Galactic Star Tarot - Rider-Waite structure with cosmic imagery
Some tarot decks keep the medieval imagery and adapt it. Others replace the entire world. Galactic Star Tarot belongs in the second category. Instead of castles you see space stations. Instead of chalices you see cosmic cups held by extraterrestrial beings.
The deck is created by Pamela Chen and Alexandra Hanly, with illustrations by Kseniia Boko. The structure follows the classic Rider-Waite tradition: 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana, divided into four suits. Published by Hay House, complete with a 224-page guidebook.
What you see on the cards
Each suit is linked to a star nation. The Wands belong to the Lyrans, focused on action and drive. The Cups belong to the Pleiadians, centered on emotion and relationships. The Swords belong to the Syrians, emphasizing communication and mental processes. The Coins belong to the Arcturians, focused on grounding and physical manifestation.
The Major Arcana shows scenes ranging from Area 51 to galactic royal courts aboard starships. Boko's style is colorful and detailed, with attention to technological elements such as lasers, spacesuits and cockpits alongside the more mystical symbols.
Each card also carries star codes: esoteric symbols that work as an additional layer alongside the classic tarot meanings. The guidebook explains how to read them, but you can also ignore them and work only with the tarot structure.
How this deck relates to classic tarot
The structure is pure Rider-Waite. Anyone familiar with that framework will recognize the positions, numbering and suit structure immediately. What differs is the imagery, which requires translation. You do not see a farmer in a field, but a being on an alien planet. That means you need to know the core meaning of the card to make the shift to the cosmic image.
The guidebook helps. Each card receives a detailed description covering both the classic meaning and the cosmic interpretation. The link between the star nation and the suit is explained each time, so you understand why a particular card belongs to, say, the Arcturians.
Place a card from this deck next to the same card from a classic Rider-Waite deck. Notice what changes and what stays the same. This shows where the cosmic imagery adds something and where you can simply use the familiar meaning.
Who this deck works for
This deck is made for people who already know the classic tarot structure. The guidebook explains the cards but assumes you know what a Minor Arcana is and how a tarot spread works. Beginners can use it, but then the 224-page guidebook is not an unnecessary luxury.
The cosmic theme attracts a specific audience. Those interested in extraterrestrial nations, star codes or esoteric cosmology will find a deck that takes those interests seriously without letting go of the tarot structure.
About the creators
Pamela Chen writes about tarot and esoteric subjects. For this deck she worked together with Alexandra Hanly. The images are created by Kseniia Boko, who developed the cosmic worlds from space station to royal court.
Specifications
- Authors: Pamela Chen and Alexandra Hanly
- Illustrator: Kseniia Boko
- ISBN: 9781401975098
- Number of cards: 78
- Guidebook: 224 pages
- Language: English
- Publisher: Hay House Inc.
- Weight: 450 grams
- Box dimensions: 78 x 128 mm
- Card dimensions: approx. 70 x 121 mm
- Type: Tarot
Questions we often get
Do you need to believe in extraterrestrial beings to use this deck?
No. The cosmic imagery is a thematic layer over a classic tarot structure. You can read the cards as you would any other tarot. The guidebook explains the symbolism without requiring prior knowledge of star nations or esoteric cosmology.
How large are the cards compared to a standard tarot deck?
The cards measure approximately 70 x 121 mm. That is slightly smaller than average. They sit well in the hand and are comfortable to shuffle and lay out, even with smaller hands.
