The Unfolding Path Tarot - an inclusive RWS reinterpretation with colour coding
Some tarot decks stay close to the original Rider-Waite drawings. Others take the structure but redraw everything. The Unfolding Path Tarot by Athene Noctua falls into the second category.
The deck follows the traditional symbolism of the Rider-Waite tarot but shows characters of different ages, body types and backgrounds. That choice is not an addition. It is the starting point.
What you see on the cards
The drawing style is illustrative and colourful, with clear outlines and flat colours. Each element within the Minor Arcana has its own colour palette. Wands are warm orange-yellow, Swords cool blue, Cups soft pink and purple, Pentacles green and earth tones.
That colour distribution helps during readings. You can see at a glance which element dominates in a spread, before you read the individual cards. This is not a decorative detail. It is a functional choice that works.
The symbolism remains recognisable for those familiar with the Rider-Waite. The Hanged Man hangs, the Star pours water, the Tower collapses. What changes is who you see and what they look like.
Who this deck works for
This deck is designed for anyone who wants to use the Rider-Waite structure but needs contemporary imagery. The guidebook explains the basic meanings, which makes the deck work for beginners too. The colour coding makes it suitable for visual readers.
The format is 70 x 120 mm, slightly smaller than standard. It shuffles easily and fits in most bags. The cardstock is sturdy enough for daily use.
Pull a daily card and look at the colour first before you interpret the card itself. The colour tone already tells you something about the energy of the day.
About Athene Noctua
Athene Noctua lives and works on a houseboat in the English countryside. Her surroundings, the water and the seasons, form a recurring source of inspiration. She creates tarot decks with the intention of helping people recognise and trust their intuition.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78 (22 Major Arcana, 56 Minor Arcana)
- Card size: 70 x 120 mm
- Material: sturdy cardstock
- Packaging: luxury storage box
- Language: Dutch
- Publisher: Koppenhol Uitgeverij
- ISBN: 9789085082439
- Weight: 453 g
- Guidebook: included
Questions we often get
How does this deck differ from a classic Rider-Waite deck?
The structure and symbolism are the same. The main difference lies in the imagery: this deck shows people of different ages, body types and backgrounds. Each suit also has its own colour palette, which the Rider-Waite does not have.
Does the colour coding actually work during readings?
Yes. If you see three Swords in a spread, you immediately see three blue cards together. That makes it visually clear that the element Air, and therefore thoughts and communication, plays a major role. It speeds up interpretation.
