Aug 25 - Tips for Working with a Renamed Deck

So you’ve picked up a deck with renamed cards. Maybe The Hierophant is now The Mentor. Maybe Swords are Voices. Maybe The Devil’s been rebranded as Shadow.

Renamed decks can be refreshing, confusing, liberating - or all three. Here’s how to work with them in a way that honors both tradition and your emotional logic.

🧩 Tips for Working with Renamed Cards

1. Start with Curiosity, Not Comparison Don’t rush to “translate” every renamed card back to its RWS counterpart. Instead, ask: What emotional tone does this name carry? What story does it tell me?

2. Use Dual Naming If It Helps In your journal or readings, you can note both names:

“The Mentor (Hierophant)” or “Shadow (Devil)” This builds symbolic fluency without forcing a binary.

3. Explore the Deck’s Guidebook Renamed decks often come with rich creator notes. Read them. They’ll reveal the emotional logic, cultural context, and symbolic intent behind each change.

4. Build Your Own Emotional Map Create a cheat sheet or visual guide that links renamed cards to their emotional climate. Example:

• Shadow → inner reckoning, temptation, liberation

• Awakening → call to purpose, rebirth, clarity

5. Let Renamed Suits Reshape Your Readings If Cups become Emotions or Pentacles become Roots, let that shift how you interpret spreads. Ask: What does this suit want to say in this language?

6. Don’t Panic If You Feel Lost Renamed decks can feel disorienting at first. That’s okay. Tarot is a relationship. You’re allowed to take time to learn its dialect.

🧠 Reader Prompts

• What renamed card felt most intuitive to you?

• Which one challenged your understanding?

• How do renamed suits shift your emotional logic?

✨ Final Thought

Renamed decks aren’t broken. They’re bilingual.

They speak in archetypes, emotions, and metaphors - just like you. Let them teach you a new accent. Let them show you a new way to listen.

Aug 22 - Card Backs

Card backs might seem like they’re just the “other side,” but they’re a surprisingly important part of the reading experience. A back design can set the mood, hint at the deck’s personality, or just make you smile every time you shuffle. One of the first things many readers check is whether the back design is symmetrical or not!

Some are bold and dramatic - perfect for a mysterious vibe. Some are soft and whimsical - ideal for gentle, introspective pulls. Others are abstract, geometric, or even glittery chaos, because why not?

The fun part? You don’t need a reason beyond personal preference. A deck that delights your eye or sparks your curiosity is already doing its job before you even look at the cards.

What do your card backs say about you? Are you drawn to dramatic, whimsical, minimalist, or chaotic designs? Do you prefer a symmetrical back - so you can't tell if a card is reversed or not - or does that not matter to you? Share a pic or description in the comments - we want to see your deck’s personality!

Jul 25 - Cards that Whisper vs Shout

Some cards whisper. Some shout. Some knock politely. Some kick down the door. This post explores how tarot cards communicate - through tone, timing, and emotional intensity. It’s not just what they say - it’s how they say it.

🫥 Whisper Cards

• Temperance: Soft integration. Gentle nudges. Emotional alchemy whispered through tea steam.

• Four of Swords: The quiet voice that says “rest.” Doesn’t insist. Just waits.

• The Star: Hope spoken in hush tones. She doesn’t shout - she glows.

• Page of Cups: A shy invitation. A dream half-remembered. This card whispers through doodles and daydreams.

• The Moon: Not silent - but slippery. This card whispers in riddles and shadows.

📣 Shout Cards

• The Tower: “You didn’t listen, so I made you listen.” This card doesn’t whisper. It detonates.

• Eight of Wands: Urgency in motion. This card shouts “Now!” and doesn’t wait for your reply.

• The Devil: Temptation with a megaphone. This card shouts through cravings, patterns, and emotional traps.

• Knight of Swords: Fast, loud, and emotionally blunt. This card doesn’t ask - it declares.

