Way of the Panda Tarot

The Way of the Panda Tarot is a 78-card deck created by artist Kimberly, designed to capture the sweet, playful, introspective, and carefree nature of the panda spirit through tarot archetypes. Launched successfully on Kickstarter in 2019, the deck reimagines the Rider-Waite system with pandas in vivid natural scenes, incorporating elements of magical realism. The creator aimed for a deck that is both intuitively accessible and subtly infused with Zen and Taoist inspirations, without being strictly adherent to either philosophy.

Each of the 78 cards features unique watercolor artwork, with the Major Arcana cards showcasing "major panda philosophy" in action. The Minor Arcana introduces "Elemental Pandas," where each suit's panda tribe embodies the temperament of its element: Fire Pandas (Wands) are curious, Water Pandas (Cups) are affectionate, Air Pandas (Swords) are witty, and Earth Pandas (Pentacles) are lucky. This approach provides a fresh, gentle perspective on traditional tarot meanings, making the deck approachable for a wide range of readers.

The physical deck is printed on high-quality 350gsm cardstock with matte lamination and comes in a sturdy top-down box. It includes an estimated 70-page mini guidebook, the "Little Black & White Book," offering basic introductions and quick references. Additionally, the Kickstarter edition included bonus cards and other exclusives, reflecting the successful campaign's stretch goals. A separate, more in-depth companion book, "The Book of Pandas," was also offered for those wishing to delve deeper into the deck's philosophy and creation.

This deck is ideal for tarot beginners, including younger aspiring readers, due to its gentle imagery and intuitive approach. It also appeals to experienced readers seeking a lighthearted, whimsical deck that still adheres to RWS symbolism. Panda lovers and those interested in Zen or Taoist philosophies will appreciate the deck's thematic integration. Collectors who value unique, art-driven decks with a focus on nature and adorable characters will find this deck particularly appealing.

Kimberly created the Way of the Panda Tarot out of a desire to capture the sweet, playful, introspective, and carefree nature of the panda spirit within the archetypes of tarot. She found pandas' affectionate and happy-go-lucky energy perfectly suited for contemporary tarot practice, believing they embody an adorable wisdom in keeping things simple and being in the moment. Her inspiration also drew organically from Zen Buddhism and Taoism, aiming for an open and intuitive understanding rather than a strict philosophical adherence.