I haven’t been remotely interested in the Illustrated edition because the original moves me in such a deep profound way. And a lot of that has to do with how he captures the tarot in his photography. Then I watched this……Ok Nicolas, take my 💸💸💸
I never got the first edition because it was way too creepy! After watching this, the second edition is a little less creepy because it is illustrated vs a real photograph. Still too creepy for me though. All the sheets and the ropes...its too much for me! Great video. Nice deck for the right person.
I have the photographic deck, and while I appreciate the illustrated, I think I am good with the old version. The pictures are so atmospheric and they mean a lot to me since I grew up around where this deck was photographed. I think you did such a good job of showing the pros and cons of illustrated vs photographic (the vibrancy and clarity is much better in the illustrated) but for me what drew me to the Somnia tarot was the moodiness. Thank you for doing this side by side comparison, it was fun to watch!
I really love this illustrated edition. At first i thought i made a mistake buying it until i did a side by side flip through and realized just how much more detail shows up in the illustrated that's list in the darkness of the photographs. I also love the burgundy box and backs. Blue has had a long enough moment in the card community.
The images of the illustrated version feels more archetypal which has a greater impression. But I also can’t deny the level of craft in detail it took to construct and shoot each scene. I wish the photograph version had the backs of the illustrated one and was de-contrasted and brightened with more saturation for the blues. I don’t have either of these decks and now I want both 😂 For the price, these are wonderful decks!
I’ve been drawn to Somnia for a while, but never took the plunge because of the price. Of all the decks I own or have seen on tarotube, it’s the one I feel I can most easily read intuitively. I’ve decided that I’m getting it for myself next month for my birthday, so I watched this to decide which version I’d get. I grew up playing with my mom’s old 1970s RWS deck, so the illustrated version does have a more nostalgic familiarity for me, but what I’m discovering from this video is that I FEEL the original Somnia. I like that some of the details are easier to discern in the illustrated version, but somehow the fact that they more easily pop out of the image seems to take away their impact for me. I wonder if the “creep factor” that turns so many people off from the original version is the very thing that’s activating my personal intuition so well.
I had no idea they created an illustrated version, and I think that idea is so freaking cool. I don't have the original yet and was a bit worried I'd now want both (not in my budget). Surprisingly, however, I actually prefer the photographic version. I can go with my original plan to get that and pair it with the Death Doula Oracle. However, ya never know, that illustrated deck could find its way to my possession someday. It's beautiful. Thanks for the side by side. It was really helpful.
Darn it Dani! 😆 I was so set on the thought that I wouldn't need the illustrated edition since I already have and love the first edition, but this feels very different. Thank so much for the side-by-side comparison.
I got the First one a long time ago and it spooked me out I gave it away. Then I started seeing more buzz a year later so I got it again 6 months ago and Ive used an oracle with bit to help soften it, now I can use it alone and I love its voice. I recently picked up the Illustrated and Im amazed at how different they are and I love it too. Im happy I have both
I have the first deck, so I wasn't tempted by the illustrated version because I figured it would be like having two copies of the same deck. I still feel that way, but the illustrated version is very well done and beautiful in it's own way. I need to use the one I already have more often! 😅
I can't afford either deck but ot was really interesting to see the choices in the deck art and the way the creator presents the guidebooks. I like the illustrated version because it feels of a RWSy heritage but keeping the symbolism of the photos even if it loses the atmosphere.
I'm waiting to pull the trigger on this... I love the original, I really am blown away by how beautiful The deck is. But, I feel as though I NEED the illustrated ed. 😆 And, I think the original card stock is fab so for the new edition to be better? Woah.
Love the side-by-side! I have the first edition. Loved it at first but never connected with it. Weirdly, the "photo version" is limiting my intuition (even if I'm a photographer). But the illustration one, close to RWS but with a twist is very interesting! Which I bought that one first! 😂
Impressed with the quality of cards and the addition of the guidebook. I still love love love the original. The photography is stunning, and the atmosphere of it as you mentioned. It made me think of Storm Thorgerson’s artwork when it first came out. I do find new illustrated edition a little bit cartoonish. However, the color selection done nicely for this type of illustrations. I wish the original would be reissued with new card stock, guidebook and just a slight bit of clarity. I had to trim the white borders on mine just so I could handle it.