• Judgement: The call you can’t ignore. This card shouts your name across lifetimes.

 

Which card whispers to you? Which one shouts? Do you have a “loud deck” or a “quiet deck”? How do you respond to different tones - do you need softness or clarity? Let us know in the comments!

Jul 1 - Renamed Cards: Pros and Cons

Renaming tarot cards can be liberating, confusing, empowering - or all three at once. Whether you’re working with a fandom deck, a trauma-informed reframe, or a poetic indie creation, renamed cards come with emotional and symbolic consequences.

Let’s explore the pros and cons - without judgement, just clarity.

✅ Pros of Renamed Cards

1. Emotional Accessibility Renaming can soften emotionally charged archetypes. “Shadow” might feel more inviting than “Devil.” “Awakening” might feel more expansive than “Judgment.”

2. Trauma-Informed Reading Renamed cards can reduce triggering language and offer gentler entry points for reflection. “Transformation” instead of “Death” can shift the tone from fear to evolution.

3. Cultural Sensitivity Renaming allows decks to honour diverse spiritual frameworks and avoid religious overtones. “The Mentor” may resonate more broadly than “The Hierophant.”

4. Creative Storytelling Renamed suits and majors can support themed decks - sci-fi, pop culture, elemental, or ensemble-based. They help the deck speak in its own dialect.

5. Reader Empowerment Renaming invites you to question tradition and build your own symbolic logic. It’s a reminder: tarot is a relationship, not a rule book.

❌ Cons of Renamed Cards

1. Confusion for Beginners Renamed cards can make learning harder, especially if you’re trying to cross-reference with traditional meanings or guidebooks.

2. Loss of Shared Language Renaming may disrupt the symbolic shorthand used across decks, books, and communities. “The Glow Cloud” might be brilliant - but not everyone knows what it means.

3. Emotional Disconnection Sometimes renaming softens a card so much it loses its edge. “The Tower” becomes “Upheaval” - but does it still carry the same emotional punch?

4. Translation Fatigue If every card needs decoding, it can slow down your readings or make journalling feel like homework.

5. Risk of Over-Sanitizing Renaming can sometimes strip archetypes of their complexity. Not every “negative” card needs a makeover - some are meant to challenge.

🧠 Reader Prompts

• Have you ever felt more connected to a renamed card?

• Have you ever felt lost or disconnected by one?

• What balance do you prefer - tradition, innovation, or a mix?

✨ Final Thought

Renamed cards aren’t better or worse. They’re different. They ask you to listen in a new way - and decide what language feels true to you.

June 14th - Fun Examples of Renamed Cards

Renaming tarot cards isn’t just cosmetic - it’s emotional storytelling. It shifts tone, reframes archetypes, and invites new ways of relating to the deck.

Let’s explore how different decks - especially fandom and modern ones - rename cards to reflect their worlds, values, and emotional climates.

🃏 Major Arcana Renames

The Hierophant → The Mentor Seen in many modern decks. This shift moves the archetype from rigid tradition to relational guidance - less “institution,” more “trusted elder.”

The Devil → Shadow Used in decks like The Wild Unknown. This reframing invites introspection and emotional reckoning, rather than fear or moral panic.

Judgment → Awakening Found in The Muse Tarot and Starchild Tarot. It softens the finality of “judgement” and emphasises emergence, clarity, and personal calling.

The Hanged Man → Perspective Used in various decks. This renaming shifts the focus from sacrifice to reframing - what happens when we change how we see.

Death → Transformation Common in trauma-informed decks. It reframes the archetype from fear and finality to evolution and emotional composting.

The Tower → Upheaval Seen in Tarot of the Divine. This version emphasises disruption and emotional shake-up without implying total destruction.

🪄 Minor Suit Rebrands

Swords → Voices Used in The Muse Tarot and Tarot of the Divine. This reframing shifts the suit from conflict and pain to communication and truth-telling.

