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Tarot Deck Reviews

Introduction

I have a penchant for tarot decks. I've found that some decks are 78 little pieces of art, and I enjoy collecting them. As my tarot knowledge and practice has expanded, I've discovered that some decks are definitely better than others…but what's intuitive for one person might be useless for another.

So, with that in mind, feel free to peruse the list of decks I own, including those I rarely (if ever) actually use. Tarot is a subjective field of study, so whether or not you find my thoughts on each deck useful is up to you.

Artwork

Drawing people can be pretty difficult, and there are a lot of people in your average modern Tarot deck. I dislike poorly-drawn people, so my art score is always going to be a bit weighted on how well-done the people are. I find bad artwork to really distract from a reading, which is supposed to be about getting past the physical world to focus on something bigger.

I like quite a bit of Pamela Colman-Smith's other artwork, but her Tarot illustrations really don't do it for me. I prefer more lively imagery with dimensional depth.

A lot of modern Tarot decks use collage-style digital artwork. I personally don't like this kind of art. I prefer to focus on decks with a full set of unique, original illustrations.

For a general idea of how I rate artwork…just keep in mind this isn't an exclusive or explicit list:

Beautiful illustrations with no distracting flaws.
Very good illustrations that lack the “oomph” of a five-star deck.
“Hotel art” - styling that is generic, odd faces and people, or otherwise a little off.
Mediocre illustrations, to the point that it distracts from the reading.
Terrible artwork, rendering the deck useless for reading.

Intuition

“Reading intuitively” means reading meaning from cards without relying on a book of descriptions and suggestions. A lot of people claim to be able to read intuitively very well, but I've found this a learning process, personally. It's probably because I have a pretty analytical mind compared to your average adult female, and my inclination for supernatural metaphysical spiritism isn't very strong.

So, for me, how intuitive the deck is has been rated against the standard RWS deck, simply because that has become the modern standard. I think the RWS deck is pretty difficult to use, though, because it uses a lot of imagery that's pretty foreign to millennials and the younger set. So, a three-star rating refers to a deck that follows the traditional Smith-Waiteplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSmith-Waite Centennial Tarot

Deck Notes

Pamela Colman-Smith's artwork has become the de facto standard for Tarot symbolism, mostly because her deck was published at the height of esotericism's popularity at the end of the 19th century. Her artwork is informed by the writings of Arthur Edward Waite, whose perspective on the Tarot was heavily influenced by the Kabbalah mysticism of the era.
imagery close enough that you can read with the deck easily if you're already familiar with the standard. I've reserved higher ratings for decks that I find truly intuitive - that is, the imagery offers some kind of tangible, useful message without necessarily relying on the accompanying book.

This is a high bar for me. I've found a lot of decks aren't very intuitive for me, but everyone is different, so don't just take my word for it!

For a general idea of how I rate a deck's intuitive imagery…just keep in mind this isn't an exclusive or explicit list:

Easily deciphered imagery with meanings that don't require a book to interpret.
Imagery that is relatively easy to decipher, with or without a background in Smith-Waite imagery.
Generally just follows the Smith-Waite codex.
Doesn't follow Smith-Waite, and doesn't have easily-interpreted imagery.
Uses too much imagery that is overly abstract, esoteric, archaic, etc. Useless for reading.

Little White Book (LWB)

Every deck comes with a book explaining the meaning of each card. The smallest books are little pamphlets, with short summaries of each of the 78 cards. These are colloquially referred to as LWBs, or “little white books”. It's become more popular, as printing has become cheaper, to create larger, more comprehensive books to accompany a deck. The actual review will have details on what book is included with each deck.

For a general idea of how I rate the included book…just keep in mind this isn't an exclusive or explicit list:

Real book with full narrative image descriptions as well as interpretation notes. Full-page illustrations for each card.
Same as above, but maybe not as well-written.
Small book (bound or LWB) with good card descriptions, images, spreads, artist notes, etc.
LWB with short card descriptions, spreads, notes, etc.
LWB with unusably brief card descriptions, no notes or suggested spreads

Quality

This is an important one. A lot of Tarot decks these days are printed in China on poor quality cardstock, with poor finish quality. Llwellyn's decks are notorious for being pretty low-grade. They partner with some very talented artists and authors, but if you want your investment to be around for the long haul, you'll care about quality.

