"Now I have only looked at Tap's latest post cursorily and will have a more thorough look later. However, I was amused when he said he couldn't see a magic performance mixing with tarot cards. He should see me at psychic fairs! I am doing the svengali deck and loud! the Buddha through the table all day!"
That made me laugh out loud! Thinking unthoroughly (<--- not a real word), maybe I meant adding a tarot reading to a magic presentation, and not as you say, a magic presentation to a tarot reading?! I'd love to see your shtick!
I guess it was natural for the discussion to go as far as actual readings, psychic abilities, and such (no Gypsy's Curse?), but I really only intended to ask (as a person who does 95% cards) about the influence of a different deck on a performance, and of course the look of cards that match/enhance a themed/storied routine/illusion.
I still think the overall unfamiliarity with tarot cards in general might make a spec not even realize them as such... You know, as far removed from bikes as possible! Most people are only familiar with the 'majors', but the minors are what I'd use in an illusion-card for card-Ace to King (depending on if self-working, the pages or knights can be removed, depending on your gender or just plain preference. That way, you have 4 x 13.
I also have tried some flourishes (cuts & shuffles, no cardistry here) with my bigger cards, and what a huge difference! I feel like if I practice with borderless deviant moons, I can do ANYTHING with 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" !!!
For comparison, these are the 'standard' sizes:
Bridge size (2.25 x 3.5")
Poker size (2.5 x 3.5")
Tarot size (2.75 x 4.75")
Large size (3.5 x 5.75") <--- What uses this size?
P.S. Also, I guess in a larger setting, larger more striking graphics would be useful, too... You don't have to have a persona that is old & witch/wizardy, either. Like Gypsy's Curse, you can use props to enhance and force the imagination to go more willingly on the illusion's story...
P.S.S I also didn't consider the striking differences in the media itself. Most tarot decks are bland, low color palette, and smooth in finish (no air cushion dimpling?!). But some are truly works of art that drop jaws. I have old Marseilles decks that are gold gilded (gilded gold?), and if you can tolerate the heavy Christian/Catholic imagery, the absolutely astonishing Golden Tarot by Kat Black. Each card, majors & minors, is a composite of digitized artwork from art classics, a part from this, a part from that, with the snips put together to form striking imagery. You have to look closely to see that te images are actually parts of all kinds of other images. It took her YEARS to do all 78-and it shows. Not one part of any image is not from a period painting. When specs look at a tarot card, they surely feel differently.
An example:
The 13/Death is a Major Arcana, but you get the point... Look 'em up!
Thoughts?