Trick or Treat Tarot - Rider-Waite in Halloween costume
Halloween decks tend to fall into two camps: those with a dark undertone and those with a playful wink. This deck firmly belongs to the second category.
Barbara Moore and Jonathan Hunt take the structure of the Rider-Waite system and dress it up in costumes, pumpkins and playful frights. Each card remains recognizable but looks as though the figures have prepared for a Halloween party. The Lovers? Inspired by Gomez and Morticia Addams. Death? A skeleton with flair. The Magician? A wizard with a top hat and a table full of props.
What you see on the cards
Jonathan Hunt draws with bold lines and clear compositions. The colours are vivid, the figures expressive. Orange, purple and black dominate, fitting the autumn season and the festive tone.
The cards follow the Rider-Waite symbolism faithfully. That means you can apply the basic meanings directly, but with a visual wink. The theme of disguises and masks is used to emphasize the many layers of identity and the gap between appearance and reality.
The finish is glossy, which makes the colours brighter and gives the deck a festive character. The cardstock is sturdy enough for daily use.
Who this deck works for
This deck is designed for beginners. The Rider-Waite structure makes it accessible, and Barbara Moore's guidebook is clear and direct. She explains what you see, how to interpret it and what questions you can ask.
For those drawn to Halloween aesthetics or autumn as a season of transformation, this deck offers a light way to engage with that theme. It is not a dark, eerie deck. It plays with the idea of fear but always with a smile.
Use this deck around Samhain if you want to reflect on what you are letting go of and what lies behind your masks. The theme lends itself well to that.
About Barbara Moore and Jonathan Hunt
Barbara Moore has written about tarot for decades. Her style is accessible and practical without simplifying the symbolism. She has authored dozens of guidebooks for Llewellyn and is considered one of the most reliable voices in the field.
Jonathan Hunt illustrates with an emphasis on emotion and movement. His work for this deck captures the festive mood of Halloween without falling into cliché.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78 (Major and Minor Arcana)
- Size: 70 x 120 mm
- Finish: Glossy high-quality cardstock
- Guidebook: Full-color guide by Barbara Moore
- Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
- Language: English
- ISBN: 9780738765105
Questions we often get
Does this deck follow the Rider-Waite symbolism completely?
Yes. The structure, sequence and main symbols are carried over. The difference lies in the design and Halloween theme, not in the framework.
Is this a suitable deck for the whole year or mainly for autumn?
That depends on your preference. Some people use it year-round because the symbolism is complete. Others reach for it mainly in the autumn months or around Samhain, when the theme resonates most.