Pentacles → Roots or Materials Seen in Starchild Tarot and Muse Tarot. These names emphasize grounding, embodiment, and practical connection rather than just money.

Cups → Emotions or Water Common in elemental decks. This renaming highlights emotional flow, relationships, and intuition.

Wands → Inspiration or Fire Used in Muse Tarot and other creative decks. It reframes the suit as creative spark, passion, and movement.

🎭 Fandom Deck Highlights

Many fandom decks rename their minor suits to suit their theme. For example, the Buffy deck has Stakes, Chalices and Scythes along with the Pentacles. The Lord of the Rings deck has Rings, Wands, Swords and Cups.  

Welcome to Night Vale Tarot

• The Tower becomes “The Broadcast”

• Judgement becomes “The Glow Cloud” 

Labyrinth Tarot

• The Lovers becomes The Dancers
• The Devil becomes Fate

🧠 Reader Prompts

• Which renamed card felt instantly intuitive to you?

• Which one challenged your emotional logic?

• If you built a fandom deck, what would you rename The Tower?

✨ Final Thought

Renamed cards aren’t just aesthetic swaps. They’re emotional translators. They help us meet archetypes on our own terms - and tell stories that feel like ours.

May 23 - Cards as Comfort Rituals

Some cards don’t just speak - they soothe. They show up like a warm blanket, a cup of tea, or a friend who knows when not to talk. This post explores how certain tarot cards can become comfort rituals - emotional anchors we return to when we need grounding, softness, or quiet resilience.

🌿 Ritual Archetypes

• Queen of Cups: The Emotional Tea Ceremony Light a candle. Pour something warm. Let her hold space for your feelings without fixing them.

• Temperance: The Integration Ritual Blend two things - tea and honey, music and silence, past and present. She’s the ritual of emotional alchemy.

• Six of Cups: The Nostalgia Nest Revisit a memory, a photo, a scent. This card comforts through emotional time travel.

• The Star: The Hope Bath Take a bath. Look at the sky. Write a wish. She’s the ritual of gentle belief.

• Four of Swords: The Rest Ritual Turn off your phone. Lie down. Let your thoughts settle like snow. This card is permission to pause.

• Nine of Pentacles: The Self-Luxury Ritual Wear something soft. Eat something beautiful. This card reminds you that comfort can be cultivated.

Which card comforts you most? What ritual could you build around it? Is your comfort loud, quiet, nostalgic, or sensory? Let us know in the comments!

May 16 - Cards that Sabotage

Some cards don’t just challenge us - they sabotage us. They whisper doubts, stir chaos, or lure us into emotional traps. This post explores which cards feel like emotional saboteurs, why they show up, and how to reframe their message.

💣 Sabotage Archetypes

• Seven of Swords: The Sneaky Strategist Self-sabotage through avoidance, secrecy, or overthinking. Sometimes we’re the thief in our own story.

• Five of Cups: The Grief Loop Emotional sabotage through fixation on loss. This card can trap us in regret and blind us to what remains.

• The Devil: The Addictive Pattern Sabotage through temptation, dependency, or emotional entrapment. It’s seductive - and it knows your weak spots.

• Four of Cups: The Apathy Trap Sabotage through disengagement. When nothing feels good enough, we miss what’s quietly being offered.

• Ten of Swords: The Drama Drop Emotional sabotage through catastrophizing. It’s the “everything is ruined” card - even when it’s not.

• Two of Swords: The Indecision Spiral Sabotage through emotional paralysis. When we refuse to choose, we choose stagnation.

Which card sabotages you most often? Is it loud or quiet? Strategic or emotional? How do you reframe its message when it shows up? Let us know in the comments!

May 4 - Renamed Cards

Tarot is a living language. And like any language, it evolves.

Some decks rename a few Major Arcana cards. Others reimagine entire suits. These changes aren’t random - they’re intentional, emotional, and often deeply personal.

Renaming a card doesn’t erase its history. It reframes it. It asks: What does this archetype mean to you, right now?