For a general idea of how I rate quality…just keep in mind this isn't an exclusive or explicit list:

Excellent print quality (color, accuracy, etc.), heavy-duty cardstock, quality packaging.
All of the above but not quite as A+.
Average quality. Probably should be sleeved if you plan on regular use.
Mediocre quality - bad color saturation, flimsy cardstock, chipped print on card edges. Definitely sleeve.
Bottom-of-the-barrel. Reconsider purchasing, and definitely sleeve if you do.

Other Notes

Further Reading

Robert M. Place is one of the foremost experts on the real, documented history of the tarot. His book, The Tarot, Magic, Alchemy, Hermeticism, and Neoplatonism, is an in-depth examination of the history of sorcery (the magic of the Egyptians and other ancient cultures in the Middle East and northern Africa), western alchemy, the occult movement of the 19th century, and how the tarot came to be what it is today.

I also recommend Robert's book if you're using the standard RWS deck with Pamela Colman Smith's artwork, because he goes into detail on the rationale behind those original designs.

While Robert's decks do include a little white book, I strongly recommend purchasing this volume if you decide to buy either The Alchemical Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAlchemical Tarot (5th Edition)

Deck Notes

This was my first serious Tarot deck. I found it by accident and was very strongly drawn to the artwork and heavily symbolic imagery. The Alchemical Tarot isn't a particularly intuitive deck. I didn't find many of the images to be very intuitive without the context provided by the artist's book. That said, Robert Place does an excellent job of maintaining consistency throughout his artwork's images and symbolism. Similar symbols and images are used thr…
or Tarot of the Sevenfold Mysteryplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTarot of the Sevenfold Mystery

Card Gallery
. This book has in-depth descriptions of all the cards, with a lot of extra historical context for the major arcana. The Jean Noblet Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigJean Noblet Tarot

Deck Notes

I found this deck after a bit of searching. It's the only currently-produced reproduction of one of the very oldest French tarot decks ever discovered. That deck is incomplete, but thanks to the efforts of a French tarot historian named Jean-Claude Flornoy, the earliest decks have now been reproduced in full, assembled from known copies kept by the French National Library.
is the French tarot deck pictured in Robert's book, and as of July 2020, there is only one publisher of this deck in the world, located in France.

More on the tarot in general can be found over at notes and thoughts.

Shuffling

I strongly recommend riffle (dovetail) shuffling any deck with edge-to-edge printing. Printed images are layers of ink on top of white cardstock, and printing to the edges means that ink layer is up against the edge. So, edge (overhand or Hindu) shuffling runs the risk of chipping the edges of your cards pretty easily. Stick with riffle shuffling, and your cards will probably last a bit longer.

Card Sleeves

I have a slightly obsessive tendency to want to keep the things I own in really good condition. Because of that, I started sleeving my tarot cards as soon as I bought my first deck for serious use. I really love Sleeve Kings' "WOTR" card sleeves, which are 70x120mm. They're made of extra-thick, ultra-clear PVC, and are perfectly sized for standard tarot cards, with very little wiggle room for each card. It's a little harder to shuffle sleeved cards, but the more you do it, the easier it will be.

Llewellyn in particular usually prints their tarot decks using mediocre print quality and thin cardstock. If you care about keeping your Llewellyn decks in good condition, I definitely recommend sleeving your cards. I'm sure someone will come along to tell me that sleeves prevent me from tapping into the energy of the cards, but I haven't found any difficulty reading with sleeved cards.

Card Storage

I don't like keeping cards in bags, because it's too easy for the cards to get damaged. So, I store my sleeved decks in custom boxes I make myself, using 1/16“ chipboard. I also have several Ultimate Guard tarot deck boxes, but Ultimate Guard discontinued production of these boxes in 2019. The last couple I bought were of really sub-par quality, so I don't recommend trying to find those deck boxes on the used market, unless you can find them for a few dollars apiece.

Box Styles

You'll see me reference different box types or styles in my reviews.

