Here are Stacy’s choices. What can I say, it was a tea sort of day; enjoyed a lightly steeped rhubarb oolong.

Well, today is the perfect day to get cozy in my neighborhood—it’s raining ice. There’s plenty to hate about these far north winters, but every time my spouse and I talk about moving somewhere “nicer” a little part of me freaks out, because at the end of the day, I actually love the snow and the ice. Just look at how beautiful it is!

It’s the perfect weather to hunker down with my cards, some tea (or coffee!) and write a post about this absolutely cozy and creative tag start by Amidst the Grey (original video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8Edc0CRz-I).

1. THE ESPRESSO SHOT: A deck that’s strong, punchy, and gets straight to the point. 

Of all the “drinks”, I struggled with this one the most just because I really like hard-hitting decks with humor, so I got a lot of them. The tarot-tuber Lisa Papez suggested the Deviant Moon Tarot and I agree that it is a great choice, however I tend to personally take this deck very seriously and I don’t really think it “funny” as in a punchy sort of comedy. I DO think that Baba Studio’s The Fantastic Menagerie Tarot is quite hilarious, but it has more sharp wit than “punch” to me. Then I think of the Lubanko Tarot and the Lost Hollow Tarot–decks which really leans into the beauty and wisdom to be found in radical acceptance of the self–again, pretty serious even if they do have a wry sense of humor.

But then there’s the Runic Tarot—this Norse myth inspired deck by the same artist that did the Heaven and Earth Tarot (definitely a wimpy deck by comparison) throws itself all-in with the modern idea of the warrior-cult Viking. It goes 110% on every card. This deck does not take itself seriously at all and has absolutely zero chill about it. The Runic Tarot is an absolute wild ride from start to finish. It’s RWS, but on ‘roids; you want disappointment, you get devastating. You want pretty, you get super sexy. Deception? How about all-out violence. You wanna see things from a different point of view? How about a 180 upside down flip from skis while throwing an axe? This deck will sooner chop off your hand than hold it. It will tell you like it is but it will also make you chuckle in astonishment.

2. THE DRIP: A deck that’s simple, accessible, and gets the job done.

I have several RWS clones that could easily fit into here, like Fyodor Pavlov Tarot, OG RWS, or a really sensible deck like The Golden Wheel, but I chose the Dark Mansion Tarot (the 3rd standard edition). This is the deck I pick when I am unsure of what deck I want, or if I’m doing a generic reading with someone I don’t really know. It’s close enough to the RWS but still very different so it’s just the right amount of traditional without feeling stuffy. It’s not overly esoteric, but still symbol rich. It’s goth-cute, thematically consistent, non-offensive (though not diverse), it’s kind, it’s funny, and cheeky. People not familiar with Tarot seem to really love this deck, and I know it inside and out. It’s my safe bet.

3. THE POUROVER: A deck you need to take your time with, but totally worth the effort.

The obvious choice here is either an esoteric deck or a deck that has its own system, of which I have several of each of these. I chose neither! I chose the Oriens Tarot, a wonderful cosmic animal deck, which is the only Tarot deck that I read the companion book cover to cover. Even being an animal nerd, I really got introduced to the habits and nature of several creatures through this deck, and it’s such a unique animal deck that it is well worth the read (and the book is great!). It’s beautiful, balanced, and only as mysterious as you want it to be.

4. THE CAFE LATTE: A deck that’s well-received, and highly palatable.

So palatable its even cat approved!

I suspect that The Lightseer’s Tarot is often slotted into the Cafe Latte! This was THE deck everyone had to get just a few years ago. I eventually bent to the pressure as well and I’m not even mad about it. Almost everyone has at the very least seen this deck if they aren’t already in possession of it. Of course it is a very modern take on the Tarot. It’s an extremely relatable deck with many kinds of people being represented, so it’s a safe bet to use with someone you don’t exactly know all that well, and it’s an incredibly kind reader. The colors are beautiful and lush, and the images while RWS do not get bogged down in esoteric at all. Easy peasy reader.

5. THE CAPPUCCINO: A deck that’s classic, sophisticated, and maybe a bit fussy.

I was really tempted to put the special 4 edition of Baba Studio The Victorian Romance Tarot as The Mocha, because lets face it, it is SUPER extra. But at the same time, I think of all the Baba decks, the VRT is probably the “classic” Baba Barock deck. The art, especially for collage style of existing art, is incredibly sophisticated, and the readings it gives are sophisticated (if not a bit dramatic). And yes, it’s 100% fussy because it can be.

6. THE MOCHA: A deck that’s rich, indulgent, and a bit extra.

I was really torn between The Slavic Legends Tarot and Baba Studio The Mythical Creatures, and I *think* Lisa Papaz happened to choose the Mythical Creatures , and I must agree with her! This pip style deck is SO detailed and SO much, it’s ridiculous.

