Comparison of the German and Spanish versions of The Fairytale Tarot

The Fairytale Tarot by Lisa Hunt was originally published in 2009 by Llewellyn Publishing and has been reprinted by US Games Systems Inc in 2024 after being out of print for many years. This was a highly sought after deck that trying to get a copy of it in English was almost impossible without spending an enormous sum of money for it. I originally got the German version of it and was a little disappointed that it had white borders. I then discovered that Spanish version appeared to be borderless and I decided to purchase it to see if that was true and it was. After owning both copies I noticed that there were noticeable differences between each version so I decided to share their unique differences. 

Let's start with the box itself:

As you can see in this photo, the German version has a bigger and sturdier box whereas the Spanish version appears to have similar packaging to that of the original English version published by Llewellyn.

The back of each box describe the deck itself and what you can find in the guidebook. However, the German version showcases images of the cards themselves but doesn't mention whether or not the cards have borders or are borderless.

This image shows the German version's box. It is easily to open and quite sturdy. It actually reminds me of what you can find with the boxes you get from a Blue Angel deck. Unlike the flimsy box in the Spanish version that I can tell mimics that English version published by Llewellyn had.

Moving on to the guidebooks: As you can see the German version of the guidebook is much larger than the Spanish version and thus, has much less pages than the Spanish version. The German cover has a matte finish whereas the Spanish version has a glossy cover and is the expected size of for most Llewellyn guidebooks.

The back of each guidebook are quite different. The Spanish version has a description of what The Fairytale Tarot is about whereas the German version just has the same image found on the card backings.

The German version of the guidebook doesn't have an artistic lettering of the first letter in the first paragraph but the Spanish version does. This appears to be similar to how the original English guidebook had. But the German version has an easy-to-read font making it easy to find information about each of the cards. Larger paper also makes sure that there is less pages and thus, less paper being used.

The card-backings are the same but you can tell that German version has thinner cardstock and a matte finish whereas the Spanish version has slightly stronger cardstock and the cardstock feels a little glossier. The backing on the German version also has different colour than the Spanish edition.

 Finally, let's look two random cards side-by-side. As you can see the German version is not only smaller but also has a white border around the cards. I tend to prefer borderless editions over borders. I have used both decks in readings but these days whenever I want to use this particular deck, I tend to go for the borderless Spanish version in readings than I do with the German one. In fact, I used it in my previously weekly reading post.

I will say that I find it interesting when international versions of tarot decks have slight differences from their original language versions. Have you had this happen or know of other decks like this that do it? I know the Czech version of the Shadowscapes Tarot for example has larger cards and with gilding (if I remember correctly)Let me know in the comments below! 

Weekly Tarot, Sibilla and Oracle Card Reading for 06-13 June 2026

Hello everyone! Welcome to another weekly reading for this week's reading I am using I Misteri Della Sibilla ("The Mysteries of the Sibilla") by Ettore Maiotti Copyright 1982 Dal Negro All Rights Reserved, El Tarot de los Cuentos de Hadas ("Fairytale Tarot" Spanish Edition) Copyright 2012 Editorial Sirio All Rights Reserved and the Myths and Mermaids: Oracle of the Water by Jasmine Becket-Griffith and her sisters Amber Logan and Kachina Mickeletto Copyright 2014 Blue Angel Publishing All Rights Reserved.

Let's get this week's forecast started off I Misteri Della Sibilla:

Feeling powerless after an unexpected gain for you (or a woman in your life: sister, lover, friend, etc) that came after experiencing long delays causing anxiety. This is indicating that a stale and stagnant situation you're currently facing is about to come to a natural end but it will either make you literally sick or make your current circumstances "sick". This will lead someone to do something behind your back and will require to start a new cycle in your life and let go out what is not working for you or something that is simply not going to happen no matter how hard you try. It's time to move on.

