Egyptian Tarot mini

Egyptian Tarot - Mini Edition - papyrus style in pocket format

There are dozens of tarot decks with Egyptian themes. This is one of the few that truly feels old. The paper looks like papyrus, the colours are warm and muted, and the hieroglyphs are not decoration but part of the system.

The illustrations are by Silvana Alasia, who painted the cards in a tempera-like style that has the appearance of an ancient manuscript. Pietro Alligo designed the deck for Lo Scarabeo, based on the esoteric interpretations of Jean-Baptiste Pitois. He linked the tarot to the legendary Book of Thoth, a text never recovered but one that continues to function as a source in Western esotericism.

What you see on the cards

All major and minor arcana contain Egyptian figures: gods with animal heads, pharaohs in ceremonial posture, scenes from temples and tombs. The background is always a cream-coloured papyrus texture. The colours are muted, mainly ochre, terracotta, blue-green and off-white.

The cards are printed on black core cardstock. That makes them sturdy enough for daily use, despite the small format.

The mini format in practice

The cards are 44 x 80 mm. Small enough to fit in a coat pocket or small bag, but large enough to see the images clearly. For people with smaller hands, this deck shuffles more comfortably than standard size.

The format does require a clear surface. Lay the cards on a busy table and the details disappear. A plain cloth or calm surface helps.

Lay the cards under a warm light source, not harsh white light. The papyrus texture and warm colours show better that way.

Who this deck works for

This deck is not built on the Rider-Waite system. The imagery is esoteric and requires you to know the symbolism of ancient Egypt or be willing to learn it. A multilingual guidebook is included that provides the basics, but do not expect extensive interpretations.

Many people use this deck for meditative draws or as a travel tarot. It is less suited for extensive table spreads, simply because of the format.

About Silvana Alasia and Pietro Alligo

Silvana Alasia is an Italian artist who specialises in translating ancient spiritual traditions into contemporary illustrations. Her work for Lo Scarabeo includes several thematic tarot decks, including Renaissance and medieval sets.

Pietro Alligo is founder of Lo Scarabeo publishing house and designed dozens of tarot decks. He combines historical research with esoteric systems and ensures that each deck remains functional alongside visual quality.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78
• Card size: 44 x 80 mm (mini)
• Cardstock: black core
• Weight: 181 g
• Guidebook language: multilingual, including English
• Publisher: Lo Scarabeo
• Design: Pietro Alligo
• Illustrations: Silvana Alasia
• Theme: Egyptian mythology, Book of Thoth

Questions we often get

Is this deck suitable for beginners?
That depends on your interests. If you are familiar with Egyptian mythology or esotericism, you can work well with this. If you only have experience with the Rider-Waite system, this deck requires extra study. The imagery follows a different system.

Does a mini deck fit in a standard tarot pouch?
No, standard tarot pouches are too large. This format needs a smaller storage bag or a cloth you size yourself. The original box is sturdy enough to keep the deck in.