Fairytale Tarot - Folk tales and tarot in one illustrated deck
About the Fairytale Tarot
The Fairytale Tarot contains 78 cards, each showing a scene from a classic or lesser-known folk tale. Italian illustrator Giulia Massaglia built every image in a style that sits between Art Nouveau and traditional picture-book illustration. On the cards you see recognisable characters: the innocent hero, the wise old woman, the cunning wolf. These figures connect directly to the archetypes of the Major and Minor Arcana. The included guidebook is multilingual and helps you understand the link between the story on the card and the traditional tarot meaning. Massaglia also illustrated the Mucho Tarot and the Golden Art Nouveau Tarot, both published by Lo Scarabeo.
Imagery and themes
The cards show fairy-tale details you are likely to recognise: glass slippers, poisoned apples, spindles, and dark forests. Massaglia uses a rich colour palette that immediately sets the mood of each story. The Major Arcana shows iconic moments from well-known tales, while the Minor Arcana is filled with scenes from lesser-known folk stories. The line work is fine and detailed, with attention to historical elements in clothing and setting. Each image is composed so that you can see at a glance which emotion or situation is at the centre.
About the illustrator
Giulia Massaglia is an Italian illustrator known for her refined line work and attention to historical detail. She previously designed the Mucho Tarot and the Golden Art Nouveau Tarot, both published by Lo Scarabeo. In the Fairytale Tarot she brings her characteristic style into the world of fairy tales and folk stories.
Working with the Fairytale Tarot
This tarot works well for narrative readings, where you use the cards to tell a story about your current situation. Draw three cards and look at which phase of a story they show: the beginning, the challenge, or the resolution. Because the deck follows the Rider-Waite-Smith tradition, you can also simply work with the standard tarot meanings. The fairy-tale images then add an extra layer to your reading. The mood of the deck is nostalgic and hopeful, which makes it well suited for personal reflection.
Draw one card and look at the character shown. Ask yourself: which role am I playing in my own story right now? Am I the hero, the helper, or someone standing at a threshold?
Features of the Fairytale Tarot
- Illustrator: Giulia Massaglia
- ISBN: 9788865279847
- Type: Tarot (78 cards)
- Language: English (with multilingual guidebook)
- Weight: 240 g
- Dimensions: 70 x 120 mm
- Publisher: Lo Scarabeo
Expert FAQ about the Fairytale Tarot
How does the Fairytale Tarot compare to the Golden Art Nouveau Tarot by the same illustrator?
Both decks are by Giulia Massaglia and published by Lo Scarabeo. The Golden Art Nouveau Tarot uses a clean Art Nouveau style with gold accents and classical tarot symbolism. The Fairytale Tarot is warmer and more story-driven. The images are based on folk tales, and the overall feel is closer to an old picture book than a decorative art piece. If you are drawn to narrative and character, the Fairytale Tarot is the more expressive of the two.
Can I use the Fairytale Tarot if I already know the Rider-Waite-Smith system?
Yes. The deck follows the Rider-Waite-Smith structure precisely, so the card positions and meanings will feel familiar straight away. The fairy-tale images replace the original symbolism, but the structure of each card is equivalent. That makes it straightforward to work with if you already have experience with an RWS-based set of tarot cards.
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