Glow in the Dark Tarot

Glow in the Dark Tarot - Rider-Waite with fluorescent finish

Most reproduction editions of the Rider-Waite deck try to follow the original as closely as possible. This deck adds one thing: a fluorescent layer that glows in the dark.

The 78 cards are based entirely on the illustrations by Pamela Colman Smith. The symbolism is unchanged. What differs is the finish: after exposure to light, the cards emit a soft glow. The effect is most visible in a darkened room.

What it looks like

In daylight, the cards look like a standard Rider-Waite edition. The colours are bright, the lines sharp. The cardstock has a slightly different texture than a classic edition due to the fluorescent coating, but shuffles more smoothly after a few uses.

The glow effect requires preparation. Hold the cards briefly under a lamp or in bright light, then lay them out in a dimmed space. The glow is subtle, not bright. That suits the contemplative atmosphere of a nocturnal reading.

Who this deck works for

This deck is designed for beginners. The symbolism matches most tarot guidebooks and courses based on Rider-Waite. The 56-page guidebook describes both upright and reversed meanings, and includes instructions for several spreads.

The fluorescent effect also makes this deck interesting for anyone who already owns a Rider-Waite edition and is looking for a variant for night-time or meditative sessions. The luminous aspect can help focus attention.

Hold the cards under a desk lamp for about ten seconds before you lay them out. This charges the fluorescent layer sufficiently for a clear glow.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78
• Card size: 70 x 120 mm
• Weight: 204 g
• Language: English
• Guidebook: 56 pages
• ISBN: 9781646711192
• Publisher: U.S. Games Systems Inc.
• Based on: Rider-Waite Tarot, illustrations by Pamela Colman Smith

Questions we often get

How long does the glow effect stay visible?
That depends on how much light the cards have absorbed. After ten seconds under a bright lamp, the glow usually stays visible for a few minutes, then gradually fades. You can recharge the cards if you want to.

Does the symbolism differ from a standard Rider-Waite deck?
No. The illustrations are completely faithful to Pamela Colman Smith's original. The only difference is the fluorescent finish.