tarot

My tarot card collection (part 1)

I’d like to share with you, my tarot card collection.

What’s the difference between tarot & oracle cards?

With both types of decks are used for divination, tarot consists of a distinct set of cards with universal meanings — 78 cards including 22 major arcana, and 56 minor arcana divided into four suits (cups, wands, swords, and pentacles.) All cards have the same meanings, but depending on the artist and the artwork, meanings may slightly vary between types of decks.

Oracle cards, on the other hand, are highly variable in meanings. It’s ultimately up to the artist on how many cards are included, what each card means, and what the artwork looks like. There is much more creative freedom here. Oracle cards usually have a specific focus, such as “romance” or “halloween.”

Rating system

  • Artwork (1= mediocre, 5= impressive)
  • Skill level (1= beginner, 5= advanced)
  • Rarity (1= common, 5= very rare)
  • Description (personality/purpose)

*By the way, the order of these decks are completely random and have nothing to do with date or purchase or favoritism!*

Tarot cards

Please refer to photo — going from top left to bottom right.

Steampunk

Artwork: Creative and pretty, but very dark and hard to see.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5.

Skill level: Differs highly from the classic, but context clues from the pictures aren’t too difficult.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Rarity: Easily found on Amazon for reasonable price.

Rating: 1 out of 5.

One of my more recent decks, Steampunk represents a nostalgic and romanticized era of 19th century, Victorian era, industrial steam-powered machinery. The aesthetic comes across as both old-fashioned and futuristic, giving it a paradox-type feel. It is fictional and can best be described as a made-up, alternative history. In my opinion, this deck truly captures essential elements of the entire steampunk movement. It comes in an impressive box with a fantastic guidebook. The cards themselves fall slightly short, as the cards are super thin (which some may prefer), and the artwork is a little too dark to clearly see everything. This deck is great for asking fantasy-type questions, invoking your imagination, and diving yourself into the science fiction vibe.


Everyday Witch

Artwork: Magnificent!!!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Skill level: Very different from the classic, possibly overwhelming artwork, but very easy context clues.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5.

Rarity: Easily accessible!

Rating: 1 out of 5.

This is possibly the most modern deck I own, incorporating essential themes of the original tarot mixed with everyday-life. The artwork is super vivid, filled with lots of details, to the point where I sometimes find it overwhelming! The artist clearly put so much work into each picture. This deck is awesome for anyone who feels witchy, as well as anyone who is sick of the medieval classic deck and would rather see more relatable artwork. This deck is ideal for asking “mundane” questions, like, “what should I do this weekend?” But don’t be fooled, this magical deck is anything but mundane!


Kawaii

Artwork: Minimal yet satisfying.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Skill level: NOT for beginners, only recommended those who have the card meanings memorized.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Rarity: easily accessible!

Rating: 1 out of 5.

Kawaii tarot is super cute! The cards are tiny and the artwork is minimal, making it a very simple yet satisfying deck. This deck is great for traveling or clearing a cluttered mind. Contrary to the Everyday Witch, this one is quite underwhelming — making it calming and straightforward. This is my first “advanced” deck I bought myself — luckily it comes with a helpful guidebook, but I would certainly recommend memorizing most of the meanings before using this one. Use this deck as a supplement to other decks, or when your intuition is feeling strong enough that you don’t need a complicated/deep answer. Plus, it’s super kawaii!


Lisa Frank (major arcana only)

Artwork: *squeals* AHHHH!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Skill level: No guidebook included, differs highly from classic deck. However, since it only contains major arcana, could be very useful for those just starting out.

Rating: 2 out of 5.

Rarity: You have to “make it yourself” by downloading the images, uploading them to a card-making online store, and ordering it from there. There’s a slight chance that you may be able to find it pre-made, secondhand for a really high price.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

I am OBSESSED with Lisa Frank art! The only disappointing thing about this deck is that it only contains the 22 major arcana cards! Yet still, the artwork is super fantastic and really brings out the 90s little fangirl in me. This deck is useful for broad questions, since it only contains the major arcana.


Cat (major arcana only)

Artwork: Hand-drawn, making it raw and authentic.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Skill level: Just like the Lisa Frank, it’s different, but could be ideal for beginners since it’s only the major arcana.

