Musing Mystical

✨ A Gathering Place for Magical Readers and Writers ✨

Tag Archives: Tarot

Making Tarot Magic, by Briana Saussy

Making Tarot Magic: Rituals and Remedies to Transform Readings into Action, by Briana Saussy
Weiser Books, 1578638763, 248 pages, December 2025

Have you ever done a tarot reading and found yourself wondering how to actually act on the messages the cards revealed? Maybe you journal or meditate afterward, yet the practical steps still seem to allude you. Perhaps your readings have begun to feel a bit passive, keeping you circling in the “what ifs” or lost in contemplation. Enter Making Tarot Magic by Briana Saussy, a guide that reminds us tarot isn’t just a tool for insight, but a catalyst for real transformation.

Where before there was only fate, after a good reading there should be freedom.”1

Weaving together the arts of divination and magic, Saussy reframes tarot reading as an opportunity for ritual and intention work. Readers learn how to use each tarot cards’ energy for real life healing, love, protection, abundance, and more. While many tarot books teach how to read the cards, Saussy’s focuses on what readers can do with that information to practically apply it in the world, reminding readers they can make moves to either lean into or shift the story of the cards, and use magic to do it.

“A tarot reading told you a story…and told you what you needed to do to change the story, to give it a better ending, to create more spice, adventure, and depth.”2

As an experienced diviner, Saussy has organized the book into chapters based on top topics people most seek advice about: love (marriage, romance), prosperity and abundance (personal wealth), career and business success, healing, court cases and legal issues, fertility/pregnancy and manifestation, baneful work, and protection and divine blessings.

For each intention, she provides an introductory overview, special considerations to note in regard to the Major Arcana and suits, descriptive meaning for all Major Arcana and Court Cards plus corresponding magical techniques and intentions, short meaning of the Pip cards (Ace-Ten), and then tasks for further development and relevant spells.

I absolutely LOVE how Saussy goes through each chapter and provides a different interpretation of the cards based on the specific intention of the chapter. Too many tarot books give only one general interpretation for each card, leaving it up to readers to apply the energy of the card to the specific focus of either the reading in general or the card’s placement in a spread. The way Saussy goes above and beyond interpreting each card through a different lens is both an enlightening way for readers to see the mutli-faceted nature of the cards as well as a quicker way to find a more specific answer to your question by focusing specifically on the relevant interpretation.

And on top of this there’s a magical component too, of course, which opens a whole other doorway to interacting with one’s reading too. For those new to either tarot or magic, Saussy provides a great foundation in “Chapter One: Tarot and Magic Basics”. Topics covered in this chapter include how to work with tarot cards, specifically focusing in on how they relate to magic, reviewing magical intentions, exploring different magical techniques (candles, incense, spirit work, lodestones), magical timing, color magic, how to deploy and dispose of magic, and personal concerns (things that carry the DNA of a person).

One thing I will note though is that Saussy doesn’t go too much into how to do all the different magical techniques. While she lists them in chapter one, there’s not much guidance on how to actually do textile magic; the information given more describes how it involves working with knots or fabric. For those who have no idea how to work that type of magic, me for instance in regard to textile magic and sacred vessels (witch bottles, mojo bags), I would need more specific spells with exact ingredients and instructions. So while Saussy can point readers in the right magical direction, there’s definitely going to be a bit more work to do for follow up.

This might just be because I read the books back to back, but I think Tarot Spreads by Meg Jones Wall would be a great compliment to Making Tarot Magic because it teaches readers how to intentionally structure their readings to get to the heart of their question. While I absolutely love all the different interpretations of the tarot based on the overall topic that Saussy provides, I initially felt like I could only one-card pulls that corresponded with my intention to then draw on the magical insight Saussy provides for the card in the relevant chapter.

It wasn’t until I thought to put to use what I’d learned in Tarot Spreads about creating spreads that I started to see how I could layer different topics from Making Tarot Magic (ex. Healing, romance, and divine messages) into one reading. And once I started doing this, I became enthralled with mixing together the different messages from Saussy’s perspective in this book.

Here’s an example of one of my readings I did to find a way to feel unstuck. I had been creatively blocked and worrying about money. I wasn’t in a state of flow. I crafted my own spread with the intention of reading each card from the corresponding chapter in Making Tarot Magic:

Card 1 – How am I holding back my own abundance?
Four of Coins from “Chapter Three: Money, Honey! Part One: Personal Prosperity, Wealth, and Abundance”.

“The querent refuses to give up the best part of themselves and so does not have as much security or abundance as they otherwise might.”3

Card 2 – What messages are there from the divine that can help me overcome this?
King of Pentacles from “Chapter Nine: Full of Ourselves: Safeguarding Vital Energy and Opening to Divine Empowerment and Blessings”.

“There is a need to connect to family members, ancestors, and history. Personal history, world history, history of place–any or all of these are relevant now.”4

Card 3 – How can I apply my creativity to create a new path?
Three of Cups from “What Are You Expecting? Fertility, Pregnancy, and the Work of Manifesting”.

“Female friends will come around to support and bless someone so that they may go forth and be fertile.”5

Overall interpretation: I’ve been spending too much time on my own, in my head, declining social invitations, and being a bit of a grump, which is to say I haven’t been sharing myself with others much. This reading reminded me that I light up when I am around people I love, especially my good friends who have been there through thick and thin throughout the years.

Wouldn’t you know the next day one of my good friends invited me over and I gave into a day of pure relaxation. I didn’t think about work, food prepping, or the upcoming holidays. We watched Wicked, sang and danced to Taylor Swift’s new album, and got caught up on life with each other. And I was absolutely rejuvenated! It felt like a clean slate. My reading ended up being spot-on in what I needed, and I’m glad it gave me the awareness I needed to accept my friend’s invitation instead of pushing it off for the sake of productivity.

Overall, I’ve very much enjoyed Making Tarot Magic for the variety of card interpretations. For those with a magical background, there’s a lot of room to apply your craft in regard to tarot readings. Saussy provides not just tarot insights, but a magical roadmap for creating meaningful change, gifting readings the opportunity to transform their reading into practical real-life action.

Whether readers are seeking to work magic related to their relationships, healing, manifestation, money, career, legal matters, or protection,this book gives you the tools to discern the messages of your readings more clearly and then utilize magic to pave the way forward. Saussy’s guidance helps readers move from “what the cards say” to “how I can act with the cards’ energy?”. This is truly a gift of freedom, as readers ultimately hold the cards and have the ability to do what they will with the information presented. Saussy’s lists of magical ways to work with each cards’ energy is a truly a useful addition to any magician’s book collection.

Tarot Spreads, by Meg Jones Wall

Tarot Spreads: How to Read Them, Create Them, and Revise Them, by Meg Jones Wall
Weiser Books, 1578638550, 240 pages, July 2025

What’s your reading style? Are you a spread person or more of an unstructured reader, asking questions and pulling cards as you go along? I’m definitely more of the second type, as the typical past-present-future spread has always felt too vague and the Celtic Cross feels like too much to do for most readings, unless I’m really digging into something. If I do use a spread, it’s most likely one I’ve found online, usually for a specific zodiac season or related to the Wheel of the Year.

