Green Glyphs Tarot - graphic design with colour coding per suit
Some tarot cards cling to classical iconography, others break away from it. This deck does neither. It follows the Rider-Waite-Smith structure closely, but translates it into a clean, graphic style where colour takes centre stage.
Each suit has its own colour palette. That makes it possible to see at a glance which elements dominate a reading, without studying every card. It is a functional system, built on tradition.
What you see on the cards
The drawing style is minimalist and graphic. No long narratives, no full landscapes. The symbols stand at the centre, surrounded by colour fields that indicate the element. Swords receive different tones than Wands, Cups or Pentacles.
The Major Arcana follows the same principle. Each card carries a clear symbol and a colour code that reinforces the energy of the archetype. The execution is direct and uncluttered.
The prismatic gilded edges reflect light in multiple colours. That gives the deck a luxurious appearance, but it remains primarily a working deck.
How the colour system works
The idea is simple: each element corresponds to a colour. Draw many cards from the same suit and you immediately see which energy is strongest. An abundance of one colour points to a dominant theme: emotion, action, thought or matter.
That speeds up the reading. You do not have to look up every individual meaning to recognise a pattern. The deck gives you visual hints.
Lay the cards out side by side and look only at the colours. Often you see something before you bring in the meanings.
About James R. Eads
James R. Eads is an artist and founder of Prisma Visions. He is known for tarot and oracle decks that work with colour, light and clear compositions. His style is recognisably graphic and often combines spiritual themes with contemporary design.
With the Green Glyphs line he builds on the idea that tarot can be not only symbolic, but also visually intuitive.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78 (Major and Minor Arcana)
- Language: English
- Size: 63.5 x 88.9 mm (bridge size)
- Cardstock: 350 gsm
- Finish: Matte finish, prismatic gilded edges
- Publisher: Prisma Visions
- Artist: James R. Eads
Questions we often get
Are the cards recognisable as Rider-Waite-Smith?
Yes. The structure and symbolism follow the classic system, but the execution is graphic and modern. If you know the RWS meanings, you can apply them directly.
What does 'prismatic' gilded edges mean exactly?
The edges are not solid gold, but reflect light in multiple colours. The effect is subtle, but visible under natural or artificial light.