Came in wanting neither. 14 minutes in now I want both Friggg Dani why you do this to me?! I "don't like photography decks" BUT the photography here is stunning but ALSO some of those drawn versions are so charming... what to do what to DO?!
I'm planning to get this deck for using with my shadow work. The side by side comparison has been really helpful in deciding which edition to commit to, as it's an investment deck for sure! I definitely prefer the original deck, the photographic depictions resonate much more for me. I do think the illustrated version feels much closer to the RWS; as I'm going to be using it as a tool in my own shadow work and not reading for others, this isn't an important factor for me. Off to order the original version and companion book now... thanks for helping me make the decision! 💚🙏🏽
@@DaniMystic I absolutely love this deck! When I opened it the LWB was missing, so I messaged the creator to ask if perhaps there was a print run which left it out. Also to tell him how amazing the images are, the work that went into some of those blew me away! I do photo-collage art too & sent him one of mine (much dafter & not nearly as complex) He replied super quickly, and not only sent me the LWB, also included the guidebook from the illustrated edition and he signed them both to me! What a wonderful surprise 💚😁
thank you Dani 😍 I have been waiting on this one, like probably most others. I love the original so much, also love the new one just as much 🙂 The art is absolutely beautiful. I'm very happy that I already planned to buy this
I've got the original photographic version. It's adored daily. Was sceptical about the illustrated version but they're complimentary. This is awesome. Honeslty, gonna get a copy of the illustrated version
This illustrated edition is really tempting. I don't have the first edition and not tempted. But this one . . . it's beautiful. How do you make the color yellow "haunting"? I love the art style on this new one. Thank you for sharing and the side-by-side really was interesting. Fabulous that the new guidebook now contains the same descriptions as the larger book.
So difficult to choose between these! I think I prefer the atmosphere of the photographic version. Weirdly, I also like the white borders…and I don’t usually like borders! Perhaps it is the contrast between the dark images and that stark white border 🤷🏼♀️. Both are awesome decks though and so nice to have an option. Thank you for this!
Dani…. I’m so claustrophobic and the first edition whenever I pulled it out, gave me like anxiety, but the second edition is so much better for me. And I can see using it for shadow work I think. I just got it a couple days ago so still working out how I will use it but leaning towards shadow work!!!
thank you for doing this comparison! The original deck has been on my list for years. I ignored my gut feelings and listened to reviews saying the deck was too dark, hard to see, etc. and I just kept putting it at the end of my list. The illustrated version seems like a completely different deck to me. The areas that are "too dark to see" adds to the mystery to the first edition. And like in dreams, things are hidden, veiled, unseen and mysterious. That's what makes this deck so compelling. The new version takes all of that mystery away. Seeing all the images makes it a different feeling deck to me. Ordered the original.....finally! Thanks so much for the review!
They are so similar but a whole different vibe. I wouldn't get the first edition because it felt depressing but the colour palette and linework in the second edition make the images shine. It reminds me of my fave version of RWS - the borderless Centennial.
I love photography, I used to take photographs and so the first edition really hit all my spots and this deck is just incredible. I realize it’s not every bodies cup of tea which is why it’s really awesome that he released an illustrated version (which is also gorgeous and I will buy one day lol.) Both versions are just stunning though. Great review, Dani! I have accepted that pretty much all the decks you love & recommend end up in my hands or in my cart to purchase in the near future/very very soon lol.
...thanks❣...somehow the photographic one feels/seems too direct/harsh in me.. it feels like it trickers trauma in a way that feels overly painful... while I am beginning to feel drawn to the illustrated one.. it feels like when I am ready I will know and feel it call me out..
Looking at this a second time because I can’t really decide. I wish they’d combine both with a limited edition of the Illustrated people on the photographic scene backgrounds… I don’t want to lose the rich qualities and movements of the ocean scenes and the illustrated people stand out so much more. Which one is your preferred choice to work with?
