Stella's Tarot is a unique and appealing deck that has captured the hearts of many tarot enthusiasts. Created by Stella Kaoruko and painted by Takako Hoei, this deck stands out with its softly colored artwork and a distinctive spin on traditional tarot themes.
The Origins and Evolution of Stella's Tarot
My journey with Stella’s tarot began quite a number of years ago when I first watched the Korean tv drama ”Mawang” (’Lucifer’). It is a really well made but rather lengthy mystery series which heavily features tarot and psychism. The show is available for free on Youtube, with English subtitles. (Just type in 'Mawang Lucifer 1' and you will find the playlist). The deck they had selected for the show was, as I later found out, called Stella’s tarot.
The deck was first published as a Majors only version called Stella´s Simple Tarot. It came with a Korean booklet that contained a list of magical correspondences for each card, plus a section with interpretations for Love and for Business topics. In 2008 the full deck was published by AGM, now under the name Stella’s tarot. This time there was an English booklet, but sadly it only contained the standard RWS descriptions that AGM uses for most of their decks. And this deck is not a typical RWS clone.
After a couple of years, this deck went out of print and became quite rare and expensive. However, around 2012, Stella Kaoruko released a second print run of the full deck. This time it was released exclusively on the Asian market. The deck itself remained the same, but the LWB was now made especially for the deck and is written in English.
First Impressions and Key Features
My deck just arrived from Tarot Garden yesterday. So far, I like what I see. It's too soon to know if the deck will stand the test of time here. That said, my first impression is that this is an appealing and accessible Tarot. In addition to the content of the deck's softly colored artwork, I like the deck's size, card stock, and card back design. I'm looking forward to spending time getting to know it.
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The size is pretty much identical to that of the Thoth deck, which means that it has the same width as a standard RWS but is slightly shorter. The borders are somewhat prominent and they do have copyright text on them.
Thoth Influences and Unique Card Interpretations
Like I mentioned before, the titles and the order of the cards are almost entirely Thoth based, with a few alterations. For instance, card number 11 is called ”Miracle” in this deck. There are a few cards in particular that might prove challenging to those that are only familiar with RWS - the Seven of Swords and Seven of Disks. They follow the Thoth keywords. This is why the descriptions in the AGM booklet are not all that helpful.
Symbolism and Imagery
Looking further on these sites,we also learn that the Hierophant is a Shinto Priest, who is holding a staff engraved with the Akashic Records. As for The High Priestess - the book in her hands is the Book of Dead, and the wings on her chest represents ”all the memories of souls from previous lives beyond time and space”. The eye on both the Tower card and the Nine of Swords are meant to represent the Eye of Horus. The Ammonite on the Magicians chest represents ancient wisdom, and the egg on the table in front of him, portends a new birth.
One other interesting piece of information is that Stella definitely created this deck with the intent of traditional fortune telling, or predictive readings. I believe it was on her web page where she explained that there are no guidebook instructions for looking into the past because she doesn’t think most people will benefit from looking back. She feels that it is much better to focus on what lies ahead.
Personal Experiences and Intuitive Readings
Now, let’s get to some of my personal experiences from working with this deck. It has, after all, been my number one deck for several years now! I find this deck to be very straightforward in its messages and it reads really well for me. The imagery has a special quality to it which feels particularly suitable for intuitive readings.
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I have spent a lot of time meditating on the images, treating them as portals. If I study them long enough, I get the feeling that things start to move around and that the story begins to unfold. The way certain symbols repeat themselves in different cards really tie this deck together. There is so much to contemplate and tons of tiny, yet significant, details to discover.
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The Artistry Behind the Deck
Stella Kaoruko is a real artist, no wannabe. Her artistry is best described as Euro-Asian inspired, framable fine art, not commercial illustration. There's nothing commercial about this deck. Either the art resonates with you, or it won't, like any art. Commercial illustration usually appeals somewhat to everyone. Real art, isn't so barren.
To me, Stella's Tarot is painted art nary a collage or digital pixel in sightand it is magic. The dramatic perspectives on figures, vibrant colours and stylized line treatmentsfor example on lovely puffy cloudsand old-master artist style landscapes combines to give this deck a uniquely "cut above" style.
Unique Style and Traditional Symbolism
There's an old "european master's" flair here, combined with a uniquely Asian elegance. The perspectives on landscapes and people feels very Japanese, while the towering angels and characters feel more European. Sacred symbolism is intact, however, important to me and many traditional readers who value symbolism that is consistent with our understanding of Tarot. There are no surprises there. The surprises are limited to a truly unique execution.
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A good example of unique style combined with traditional symbolism is, arguably, the deck's scariest card. The tower, here, manages to look frightening, consistent with the symbolism, but also eye-pleasing, with the stylized flames, majestic storm clouds, all-seeing eye and falling people. The rich, red sky, ads, in my mind to the flavour and symbolism of this card.
The Mawang Drama Connection
My favourite deck started out, for me, as the main star of an award-winning Korean drama popular around the world now that it is available in English and other languages. Mawang (translates roughly as "The Devil") is a sizzling, sexy, and slick murder-mystery drama in 20 episodes that would put Hollywood's best to shame.
It aired in the top spot in Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, and is now making it's way around the world. To say that the drama is visually captivating and brilliant is simply an understatement. The DaVinci-Code like "clues" and the tie-in, in every episode, to Stella's Tarot is gripping.
The art director, obviously a perfectionist, chose this deck as the most eye-pleasing and mysterious deck she could find for the shooting. It was a good choice for the drama. For the same reason brilliant artistry it is the right deck for my Tarot card collection.
Stella Boheme: Tarot Coach & Mentor
I’m Stella Boheme - Tarot Coach & Mentor, Author, and Curator of Transformational Spreads that bring your story alive with a little sparkle. Based in Orlando, FL I am Central Florida’s Tarot Reading Diva looking to add a little glamor to your day! Through my Mystical guidance I help my clients step into empowerment, one glamorous card at a time.
Services Offered by Stella Boheme
- The Vibe - 15 Minutes: A quick, magical spark for instant clarity. Perfect for a three-card reading to tune into your energy and get a cosmic nudge. Fast, fabulous, and totally on-point.
- The Luxe - 30 Minutes: Step into deeper insight. Explore patterns, uncover hidden opportunities, and connect with your higher self.
- The Vip - 60 Minutes: Go all-in on transformation.
Contact Stella
Interested in working with Queen of Glam Tarot? Whether you’re curious about which service is right for you, considering a special event that could use an extra touch of magic, or simply have a question - I’d love to connect.
Tarot as a Journey of Self-Discovery
My name is Stella and I am a professional Tarot reader, accredited by the Tarot Guild of Australia. Tarot plays a major role in my life. Not a day goes by where I’m not working with it to some capacity, whether doing readings for clients, thinking or writing about Tarot, gaining creative inspiration or working with it for my own personal development.
Tarot has the potential to be a profound journey of self-discovery. Tarot readings tap into our inner wisdom and bring about clarity, self-reflection and empowerment. A projected outcome in a Tarot reading provides information about the direction in which we are headed, should everything continue on the current path.
This can either be a confirmation we are on the right path or a warning of a potentially less desirable situation we can then choose to avoid by exercising our free will. We have the ability and responsibility to control our destiny and create our own future. I can help you tap into the wisdom of the Tarot. I see myself as a guide, the Tarot is the map and the cards are the signposts. I can show you where you have come from, where you are and where you seem to be headed.
This blog is for anyone interested in Tarot, so, please pull up a chair and take a look around. I am passionate about the Tarot and would love to read for you.