To be honest? I hadn’t really considered the spread as a vital part of a reading, focusing on the cards themselves, until reading Tarot Spreads: How to Read Them, Create Them, and Revise Them by Meg Jones Wall, which has given me so much more agency and empowerment in structuring my layouts and reignited my excitement for tarot readings! Within this book, Jones Walls does a deep-dive into an often under-appreciated aspect of tarot reading: the spread. From discussing the way spreads work to how to read them effectively, readers get the opportunity to learn how to read them effectively, create their own, or adapt/revise spreads to best get at the heart of the question at hand.

Jones Wall frames the spread as something that can be a personalized structure, capable of being customized and amended, rather than a rigid formula. With Jones Wall’s advice, readers can move beyond copying other people’s layouts and begin designing spreads that truly serve their unique questions and reading needs.

“What I’m saying is that a well-crafted tarot spread, regardless of its length of specificity, can deliver a very accurate, powerful, and useful reading, no matter the complexity of the situation or question. It’s all about learning how to work with the structure that the spread provides, and understanding the relationship between the cards, the positions, and the overall flow of the reading.”2

Divided into five parts, Jones Wall chronologically leads through the book, beginning with a heartfelt introduction in which she shares her journey to creating custom tarot spreads. Her empathy for others and insight to some of the struggles readers face at times is evident, making her a compassionate guide on this reading journey. Throughout the book, Jones Wall does a wonderful job of assuaging concerns, acknowledging the potential for disappointment readers face, and boosting the confidence of the reader by letting them know it’s okay to experiment, make mistakes, and do what feels right, regardless of what this book or any other has to say.

Plus, much of the content is written in an answer and response style, which adds to the feeling of being in dialogue with Jones Wall. I really like her style, as it makes for an engaging read. She has an uncanny knack for knowing just what the reader might ask next, keeping the flow of the book moving swiftly and intuitively. Truly, any question that popped in my head while reading was immediately answered within a few pages!

“Part One: Before We Begin” is an overview of tarot, which answers questions like what tarot is and how it works, along with providing a short description of the Major Arcana, numerology of the tarot, suits, and more. “Part Two: Reading Spreads” covers tips for reading cards, such as what to do if you don’t understand your reading and how to read reversals. While much of these two parts is tarot basics, I still appreciated Jones Wall’s unique perspective on the topic; every reader has their own little nuggets of wisdom, and I always enjoy hearing what insights they’ve picked up through their tarot journey.

In “Part Three: Writing Spreads”, Jones Wall teaches the art of creating your own spreads. She covers topics like why and when we might choose to create a spread ourselves, what to include in a well-written spread, and provides three different methods for crafting spreads, aptly named The Way of the Magician, The Way of the Hierophant, and The Way of the Priestess. She even offers advice for writing spreads in collaboration with others.

As much as I enjoy writing, the editor in me was thrilled to see a whole next dedicated to editing your spread. In “Part Four: Revising Spreads” Jones Wall offers insight on when to revise and when not to revise, as well as sharing where editing might be needed: adding a position, removing a position, switching the wording of a position for more clarity, etc. Along the way, in both “Part Three” and “Part Four”, Jones Wall includes examples and exercises for readers to see what she’s talking about in action as well as practice it for themselves.

Finally, “Part Five: Spreads for Every Occasion” provides tons of spread ideas that readers can use for inspiration to edit, tweak, or revise on their own. Jones Wall includes one-card spreads, three-card spreads, Celtic cross, zodiac spreads, Wheel of the Year spreads, and a bunch for different themes (love, creativity, self-reflection). For those who are a bit nervous about starting from scratch in creating a spread, the spreads in chapter are perfect as a starting point!

Tarot Spreads has really gotten me back into my tarot practice, which was feeling a bit stale; the content was exactly what I needed to feel confident in my connection with the cards again. The idea of a spread as a static, unchanging, and something that must be followed precisely for the “right results” is something I never questioned before, assuming that I couldn’t deviate from the layout formation of the cards. Yet Jones Wall made me see that making your own spreads is an opportunity to use my creativity, hone my intentions for the reading, and commune with the cards more fluently. And this has me excited about tarot again after a year-long hiatus!

It might sound silly, but I honestly needed to hear that you don’t have to use the spreads “as is”. And I like that Jones Walls teaches too how to tweak layouts, adjust prompts, and make spreads your own while also emphasizing that it doesn’t need to be overly complex. It’s okay to create a layout you enjoy and then shift it as-needed depending on the circumstances. The whole process of creatively engaging with the spread through creating, revision, and focusing on what’s most important to know for the reading helps me slow down and be more intentional in my readings. This process of making the spread myself seems to have boosted my intuitive development as well as my overall reading skills.

Overall, if your tarot work has felt stuck in limited popular spreads often promoted in guidebooks or you’re tired of screenshotting card layouts content creators are putting up, Tarot Spreads offers a fresh and much-needed pivot. Jones Wall provides readers with the language, structure, and confidence to ask: “What does this reading need right now?” and “What layout will serve that question best?” For those seeking to move beyond standard spreads, stepping into more creative and personal layout designs to deepen the link between intention and card placement, this book is a must-read.

While it’s absolutely suited for beginners, even intermediate or expert readers would gain something from this book because it’s a topic that most tarot books don’t spend much time delving into. The use (or not) of a spread is something readers don’t often consciously focus on, opting for their usual spread of choice or a premade one for reference. Tarot Spreads is a gateway to discovering how to make your readings more personalized, clarifying the intentions and focus for the reading, and speaking with the cards in a way that feels resonant. There’s so much possibility that’s unleashed when you embrace creative control of the spread!

Talismans and Tarot, by Lori Lytle

Talismans and Tarot: Magical Tools to Amplify, Attract, and Manifest, by Lori Lytle
Weiser Books, 1578638755, 248 pages, September 2025

Tarot cards and talismans both serve as bridges between the seen and unseen world, one offering insight into the unknown and the other embodying mystical energy in a special object. In Talismans and Tarot: Magical Tools to Amplify, Attract, and Manifest, Lori Lytle shows how combining these two practices creates deeply personal and powerful results. Within these pages, Lytle teaches readers how to handcraft talismans to encapsulate the essence, wisdom, and energy revealed in tarot readings, transforming spiritual guidance into tangible form.

“Humans have always turned to these touchstones when fearful or in need of comfort, or when inspired and ambitious and wanting to believe that anything is possible in this life.”6

Divided into two parts, the book begins with “Part One: The Basics”. In this section, Lytle provides an overview of the foundation of talismans and tarots. She shares about amulets, popular symbols used for luck and protection, and the importance of intention when creating your own talisman. She then moves onto tarot, teaching the fundamentals of suits, structure, and numbers in the tarot, along with a bit on court cards.

