![]() The etymology of the term "card sharp" is debated. The Wikipedia entry for card sharp says that: And there are some interesting bits of linguistic and literary flotsam along the way to figuring this out. So maybe card shark isn't an eggcorn after all, or at least maybe it sort of isn't one completely. And the success of card shark is understandable: " shark" has developed a general slang sense "A person unusually skilled in a particular activity" and the relevant sense of sharp, perhaps the same one involved in "sharp practice", is rare if not obsolete. For one thing, this eggcorn (if it is one) is winning: according to Google, card shark (with 318,000 hits) has outpaced card sharp (with 167,000) by almost two to one. The publishers have an English speaker on staff who is very helpful.A couple of days ago, during the recent Language Log eggcorn fest that was sparked by Mark Peters' article in the Chronicle, Alan Hogue wrote in with a suggestion that hasn't made it into the eggcorn database yet: card shark for card sharp. For non-Swedish speakers, to find the deck: click on B (Bokfget), click on Titlar (side menu), click on Tarot. To purchase, the publishers website is at. Nevertheless, it has pride of place in my collection as an amazing, quirky, sometimes beautiful, always interesting deck. I find I get much better readings from the relatively poor quality Zerner Farber cards, or the uglier Medieval Scapini. I have to say, though, that I do not find this an easy deck to read with. However, the level of detail in most of the cards makes them look as though they would be suitable for intuitive readings. Some cards are easy to interpret because their strong images immediately elicit a response others are less easy to read. ![]() The deck has many pictures of great beauty and works well as an art deck. The card box is sturdy, lined in blue and with a thumb catch on the lid. There is no instruction book but there are two cards one of which carries publication details the other card contains information that appears to be about tarot generally. They are adorned by a dragonfly with a womans body and head, holding up a yellow pearl. The card backs are predominantly a strong aqua blue, with some grey. ![]() The card faces have plain grey borders containing the number and title (major arcana) or number, suit and key word (minor arcana). The card stock is flexible, shiny but not sticky, and pleasant to handle and shuffle. Her entire body is fully detailed and is clearly that of an adult woman. The most graphic card is the universe card, which shows the Sky Goddess reclining naked in the sky with one breast spraying milky stars into the sky. Several of the cards show nude or partially clad women. This is not a deck for anyone who is offended by female nudity. I am told that the key word on this card means change. A line separates the bottom third of the card, and this shows two feet standing on tree roots which are inhabited by the little blob creatures. The top part of this card shows two coins floating above a barren land. Some cards are more obscure, such as the two of coins. Meanings are not always traditional, for example the four of cups shows a pregnant woman with a baby in a yellow circle in her belly and her hand resting on the babys head. Small animals abound and many of the cards in the coin suit have small blobby creatures in the pictures. The minor arcana too are full of unusual details. This is a deck that repays detailed scrutiny. Cupid is aiming his bow at the woman and in front of them is a cup. The woman has snakes and an egg at her front the man has an eagle and carries a spear. ![]() The Lovers card has two clothed lovers, posed side by side. The Judgement card has angels blowing their trumpets, and a woman who has recently given birth - the baby is still attached to her by a cord, although it is a stork that is carrying it. There may be other differences that I have not noticed because of my lack of Swedish. Major arcana titles are mostly traditional, as far as I can tell, although the World seems to be the Universe, and Temperance has become Alchemy. I say appear to be because the deck is available only in Swedish. The court cards appear to be King, Queen, Prince, Princess and suits appear to be Cups, Staves, Wands and Coins. Justice is 8, Strength is 11 and the Fool is numbered 0. The cards follow a mixture of traditions. The detailed artwork consists of coloured pen and ink drawings and has an exuberant, quirky feel to it. The Swedish Witch Tarot is a quality deck produced in Sweden. Swedish Witch Tarot Review by Fairyhedgehog
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