a large spread. For lines of 5 or 7 cards, or a 3 x3, the cards should work very well.
The 263-page companion book is a good size, has full page illustrations of each card (although not in color), and seems very thorough in its coverage. Just glancing through the book, the deck seems strongly rooted in the Lenormand tradition. I like the book's subtitle: A Lenormand of the Soul. The section on readings covers lines of 3, 5 and 7 cards, the 3 x3 square, a few other spreads and the Grand Tableau.
Additional mythological and symbolic elements have bern incorporated into the card images. Explanations for these are covered in the book, I'm sure. Even with these additions, I would not call this a themed Lenormand.
I currently read only with historical decks such as the Dondorf, Stralsunder and Daveluy. But I am excited to begin working with the Burning Serpent and discover what wisdom it holds for me.