Faerie Tarot - faeries, seasons and the natural cycle of the year
This is a tarot deck in which you see no humans. Faeries, elves and other fantasy beings take their place. The structure is that of the Rider-Waite system, but the imagery is different: lighter, storybook-like, with the seasons as the guiding thread.
Nathalie Hertz has linked each suit to a season. Wands belong to autumn, Swords to winter, Cups to spring and Pentacles to summer. That choice gives each card an extra layer: not just a meaning, but also a timing, an atmosphere, a moment in the cycle.
What you see on the cards
The images are painted with gouache, acrylic and ink. The colours are bright and the details are clear. No dark shadows or threatening figures. Instead there are birds, flowers, dragons, stars and creatures that look curious or thoughtful.
Each card feels like a small painting. The compositions are calm enough to look at for a long time, but not so dense that they overwhelm you.
How this deck works
Because the structure is that of the Rider-Waite, you can use all standard spreads. The 78-page guidebook gives a short explanation for each card. No philosophical elaborations, but it does give direction.
The seasonal symbolism makes the deck particularly suited to questions about timing. When will something start? When is it time to let go? The season on the card can give you a clue.
When you draw a card, pay attention to the season depicted. It may say something about the moment when an event will present itself.
Who this deck is designed for
This deck is built for people who are just starting with tarot. The images are accessible, the guidebook is clear and the fairy-tale style makes it less heavy than a traditional deck. That does not mean it is simple. It means it invites rather than intimidates.
It also works well for daily meditations or a quick card of the day. The format is compact enough to take with you, the cardstock is sturdy enough for daily use.
About Nathalie Hertz
Nathalie Hertz is a French artist who studied at the art academy in Reims. Her style combines medieval influences with fantasy. For the Faerie Tarot she was inspired by the plants and animals of the French countryside. You can see that in the flora and fauna that fill the cards.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78 (Major and Minor Arcana)
- Card size: 114 x 82 mm
- Guidebook: 78 pages
- Language: English
- Cardstock: Sturdy, with smooth finish
- Illustration technique: Gouache, acrylic and ink
- Artist: Nathalie Hertz
- System: Rider-Waite
Questions we often get
Can I use this deck if I already know the Rider-Waite system?
Yes. The structure is the same, but the imagery differs. If you are used to human figures, you may notice the transition at first, but the meanings remain recognisable.
Why are the suits linked to seasons?
That choice gives each card an extra dimension. The season can help to indicate the timeline of a question. Autumn often points to harvest or closure, winter to rest or withdrawal, spring to growth, summer to fullness.
