First impression:
So cute! The images are adorable, with approachable characters, and surprisingly faithful to the Rider–Waite–Smith tradition. It initially looks like a novelty deck, but quickly proves to be a great reading tool.

Who it’s for:
To be fair I think everybody can get something out of it. From beginners, to cat lovers, and experienced readers looking for a lighter, more playful companion deck.

Strength:
Excellent balance between cute artwork and recognizable RWS symbolism.

Limitation:
Readers who prefer serious, esoteric, or highly symbolic artwork may find the playful style less immersive.

Creators:
Wyspell (artist not individually credited publicly). I have quite a few Wyspell decks and they all are amazing quality.

Artwork and aesthetic

Style:
Whimsical digital illustrations featuring expressive cats recreating classic RWS scenes.

Tone:
Warm, humorous, comforting, optimistic.

You’ll like this deck if:

• You enjoy cats.

• You want a friendly RWS deck.

• You appreciate decks that don’t take themselves too seriously.

You may not like this deck if:

• You prefer dark occult aesthetics.

• You enjoy abstract symbolism.

• You want historically faithful artwork.

Readability

Clarity:
Very high. Most cards closely follow traditional Rider–Waite symbolism, making interpretation intuitive. And they are so cute that they bring a smile to my face every time I look at them.

Difficulty:
Easy, but do carry deep meaning.

Short verdict:
One of the easiest themed decks to read without constantly reaching for the guidebook.

System and structure

Rider–Waite-Smith based:
Yes, very closely.

Minor Arcana:
Fully illustrated, preserving traditional scenes with feline reinterpretations.

Notes:
The symbolism remains familiar enough that anyone already comfortable with RWS can switch effortlessly.

Physical feel

Size:
Standard 12.1 × 7 cm (≈ 4.76 × 2.75 inches)

Card stock:
Premium 400 gsm cardstock with gold-gilded edges.

Finish:
Semi-matte to matte finish with smooth handling, a pleasure to shuffle and work with them. My pictures do not do them justice, the colors on the actual cards are bright and vivid. Also they come in a good, sturdy box. They have a very helpful booklet of meanings supporting them.

Short verdict:
Feels more premium than the price or theme suggest.

Scores

Artwork: 9/10

Readability: 9/10

Usability: 9/10

Depth: 8/10

One-line summary:
A charming cat-themed deck that never sacrifices practical readability for cuteness.

Subscribe now

My reading experience

Situation:
Guidance.

Cards drawn:
Shadow (The shadow you’re facing.): Nine of Swords

Resource (The inner resource you already possess.): Strength

Gift (The gift waiting on the other side.): The Star

Interpretation:
If we were to replace interpretation with reflective questions for this reading they might be something like these (just examples, the are many others we could use.)

Nine of Swords- What fear am I treating as a certainty rather than a possibility?

Strength- How can I respond to this situation with courage instead of control?

The Star- What part of me is ready to heal and believe again?

The Tarot is great for introspection and meditation.

Personality of the deck

If this deck were a person:
A wise friend who always arrives with a cat on their lap and a reassuring cup of tea and a kind word or a ‘dad’ joke.

If this deck had a voice:
Gentle, playful, encouraging, occasionally sarcastic.

If this deck had a mood:
Cozy Sunday afternoon.

Longevity

First impression vs later use:
Initially bought for the artwork, but its practical readability gives it staying power.

Does it become repetitive:
Not particularly. The familiar RWS structure continues to reveal nuances through repeated readings… and it is so uplifting!

Does it deepen over time:
Yes. While visually lighthearted, the symbolism supports increasingly sophisticated interpretations.

Comparison

Similar to:
Traditional Rider–Waite–Smith, Cat Tarot-style themed decks, beginner-friendly modern decks.

Key difference:
Unlike many novelty animal decks, this one preserves enough of the original visual language that experienced readers rarely need to reinterpret the cards from scratch.

Final personal verdict

Would I keep this deck:
Yes.

Would I recommend it:
Absolutely, especially as a first deck or a comforting secondary deck, or for those working with children.

Who should definitely buy it:

• Cat lovers.

• Beginners.

• Readers who enjoy warm, approachable imagery.

• Anyone looking for a cheerful everyday deck.

