The Good Tarot - affirmations instead of warnings
Most tarot cards tell you what can go wrong. This deck does the opposite. The Good Tarot by Colette Baron-Reid keeps the structure of 78 cards but replaces the heavy themes with affirmations in the present tense.
Where you would encounter The Tower or The Devil as confrontation in a classic deck, here you find cards that describe the same situation from the perspective of what is now possible. That does not make it superficial. It asks for a different way of reading.
What is different about the structure
The four suits are replaced by the four elements: Air, Water, Earth and Fire. The meanings still align with classic tarot, but the names are more direct. Instead of Swords you read Air, instead of Wands it says Fire.
The major arcana are retained but receive new names. The Tower is called 'Upheaval' here, The Devil becomes 'Addiction'. The cards name what is happening, but the accompanying texts in the guidebook focus on what you can do with it.
The imagery is dreamy and ethereal. Soft colours, lots of blue and purple, illustrations that suggest more than they explain. That matches the tone of the deck: this is not a story told to you, but a mirror held up.
How this deck works in practice
Many people use this deck for daily cards. The affirmations in the guidebook are short enough to remember and concrete enough to start the day with. Each card has a text you can read aloud.
For deeper readings the deck works best if you already know how tarot is structured. The positive approach does not mean the cards have nothing to say about difficult situations. They name it differently.
Pull a card and read only the affirmation first, without looking at the explanation. Notice what that sentence triggers before you pick up the description.
About Colette Baron-Reid
Colette Baron-Reid is a spiritual teacher and has created several oracle and tarot cards. Her style is accessible and focused on positive psychology. She combines classic symbolism with a contemporary, constructive way of interpreting.
This deck fits into her broader work around intuition and self-reflection. It is published by Hay House, a publisher focused on personal development.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78
- Card size: 90 x 128 mm
- Guidebook: 145 pages
- Language: English
- ISBN: 9781401949503
- Publisher: Hay House
- Card quality: Sturdy cardstock with smooth gloss finish
- Packaging: Luxury sturdy storage box
- Creator: Colette Baron-Reid
Questions we often get
How does this deck differ from a classic Rider-Waite-Smith deck?
The structure is the same: 78 cards, divided into major and minor arcana. The difference lies in the interpretation. Where RWS often warns or confronts, The Good Tarot focuses on what you can do now with the situation. The elements replace the classic suits.
Can I use this deck if I have never worked with tarot before?
Yes. The guidebook explains each card and the affirmations make it easy to start. You do not need prior knowledge, but some experience with tarot helps to see the nuances.
