Tarot Decks: 78 Tarot Astral

After the success that was the 78 Tarot, the creators decided to produce more decks that were similar, but also entirely different. The 78 Tarot series has several decks now, one of them is the 78 Tarot Astral deck. The 78 Tarot Astral is once again created by 78 different artists, including Larry Elmore, Ravynne Phelan, and Jasmine Beckett-Griffith.

The deck has a space or astral theme, with card having a unique and colorful appearance. The 78 Tarot Astral was self published by Trish Sullivan in 2017. These days, it's not easy to get. It's out or print, and it was rare even when it was in print. If you have one of these beautiful decks, cherish it. It's a great addition to any Tarot collection.

Tarot Decks: 78 Tarot

The 78 Tarot is an interesting deck because it is a global art collaboration from 78 different artists. Each card is illustrated by a different artist, among them fantasy artists Larry Elmore and Jasmine Beckett-Griffith. Each card is unique and inspiring. The artwork comes from many genres, not just fantasy. Some cards are created digitally, others are drawn and colored more traditionally. All are lovely and make the perfect deck.

Based on the Rider-Waite-Smith tradition, 78 Tarot was first published in 2014 and is accompanied by an 84-page booklet that not only includes the traditional meaning of the cards but also information about the artists and the cards' creation.

Further information about this deck and its availability can be found at the 78 Tarot Etsy Shop.

Tarot Decks: 22 Conchiglie in 22 Arcani

There are only 250 of this limited edition set in existence, all of them signed and numbered by the photographer, Chiara Galliano. Shells are the theme of the 22 Conchiglie in 22 Arcani, all in black and white with beautiful shades and contrasts. The photographs have depth and beauty, giving this 22-card deck added nuance.

First available in 2012, this deck comes with a sturdy gift box. It's more a collectors set than something to use for readings, but it's lovely nonetheless.

Tarot Decks: 22 Arcani Liguri in 22 Arcana

Italian in origin, the 22 Arcani Liguri in 22 Arcana was created in 1992 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Christoforo Colombo/Christopher Columbus. Each of the 22 Major Arcana cards was designed and created by a different artist, giving the deck a slightly incoherent and mystical feel. Only 2000 numbered decks were released and it comes with a commemorative notice and booklet, both in Italian, of course.

This deck, because of its limited print run, us a little rare and not generally seen by the general public. It's also not generally used for readings, but is instead considered a collector's item.

Tarot Decks: The 72 Names Cards

Self-published in 2011, the 72 Names Cards were designed by Orna Ben-shoshan as a kabbalistic oracle based on the 72 names of God. This deck, containing 72 cards, comes complete with a companion booklet and features some unique and fascinating metaphysical artwork. If you need a deck that can be used for both personal guidance and divination, the 72 Names Cards might be for you.

Keep in mind, however, that this is not a traditional Tarot deck and cannot be used as one. That's why it has an instruction booklet.

Tarot Decks: 2013 Oracle: Ancient Keys to the 2012 Awakening

Still available today, this colorful deck comes complete with a book and a cloth. The cloth or printed with vivid colors and powerful symbols. Created by David Carson, Nina Sammons, and Gigi Borri, the 2013 Oracle is inspired by ancient American/Mesoamerican prophetic themes and symbols.

Layouts for this vivid deck are a little different from your standard deck, but they are all explained in Carson's detailed book. This deck is great fun and offers powerful insight for anyone who takes the time to delve into its imagery.

Tarot Decks: 2012: Tarot of Ascension

Originally created by Michele Penco, 2012: Tarot of Ascension has beautiful medieval-inspired art that conceals need age symbols. Some of the minor cards have been altered slightly to give the deck a more hopeful feel than some of the more traditional decks enjoy.

Though structured and read as a normal Tarot deck, this deck aims for even deeper symbolism. Since the year 2012 was and is associated with great change, 2012: Tarot of Ascension is designed to aid in spiritual growth and help the individual on the path towards their own higher self. Their own ascension, if you will.

Still available today, this deck is a great purchase for anyone with an interest in the lore surrounding 2012. It's also a relaxing way to pursue spiritual enlightenment.