A lengthy portion of this part is focused on Lytle sharing her insights on each tarot card. Moving through the whole deck, for each card there’s a picture (Rider-Wait-Smith imagery), description of the card’s meaning, talisman intention themes, affirmation, and musings to further reflect on. For those already familiar with tarot, the most novel information in this section is the guidance on cards’ themes in regard to talisman creation. For instance, intention themes for a 10 of Swords talisman include “surrender, transformation, rebirth”7, while some intention themes of Wheel of Fortune are “Good luck, good timing, risk paying off”8.

The final chapter in this part is dedicated to reading tarot cards. Lytle covers all the steps of a reading from preparing for a reading, choosing your spread, formulating questions to weaving the story that emerges together. She even shares sample readings to show readers how to interpret the cards to create a meaningful story of wisdom and guidance. While engaging, this section seems aimed for beginners, as it’s the starter information; those who have even a bit of experience reading tarot will most likely be able to move through this chapter quickly.

Once readers are familiar with the basics of tarot and what talismans are, in “Part Two: The Process”, Lytle shares how to combine the two. While I’ve worked with tarot cards for the sake of manifestation before, specifically working with the card through visualization or meditation to call in the energy of the card, Lytle’s process is different and more open to the card’s intuitive guidance. She leads readers through crafting an intention and then doing a reading about the intention. Based on the story the reading tells, whether it’s just a one card pull or a full spread, Lytle teaches how to create a talisman from “what you have discovered about your intention.”9

I love this approach because it leaves room for the wisdom and spontaneity of tarot to illuminate new information about your intention, pointing you in the best direction. Rather than someone picking the card they think is best for boosting their intentions, this method leaves room for surrender to the tarot’s wisdom, opening space for unrealized insights to emerge. Just like divination with tarot, where you don’t know what will appear but choose to trust the guidance, this process of talisman creation also lets the cards lead the way.

As far as creation of one’s talisman, Lytle shares how to choose the material that aligns with your intention. She covers a wide range of crystals for different intentions, metals, symbolic representations, animal representations, and even found objects or things with personal significance.

Once the material is picked out and prepared to be turned into a talisman, this is where Lytle brings in the tarot. She shares a spread to find clarity around one’s intention, offers multiple sample readings to study, and then details how to craft an affirmation based on the story the tarot reveals. This affirmation is then used in the ritual process to consecrate one’s talisman, which Lytle leads readers through. The final chapter then focuses on working with the consecrated talisman and what to do when it’s time to release the talisman.

While this book is filled with novice tarot information, the talisman process created by Lytle is something very unique. It invites readers to use the tarot not just for reading, but for creating, consecrating, and carrying something that extends the energy of a reading into everyday life.  By translating an intention into a physical talisman, readers anchor them in the material world, boosting the manifestation process as well as aligning their intention with the mystic wisdom of the tarot.

Overall, Talismans and Tarot is a good read for those looking to add something fresh to their magic toolkit. While the tarot content is beginner level, the talisman process is a new way to interact with the cards, making this a fun read for all levels. Many look to tarot for insights about the future, but this process of focusing on one’s intention and bringing it to life in the physical world through talismans is a way for readers to be more co-creative in the manifestation process. Plus, Lytle leaves a lot of room for personalization too, from choosing the best time for their ritual to picking out materials that feel symbolic to them, making the process both an intuitive and empowering method for creating a talisman.

I’d recommend this book to those looking for a new way to manifest their intentions. The combination of connecting with tarot and then consecration a symbolic talisman is a two-fold magical method, adding double the boost of alignment. Lytle presents an accessible  way to work tarot as a living, active magical tool. As someone with many talismans, I know the potency of being able to physically hold your imbued intentions in your hand keeps your mind focused and spirit receptive to our heart’s desires also coming into physical form.

Tarot Emblemata, by Nitasia Roland

Tarot Emblemata: Decoding Magical Symbolism, by Nitasia Roland
Weiser Books, 1578638968, 192 pages, 83 cards, August 2025

What if the tarot you hold in your hands was also a pathway to discovering Renaissance wisdom? Tarot Emblemata: Decoding Magical Symbolism beautifully bridges the culture of the Renaissance and modern tarot reading. Inspired by Claude Paradin’s emblem book, Devises Heroïques (originally published in 1551), Nitasia Roland revives the intricate art of symbolic storytelling that once conveyed moral, philosophical, and mystical truths through image and maxim.

Unfamiliar with emblems, I immediately went to Roland’s introduction in the guidebook to better understand the deck’s concept. I learned how during Renaissance emblems were visual metaphors designed to convey moral lessons, awaken contemplation and insight, and share didactic information. Roland explains how Renaissance emblems were illustrations “accompanied by mottos of text and verse that allegorically and symbolically express sentiments, concepts, societal concerns, and parables that were current in the social and cultural life of 16th- and 17th century continental and Baroque Europe.”10

In Tarot Emblemata, Roland repurposes Paradin’s emblems, which can be viewed here, to provide a fresh twist on the traditional tarot cards. This unique deck is comprised of 83 full-color cards: the traditional 78 cards of the Major and Minor Arcana along with five additional oracle cards. Weaving the emblems of Paradin (as well as a few by Bernard Salomon from an updated 1557 edition) and Latin mottos into the tarot’s archetypal structure, Roland has created a deck that illuminates the timeless insights of the Renaissance. This truly unique approach makes for some interesting reads!

The deck comes in a sturdy, hardcover box, giving it gravitas and weight. The tactile linen finish on the cards makes them very easy to handle (I much prefer this finish to a smooth varnish or glossy laminate!). And the gilded silver edges add a little burst of elegance.

As for the design, Roland kept Paradin’s symbolic imagery and moral mottos, written in both Latin inscription and English, but brought them to life with color. At the bottom of each card is the name of the tarot card. The aesthetic is minimal yet steeped in mystique, the clean parchment background reminds me of illuminated manuscripts or alchemical engravings.

For those who are used to ornate or narrative tarot cards, this deck feels more refined, even cerebral.  What’s interesting about the emblems is how the symbolic language they convey is universal enough to be widely accepted and spread yet personal enough to instill the meaningful message. The emblems give a new perspective on traditional tarot, compelling the reader to sit with the imagery and to ponder its message, despite the directness of the associated motto. In this way, readers can both get a straight-forward message that appeases the part of oneself that is searching for guidance as well as an esoteric illustration that ignites the subconscious.

