It’s been a while since we’ve done our own draw hasn’t it?
I’ll be the first to admit that when the weather is really fine, Tarot gets put on the back burner. But we always have nice rainy days I can get cozy with my cards and card friends and make up a fun draw.
I don’t know about you, but when brain storming my own draw, I tend to start with something that sounds really fun and ends up rather serious–thank goodness Val was able to keep me on track!
Here’s a simple spring draw to help you think over your priorities this season and going forwards!
For this draw, I’m using the Fantasy Garden Tarot. I find it intriguing how it uses a unique approach of focusing on the card subject in a landscape setting. It really helps give a “bigger picture” feel to each card.
What needs to go?
What needs to be brushed off?
What needs to be aired out? (as in, you need to leave it alone for the moment and come back to it later)
What needs to be given away? (something you don’t need right now but someone else close to you could use)
What needs to be reorganizes?
What needs to be polished? (what is almost finished but needs some refinement?)
Excuse the skew of the cards, I really wanted to use this scarf but had to fold it up on itself and trying to make it into a flat surface was impossible!
1. What needs to go? Knight of Swords. The constant moving and grooving, the need for immediate action and decisive decision and travel needs to stop this spring! You were moving from one barren place to another to fight the fight with little provisions and preparedness because you had to (notice how the knight has nothing but his horse and cloak! He doesn’t even have a sword!), but that is no longer needed! Time to take a break and chill out!
2. What needs to be brushed off? 3 The Empress. It’s time to brush off that child-like ability to be in wonder with your space and surroundings. It’s time to tap into your creativity and personal growth. Return to your magical happy spaces and places.
3. What needs to be aired out?16The Tower. Your past grievances and grief need airing and recognition. There’s no need to hide behind a “everything is alright” facade. Speak the truth and allow that fire burn. When it dies out, you might find useful things in the rubble and ashes.
4. What needs to be given away? Knight of Wands. Oh, the dearest Knight of Wands that has been my partner since new years! It seems like his usefulness for the moment is at an end. You can give away your brazenness and the courage that is needed to face a difficult situation head-on. Not everything can be solved with bravery. Pass this along to someone else who needs a boost. Encourage others to tap into their internal hero. You’ve learned what you can for the moment, move on to something else.
5. What needs to be reorganizes? King of Pentacles. Time to revisit your financial end-goals! Much has changed in your life, where do you want to be in 10 years? Or more years? You have a masterful grasp on the situation, so utilize this now to plan out your future. Also, consider budgeting travel! There’s much for you to see and learn from! Going unexpected places help teach you life lessons and gives you perspective.
6. What needs to be polished? 8 Strength. I love this strength. We can see the massive angel statue demonstrating a typical kind of strength, but it is only a statue after all. Beside it, this wondrous lady who has mastered a pride of lions demonstrates a different, shows us a terrifying kind of strength! So, polish your strength–you are no longer in need of that brash, primitive knightly energy. Hone and refine your feminine strength: how can your inner strength serve you now going forward?
In addition, I asked a clarifying statement to question 4 (What needs to be given away?) asking “who should I give this brave Kight of Wand energy to? This is what I pulled:
Answer: someone who has fears! Is afraid of fear itself, perhaps? A person in need of bravery. XD thanks Tarot, you really cleared that one up for me!
There seems to be a theme in this reading for me! Slow down, enjoy life, embody Spring. Let things happen, but exercise prudence. Tap into more feminine energies to re-balance from a period of aggressive forward motion. Seems like things will be a little less chaotic in my life!
What things do you need to spring clean according to your deck?
Have you ever started a project, with a really simple idea in mind of how it would look, but once you’re 90% of the way done with it, you decide well, hell, that was easy, lets make this twice as hard! That’s how this tag went for me. What started out as an easy, fun conversation with Val, my fellow tarot aficionado, turned into a whole afternoon of hysterical laughing and not a small measure of inappropriate conversation.
Part of why I am so late to this Tarot-tube tag is I simply went overboard. Not only did I follow the prompts of the tag, but Val and I stole additional ones from others, and made up a bunch of our own.
The Fling: A deck with which you had a short period of wild times.
The Medieval Europe Tarot
I’m grabbing on to the “wild” part of this prompt–I FORCED myself to stop using this deck because from the time I got it to about a month in, it was the ONLY deck I wanted to use. Now I try use it in pretty specific situations. It’s good in that Game of Thrones its-so-violent-you-can’t-look-away good. It’s darkly funny, has wonderful hand-feel, and kinda not nice!
Puppy Love: A deck with which you were infatuated, but couldn’t make a long-term commitment to.
The Oak Ash and Thorn
I don’t think I’ve wanted to love a deck more than I wanted to love this deck. I actually waited a YEAR before finally breaking down and getting it, but when I got it, it was NOT AT ALL a soft fluffy sort of deck! It is really blunt, gets right to the point, and nothing like I imagined it to be. Its a great deck, make no mistake, but I’m still a little butt-hurt it wasn’t what I imagined.
Friends with Benefits: A deck you care about, but sometimes get extremely passionate for.
The Llewellyn Tarot
When I have really vulnerable emotional questions for Tarot, I typically reach for my Llewellyn Tarot. It’s truthful like a friend, but gentle like a good lover. I find that really does it’s job well AND I will linger with it for a long time. What might be a three card reading turns into a multi long spread that I spend time with soaking up the various imagery and thoughts that come from the spread. I also tend to find its readings are eerily true.
