This deck was created as an homage to the stories we have told one another across cultures and throughout history. While each story is unique to a specific time and place, every culture has stories of bright young adventurers, forbidden doors, or promised lands. In this way, the Tarot of the Divine fosters appreciation of our differences and of the truth in our similarities.
from the guidebook
Tarot of the Divine is all about myths, legends, epics, and fairy tales. It features a diversity of characters from around the world in the traditional garb of various cultures. At the same time, a unified color scheme kept the deck cohesive.
It comes in a box set with 78 cards and a small, full-color guidebook. There is a larger book that tells more about the stories depicted in the cards. Unfortunately it is sold separately.
The backs have a moon phase theme that is reversible. The card stock feels exactly like the Bicycle playing cards “air cushion” finish, and it shuffles well. Strength is 8; Justice is 11.
The minor arcana is fully illustrated with scenes that somehow manage to embody their accompanying story while simultaneously mirroring the standard Rider Waite Smith in many cases. There is minimal nudity and it’s very tasteful (characters in some cultures may be wearing a loin cloth or a skirt with no top but their breasts are covered by hair). There is nothing that would offend a querent.
Because the theme celebrates stories from cultures around the world, the deck easily incorporates diversity in race, age, and sexuality without feeling like it’s making a political statement.
Even if you’ve always loved myths and fairy tales, as I have, you will probably find some here that are unfamiliar to you, alongside your favorites. The guidebook provides some clue:
The Three Princesses of Whiteland
Norway, Norwegian Fairy Tale
The Chariot is about harnessing emotions and charging down a straight, clear path. Where the prince may have floundered before, he has learned from his mistakes and now blazes forward confidently.
from the guidebook’s description of the Chariot
It tells you enough that you could read the card, but at the same time, it’s clear that you’d get more out of it if you also had the book Beneath the Moon: Fairy Tales, Myths, and Divine Stories from Around the World by Yoshi Yoshitani. The fact that the necessary book of stories is sold separately rather than included in the set is my only complaint.
Who might like this deck? Anyone who likes stories, especially myths and folklore from around the world. A young person or anyone who reads for young people. People who appreciate diversity in their decks.
Who might not like this deck? This deck is so appealing I can’t imagine any Tarot lover not liking it. In fact, someone who has never picked up a Tarot deck before may be drawn in by the beauty of the imagery and the amazing use of color. I do consider this a five star deck.
Tarot of the Divine
Yoshi Yoshitani
Clarkson Potter, an imprint of Penguin Random House, 2020
Deana Reads 
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