Jan 15 - Fandom Decks, yes or no?

Fandom decks are everywhere — Harry Potter, Star Wars, Disney, even The Great British Bake Off. But are they “real” tarot?

Some people think…

• Fandom decks can feel gimmicky or too niche.

• They might shift traditional symbolism, making learning trickier.

• They could be a cash grab - someone just shoving characters onto cards without trying to actually match them up.

• Collecting multiple themed decks can get expensive fast.

On the other hand…

• Fandom decks make tarot approachable, especially for beginners.

• They encourage readers to engage with the cards through characters and stories you already love.

• A well-chosen fandom deck can deepen your connection to the cards, because the characters’ journeys mirror the archetypes and lessons of tarot.

Examples that do it well:

• Buffy the Vampire Slayer Tarot – Buffy, Willow, and Spike align beautifully with traditional archetypes without feeling forced.

• Lord of the Rings Tarot – The saga’s heroes and villains provide a dramatic, narrative-rich lens for readings.

• Disney Tarot – Whimsical and colourful, it’s surprisingly good at capturing core meanings in an approachable way.

My take: Yes, go for it! A fandom deck doesn’t cheapen tarot - it makes it personal. If you’re excited to shuffle your favourite characters alongside the cups and wands, that energy translates straight into your readings. Think of it as tarot meeting your happy place: learning, exploring, and having fun all at once.

What's your thinking on fandom decks? Please, let us know in the comments below!