Love At First Sight:A deck you loved from the start. (Self explanatory)
Seasonal Fox Tarot
That was the shortest amount of time I’ve ever took to think of purchasing a deck! It just includes so many things that I love, it was a no-brainer. Foxes? Check. Japanese myth and cultural references? Check. Bright colors? Check. TWO DECKS IN ONE WITH A DARK AND LIGHT VERSION??? Yes ma’am! Corresponding seasons with the various major and minor arcana that can make a panorama? OH HELL YEAH!
One Night Stand:A deck you tried out, but moved on from almost immediately. Sometimes, you still think about that deck.
The Threads of Fate Oracle
It was so beautiful. I tried to love it! I tried for nearly three years, but I couldn’t. I just did not connect with the imagery nor the keywords nor the messages. I sent it to a long deserved loving home.
“We Were On a Break!”: A deck you’re separated from for any reason.
Moonlight Tarot by Inessa Bondarenko
We shouldn’t be on a break! I don’t know why we are–I think I was trying to use other decks more and set this one aside. I freaking love this deck! It’s going into my April monthly decks!
Marriage Material: A deck that has proven its value to you.
Ask The Witch Tarot
I feel like I have an unfair amount of decks that I can slot into this category! Even though I’ve had this deck for a very short time and I haven’t used it nearly as extensively as other decks, AND the cardstock leaves much to be desired, I just cannot get over how wonderfully unique the art of this deck is. It marches proudly to its own beat even though it is still traditional enough to be a super easy and blunt reader. I find this deck both fascinating and down to earth and very funny. It is a deck I could bring on a three month vacation and never get tired of it.
Happily Ever After: Your true love in a deck.
The Slavic Legends Tarot
Its beautiful, it feels GREAT, it’s compassionate, its complex, its a little mysterious, it’s the deck out of fairy tales! I could spend hours looking at all the art and images and am always wanting more. I’ve heard there’s a fan who is compiling all the stories she’s familiar with and I’m ecstatic to read them one day!
And this is where the official tag ends and we became unhinged. Val and I had such a good time with this tag, we borrowed some suggestions others made and came up with several of our own:
Friendly Ex: A deck who is still a reliable friend even though you are no longer in love.
Trionfi della Luna, Illustrated pips edition
I purchased this deck last year and I was just OBSESSED with its silly, devil may care attitude. I loved it so much I got both the standard and the black inverse edition. It has such a shameless humor it makes me smile even when the reading is bad. While I’ve moved on in my obsessions, it is still very dear to me, and it always brightens my day when I use it.
Soul Connection: The deck you thought was only a crush and ended up connecting more deeply with.
The Oriens Tarot
This animal deck just really tickled a lot of my fancies in art and tarot. It is not what I’d consider an easy reader, but it really helped me develop my tarot reading skills and bring them to the next level. I find that of all my decks, this one is the most accurate reader and it’s very neutral and beautiful. I would never have guessed that I’d so completely fall for this deck.
It’s Not You, It’s Me: The deck whose value you see, but just cannot connect with.
Visconti di Modrone Tarot
This deck is arguably the most beautiful deck I own, and, I’ll be honest, I dislike pip decks. I thought that its historical intrigue and significance would lead me to start learning it and push through the difficulties like I did with the Sola Busca, but I just can’t. I like to look at it, and I’ll ask it financial related queries, but that’s about it.
Platonic Love Pact: The “if we’re still single at 40 we’ll get married” deck XD!
The Spacious Tarot
I am so fond of this deck, loyal, simple, honest, it’s my Samwise Gamgee deck. While I’m not head over heels in love with it, it’s so reliable and personable, I’ll certainly have it at 40!
Enemies to Lovers: A deck you hated, now love
The True Black Tarot
I really loved it when I first saw it, my husband bought it as a gift to me and my first reading with it was SO TRUE AND SO MEAN! It took me some diligent work and time, but now I freaking love this deck. It would be a deck I save from a house fire no doubt.
The Failed Relationship: A deck you had such high hopes for but it let you down in every way imaginable–its not you, its THEM!
Sefriot Tarot
I feel like I need to write a whole rant review about this fricking deck/game/Kickstarter fail. This deck had such potential and promise that I put good money into, and the developers just totally dropped the ball and as a result it’s a POS that I vindictively hang on to so as to write a review some day. The art work is great, but everything else was such a huge FAIL it’s hard to get over.
The One That Got Away: You had a chance to get this deck, but you didn’t and you regret not taking a chance.
I mean, the title is pretty self-explanatory. I waffled because I’d never had a deck that was so quirky. Major loss on my part.
The Widow Deck: The deck you got because you lost a person in your real life, or the deck reminded you of them or otherwise helped you move on from a relationship ending.
The Forhaxa Tarot
This strong, feminine deck helped me process and move on from my mother’s death. I still think of it as a “Mom” deck.
The Slow Burn: A deck that takes a lot of time to get you “warmed up” but is well worth the wait!
The Nameless One Tarot
I’ll keep saying it, this deck requires time and effort, but it is so worth it! A wonderful, witchy, symbolic-rich deck that still is rather simple in its imagery. It’s definitely not a deck you can do a “quick-ie” reading with, but if you need something deep late at night to help you get to sleep with a clear head, this is my deck.
Out of My League: A deck that you’re simply not a skilled enough as a reader yet to grasp.
The Mary El
Maybe one day! In a way, I’m glad I have this deck because it reminds me that there is a point in which I give up trying to understand a deck, and this reminder prevents me from buying other modern, heavy handed esoteric decks I really want to be able to read but won’t put in the effort to learn.