Speaking of moving on, let's see what insights El Tarot de los Cuentos de Hadas (The Fairytale Tarot: Spanish Edition) has to say about this week:

A hard choice had to be made even though everyone was not on the same page and this has caused a lot of money being wasted. Now you will need to look at the situation honestly by analysing what went wrong and finding a way to correct the problem so that has brought up a previous issue that needs to be addressed immediately because there has been a lack of proper research or misinformation (or disinformation) being spread to the point where people were taking credit for other people's work. Ultimately, this will require you to be emotionally honest about what happened so that you don't escalate an already tense situation that will only lead to hurt feeling and if not deescalated properly, possible physical violence. Yes, call out wrongdoing but this is not the time to threaten others or it will make matters much worse.

Let's wrap up this reading with the Myths and Mermaids: Oracle of the Water:

You are lingering on to something that cannot be changed. It's time to acknowledge that you did what you could or are currently unable to continue with it because you have either have unrealistic expectations or need to accept that you can change what has already happened. Let yourself grief the situation (or person/people who have passed away) but don't let it hold you back from continuing to live your life even if you are currently facing hardships as a result of what happened. With that being said, reflect on how your influence has recently negatively impacted others. If you want to be respected then you need to be respectful yourself. You cannot demand it from other people. Address these bad habits and behaviours because they are causing you to alienate colleagues, friends and/or family. This is also a reminder to not hide who you are. Express yourself as yourself without fear of what others think of you. If they cannot accept you for who are you are then they don't belong in your life. Don't lie about yourself in order to impress others. It will not be worth in the end.

Weekly Tarot, Oracle and La Nuova Cartomanzia reading for 29 June- 06 July 2026

Hello everyone! Welcome to another weekly reading for this week's reading I'm using La Nuova Cartomanzia: Le Corti D'Amore ("The New Cartomancy: The Cards of Love") Copyright Modiano All Rights Reserved, Llewellyn's Classic Tarot by Barbara Moore and artwork by Eugene Smith Copyright 2014 Llewellyn Publishing All Rights Reserved and the Earth Power Oracle by Stacey Demarco and artwork by Jimmy Manton Copyright 2014 Blue Angel Publishing All Rights Reserved.

Let's get this week's forecast started off with La Nuova Cartomanzia: Le Corti d'Amore:

Problems with colleagues stem from rapidly changing situations  and a lack of resourcefulness forcing you to move a direction that seems attractive at first but it comes with people being way too needy. Don't let yourself get taken advantage of, especially in the workplace. Know what you can and cannot do and then delegate or get assistance from there. You or a man in your life is about receive good news in spite of incredibly trying circumstances. Put your best foot forward because the struggle and hardship is about to come to an end very soon. Stay the course!

A needy person needed someone to be honest and upfront with them whilst also helping them out in their time of need. Now, you need to defend yourself (or even perhaps also do damage control) over communication concerning a heart-to-heart conversation via a messaging app like Microsoft Teams or Slack (if work-related), WhatsApp/FaceTime/SMS (if friends, family, etc) or a short phone call. This will require you to save money, get the rest you need (both physically and mentally) so that can prepare yourself for when faced with a situation where nobody will be available to assist you at that particular moment. Make sure everyone is on the same page, reach out for help when you need it whilst also making sure you are saving your money and not investing in something that you could regret later and face financial hardship afterward and finally, make sure you take care of yourself so that you don't burn out or cause yourself harm.

Bring what you want into being by letting go of what is not working for you anymore. Once it comes to an end then you get a fresh start with what you actually want to do by adjusting your routine and habits so that you can bring back balance into your life by removing obstacles and unsupportive people in your life so that you can commit to what matters most to you (and those who matter in your life) and enjoy the results of your hard work and effort. Embrace change rather than resist it so that you allow your creative expression explore new avenues so that you flow with what life has to offer you. No matter what happens. Take care of yourself, use your skills and talents to the best of your abilities so that you can obtain what you desire, always being willing to learn, unlearn and relearn from the lessons of your experiences so that you not only heal your life but be an inspiration for others as well.

