Little Monsters Tarot Deck & Book

The Little Monsters Tarot is a 78-card deck illustrated by Peony Coin Archer, accompanied by an original book written by Olivia Pepper. This black and white deck reimagines the Major and Minor Arcana through a collection of 'minor monsters,' maintaining a traditional core by borrowing symbols and meanings from the Rider-Waite-Smith and other historical decks for ease of interpretation. The project successfully funded on Kickstarter in 2016, raising $7,149 from 162 backers.

The accompanying book, estimated at 200 pages, delves into folklore, history, and traditional associations of the Tarot, alongside Olivia Pepper's personal insights into cartomancy. It is specifically tailored to the Little Monsters deck, offering interpretations, alchemical and astrological correspondences, basic reading instructions, and three original spreads. The collaboration between Archer and Pepper, who have worked together for nearly a decade on various projects, aimed to produce an innovative deck that offers new perspectives on ancient traditions.

The physical deck features uniquely cut 5” x 3.5” oval cards with a glossy finish, housed in a matching oval kraftpaper box. This distinctive shape and packaging set it apart from standard rectangular decks. The commitment to quality printing and professional packaging was a key goal of the Kickstarter campaign, ensuring a durable and aesthetically pleasing product for backers.

This deck is ideal for tarot readers who appreciate unique, whimsical, and slightly quirky aesthetics, particularly those drawn to black and white art or monster themes. It suits both beginners, due to its adherence to RWS symbolism and comprehensive guidebook, and experienced readers looking for a fresh, intuitive take on traditional meanings. Collectors of artist-made decks and those interested in folklore and esoteric traditions will also find this deck appealing.

Peony Coin Archer and Olivia Pepper have collaborated for nearly a decade on various creative projects, including Wardenclyffe Gallery and Private Lives Puppet Theatre. Their shared goal for the Little Monsters Tarot was to create an innovative deck that offers new perspectives on ancient traditions, supported by a specially structured accompanying text. Peony Coin Archer is a seasoned illustrator of esoterica, known for The Efflorescent Tarot and several gem and mineral decks. Olivia Pepper is a professional Tarot card reader with over twenty-five years of experience, a wandering mystic, and gnostic chaplain, whose spiritual journey is supported by projects like this.