Connolly Tarot Deck

Connolly Tarot Deck - coloured pencil and a positive view of traditional arcana

Not every tarot deck that follows the Rider-Waite structure feels the same. Some stay close to the original mood, others deliberately choose a different tone. This deck chooses light.

Connolly Tarot Deck is designed by Dr. Eileen Connolly, a tarot teacher and writer known for her clear teaching method. Her son Peter Paul Connolly made the illustrations with coloured pencil. The result is a deck in which traditionally heavy cards such as the Tower or Death are given a calmer, less dramatic appearance.

What you see on the cards

The imagery follows the Rider-Waite system, but the execution is different. Soft transitions, light colour tones, no hard shadows. Landscapes are clear and detailed. The figures stand in open spaces, often with air or water in the background.

Even cards that traditionally express tension or loss are given a calm composition here. The meaning does not change, but the tone does. That makes this deck suitable for people who want to learn the symbolism of tarot without being immediately confronted with dark imagery.

Who this deck works for

This deck is designed for daily use and personal reflection. The soft finish and positive imagery make it accessible to beginners. At the same time, it offers enough depth for experienced readers who need a less confrontational version of the RWS structure.

The cards are sturdy and smooth, with rounded corners. They shuffle easily and the format sits comfortably in the hand.

Draw a card and look only at the colours first. Let your eye rest on the background before moving to the figures. The calm in the composition does the work.

About Eileen and Peter Paul Connolly

Dr. Eileen Connolly wrote several books on tarot and esoteric psychology. Her approach is clear and focused on self-development. She contributed to the development of several tarot decks and always emphasised the positive side of symbolism.

Peter Paul Connolly brought her vision to life. His coloured-pencil technique gives the cards a soft, almost dreamlike quality. Father and son collaborated on several projects, but this deck is their best known.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78
• Language: English
• Card size: approx. 70 x 120 mm
• Material: Sturdy card stock with smooth finish and rounded corners
• Weight: 430 g
• Publisher: U.S. Games Systems Inc.
• Designer: Dr. Eileen Connolly
• Illustrator: Peter Paul Connolly
• Contents: 78 cards and brief guidebook in English

Questions we often get

What is the difference between this deck and a classic Rider-Waite deck?
The structure and symbolism are the same, but the imagery is softer. Coloured pencil instead of flat colours, light tones instead of dark contrasts. The meanings remain intact, the mood is friendlier.

Are there keywords or texts on the cards?
No. Only the names of the Major Arcana and the numbers and court titles of the Minor Arcana appear on the cards. The guidebook contains brief descriptions.