Tarot of Traditions

Tarot of Traditions - Rider-Waite repainted with warmth and depth

There are hundreds of decks that follow the Rider-Waite-Smith system. Most choose reproduction or digital filters. This deck chooses a different path: repaint everything from scratch.

Giuliano Costa has translated each of the 78 RWS cards into his own visual language. The symbolism stays intact, the execution gains depth through oil painting technique, warm earth tones and soft shadows. The result feels both rustic and refined.

What you see on the cards

The colours are richer than in a standard RWS deck. Rust brown, deep green, gold and dark blue dominate. The figures are more voluminous, they fill the card surface. The backgrounds are less flat, with more texture and light-dark contrasts.

The symbolism remains recognisable. The Fool still stands on the edge of the abyss, the Towers burn, the Sun shines. But the painting style gives the scenes more weight. It feels like looking at a Renaissance painting rather than a card game.

Pull the Hermit from this deck next to one from a classic RWS deck. The symbolism is identical, the atmosphere completely different. This is a good deck to see what painting style does to a reading.

Who this works for

This deck is built for people who want to use the RWS system but find the classic execution too flat or dated. The guidebook assumes knowledge of the basic structure. There are no extensive spreads or beginner courses.

The format (70 x 120 mm) is standard. The cards shuffle easily and feel good in the hand. The cardstock is sturdy, the finish matte enough not to reflect.

About Giuliano Costa

Giuliano Costa is an Italian illustrator who previously created the Jack-O'-Lantern Tarot. His strength lies in translating existing systems into a rich, warm painting style without changing the underlying structure.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78
• Card size: 70 x 120 mm
• Language: English
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
• Cardstock: sturdy, durable
• Finish: matte
• Includes: guidebook
• System: Rider-Waite-Smith
• Illustrator: Giuliano Costa

Questions we often get

Does the symbolism differ from the classic Rider-Waite-Smith deck?
No. The cards follow the RWS system very closely. What changes is the execution: the painting style, the colours, the light. The structure and symbolism remain intact.

Is this deck suitable as a first tarot deck?
Yes, if you already know you want to work with the RWS system. The guidebook does assume basic knowledge of tarot, so combine it with an introductory book if you are completely new.