🧩 Why Cards Get Renamed

• Emotional Accessibility Some names (like The Devil or Judgement) carry heavy emotional or religious baggage. Renaming can soften the entry point and invite reflection instead of fear.

• Trauma-Informed Reading Cards like The Tower or The Hanged Man may be renamed to reduce triggering language while preserving symbolic depth.

• Cultural Sensitivity Renaming can honour diverse spiritual frameworks, especially when adapting tarot for non-Western or non-Christian contexts.

• Creative Reframing Some decks use renaming to tell a new story - whether it’s sci-fi, pop culture, or elemental symbolism. The archetypes stay. The costumes change.

🧠 Reader Prompts

• Have you ever felt blocked by a card’s name?

• What renamed card helped you see something differently?

• If you renamed one card for emotional clarity, which would it be?

✨ Final Thought

Renaming isn’t about rebellion. It’s about resonance.

Whether you read with The Hierophant or The Mentor, The Devil or Shadow, The Tower or Upheaval - what matters is the emotional logic behind the name.

May 1 - How to choose the cards

There are about as many ways to draw tarot cards as there are tarot readers - and every one of them swears their way is best.

Some people spread the cards out in a fan and choose whatever draws their eye. Some let their hands hover and wait for that quiet yes feeling. Others shuffle until a card jumps dramatically out of the deck - the “jumper” method - and take it as the card insisting it has something to say.

Then there’s the chaos option: shuffle, stop, and pull the top one. Or cut the deck. Or let one slide right off the table and call it fate (it’s amazing how often those fallers are spot-on).

The truth is, it all works. The deck doesn’t mind whether you pick neatly, riffle wildly, or let gravity decide. What matters is your intention - that quiet inner click that says, this card, right now.

If you’re experimenting, try different ways on different days. Notice how the energy shifts when you let the cards choose versus when you deliberately select. You might find your own method hides somewhere in the middle.

Closing question:
How do you draw your cards - precise, intuitive, or total happy accident?

Mar 26 - Types of Tarot Collectors

There’s no one way to collect tarot decks. Some people have one beloved companion. Others have shelves that rival libraries. Some chase themes. Some chase vibes. Some chase nostalgia.

This post celebrates the many ways people build their tarot collections - and invites you to reflect on your own.

🧺 Collector Archetypes

The Minimalist One or two decks. Deep connection. Knows every card like a friend. Often says, “I don’t need more - I just need this one to speak.”

The Magpie Buys everything that sparkles. Loves variety, novelty, and surprise. Decks are art, adventure, and emotional candy.

The Thematic Curator Collects by theme - cats, mythology, pop culture, historical eras. Treats decks like symbolic ensembles or emotional galleries.

The Ritualist Chooses decks based on emotional tone or ritual use. Has a journalling deck, a shadow work deck, a comfort deck, a seasonal deck…

The Archivist Loves rare editions, historical decks, and symbolic evolution. Collects for study, preservation, and reverence.

The Rotator Keeps a small collection but rotates decks regularly. Follows mood, moon, or emotional climate.

🧠 Reader Prompts

• Which type of collector are you - or which mix?

• What was your first deck, and what made you choose it?

• What’s one deck you love but rarely use?

Mar 18 - Tarot: Map or Mirror?

Some decks feel like maps. They point forward. They offer direction. They help you plan.

Others feel like mirrors. They reflect your emotional climate. They invite introspection. They help you feel.

Neither is better. But knowing which one you’re working with can shape your readings - and your relationship with your deck.

Let’s explore the difference.

🪞 Tarot as Mirror

These decks are ideal for shadow work, journalling, emotional check-ins, and inner journey spreads. They speak in feelings, not forecasts.

• Light Seer’s Tarot – Emotional and modern, perfect for self-discovery and reflection.

• Moonchild Tarot – Dreamy, archetypal, and spiritual - great for intuitive depth.

