Radiant Tarot - poetic imagery inspired by William Blake
Some tarot cards give clear answers. This deck invites you to dream. Radiant Tarot by Alexandra Eldridge and Tony Barnstone is built on the classic structure of 78 cards, but adds a poetic layer in which people, animals and plants bleed into each other.
The imagery recalls the work of William Blake: dreamlike, layered, sometimes hard to pin down. Eldridge draws with rich detail, in soft colours that feel intense at the same time. Figures are surrounded by natural elements, symbols stack without sharp boundaries.
What you see on the cards
The Major Arcana follow the traditional sequence, from Fool to World. The Minor Arcana are divided into wands, cups, swords and pentacles. Each figure is embedded in an atmosphere where the human and the natural merge.
The cards measure 70 x 120 mm, standard tarot size. The cardstock is sturdy enough for regular use. The colours are soft yet rich: plenty of green, blue, earth tones, with accents in gold and red.
The guidebook: creative exercises and astrological notes
The accompanying book runs to 100 pages in full colour. Alongside classic card meanings you find creative writing exercises, astrological connections and suggestions for working with symbolism. The texts are written by Tony Barnstone, poet and professor of literature, and feel more literary than instructional.
This is not a deck of fixed answers. It works best when you take time to look, write, draw or simply sit quietly with a card. Many people use it for creative prompts.
Pull one card each morning and write for five minutes without stopping about whatever images or emotions the card brings up. No judgement, just write.
About Alexandra Eldridge and Tony Barnstone
Alexandra Eldridge is an artist working in a style influenced by William Blake and other visionary artists. Her work is characterised by layering and a preference for symbols over realism.
Tony Barnstone is a poet, translator and professor of literature. He has published several poetry collections and specialises in translating Chinese classics. For this deck he wrote the texts and developed the creative exercises.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78 (22 Major Arcana, 56 Minor Arcana)
- Card size: 70 x 120 mm
- Guidebook: 100 pages, full colour
- Language: English
- Publisher: Weiser Books
- Artist: Alexandra Eldridge
- Author: Tony Barnstone
- Extras: creative writing exercises, astrological notes
Questions we often get
Does this deck follow the Rider-Waite structure?
Yes, the structure is classic: 78 cards divided into Major and Minor Arcana. The imagery, however, differs strongly from Rider-Waite. The symbolism is more poetic, less literal.
Is this a suitable beginner deck?
That depends on what you are looking for. The guidebook offers explanations and exercises, but the imagery asks for interpretation. If you like open symbols and creative reflection it works well. If you prefer clear, recognisable scenes, a classic RWS deck is probably clearer.
