Tarot Illuminati Set - baroque abundance on borderless cards
Some tarot decks are quiet in their imagery. This is not one of them. The Tarot Illuminati by Kim Huggens pulls out all the stops: rich colours, gilded edges, borderless compositions and a density of symbolism you will not take in at first glance.
The deck follows the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith structure, but the imagery is maximalist. Baroque decor, historical detail and layer upon layer of symbolism. The theme is illumination: light in darkness, growth through challenge, reaching full spiritual potential.
What you see on the cards
Each card fills the entire surface with no border. The illustrations have something regal, almost decadent. Gilded edges run along the sides and give every reading a ceremonial feel.
The symbolism is dense. Details you miss in the first reading will surface the second or third time. That can be overwhelming, but it also keeps the deck alive.
About Kim Huggens
Kim Huggens has studied tarot since she was nine. She holds a master's degree in Religion in Late Antiquity and writes and teaches on divination and mythology. Her guidebook for this deck explains how the symbolism works and how to read with it.
The book is extensive and in full colour. The tone is accessible, even though the imagery is complex.
In practice
The cards are made from sturdy cardstock. Because of the gilded finish, they can stick together slightly when you first unpack them. Fan the deck gently and run your thumb along the edges before you start shuffling.
The format is comfortable: 70 x 120 mm. Large enough to see the details, small enough to handle well. The set comes in a sturdy box with magnetic closure.
Do not lay this deck out for your first reading straight away. Look at the cards one by one first, let the images settle. The symbolism is too rich to grasp immediately.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78
- Card size: 70 x 120 mm
- Finish: Borderless with gilded edges
- Card weight: Sturdy, durable material
- Guidebook: Extensive full-colour guidebook in English
- Packaging: Sturdy box with magnetic closure
- Publisher: Lo Scarabeo
- Guidebook author: Kim Huggens
- Language: English
Questions we often get
Is this deck suitable for beginners?
Yes, if you are not put off by complex imagery. The structure is traditional RWS and the guidebook explains everything. But the symbolism is dense, so expect a learning curve.
Why do the cards stick together when I first unpack them?
That is because of the gilded finish on the edges. It is normal with this type of production. Fan the deck gently and separate the cards with your thumb before you shuffle them for the first time.