Granted, those who heavily rely on context clues from more elaborately designed tarot decks might find the deck a bit harder to connect with, but for those already familiar with the general tarot card meanings, it’s fairly easy to see how the symbol aligns with the card. For me it is honestly refreshing to not be bogged down with elaborate illustration, allowing the interesting symbols to activate my psyche, prompting revelation. Roland writes:

“Drawing a card or interpreting a spread encourages personal transformation, allowing the reader to tap into the magical archetypes and the universal mysteries that Renaissance iconography and symbolism inspire, connecting you to the guidance of spirit via the wisdom of the seen and unseen worlds.”11

Accompanying the deck is the 192-page, full-color guidebook. It is about 5.5 by 7.5 inches big, about the size of a small book, and very easy to hold and read. There’s a foreword, introduction, messages for each card (including the five additional oracle cards) and spread suggestions.

What I absolutely love about the guidebook is how much detail Roland provides for each card. Written in 2nd person (you), Roland addresses the readers directly. While the cards themselves are very symbolic, the messages from Roland are filled with clarity and purpose, providing meaningful direction. Roland artfully translates the essence of the tarot card through the perspective of the Renaissance emblem and motto. She doesn’t skirt around the message, rather she hones in with skill and precision, delving right into the heart and soul of the card’s energy.

It’s quite evident the time and thought Roland put into matching each emblem with the corresponding tarot card archetype and then contemplating how to translate the card for readers in the guidebook. She hits the mark, having the traditional tarot meaning still present in each interpretation yet illuminating a novel perspective for readers to understand the tarot by filtering it through Paradin’s emblems and mottos.

For instance, The Hanged Man in this deck has the illustration of a rope hanging down from a cloud, piling on the ground, while another cloud has a hand holding a sword emerging from it about to slice the rope. The motto at the top reads, “I resolve all doubts by self-refelction”12. And the guidebook entry opens with this line:

“A severing blade and sword of divine wisdom and truth bring clarity after a time of being held up, where the clock seems to stop, and where inner reflection is the only choice to get you out of the snag you are in.”13

Ah, I just love how Roland conveys The Hanged Man without resorting to any of the trite and overused interpretations that can just make some guidebooks so boring. Dedicating two pages to each card, she provides a fantastic entryway into each card for readers, leaving them with plenty of information to further contemplate. Truly, I am deeply impressed by this guidebook and have really enjoyed reading Roland’s guidance for each card.

Plus, the additional five oracle cards are a real bonus. These cards – Ancestors, Libations, Sovereignty, Regeneration and Caduceus – give readings a real extra boost. The entry for these cards in the guidebook is a bit shorter, but it’s more than enough for readers to learn their meanings and skillfully weave these cards into their spreads. I get extra excited when I see one emerge in a reading!

Overall, Tarot Emblemata is a very interesting deck to work with. Roland offers a one of a kind approach to tarot that transports readers to the flourishing Renaissance. Somehow the deck is artfully able to be both universally enlightening and individually transformationing. For those looking for a creative re-envisioning of the tarot, especially if you enjoy ancient history, this deck is perfect for adding to your collection.

I’d recommend this deck to those who enjoy a dose of practical advice coupled with deeper spiritual insights. This is not simply a “deck for readings” but a tool for exploration, reflection, and developing one’s intuitive and symbolic literacy, priming the psyche with meaningful imagery to activate archetypes that continue to be relevant to spiritual growth and human development.

Tarot as Storyteller, by Salicrow

Tarot as Storyteller: Psychic Development, Cartomancy, and Reading the Web of Fate, by Salicrow
Destiny Books, 979-8888502068, 320 pages, June 2025

It’s one thing to memorize the meanings of tarot cards, but it’s another level entirely to weave them together into a story. Tarot as Storyteller: Psychic Development, Cartomancy, and Reading the Web of Fate by Salicrow is an engaging guide that invites readers to view their cartomancy practice not just as rote card-reading but also intuitive storytelling. Sharing her decades of wisdom, Salicrow teaches cartomancy as a psychic and intuitive art through which readers can become skillful narrators of the cards that are dealt.

Divided into three sections, the book begins with “Psychic Storytelling”, the foundational topics of the psychic arts and divination. Salicrow provides an overview of what it means to be a seer, delving into topics like the different ways to receive intuitive information, empathic abilities, cartomancy, and lunar and solar cycles. Filled with techniques ranging from opening the third eye to entering a light trance state, this section lays a great foundation for anyone performing readings. She also emphasizes the importance of self-care and personal healing work too, as this can fuel one’s psychic activities and shape one’s interpretation of the cards:

“Having walked through our wounding and out the other side we are often far more compassionate and understanding of other people’s situations, and sometimes our personal experience is what holds the best path for others as well.”14

From here, Salicrow moves into the art of storytelling through the cards. Salicrow offers methods for readers to tap into the living thread that connects the cards and querent, specifically tapping into the web of fate, seeing karma within the cards, and asking the right questions. All of this is done with integrity and ethical consideration, another topic Salicrow covers.

One of my favorite pieces of advice from this section was to create space in a spread or reading to hone in helpers. Salicrow writes, “we should docs on things like how the querent knows them, what they look like, what position do they hold, and the best way to contact them.”15 Reading this was like a huge dong on the head for me. I get so caught up in my own inner world during readings, leaning towards a spiritual interpretation, that I often forget the cards can also provide practical, direct guidance too.

I also extremely enjoyed Salicrow’s take on telling time in tarot. She offers some suggestions for telling time, but overall explains how timelines are always changing. I love her metaphysical explanation for why readers don’t always get the timing correct:

“People often change their own timing by rushing ahead or putting the brakes on after a reading.”16

Mind blown! I had never thought about how the reading in turn impacts the timeline of unfolding events.

Similarly, I enjoyed Salicrow’s approach to readings as open-ended rather than pre-determined. She encourages readers to keep going until a pathway that feels good is seen rather than accepting things as-is if it doesn’t feel right. Her techniques shared in the next section “Spreads and Layouts”, such as activated prayer, healing boards, and spellwork, give agency to the readers, allowing them to weave the web of fate through their focused intentions.

Within this second section, Salicrow also offers a variety of card spreads. There’s one for each turn of the Wheel of the Year, along with “soul-level card spreads”17 that assist with identifying soul purpose, querent’s magic, communication gifts, and more. She suggests exploring spiritual journeying, specifically through the story in the cards of one’s reading.

The final section, “The Tarot”, assists readers with creating their own personal connection to each card to draw upon when doing their readings. Salicrow writes:

“The images on the cards are interpreted through the psychic’s personal experiences and the knowledge they have obtained through study, which in turn translates into the information relative to the situation. The more personal experiences we have with a card, the broader our viewpoint.”18

To facilitate this relationship development with each card, Salicrow takes the readers through the Major Arcana, Suits/Minor Arcana, and Court Cards, offering a general description, what it means if you notice certain aspects of the card, and a guided meditation to journey with the card. I enjoyed reading this section, especially the way she groups the Minor Arcana cards. For each number, Salicrow covers all four suits at once, offering insights into commonality and contrasts within the cards. There’s also Rider-Waite-Smith pictures for each card, so readers can really get a good look at what’s being described even if they don’t have a deck on hand. At the end of this section, Salicrow covers numerology, offering yet another way to find the story within the reading.