The Toxic Relationship: A deck that you’ve done stupid things for or because of, or has otherwise elicited bad emotions/behaviors.
The Fyodor Pavlov
Let me explain myself…I wanted this deck SO BAD, and I was not using Kickstarter when it was on Kickstarter, so I had to buy it when it was limited indie print released prior to US Games releasing the deck. The decks sold INSTANTLY on Etsy, and thank goodness he did staggered releases because I’d hit the refresh and it would say SOLD OUT. It took me FOUR tries, setting my alarm to get up or set aside my work and try to snag a copy. Honestly, while the indie version is slightly nicer cardstock, I should have just waited for the mass market release.
Left You at the Alter: A deck that consistently leaves you hanging unresolved in a reading no matter how many cards you pull.
The Cosma Visions Tarot
Okay so perhaps I haven’t dedicated the time to learning this decks own unique structure, but that is due to, at least in part, the fact that this beautiful tarot/oracle deck never gives me even a remotely straight answer! It’s so fricking whimsy and all over the place and not at all rooted in any system I’m familiar with and so handwave-y, every reading I do I end up feeling frustrated and let down. But it’s SO beautiful!
Look but don’t touch!: The deck you have fantasies of using, but understand its very surface level and risks turning into a fling.
I’m not a Thoth gal. I have only minimal Thoth decks (ah-hem, Mary El), and it’s not exactly a system I’m chomping at the bit to learn, but gosh darn it am I so intrigued with the Tabula Mundi!
The Kink: A deck that toes the line of too edgy for you to feel totally comfortable with, but you still like using to experiment.
The Lost Hollow Tarot
This is a deck of radical acceptance and totally turns traditional ideas of gender and sexuality on its head. I find it a deck that asks me “but what if…” and I love it for that! And it does suggest various “kink” flavors in a very respectful way. It’s kind of a bad ass deck, imo.
The Hot and Cold Lover: A deck that waffles between extremes and you are uncertain what it will give you.
The Fantastic Menagerie
I mean, this should not surprise anyone. This wry deck spares no one from its scathing remarks, but it also is dead honest and isn’t afraid to tell you good job, and when you hear that, it means all the more because you know how nasty it can get.
I Can’t Take You Anywhere!: A deck that is so over the top dramatic you don’t feel comfortable using it for reading for others.
The Bloodmoon Tarot
I love this deck. A lot. Perhaps more than I should. But I’ll be honest, it is so raw and over the top that I cannot use this in the public sphere. It hits so hard in every card, I could easily see this deck making someone cry. Not for the faint of heart at all.
My Secret Lover: A deck you don’t want to share with anyone and are even hesitant to tell others you have.
The Lubanko Tarot
Like the Bloodmoon Tarot, this deck is very raw. To me, it’s almost as if the deck means the reversal or “dark” meanings to all the cards. It’s the shadow-self deck in a way. It really challenges me and lets me safely explore, but it is very edgy and I feel like I might be judged by other tarot nerds if I mention I have it and use it.
You Could Do Better: A deck that is undeserving and you’ve probably already ditched.
The Tarot of Cloister (knock off)
I don’t have this in my possession any more, but I purchased this knock-off deck through Etsy. I learned a valuable lesson: if a deck price is too good to be true, it probably is a knock off. Yep, I got scammed! I can do better than that ;-).
First Love: The first deck that made you fall in love with Tarot.
The Shadowscapes Tarot
I had to pick the lovely large Czech version to highlight here. I was introduced to this deck by Val, and after watching her for years use it, I received a copy from my partner and then my obsession for tarot and card art began!
Did anyone else do this tag? What decks are you crushing for these days?
Clockwise from top left: The Yokai Yochi Tarot, Moonlight Tarot, The Wild Child Oracle, Fantasy Garden Tarot, Into The Void: The Black Cat Tarot
April is the month of the Trickster. At least in my world. While I don’t take April Fool’s day seriously, it apparently takes ME very seriously. Already my month and plans have been totally upended. This is by no means a new thing for me–every April seems to be just full of the unexpected, for good and bad. This year is no exception. BUT that means I have an excuse to bring out some really fun decks! Several of these I’ve been waiting ALL FRICKING WINTER LONG to use them and now I wait no more!
Apparently its the month of black and yellow decks… Front to back, Yokai Yochi, Fantasy Garden, Into The Void, Wild Child Oracle, Moonlight
This month, from working on the #DeckCrush tag, I was reminded of my much beloved Moonlight Tarot. This little-known, loosely RWS deck that is made by a Ukrainian artist and is only available from her Etsy page (https://www.etsy.com/shop/Ilisvidess) it possibly the most underrated deck I know of. It reminds me of the 90’s and has some major unexpected twists on the meaning of cards. I just love this deck to pieces, and even went so far as to edge it in black (poorly). From this deck I drew possibly the raddest 7 of Wands ever, and man-oh-man is it a properly timed 7 of Wands; this bloodied rose faced an opponent and though it is fragile its thorns defends its gate from intruders–defend and fight for what is rightfully yours! Don’t give up in the face of adversity.
Then I was so pleased to choose the Into the Void tarot, a minimalist, hilarious deck of just black cats and all their antics. I feel like because this deck is so simple it can be a challenge to use, but at the same time, if you know cats you’ll just “get” some of the more puzzling cards! Are cats not the ultimate tricksters? For this month (also very appropriate) I pulled 10 Wheel of Fortune. Remember that you have little control how things go in life, good things and bad things come to pass, it is important to be able to roll with whatever the situation brings. I love on this wheel how it feels very much like The World with reference to the four elements.
