Teen Witch Tarot - contemporary imagery with classical structure
Not every tarot deck looks as though it was drawn a century ago. The Teen Witch Tarot by Laura Tuan and Antonella Platano uses the classical structure of the Rider-Waite, but clothes it in imagery closer to a graphic novel than to traditional mystical illustrations.
The deck was published by Lo Scarabeo in 2020. The 78 cards follow the familiar layout: 22 major arcana and 56 minor arcana, divided across four suits. What sets it apart is the style, aimed at a younger audience and at people starting out with tarot.
What you see on the cards
The illustrations are clear and graphic. Antonella Platano draws with clean lines and bright colours. The characters wear contemporary clothing, the settings are recognisable. That makes it easier to see a story rather than just decipher symbols.
The imagery is literal. If a card is about choices, you see someone literally facing a choice. If a card is about loss, you see that reflected in posture and facial expression. That directness works well if you are not yet familiar with the more layered symbolism of classical decks.
The cards measure 66 x 120 mm, which is a standard size for Lo Scarabeo. They sit comfortably in the hand and shuffle well.
Who this deck is designed for
The name refers to teenagers, and that is also the audience for whom Laura Tuan wrote this deck. The themes that recur are self-discovery, finding your own place, dealing with emotions and making choices. That fits young people, but also adults who appreciate an accessible tone.
The guidebook is multilingual and contains basic explanations of the cards. There are no in-depth psychological analyses, but short descriptions and suggestions for use. That keeps the threshold low.
Draw one card as a daily card and read the description in the guidebook. The texts are short enough to scan quickly, and the images speak directly enough to see something even without the guidebook.
About Laura Tuan and Antonella Platano
Laura Tuan writes about tarot and esotericism and has designed several decks for Lo Scarabeo. Her strength lies in translating classical tarot meanings into clear, simple language.
Antonella Platano illustrates. For this deck she chooses a style that connects with contemporary young people: flat, graphic, with recognisable settings and expressions.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78
- Size: 66 x 120 mm
- Publisher: Lo Scarabeo
- Guidebook language: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian
- ISBN: 9788865276846
- Author: Laura Tuan
- Illustrator: Antonella Platano
- Year of publication: 2020
Questions we often get
Is this deck only intended for teenagers?
No. The name and style are aimed at young people, but the structure and imagery are suitable for anyone looking for an accessible, modern tarot deck. Many adult readers appreciate precisely the direct imagery.
Are the cards suitable if you have never worked with tarot before?
Yes. The illustrations are literal and the guidebook explains the basic meanings. You do not need prior knowledge to get started with them.