I’ll stick with the original. The illustrated just doesn’t call me but i can certainly appreciate the idea of it. Love the backs and the burgundy. Thanks for showing.
I have the original photo deck and love the artistry and atmosphere. I thought I would love the illustrated version but I think it looses the unique quality of the original. I wish the original would be reprinted without borders and lightened up at bit to appreciate the details more.
Hi @danimystic please kindly give me advise, is it better to buy the original photography deck + companion book, or original photo deck + illustrated deck (no companion book). If the illustrated gas small guidebook, we don't need companion book, right? Thank you ❤❤❤
No offense to the creator of this deck, tarot decks are art and I support all styles, it certainly looks like a great quality deck, BUT this deck is giving me nightmares, it's really creepy and when I see all of the other comments saying oh it's so beautiful and wow, I am confused, is it just me? Am I the only one who feels this creepy energy?
Honestly, I’ve never found this deck creepy at all 🤷♀️ Maybe it’s because I don’t see the shrouds as menacing? Idk! But you are certainly not the only person to express that!
The creator has said that his imagery is inspired by his sleep paralysis. And if you've never experienced sleep paralysis, it's terrifying. And some people are attracted to darker art. I think this deck is incredibly beautiful but I am also a person that's attracted to the macabre.
I haven’t been remotely interested in the Illustrated edition because the original moves me in such a deep profound way. And a lot of that has to do with how he captures the tarot in his photography. Then I watched this……Ok Nicolas, take my 💸💸💸
I never got the first edition because it was way too creepy! After watching this, the second edition is a little less creepy because it is illustrated vs a real photograph. Still too creepy for me though. All the sheets and the ropes...its too much for me! Great video. Nice deck for the right person.
I clicked on this so damned fast 😂
I have the photographic deck, and while I appreciate the illustrated, I think I am good with the old version. The pictures are so atmospheric and they mean a lot to me since I grew up around where this deck was photographed. I think you did such a good job of showing the pros and cons of illustrated vs photographic (the vibrancy and clarity is much better in the illustrated) but for me what drew me to the Somnia tarot was the moodiness. Thank you for doing this side by side comparison, it was fun to watch!
Me too!! Thank you so much❣️
I really love this illustrated edition.
At first i thought i made a mistake buying it until i did a side by side flip through and realized just how much more detail shows up in the illustrated that's list in the darkness of the photographs.
I also love the burgundy box and backs. Blue has had a long enough moment in the card community.
The images of the illustrated version feels more archetypal which has a greater impression. But I also can’t deny the level of craft in detail it took to construct and shoot each scene. I wish the photograph version had the backs of the illustrated one and was de-contrasted and brightened with more saturation for the blues.
I don’t have either of these decks and now I want both 😂 For the price, these are wonderful decks!
I’ve been drawn to Somnia for a while, but never took the plunge because of the price. Of all the decks I own or have seen on tarotube, it’s the one I feel I can most easily read intuitively. I’ve decided that I’m getting it for myself next month for my birthday, so I watched this to decide which version I’d get.
I grew up playing with my mom’s old 1970s RWS deck, so the illustrated version does have a more nostalgic familiarity for me, but what I’m discovering from this video is that I FEEL the original Somnia.
I like that some of the details are easier to discern in the illustrated version, but somehow the fact that they more easily pop out of the image seems to take away their impact for me.
I wonder if the “creep factor” that turns so many people off from the original version is the very thing that’s activating my personal intuition so well.
I had no idea they created an illustrated version, and I think that idea is so freaking cool. I don't have the original yet and was a bit worried I'd now want both (not in my budget). Surprisingly, however, I actually prefer the photographic version. I can go with my original plan to get that and pair it with the Death Doula Oracle. However, ya never know, that illustrated deck could find its way to my possession someday. It's beautiful. Thanks for the side by side. It was really helpful.
Darn it Dani! 😆 I was so set on the thought that I wouldn't need the illustrated edition since I already have and love the first edition, but this feels very different. Thank so much for the side-by-side comparison.
