The Children of Litha Tarot Black Edition - hand-drawn tarot with human-animal hybrids
Most tarot decks use human figures. This one does something different: the figures carry animal heads, or shift midway into animal form. It is a choice that gives the familiar Rider-Waite system a distinct weight of its own.
The Children of Litha Tarot Black Edition is the first in a series of eight decks called The Children of The Wheel. Each deck in the series focuses on a different aspect of nature. This first one is about the connection between humans and animals.
What you see on the cards
The illustrations are hand-drawn and detailed. The hybrids are most prominent in the Major Arcana. The minor arcana works with natural domains: ocean creatures for Cups, predators for Wands. The Aces show skeletons, a choice that strips each element down to its bare core.
The colour palette is dark: heavy greens, browns and blacks. The fully black borders of the Black Edition push that atmosphere further. Compared to a standard Rider-Waite deck or a light watercolour deck, this one has a heavy, earthy presence.
How it feels to use
The cards are printed on 350 gsm card stock with a matte finish. They do not stick together and do not reflect light. The size is 70 x 120 mm, the standard tarot format. The magnetic flip box closes firmly and keeps everything together.
The guidebook runs to 180 pages and is printed in full colour. Every card gets a description, and the guidebook includes instructions for beginner spreads. Anyone new to the Rider-Waite system can start working with this set straight away.
The matte finish makes this deck pleasant to shuffle by candlelight: no reflection, no glare. The black borders give each reading a contained, focused frame.
About Alexandria Huntington
Alexandria Huntington, also known as Xia Hunt, studied illustration at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Before focusing on tarot decks, she worked on projects including 'Beneath the Dark Crystal'.
Her work combines imaginative storytelling with traditional tarot archetypes. Animals, myths and the wilderness form the framework she consistently returns to. She now writes, illustrates and publishes her own decks through her own company.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78
- Language: English
- Publisher: Children of Litha
- Creator: Alexandria Huntington (Xia Hunt)
- Card stock: 350 gsm
- Finish: Matte finish, black borders
- Dimensions: 70 x 120 mm
- Packaging: Magnetic flip box with gold foil accents
- Guidebook: 180 pages, full colour
- System: Rider-Waite
Questions we often get
What is the difference between the Black Edition and other editions?
The Black Edition has fully black borders around every card. Other editions have white or coloured borders. The illustrations themselves are the same.
Is this deck accessible if you are new to the Rider-Waite system?
The guidebook includes descriptions of all 78 cards and instructions for beginner spreads. The structure follows the classic Rider-Waite system throughout, so anyone working through this set also builds a foundation that transfers to other decks later on.