  • Telescoping boxes are like an iPhone box - the bottom half of the box nests into the top half. Telescoping boxes can last a long time, even with regular use. Decks with telescoping boxes include Cat Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigCat Tarot

    Deck Notes

    This is a really adorable deck, with high-quality watercolor illustrations on each card. As the name suggests, the theme is all things cat. This is a great deck to use with pet and animal spreads. The LWB is pretty good, although the minors don't get a whole lot of attention. It's enough for reading, though, unlike Lo Scarabeo's extra-extra-short LWBs.
    , Radiant Wise Spirit Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigRadiant Wise Spirit Tarot

    Card Gallery
    , and Alchemical Tarot (5th Edition)plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAlchemical Tarot (5th Edition)

    Deck Notes

    This was my first serious Tarot deck. I found it by accident and was very strongly drawn to the artwork and heavily symbolic imagery. The Alchemical Tarot isn't a particularly intuitive deck. I didn't find many of the images to be very intuitive without the context provided by the artist's book. That said, Robert Place does an excellent job of maintaining consistency throughout his artwork's images and symbolism. Similar symbols and images are used thr…
    .
  • Tuck boxes are like a standard pack of playing cards - the box is made from a single piece of cardstock sealed together on one long edge, and the top and bottom flaps of the box tuck into the ends of the box. Tuck boxes tend to not last very long, because of the wear on the flaps. Decks with tuck boxes include Universal Celtic Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigUniversal Celtic Tarot

    Deck Notes

    After two bad decks, I figured I was probably done buying Lo Scarabeo imprints. Shows how much I know! I stumbled across this deck after finding my interest in Celtic mythology and imagery reinvigorated, in part since AncestryDNA's 2020 update revealed I have more Celtic stock in me than I'd previously believed.
    and Pagan Otherworlds Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigPagan Otherworlds Tarot

    Deck Notes

    This deck and book were my 2021 Christmas gift. I asked for it after seeing the gorgeous major arcana cards posted in reviews online, and it did not disappoint - mostly. The numbered cards in the minor suits are light on imagery, but there is still symbolism found in each card. This deck mostly follows the Smith-Waite rubric. The book is pretty good, but the descriptions could definitely be more detailed.
    .

The Deck List

I own or have previously owned all of the decks listed here. As of July 2023, all reviews of digital-only decks and books have been removed.

All decks

DeckArtistAuthorPublisherArtworkIntuitionBookQualityBuy
Wildwood Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigWildwood Tarot

Deck Notes

This is a pretty cool deck - the imagery is inspired by Germanic and Norse folk beliefs and practices, which is something I've become very interested in pursuing myself. The cards are oversized - about 3×5“, which makes them harder for me to shuffle.
Will WorthingtonMark Ryan, John MatthewsSterling Ethos4354https://amzn.to/3fjNk1P
Wheel of the Year Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigWheel of the Year Tarot

Deck Notes

I got this deck for free from a user on /r/tarot, and that's a good thing, because this deck is lame as hell. The artwork is ridiculously cartoony - if you're into comic aesthetic, you might like this deck. For me, it's staying on the shelf until I find it a new home.
Antonella PlatanoMaria CarattiLo Scarabeo1311https://amzn.to/3tzjy3I
Universal Celtic Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigUniversal Celtic Tarot

Deck Notes

After two bad decks, I figured I was probably done buying Lo Scarabeo imprints. Shows how much I know! I stumbled across this deck after finding my interest in Celtic mythology and imagery reinvigorated, in part since AncestryDNA's 2020 update revealed I have more Celtic stock in me than I'd previously believed.
Cristina ScagliottiFloreana NativoLo Scarabeo5525https://amzn.to/2S8WgOg
Tarot of the Witchesplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTarot of the Witches

Deck Notes

This is a famous deck, having originally been featured in 1972's 007: Live and Let Die, as well as X-Files season 3 episode Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose in 1995. I ended up finding this deck as a complete set with Stuart R. Kaplan's book for $30 on eBay.
Fergus HallStuart R. KaplanU.S. Games3234https://amzn.to/3AETcj7
Tarot of the Sevenfold Mysteryplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTarot of the Sevenfold Mystery

Card Gallery
Robert M. PlaceRobert M. PlaceHermes Publications3335https://robertmplacetarot.com/the-tarot-of-the-sevenfold-mystery/
Tarot of the Secret Forestplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTarot of the Secret Forest