Then, to cool things off a little, I added The Wild Child Oracle into the mix because I’ve been itching to use it. I pulled the beautiful XXXI Reverie–remember to keep dreaming, if you get too caught up in just putting out fires and going from one thing to the next, you’ll lose your guiding star. Be mindful of self care and set aside mental breaks during the day and to treat your sleep time as important rest periods. Like, turn your phone off before bed!
I wanted to throw a happy, bright, spring deck in the mix, so I added this newly arrived Kickstarter deck, The Fantasy Garden Tarot. It’s exactly as it sounds; a semi RWS clone with a fantasy twist. This deck is by the same artist that did the Bloody Tears Tarot, and they stuck with their Bic pen sketches. I’m realizing I really love the unfinished feeling of this art style, and again, I get some 90’s fantasy vibes from this deck! While it’s FAR more traditional than their Bloody Tears deck, The Fantasy Tarot does take its own sort of unusual twist on the standard RWS meanings. It’s a very calm deck, all considering. I drew the page of swords from this deck and it’s a very peaceful page of swords indeed! I do like how he has a chaperon wrapped around his head, it reminds me of the famous sketch of Fiore dei Liberi, the sword master from the early Renaissance. With that in mind, my deck seems to be reminding me that while I’m perhaps not as active right now, I still need to be mindful of my student role in my various studies–bad-assery was never accomplished by passive learning!
Last but certainly not least, I have the beautiful Yokai Yochi Tarot. This was the first deck I KNEW I needed to have in this months line up. Yokai, local Japanese spirits and supernatural beings, cavort across its cards doing various nefarious or silly things. With its charming, minimalist, and very Japanese sensibility, this puzzling deck takes the meanings of RWS and turns them upside down, almost like a shadow-self of the meanings, but in a very don’t-take-yourself-too-seriously kind of way. The mysterious three legged crow in the sun card that I drew for this month is indeed a portent–a myth based on a literal crow that calls to predict the future! It brings good tidings, but a reminder that we often manifest what we believe the future will bring in self-fulfilling prophesies, whether we mean to or not. I have to admit, this card is one of my favorites in the whole deck and I’m quite happy to see it!
My month’s reading is all over the place! Stand your ground even against the things that change without your permission. Retreat and find guidance in your dreams and wishes, be ever a mindful student even if you don’t exactly know what you’re doing, and expect success even if that isn’t what you are seeing or experiencing!
What about YOUR April? Do you have certain experiences in this month? Are you drawn to a certain deck?
While the spring equinox was last week, you sure couldn’t tell here in the frozen north! The “first day of spring” was snowing, freezing rain, and generally sucked. HOWEVER today is starting to feel like a serious turn in the weather! The sun is SO WARM! The snow piles are actually shorter than me! There’s some straggly grass appearing! The pastures are turning into poop soup! Ah, spring! How we’ve missed you!
This draw was suggested by Val, taken from the Ostara Vernal Equinox draw by The Word Witch (found here: https://www.thewordwitchtarot.com/post/tarot-spread-for-ostara-spring-equinox). I’ve taken the draw word for word, so full credit goes to The Word Witch. Go check out their site and all their tarot goodness they have to offer!
THE YOLK: What has been gestating all winter, ready to be born?
THE SHELL: What limiting beliefs or old structures am I ready to break through & leave behind?
THE CRACK: How do I break through the shell and open to transformation & rebirth?
THE SUN: What awakens & nourishes me this season?
THE SONG: How to speak my truth & embody my light this season.
THE WING: What new journey or opportunity invites me this Spring?
I’ll be using the Seasonal Fox Tarot, both the day and night decks in conjunction, because a) I absolutely love this deck and b) I love the way “seasons” have been integrated into the majors and minors and it seems appropriate to incorporate a seasonal theme given the equinox.
1. THE YOLK: Queen of Swords, Day. This queen of swords seems so care free here, with the wind in her face and spring coming to her, almost as if it’s blowing the winter and clouds away. Hardy butterflies who don’t seem to mind the cold flit around her. You patience has paid off, you are free now to use your skills you’ve honed, and to use your thought and judgement freely in pursuit of a new life. Don’t doubt yourself, you’ve proven your grit by getting through the worst of it and coming out a better person (with great and inspiring friends!). A new metaphorical spring is on your horizon!
2. THE SHELL: XIX The Sun, Night. Oh I just LOVE this deck and all the strange things that come up when using two decks together like this! I need to leave behind the old belief that in order for there to be light in my life there must be darkness. While it is true that life gives both joy and sorrow, I (and I suspect many others) have this belief that sorrow is required to feel joy; NO! I can feel lightness and joy in my situation DESPITE the darkness, not BECAUSE of it.
3. THE CRACK: XVII The Star, Day. To achieve your next breakthrough, keep following your dreams, guiding principles, and your hopes! Even when they are difficult to pin down and see, do not doubt that they are there leading you on to a better self. You know in your heart what is right and wrong for you, no one else.
4. THE SUN: King of Wands, Day (very Sun energy, much wow). Your creative vision, execution of your passion, dedication, and honoring yourself by sticking to your plan will get your butt into action and keep you going this season! Graduate from the knight of wands you were seeing earlier this month and be your own fire. Be your own leader of your own life!
5. THE SONG: Page of Pentacles, Night. To speak your truth and embody your own light, be ever the student, eager and willing to learn, to try their hand at something new even at the expense of possible failure. Cleverness comes at the cost of times failed. Try, try, and try again until you get it right–the experience is not only rewarding but worth it’s weight in gold. You may feel alone in your journey, but that shouldn’t stop you from attempting new ideas nor celebrating your successes.