Who should avoid it:
Readers seeking dense occult symbolism, darker aesthetics, or highly experimental tarot systems.

Closing thought:
This deck succeeds because it understands that accessibility doesn’t have to come at the expense of meaningful readings. Beneath the playful feline artwork is a remarkably competent RWS interpretation that is as enjoyable to use as it is to admire.

My favorite card:

Leave a comment

Share

I am quite partial to large tarot decks, and the mega-sized cards of this one play right into that weakness of mine. The kit it comes as is also a joy for any tarot enthusiast. You get all the tarot items in the picture above. That is my deck, I added the squishy kitty as I was told today is bring your cat to work day, and that is my mental health support cat.

You do not get the cat with the kit, just the rest.

First impression:

A surprisingly faithful and affectionate fusion of Buffy fandom and tarot. At first glance it looks like a novelty deck, but it is much more functional than many licensed pop-culture tarots.

Who it’s for:

Fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer who already know the characters and mythology reasonably well.

Strength:

Strong character-card matching and a coherent narrative universe if you are familiar with the series.

Limitation:

Many cards depend on knowledge of the show. Non-fans lose a significant portion of the symbolism. The little booklet it comes with does help though clarify some details.

Creators:

• Author: Casey Gilly

• Artist: Karl James Mountford

Artwork and aesthetic

Style:

Modern illustrated fantasy. Clean digital artwork with rich colors and comic-book influences. The imagery is great and the colors really stand out.

Tone:

Heroic, witty, emotional, and slightly gothic, very much in the spirit of Buffy itself.

You’ll like this deck if:

• You love Buffy lore.

• You enjoy character-driven tarot.

• You prefer colorful modern decks over traditional occult imagery.

You may not like this deck if:

• You dislike fandom decks.

• You rely heavily on traditional esoteric symbolism.

• You have never watched Buffy.

Subscribe now

Readability

Clarity:

8/10

Difficulty:

Medium

Short verdict:

Easy to read for Buffy fans, moderately challenging for everyone else. If you spend some time with the cards, they become easier to read.

System and structure

Rider–Waite-Smith based:

Yes.

Minor Arcana:

Fully illustrated.

Notes:

The deck follows RWS meanings quite closely. Most cards can be interpreted traditionally while adding Buffy-specific layers.

Examples:

• Buffy as Strength works well.

• Giles naturally occupies wisdom-oriented archetypes.

• Villains and allies are generally assigned thoughtfully rather than randomly.

Physical feel

Size:

Mega Size Edition: approximately 12.7 × 17.8 cm.

This is substantially larger than a standard tarot deck and slightly larger than many ‘giant’ editions. Mostly for table readings due to the size, but a pleasure to work with in any environment.

Card stock:

Good quality Llewellyn card stock. Sturdy without being excessively thick.

Finish:

Smooth matte-to-satin finish. A bit sticky at first, but after some use they shuffle very well.

Short verdict:

Excellent for table readings and study. Less practical for shuffling in hand.

Scores

Artwork:

9/10

Readability:

8/10

Usability:

8/10

Depth:

8/10

One-line summary:

One of the better licensed tarot decks, respectful to both tarot and Buffy; great quality of cards, box and accessories it comes with.

My reading experience

Situation:

Career draw.

Cards drawn:

• Present- The 4 of Chalices (Cups)

• Help- The 3 of Pentacles

• What is hidden- The Chariot

Interpretation:

If you feel stuck it is not because of lack of opportunity. It is because your motivation has gone dormant.

The hidden Chariot suggests a strong desire to move forward, while the 3 of Pentacles says the next step comes through developing expertise and working with the right people rather than making a dramatic leap.

So, if you are unsure of your current career/role, the path forward is skill-building, collaboration, and productive work with others not a major change.

Subscribe now

Personality of the deck

If this deck were a person:

A bubbly extrovert with a hidden library of occult books and surprisingly sharp insights.

If this deck had a voice:

Warm, sarcastic, encouraging, positive and driven.

If this deck had a mood:

“Yes, the apocalypse is coming. We’ll deal with it after coffee.”

Longevity

First impression vs later use:

Initially enjoyable because of nostalgia. Later becomes more interesting because character interactions add extra layers. Symbols reveal themselves the more you use it.

Does it become repetitive:

Less than expected. The large cast creates variety and the quality of the imagery draws you in.

