Mermaid Tarot Set - Rider-Waite underwater
Not every tarot deck changes the setting while keeping the structure. The Mermaid Tarot Set does exactly that: the 78 cards follow the Rider-Waite system, but all scenes take place in an underwater world where mermaids play the leading role.
The deck is written by Leeza Robertson and illustrated by Julie Dillon, a fantasy artist who has won awards for her work. The colours are cool and deep: ocean blue, turquoise, green and accents in gold. The water element is central, both visually and thematically.
What you see on the cards
The cards translate familiar Rider-Waite images into an underwater environment. Where you would normally see a figure on land, here you see a mermaid among coral, seaweed or flowing water. The symbolism remains recognizable: swords, wands, cups and pentacles return, but adapted to the setting.
Julie Dillon works digitally and her style is clear and detailed. The cards have a matte finish, which makes shuffling comfortable. The format is 70 x 120 mm, a standard size that fits well in the hand.
Where the emphasis lies
The water element draws a lot of attention. Water in tarot stands for emotion, intuition and the unconscious. This deck makes that link explicit: almost every card shows how water moves, flows, is calm or in turmoil.
The 288-page guidebook describes each card separately. Robertson gives the meaning for each card, both upright and reversed, and explains how the underwater world reinforces the symbolism. There are also several spreads, from simple to elaborate.
Pull a card when you are stuck in your head and want to respond more from feeling. The images almost force you to read more slowly.
Who this deck is designed for
The set follows the Rider-Waite system, which makes it accessible for beginners who want to learn that system. The extensive guidebook supports this: each card gets attention, and the spreads are clearly explained.
At the same time, the deck works for someone who already has experience and is looking for a different visual language within a familiar structure. The underwater theme gives the cards a different charge than a classic RWS deck.
About Leeza Robertson and Julie Dillon
Leeza Robertson writes tarot books and decks, often focused on accessibility and practical use. Her texts are clear and direct.
Julie Dillon is an award-winning illustrator in the fantasy genre. Her work has appeared on book covers and in art galleries. For this deck she drew all 78 cards in a style that is both fairytale-like and clear.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78
- Card size: 70 x 120 mm
- Guidebook: 288 pages, paperback
- Language: English
- Card quality: Sturdy matte cardstock
- Packaging: Deluxe storage box
- Author: Leeza Robertson
- Illustrator: Julie Dillon
- System: Rider-Waite
Questions we often get
Are the cards suitable for daily use?
Yes. The matte cardstock is sturdy and glides well. The cards keep their shape even with regular shuffling.
How does this deck differ from a classic Rider-Waite deck?
The structure and order of the cards are the same. The difference is in the setting: all scenes take place underwater, with mermaids instead of people. The symbolism remains recognizable but gets a different visual translation.