I got the First one a long time ago and it spooked me out I gave it away. Then I started seeing more buzz a year later so I got it again 6 months ago and Ive used an oracle with bit to help soften it, now I can use it alone and I love its voice. I recently picked up the Illustrated and Im amazed at how different they are and I love it too. Im happy I have both
Do you feel it reads in a dark way?
I have the first deck, so I wasn't tempted by the illustrated version because I figured it would be like having two copies of the same deck. I still feel that way, but the illustrated version is very well done and beautiful in it's own way. I need to use the one I already have more often! 😅
I can't afford either deck but ot was really interesting to see the choices in the deck art and the way the creator presents the guidebooks. I like the illustrated version because it feels of a RWSy heritage but keeping the symbolism of the photos even if it loses the atmosphere.
I'm waiting to pull the trigger on this... I love the original, I really am blown away by how beautiful The deck is. But, I feel as though I NEED the illustrated ed. 😆 And, I think the original card stock is fab so for the new edition to be better? Woah.
Love the side-by-side! I have the first edition. Loved it at first but never connected with it. Weirdly, the "photo version" is limiting my intuition (even if I'm a photographer). But the illustration one, close to RWS but with a twist is very interesting! Which I bought that one first! 😂
I got them both. I'm sure I will love them.
Impressed with the quality of cards and the addition of the guidebook. I still love love love the original. The photography is stunning, and the atmosphere of it as you mentioned. It made me think of Storm Thorgerson’s artwork when it first came out. I do find new illustrated edition a little bit cartoonish. However, the color selection done nicely for this type of illustrations. I wish the original would be reissued with new card stock, guidebook and just a slight bit of clarity. I had to trim the white borders on mine just so I could handle it.
Oh I would love a redo of the original!
Came in wanting neither. 14 minutes in now I want both Friggg Dani why you do this to me?! I "don't like photography decks" BUT the photography here is stunning but ALSO some of those drawn versions are so charming... what to do what to DO?!
I'm planning to get this deck for using with my shadow work. The side by side comparison has been really helpful in deciding which edition to commit to, as it's an investment deck for sure! I definitely prefer the original deck, the photographic depictions resonate much more for me. I do think the illustrated version feels much closer to the RWS; as I'm going to be using it as a tool in my own shadow work and not reading for others, this isn't an important factor for me. Off to order the original version and companion book now... thanks for helping me make the decision! 💚🙏🏽
Hope you love it!!
@@DaniMystic I absolutely love this deck! When I opened it the LWB was missing, so I messaged the creator to ask if perhaps there was a print run which left it out. Also to tell him how amazing the images are, the work that went into some of those blew me away! I do photo-collage art too & sent him one of mine (much dafter & not nearly as complex) He replied super quickly, and not only sent me the LWB, also included the guidebook from the illustrated edition and he signed them both to me! What a wonderful surprise 💚😁
I like the idea having both. The illustrated version is definitely less haunting but retained its shadow deck aspect. Love it!!!
thank you Dani 😍 I have been waiting on this one, like probably most others. I love the original so much, also love the new one just as much 🙂 The art is absolutely beautiful. I'm very happy that I already planned to buy this
Thank You Danny The Somnia is a wish list deck for me I love the photography, but seeing them side by side I love both 💖
After seeing both decks, I'd be tempted to take the cards I like from both decks and make a full deck of the 'chosen' ones?
I've got the original photographic version. It's adored daily. Was sceptical about the illustrated version but they're complimentary.
This is awesome. Honeslty, gonna get a copy of the illustrated version
This illustrated edition is really tempting. I don't have the first edition and not tempted. But this one . . . it's beautiful. How do you make the color yellow "haunting"? I love the art style on this new one. Thank you for sharing and the side-by-side really was interesting. Fabulous that the new guidebook now contains the same descriptions as the larger book.
So difficult to choose between these! I think I prefer the atmosphere of the photographic version. Weirdly, I also like the white borders…and I don’t usually like borders! Perhaps it is the contrast between the dark images and that stark white border 🤷🏼♀️. Both are awesome decks though and so nice to have an option. Thank you for this!
