The Hide Tarot

The Hide Tarot is a unique 78-card deck conceived by artist Dan Francis, who embarked on this project following his father's passing in 2018. The deck serves as a deeply personal reflection on life's unpredictable journey and the archetypal imagery of tarot, even for someone who doesn't identify as spiritual or religious. Francis aimed to create a tool that could help simplify and understand life's complexities, mirroring his own intuitive connection to the cards.

Each card in The Hide Tarot is designed for versatile interpretation. While it maintains the standard 78-card tarot structure, including Major and Minor Arcana, each card is also assigned a unique subject (e.g., "the Mask" for the 6 of Pentacles, "the Bull" for the Moon). This dual labeling allows readers familiar with traditional tarot to apply standard meanings, while also inviting those who prefer a more intuitive or abstract approach to disregard the conventional framework. Court cards are similarly designed with non-gendered subjects, providing further flexibility in interpretation.

The deck draws inspiration from various mythologies, religions, art history, and pop culture, filtered through Francis's personal reactions to traditional tarot themes. The accompanying handbook provides introductions to each card, insights into tarot, and spread examples, further supporting both traditional and intuitive reading styles. The project successfully funded on Kickstarter in 2019, with a stretch goal achieved that enabled higher quality printing and metallic edges.

This deck is ideal for tarot readers seeking a deeply personal and intuitively driven experience, particularly those who appreciate art that blends traditional techniques with modern digital assembly. It caters to both experienced tarot users who can adapt to its unique symbolism and beginners who might prefer a less rigid, more abstract approach to card interpretation. Individuals interested in symbolic exploration, mythology, and art history will find the eclectic imagery appealing. It also suits those who prefer non-gendered court cards and a deck that encourages personal connection over strict adherence to tradition.

Dan Francis began creating The Hide Tarot in 2018 after the death of his father, using art as a way to process grief and explore life's journey. Despite not identifying as spiritual or religious, he found solace and understanding in interpreting tarot's archetypal imagery. The deck became a physical manifestation of his personal and intuitive reactions to the cards, drawing from symbolism, mythology, and his own life experiences. The project also became a dedication to his father and the hospice that cared for him, with a portion of the funds raised intended for donation.