There’s countless books on reading tarot, but Tarot as Storyteller really stood out as exceptional to me. I love all of the personal insight Salicrow incorporates into the book, as well as her overall approach to spirituality and tarot reading; I feel readers of all levels would benefit from her techniques, especially those of a beginner to intermediate level.

Approaching tarot through storytelling adds so many nuance layers, opening pathways for interpreting one’s readings and going deeper into the meaning of what the cards are revealing. This is where intuition, symbolism, and psychic awareness come alive, turning the assortment of cards within a reading into a cohesive narrative that speaks directly to the soul.

This book is perfect for those who want to hone their reading skills, especially if they have a goal of professionally doing readings. Reading tarot as a story moves the reading beyond card interpretation and into the realm of artistry, where intuition guides them to see the deeper message unfolding between the lines. True mastery of tarot comes not from reciting keywords, but from sensing the living thread that connects each card in a spread, and this is exactly what Salicrow teaches readers to do.

The Mythical Creatures Tarot, by Jayne Wallace

The Mythical Creatures Tarot, by Jayne Wallace
CICO Books, 176 pages, 78 cards, October 2025

Throughout history, mythical creatures have served as reflections of humanity’s hidden emotions, instincts, and mysteries. From dragons breathing the fires of transformation to mermaids singing of love’s depths, these beings live in the realm between imagination and truth animated by the unseen forces that shape our lives. In tarot, they become messengers from the mythic realms, guiding readers toward greater self-awareness and spiritual insight.

The Mythical Creatures Tarot by Jayne Wallace invites readers to step into this enchanted landscape, where every card holds the spirit of a legendary mythic being, pairing their ancient wisdom with the guidance of tarot. This approach adds a deeper layer of meaning to the tarot cards, reminding readers that myth and magic are always alive in our everyday experiences and that these sacred guardians are here for counsel. Serving as a bridge between reader and these magical creatures, this deck is a reminder that myth and intuition often go hand in hand.

There’s a special feeling when opening a new tarot deck and the packaging and presentation of The Mythical Creatures Tarot add to the tactile and collectible appeal. This deck is housed in a sturdy keepsake box illustrated with a luminous full moon circled by two air dragons hovering above a serene body of water. Opening this box reveals a large, full-color, hardback illustrated guidebook. And underneath this is the deck itself in yet another hardbound case, safely housing the mystery and magic of this deck, with a beautiful blue ribbon to assist with pulling it out. There’s also a blue ribbon within this case holding the deck to once again aid in collecting the cards easily into one’s hands.

The matte cards are nice and large. They’re bigger than your average card deck, yet still a good size to hold in one’s hands. My first impression was how smooth the cards were; there was no friction when shuffling and none of the cards stuck together. The cards have nice weight to them too, adding a palpable pleasure to the physicality of working with this deck.

The artwork on the cards is soft, dreamlike, and filled with gentle movement, creating a sense of stepping into a living scene. Each card is rendered in delicate watercolor tones that blend earthiness with ethereal light, giving the deck a serene yet mystical tone. The imagery feels both ancient and timeless with the mythical beings depicted with grace and reverence, harmonizing with natural landscapes of misty woods, glowing skies, and flowing waters. There’s a gentle blur to the artwork too that allows for the mind to release its grip, opening up to the blending of the fantastic and familiar for new insights when gazing at the cards.

Most imagery on the cards align with the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) illustrations, giving experienced readers a familiar foundation for their readings. Yet it is not to the point where it is a mirror of the RWS deck; there’s plenty of creative interpretation in the depiction of the legendary beings and nature-filled landscapes. Wallace includes the card name and one keyword on the card for readers to be able to quickly discern the card, yet there’s still plenty of visual space for the eyes to wander and contemplate the messages coming through visually. The symbolism of the chimeric creatures opens up a whole new array of interpretations in a reading, providing a fresh perspective on the traditional card meanings by infusing them with mythic insights. 

As for reading the cards, the Major Arcana is a mix of different mythological beings, including Griffin, Kraken, Pegasus, Centaur, and more. The Minor Arcana suits follow elemental creature associations:

• Swords/Air → Dragons 
• Cups/Water → Merfolk 
• Wands/Fire → Phoenixes 
• Pentacles/Earth → Dryads

For those who are new to mythological beings, Wallace has included a list in the guidebook providing a short description of each one. She also includes guidance on reading the cards in this deck and ideas for spreads to use.

For each card entry in the guidebook, Wallace has shared the name and main keyword at the top, followed by a few more key words, description of the scene the card depicts, card meaning, mythical message, and an affirmation. She writes with a tender tone, offering heartfelt wisdom. The card meanings are distilled from her tarot expertise spanning decades, while the mythical messages perfectly translate the traditional tarot meaning into a greater archetypal message that resonates on a soul level.

I particularly love how the guidebook is a well-bound hardback that’s extremely easy to hold in one’s hands with a ribbon to mark the current page. As someone who enjoys journaling, this makes it very easy to refer to the guidebook while I’m recording my thoughts because it’s  easy to flip from one page to the next. Plus, the full-scale, colored image right next to the card’s message is perfect for contemplation.

So far, I have really enjoyed this deck because the elemental symbolism of the Minor Arcana makes me feel intuitively connected to the natural rhythms of the world around me. I love working with elemental beings (especially merfolk!), and I feel this deck really serves as a bridge, connecting readers to this realm. While there’s decks devoted solely to many of these creatures, such as dragons and phoenixes, it’s nice to have them all come together in unity within this deck.

There’s something about stepping away from the humanness within the RWS deck or other traditional tarot cards that prompts revelation. The archetypal energies of the tarot are given a new avenue of expression, and Wallace has done a magnificent job translating the grandiose essence of these mythical creatures into applicable and meaningful guidance. It’s easy and very human to get caught up in the fear of the unknown, turning to the tarot for answers about what lies ahead or the best course of action. But the mythical creatures of this deck remind us of our inner strength, imaginative freedom, and flowing connection to the special energies these legendary beings share with us.

Overall, The Mythical Creatures Tarot is a beautiful and powerful addition to the tarot world. It’s ideal for readers who are drawn to mythology, folklore, and imaginative reimaginings of the cards that stretch beyond traditional interpretations. Those who appreciate a touch of fantasy in their readings will find the vibrant depictions of legendary beings both enchanting and immersive, especially if they enjoy working with elemental forces or mythic symbolism. Readers of all levels will find Wallace’s interpretations accessible, inspiring, and heartfelt, guiding them toward deeper understanding and self-discovery through the wisdom of these extraordinary creatures. It’s definitely a deck that I will be turning to again and again!

Shadows of Tarot, by Emma Howard

Shadows of Tarot: A Tarot Spread Journal, by Emma Howard
Sacred Scribe Publishing, 979-8990956032, 162 pages, October 2025

Shadows of Tarot by Emma Howard is a beautifully presented tarot spread journal. I loved the aesthetic the moment I laid eyes on it. The red and black hardcover journal with all the moths on the cover– three of my favorite things wrapped in one journal. Plus, the ribbon bookmark is nice to have so I don’t lose my place!

