THE DELTA ENDURING TAROT

The Delta Enduring Tarot is an 82-card deck that offers a modern, inclusive reinterpretation of the traditional tarot system, deeply rooted in the imagery and experiences of the Mississippi Delta. Created by New Orleans-based illustrator Egan, the deck aims to capture the "savage beauty" and resilience of the region, acknowledging both its natural splendor and the systemic struggles faced by its diverse communities.

The deck expands on the traditional 78-card structure, featuring vividly illustrated full-color cards on thick glossy cardstock. It integrates classic tarot themes with specific Delta imagery: Pentacles become cast iron skillets, Cups are oysters, Swords are moths, and Wands are represented by live oak roots. This thematic re-imagining allows for a unique reading experience that is both familiar in its underlying structure and fresh in its visual language.

A core intention of the Delta Enduring Tarot is to provide inclusive representation, highlighting people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, those with mental illness, immigrants, and self-empowered women—groups often underrepresented in traditional cartomancy. The deck does not shy away from depicting the "painful" aspects and "storm of oppression" present in the Delta's history, aiming for an honest portrayal of its complex cultural landscape. Card meanings are available online, with plans for a future companion booklet.

This deck is ideal for tarot readers interested in culturally specific and socially conscious decks, particularly those with an appreciation for Southern Gothic aesthetics or the history and resilience of the Mississippi Delta. It will appeal to individuals seeking diverse representation in their tarot practice, including people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. Experienced readers will appreciate the reinterpreted suit symbols, while beginners can utilize the online card meanings for guidance.

Egan is an illustrator native to New Orleans, where they reside. They combine a background in allopathic medicine with a practice in esoteric arts, focusing on communal ritual and the use of focus items like spirit boards, altarscapes, and tarot. Egan is also the writer and illustrator behind the comic book series 'JOB: A COMIC' and the comic strip 'WeBitched,' and is a co-founder of Oily Pelican Press. Their inspiration for The Delta Enduring Tarot stems from a deep connection to the Mississippi Delta's unique culture and its resilient people.