Weekly Tarot, Oracle and Sibilla Reading for 21-28 June 2026

Hi everyone! Happy Solstice (Summer in the Northern Hemisphere and Winter in the Southern Hemisphere) to those who celebrate them. I hope you had a great week last week. It's now time to have a look at this week's forecast through the lense of the Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti Copyright 2012 All Rights Reserved. (This version of the deck is out of print and has been replaced by the Gilded Tarot Royale), Oracle of the Mermaids by Lucy Cavendish and artwork by Selina Fenech Copyright 2013 Blue Angel Publishing All Rights Reserved and Sibilla '800 by Luigi Scapini and Carla Collesei Billi Copyright Dal Negro All Rights Reserved.

Let's proceed with the Gilded Tarot:

Not getting enough time for yourself because of a commitment has lead to too much oversharing of money, resources and personal information. Now you have to deal with not getting work done because you're not putting your best foot forward and people are having to pick up from where you're slacking. There will be consequences if you don't change this habit immediately. Especially, since everyone is on the same page and are willing to help you get things done but you need to hold up your end of the deal in order for it to become successful. This involves making sure your message gets to the people it needs to as there are currently technological problems and this will lead to missed opportunities and miscommunications if nothing is done about it. Always confirm that you have sent everything (especially if it is being sent on Microsoft Teams or Slack) and if there is an issue that you find another alternative to ensure it gets received. Even if that means delivering the message in person.

A cancellation or change in plans will lead to a need to keep your work-life balanced because it will motivate you to do what needs to be done and prevent burning out wherever possible. This will mean that you will need to switch up your daily routine so that you can positively change your life and get the help you need so it become necessary.

Moving on to the Sibilla '800:

.

The act of sending and receiving something (ex: Slack or Microsoft Teams messages or a parcel/package that needs to be signed for) after finally getting over a dark period of anxiety or uncertainty about the arrival of something or someone within a short amount of time. This has brought up arguments between friends and/or family concerning an untrustworthy person or like you just had the rug pulled from underneath you. This has ruined the situation to the point where it is now toxic because of an enable who uses their job as a manipulation tactic to cause a woman needing support feel absolutely helpless. This could also be just to cause worry and anxiety in general.

Finally, let's wrap us this week with the Oracle of the Mermaids:

In order for you to make a positive change in your life, you may have to give something up so that you can switch up your daily routine and move toward a better situation. Doing this will allow you to take your power back and embrace your ability to do as you please whilst recognising the consequences of your choices for both better and worse. Unleash your true self without having to hide it in order to make others feel comfortable with your presence. Let yourself truly experience yourself as yourself and if you need to make changes to who you spend your time with so be it. They were never going to actually accept you anyway. Find those who not only will affirm who you are but embrace it as well. Yes, they can still call you out for problematic behaviour and hold you accountable but they will at least do it out of love and accepting that this is who you are even with your flaws.

 

Weekly Tarot, Oracle and Sibilla Reading for 15-21 June 2025

Hey everyone! Welcome back to another weekly reading. For this week's reading I'm using the Gay Tarot by Lee Bursten and Antonella Platano Copyright 2003 Lo Scarabeo All Rights Reserved, Messages from the Mermaids by Karen Kay and artwork by Linda Olsen Copyright 2020 Hayhouse Publishing All Rights Reserved and Sibilla Della Z*ngara (G*psy Oracle Cards) Copyright 2007 Lo Scarabeo All Rights Reserved:

A lack of confidence has lead to a need to prepare for the worse because you are not able to get the rest you need and could face burnout if nothing changes. Now you (and/or people around you) are having second thoughts but you need to use what you have to offer to so that when you are recognised for your achievements you can prove your integrity. People will apologise to you after realising someone has plagiarised or take credit for your work and that person will face the consequences of their actions. Going forward, you will need to reevaluate your priorities and focus on what needs to change in your life in order for you to live a happier life so that you can end this horrible chapter in place of a new one that will change your life for the better. What needs to change in your life? Have a serious think about it.