If you love tarot spreads like I do and you’re currently working on the shadow aspects of yourself, this journal will help give you better insight. At the start we are greeted by a guide on how to use this journal. There’s a side with the tarot spread and a side with questions and prompts, laying the blueprint for all the future queries.

Then journal gets right into the spreads. There’s a lot of good spreads in this book– 66 in total! Each spread has a different amount of cards, most of which are around 5-7 cards. The longest one in the journal is at the beginning and is called the “Long Bag”. I decided to pick out the spread that called to me most and tried it out. The spread I tried out was “Hidden Depths”.

“Hidden Depths” helps you to understand both conscious and hidden traits. It’s all about self-discovery and understanding. For this spread I used my deck Magic of Tarot by Liz Dean. Each respective question for the pull was as follows:

“What unknown trait lies within my shadow self?”
“How does this hidden trait manifest in my daily life?”
“What messages does my shadow self have for me?”
“How can I bring this shadow aspect to consciousness?”
“What gift does this shadow aspect hold for me?”

The cards I pulled respectfully one through five were Page of Cups, Five of Cups, Nine of Wands, Two of Cups, Knight of Swords.

This reading made a lot of sense to me. Since the Page of Swords was upright, my mind instantly went to imagination. Lately, every now and then, my mind has been flickering to self doubt in the path I’m forging as an artist and writer; I’ve been down on myself for lacking in imagination. Five of Cups was reversed and that told me my worry and doubt blocks my manifesting of my imagination. I’ve been working hard on overcoming these traits. This reading has been an eye opener for me to understand that all I need is already what I have within me. I don’t need to doubt myself.

Nine of Wands reversed told me to stop letting my stress and pressure consume me, which with what I just explained, yes, yes I do. Two of Cups being upright on the other hand reminded me that meeting other creatives is the boost I need. I just have to overcome my social anxiety (huge shadow right there). So far I’m slowly coming out of my shell; I just think patience is needed on my end. Lastly Knight of Swords reversed, the gift of unavoidable challenges, made a lot of sense. This one reading alone was enough to impress me.

The top of the question/prompt side has a line to rewrite an affirmation and a line to record the deck used that day. There’s plenty of space for you to write your interpretation. There’s also lines for reflecting on what the higher self feelings the reading is about and the actions the reading inspires. For instance, for the question the journal asks, “How does this reading inspire me to take action?”, I wrote: “It inspires me to combat all of the challenges in my way.” This reading gave me a lot of realization that I needed.

There’s also lines to fill out the most prominent shadow in this reading, reflective thoughts and feelings, and the elemental influence. Water was my biggest elemental influence for this reading. I took that as a sign that I’m more in-tune with my emotions than I realize or give myself credit for. 

All the more that I can say is I’m really impressed with Shadows of Tarot and I enjoyed the tarot spread and filling out the questions. It’s great because for me this really gave me a mental check in. It made me realize I’m straying from what I’m trying to not be anymore. If you’re looking for more insight into yourself, want to check in where your shadow is at, or start your shadow journey with tarot, this is the journal for you. It is great for beginners and experienced readers!

The Egyptian Tarot, by Oliver St. John

The Egyptian Tarot, by Oliver St. John
Crossed Crow Books, 978-1964537078, 154 pages, 78 cards, August 2025

The Egyptian Tarot by Oliver St. John is an excellent addition to any tarot collection. The cards feature a matte finish and traditional size which makes handling them easy. There’s a feeling of substantive tactile energy as you lay out the spread. Each card also holds the schematics of the Golden Dawn system of magick, inclusive of Qabalistic correspondences and elemental assignations, all the while processed through the imagery of Ancient Egypt and its Neteru (Gods/esses).

The back of each card is imprinted with a simplified image of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn’s Rose Cross Lamen, a key symbol containing attributes for the classical elements, classical planets, zodiac, Hebrew alphabet, alchemical principles, the hexagram and pentagram, the sefirot of the Tree of Life, and the formula of INRI.

Unlike more traditional tarot decks, the imagery is embedded with multiple Hermetic disciplines and can be interpreted from a variety of esoteric and magickal perspectives. Each card has a planetary and astrological glyph and the addition of the associated Hebrew letter, alchemical sigil, and hieroglyph on specific cards. And, even the background color of the suits of the Minor Arcana and Major Arcana cards is subtle using similar tones and correspondences as those of the Qabalistic sephiroth and some overt and latent elemental energies.

The accompanying guidebook is a full-sized 154 page paperback that serves as an excellent resource for the user in attuning to the departures in the naming of the Major Arcana and Court and Ace cards to align with the focus of the Egyptian pantheon and energy. The interpretations provided in the guidebook align the cards of the Major Arcana with the associated paths on the Hermetic Qabalistic Tree. In this way the reader is offered a course in Qabalistic principles as well as the practice of translating these energies into applied and practical use as in the form of a tool of divination. The guidebook also provides those less familiar with the Egyptian deities enough information to make the information user friendly regardless of previous experience.

The guidebook is organized into five sections including a group of appendices that could easily stand alone as teachings of Hermetic Qabalah, astrology, and Egyptian magick. The preface lays the groundwork of expectation and the promise that this is not “just another Tarot deck”16, but something more deeply intrinsic to the complexities and nuances of ancient magickal systems:

“The purpose of our Egyptian Tarot designs is to preserve the traditional elementals so far as possible, while at the same time presenting a unique perspective through the careful and knowledgeable use of ancient Egyptian symbolism. It is not within the scope of this book to explain the science of magick, astrology or Qabalah, although the Tarot correspondences utilize all of this. The reader must be referred to our other works for such things and indeed is encouraged to do so in order to gain the fullest comprehension of the Egyptian Tarot.”17

“Chapter One: The Egyptian Tarot” takes the reader on a journey through the basics of the Hermetic Tree of Life, the import of its correspondences on the cards and the astrological associations overlaid on the cards of the Minor Arcana. Additionally, a breakdown of the Major Arcana is a nice touch in giving the reader the more traditional assignment of each of the Keys as a reference point for how that card has been renamed and the broader way in which these associations are used:

“The Hermit is renamed Isis IX. The esoteric title is Prophet of the Eternal: Magus of the Voice of Power. This card portrays two sisters, Isis and Nepthys, performing an act of resurrection on the soul.”19

Having laid thorough and in-depth foundations for a shift in perspective for the cards’ broader interpretations, each card of the Major Arcana is dutifully given several pages of fuller explanation of its workings through the lens of Egyptian magick and how these may be applied to the disciplines of divination.

The subsequent section of The Egyptian Tarot guidebook, entitled “Tarot Divination”, provides an overview of the mechanics of using tarot as a tool for obtaining information and samples of card layouts, their interactions and potential interpretations of their collective energies. A grid of divinatory meanings for the Major Arcana cards provides a great starting point for deeper understanding and interpretations.

