Let’s just start by getting one thing straight, y’all: I love this deck. Love it. Like, if the makers of this deck put together a new project, you’ll be able to find me camping in a tent outside the entrance of the metaphysical shop nearest you the night before the release. Okay, deep breath. Let’s do this.

The Highlights:

Favorite things: Every detail of this deck is superb. From the careful and enthralling artwork for each card, to the silver edging, it truly is a masterpiece. Even the box it comes in is well-structured, with a secure magnetic clasp. And the finishing on the cards is silky so after just a little bit of “getting to know you” time with the deck, it’s ready for action.

Things that could be better: After pricing it for $1 so I could buy a thousand copies, my only other wish for this deck would be the pliability of the cards. The thickness of the deck makes it just a touch difficult to bridge shuffle without getting a lasting bend in the deck.

Detailed Review:

The artist behind this deck is Jonathan Saiz, whose oil paintings are incorporated for every card. I don’t know Jonathan, but I will say that his work appears to be an immense labor of love. Each card feels carefully constructed and puts an abstract twist on the seasoned depictions for each member of the Major and Minor Arcana.

As far as the “little white book” for the deck goes, this one is great. The descriptions are concise enough for a quick reference, but they are unique enough to give even the most seasoned Tarot reader something new and exciting to explore.

There is also a little bonus card for those looking to expand on the traditional Rider-Waite 78-card system. “The Fountain” sticks with the traditional form of a card that has a story, as well as upright and reversed meanings. As far as its actual meaning, I’ll leave that for a fun little surprise for you (or you can email me and I can spoil it for you alone)