The pips are extravagant. The majors and court cards are just mind-blowingly much. You might think the backs are reversible–you’re wrong! Each side of this deck is different, if only in the ultra fine details.

The borders for the major, and the four minor groups are different. It shines and sparkles! This is also the most expensive deck I have in my collection, so it was kinda an easy justification to label it as an “indulgent” deck.

7. THE CORTADO: A deck that’s balanced and objective.

The Ink Witch Tarot is an odd deck for sure. Each card feels like a complete, complex idea by itself without needing to reference any additional cards. Yet it gives you a feeling of unfinished-ness with the very simple line art style and the minimal coloring in sepia tones. Myth, real legends, and modern day humdrum of the selfie culture and the looming threat of nuclear war run tandem to beautiful miniature portraits of nature. This deck seems to ignore all attempts at being put in a box and follows its own rules. It reminds me of a sketchbook of human experiences. There is a heavy sense of justice and righteousness, honor, integrity and empathy that does not shy away from real life social problems. It really invites you to ask yourself “who am I in this picture? Where was I when I experienced this?” Both childlike and nostalgic and also mature and forward thinking, this deck is gentle but also confronting. This is a deck I reach for when I need hard honesty that I know will deliver it in a personal way.

8. THE CON PANNA: A deck that puts you in your place, but with a hint of sweetness.

Of all my decks, The Forhaxa Tarot is the Mom deck. Its emotions are LOUD, it comes on very strong with no question about how it feels in any given card. Villainy and self-serving behavior is clearly portrayed. There is no beating around the bush with the harsh cards, and there is little to question how the fairies feel in each card, the emotion being very evident. It can read as a very critical deck. BUT the optimistic cards are overflowing with hopefulness, and positivity. It’s an absolutely beautiful deck that inspires agency in taking your next steps.

9. THE CHAI LATTE: A deck that’s warm, cozy, and nurturing.

If the Forhaxa Tarot was the mom deck, the Witches Wisdom is the grandma deck. Or perhaps the fairy godmother deck. In any case, this Wiccan deck takes traditional RWS and turns it on its head. Each card, linked to mother nature, gives a snapshot into the fool’s journey back to their true self. Even the hard cards are but a part of the path to learning. It’s just as much about the journey as it is the destination. This deck is extremely kind, but with substance. The accompanying book is absolutely wonderful. This is a wise deck that can give light even to the darkest places.

10. THE MATCHA LATTE: A deck that’s an acquired taste, or a bit unconventional. 

Like Expresso decks, I also tend to collect Matcha Latte decks! There is so many I could put into this category, but seeing as Matcha is associated with all things Japanese, I had to pick the Yokai Yochi Tarot. It would be a very difficult deck if you didn’t have some rudimentary grasp of Japanese culture and lore. It weird. It’s unconventional, and while it is an absolute blast to use in readings, it definitely takes a learning curve and is quite the acquired taste! It’s a very playful, mischievous, if kinda disturbing deck.

11. THE HOT CHOCOLATE: A deck that speaks to a younger version of yourself. 

Being a child of the 90’s, the 90’s goth culture left quite the impression on me as a kid. When I saw the Bloody Tears Tarot on Kickstarter, it instantaneously transported me back into those earlier days when I’d admired as was slightly afraid of the goths! The art style feels very unrefined and is reminiscent of doodling with the three bic pens in my school notebooks. In a way, there’s adult themes that strike a chord with some dark “kids” movies I watched growing up (looking at you The Last Unicorn and The Secrets of NIMH). So moody! So dark! *snort*. Part of me never stopped loving the weird 90’s, and I just love the nostalgia I get with this deck.

12. THE ITALIAN SODA: A deck that’s fun, low-key, and not overly serious.

Because I am part of Tarot Deck Buyers Anonymous, and I keep falling off the wagon in their twelve step program, I only buy tarot decks these days with a ~*”reason”*~ for purchasing them. Is it ever a good reason…? I guess the first step is admitting there’s a problem.

However, I did not hesitate to slam that buy now button for the Bronze edition of The Seasonal Fox Tarot. I had no reason other than I love foxes, Japanese culture, seasons, anal structure systems, and Tarot. It is two very clever decks, and it feels like it was made for me. Every time I’ve used it, it makes me smile.

13. THE HERBAL TEA: A deck that takes things down a notch, or helps you unwind.

I almost didn’t buy The Smoke Ash & Ember Tarot. I really wanted the Oak Ash & Thorn, and had a serious case of FOMO and broke down and got the dragon deck too. But upon opening the box, I immediately felt drawn to TSA&E and have fallen in total love with these whimsical forest dragons! This deck is a rich, deep reader, but there isn’t anything forced at all in the art and its delivered oh so sweetly with cutesy dragons. The colors, while vibrant are still soft, the details are rich, and the expressions of the mythical reptiles are just wonderful. The art is very dream-like. This is the deck I use when I’ve had a hard day and just need a hug.

Phew! What a list! What are YOUR coffeehouse decks?