Tarot Decks: 1JJ Swiss Tarot

Created by Stuart Kaplan, the 1JJ Swiss Tarot is a Marseilles variant first published by US Games in the 1970s. It is a slightly older style Tarot deck. The cards are reprints of some very early wood cut designs. They are printed in black and colored with blocks of red, blue, green, and yellow. The title on each individual card is written in French. The backs are fully reversible, making it possible to read reversed meanings in each card.

This deck has a full 78 cards and can be used for full Tarot readings. it is also an interesting deck often collected by Tarot enthusiasts. There is a separate companion book written by Stuart Kaplan. Though this companion book has been published a few times, it's last printing was in 1995. Due to this, it is not easy to find an intact copy that someone is willing to part with. Still, both the book and the deck are well worth taking the time to locate an intact copy of each.

Tarot Decks: 22 Arcani i Cani del Mondo

The Tarot deck referred to as 22 Arcani i Cani del Mondo (translated as 'dogs of the world') features a different dog breed from around the world on each of the twenty-two cards. Produced by Menegazzi Osvaldo of Il Meneghello, this deck was created and released in 1990, when only two thousand decks were produced. Each deck is numbered, and no more than the original two thousand were ever created.

22 Arcani i Cani del Mondo features the twenty-two cards of the Major Arcana. All are printed in black and white on cream colored stock. At 3.5 inches wide and 5 inches high, this deck is one of the larger Tarot decks out there, but it is still comfortable to use. It's not typically enlisted during readings, however, because it is not a fully deck. Though some combine the twenty-two cards with the Minor Arcana of another deck, most choose to use this deck for display purposes only. It is mostly of interest to Tarot collectors and enthusiasts, not your average Tarot reader.

Tarot Decks: 22 Arcani I Gatti Buffi

The Tarot deck referred to as 22 Arcani I Gatti Buffi (translated as 'the funny cats') is the second of two cat-themed decks produced by Menegazzi Osvaldo of Il Meneghello. I Gatti Buffi is the larger of the two, measuring five inches high, and is printed on whiter card stock than its smaller cousin. Released in 1990, only 2000 copies of this rare deck were produced. All are numbered and signed.

While the cats on the smaller deck are more regal and sophisticated, the cats decorating I Gatti Buffy are funnier, giving the deck a lighter feel. These cats come across as playful, even mischievous, bringing a sense of fun to the Tarot.

Despite its cute appearance, this Tarot deck is not typically used for Tarot readings because it contains only the twenty-two cards of the Major Arcana. Its really more designed for Tarot collectors or anyone who loves cats, but it can be used for readings if combined with the Minor Arcana from another deck.

Tarot Decks: 22 Arcani I Gatti

The tarot deck referred to as 22 Arcani I Gatti (translated as 'the cats') is one of two feline-themed decks produced Menegazzi Osvaldo of Il Meneghello. I Gatti is the smaller of the two, measuring only three inches high. Printed on cream-colored card stock, this deck is considered a limited edition deck because only 2000, all numbered, were released. Black and white, this deck features cats which appear more majestic and sophisticated then the cats which appear on the large deck, usually referred to as 22 Arcani I Gatti Buffi (typically translated as 'funny cats').

Since this deck only contains the 22 cards of the Major Arcana, it's not generally used for Tarot readings. Instead, its target audience is collectors and enthusiasts who admire the beauty of cats and Tarot, especially when mixed together. Of course, you certainly can use them for readings, especially if you add the Minor Arcana from another deck, but since they are limited edition, most people who have this deck do not actually use it for Tarot readings.

Tarot Decks: 22 Arcani Futuristi

The 22 Arcani Futuristi was designed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Futurist Movement. The deck was released in 2009, just in time for the anniversary itself. This Tarot deck is very limited and each deck is numbered and signed by the artist Osvaldo Menegazzi. The box the 22 Arcani Futuristi comes in is also handcrafted.

This fantastical deck features brightly colored symbols all based on the original 22 cards of the Major Arcana. There are only 22 cards in this deck, so it can be combined with the Minor Arcana from another deck for a full reading. The illustrations are lovely and mounted on a heavy cardstock. There is a dark brown paper wrapping as a backing; this backing folds around to the front of the cards so it is visible at the corners of each face, giving the deck a splendid antique look.

Because each deck is handcrafted (as well as the box), each deck and box are unique. The deck was available in three versions. The large size is approximately 6"x4". The smaller version is only 3½"x2¼". There is also a large deck that comes in a large decorated cardboard box. Its cards measure approximately 5½"x4".