Rating: 2 out of 5.

Rarity: Only available from the independent artist themself. Not sure if they are still available.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

I got this as a present, from my friend Laura G, who bought it from an independent seller on Etsy. I love the authenticity of this deck. You can really tell that a person’s heart and soul was poured into it.


Cat tarot

Artwork: Hilarious! The “death card” is a vacuum cleaner!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Skill level: Extremely different than the classic, and quite difficult to determine the suites.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Rarity: Easy to find

Rating: 1 out of 5.

This deck (a gift from my sister!) is a must-have for all cat lovers out there. Completely straying away from the classic medieval theme, this deck is 100% focused on the modern-day cat. If you were a cat, this is the deck you’d make for yourself. If you want to get in the mind of your cat, use this deck. Just like the Everyday Witch, these cards are great for asking the “mundane” or “everyday” questions. Even better, use this deck to try and figure out how your cat really feels about you…


Oliver Hibert

Artwork: If you enjoy psychedelic art, you will fall in love with this deck.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Skill level: Surprisingly similar to the classic Rider Waite.

Rating: 2 out of 5.

Rarity: Only available directly through Oliver Hibert’s website, for a very, very high price…

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

I am a huge fan of Oliver Hibert’s unique, one-of-a-kind artwork. His art is psychedelic and dark, with an emphasis on eyeballs and some (tasteful) nudity. This is my most expensive deck, but completely worth it in my opinion.


Bunny tarot

Artwork: Simply and minimalistic.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Skill level: With such minimal artwork, you definitely have to be very familiar with meanings in order to use this.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Rarity: I bought this on Etsy from an independent seller!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

This is a really cute deck, perfect for seasoned tarot readers who are looking for something more challenging and sick of all the common/mainstream tarot decks.


Trippin’ Waite

Artwork: LOVE IT!!! Totally trippy!!!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Skill level: Nearly identical to original Rider Waite, so it’s accessible for beginners.

Rating: 1 out of 5.

Rarity: A little difficult to find! Very pricy too!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

This deck is absolutely perfect for those who like the groovy 70s theme. So fun.


Tarot of sexual magic

Artwork: Perfect for sexually related themes. Although, some of it is a little silly and laughable!

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Skill level: Not for beginners. The cards seem to take on their own, unique meanings. More of an intuitive type of reading.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Rarity: Easy to find on Amazon.

Rating: 1 out of 5.

Every tarot reader deserves something a little spicy in their collection, right?


Dark Grimoire Tarot

Artwork: Absolutely fantastic, truly captures that eerie feeling.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Skill level: Again, not for beginners, as the artwork adds more depth and meanings to the cards.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Rarity: Also, easy to find on Amazon.

Rating: 1 out of 5.

This deck is super dark and perfect for shadow work.


Rider Waite Tarot

Artwork: Classic.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Skill level: As easy as it gets.

Rating: 1 out of 5.

Rarity: Easiest deck to find.

Rating: 1 out of 5.

My very first tarot deck, also recommended to be any new reader’s first deck. From 1900, this is an absolute classic. There’s many differences between the “original” from the 1400s, but comes pretty close, while adding much more details to help you remember the card meanings.


Cleopatra Tarot

Artwork: Egyptian hieroglyphs and art!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Skill level: Very difficult for new readers! This is expert-level for sure.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Rarity: Pretty easy to find on Amazon!

Rating: 4 out of 5.

As a huge fanatic of ancient Egypt, this is one of my favorite decks.


Thoth

Artwork: Fascinating and unique.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Skill level: Advanced.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Rarity: Pretty common.

Rating: 1 out of 5.

Aleister Crowley basically ripped “mainstream tarot” apart and recreated this deck to revolve around the occult.


Beauty of Horror

Artwork: Horrifying! In the best way possible!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Skill level: Somewhat based on the classic, but not for beginners!

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Rarity: Findable on Amazon!

Rating: 1 out of 5.

This deck is all about finding the serene in the chaos.


Halloween tarot

Artwork: Based on Halloween, but not scary at all — very cute and gimmicky.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Skill level: Medium — a great bridge between Rider-Waite and something different.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Rarity: Easy find!

Rating: 1 out of 5.

All the fun parts of Halloween, none of the scary.

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