Otherkin Tarot Set - animal archetypes in place of human figures
Where most tarot decks choose human characters, the Otherkin Tarot replaces them with hybrid beings. A lion with a human body on the throne of the Emperor, an owl as the Hierophant. It seems a simple change, but it alters how you look at the cards.
Siolo Thompson has drawn each of the 78 cards by hand, using natural pigments on unbleached paper. The style is minimal and leaves room for the symbolism. The organic tones match the theme: the line between human and animal blurs, and with it the line between instinct and consciousness.
Why animals instead of humans
This deck works with archetypal qualities everyone recognizes. A lion calls up strength, an owl wisdom, a deer gentleness. By placing those animals not as symbols in the background but as the main character, the card speaks more directly to your intuition.
The system remains Rider-Waite-Smith. Anyone familiar with it will find all the familiar structures here. The meanings have not changed, only the way they show themselves.
How it feels in use
The cards are printed on high-quality cardstock in standard format. They glide smoothly when shuffled and have a matte finish that shows few fingerprints. The sturdy storage box offers good protection.
The guidebook gives a description for each card that discusses the chosen animal species and how it reinforces the archetype of the card. That helps when reading: you can look beyond the traditional meaning to see what instinctive force the animal represents.
When doing a reading, ask yourself which quality of the animal on the card you need right now. The speed of a deer, the patience of a turtle, the sharpness of a hawk. It adds a layer to the interpretation.
About Siolo Thompson
Siolo Thompson is an artist and tarot creator. She previously designed the Linestrider Tarot, also published by Llewellyn Publications. Her style is characterized by refined lines and a minimalist approach that captures the essence of each archetype without unnecessary detail.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78
- System: Rider-Waite-Smith
- Format: Standard tarot size
- Cardstock: High-quality, matte finish
- Packaging: Sturdy storage box
- Guidebook: Companion booklet with card descriptions
- Language: English
- Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
- Author and illustrator: Siolo Thompson
Questions we often get
Is this deck suitable for beginners?
Yes. The structure follows the Rider-Waite-Smith system, which means anyone learning the basic principles of tarot will find all the familiar elements here. The animal figures make it more accessible for many people because they evoke fewer preconceptions than human characters.
How does this deck differ from the Linestrider Tarot?
The Linestrider Tarot combines human and animal in one image, often through line drawings with color accents. The Otherkin Tarot completely replaces the human figures with hybrid beings and is drawn with natural pigments on unbleached paper, giving it a warmer, more organic appearance.