Deck Notes

I bought this deck on Amazon after seeing a few of the cards - and I ended up returning it the same day. The artwork just isn't for me. It's a little too dark and slightly malevolent. The back side of each card is a rough monochrome rendition of the color image, which doesn't really add anything to the cards or readings. The included book is, like most Lo Scarabeo books, pretty much useless.
Lucia MattioliLucia MattioliLo Scarabeo3113https://amzn.to/3OWp3Es
Tarot of the Hidden Realmplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTarot of the Hidden Realm

Deck Notes

I added this deck to my collection in 2023 after going through a digital copy of the cards. The illustrations are capitvating and beautiful, each featuring an emotive portrait of a magical person. It's not a particularly intuitive deck for me, but I love the artwork and enjoy reading with it. This is a good deck for spreads focused on feelings - both of the querent and others around them.
Julia JeffreyBarbara MooreLlewellyn5355https://amzn.to/42kbUYA
Tarot of the Celtic Fairiesplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTarot of the Celtic Fairies

Tarot of the Celtic Fairies
Eldar MinibaevMark McElroyLo Scarabeo2214https://amzn.to/3h0AzKy
Tarot of the Alchemical Magnum Opusplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTarot of the Alchemical Magnum Opus

This is a distilled, iconic version of Robert M. Place's Alchemical Tarot. Each card shows the main image or theme from the more detailed illustrations. I find it difficult to read with this deck, but have made use of the artowrk in crafting projects.
Robert M. PlaceRobert M. PlaceHermes Publications5115https://robertmplacetarot.com/the-tarot-of-the-alchemical-magnum-opus/
Tarot Catsplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTarot Cats

Deck Notes

This deck was a gift from a dear friend of mine, who lives in Spain. It's a quirky deck, with an art style that doesn't have mass appeal, but definitely has appeal for those of us who like detailed surrealist art. This deck more or less follows the Smith-Waite rubric, so if you're already familiar with that deck, this should be pretty easy to read. The LWB is very short, as it contains five translations of the contents, so space is at a premium - the card descriptions sum…
Ana JuanAna JuanFournier5324https://amzn.to/3mbfLVu
Spiritsong Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSpiritsong Tarot

Spiritsong Tarot
Paulina CassidyPaulina CassidyU.S. Games5255https://amzn.to/2CdhUwx
Sola Busca Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSola Busca Tarot

Deck Notes

This deck is a reproduction of the earliest known tarot deck with fully-illustrated numbered cards (pips). It's dated to around 1490 and appears to have been produced in Northern Italy. The major arcana depict a number of infamous men of the Roman Empire (and its mythos). The courts likewise depict famous Roman men and women. The illustrations in the minors have been the inspiration for tarot decks produced much later. The most obvious example of this is in the thre…
Late 15th-centry Italian ArtistPaola GnaccoliniLo Scarabeo5135https://amzn.to/3eYBqQx
Smith-Waite Centennial Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSmith-Waite Centennial Tarot

Deck Notes

Pamela Colman-Smith's artwork has become the de facto standard for Tarot symbolism, mostly because her deck was published at the height of esotericism's popularity at the end of the 19th century. Her artwork is informed by the writings of Arthur Edward Waite, whose perspective on the Tarot was heavily influenced by the Kabbalah mysticism of the era.
Pamela Colman SmithArthur Edward WaiteU.S. Games4355https://amzn.to/2OuIpQC
Sherlock Holmes Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSherlock Holmes Tarot

Deck Notes

This was an impulse buy on a clearance rack at Barnes & Noble, and it's really no surprise that's where I found it - this deck is terrible. The artwork is mostly photo collages with Photoshop filters applied, which is one of my least favorite aesthetics. The book has a lot of content, but the deck style and images chosen just make no sense at all to me. The book is comprehensive and very well-made, but the terrible artwork and tenuous correlations to Holmesian …
Wil KinghanJohn MatthewsSterling Ethos1152https://amzn.to/396oxkD
Shadowscapes Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigShadowscapes Tarot

