Tarot Magic Amaia Arrazola - Rider-Waite-Smith with a clear perspective
Not every tarot deck tells the cards in the same way. This deck uses the traditional 78-card structure, but shows the archetypes through feminine strength, equality and colour. Amaia Arrazola is a Spanish illustrator who has worked on murals, fashion and books. Here she translates the classical tarot into a visual language that is contemporary, inclusive and expressive.
All 78 cards follow the Rider-Waite-Smith structure. The Major Arcana and the four suits of Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles are recognisable. What differs is how Arrazola shapes the symbolism. The illustrations are full, colourful and show a lot of movement. The lines are flowing and the characters have expressive faces.
What you see on the cards
The colour use is striking. Bright orange, pink, blue and green dominate. The cards have an almost pop-art intensity, without becoming kitsch. Each character has a clear body posture and gaze.
The symbolism stays close to the Rider-Waite system. The High Priestess sits between two pillars, The Star pours water, Death rides a horse. What changes is the way those images are rendered. Arrazola chooses diversity in skin tone, body shape and expression. Her characters have an energy that is active and direct.
The cards are printed on standard card stock with a matte finish. The format is 70 x 120 mm, which is slightly narrower than many other decks. They shuffle easily and feel light in the hand.
Who this deck works for
This deck is accessible to beginners. The structure is classical, the visual language is clear. The guidebook is bilingual, English and Spanish, and contains short card descriptions. Those already familiar with Rider-Waite will recognise the structure and can begin immediately.
The deck works well for daily card readings. The colours and the expression of the characters quickly evoke a feeling, which supports intuitive reading. For meditative purposes it is less suitable. The energy of the cards is too active and too full for prolonged stillness.
Look at the dominant colour first, before reading the symbolism. The colour often tells as much as the image itself.
About Amaia Arrazola
Amaia Arrazola is a Spanish illustrator and designer. Her work has appeared in books, on ceramics, in fashion and as murals. Her style is characterised by strong use of colour and social themes. For this deck she chose a clear feminist angle, with emphasis on equality and freedom.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78
- Card size: 70 x 120 mm
- Weight: 320 g
- Publisher: Lunwerg Editores
- Language: English and Spanish
- ISBN: 9788816895871
- Finish: matte
- Includes: compact box and companion booklet
- Author and illustrator: Amaia Arrazola
Questions we often get
Does this deck differ greatly from the classical Rider-Waite-Smith tarot?
No. The structure and core meanings remain intact. What changes is the visual language. Arrazola has redrawn the archetypes with a contemporary perspective, but all familiar spreads and meanings remain usable.
Is the guidebook sufficient for beginners?
Yes, for a first introduction. The booklet contains short descriptions per card in English and Spanish. For deeper study you will want to consult an additional tarot book.
