Cirque du Tarot

Cirque du Tarot - tarot as a theatrical performance in five acts

Not every tarot deck treats life as a show. This one does. Every card is a scene from a circus performance, complete with characters, costumes and theatrical lighting. The result is a deck that asks you to look at your reading as a story unfolding before your eyes.

Cirque du Tarot was created by tarot author Leeza Robertson and illustrator Josh Tufts. The visual language is inspired by neo-impressionism: soft colours, subtle transitions and a dreamlike atmosphere reminiscent of a Seurat painting. The characters are exuberant, the composition is deliberate, and every detail contributes to the theatrical setting.

What you see on the cards

The illustrations show performers, acrobats and circus figures in a world of velvet, spotlights and wings. The colours are rich but not harsh. Everywhere you see movement: a performer in balance, a juggler in action, a dancer spinning.

The cards follow the structure of the Rider-Waite-Smith but translate it into the circus world. The Fool becomes a clown, the High Priestess a fortune teller, the Tower a collapsing set. The symbolism remains recognisable, the execution is individual.

Each card image is constructed as a theatre scene. You are not just looking at a figure, but at a space with depth, a light source, a particular mood. This makes you look at a card longer than you are used to.

The 288-page guidebook

Robertson writes from the role of circus director. The guide is not a standard enumeration of meanings but a journey through five acts: the Major Arcana, the four elements of the Minor Arcana, an interval and an encore. Each card receives a dual discussion: as ally and as challenger.

That approach works well. Instead of memorising what a card 'means', you learn how a card can behave in different roles. This fits how people use tarot in practice: context-sensitive, not dogmatic.

Draw a card and read only the 'ally' section. The next day take the same card and read the 'challenger' part. You will notice the card feels different.

Who this deck works for

This deck does not demand years of experience. The structure is classical, the guidebook is extensive, the images are expressive enough to work with intuitively. Those already familiar with RWS tarot will quickly recognise the translations to the circus theme.

What the deck does ask is that you enjoy stories. If you prefer working with strict symbols and clear lines, this is probably not your deck. But if you like dwelling on atmosphere, characters and theatrical details, this deck offers much to play with.

About Leeza Robertson and Josh Tufts

Leeza Robertson is an author and coach. She has several tarot decks and books to her name and is known for her narrative approach to spirituality. For Cirque du Tarot she has fully developed the circus metaphor, right down to the structure of the guidebook.

Josh Tufts is an illustrator who has chosen a style for this deck that references French neo-impressionism. His work is characterised by subtle colour gradients and an almost painted texture, giving the deck an artistic appearance that goes beyond standard digital illustration.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78
• Card size: 120 x 70 mm
• Guidebook: 288 pages, full-colour
• Language: English
• Finish: Glossy
• Card thickness: Sturdy
• Packaging: Luxury storage box
• Author: Leeza Robertson
• Illustrator: Josh Tufts

Questions we often get

Does this deck follow the Rider-Waite-Smith structure?
Yes. The images are translated to the circus theme, but the symbolism and order remain faithful to RWS. This makes the deck accessible for those already working with that structure.

Are the cards suitable for daily use?
That depends on your preference. The cards are sturdy and the finish is glossy, which works well with regular use. The size is standard. But the images are complex enough that some people prefer to save them for deeper readings.