6. THE WING: I The Magician, Night. Now is the journey of yourself! You are free, unfettered, you have all the tools you need to succeed, and all the help you need to safely venture forth. You are now the master of your fate. Dawn is around the corner; be ready to start the new day!
What a gung-ho reading! With three major arcana, and three court cards, with it being evenly split between day and night, this deck seems to want me to embrace my spring future.
Have you done a spring reading? What did your decks have to say?
When you’re kawaii on the outside, but metal AF on the inside. Purchased 2020
Overall: 8/10 This was my first deck I purchased for myself—I saw someone using it on YouTube and I HAD TO HAVE IT! Who knew the artist and I live in the same city—that just made it all the more appealing and I bought a copy for my friend too to support local art! Adventurous and sweet it has a SUPER KAWAII! color pallet that would make this unpalatably fluffy if it wasn’t steeped in dark worldly fairy tales. I find this a very gregarious deck, approachable, with a very good sense of humor, like your friend who’s down for brunch or bar food at any time of the day. It’s incredibly friendly and very personal, but happy to lay on bad news when it needs to (and it will deliver in the cutest way possible!).
I take issue with some of the wand cards being pip-ish, and I wish there were as cohesive “stories” in the wands that we see in the pentacles, swords, and chalices. But after using this for such a long time, this feels like a very minor complaint because the wands do have their own subtle story, if you pay attention.
I have to admit, that when I need a pick-me-up I reach for this deck–it’s such a happy, vibrant deck that even when it lays on the bad news, I still leave the reading feeling uplifted.
Card Quality: 3/5 Better than the standard Llewellyn. The edges tend to want to fray a bit, but the back has a metallic lavender pearly sheen that is quite pretty, and the silk finish matting is easy to shuffle. There was some very minor damage when my new, unopened cards came but I didn’t bother asking for an exchange because I knew with use this would be no longer noticeable.
The Star Spinner has some of the most beautiful backs of all my decks! I just love it!
Readability: 4/5 Okay, so the wands feels like the neglected suite of the cards since nearly everything else has quite a rich fairy tale vibe if not direct reference and interesting color story. It’s really easy to interpret the standard meaning from the artistic spin, with the exception of the wand which is the suite dominated by fairies. They don’t have the same sort of story and detail dedicated to each card, and to me that’s a huge let down. The chalices seem to be the most integrated, following just the singular (dark) story of the little mermaid, while the swords and pentacles draw from a variety of different folk lore. There’s plenty of things to notice and observe in each card to help make the reading very intuitive.
The Wand Court; one of these things is color-theme not like the others…
Art 5/5: I got a lot to say here so hold on! This is an inclusive deck with a LGTBQ focus and I love using all the lovers cards. I do think the variety of cards makes me focus on what parts of my masculinity/femininity are in play. This deck has received some criticism for not having “enough” representation (perhaps in light of the Modern Witch Tarot?), but I guess I was very pleased with the representations, and I don’t think the artist should be faulted here. Also, I view most of the mermaids to be “thicc” women, and I don’t think people are seeing them in that light.
The colors are stunning, very fluffy, expressive, and rather bombastic which works well with the otherwise simple art style. There’s a lot of symbology, but not nearly as much as Shadowscapes, but certainly enough for me to work well with. People who are very organized and sensitive to color-use will be mad that the king of wands is a different color scheme than the rest of the suit–I noticed it right away but it didn’t bother me, but it DOES piss my friend off.
Favorite Card: So far its a tie between the charming Page of Chalices, a mermaid speaking to a puppy with a sunset and mountain cabin in the background, and the Knight of Swords. This amazing knight is very feminine with wings starting intensely at their longsword—I sense a trend of loving sharp pointy things…
Least Favorite Card: The Eight of wands—I need something here, I feel this was a “I give up” on the artist’s part.
Card I identify as: I have to say, I feel really drawn to the 4 variations of the lovers–I feel as if all these iterations speak to my inner female/male duality and how this plays out in the world with my relationships–I really “get” the art.
Card the deck identifies me as: The Queen of Swords—she’s very unnerving, with a white snake of wisdom draped over her shoulders (my Chinese zodiac, and also a common eastern witches’ familiar) she’s BITING PETALS OFF A ROSE! JEEZUS THAT’S METAL A.F.! She’s also the scariest card, maybe followed by the seven of swords which is delightfully dastardly.
Boxes it Checks: Fairy tale, Mermaids, Cute, Bold, Feminine, Bright, Diverse, Simple, Love Readings, Personal
Seasons: Late Winter/Early Spring: the pastels and brilliant colors really make me think happy Ostara thoughts!
Similar Decks: Cosmic Slumber Tarot, The Tarot of the Divine, The Modern Witch Tarot, R.Black Tarot, Silicon Dawn Tarot, Next Word Tarot, Fairy Tale Tarot (Korean publisher), The Ellis Deck Tarot, The Wandering Star Tarot, The Luna Sol Tarot
I do my best not to judge a deck by it’s box, but lets just take a moment to appreciate this incredible art!
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!
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?
Top: Seasonal Fox Tarot Day and Night Bronze editions. Bottom left to right: The Black Violet Tarot Deluxe Edition, Tarot Mucha, Baba Studio’s The Fantastic Menagerie Tarot
Ah March. Not really winter, definitely not spring, it is the month of slush and ice. Some years we get really lucky and have beautiful Marchs, but most years its a smattering of sun with a lot of drear. It’s the month I need some pep!