The final section, “Methods of Divination”, offers a variety of spreads that hold the symbology of the Qabalistic Tree of Life as the dominant underpinnings both in the layout, number of cards as well as the imagery and meanings of the cards themselves. I was intrigued by the many layers of each card and did a simple three card draw that produced Key XIX RA, Key XVIII Khonsu and the Four of Wands (completion):

Card 1 – Key XIX RA – The Lord of the Fire of the World. He is the holder of Light and renewable growth and regeneration. Just as the Sun rises and sets each day to be reborn the next, this card is a reminder about the power and limitless source we have as bearers of our own cycles of the Sun .

Card 2 – Key XVIII Khnonsu – Ruler of Flux and Reflux. This card calls to the acknowledgement of our inner cycles, our deep connection to the Lunar tides – Khnonsu is the Deity of the Moon – and the ability to remain in the twilight and become the reflection of the Light.

Card 3 – Four of Wands – The Lord of Completion. The cards of the Minor Arcana are each assigned a Decan (degree of placement) within the Zodiac. These are directly connected to astrological energies and in this case planetary Venus in astrological Taurus. This indicates the ability to bring what is most desired and holds the potential for creation (Venus) into manifestation with stability and strength (Taurus).

The appendices are a training manual in and of themselves, and are ripe with information about each aspect of what is depicted on the cards, alternate correspondences and Qabalistic wisdom. “Appendix I: Sephorotic Tree” provides the visual of the tree with path, name, Hebrew letter, and Tarot correspondences in one quick look.

“Appendix II: Tarot Paeans”, is a list of invocations specific to each of the cards of the Major Arcana that may be used as contemplative tools in calling in the energies of their wisdom. And “Appendix III: Key – Scale Correspondences” is an 18-page compendium of all the ways you can make connections to the specifics of the cards. Deity, plants, animals, Hebrew Letter, Gematria, and more fill these pages-each, clearly outlined in table form and useful in so many applications beyond divination.

Would I Recommend?

At first glance The Egyptian Tarot is not something that will immediately draw me in with its imagery, colors, or dynamic appeal, but rather from the treasure chest of wisdom held within each card and its potential are priceless. St. John has managed to draw into synthesis aeons of magick and craft it into a tool for divination and much, much more.

It is not a beginner deck, nor is it for those who want a quick and easy route to becoming paid readers, but it will, for those willing to put in the effort and open themselves to the greater teachings become a tool of vision and manifestation of the latent potential for deeper magick we all contain.

About the Author: Oliver St. John

Oliver St. John has dedicated his whole life to the theory and practice of magick and the occult, including related sciences of tarot, Qabalah, ritual, astrology, and divination; he is an acknowledged expert in these fields. He has written more than twenty books on these subjects and is the director of studies of Ordo Astri, Hermetic Order of the Star and Snake. He is also a musician, creates his own podcasts, and writes and edits the monthly journal Metamorphosis.

His background includes training and working with Mary Long, author and student of Dion Fortune; the late Gareth Knight; and Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki, cofounder of Servants of the Light. St. John was one of the very few people to complete a five-year course in Applied Qabalah then delivered by the latter group. He was also at one time active in the neo-Pagan Fellowship of Isis, enjoying a voluminous correspondence with Olivia Robertson, the cofounder. He has been a member of the Typhonian Order for over twenty years and has contributed articles, including a short story within the Lovecraft genre, to Starfire journal. He continues to teach students around the world and is working on several new book projects.

The Butterfly Wisdom Tarot, by Starla Yilmaz

The Butterfly Wisdom Tarot: Guiding Wings for Your Journey, by Starla Yilmaz
RedFeather, 9780764369230, 144 pages, 78 cards, June 2025

With her beautiful deck, The Butterfly Wisdom Tarot: Guiding Wings for Your Journey, Starla Yilmaz draws inspiration from the butterfly. An ancient symbol of metamorphosis and the soul, and offers readers of all experience levels a vibrant tool for reflection, guidance, and growth.

Starla Yilmaz is a fiction writer, tarot reader, and cross-stitch creator. Tarot and cross-stitch have been an important part of her healing journey and her life for more than 20 years. While her work in romantic fiction has won two awards, this is her first deck. You can learn more about Yilmaz on her website.

After what Yilmaz calls an “intense healing period of my life”20, she had a vision of “butterflies cross-stitched onto white canvas, each one the focus of a tarot card, forming one giant tapestry.”21 She laughed and put away the idea until a later time when she decided to begin one simple pattern. As the designing and sewing healed her, she created another and another. When she started writing the guidebook, she began to draft little stories to accompany each card, including key ideas and thoughts or questions for deeper contemplation.

Each card is edged in black with a distinct color for the inner border, showing tiny threads on white fabric. She uses matching thread colors for the Major Arcana and again for each suit of the Minor Arcana. All the cards feature an uncomplicated design with a butterfly and crisp black stitching representing a very basic part of the symbolism from Rider-Waite-Smith.

For example, The Moon card features a moth with a crescent moon and a full moon, adorned at the top with the symbol for Pisces. When readers go to the guidebook, her story brings out the tale of the dog barking at the moon because he fears the mirror image of the moon on the water; her thoughtful questions encourage the reader to inspect fears, dreams and reflections.

Within the guidebook, Yilmaz features full-color illustrations for the Major Arcana cards. She includes an introduction to her story, notes on how to use this deck, and several one, three, and four-card spreads. At the end of the guidebook, she includes “Healing Patterns and Prompts”22 for the reader to copy and stitch (pg. 129-141) She shares three designs, offering a beginner pattern and an advanced pattern for each. Yilmaz also includes a list of tarot resources.

The heart of this deck lies in its artwork. Each card is adorned with illustrations that intertwine the world of butterflies with the archetypes and stories of tarot. The Butterfly Wisdom Tarot arrives in a box of royal hues and elegant details, calling to mind the fragile beauty and bold colors of butterfly wings. The box is sturdy and well-constructed, with a magnetic closure that protects the cards while adding a sense of ceremony to every reading. She has designed a deep well for the cards with thumb holes for easy removal.

The symbolism in these cards is simple, subtle, and brilliant. Each black stitch has been carefully designed and sewn to represent the timeless archetypes of the 78 cards of Rider-Waite-Smith deck. From the two cups pouring water in the Temperance card to the tiny tools of the Magician, Yilmaz has artfully selected the best symbols for each card and carefully stitched them onto her fabric canvas.

And the butterflies! Each butterfly is a mini masterpiece! Whether it is a classic monarch on the Emperor card or a chrysalis on the Hanged Man, Yilmaz uses all the colors of the rainbow to present her butterfly parade. 

