Fantasy Tarot Cards: Spirit Halloween & Spencer's Tarot Cards
Unveiling the Magic: Why Fantasy Tarot Decks Deserve a Chance
When it comes to tarot cards, there’s often a divide between enthusiasts: some embrace every deck that crosses their path, while others view novelty decks with skepticism. Decks like those sold at Spirit Halloween or Spencer’s are often dismissed as “fake” or “decorative,” with many questioning their legitimacy. While I respect that opinion, I must say: I disagree.
One such deck that has caught my attention and sparked debate is a tarot deck designed by Vera Petruk, also known as "Samiramay". As a talented artist with a clear vision, Vera Petruk has created a deck that, at first glance, may seem out of place compared to the traditional Rider-Waite deck. This deck, however, is a unique blend of fantasy and mythological creatures that holds its own in the world of tarot.
The deck’s design draws inspiration from the standard Rider-Waite imagery but reimagines it through the lens of myth, fantasy, and legend. However, the lack of an official guidebook (at least none that I’ve come across) has led to some confusion among readers, especially those new to tarot. Without a guidebook to accompany the deck, it's easy to see why some might dismiss it as useless, decorative, or “fake.” After all, how can you connect with a deck if you don’t fully understand what you’re seeing?
But the issue runs deeper than just a missing booklet, it speaks to a larger misunderstanding about how tarot works.
The Problem: Misunderstanding Tarot’s Depth
The negativity surrounding this deck stems from two main misconceptions:
Focusing on Keywords Over Imagery
Many critics of this deck don’t seem to understand that tarot isn’t just about keywords like “strength” or “intuition.” It’s about the imagery, the colors, the symbols, and the emotions that the pictures evoke. Tarot cards are visual prompts designed to stir intuition and bring about deep emotional and spiritual insights. It’s the imagery, not just the keywords, that guides the reader.Lack of Knowledge on Mythology
This deck focuses heavily on mythological creatures, which might seem foreign or confusing to those who aren't familiar with the stories behind them. The images on these cards are more than just decorative; they carry rich histories and symbolic weight. Without knowledge of the myths surrounding these creatures, it can be difficult to see the parallels with traditional tarot meanings.
It’s understandable. When I first purchased this deck, I, too, found it perplexing. The creatures seemed unfamiliar, and I wasn’t sure how to interpret the cards. However, as I spent more time with the deck and delved into the stories of these mythical beings, I began to see the connections. I saw how the creatures mirrored the archetypes in the Rider-Waite deck. The Inquisitor on the Wheel of Fortune card, the Phoenix on the Sun card, and so on, each image was telling me something deeper.
This is where I realized that many people, especially those new to tarot, may be struggling to make sense of it all. It’s not just about drawing a card and reading it by name. Tarot is an immersive experience, one that encourages you to feel the image, not just read it.
My Solution: Creating a Guidebook for Immersion
As I began to understand the deeper meanings behind this deck, I recognized that others might be facing the same challenges I had. So, I decided to create a guidebook, not just a list of general meanings or a recitation of the mythological creatures, but a deep dive into the symbolism and connections of each card. In fact, I believe I’m one of the first to provide detailed descriptions of these cards, explaining not only the stories of the creatures but how their images relate to tarot’s archetypal messages.
A guidebook like this is important, especially for those who want to go beyond surface-level readings. Anyone can pull a card and get a basic interpretation, but to truly connect with the deck, you need to understand why a creature appears on a specific card and how it interacts with the card’s traditional meaning. It’s the difference between simply flipping through a deck and experiencing it on a deeper, more intuitive level.
The Importance of Imagery in Tarot
Tarot cards are more than just symbols, they are visual keys to unlocking your subconscious. When you look at a card, the images evoke a response within you, a feeling or a memory that words alone cannot trigger. The pictures are a form of language that speaks directly to your intuition.
Upright, this card represents new emotional beginnings, intuition, and spiritual awakening, inviting us to open our hearts to love and creativity. Reversed, it suggests emotional blockages or missed opportunities, urging introspection into what might be preventing connection and fulfillment.
By embracing the imagery, rather than just the keywords, you deepen your connection with the cards. The Giant Whale is not just a random artistic choice, it embodies the vast depths of emotion, intuition, and wisdom that the Ace of Cups represents.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Full Immersion Experience
So, what’s the takeaway from all this? Whether you’re using a traditional Rider-Waite deck or a fantasy-themed one, remember that tarot is an experience. Don’t just focus on the numbers or keywords, immerse yourself in the imagery. Let the pictures speak to you. Allow the myths, stories, and symbols to unlock deeper insights about yourself. Tarot is a journey of self-reflection, and sometimes, you need to step beyond the conventional to find the answers you’re looking for.
For those who feel lost or confused by a deck like this, don’t worry. It’s a learning process. With patience and practice, you’ll begin to see how the creatures and their myths can guide you in ways you never expected.
You can find the download for the Unofficial Fantasy Creatures Tarot Guidebook under Free Resources or by Clicking Here.
Original deck can be found by Clicking Here.
Copyright Disclaimer
This guidebook is an unofficial companion to the Fantasy World/Fantasy Creatures Tarot Deck and is provided by Athena’s Attic LLC and its subsidiaries for informational and entertainment purposes only. All rights to the original artwork, card designs, and associated intellectual property are reserved by the original artist and copyright holder. This guidebook does not claim any ownership over or affiliation with the original deck or its creators.
The written content within this guide, including interpretations, descriptions, and any original material, is copyright ©2025, Athena’s Attic LLC. No part of this guide may be reproduced, distributed, or used commercially without explicit permission from the publisher.
General Disclaimer
The author of this guidebook does not provide medical advice or recommend any practices as a replacement for professional medical treatment of physical, emotional, or psychological conditions, either directly or indirectly. The intent of this resource is to offer general information to support your journey toward improved emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. If you choose to apply any information from these materials, the author and publisher assume no responsibility for your decisions or actions.
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