It was not hard picking decks for this month. I recently have received several Kickstarter decks along with some preordered decks, so I have a lot of newness to explore as far as cards go!
If you cannot tell by the opening picture, I like big decks and I cannot lie! Actually, this beauty is a recent acquirement, but a deck I’ve been longing to exist in the world—this is the Seasonal Fox Tarot, but it isn’t just a single tarot, its the Day and Night variations smashed together into one really-too-big-to-be-proper deck. Not only is there a “dark” and “light” variation of each card, but each card has an associated season (as do the minors), and can make panoramas. And, um, KITSUNE! There are so many little tiny details that went into making this not-your-everyday-RWS clone that I feel like this deck was made just for me. I’m totally obsessed with this double-deck and I’ll have to do a proper full on review by the end of the month.
Because this is actually TWO decks I’m using as one giant deck (that’s awkwardly shuffle-able), I pulled TWO cards—and I pulled two night cards at that! The first, the four of swords, tells me that I need to let the mind take a break! Appropriate that we see the Inari statue standing stoically in the snow, but still given the winter bib! I can see this four of swords at night speaking to letting the racing mind rest, as in stop over thinking things. Then the second card is the two of wands. Can we just have a moment to appreciate the wands are SUMIE brushes??? The brushes remain unused, and the fox stares out into the Milkyway. Now is a time to consider the possibilities of your projects and passions! Time to get your feet wet and just try things out!
Another new deck that made it just in time to be part of my monthly decks (I feel I jumped into the deep end choosing three new decks to try to learn in the same month), is the stunning The Black Violet Tarot. This is the PERFECT March deck—its the only true black and white deck I own, and its by far the most minimal. It’s both stark but references some profound motherly sort of creativity—much like the stark March here that only gives glimpses of spring. I can tell just from using this deck a few times that this will be a deck that I grow with. I really love how calm this deck reads, and how the simple shapes lead the eye around the card.
I pulled the Knight of Wands from The Black Violet Tarot. What an interesting Knight of Wands! The rider wears a helmet, yet she does not have a lance but a witch’s wand! This Knight of Wands seems to be saying “Do not worry if your path seems unorthodox, if you’ve done your due diligence, there’s nothing to stop you from charging forward!”
And, because spring is supposedly around the corner, I had to choose my quintessential spring deck, which is the once outrageously popular Tarot Mucha. This extremely feminine deck, while not exclusively portraying feminine figures like The Black Violet, is everything the simplistic Black Violet is not; chintz, floral patterns, grandmas dishes, a riot of pastels and a general Art Nouveau–muchness. I’ve had this deck a long time and it’s a really easy RWS reader with a strange tongue-in-cheek sort of humor that will be much needed in the days of snow ahead.
Here I pulled the Seven of Wands—while I usually think of this card as a defensive card, this variation seems to be a rather successfully defended hill! The man looks skyward to the rising or setting sun with no noticeable signs of harm to him. Perhaps this card is leaning more towards the idea that you have what it takes to defend your hill, rather than the notion imminent defense is needed. You got what it takes!
And finally, the bright and snappy Fantastic Menagerie Tarot. While Baba Studio’s has designed many iconic decks, this one is perhaps the most unique; the artists took historic French cartoon drawings (that were pretty politically charged at that) and slotted a collage of them into the tarot system. This deck is clever, funny, and frankly, kinda mean. I definitely consider it a “darker” reader deck, but wrapped up in pretty spring colors and shiny foil. There’s a reason that this is such a divisive deck!
It seems that the Queen of Wands is following me around this month as well! You are high-spirited, imaginative, shine brightly and are charismatic. If you can use wisdom and are compassionate (and are not self-obsessed) you will garner friends that will help you reach your goals. There are not enough hours in the day for you. It is better following your own heart than what convention tells you to do.
Well, quite the wand energy this month! Lots of opportunity for creativity to flourish! And a good time to stop getting hung up in my own head!
or Running House Press “Tarot” mini deck. Review by Stacy
Is this even Tarot?
Acquired 2011. There are two versions, one with ultra mini folded accordion cards and a large book, and this semi mini version with a (admittedly really tough) tuck box, a LWB, and an absolutely useless paper foldout spread.
Overall: 5/10 Well, yes, this IS Tarot, despite first glance! This was my first deck of Tarot cards. My mother bought these for herself from Barns & Nobel to play a fortuneteller during a Halloween Party. I ended up “inheriting” them (i.e. saved from the landfill) when she was done. I didn’t “understand” the cards at the time and after flipping through them maybe a dozen times, they ended up collecting dust on my bookshelf for several years. Now with some Tarot under my belt I find this quite a cheeky little deck.
Size comparison to a standard tarot deck.
This works well as a very compact traveling deck since I cannot bring myself to purchase another mini version of a deck I’d otherwise want in full size. It does its job. While it’s my “first” deck and I’m not going to get rid of it, I also don’t reach for it in my normal daily readings and sentimentality keeps it on my bookshelf.
At first this deck comes off as childish, but the more you work with it, the more mature and clever you realize it is. Much in the way fairy tales are “meant” for children, the themes can be quite dark. It has a sort of “comic strip” feeling to it as you read from one card to the next, like a medieval stain glass comic, with some Punch and Judy feel. There’s also quite a bit of myth/story lore embedded in the images.