This deck can be used for Tarot readings, but it is more designed for Tarot collectors and enthusiasts. Its powerful artwork makes a great addition to any collection.

Tarot Decks: Tarocco Balocco (The Toy Tarot)

Most Tarot decks have a specific theme, whether it be places, vampires, or gods. In the case of Tarocco Balocco (The Toy Tarot), the theme is nostalgic playthings. Published in 2006, this deck depicts old-fashioned toys. These are meant to trigger memories of times gone by, innocent times when we were young and ready to face the world. Tarocco Balocco contains only the 22 cards of the Major Arcana and are more designed for collectors. They can be used in a reading, however, if you combine them with one of your favorite decks.

Created by Morena Poltronieri, the Toy Tarot is numbered and titled, but in Italian. The enclosed leaflet is also in Italian, and the cards aren't as intuitive as some decks, so you may need to spend some time translating in order to fully utilize Tarocco Balocco. There were only 500 decks produced, all numbered and signed by the artist. This makes Tarocco Balocco a rare deck and perfect for Tarot enthusiasts around the world.

Tarot Decks: Tarocchi di Lisbona (Tarot of Lisbon)

Some decks are based on physical locations, and Tarocchi di Lisbona (Tarot of Lisbon) is one of them. This Tarot deck, created in 2007, features some of the stunning locations found in the city of Lisbon. Designed and painted by artist Morena Poltronieri (who happens to be a co-founder of Museo dei Tarocchi), Tarocchi di Lisbona express a vivid understanding of the symbolism of the Tarot. These cards are mainly created by collage and some of them incorporate elements of the Marseilles deck into the settings, especially in the backgrounds. Bear in mind that this is a Major Arcana deck, meaning only the 22 cards of the Major Arcana are included. 

Only 100 of these decks were produced, all numbered and signed by the artist. This deck was originally offered in two sizes and were packaged in a book-style sleeve cover that was pleasantly attractive. A title card is included with an explanation of the settings and inspirations for Tarocchi di Lisbona, but this card is written in Italian. This deck is more designed for enthusiasts and collectors, but it can be incorporated into a standard Tarot deck if you so desire.

Tarot Decks: Tarocchi di Connessione (Connection Tarot)

Connessione is the Italian for connection or the association of ideas. So the Tarocchi di Connessione could be called the Connection Tarot. This might imply a connection between the twenty-two cards of this deck (all Major Arcana), or it might imply a connection between the reader and the Tarot. Possibly (and maybe probably) both.

This deck, created by Jessica Angiulli, is surreal, beautiful, imaginative, and powerful all at once. The cards are numbered and titled in both Italian and English, but many of them have been renamed. If you're going to use these cards in a reading, you'll have to look closely as the symbolism of each card to determine which traditional Tarot card it correspondes to. Luckily, there is an accompanying leaflet, this one written in both English and Italian (though you usually have to request the English version when ordering), to help understand the deep symbolism of this Tarot deck.

Even though many of the cards are renamed, you can still probably guess at which traditional card each on correspondes to. For example, there is a card in Tarocchi di Connessione called Conscience. This card is similar to Judgment in the Rider-Waite deck. The familiar Chariot becomes Directions. Some cards are a little more obscure, such as Cultivating and Regenerating, but you can still see the Emperor and Empress in both these Tarot cards.

Tarocchi di Connessione strives to take the reader on an emotional journey through the connected images of the Major Arcana, but these cards are not really designed to be used in a traditional Tarot reading. Instead, this deck is meant for collectors, artists, and anyone using vivid imagery for meditation and contemplating. There were only five hundred copies of this deck produced, all numbered and signed by the artist, so there is a limited supply.

Tarot Decks: Tarocchi del Respiro (Tarot of Breath)

Published in 200, Tarocchi del Respiro (Tarot of Breath) is both dark and dreamy. The images were designed by artist Giovanni Monti and express a dark serenity. They're really a collage of images that appear to have little in common with each other. In deed, the cards might be said to have only one thing in common: the deeply evocative imagery of each and every card. The deck is accompanied by a leaflet, but this leaflet is written in Italian.

