Philosophy Cards: The Existential Tarot Deck

The Philosophy Cards: The Existential Tarot Deck is a 78-card set created by Melanie Mascio, an artist and philosophy instructor based in Los Angeles. Launched successfully on Kickstarter in 2019, this deck aims to merge the introspective nature of tarot with core concepts from existential philosophy, encouraging users to explore themes of freedom, choice, and self-creation. The deck includes all 78 standard tarot cards, a guidebook, and a pouch, as confirmed by the reward tiers.

The deck's core concept revolves around empowering individuals to embrace their existential freedom and actively shape their desired future. This philosophical underpinning is reflected in the card titles, which appear to deviate from traditional tarot names, as seen with examples like "The Dionysian," "Metamorphoses," "The Free Spirit," "The Apollonian," and "The Agent." These titles suggest a reinterpretation of archetypal energies through philosophical constructs, inviting a deeper, more conceptual engagement with each card's meaning.

The physical product includes a full 78-card deck, a guidebook to navigate its unique philosophical framework, and a protective pouch. The campaign also offered limited edition prints of the "22 World cards," implying that the Major Arcana may be referred to as "World cards" in this system. This deck serves as a tool for self-reflection and personal growth, appealing to those interested in both divination and philosophical inquiry.

This deck is ideal for philosophy enthusiasts, particularly those interested in existentialism, who also engage with tarot or oracle cards. It appeals to experienced tarot readers looking for a conceptually rich, non-traditional deck that encourages deep introspection and personal interpretation. Individuals drawn to minimalist, abstract, and expressive art styles will appreciate its aesthetic. It may be less suitable for absolute beginners seeking a direct, traditional Rider-Waite-Smith interpretation.

Melanie Mascio is an artist and philosophy instructor based in Los Angeles, where she lives with her dog, Sprout. Her work focuses on the intersection of popular culture and philosophy. The Philosophy Cards deck is a direct manifestation of this interest, combining her academic background in philosophy with her artistic practice to create a unique tool for self-exploration and engagement with existential themes.