The ASL Tarot

The ASL Tarot is a full 78-card deck that uniquely blends the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith tarot system with American Sign Language (ASL). Created by Dylan, a Deaf artist from Rochester, NY, the deck aims to make tarot more accessible and representative for the Deaf community and those interested in ASL. Each card incorporates ASL signs directly into its artwork, providing a visual and linguistic layer of meaning that enriches the reading experience.

The deck's creation was driven by Dylan's passion for art and a desire to see more representation within the tarot world. The campaign successfully funded in 2020, demonstrating significant community interest in this innovative approach. While specific details about the card stock or finish are not provided in the main campaign story, the reward tiers confirm a complete 78-card deck, suggesting a standard tarot structure with the Major and Minor Arcana.

This deck serves as both a functional tarot tool and a cultural artifact, celebrating ASL and Deaf artistry. It encourages readers to engage with tarot on multiple levels, combining symbolic interpretation with an understanding of ASL. The inclusion of ASL signs offers a fresh perspective on card meanings, potentially deepening intuition for all readers, regardless of their ASL fluency.

This deck is ideal for members of the Deaf community and individuals who are learning or fluent in American Sign Language, offering a culturally resonant and accessible tarot experience. It also appeals to tarot collectors seeking unique, niche decks with strong conceptual foundations and those interested in diverse representation within divination tools. Readers who appreciate decks that challenge traditional imagery while maintaining the core RWS structure will find this deck particularly engaging.

Dylan is a Deaf artist based in Rochester, NY, with interests spanning 3D printing, video games, reading, and virtual reality. Their journey to creating The ASL Tarot was driven by a desire to merge their artistic talents with their identity and community, bringing American Sign Language into the world of tarot. The successful Kickstarter campaign in 2020, raising over $35,000 from 674 backers, highlights the community's support for this unique and inclusive artistic endeavor.