HAUNTED: An Appalachian Tarot Deck

HAUNTED: An Appalachian Tarot Deck is a 78-card tarot deck that delves into the rich, often eerie, folklore and urban legends of the Appalachian region, specifically focusing on Southwestern Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Eastern Ohio. Created by Pittsburgh-based illustrator Genevieve Barbee-Turner, the deck aims to capture the mysterious and sometimes cursed essence of these local tales within the traditional tarot structure.

The deck is designed to be a full 78-card set, encompassing both the Major and Minor Arcana, each infused with regional stories and imagery. The physical production details include silver gilded edges and a magnetic closure box, suggesting a premium feel. A printed guidebook is also included, designed to fit within the deck's box, providing interpretations and context for the unique Appalachian-inspired cards.

While the campaign for this deck ultimately failed to reach its funding goal, it garnered significant interest, raising over $26,000 from nearly 300 backers. This indicates a strong community interest in regionally themed and folklore-driven tarot decks, particularly those that explore the darker, more mysterious aspects of local legends.

This deck is ideal for tarot readers and collectors with a strong interest in folklore, urban legends, and regional American history, particularly those fascinated by the Appalachian region. It would appeal to readers who appreciate a darker, more atmospheric aesthetic in their divination tools and those who enjoy decks that offer a unique thematic twist on the traditional tarot system. It is also suitable for experienced readers looking for a deck with deep cultural roots and a specific narrative focus.

Genevieve Barbee-Turner is a Pittsburgh, PA-based tarot illustrator with a BFA in Art from Carnegie Mellon University. Since 2016, she has created four different decks, focusing on themes such as Pittsburgh, mental health, and the queer body. Her artistic background in painting, drawing, and printmaking informs her approach to deck creation, with HAUNTED representing her exploration of regional folklore and urban legends.