Does it deepen over time:

Yes, especially if you’re familiar with the tarot and Buffy together.

Comparison

Similar to:

• The Disney Villains Tarot

Key difference:

Buffy has enough character development and emotional complexity to support genuine tarot symbolism rather than merely decorating existing meanings.

Final personal verdict

Would I keep this deck:

Yes.

Would I recommend it:

Absolutely, to Buffy fans especially, but any tarot enthusiast can find joy in it.

Who should definitely buy it:

• Buffy collectors.

• Tarot readers who enjoy fandom decks.

• Readers who like narrative and character-based symbolism.

Who should avoid it:

• Traditionalists seeking heavy occult symbolism.

• Readers who dislike pop-culture adaptations.

Closing thought:

Many licensed tarot decks feel like merchandise wearing tarot clothes. Buffy feels more like a real tarot deck, although knowledge of the series deepens meaning.

My favorite card:

The 2 of Pentacles - a very successful depiction of this card’s meaning

Share

Leave a comment

Mystical Medleys

A Vintage Cartoon Tarot

First impressions:

Who it’s for: Vintage cartoon and tarot lovers, lovely pairing!

Strength: Huge feel good factor! Beautiful cartoons with imaginative interpretations of the RWS tarot.

Limitation: Too cute for more serious meditation or spiritual alignment, but still accurate in readings.

Creator: Gary Hall, an animator passionate about the tarot and the rubber hose cartoons of the 1920s and 1930s.

Quirk: Two bonus cards that add another dimension to the cards.

Artwork and aesthetic

Style: Vintage cartoon characters beautifully drawn and adapted to the tarot symbols.
Tone: Cute and playful, nostalgic.

You’ll like this deck if: You love vintage animation, cartoons and you are a tarot enthusiast.
You may not like this deck if: You are looking for a more serious, somber deck with traditional imagery.

Readability

Clarity: Mostly clear, easy to relate to the images and symbols.
Difficulty: medium as sometimes the meaning can be obscured by the cartoons

Short verdict: Lovely to read and they always bring a smile to my face when I use them. Great to use when you need something to cheer you up and soothe the child within.

Very usable booklet accompanying the deck, good quality and well written, with color imagery and original interpretations.

Subscribe now

System and structure

Rider–Waite-Smith based: Yes
Minor Arcana: Illustrated

Notes: Lovely, good natured imagery inspired in its rendering of the RWS imagery and symbols.

Physical feel

Size: Fairly standard 12 cm x 7 cm (≈ 4.7 × 2.75 inches)- Slightly taller than a standard tarot deck, but still comfortable to shuffle unless your hands are very small.
Card stock: Good, feels a bit rigid which I like.
Finish: Not shiny, but not fully matte either, a good middle option.

Short verdict: Good shuffle, stick slightly but not so much as to be bothersome. Fit nicely in the hand.

Come in a great, sturdy box to store them safely and a pleasure to see in your collection as it is beautifully decorated.

Scores

Artwork: 10/10
Readability: 8/10
Usability: 8/10
Depth: 8/10

One-line summary: Superb deck, to use on rainy days and when the sun needs a bit of help to shine!

My reading experience

Situation: What should I know about next month regarding career, love and money.
Cards drawn:

Interpretation:

Career: Five of Cups

Something at work may disappoint you next month, but the card warns against becoming emotionally trapped in what went wrong. Not all doors are closed, the important opportunities are the ones you still haven’t fully noticed yet.

Love: Three of Pentacles

Love next month grows through cooperation, communication, and mutual effort rather than dramatic passion. Someone may show affection not through grand words, but through consistency, presence, and practical support.

Money: Nine of Pentacles

Financially, this is a strong and reassuring card: it speaks about stability, self-reliance, and quietly enjoying what you’ve built. Next month may remind you that real abundance is not only having money, but also having peace around it.

Personality of the deck

If this deck were a person: Playful, supportive person, always looking on the bright side.

If this deck had a voice: It would be gently nudging you towards joy and advising to try a new perspective when things seem

If this deck had a mood: Nostalgic, positive, fun.

Longevity

First impression vs later use: I have been using them for a few good months now and every time I use them they give me joy.
Does it become repetitive: No
Does it deepen over time: No, not really, but the images are complex and often you find a new details.

