Mystical Penguin Tarot

The Mystical Penguin Tarot is a complete 78-card deck that reinterprets the classic Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) system through the charming lens of anthropomorphic penguins. Created by visual artist and musician Dawn Evans Scaltreto, the deck maintains the core symbolism and structure of the RWS, making it accessible to those familiar with the tradition while introducing a fresh, whimsical aesthetic.

Each of the 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana cards features penguins in scenes that echo their RWS counterparts, often with clever adaptations to suit the avian characters. The deck is designed to provide a gentle and intuitive reading experience, suitable for daily guidance or deeper introspection. It comes with a 100-page instruction book, offering interpretations and insights for each card, and is housed in a sturdy, full-color box.

The project successfully launched on Kickstarter in 2021, raising over $20,000 from nearly 250 backers. Scaltreto's background as both a visual artist and musician informs the deck's creative energy, blending artistic expression with a structured, yet playful, approach to divination. The deck aims to be both a functional tool for tarot readers and a delightful art object for collectors.

This deck is ideal for tarot beginners seeking a less intimidating entry point into the Rider-Waite-Smith system, as the whimsical penguin imagery makes the traditional meanings more approachable. It also appeals to animal lovers, collectors of unique and charming decks, and experienced readers who appreciate a lighthearted, intuitive take on classic tarot. Those who enjoy soft, illustrative art styles will find this deck particularly appealing.

Dawn Evans Scaltreto is a visual artist and musician who created the Mystical Penguin Tarot. Her artistic journey led her to combine her love for art with the structure of the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot, resulting in a deck that reflects her whimsical style. She launched the project on Kickstarter in June 2021, successfully bringing her vision of a penguin-themed divination deck to life. Scaltreto is also a keyboard player and vocalist in several bands, indicating a diverse creative background.