Dani…. I’m so claustrophobic and the first edition whenever I pulled it out, gave me like anxiety, but the second edition is so much better for me. And I can see using it for shadow work I think.
I just got it a couple days ago so still working out how I will use it but leaning towards shadow work!!!
thank you for doing this comparison! The original deck has been on my list for years. I ignored my gut feelings and listened to reviews saying the deck was too dark, hard to see, etc. and I just kept putting it at the end of my list. The illustrated version seems like a completely different deck to me. The areas that are "too dark to see" adds to the mystery to the first edition. And like in dreams, things are hidden, veiled, unseen and mysterious. That's what makes this deck so compelling. The new version takes all of that mystery away. Seeing all the images makes it a different feeling deck to me. Ordered the original.....finally! Thanks so much for the review!
They are so similar but a whole different vibe. I wouldn't get the first edition because it felt depressing but the colour palette and linework in the second edition make the images shine. It reminds me of my fave version of RWS - the borderless Centennial.
I love photography, I used to take photographs and so the first edition really hit all my spots and this deck is just incredible. I realize it’s not every bodies cup of tea which is why it’s really awesome that he released an illustrated version (which is also gorgeous and I will buy one day lol.)
Both versions are just stunning though. Great review, Dani! I have accepted that pretty much all the decks you love & recommend end up in my hands or in my cart to purchase in the near future/very very soon lol.
I just found your channel and I’m sooooo happy I did!! This video was incredibly helpful, thank you!! 🤍
Both Hierophants with a little book, will stand for a nice Priestess.
...thanks❣...somehow the photographic one feels/seems too direct/harsh in me.. it feels like it trickers trauma in a way that feels overly painful... while I am beginning to feel drawn to the illustrated one.. it feels like when I am ready I will know and feel it call me out..
Looking at this a second time because I can’t really decide. I wish they’d combine both with a limited edition of the Illustrated people on the photographic scene backgrounds… I don’t want to lose the rich qualities and movements of the ocean scenes and the illustrated people stand out so much more. Which one is your preferred choice to work with?
I’ll stick with the original. The illustrated just doesn’t call me but i can certainly appreciate the idea of it. Love the backs and the burgundy. Thanks for showing.
OH for me
❤🔥
I have the original photo deck and love the artistry and atmosphere. I thought I would love the illustrated version but I think it looses the unique quality of the original. I wish the original would be reprinted without borders and lightened up at bit to appreciate the details more.
Agreed. Honestly, I would rebuy if they did. One of the very few decks I would rebuy for
Hi @danimystic please kindly give me advise, is it better to buy the original photography deck + companion book, or original photo deck + illustrated deck (no companion book).
If the illustrated gas small guidebook, we don't need companion book, right?
Thank you ❤❤❤
Illustrated does not need the companion book, it has all the info in its book! The photo one will need the companion book if you want the full text
Thanks @DaniMystic .. i bought the photo and illustrated without book.. 😘
No offense to the creator of this deck, tarot decks are art and I support all styles, it certainly looks like a great quality deck, BUT this deck is giving me nightmares, it's really creepy and when I see all of the other comments saying oh it's so beautiful and wow, I am confused, is it just me? Am I the only one who feels this creepy energy?
Honestly, I’ve never found this deck creepy at all 🤷♀️ Maybe it’s because I don’t see the shrouds as menacing? Idk! But you are certainly not the only person to express that!
The creator has said that his imagery is inspired by his sleep paralysis. And if you've never experienced sleep paralysis, it's terrifying.
And some people are attracted to darker art. I think this deck is incredibly beautiful but I am also a person that's attracted to the macabre.
@@Cedar.and.SulfurI didn’t know this! It all makes sense now… I suffer from sleep paralysis and this looks so familiar to me👌🏼
I was not aware of the new illustrated edition🧐 first commenting then going to watch 🤓🩵
I only found out about it today! I need to visit the creators website more :)