The Illuminated Tarot

The Illuminated Tarot, created by artist Kelsey Showalter, is a 78-card deck designed to offer a fresh perspective on the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) tarot system. The deck aims to "see that which is hidden" and "translate the divine" through its unique visual language, blending classic symbolism with a modern aesthetic. It successfully funded on Kickstarter in 2016, raising $5,201 from 92 backers.

Showalter's approach to the tarot maintains the core structure of the Major and Minor Arcana, ensuring that the deck remains accessible to those familiar with RWS meanings while introducing new visual interpretations. The artwork is characterized by its vibrant color palette and strong graphic design, which recontextualizes familiar archetypes in a contemporary style. This allows for both intuitive readings and a deeper engagement with the symbolic layers of each card.

The deck's design emphasizes clarity and impact, making it suitable for readers who appreciate a bold visual statement in their divination tools. While the campaign story is brief, the visual evidence suggests a deck that prioritizes artistic expression and a modern sensibility, appealing to a new generation of tarot enthusiasts looking for decks that resonate with current art trends.

This deck is ideal for tarot readers who appreciate modern, graphic art styles and vibrant color palettes. It suits those familiar with the Rider-Waite-Smith system but who desire a fresh, contemporary visual interpretation. Collectors of unique art decks and readers looking for a visually stimulating, intuitive experience will also find this deck appealing. It may be less suited for those who prefer strictly traditional or classical tarot imagery.

Kelsey Showalter created The Illuminated Tarot with the intention of offering a new perspective on traditional tarot symbols. The project was launched on Kickstarter in 2016, where it successfully raised $5,201 from 92 backers. Showalter's vision was to translate the divine and reveal hidden meanings through a fresh, artistic interpretation of the tarot.