I always think of the Redwall book series when I use it, though I cannot say why. Would I buy this deck again? Probably not. Am I going to get rid of it? Ungh…
I appreciate the suits being organized by color. Also, you can see how there are typical RWS imagery in some cards (like the VIII of Pentacles and IX of Cups) but then the VIII of wands is a ship’s helm and the King of Swords is referencing Aesop’s fable the Fox and the Grapes . This deck is all over the place.
Card Quality: 2/5 The compact size, more of a square than rectangle, is really pleasant to use and the card stock is very durable. And that’s kinda where it ends—these things STICK to one another and shuffling is incredibly difficult. BUT they are fairly waterproof because of the heavy, weird coating, so there’s that. This does loan itself well for jumpers so I don’t have to sit around waiting for cards to appear.
You can see here some cards are very RWS reminiscent (like Temperance and The Tower) and others are completely doing their own thing (The Fool and The Star)
Readability: 2.5/5 I’m a bit on the fence. The deck seems to use some Thoth and some Rider-Waite interpretations, and other cards are just totally “Eh…?” But, on the other hand, the major and minor divisions are color coded on the corners so it actually is pretty easy to see at first glance what “corners” your issue is coming from, which is awesome.
The back design is arguably the best part of this deck—its SO charming!
Art: 4/5 I actually have learned to really like this folksy art style. The images are very simple with bright colors, and the backs are GORGEOUS! Some of the more non-traditional images are delightful to sit with and see where your intuition takes you, other cards I simply just don’t “get.” I will admit that I’m really fond of the backs of these cards!
The delightfully violent V of Swords and the odd Emperor.
Favorite Card: I really like the five of swords with this one!
Least Favorite Card: IV The Emperor–does anyone know why he’s a boot??? Can someone help me out here?
Season: Late Summer, Early Fall (got that old time harvest folksy vibe going for it!)
Boxes it Checks: Folk Art, Fairy Tale, Odd, Mini, Charming, Travel
Similar Decks: The Kawaii Tarot, Trungles the Very Little Tarot (which if I had the choice I’d get this one instead)
Gifted to me 2018, and after a Tarot card vandal (see above) destroyed several cards (one aptly chosen) gifted again 2020.
Overall: 8/10 Awesome sauce. This is my only deck I’ve needed to replace due to wear and tear (so far). I used this deck until the edges frayed. The cat chewed through the devil of my first deck and maimed several cards so I acquired a second one (dearest husband gifted both to me! It’s a special deck for sure!)
Being my “first love” deck maybe I’m a little bias. Dreamy, ethereal, but dark enough to not feel fluffy. A bit aloof in that Tolkien elven sort of way, it never feels too personal when things are a bit overcast.
Maybe I was lucky (or unlucky) that the Shadowscapes Tarot is the first deck I learned Tarot from for almost a year before exploring other decks. In a way, starting out with a semi-nontraditional RWS helped me learn how to really sit with an image and think, rather than learning the route RWS meaning. My friend who started reading Tarot about four years before me used this deck almost exclusively and I came to love it when handling it with her.
This version is standard tarot size, with unobtrusive silver borders. Like everyone else on the face of the planet I would happily throw egregious amounts of money for a copy of the deck if the cards were borderless, bigger, with the most amazing cardstock in the world because they are absolutely works of art, each one filled with a unique story and symbolism to the point your eyes cannot even see it! (Spoiler alert: I did discovered the Czech version! Review coming soon.)
I’ve seen others say that Shadowscapes is not beginner friendly and I disagree—there’s so much to work with that piecing together a story for one card, let alone a set of cards, is very easy, not to mention easy on the eyes. It’s just takes time. The accompanying big guide book is great. If you’re easily overwhelmed visually, then yes, perhaps choose another deck.
Starting with such a symbol-rich deck I now heavily rely on a muchness of symbols and pictures and storytelling to put together a cohesive spread in most decks I pick up. It’s the simpler decks that tend to challenge me!
Abused cards—wear, tear, puncture wounds.
Card quality: 2/5 Eh, kinda works. The cards need to be bigger. They’re really prone to bending and being damaged so if you really like this one, spring for an extra set to replace cards as needed (or hunt down the Czech version).
Just LOOK at all the minute detail! I think this two of swords is hands down my absolute favorite–just look at all those things going on around that defensive figure! This classically stagnant card just breaths life here. And check out this mysterious unmasked yet still masked moon; there’s fungus fairies I’ve never even seen until I enlarged this photo on my computer!
Readability: 5/5 I challenge someone to find a modern, RWS fantasy deck with more individual symbolism chalked into each individual card, even the minor non-court cards. It can feel overwhelming (and difficult to see if you don’t have perfect vision) until you really sit with the card and stare at all the details and then…it just clicks. Definitely not a slap-n-dash sort of reader! While this definitely follows the RWS system, many of the cards have a different (albeit related) take, so IF you rely on RWS imagery this might be a good deck to start breaking out of that box.
Dreamy, ethereal, but not fluffy, I would not call this a particularly “earthy” deck though the nature element is very present. It’s a gentle reader without being suffocating in positivity. All the creatures feel very “perfect” and a bit aloof. Heavy in symbolism, and despite having fantastical creatures in a dream like world, the art does feel relatable to the real world.
The spreads this deck creates is just a feast for the eyes! If you need a deck you want to spend time just ogling this is an excellent candidate.
Law does fantastic job at capturing body shape, movement, and angles which give life to otherwise traditionally stagnant cards, with one notable exception–the six of wands. This also being my least favorite card, felt like the one card that the artist did not feel any inspiration towards. The figure of the man holds the laurel crown out at a weird, unnatural angel. The artist obviously doesn’t have good feelings towards the card either because the world is a muted, muddied battlefield of green/grey/brown against the otherwise brilliant suite of wands. After learning from several other decks, I do have to admit, I do not have such a bleak view of the six of wands.