Deck Notes

I absolutely adore the artwork in this deck. It's ethereal and soft and magical. It's also very finely detailed, so it's not very good for intuitive reading. The artist follows the RWS standard for the most part, but a lot of the meaning is lost for me in the finer details of the artwork. I love doing short readings with this deck (three to seven cards), but I definitely rely on the accompanying book to understand the symbolism in the cards.
Stephanie Pui Mun-LawBarbara MooreLlewellyn5152https://amzn.to/3fzQuiI
Sexual Magic Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSexual Magic Tarot

Deck Notes

This is a dirty deck! The imagery is very erotic, with lots of nudity and overtly sexual themes. There are other erotic decks out there, but too many of them have a lot of rape-themed imagery, which is the complete opposite of me. This deck isn't overly rapey - the Tower is probably the worst offender in this regard.
Mauro De LucaLaura TuanLo Scarabeo3215https://amzn.to/3nttUyo
Running Press Tarot Kitplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigRunning Press Tarot Kit

Deck Notes

This is the first tarot deck I ever bought - it was an impulse purchase at my local Barnes & Noble. While we were waiting in the checkout line, I noticed this kit in one of the racks nearby, and my husband suggested I get it, since I mentioned I'd always been curious about tarot, given my upbringing.
Julie PaschkisDennis FairchildRunning Press1123https://amzn.to/2DAZExc
Radiant Wise Spirit Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigRadiant Wise Spirit Tarot

Card Gallery
Pamela Colman SmithSasha GrahamLo Scarabeo2333https://amzn.to/3h0K4JG
Primavera Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigPrimavera Tarot

Deck Notes

This is a cute little mini deck that is now out-of-print. The artwork is quite nice, but lacks any real depth - much like another popular Nouveau-style deck, the Ethereal Visions Illuminated Tarot. I don't use it for reading. I enjoy the artwork, however, and it follows the standard RWS rubric, so if you like the Art Nouveau aesthetic, the full size deck is still available.
Antonella CastelliPietro AlligoLo Scarabeo2312https://amzn.to/33stJfF
Pagan Otherworlds Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigPagan Otherworlds Tarot

Deck Notes

This deck and book were my 2021 Christmas gift. I asked for it after seeing the gorgeous major arcana cards posted in reviews online, and it did not disappoint - mostly. The numbered cards in the minor suits are light on imagery, but there is still symbolism found in each card. This deck mostly follows the Smith-Waite rubric. The book is pretty good, but the descriptions could definitely be more detailed.
Linnea GitsPeter DunhamUusi5345https://uusi.us/products/pagan-otherworlds-tarot
Mystical Cats Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigMystical Cats Tarot

Mystical Cats Tarot
Mickie MuellerLunaea WeatherstoneLlewellyn2233https://amzn.to/2Oql6r0
Mystic Faerie Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigMystic Faerie Tarot

I picked up this deck on Amazon when I was looking for a deck with art nouveau-style artwork. The Mystic Faerie Tarot isn't very nouveau at all. Its styling is more like illustrations in a book of fairy tales. The imagery is pretty easy to decode without the book or even an existing background in the RWS card meanings. Each of the four suits is a story, and the book that's included with Llewellyn's more expensive offering is complete with the story narrative, as well as the …
Linda RavenscroftBarbara MooreLlewellyn3353https://amzn.to/32maGki
Jean Noblet Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigJean Noblet Tarot

Deck Notes

I found this deck after a bit of searching. It's the only currently-produced reproduction of one of the very oldest French tarot decks ever discovered. That deck is incomplete, but thanks to the efforts of a French tarot historian named Jean-Claude Flornoy, the earliest decks have now been reproduced in full, assembled from known copies kept by the French National Library.
Jean NobletJean-Claude FlornoyÉditions «letarot.com»2145http://www.tarot-history.com/boutique/index.php
Herbcrafter's Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigHerbcrafter's Tarot

Deck Notes

I purchased this deck specifically as a reference for herbal correlations, as part of my research into magical uses for plants of all kinds. The images are very beautiful, but unless you already have an existing deep, encyclopedic knowledge of magical herbalism and nature magic, you're probably going to have a very hard time reading with this deck.
Joanna Powell ColbertLatisha GuthrieU.S. Games5153https://amzn.to/305uGVG
Harmonious Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigHarmonious Tarot

