Tarot in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll meets Rider-Waite-Smith
Some decks tell a story, others follow a tarot system. This one does both. The characters from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass are paired here with the 78 cards of the Rider-Waite-Smith tradition.
Alice becomes the Fool. The Queen of Hearts appears on the Empress. The Mad Hatter takes a role in the Magician. Barbara Moore wrote the texts, Eugene Smith drew the cards. Together they stick to the classic tarot structure, but fill it with a fantasy world that speaks more clearly than much abstract symbolism.
What you see on the cards
The illustrations are colourful and detailed. Eugene Smith chooses a style reminiscent of Victorian children's books: clear, almost decorative, with attention to clothing, posture and facial expression. The characters take centre stage, the backgrounds are often plain or filled with patterns.
Each Wonderland figure is chosen to reinforce something already present in the Rider-Waite-Smith card. The White Rabbit fits with haste and urgency. The Cheshire Cat with riddles and ambiguity. The choices are not random, but they never feel forced either.
The cards have a glossy finish and measure 70 x 120 mm. That is a standard size, easy to shuffle. The cardstock feels sturdy enough for daily use.
The guidebook and the spreads
The guidebook runs 240 pages and is printed in full colour. Each card gets its own discussion with both the classic Rider-Waite-Smith meaning and the addition from the Wonderland story. That makes it a useful reference, even if you already have experience with tarot.
It also includes spreads that come directly from the stories. The 'Rabbit Hole spread', for example, is designed to dive deeper into a question. Or the 'Tea Party spread' for social dynamics. The spreads are playful in name but practical in setup.
Draw a card in the morning and see if you notice the connection with the Wonderland character during the day. The story often works as a memory aid.
Who this deck works for
This deck is designed for people who want to learn the Rider-Waite-Smith structure or already know it. The cards follow that tradition literally, so you can use them as you would any other RWS deck. The difference lies in the imagery, not in the system.
It works well as a first deck, because the characters are more recognisable than abstract symbols. It also works as a second or third deck, because it combines familiar structure with a different tone. Those who know the stories of Lewis Carroll get an extra layer of meaning.
About Barbara Moore and Eugene Smith
Barbara Moore has been writing tarot guidebooks and deck texts for Llewellyn for years. She explains concepts clearly without oversimplifying. Her strength lies in translating symbolism into everyday situations.
Eugene Smith illustrates with an eye for detail. His style for this deck is decorative and warm, with attention to the expression of the characters. He does not draw a dark Wonderland, but one that invites you to look.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78
- Card size: 70 x 120 mm
- Finish: Glossy
- Cardstock: Sturdy, suitable for daily use
- Guidebook: 240 pages, full-colour
- Language: English
- Packaging: Sturdy collector's box
- Author: Barbara Moore
- Illustrator: Eugene Smith
- Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
Questions we often get
Do the meanings differ from a standard Rider-Waite-Smith deck?
No. The core meanings remain the same. The Wonderland characters add an extra angle, but do not change the essence. You can use any RWS reference book alongside this deck.
Does the deck include reversals or only upright meanings?
The guidebook discusses both upright and reversed meanings for each card, following standard RWS interpretation.
