Inner Light Tarot - modern imagery, classic structure
Many tarot decks choose between staying true to tradition or creating an entirely new visual language. The Inner Light Tarot by Serena Borsella does both. The symbolism follows the Rider-Waite-Smith system closely, but the imagery is light, soft and contemporary.
Published by Llewellyn Publications, the deck consists of 78 cards printed on sturdy cardstock in a compact 66 x 120 mm format. The set weighs 249 grams and comes with an English guidebook.
What you see on the cards
The colours are muted pastels with plenty of white space. No bold, dark lines but soft transitions and flowing shapes. That makes the imagery serene, sometimes almost ethereal.
The figures on the cards are diverse in skin tone, body shape and gender expression. This is not added as a statement but integrated into the composition. Each card remains readable according to RWS tradition, but nobody is excluded in the representation.
The symbolism is not altered. The Hanged Man still hangs upside down, Death still rides his horse, and The Moon still shows the same dog, wolf and crayfish as in the original. What has changed is how they look.
How the deck behaves
The soft colours and clear compositions make the cards read quietly. That makes it suitable for daily draws when you want to take a moment without getting lost in heavy symbolism.
The guidebook is concise. Each card gets a short description that hits the core without elaborating. No spreads, no extensive philosophical backgrounds. Enough to start working right away.
Draw one card in the morning and place it in front of you during breakfast. The soft imagery does not impose itself, giving you space to make your own associations.
About Serena Borsella
Serena Borsella is an Italian artist who focuses on inclusive and empathetic imagery. Her work on the Inner Light Tarot is her first tarot deck for a major publisher.
Her strength lies in balancing recognition and renewal. The symbolism remains recognizable to those familiar with RWS, but the design feels contemporary without becoming forced or overly modern.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78
- Format: 66 x 120 mm
- Material: sturdy cardstock
- Weight: 249 g
- Language: English
- Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
- ISBN: 9780738776767
- Artist: Serena Borsella
Questions we often get
Is this deck suitable for someone just starting with tarot?
Yes. The symbolism follows the Rider-Waite-Smith system, which means most tarot books and resources are directly applicable. The imagery is clear and the guidebook offers enough support to begin.
How does this deck differ from a classic RWS deck?
The structure and symbolism are the same, but the execution is softer and more inclusive in design. The colours are pastel rather than primary, and the figures are diverse. Anyone who wants an RWS system but seeks a more modern feel will find it here.