Deck Notes

This is a lovely deck illustrated with the artwork of Victorian-era English artists Walter Crane and Earnest Fitzpatrick. Based on the Smith-Waite standard, this deck features angelic people against mythical backdrops full of flowers and nature. The costuming of the figures varies, depicting ancient Greece, Arthurian England, and the more modern Victorian styling. The style of the illustrations is generally consistent across the deck in spite of this. I also appreci…
Walter Crane, Earnest FitzpatrickLo ScarabeoLo Scarabeo3314https://amzn.to/3Lk5XEA
Greenwood Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigGreenwood Tarot

Deck Notes

The Greenwood Tarot is a well-known Tarot deck that has been out of print for some time (as of September 2020). It's apparently coveted by a lot of Tarot readers and collectors, but I find the artwork pretty juvenile and unappealing. What's much more interesting is the wheel of the year methodology created by the artist. She has generously provided her own thoughts on the cards and the wheel of the year at the deck's official website,
Chesca PotterChesca Potter113
Green Witch Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigGreen Witch Tarot

Deck Notes

I bought this deck to accompany Ann Moura's book, Green Witchcraft. The book is well-written, and I appreciate Ann's angle on witchcraft, since her own witchcraft philosophy is built on a lineage of folk witches, along with wiccan influences.
Kiri Østergaard LeonardAnn MouraLlewellyn3452https://amzn.to/3fuSAQX
Forest of Enchantment Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigForest of Enchantment Tarot

Deck Notes

This is by far my favorite deck for intuitive reading. I love my Alchemical Tarot (5th Edition) deck, but I've found this deck to be easier to read without referencing my notes or the accompanying book. The Forest of Enchantment uses familiar Germanic fairy tale imagery combined with the archetypes found in the Tarot.
Meraylah AllwoodLunaea WeatherstoneLlewellyn5553https://amzn.to/32gCdUk
Flame Tree Marseille Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigFlame Tree Marseille Tarot

Flame Tree Marseille Tarot
David JonesJosie MitchellFlame Tree Publishing2214https://amzn.to/3fxRVOw
Everyday Witch Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigEveryday Witch Tarot

Deck Notes

This deck was inspired by a postcard illustration, and reflects a positive, whimsical view of life. I have yet to read with this deck, but in processing all 78 card images for this site, I've rather enjoyed the imagery. I finally added this one to my collection in 2023.
Elisabeth AlbaDeborah BlakeLlewellyn5554https://amzn.to/3YnsZQC
Ethereal Visions Illuminated Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigEthereal Visions Illuminated Tarot

Deck Notes

This is essentially a remake of the standard Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot deck, so if you're already familiar with that imagery, you can read with this deck pretty easily. That said, the imagery isn't particularly inspired. It's beautiful artwork, but I don't think there's much depth to the symbolism in each card. If you really love Art Nouveau, you might find this deck more aesthetically pleasing to use than the traditional RWS deck.
Matt HughesMatt HughesU.S. Games5354https://amzn.to/2ZyjbHr
Druidcraft Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDruidcraft Tarot

Deck Notes

I have another deck illustrated by Wil Worthington (the Wildwood Tarot), and knew when I bought this deck that his cartoony face aesthetic wasn't my favorite. That hasn't changed, but the depth of his imagery is growing on me, and I've used this deck for a few readings for my husband with excellent results on his part. He's easily put off by deck art, and he's gotten something out of every reading we've done with this deck.
Will WorthingtonPhilip & Stephanie Carr-GommSt. Martin's Essentials4555https://amzn.to/3Kik2RR
Dreamkeepers Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDreamkeepers Tarot

Deck Notes

This deck liberally uses Pamela Colman-Smith's interpretations as its foundation, but the surrealist style is a big departure from the traditional Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot deck. The imagery is very woman-oriented: many male characters have been replaced with women, aside from the knight and king of each suit, as well as cards depicting couples (Two of Cups and The Lovers). This deck makes no attempt to conform to modern notions of
Liz HustonLiz HustonU.S. Games5453https://amzn.to/3wH3uMQ
Da Vinci Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDa Vinci Tarot