Now let's see what the Sibilla Della Zingara forecasts for the upcoming week ahead.

Feeling stuck due to a lack of money is causing a loss of control because there's was a ending that lead to a positive change in your situation even though there were also setbacks. A loss (or perhaps an actual thief getting caught and you will get your goods back or at least justice for their crime.) will expose the secrets of wrongdoing from someone that will help make your life better.

Finally, let's wrap this reading up with the Messages from the Mermaids Oracle:

Know your worth. Rest when you need it. Don't let others decide who you get to be. This is an opportunity to learn from past mistakes and terrible experiences so that you don't repeat them anymore going forward. You will need to address any underlying issue you're facing or it's only going to eat at you over and over again and you will not be able to move forward from it. We can't always simply "get over" certain traumas or loss of loved ones in our lives but we cannot let them serve as obstacles stopping us from continuing to live our lives in spite of them not being there (deceased or estranged people) or a trauma that harmed you. Carry it with you, allow yourself to feel every emotion (especially if you are grieving), express what needs to be expressed (and yes, this may also involve meeting with a medical professional or therapist) to help guide you back on the path you need to be on so you can thrive in life rather than just survive. (No, I don't mean becoming a horrible rich person but rather living your life your way).

Any new skill, talent or hobby you wish to pursue will require a long-term commitment on your end. Really immerse yourself in it. Make it a daily routine until you get exactly what you want from it. Whether that's a new marketable skill (ex: being able to fluently speak new language or creating websites for others and get paid for it) or a new hobby that allows you to have fun and let loose (ex: learning how to salsa dance or surf). Whatever it may be let it enrich your life for the better and make the most out of it wherever you can and you will be glad you did later on.

What brings you joy in life? What little things in life put a smile on your face that you take for granted? Make a list of what makes you happy (both the big things and the mundane everyday things) then see what you can do to enhance your lifestyle with these things (whether they are tangible or metaphorical it doesn't matter). What needs to happen in order for you to make you feel content with your life. Yes, even when we are major political turmoil and having to put our physical, mental and spiritual safety at the forefront. We can't control everything that happens to us (both good and bad) and so what are you going to do in spite of these terrible events occurring. Life goes on with or without you so you might as well enjoy your time here not matter how you go about it. Do something for yourself this week even if it is simply and mundane as treating yourself to a popsicle/ice lolly/ice block/ice pole because it is extremely hot outside or a comforting hot chocolate/tea because it is freezing cold outside.

Deck Review: Gay Tarot

Hey peeps! It's time for another deck review! This time I am reviewing the (1st Edition) of the Gay Tarot by Lee Bursten and artwork by Antonella Platano. This was published by Lo Scarabeo in 2003 and was remade into a new borderless edition so I won't include the typical criticism about multi-lingual borders that so many Lo Scarabeo decks have.

Cardstock: Typical mass-market cardstock from Lo Scarabeo: Thin, flimsy and with a matte finish.

The Little White Book: As far as I know, there isn't an official guidebook for this deck but it does come with an insightful Little White Book that shows one unique spread, as well as the changes to the Major Arcana and Court card names. It doesn't include reversals. So keep that in mind if you use reversals. It also has modernised meanings of the cards that reflect life as it is today (for the most part as this deck did come out in 2003).

Diversity: This deck is catered specifically toward Gay men. All of the people in the deck are gay men from various ages and races. Whilst it is inclusive in terms of race, it is not so much when it comes to men who are not slim or muscular. News flash! Not every gay man has a body that "societally attractive". The men who don't fit that category are either not found or only found fully clothed. Whereas, the slim and muscular men get to be depicted shirtless. So keep that in mind if this is something that matters to you.

Specific theme: LGBT+ but specifically gay men. 

