Spolia Tarot

The Spolia Tarot is a collaborative project between artist Jen May and tarot reader/writer Jessa Crispin, developed over three and a half years. The deck's name, 'Spolia,' refers to the architectural practice of using rubble as building material, a concept the creators felt resonated with contemporary societal shifts. This theme is reflected in the deck's collage artwork, which repurposes historical and mystical imagery to construct new meanings.

Crispin, with six years of experience as a tarot reader and a deep interest in the history and symbolism of the deck, guided the meticulous selection of colors, flowers, crystals, animals, and other imagery. These elements are carefully chosen to align with the specific tarot card meanings and their astrological associations. The deck aims to provide intuitive and spiritual guidance through its rich, layered visuals.

Beyond the standard 78 cards, the Spolia Tarot incorporates additional cards inspired by the Minchiate, an older Italian deck. These include individual cards for each astrological sign and each of the four elements, bringing the total card count to 97. A 32-page manual written by Jessa Crispin is included to provide instructions on how to use these expanded cards and interpret the deck's unique symbolism.

This deck is well-suited for experienced tarot readers interested in historical and esoteric symbolism, particularly those familiar with or curious about older tarot traditions like the Minchiate. Collectors who appreciate unique, art-driven decks with a strong conceptual foundation will also find it appealing. Its collage style and layered imagery make it ideal for intuitive readers who enjoy deep visual exploration and connecting with historical and mystical themes.

The Spolia Tarot is a collaboration between artist Jen May and writer/tarot reader Jessa Crispin. Their partnership began with Jen illustrating pieces Jessa had written about specific tarot cards, eventually evolving into the ambitious project of creating a full deck. Jessa, with six years of experience as a tarot reader, brought a deep understanding of tarot history and symbolism, while Jen contributed her 'colorful and earthy' collage art style, drawing from diverse historical sources. The project took three and a half years to complete, driven by their shared belief in intuition and spirit as essential tools for navigating societal change.