Deck Notes

This deck was originally published as a Major Arcana deck, illustrated by Iassen Ghiuselev. After the publication of The Da Vinci Code and subsequent movie adaptation, Lo Scarabeo decided to publish a complete deck, using Iassen's work as the starting point. Atanas Atanassov illustrated the minor cards, using numerous sketches and incomplete works of Leonardo Da Vinci. The result is a beautifully-illustrated deck very clearly inspired by Da Vinci's unique artistic tal…
Iassen Ghiuselev, Atanas AtanassovMark McElroyLo Scarabeo5344https://amzn.to/3pjqGkZ
Chakra Wisdom Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigChakra Wisdom Tarot

Deck Notes

As a photocollage deck, the Chakra Wisdom Tarot is sort of the opposite of my general artistic preferences. I first encountered this deck through my ongoing project to build the largest digital archive I can of tarot decks and deck books. I've been converting deck books into markdown documents so I can add abbreviated card meanings to my deck galleries, and the book included with this deck is ultimately what persuaded me to buy it. Tori Hartman's system of correl…
Katarina SokolovaTori HartmanWatkins Publishing3455https://amzn.to/3NNdhM0
Celtic Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigCeltic Tarot

Deck Notes

Celtic paganism is very popular across the entire pagan landscape in both Europe and the greater Anglosphere. There are many tarot decks geared toward this branch of European folk belief, which makes it likely some of those decks will miss the mark. This is one of those decks. The author and artist both sought to syncretize their understanding of Celtic beliefs and mythologies with the Kabbalah, which is a branch of Jewish esotericism and mysticism. The major arcana car…
Chris DownKristoffer HughesLlewellyn2353https://amzn.to/3L3rAu0
Cats Rule the Earth Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigCats Rule the Earth Tarot

Deck Notes

This is another cat-themed tarot deck. As decks go, it's a pretty straightforward retelling of the Smith-Waite standard. There isn't a whole lot of symbolic depth to the cards. The illustrations are really nice, and this is a fun deck to play around with, but it lacks what I prefer in a deck for serious reading.
Thiago CorrêaCatherine DavidsonHarry N. Abrams5335https://amzn.to/41L8PkW
Cat Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigCat Tarot

Deck Notes

This is a really adorable deck, with high-quality watercolor illustrations on each card. As the name suggests, the theme is all things cat. This is a great deck to use with pet and animal spreads. The LWB is pretty good, although the minors don't get a whole lot of attention. It's enough for reading, though, unlike Lo Scarabeo's extra-extra-short LWBs.
Megan Lynn KottsJulia SmillieChronicle Books5354https://amzn.to/3fxN6oo
Book of Shadows Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigBook of Shadows Tarot

Deck Notes

This is a two-deck kit. The As Above deck is meant to focus on the spiritual and esoteric, while the So Below deck is themed to the daily mundane and our practical reality. It's a good concept, but the execution on this deck really misses the mark. There are too many artists involved, which negatively impacts the artistic coherency of both decks. The
Gregorz Krisinsky, Simone Gabrielli, Franco Rivolli, Pietro Scola di Mambro, Sabrina Ariganello, Alessia PastorelloBarbara MooreLo Scarabeo1143https://amzn.to/3LEayml
Bleu Cat Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigBleu Cat Tarot

Deck Notes

I stumbled across this deck in some corner of the Internet in Spring 2022. My long-deceased maternal granddad loved Siamese cats. When I was little, he had a Siamese named Eddie, and I'd carry around that giant cat in a cotton drawstring bag, with his head poking out the top. In retrospect, he was an amazingly tolerant cat! After Eddie died, my granddad adopted another Siamese named Julius, who remained my granddad's faithful companion until he died. I bought this dec…
Beth SeilonenBeth SeilonenSchiffer Publishing5345https://amzn.to/3m5f0x8
Alchemical Tarot (5th Edition)plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAlchemical Tarot (5th Edition)

Deck Notes

This was my first serious Tarot deck. I found it by accident and was very strongly drawn to the artwork and heavily symbolic imagery. The Alchemical Tarot isn't a particularly intuitive deck. I didn't find many of the images to be very intuitive without the context provided by the artist's book. That said, Robert Place does an excellent job of maintaining consistency throughout his artwork's images and symbolism. Similar symbols and images are used thr…
Robert M. PlaceRobert M. PlaceHermes Publications5425https://robertmplacetarot.com/the-alchemical-tarot-renewed-4th-edition/
Adventure Time Tarot (Unofficial)plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAdventure Time Tarot (Unofficial)

