The Nomad Tarot: 5th Anniversary Edition

The Nomad Tarot is a 78-card deck that offers a modern, nature-based interpretation of the traditional tarot system. It features distinctive white-and-navy linework illustrations, with card backs adorned in an indigo shibori pattern. The deck draws inspiration from a diverse range of sources, including Pacific Northwest imagery, Norse mythology, Native American totems, herbology, botany, alchemy, and the Kabbalah, creating a rich tapestry of symbolism.

The 22 Major Arcana cards are characterized by lush, highly symbolic unique imagery, while the Minor Arcana are presented as 'pip' cards. These Minor Arcana suits represent the four elements: earth (symbolized by crystals), fire (moths), water (shells), and air (feathers). All illustrations are hand-drawn, with card layouts and text generated digitally. This approach results in a clean, original, and refreshing take on the tarot tradition, designed to appeal to both novice readers and long-time tarot enthusiasts.

This 5th-anniversary edition, launched via Kickstarter in 2018, aimed to improve the quality of the cards through an offset print run of 1,000 decks and guidebooks. The accompanying 'Nomad Guide to the Tarot' was also updated with full-color photographs and additional insights from professional tarot reader Sara Galactica, enhancing the clarity and ease of readings. The artwork received slight changes to reflect these developments, making the deck a refined version of its original 2014 release.

This deck is well-suited for tarot readers who appreciate a modern, nature-centric aesthetic combined with traditional tarot structure. Its clean linework and unique blend of cultural influences will appeal to collectors seeking a distinctive art style. Both beginners and experienced readers will find value in its accessible yet symbolically rich imagery, especially those interested in Pacific Northwest themes, Norse mythology, or botanical symbolism.

Jennifer Dranttel, an artist, illustrator, and educator with degrees in Architecture, Graphic Design, Printmaking, and an MFA in Fibers, first illustrated The Nomad Tarot in 2014. Her work has been showcased at significant events, including the US White House and New York and Paris Fashion weeks. For the 5th-anniversary edition, she collaborated with professional tarot reader Sara Galactica (Sara Holodnick), author of the Sweet/Nothing Oracle, to update the guidebook with new insights. Jennifer's son, Sam Edison Canepa, also participated as the distribution assistant for the Kickstarter campaign.