The Heroides Tarot

The Heroides Tarot is a 22-card deck focusing exclusively on the Major Arcana, created by artist Lorna Bennett. This deck draws inspiration from Greek mythology, specifically featuring prominent female figures to embody the archetypal energies of each Major Arcana card. The project successfully funded on Kickstarter in 2022, raising $1,042 from 21 backers, indicating a niche but dedicated audience for its unique theme.

The deck's concept is to explore the narratives and emotional landscapes of these mythological women through the established framework of the Major Arcana. By assigning figures like Penelope, Medea, or Helen to cards such as The Empress, The High Priestess, or The Lovers, Bennett offers a fresh perspective on familiar tarot meanings, inviting readers to connect with the cards through powerful, ancient stories. This approach can deepen intuitive understanding and provide a rich layer of narrative for readings.

The artwork is rendered in watercolor, giving the cards a soft, ethereal quality that complements the classical subject matter. The illustrations feature a distinctive art nouveau influence, characterized by flowing lines, stylized figures, and a muted yet evocative color palette. This artistic choice creates a cohesive aesthetic that is both elegant and timeless, making the deck appealing to collectors and readers who appreciate art-historical styles and mythological themes.

The artwork for The Heroides Tarot is executed in watercolor, resulting in soft, blended colors and a somewhat ethereal quality. The style exhibits strong influences from Art Nouveau, with elongated, flowing figures, stylized drapery, and decorative elements. The color palette observed in the images includes muted greens, blues, purples, and earthy tones, often set against dark backgrounds that make the figures stand out. The card borders are black with a thin white outline, framing the illustrations elegantly. The overall visual impression is one of classical beauty combined with a dreamy, illustrative touch, aligning well with the mythological theme.

This deck is ideal for tarot enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate mythological themes, particularly Greek mythology, and a classical, Art Nouveau aesthetic. It suits readers who enjoy working with Major Arcana-only decks for focused, archetypal readings. Those interested in exploring feminine archetypes through a historical and artistic lens will find this deck particularly engaging, as will readers who value watercolor art and elegant design.

Lorna Bennett created The Heroides Tarot as a 22-card Major Arcana deck, drawing inspiration from Greek mythology. Her project was successfully funded on Kickstarter in 2022, demonstrating a clear interest in her artistic vision and thematic approach. The deck focuses on reinterpreting the Major Arcana through the stories and archetypes of powerful women from ancient Greek tales.