Other well-known mirror decks include the Wild Unknown Tarot and Tarot of the Abyss, both known for their introspective tone.

🗺️ Tarot as Map

These decks are great for decision-making, timelines, goal-setting, and practical spreads. They speak in structure, not sentiment.

• Rider-Waite-Smith (any edition) – Clear and classic, ideal for planning and forecasting.

• Gilded Tarot Royale – Bold and direct, great for practical questions and clarity.

Other map-style decks include the Modern Spellcaster’s Tarot and Everyday Witch Tarot, both praised for their accessible symbolism and directional logic.

🌀 Flexible or Blended Decks

Some decks shift depending on your question, your mood, or your reading style. They can mirror or map - sometimes both at once.

• Silver Witchcraft Tarot – Subtle, flowing, and emotionally adaptable.

• Transient Light Tarot – Minimalist and intuitive, open to interpretation.

🧠 Reader Prompts

• Does your deck feel like a map or a mirror today?

• Which kind of reading do you need - clarity or comfort?

• Have you ever switched decks mid-reading to shift the tone?

Jan 30 - Celtic Cross, yes or no?

The Celtic Cross is one of tarot’s most famous spreads - ten cards, multiple positions, lots of insights. But is it right for everyone?

Some people think…

• It’s complicated, especially for beginners. Ten cards and lots of positions can feel overwhelming.

• Reading all the positions together can be intimidating at first.

On the other hand…

• It’s incredibly versatile, giving a detailed look at a situation, challenges, and outcomes.

• Once you get the hang of it, it’s like a mini-narrative for your question - you get context, insight, and guidance all in one spread.

• There are playful variations! Try:

  • Six-card “Cross-only” Celtic Cross — skip the line at the side and focus on the heart of the situation.

  • Creative or story-focused twists — draw for characters, conflicts, and resolutions.

  • Reversed or shuffled positions — add a little chaos and see what new insights emerge.

My take: Yes! Don’t be intimidated by the “classic” reputation. Even a simplified or playful version of the Celtic Cross can be insightful, and it’s a great way to practice seeing patterns, relationships, and stories in the cards.

💬 Have you tried the Celtic Cross? Share your favourite takeaways, variations, or stories in the comments!

Jan 16 - Choosing your Fandom Deck

So you love a particular series, movie, or show — should you get the fandom deck? Absolutely, if it sparks joy! Here’s a little guide to picking one that’ll make your readings magical:

✨ Does it capture the essence of the story?
Some decks just slap characters on traditional cards, while others weave the narrative and themes thoughtfully. The Buffy deck? A perfect example - the tarot meanings and the characters’ journeys actually complement each other.

✨ Check the artwork style.
Fandom decks can range from whimsical to cinematic. Pick one that you’ll enjoy looking at - you’re going to be staring at these images a lot!

✨ Consider the depth of symbolism.
Even if the deck is themed, it should still offer meaningful interpretations. Some fandom decks lean heavily on story references but still honour tarot archetypes. That’s the sweet spot.

✨ Think about longevity.
Will you enjoy this deck a year from now, or is it a passing fandom thrill? If it excites you now, that’s enough - you can always add another later.

✨ Trust your gut.
Tarot is personal. If a deck makes your heart leap or makes you laugh every time you shuffle, it’s probably the one for you.

✨ Check the reviews.

This is always good advice, but especially for fandom decks. Some are pips, some aren't good matches with their fandom, and fans will absolutely let you know if you look. Many people will post images of cards and the guidebook for extra help.

Examples that fit the guide:

• Buffy the Vampire Slayer Tarot – thoughtful symbolism, story-aligned, and just plain fun.

• Disney Villains Tarot – playful, colourful, and surprisingly insightful for everyday readings.

Fandom decks are about joy, connection, and a little bit of magic - choose the one that feels like your story.

💬 We’d love to hear from you! Which fandom deck is your favourite, or which one would you love to try? Let us know in the comments!

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!