There are only 22 cards in this Tarot deck, all of them Trump cards. because of this, it's difficult to use these cards in a reading. Perhaps Tarocchi del Respiro is more useful as a focus during meditation. In my experience, these images are an effective way to pull forth your deepest hopes and fears, allowing you to full comprehend and deal with them. This deck is also inspiring and beautiful, attractive to collectors and enthusiasts alike.

There were only 500 copies of this deck produced, all numbered and signed by the artist. This deck may not be the most popular, but it certainly is one of the most surreal.

Tarot Decks: Tarocchi da Pranzo (Lunch Tarot)

If you like food and minimalist artwork, Tarocchi da Pranzo (Lunch Tarot) might be for you. Designed and created by Barbieri Calori Martino, this Tarot deck was originally created by drizzling melted chocolate on crackers. There are only 22 cards in this deck, all of them Trump (Major Arcana) cards, so Tarocchi da Pranzo is really designed for collectors and enthusiasts of the Tarot.

Cards in this Tarot deck are numbered by untitled, so you'll have to have some familiarity with the traditional Rider-Waite deck to really understand the imagery and symbolism of these cards. The enclosed leaflet is written in Italian and the cards and leaflet come enclosed in a simple cardboard box. There were only 500 decks produced, all numbered and signed by the artist, so this deck is considered "limited edition" and can be difficult to get your hands on.

You can, if you like, incorporate these 22 cards into your own Tarot deck, but they're really not designed to be used in a reading. They are rather appetizing, however, and make an exciting addition to any Tarot collection.

Tarot Decks: Tarocchi da Colazione (Breakfast Tarot)

Most Tarot decks are full of symbolism and imagery, but Tarocchi da Colazione (Breakfast Tarot) takes a minimalist approach to the Tarot. Created and illustrated by Barbieri Calori Martino, the original cards were made of pasta and the ink was melted chocolate (which explains why the designs are simple -- it's hard to draw with melted chocolate!). An appetizing deck, even if there are only 22 cards (those of the Major Arcana).

Because these cards are simplistic in nature, interpreting them can be difficult. A leaflet is included, but it's written in Italian. The best way to interpret these cards is by using the traditional interpretations associated with the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. The cards are numbered to assist, so it's not too difficult to figure out which card is which.

Though these cards can be used in a Tarot reading, they're really more designed for the collector or Tarot enthusiast. There were only 500 decks produced, each numbered and signed by the artist, so each deck is considered a collector's item.

Tarot Decks: Tarocchi alla corte di Merlino (Tarot of Merlin Cout)

A deck of myth and fantasy, Tarocchi alla corte di Merlino (Tarot of Merlin Court) was created and illustrated by Gloria Ricci. This is a Major Arcana Tarot deck, meaning that there are only 22 cards, all of them Trumps. If you enjoy fantasy, magick, mythology, and legends, you'll like this colorful deck. Though it focuses on Celtic legengs, you will also see designs inspired by great fantasy writers such as Dunsany and Tolkien.

Cards are titled in Italian, but they're also numbered according to standard Tarot organization (think the Rider-Waite deck), so you can figure out which card is which simply by comparing the numbers. Only 500 limited edition decks were produced, all of which were numbered and then signed by the artist. Tarocchi alla corte di Merlino was published by Museo Dei Tarocchi - Hermatena and is one of the most magickal decks produced, at least in regards to the images depicted.

Tarot Decks: Tarocchi Massonici (Masonic Tarot)

Tarocchi Massonici (Masonic Tarot) was conceptualized and created by the two founders of Museo dei Tarocchi, Morena Poltronieri and Ernesto Fazioli, back in 2007. There are 22 cards (all Major Arcana) in this deck, and each artist was responsible for 11 cards. Though the styles of the two artists are different, they blend well and offer a beautiful and unique approach to Masonic symbolism.

Each card has narrow, almost invisible, light borders and blank backs. They are printed on textured, quality paper and are approximately 4x6 inches. The cards of this Tarot deck are titled in Italian, but they're also numbered according to traditional Tarot symbolism. This makes it relatively easy to figure out which card is which. The leaflet is also in Italian, but for those who can't read this language, just go with the traditional Tarot interpretations.

Packed in a pretty book-style cover, Tarocchi Massonici is very limited in number. Only 100 decks were created. As this is not a complete Tarot deck, it is really designed for Tarot collectors and enthusiasts, though it is certainly possible to integrate this deck with your own.