I do not know why I have put off this review for awhile, being that The Starchild Tarot by Danielle Noel is my favorite tarot deck to date. However, I have been bonding with this deck (my first!) since February-March of this year, so it’s high time I post a review. I will be as unbiased as possible, as there are some things about it that I wish improve in the future editions or other tarot decks produced by Noel. The long awaited and new Moonchild Tarot by this artist is due to release in August 2018. Needless to say, I think it surpasses my expectations from what I have seen posted online. *fingers crossed* If you haven’t read the magical tale of how this deck came into my life, check out my post How I Discovered The Right Tarot For Me.
I own both the traditional sized Akashic version of this deck as well as the larger size with borders. I will be speaking on both in this review as well as any comparative information between the two, incase you are trying to decide which version to purchase. You can purchase both from the main website for $50.55 USD + shipping or check out their online stockists. I suggest purchasing from a USA seller (whichever seller is in your country) if you want it to arrive faster; or else it ships from Canada!
The Packaging
Without a doubt, the packaging is the most beautiful and well constructed of all of my tarot decks. Both two piece, matte texture, hard cardboard boxes with finger groove cutouts for easy opening. On the traditional sized box it features small gold foil details that aren’t on the large sized box. Artwork for both are relatively the same inside, with quotes, but outside cover designs are different for each. There is also a limited edition Starseed box design, however it is no longer available for purchase on the market from the site or stockists’.
The Cardstock
The cardstock weighs in at 400gsm for both card sizes with beautiful gold gilded edges. The texture is matte on both sides. This cardstock is what I compare all of my other tarot decks to as it is my absolute favorite to hold. You may not be fond of the matte texture as it does make the cards stick together while shuffling quite a bit. (This actually does not go away once the deck is worn in; sorry!) With this heavy duty paper, if you have small hands you may want to opt for the traditional sized deck as shuffling may be difficult with the larger size. I love the larger cards with borders. Borders on any cards is my preference; even traditional sized cards. I do believe the future Moonchild tarot will only come without borders and in a new size that is in between traditional and large.
There are a slight differences in the cards, but I am not sure if they were intentional or not. The Six of Wands in the large sized deck is illustrated differently from the traditional sized deck as well as both interpretations in the guidebook. I also have found photo differences between the books and the deck for Nine of Crystals too. Hopefully, with any future decks that are made the imagery will be consistent.
The Guidebook
The guidebook for the traditional sized deck is separate from the box and will not fit inside, while there is a sized guidebook for the larger deck that fits inside the box. I personally prefer the larger guidebook for ease of reading and space to place sticky notes while studying, but this is only personal preference. I really enjoy Noel’s interpreations of the cards, the gemstone and astrological associations with each. There is also information for spreads and chakra points as well. The guide is comprehensive for this deck and a joy to read.
Danielle Noel has also written a separate guidebook called The Book of Tarot: A Guide For Modern Mystics In all honesty is a full sized book version of the original guidebook with slight differences. I have done a full review on this book and only recommend it if you don’t already own The Starchild Tarot. (Weird? I know, just read my review!)
In short, I love this deck and I have grown a lot using it. Every day I still learn something new from it. I am very curious to see how the bond develops with the upcoming Moonchild, as I compare all of my tarot purchases to this one. Only time will tell! I highly recommend it if you love galaxy/other worldly card aesthetics with pastel or muted color themes.
