The Heroine Tarot

The Heroine Tarot is a 78-card deck created by Brooklyn-based illustrator Gina Schiappacasse, designed as a modern, feminist, and fashion-forward homage to the Rider-Waite-Smith tradition. Inspired by the work of Pamela Colman Smith, Schiappacasse sought to create a deck that portrays women as bold, beautiful, and empowered, reflecting contemporary conversations around feminism. Each of the iconic 78 cards has been reenvisioned with an all-female cast, aiming to provide a diverse and inclusive representation.

The deck is oversized, measuring 3.35” x 5.1”, and comes housed in a flap-top matte box. Schiappacasse's artistic process involves hand-painting each card on 9x12” watercolor paper, starting with a pencil sketch, moving to watercolor, and then adding ink on top. This method, combined with digital editing, allows for a blend of traditional artistry and modern refinement. The project successfully funded on Kickstarter in 2019, demonstrating community interest in a tarot deck that combines classic structure with a fresh, empowering visual narrative.

Schiappacasse's personal journey with tarot began with skepticism but evolved into seeing the cards as a tool for self-reflection and art therapy, particularly during a challenging year. This personal connection to the transformative power of tarot, coupled with her background in fashion illustration and inspiration from Japanese manga and classic fairytale art, informs the unique aesthetic and thematic depth of The Heroine Tarot.

This deck is ideal for tarot readers seeking a modern, feminist, and inclusive interpretation of the Rider-Waite-Smith system. It will particularly appeal to those who appreciate fashion illustration, watercolor art, and a focus on empowered female representation. Readers interested in a deck that serves as a tool for self-reflection and personal growth, with a strong artistic voice, will find The Heroine Tarot engaging. It is suitable for both experienced readers familiar with RWS symbolism and beginners looking for an approachable yet meaningful deck.

Gina Schiappacasse is a professional illustrator based in Brooklyn, New York, with a background in fashion design. Her artistic journey led her to self-publish a fashion coloring book, 'Wild Things,' before embarking on The Heroine Tarot. Her initial skepticism about tarot transformed into a deep appreciation for its self-reflection and art therapy potential, especially during a difficult year. Inspired by Pamela Colman Smith's progressive spirit, Schiappacasse aimed to create a modern, feminist deck that celebrates women as bold, beautiful, and empowered, drawing on her love for fashion illustration, Japanese manga, and classic fairytale art.