Deck Notes

I bought this deck after seeing someone talking about it on Reddit. The artist mostly follows the Smith-Waite standard, but many of the character choices don't make a whole lot of sense, beyond including the basic elements of Smith's original artwork. Some of the players in the Adventure Time story are pretty crazy, and not in a good way, which makes selections like Magic Man and the Earl of Lemongrab a little confusing.
Katherine HillierKatherine Hillier524https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/katherinelhx

Ten most recent reviews

DeckArtistAuthorPublisherArtworkIntuitionBookQualityBuy
Wildwood Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigWildwood Tarot

Deck Notes

This is a pretty cool deck - the imagery is inspired by Germanic and Norse folk beliefs and practices, which is something I've become very interested in pursuing myself. The cards are oversized - about 3×5“, which makes them harder for me to shuffle.
Will WorthingtonMark Ryan, John MatthewsSterling Ethos4354

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Wheel of the Year Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigWheel of the Year Tarot

Deck Notes

I got this deck for free from a user on /r/tarot, and that's a good thing, because this deck is lame as hell. The artwork is ridiculously cartoony - if you're into comic aesthetic, you might like this deck. For me, it's staying on the shelf until I find it a new home.
Antonella PlatanoMaria CarattiLo Scarabeo1311

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Universal Celtic Tarotplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigUniversal Celtic Tarot

Deck Notes

After two bad decks, I figured I was probably done buying Lo Scarabeo imprints. Shows how much I know! I stumbled across this deck after finding my interest in Celtic mythology and imagery reinvigorated, in part since AncestryDNA's 2020 update revealed I have more Celtic stock in me than I'd previously believed.
Cristina ScagliottiFloreana NativoLo Scarabeo5525

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Tarot of the Witchesplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTarot of the Witches

Deck Notes

This is a famous deck, having originally been featured in 1972's 007: Live and Let Die, as well as X-Files season 3 episode Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose in 1995. I ended up finding this deck as a complete set with Stuart R. Kaplan's book for $30 on eBay.
Fergus HallStuart R. KaplanU.S. Games3234

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Tarot of the Sevenfold Mysteryplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTarot of the Sevenfold Mystery

Card Gallery
Robert M. PlaceRobert M. PlaceHermes Publications3335

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Tarot of the Secret Forestplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTarot of the Secret Forest

Deck Notes

I bought this deck on Amazon after seeing a few of the cards - and I ended up returning it the same day. The artwork just isn't for me. It's a little too dark and slightly malevolent. The back side of each card is a rough monochrome rendition of the color image, which doesn't really add anything to the cards or readings. The included book is, like most Lo Scarabeo books, pretty much useless.
Lucia MattioliLucia MattioliLo Scarabeo3113

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Tarot of the Hidden Realmplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTarot of the Hidden Realm

Deck Notes

I added this deck to my collection in 2023 after going through a digital copy of the cards. The illustrations are capitvating and beautiful, each featuring an emotive portrait of a magical person. It's not a particularly intuitive deck for me, but I love the artwork and enjoy reading with it. This is a good deck for spreads focused on feelings - both of the querent and others around them.
Julia JeffreyBarbara MooreLlewellyn5355

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Tarot of the Celtic Fairiesplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTarot of the Celtic Fairies

Tarot of the Celtic Fairies
Eldar MinibaevMark McElroyLo Scarabeo2214

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Tarot of the Alchemical Magnum Opusplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTarot of the Alchemical Magnum Opus

This is a distilled, iconic version of Robert M. Place's Alchemical Tarot. Each card shows the main image or theme from the more detailed illustrations. I find it difficult to read with this deck, but have made use of the artowrk in crafting projects.
Robert M. PlaceRobert M. PlaceHermes Publications5115

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Tarot Catsplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTarot Cats

Deck Notes

This deck was a gift from a dear friend of mine, who lives in Spain. It's a quirky deck, with an art style that doesn't have mass appeal, but definitely has appeal for those of us who like detailed surrealist art. This deck more or less follows the Smith-Waite rubric, so if you're already familiar with that deck, this should be pretty easy to read. The LWB is very short, as it contains five translations of the contents, so space is at a premium - the card descriptions sum…
Ana JuanAna JuanFournier5324

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