Mesquite Tarot

The Mesquite Tarot is a 78-card deck, comprising 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana, created as a tool for meditation, reflection, and understanding. Launched successfully on Kickstarter in 2017, the deck emphasizes a soft, simple, and accessible approach to tarot, aiming to build a connective and intuitive space for both new and experienced practitioners. The creators, based in Austin, Texas, named the deck after the resilient Mesquite tree, symbolizing deep roots, healing properties, and a connection to their local community.

The deck's philosophy centers on using tarot for conscious awareness and introspection rather than traditional divination. The interpretations provided in the guidebook encourage understanding different aspects of each card without rigid binaries, inviting practitioners to explore a spectrum of meaning for both upright and reversed cards. This approach fosters self-reflection and a deeper connection with the archetypes represented in the tarot, promoting personal growth and compassion.

Physically, the Mesquite Tarot includes 78 smooth gloss cards printed on 350 GSM card stock, measuring 2.25" x 3.5". Each set comes with a 4" x 7" softbound guidebook that features card images, keywords, interpretations, spectrum diagrams, sample spreads, and supplementary material. A cloth pouch is also included to keep the cards protected. The creators designed the images and descriptions to cultivate inclusivity, communicating connection beyond gender and race.

This deck is ideal for tarot beginners seeking a gentle, unintimidating entry into tarot practice, as well as experienced readers who appreciate a minimalist aesthetic and an emphasis on introspection and personal growth. It particularly suits those interested in using tarot as a meditative tool for self-awareness and emotional intelligence, rather than solely for fortune-telling. Readers who value inclusive, non-binary interpretations and a soft, simple visual style will find this deck appealing.

The Mesquite Tarot was born from a collaborative relationship valuing curiosity and compassion, rooted in Austin, Texas. The creators' personal tarot practice, which involved daily card pulls and journaling, inspired the deck and its accompanying journal. Their intention was to share this process of self-discovery and provide tools for exploratory practice. The name 'Mesquite' honors their local community and the tree's deep roots and healing properties, symbolizing the deck's grounding and nourishing qualities.