BOTANICA: A Tarot Deck about the Language of Flowers

BOTANICA: A Tarot Deck about the Language of Flowers is a 78-card artist's deck created by Kevin Jay Stanton and published by Beehive Books. This deck delves into the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith system through the intricate symbolism of flora, presenting each Major and Minor Arcana card as a unique botanical illustration. The campaign, which successfully raised over $731,000 from nearly 10,000 backers, highlights the deck's "gorgeously painted" artwork and its exploration of the "biological roots of the Arcana."

The deck's core offering, the Herbalist Edition, features 3.25" x 4.15" cards printed on premium heavyweight card stock, each adorned with gold foil blocking. It comes housed in a sturdy gilded tuck box and includes a booklet explaining the symbolic meanings of each card. Beyond the standard deck, various tiers offered collectible editions, such as the Alchemist Edition in an embossed metal tin with an embroidered silk altar cloth, and the Dark Alchemist Edition with black finishing.

BOTANICA aims to provide a fresh perspective on tarot, blending the ancient wisdom of the cards with the timeless language of flowers. The detailed illustrations and thoughtful integration of botanical symbolism invite readers to connect with the natural world while exploring their inner landscapes. The deck's aesthetic and thematic depth make it suitable for both seasoned tarot practitioners and those new to the practice who appreciate nature-inspired art.

This deck is ideal for tarot readers who appreciate botanical art and seek a nature-inspired interpretation of the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith system. It will appeal to collectors of art decks, herbalists, and anyone interested in the symbolic language of flowers. Its rich imagery and detailed symbolism make it suitable for experienced readers looking for a visually stunning deck, as well as beginners who are drawn to its unique aesthetic and are willing to engage with its specific botanical interpretations.

Kevin Jay Stanton is the artist behind BOTANICA, a project that successfully launched through Beehive Books. His creative process for BOTANICA involved extensive research into the language of flowers, process art, and tarot theory, which is detailed in "The Compendium," an accompanying 96-page book. Stanton's dedication to the project is evident in the detailed illustrations and the thoughtful integration of botanical symbolism into the tarot framework, reflecting a deep engagement with both art and esoteric traditions.