Comparison

Similar to: RWS
Key difference: vintage cartoon imagery

Final personal verdict

Would I keep this deck: Yes for sure.
Would I recommend it: Yes, outstanding quality and great imagery.

Who should definitely buy it: If you love vintage cartoons and the tarot, this is for you.
Who should avoid it: If you cannot connect with the cards due to their playfulness, this deck might not be the one for you.

Closing thought: I enjoy the creativity and beautiful execution of the cards. The quality of the cards themselves, the imagery, the booklet and the box, all outstanding, so for sure a great addition to any tarot collection. And they will always bring a smile to your face, guaranteed.

My favorite card:

Share

Leave a comment

Intro to the Tarotery Tarot Deck Reviews section:

I have quite a few tarot decks, and some of them I adore, some I am in awe of, some are meh!, some are a waste of money, so, because I have them and I also have quite strong opinions about them, I decided to share the information with the tarot enthusiasts interested to read about decks.

AstroMatrix

—Tarot Deck Review—

First impression: Good quality and fun!

Who it’s for: Suitable for beginners and advanced users alike

Strength: Beautiful colors and great feel when shuffling

Limitation: Confusing mix of imagery between RWS and symbols from various cultures

Creators: The deck is produced under the AstroMatrix brand, not credited to a specific artist or occult author. It appears to have been released around 2021–2022 and it is a team-designed product.

Artwork and aesthetic

Style: sharp images, beautiful colors
Tone: passionate, energetic

You’ll like this deck if: You like bright colors and have an interest in astrology
You may not like this deck if: You like continuity of theme

Readability

Clarity: mixed - The imagery on some cards might be confusing or lacking context
Difficulty: medium

Short verdict: Good to read especially if you have a bit of background knowledge about the cards. The QR code on the back of the cards makes it very easy to access meanings quickly.

System and structure

Rider–Waite-Smith based: yes
Minor Arcana: illustrated

Notes:

Amazing colors and imagery

Inspiration from various cultures and spiritual beliefs

Subscribe now

Physical feel

Size: Standard 12.1 × 7 cm (≈ 4.76 × 2.75 inches)
Card stock: Regular good card stock, not too floppy, not too stiff
Finish: Matte

Short verdict: Very good to shuffle and a pleasure to work with. Nice feel in your hands when you work with them.

Scores

Artwork: 8/10
Readability: 8/10
Usability: 8/10
Depth: 8/10

One-line summary: Good deck, with beautiful imagery, strong colors and great to shuffle.

My reading experience

Situation: Career draw
Cards drawn:

What is hidden now and I need to know: Hanged one

What will be waiting in the future: Three of Swords

and as clarifier for the Three of Swords: High Priestess

Interpretation:

You are in a phase where pushing forward will not help. Step back and reassess monitoring the situation. (Hanged One)

If you act too quickly or based on incomplete info, you are likely to face disappointment or a setback. (3 of Swords)

There is something hidden: office dynamics, unspoken rules, or a gut feeling you are ignoring. (High Priestess)

Personality of the deck

If this deck were a person: I see it like a very flamboyant person, casually distracted but very knowledgeable. They would have that studied bohemian look, but actually they have a system.

If this deck had a voice: It would be a calm, encouraging voice.

If this deck had a mood: This is a difficult one because it mixes several systems I tend to see it as a bit of erratic, but it is positive, it does work to point you in a productive direction.

Longevity

First impression vs later use: At first you are wowed by the beautiful colors, but then the imagery starts to show the strange mix of cultures and maybe the characters seem too curated.
Does it become repetitive: I don’t think so, but I do find myself thinking about the RWS cards sometimes when drawing one so I can call to memory other symbols.
Does it deepen over time: Not really, no.

Comparison

Similar to: Rider Waite Smith in that it mostly follows the RWS symbolism and structure
Key difference: Elements from various religions, quite focused on astrology.

Final personal verdict

Would I keep this deck: Yes for sure. Good size, nice shuffling feel, great colors, positive vibe.
Would I recommend it: Yeah

Who should definitely buy it: People that want to break away from RWS but not fully.
Who should avoid it: People that do not like unusual cultural overlaps.

Closing thought: I like it a lot and I use it often.

My favorite card:

Share

Leave a comment