Art: 4/5 So the art itself is stunning BUT I do want to acknowledge that all the bodies are more or less the same and there is little representation of people of color (outside of one brown woman and a few Asian peoples) in here. I don’t see any indication of LGBTQ+ or gender nonconforming representation either. I feel some of the masculine cards (like five of swords) DO feel more feminine than they could have been portrayed. I did feel the need for a diverse deck and have looked elsewhere to fill that void.
There’s a maturity about Shadowscapes that for fantasy art is a relief. I love me some fae, but I hate how some artists make female fairies “slutty/hyper sexual” for no good reason and this deck doesn’t even come close to that sort of feeling, though there is some tasteful and sensible nudity: the seven of pentacles comes to mind but unless you were looking for nipples, you might mistaken the nymphs tattoos for a shirt. Also strength is naked too, but that makes sense to me because vulnerability is part of inner strength. Five of Pentacles shows exposed breast, which makes sense for the card.
The challenging cards in this deck are pretty gentle, perhaps the most difficult being the Three of Swords.
Every card is welcoming and gentle and genteel, there’s few critical, mean, or scary card in the deck: three of swords is an impaled swan, and the eight of swords is a distressed trapped swan, but these come off as more dark metaphors that actual violence inducing. Death is a Phoenix, and the tower is clearly an act of nature on a sturdy (wooden) artifice of nature so you don’t have to shoulder the blame for “building a weak foundation” as the Tower seems to be interpreted these days. My favorite card, the five of swords is by far the most “violent” imo, since that angel is clearly swooping down to kick ass and take names, ask questions later.
The book gives both interpretive positive/negative readings of the artwork without the concreteness of reversals–but honestly I use reversals (with intuitive interpretations) in this deck because the back loans itself well and the artwork plays along quite easily.
Favorite card: 5 of Swords If that’s not the most bad ass avenging elf angel I’ve ever seen I’ll eat my shoes. I know this is supposed to be a “bad” card, but I’m never upset to see this one.
Least Favorite Card: 6 of Wands—I don’t like the awkward arm of the man and it feels very ominous with that pea soup colored background and post-war battlefield-like scene. I feel like the warning that this is a temporal success is a little…too challenging.
Card the deck identifies me as: The deck has decided that the Queen of Cups represents me in my normal, creative self, though I have to admit that I don’t particularly resonate with her, but I do feel a connection with the action she is doing (lol!). Conversely, when I am being naughty, this deck will spit out the Knight of Wands and be saucy for a few days.
Season: Spring (so ethereal! much ephemeral!)
Boxes it checks: Fae, Elf, Ethereal, Dreamy, Fantasy, Romantic, Aloof, Detail Oriented, Love Readings
Similar Decks: There aren’t any decks that capture the ethereal nature of the art, but other fairy decks that I personally think are along this vein are The Tarot of the Hidden Realm, Tarot of the Sidhe, Circle of Life Tarot, The Lost Forest Deck, The Children of Litha Tarot, Lisa Hunt’s The Fairytale Tarot, Superlunaris Tarot (the color pallet really reminds me of the Shadowscapes)
P.S. our artist has been in the middle of making a WONDROUS Oracle deck for several years and I hope it comes out before I die!
If you hang out on this blog for any amount if time, you will learn that Val and I take our Tarot very seriously. We would never revert back to our pre-teen giggly selves and never ever ask any dumb, stupid or insipid questions.
Enter this beauty! This Cupid’s arrow which pairs up two individuals (or hey, more if you want to add additional fletching at the top), and lays out their romantic path! Perfect for your secret ship, crush, D&D characters, you name it.
1. Person 1
2. Person 2 (add additional persons as needed)
3. Foundation of the relationship
4. Spark of the relationship
5. Choice that must be made
6. Death of the relationship
7. Life of the relationship
8. Tip 😉
Stacy’s Draw
Fyodor Pavlov Tarot, mass market
1 Person 1 (Page of Cups) considers their art their LIFE! They are here to live for the experience! They are looking for a muse.
2. Person 2 (Two of Cups) wishes to meet others and establish relationships–they are people persons and wish to find connection.
3. The foundation of their relationship (Ace of Pentacles) is one of similar entrepreneurial pursuits. Their worldly goals can further each other and are complimentary.
4. Their spark (Queen of Pentacles) is they are both extremely giving persons, willing to help others by sharing their resources. They are fertile individuals ready to make the most of what they have.
5. Ooooohh! They will have to choose (Nine of Pentacles) a life style of comfort and means, or accepting their love as it is! XD!
6. The death of the relationship (King of Swords) is relying too heavily on logic, being too black and white, letting one’s ego get too big, one insisting on being the top dog, not remembering your emotional side (seeing as person 1 and person 2 are both cup cards).
7. What brings this relationship to life (XI Justice) is seeking fairness and balance. Doing the right thing because it’s the right thing to do rather than based off expectations. Being brave and seeing the truth of matters.
8. Tip: (Eight of Pentacles) Making something beautiful takes time and practice. Use your hands, be crafty. Manual labor may be required ;-).
Full disclosure, I “draw” cards from the deck by choosing jumpers, and usually only single jumpers at that. I am astonished at how pentacles heavy this draw became! This couple clearly is really rooted into the earthy material world and may be business partners, even though they themselves are rather emotional people.
The Tarot Tarts 