Tarot Cats

Tarot Cats - Rider-Waite-Smith with feline logic

There are tarot decks with cats on them, and there are decks where cats take over the tarot. This is the second kind. Ana Juan does not draw disguised humans with cat ears. She draws cats that embody the archetypes of tarot in their own, independent way.

The deck follows the structure of the Rider-Waite-Smith system. All 78 cards are present, the symbolism is recognisable. But where you read human emotion in a classic RWS deck, here you see feline posture, feline stillness, feline attention.

What you see on the cards

Juan works with a surrealist, almost dreamlike style. The colours are more muted than in a classic Rider-Waite deck. Lots of deep purple, midnight blue, gold, ochre. The cats themselves are expressive without becoming sentimental.

Pay attention to body language. A raised tail, a flattened ear, a gaze just past the edge of the card. Cats communicate with their bodies, and Juan uses that as an extra layer in the symbolism. The instruction booklet gives basic interpretations, but the posture of the cat often says just a bit more.

Who this deck works for

This is a deck for those who already know how tarot works and are looking for a different entry point. The basic structure is Rider-Waite-Smith, so the meanings are familiar. What is new is the tone: less dramatic, more observed.

It works well for daily spreads. The illustrations are rich enough to see something new on a second or third draw, but not so complex that you have to stare at them for ten minutes before you understand what is happening.

Draw a card and notice what the cat is doing before you read the symbolism. Is it sitting, walking, looking away? That often gives the core of the message already.

About Ana Juan

Ana Juan is a Spanish illustrator, born in 1961 in Valencia. She created covers for The New Yorker and illustrated children's books, but is best known for her surrealist imagery. Her work combines poetry with precision, and that shows in this deck.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78 (Major and Minor Arcana)
• Card size: 70 x 120 mm
• Cardstock weight: 330 gsm, laminated
• Finish: Durable coating
• Language: English
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
• Includes: Instruction booklet

Questions we often get

Can I use this deck if I do not know Rider-Waite-Smith symbolism by heart?
Yes. The instruction booklet explains the basic meanings, and the symbolism on the cards is recognisable enough to work with. It does help if you have worked with tarot a few times before.

How does this deck differ from other cat decks?
Most cat decks choose a realistic or cute approach. This deck chooses surrealism and poetry. The cats are expressive, but not humanised. It feels more like an artistic statement than a themed product.