Dark Days Tarot

The Dark Days Tarot is a 78-card deck created by Seattle-based illustrator Wren McMurdo, designed to reflect the rhythms of the lunar cycle, particularly emphasizing the importance of introspection and reflection during the "dark days" or new moon phases. Launched successfully on Kickstarter in 2016, the project aimed to print an initial run of 500 high-quality decks, each accompanied by a comprehensive guide booklet.

The deck's core philosophy centers on the idea that darkness and lightness are equally valuable, with the darker periods offering opportunities for deep self-understanding and a call to action during times of confusion. The imagery is intended to be open to personal interpretation, providing a tool for mirroring life's milestones, challenges, and celebrations. The accompanying Dark Days Tarot Guide Booklet, co-authored by Emily Mundy, provides instructions on card interpretation and various layouts, making the deck accessible to all skill levels.

Physically, the deck includes the 78 illustrated cards and the guide booklet, all housed in a durable pull-away box. The campaign explicitly stated support for the Black Lives Matter movement would be featured on the deck packaging, aligning the product with social consciousness. The deck is positioned as both a personal tool for insight and a thoughtful gift, with greeting cards offered for those gifting the deck during the holiday season prior to the deck's delivery.

This deck is ideal for tarot readers of all levels who are drawn to minimalist, black-and-white aesthetics and themes of introspection, lunar cycles, and shadow work. It will appeal to those seeking a contemporary, art-focused tarot experience that encourages personal interpretation rather than strict adherence to traditional symbolism. Readers interested in decks with a strong conceptual framework and a focus on self-discovery will find this deck particularly resonant.

Wren McMurdo, an illustrator and intuitive artist based in Seattle, Washington, created the Dark Days Tarot. Her inspiration for the deck stemmed from the moon and the rhythmic pull of its cycles, particularly the introspective nature of the "dark days." McMurdo meticulously illustrated each of the 78 cards with intention, developing a deck that serves as a tool for self-reflection and understanding. She collaborated with Emily Mundy, who co-authored the accompanying guide booklet.