Tarot is indeed having a moment, with a surge of artists creating new versions of the classic Tarot. It's now easier than ever to discover a deck that resonates with you and unlock your inner reader!
So-called indie decks are crafted by independent illustrators and designers. These decks are produced in small batches, with meticulous attention to the quality of the paper, print, and boxes. Consequently, the price point is often higher compared to cards offered by larger publishers. Frequently, these projects are funded through crowdfunding, and at HOF, we support these makers with respect & pre-orders.
Let's delve into the specifics of one such unique deck: Smoke, Ash & Embers.
"Smoke, Ash & Embers" Tarot Deck Walkthrough
Deck Specifications
Smoke, Ash & Embers decks consist of:
- A thank you card
- 78 tarot cards (22 Majors and 56 Minors)
- An extra (alternative) Ten of Swords
- One mystery art card in keeping with the theme of the deck (exclusive to the first printing only)
- Two, double-sided reference cards
The cards measure 70mm x 120mm (2.75" x 4.75"), with white borders and rounded corners.
Read also: Spiritual Significance of Smoke
While the back of the cards isn't reversible, it doesn't mean that you can't read using reversals.
Since we want to keep Smoke, Ash & Embers as eco-friendly as possible, there is no physical guidebook that accompanies this Tarot deck, and there are no plans for one.
The Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana cards are divided into suits, each represented by a unique dragon type:
- Cups: These are water-based and quite playful. The dragons in this suit have little webbed feet, gills, and a frog-like appearance.
- Pentacles: These are earthy and grounded. Many of the dragons in this suit have leafy scales and a strong connection to the forest.
- Swords: These are airy and a bit serious. This suit is illustrated with dark colors and black, winged dragons.
- Wands: These are fiery and curious.
Moral Compass and Balance
The deck emphasizes the importance of fairness and balance. Your moral compass requires fairness and balance. It’s very demanding of this fact, not just in how you are treated but also in how others are treated. Nepotism, favoritism, and preferential treatment are not okay and will drive you up the wall. As well, acts of disrespect and rudeness will send you into the fray to sort things out and return things to balance… except when you are feeling vulnerable and uncertain. When you are imbalanced on the inside, it’s hard for you to step in, and when you do?
Oak, Ash & Thorn Tarot Deck
It is worth noting the similarities with another deck, Oak, Ash & Thorn (Volume I.I), created by Stephanie Burrows and Illustrated by Adam Oehlers. This deck consists of a thank you card, 78 tarot cards (22 Majors and 56 Minors), a ‘Possibilities’ card and two, double-sided reference cards. The cards measure 70mm x 120mm (2.75" x 4.75"), with white borders and rounded corners, but they do not include the two bonus art cards, Certificate of Authenticity, nor the extras that were unique to the Kickstarter printed decks.
Read also: Smart Smoke Detectors and Alexa
Since we wanted to keep Oak, Ash & Thorn as eco-friendly as possible, there is no physical guidebook that accompanies this Tarot deck, and there are no plans for one.
The Minor Arcana in Oak, Ash & Thorn
The Minor Arcana cards are broken down by an animal representative of each element:
- The Cups (squirrels) represent feelings, emotions, and relationships. They resemble a heart-centered spirit.
- The Pentacles (hares) represent the material world. They resemble a grounded and bountiful spirit.
- The Swords (ravens) represent intellect, thoughts, and state of mind. They resemble a logical and intelligent spirit.
- The Wands (foxes) represent creativity, inspiration, and passion.
Backstory and Inspiration
The beautiful English countryside that surrounds us was the inspiration for this deck. In folklore, the site of oak, ash and thorn trees entwined on a hillside mark the dwelling of spirits or the entrance to the other world.
Oak, Ash & Thorn was successfully crowdfunded back in May 2020. From start to finish, creating it was such a joyful experience, and we couldn't have done it without all of our lovely backers and the continued support from our customers.
Unique Elements
In our first Tarot deck, we introduced you to the forest creatures living in its world; but theoretically, if we were to wander through that forest and take a closer look, we might have discovered a dragon perching high up on a tree branch (keeping a watchful eye) or another comfortably resting in a bed of moss (out of view, of course).
Read also: Heartbreak and the Three of Swords