The cards themselves are printed on high-quality, matte-finish stock that feels silky to the touch yet substantial enough for everyday use. The deck is standard size, shuffling smoothly whether you prefer riffle or overhand methods. The matte finish reduces glare and makes the cards easy to photograph—a boon for those who share their readings online.

Card backs feature an elegant, symmetrical design that looks like stained glass and butterfly wings in flight, making the deck reversible for those who read with reversed cards.

From the outset, the deck exudes an energy of gentleness and support. It is approachable for those new to tarot and a delight for seasoned practitioners. I love the thoughtful questions that Yilmaz poses for each card, so that the reader can go deeper into self-reflection. 

I presented the cards to a Zoom group that I attend monthly. Here are a few comments from attendees:

LC – The Lovers: “I’ve been flirting with this guy online. I now know I need to decide whether to meet him or move on. I love the question: ‘What quality do I need to work on to be a better partner?’  That really makes me stop and think.”

TW – 4 of Cups: “OMG! I see how I have been a Debbie Downer lately! I may need to contact my old therapist and have a few sessions to put myself right. Am I depressed or just bored? These questions really help!”

As for me, I really resonated with the artwork and guidance for the 6 of Wands. I loved the simple garland of victory and the 6 wands cheering me on to success. Another favorite card is the Strength card. Yilmaz features a gorgeous orange butterfly resting on the gaping mouth of a lion. Simply stunning!

I plan to share The Butterfly Wisdom Tarot with my Friday Coffee & Cards group and other Zoom groups I attend. I will keep the guidebook close by for my personal card readings, as I consider the questions for deeper reflection. Yilmaz provides this note:

“I hope that readers find themselves supported and uplifted during life’s toughest moments with my deck and guidebook.”23

Boadicea’s Tarot of Earthly Delights, by Caroline Kenner and Paula Millet

Boadicea’s Tarot of Earthly Delights, by Caroline Kenner with illustrations by Paula Millet
REDFeather, 9780764369087, 216 pages, 80 cards, June 2025

Boadicea’s Tarot of Earthly Delights is a beautiful, vivid celebration of both the mystical and the material, seamlessly weaving together the pleasures of the physical world and the wisdom of spirit. In a crowded field of modern tarot decks—each vying to reinterpret the archetypes and traditions of the cards—Caroline Kenner and illustrator Paula Millet have created a deck of stunning images and poetic wisdom.

Caroline Kenner is a priestess, a tarot expert, a shamanic healer, and a witch. She has read tarot cards for five decades and has studied and honored Boadicea “as a Sacred Ancestress for more than 50 years.”21 Kenner is co-founder of the Fool’s Dog tarot app company, and this is her first book.

Paula Millet has enjoyed a lifelong study of art and science and loves this opportunity to create a deck inspired by her experiences. She is an artist, graphic designer and deck creator and has also worked in several museums in the US, including the Smithsonian.  Millet has contributed to the creation of three other tarot decks.

The first thing I noticed about this deck is the use of vibrant colors and beautiful artwork. In her unique style, Millet has combined hundreds of classical art pieces in very unique ways. For example, the Knight of Fungi (Pentacles) features a knight wearing a snail helmet, brandishing a mushroom, riding atop a donkey. The collage designs that Millet creates are brilliantly stitched together to appear as one piece of art. The visuals are impressive and dazzling. 

“Technically, I work in Adobe Photoshop, sampling, manipulating, and blending select bits from at least 5 or 6 or up to more than a dozen images to create each digital illustration.”22

The Major Arcana cards follow traditional names and Rider-Waite-Smith symbolism, although the duo created two extra cards: Boadicea the Queen and Perspicacious Platypus. 

At this point, I’d like to share a little information about Boadicea from the guidebook:

“Boadicea was a queen of the Iceni, a tribe that occupied the territory of present-day Norfolk and Suffolk, during the Roman occupation of England in the 1st century of the common era. After her husband died, Boadicea and her daughters expected to inherit his throne under Roman law. Instead, her sovereignty was ignored.”23

She led an army of her people against the Romans, not once but three times. Although the Romans finally defeated her, Boadicea and her army killed almost 80,000 Romans. This deck is a testament to her “wisdom, assertiveness and courage.”24  

In addition to the two extra cards, Millet and Kenner also renamed each of the Minor Arcana suits as follows:

• Cups – Tentacles
• Wands – Combustion
• Swords – Aether
• Pentacles – Fungi

The cards with tentacles amused me and the mini art collages with fungi tickled me even more.  The way Millet combines tentacles with people and artifacts is delightful! Figures of varying ages, body types, and backgrounds populate the cards, reflecting a vision of humanity that is as diverse as the flora and fauna that surround them. (For any art lover who is interested in the source of Millet’s artwork, she includes a comprehensive appendix with all the information listed.)

In the guidebook, Kenner really shines, sharing a description of each card, a brief interpretation, and upright and reversed meanings and symbols. She includes a bit about the history of tarot, divination, and reading cards. Kenner also presents twelve spreads, as well as several pages on reading tarot. I found her meanings like what I’ve come to know as traditional RWS and appreciated how Kenner and Millet collaborated to create the poetic verse and artistic renderings for each card. I also resonated with this note about reading with only Major Arcana cards:

“Majors only readings can sharpen our focus on life’s most essential issues.”25 

The cards are printed with a velvety, matte finish, edged in gold and further adorned with a colored border that matches each Minor Arcana suit or crimson for the Major Arcana. The cards are a bit oversized and were a little hard to shuffle with my small hands. However, the size allows the artwork to really shine. The cards are housed in a beautiful box that is decorated on the interior as if it held the finest map in the world. A deep well with a scarlet ribbon holds the cards, with ample room for the large guidebook. The box closes with a magnetic flap.

I took the cards to my Friday “Coffee & Cards” group, and my friends loved the deck!  Here is a sample of comments:

JS drew the 2 of Aether “I can’t believe this card is telling me it’s time to make up my mind.”
She went on to say that she was battling with herself over a complex question and now knew that it was long past time to choose and move on. 

LL drew the Perspicacious Platypus card and, after we all laughed at the absurdity of this card, she drew a breath, read the guidance and shared this:

“This very strange card has shown me a new way to look at my life. It’s time for me to look at what I want to embrace and what I want to leave behind. I can’t ask others to help me with this, because it’s my own decision to make.”

This deck would be appreciated by any level of tarot reader, although someone with a little knowledge of RWS would probably enjoy working with the deck more than a novice. Those looking for a deck to support healing, self-acceptance, and the exploration of personal pleasure will find much to love. Through its rich artwork, innovative symbolism and beautiful prose, Boadicea’s Tarot invites us to savor the delights—and the lessons—of our world.  

I plan to keep the deck on hand for client readings and refer to the guidebook for additional wisdom for my own personal readings. As Kenner shares at the end of the guidebook: 

“Tarot is a wisdom tool designed as a game. Working with Tarot can help you understand yourself, refine your goals, and achieve success and happiness. Tarot deepens compassion for self and others. Tarot enhances life.”26