Fairy Tale Tarot - folk tales as gateway to the tarot structure
Many people know fairy tales better than they know tarot. That makes this deck interesting. Lisa Hunt links each major arcana and each court card to a folk tale from a different culture. Cinderella for Temperance. The wild swans for the Star. Aladdin as the King of Swords.
The familiar stories give you an immediate narrative frame. You do not have to remember that Temperance is about moderation. You see Cinderella between two worlds and you understand the message.
What you see on the cards
All 78 cards are painted in watercolour with a dreamy, soft style. Lots of natural elements, few hard lines. The colours are more subdued than in many modern decks. Each scene shows a moment from the fairy tale that also carries the tarot meaning.
The minor arcana follow the stories more loosely. The pip cards often show a phase from a story or a symbolic situation that fits the number. The wands are full of heroes and challenges, the pentacles full of trade and wisdom.
The cards have a matte finish with rounded corners. They feel sturdy and shuffle smoothly. The size is standard tarot, 70 × 121 mm.
Who this works for
This deck is designed for beginners. The stories give immediate access to the card meanings without requiring you to grasp abstract concepts. At the same time the layered myths offer enough depth for experienced readers looking for new angles.
The 156-page guidebook gives a summary of the fairy tale for each card, the link to the tarot meaning, and a few reflection questions. There are also spreads, including a specific hero's journey layout that fits the theme.
Draw a card and read the story in the guidebook first before you look at the tarot meaning. Often the story already tells you what you need to know.
About Lisa Hunt
Lisa Hunt works as an illustrator and has created several tarot decks that use mythology and folklore as their starting point. Her style is detailed and atmospheric, with great attention to symbolism and natural elements. For this deck she drew from storytelling traditions from Asia to Africa and from Europe to the Middle East.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78
- Card size: 70 × 121 mm
- Finish: Matte, rounded corners
- Guidebook: 156 pages, English
- Card language: English
- Publisher: U.S. Games Systems Inc.
- ISBN: 9781646712137
- Illustrator: Lisa Hunt
Questions we often get
Do I need to know the fairy tales already to use this deck?
No. The guidebook gives a clear summary of the story for each card and explains how it relates to the tarot meaning. Prior knowledge helps, but is not required.
Does this deck follow the classic tarot structure?
Yes. It is a full tarot deck with 22 major arcana and 56 minor arcana, divided into four suits. All familiar tarot meanings are present, just translated into fairy tales.
