Sacred Rose Tarot Set - medieval stained glass art and Kabbalistic symbolism
Some tarot decks are designed as teaching tools. Others are made to hang on a wall. This deck sits between the two. The Sacred Rose Tarot Set by Johanna Gargiulo-Sherman is a visual deck that works with stained glass aesthetics and Byzantine icons, but is built on a solid Kabbalistic foundation.
The rose is central to every card. Not as decoration, but as a symbol for the soul and the path to enlightenment. The colours are rich and saturated, the lines geometric, and the compositions recognizable to anyone who has stood in a medieval cathedral.
What you see on the cards
The illustrations resemble stained glass windows. Planes of colour are separated by dark lines, which creates a calming, almost meditative effect. The imagery follows the classic Rider-Waite structure, but the execution is distinct.
In every major arcana card you see the rose return, often at the centre or as a frame. The minor arcana are less figurative than in an RWS deck, with stronger emphasis on patterns and symbolic objects. The Tree of Life from the Kabbalah plays a role in the system, which is explained in the guidebook.
The cards are 70 x 120 mm, standard size, and printed on sturdy cardstock. No special finish, just a classic matte surface that shuffles well.
Where this deck stands apart
The Sacred Rose Tarot is not a beginner's deck. The imagery requires some knowledge of tarot and symbolism. The 212-page guidebook helps with that, offering detailed descriptions of each card and practical exercises to integrate the symbolism into your own life.
The book goes further than standard card meanings. You get background information on the Kabbalah, the Tree of Life, and the role of the rose in Western esoteric tradition. That makes the deck interesting for anyone who wants to look beyond basic interpretations.
Before you start shuffling, take a moment to look at the heart of the rose on the back of the cards. Let your question unfold the way a flower opens.
About Johanna Gargiulo-Sherman
Johanna Gargiulo-Sherman is an artist who has translated her background in medieval art and mysticism into this deck. Her work is characterized by tight compositions and a recognizable colour palette that references historical stained glass windows. The Sacred Rose Tarot is her best-known work and has been used worldwide for decades.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78
- Size: 70 x 120 mm
- Cardstock quality: Sturdy, durable cardstock with matte finish
- Guidebook: 212 pages
- Language: English
- Publisher: U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
- Artist: Johanna Gargiulo-Sherman
- Style: Medieval stained glass art and Byzantine icons
- Symbolism: Kabbalah, Tree of Life, the sacred rose
Questions we often get
Does this deck follow the Rider-Waite structure?
Yes, the structure is classic and the arcana are recognizable. The execution is different: the minor arcana are less figurative and the major arcana are built around the rose and Kabbalistic symbolism.
Is the guidebook detailed enough for someone who does not know the Kabbalah?
Yes. The book explains the basic principles and shows for each card how the symbolism works. You do not need prior knowledge, but some experience with tarot helps to appreciate the deeper layers.
