Universal Celtic Tarot - borderless cards with Celtic symbolism
Some tarot decks stick to the Rider-Waite system and some add a cultural layer. This deck does both. Floreana Nativo and illustrator Cristina Scagliotti kept the classic tarot structure and saturated every card with Celtic mythology.
The most striking feature is that the cards have no border. The illustrations run all the way to the edge of the cardstock. That means you see mostly images during a reading, no frames. For some readers that makes the overview clearer, for others it feels busier.
What you see on the cards
The imagery is dark and green. Lots of forests, lots of twilight, lots of references to nature magic and the elements. Cristina Scagliotti works with deep colours and detailed compositions that evoke the atmosphere of old Celtic stories.
The structure is Rider-Waite: 78 cards, divided into Major and Minor Arcana. Every figure, every symbol is translated into the Celtic context. The High Priestess carries attributes from Celtic spirituality, Death refers to the cycles of the seasons, the Wands cards depict fire and growth as understood in the Celtic tradition.
The cardstock is sturdy and finished with a matte coating. The cards measure 65 x 118 mm, a handy size that shuffles well. The guidebook is multilingual and gives core meanings for each card.
How the borderless design works
Without borders the cards appear visually larger. During a reading the images flow into one another. That can help you spot patterns, but it also asks for a bit more space on the table to keep the cards from overlapping.
Some readers find the borderless design more powerful for meditation. You look at a complete image, with no visual interruption. Others miss the structure that a frame provides. It is a matter of preference.
Lay out the cards a bit farther apart than you normally would. That way each image stays intact and you see more quickly how they speak to one another.
Who this deck works for
If you know the Rider-Waite structure and have an interest in Celtic mythology, this deck offers a direct bridge between the two. The symbolism is specific enough to be recognisable for those familiar with Celtic stories, but not so abstract that you need prior knowledge.
For beginners it is usable, provided you have studied Rider-Waite as a foundation. The images are not always intuitive without that background. The guidebook helps, but is concise.
About Floreana Nativo and Cristina Scagliotti
Floreana Nativo writes and develops tarot decks that combine mythology and spirituality. Her work is characterised by attention to symbolic depth without becoming esoteric.
Cristina Scagliotti illustrates. Her style is expressive and detailed, with a preference for dark tones and natural compositions. Together they have made a deck that is both artistic and functional.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78 (Major and Minor Arcana)
- Card size: 65 x 118 mm
- Design: Borderless
- Cardstock quality: Sturdy cardstock with matte finish
- Guidebook: Multilingual guidebook with core meanings
- Publisher: Lo Scarabeo
- Theme: Celtic mythology, nature magic, Rider-Waite structure
- Author: Floreana Nativo
- Illustrator: Cristina Scagliotti
Questions we often get
What is the difference between this deck and a classic Rider-Waite deck?
The structure and symbolism are Rider-Waite, but every figure and symbol is translated into Celtic mythology. The imagery is darker, greener and more focused on nature magic. In addition, the cards are borderless.
Is this deck suitable for use in Pagan or Wicca practices?
Yes. The emphasis on nature magic, the elements and Celtic traditions makes the deck suitable for rituals, seasonal festivals and moon work. The symbolism aligns with the Pagan tradition.