In spite of a few nitpicks, I actually quite enjoy using this deck and can definitely see the Smith-Waite Tarot through the images of the cards whilst sticking to a theme of the lives of gay men. Many of the images do depict modern life (well, modern as it was in 2003) that one can relate to apart from a few whimsical exceptions. They are very intuitive and you can make good use of this deck for anyone, especially for your gay male clients.

On to you: What do you think of this deck? Do you like it? Do you use it often? Do you use it for specific types of readings? If so, which circumstances is the deck best used for in your opinion? Let me know in the comments below!

Weekly Tarot, Oracle and Vera Sibilla Reading for 08-15 June 2026

Welcome to another weekly reading! For those of you who have already celebrated Pride, hope it was fun, amazing, safe and validating for you. If yours occurs later on (either this week or later on in the year) then I hope you enjoy Pride in a way that best works for you. Anyway, for this week's reading I am using the Mermaid Tarot by Leeza Robertson and artwork by Julie Dillon Copyright 2019 Llewellyn Publishing All Rights Reserved, Myths and Mermaids Oracle of the Water by Jasmine Becket-Griffith and her sisters Amber Logan and Kachina Mickeletto Copyright 2014 Blue Angel Publishing All Rights Reserved, La Vera Sibilla ("Everyday Oracle") Copyright 2007 Lo Scarabeo All Rights Reserved.

Let's get this week started off with the Mermaid Tarot:

You were able to make most of a situation that was successful even if you didn't get exactly what you wanted. There was a sudden and unexpected upheaval in your life that forced you to change your perspective and focus on self-care as it lead it physical burn out. You cannot rely on other people as much as you used to and now you have to approach certain aspects of your life on your own. You could get what you are seeking but there is a catch to obtaining it. Are you willing to accept these terms so that you can receive it? Just keep in mind that you must speak clearly and articulate exactly what it is that you need or it's not going to get done effectively or the way it needs to get done. There will be some technical issues that will create problems and miscommunication among others. Make sure you address them or you will find yourself frustrated. With that being said, there will be time to celebrate with friends and/or family that will allow you to collaborate with others who share your abilities and talents so that you can better save money and invest into something you believe in.

Moving on to the Myths and Mermaids Oracle of the Water, we have:

Whatever you are trying to accomplish you need to establish your WHY in order to make sure it happens and that it gives you the motivation to keep going with it even when the going gets tough. Don't do it because it is expected of you or that will look nice an a CV/Résumé. Do it for yourself and let that be what gets the creative juices flowing knowing that you put your own blood, sweat and tears to ensure what you want to put over there actually becomes tangible to the world. If it is not actually worth pursuing then let this be your sign to drop it for good. Don't waste your time.

 You may be tempted to do something that will give you instant gratification but it will not do anything for you later on. If you know you cannot do something because of the lack of money or resources then you need to exercise restraint in order to prevent yourself from sabotaging what it is you are looking to get done. If you have been reckless with your finances and resources then let this be your harsh reality check that you need to ground yourself and focus on what matters most to you before pursuing what's easy and feels good for you at the moment.

 Know who you are without the influence of others, even if they happen to be your friends. Discover what makes you the person you are and who you wish to become for your own sake. What do YOU want to pursue in life? Think about this without feeling like you need to ask others for permission or needing to downplay it in order to make yourself more palatable to others. Do what you know is right to do even if it is the unpopular thing to do among everyone else in your space. Don't compromise who you are to make others feel comfortable with your presence. Have something to believe in and stand up for so that you don't fall for anything that comes your way and betray who you are as a person.

Finally, let's see what the Vera Sibilla has to forecast for the upcoming week ahead:

 An important private meeting will take place concerning  an argument or separation with someone where an exchange of communication will occur with a mediator (or middle person) involved. Whilst at work you will be asked to drop something or a client because it is not worth doing (or pursuing a business relationship with) anymore. You will have to learn to get something done without any help as you navigate a trip (business trip), a relocation of the company or a change in your position or social status for the company due to ongoing rapidly changing situations.