The Tools of The Tarot

The Tools of the Tarot is a 22-card Major Arcana deck created by Jared Bendis, designed to offer a fresh perspective on traditional tarot readings. Bendis developed this deck over nearly two decades, driven by a desire for iconography that better suited his present-focused reading style, moving away from the more literal and often anthropocentric imagery of the Rider-Waite system. The deck intentionally omits the 56 Minor Arcana cards, providing a more concentrated and focused reading experience.

The core concept of the deck revolves around the 'tools' of tarot: the sword, cup, staff, and pentacle. These symbols are integrated into each card's design, with a balanced distribution across the Major Arcana. The Magician and Death cards, for instance, depict all four tools. This approach aims to provide greater flexibility in interpretation, allowing readers to connect with the archetypal energies without being constrained by specific human figures or narratives.

This digital edition of the deck, proposed in 2013, replicates the iconography of Bendis's original handmade deck. It features a burnt paper motif for the card fronts and a blue back, paying homage to the original's unique aesthetic. The deck includes 22 Major Arcana cards, plus four additional information cards that offer guidance on a modified Celtic Cross layout, keywords for each card, and advice on reading with the deck. These additional cards are designed to enhance the reader's experience and personal connection to the deck.

This deck is ideal for experienced tarot readers who prefer to work exclusively with the Major Arcana and seek a more abstract, tool-focused approach to symbolism. It will appeal to those who find traditional Rider-Waite-Smith imagery too prescriptive or busy, and who desire a deck that encourages intuitive, present-moment readings. Collectors interested in unique, creator-driven tarot concepts and minimalist aesthetics may also appreciate its distinct design.

Jared Bendis began designing his own tarot deck almost 20 years prior to the Kickstarter campaign, motivated by a dissatisfaction with the iconography of the mass-produced Rider-Waite deck and a desire for a system that supported his present-focused reading style. His original deck was meticulously handmade, with images embedded into hand-crafted oval paper cards. The positive reception and frequent requests to purchase his unique deck led him to create a digitally produced version, making his distinct iconography accessible to a wider audience while maintaining the essence of his original vision.