Pamela Colman Smith illustrated the original Rider-Waite tarot deck, which originally published in 1910. Since then, it’s been the standard for mystics of all ilk. But contemporary occult practitioners and Instagram witches have inspired a wave of unusual tarot deck designs – those that speak to their lifestyle, humor, and identities. Here are just a few of the unique tarot decks available today that look to literary sources, race, sexuality, and urban architecture for their concepts and art.
A doom-filled deck designed by Edward Gorey, which forecasts some rather unpleasant outcomes (hair loss, spasms, shriveling). It comes with a book offering interpretations by quirky Gorey character Madame Groeda Weyrd, “who Gorey tells us is of mixed Finnish and Egyptian extraction, has devoted her life to divination, and is the author of, among a shelf of other works, Floating Tambourines, a collection of esoteric verse, and The Future Speaks Through Entrails.” $11
“In these cards, you’ll find a multicultural, contemporary community of people living sustainably on the land and working to heal Mama Gaia.” $247
During a journey of personal transformation, writer and illustrator Kim Krans created The Wild Unknown Tarot Deck, which has a cult following. $40
Musician King Khan and graphic artist Michael Eaton collaborated on the Black Power Tarot Deck, which was overseen by filmmaker Alejandro Jodorwosky — who reconstructed the famed Tarot de Marseille. The cards feature black musicians, activists, and other public figures. $40
The Gay Tarot combines classic and contemporary gay male figures, with several everyday scenes. $19
The traditional Ryder deck meets 1950’s iconography. Hines chocolate cake replaces the devil. Creators Paul Kepple and Jude Buffum add a dose of humor about the plight of women during the time period. $17
Baroque bohemian cats. Enough said. $28
New York City’s architectural history goes occult. $35
Based on the plays of Shakespeare. illustrated by New York City painter, illustrator, and performer Cynthia von Buhler. $11
The literary works of Jane Austen after she discovered wicca. $186+