Exploring All Types of Tarot Decks

Tarot deck collections have burgeoned over centuries, mirroring cultures, mythologies, and artistic styles from around the world. Each deck brings a unique perspective to divination, mysticism, or storytelling. Let's delve into the multifaceted cosmos of tarot, exploring various types of decks that cater to diverse interests and practices.

Tarot decks abound with rich histories and mythologies, originating from Renaissance Italy as simple playing cards before evolving into divination tools. Today, they're available in countless variations, each offering a unique interpretation of the traditional 78-card structure. Here, we'll explore these types, highlighting their distinct features and uses.

Classic and Traditional Tarot Decks

The Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) and Thoth decks are quintessential tarot decks, each with a unique approach to symbolism and interpretation.

The RWS, created by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, introduced significant changes to tarot's visual language. Unlike its predecessors, it features illustrated pips (numbered cards) and shows scenes on the card faces, making it user-friendly for beginners and deeply symbolic for seasoned readers.

Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) Tarot

This classic deck is a staple in most readers' collections, its vibrant, descriptive images offering clear, accessible interpretations. Its pip cards depict scenes, giving context and deeper meaning to otherwise numeric cards.

As an example, the Three of Swords in the RWS deck shows three swords piercing a heart, symbolizing emotional pain and heartache, unlike the Thoth or traditional decks, which only show the three swords.

Thoth Tarot

The Thoth Tarot, created by Aleister Crowley and Illustrated by Lady Frieda Harris, is a complex, esoteric deck deeply rooted in western occultism, mysticism, and Crowley's personal philosophy. It's not for beginners, offering dense, cryptic symbolism that rewards years of study.

The Ace of Wands, for instance, doesn't show a wand or flames as in the RWS, but an abstract swirling design around a central wand, symbolizing creativity, ambition, and spiritual growth.

Artistic and Themed Tarot Decks

Artistic decks vary widely, from historical and cultural reinterpretations to modern, abstract designs. Themed decks apply tarot's symbolism to specific genres, communities, or topics.

Historical and Cultural Reinterpretations

Decks like the Oswald Wirth, Golden Dawn, or Coins tarot respect tarot's historical lineage. The Oswald Wirth deck aligns with the traditional French tarot, following the latter's reduction to 22 major arcana and 56 minor arcana. The Golden Dawnís divinatory system remains influential among ceremonial magicians.

The Coins deck, inspired by 16th-century tarot dei Bragozzo, uses early Tarocchi dei Tarantolati imagery and aligns with traditional Marseilles tarot symbolism. These decks cater to historical enthusiasts and those desiring deep connections to tradition.

Modern and Themed Decks

Decks range from abstract, minimalist designs like the Simple Tarot, to unabashedly kitschy decks like Melissa Cynova's Tarot for Grown-Ups. The Modern Tarot by Michelle Tea and Lisa Houlette is a contemporary, inclusive deck for the millennials.

In the realm of themed decks, you'll find Lenormand-themed decks (combining tarot and Lenormand symbolism), mystic-themed decks (like the Lost nationalist tarot), and decks focused on specific cultural myths and stories (the African Tarot byландo Ntetu).

A defining feature of each type is its departure from the traditional RWS interpretation, advocating new methods or interpretations to engage modern readers.

Independent and Self-Published Decks

With digital printing technologies and crowdfunding platforms, independent tarot creators have flourished. They bring fresh ideas, diverse voices, and personal visions to tarot, enriching the tarot community.

Self-published decks often focus on underrepresented communities or topics, offering unique perspectives on traditional tarot symbolism. They can be experimental, innovative, or deeply personal, catering to readers seeking alternative voices and narratives.

Corff (Crowdfunded and Collaborative)

Platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo have facilitated collaborative, community-driven tarot projects. These decks often bear markings of polyvocal creativity and shared vision.

The Corff Tarot is an example, which started as a concept by Katie rewards but gathered momentum and input from the community, turning it into a collaborative endeavor.

Personal and Aesthetic Decks

Many creators design tarot decks purely for artistic expression, exploring personal styles or aesthetic themes. While some may not be intended for divinatory use, they offer unique perspectives on tarot symbolism.

The Mythic Tarot by Alejandro Jodorowsky and Corrine states, while deeply symbolic, uses Christian and sacred geometry imagery, differing from most decks.

Ultimately, exploring various types of tarot decks unlocks gateways to diverseSymbolic landscapes, thematic worlds, and aesthetic experiences. Each choice reflects a reader's unique path, influencing personal growth, spiritual development, or creative pursuits.