The Unicorn Tarot

Unicorn Tarot - RWS structure with unicorn as guiding motif

Many decks base themselves on the Rider-Waite-Smith tradition. This is one that keeps the structure intact and trades the imagery for something softer. Instead of the familiar figures you see unicorns, pastel landscapes and symbols that feel less confrontational than in a classic tarot deck.

The Unicorn Tarot was compiled by Suzanne Star, with illustrations by Liz Hilton. The deck contains 78 cards, a 176-page book and a foldout spread sheet. The book is not a separate companion volume but a full edition of 'In Search of Unicorns', the work in which Star links the symbolism of the unicorn to the tarot.

What you see on the cards

The cards follow the Rider-Waite-Smith layout. Major Arcana, four suits of Minor Arcana, the established names. What differs is the tone. Where the RWS deck shows sharp lines and clear emotions, the images here are softer.

The illustrations are hand-drawn in watercolour. The colours are muted, mostly blue, lilac, pink and gold. The unicorn appears on every card, sometimes prominent, sometimes as a detail in the background. The symbolism is still readable: swords, wands, cups and pentacles are recognisable, but the mood is lighter.

The card stock is sturdy and has a smooth coating. The cards measure 70 x 120 mm, a standard size that shuffles well.

The book and the spread sheet

The included book is not a standard guidebook. It is a complete edition of Suzanne Star's 'In Search of Unicorns', in which she discusses the unicorn as archetype and connects it to the tarot cards. Each card has a description, not short keywords but blocks of text that explain the symbolism.

The spread sheet is a foldout page with different spreads. Useful if you do not want to keep reaching for the book.

If you are familiar with the Rider-Waite-Smith and looking for the same structure but a different atmosphere, this deck works well. The images are less sharp, which makes some cards more approachable.

About Suzanne Star and Liz Hilton

Suzanne Star writes about spirituality and symbolism. Her focus lies on archetypes and how they show up in daily life. 'In Search of Unicorns' appeared earlier as a book, the tarot deck followed later.

Liz Hilton draws and paints. Her style is illustrative, with soft transitions and much attention to detail. For this deck she worked in watercolour, which strengthens the dreamlike mood.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78
• Card size: 70 x 120 mm
• Language: English
• Author: Suzanne Star
• Illustrator: Liz Hilton
• Publisher: U.S. Games Systems
• Book: 176 pages, 'In Search of Unicorns'
• Extra: foldout spread sheet
• Finish: sturdy card stock with smooth coating

Questions we often get

Does this deck deviate from the traditional meanings of the Rider-Waite-Smith?
No. The structure and symbolism are the same, only the imagery is different. If you know the RWS, you will recognise the cards immediately.

Is this deck suitable if you have never worked with tarot before?
Yes. The book contains detailed descriptions for each card and the spread sheet shows different spreads. The Rider-Waite-Smith structure makes the deck accessible for beginners.