Was obtaining the Somnia, Tarot Illustrated, just for the book really worth it? Here I share my thoughts on the two decks and their individual qualities. 
I love the atmospheric sound of whistling wind which smacks of coziness, but didn't hear too much of it. I enjoyed seeing these side by side and ended up preferring the illustrated version in most ways that it was different. The stylized art is most intrguing. I love a serious deck and this certainly is one. I'm mulling over now, even though the art is stunning, whether I'd find myself reaching for it or not. That's something I'm asking myself these days after finding decks beautiful....'but seriously though, would I find myself reaching for it? Or would it remain a beautiful collection of art cards that just sit on my shelf, unused?" I'm contemplating deeper these days after giving away so many unused decks. I haven't yet ruled it out. My finger is hovering over the buy button.
I play some more of the wind at the end. Let me know if you do get it. Do you think you’d reach for the illustrated more, being as they are ‘less’ beautiful than the photographic deck?
@@the_hermits_cave Well, yes, from what the camera shows me, the Illustrated feels more beautiful. Still, I don't know if a love affair with it would last longer than a week or two. It's hard to tell.
I love the sound of the wind in the background of this video. It makes me think of one of the favorite places I’ve ever lived. It also goes with this deck. I have the photographic version and I love it. The illustrated version doesn’t work for me. I don’t like decks that feel anime or illustrated as mush as I do collage or photographic.
Hello! I am very grateful to you for inspiring me to buy a photographic version for the New Year! Four months have passed. This is one of my main decks right now! Beautiful and accurate!
I found the Illustrated version pairs so well with the Canuel Oracle off of MPC. The two together became an instant classic for me. I'd love to hear if you think the guidebook helps interpret the deck!
The photo deck is the one for me, though, like you, I don’t like photo decks. Light is captured in photo deck and has such haunting beauty. I also love the cohesiveness of his decks-well thought out. Thank you for the walk through!
Loved the wind - so appropriate for this haunting deck. As a very part-time artist I adore this illustrated deck. I need to make a choice this year - this Illustrated Somnia or the Illuminated Tarot by Carol Herzer- both original painted art but very different styles - what to choose...
I like them both, but the photographic one is haunting (in a good way). I do love the color scheme of the illustrated. And you can see some things clearer in the illustrated. I enjoyed this side by side.
These decks are so haunting, I love them! The illustrated one does at times remind me of the RWS art style, it’s so cleverly done. I specifically love the six of wands in the illustrated one. Great side by side!
I wondered too at first but I finally added the Illustrated and I use and love both iterations. they each have their own voice and vibe Im glad you have them both Simon. I have not opted for the Tarot Volitile yet
It’s a big investment and it’s not my believed and perceived style deck. I’ll put it off and then regret it someday. Oh well that’s the way it goes sometimes.
side note I did get the Remembering the Sweet Fool Tarot and it is truly a unique voiced very calming, gentle and beautiful. I hope you get it and show it on your channel
I kind of like the wind, actually. It reminds me of home and in particular cozy days at my grandparents house in winter storms. Lovely walkthrough, thank you for sharing. I like the photographic Sonmia - but I’m not sure if it’s for me if that makes sense….
I guess ... if I'll get a Somnia tarot ... it will be the photographic one. I'm still not a 100% convinced if I could world with figures that strongly remind me of nazarenos, penitentes and castaleros from the Semena Santa as well as of members of the KKK. On the other hand ... I guess that's part of the attraction. The illustrated version ... doesn't do it for me. The fluidity of the clothes, the water and the sky ... get lost in the drawings/illustrations with it's hard lines. I guess ... a painted (in oil) version of the deck could have kept that quality. At the same time ... I don't hate that the illustrated deck ... tried to replicate both the art style of the RWS and the depictions of the photographic Somnia deck. However ... guess I'd preferred the illustrated one moving away from just replicating the fotos ... and adopting the "stage scene" approach of the RWS as well. To me that's a missed opportunity.
I'm not a squeamish or prudish person by any means, but I don't like the vibes of this deck, either of them. It's disturbing and sets off alarm bells inside me. However, thank you for the presentation; it's always nice to keep up to date.
Hello! It is so amazingly interesting to learn about the difference in perception! I was fascinated by this deck after Simon told about his special decks of 2023. I was able to buy it almost immediately and it was as if I had returned home. I don't see anything disturbing about it. On the contrary, in these cards I feel a fresh wind from the ocean, although I have never been near the big water, spring rain and hope. Working with cards has confirmed their helpful nature.
