A 'The Adventure Tarot' Commentary

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Box Style: Pull Apart Lid & Bottom

Number of Cards: The traditional 78

The Adventure Tarot has been on my 'To Purchase' list quite a while... For one reason or another I consistently postponed acquiring it but having finally added to cart, I wish I had much sooner as I find it an energizing and delightful deck!

The representation of womanhood in these cards are quite distinctive and authentic. Each card reflecting a feminine perspective, including what would have otherwise been knights and kings. This deck approaches the depiction of maturity differently, as it does not adhere to the traditional Page, Knight, Queen, and King court system. Instead, we have the level of expertise or mastery illustrated through the lens of Scout, Backpacker, Explorer, and then eventually ending at Guide, (which would be a king energy.)

The inclusivity of the deck is paramount to its foundation and is demonstrated by its focus on minority women... To be expected given that both the author and illustrator are of Chinese descent this break from tradition is refreshing. As a white woman, I am accustomed to being represented in tarot decks, and the fact I do not see myself within its art but in a few cards where there is an overtly Caucasian woman in the background, (like the Three of Pentacles or Four of Cups) is not distracting in the least and frankly long overdue.

I appreciate that the illustrations in this deck possess a touch of ambiguity as well. The women in some cases are not overly detailed, almost evoking a comic book aesthetic. For me this conveys an added body positivity message. The absence of perfectly sculpted figures avoids setting yet another subconsciously unrealistic standard of comparison which can be a default for many women, myself included. Some cards even go as far as to feature arms or legs that deviate from relative proportions, which I find reassuring and comforting as I too am not flawlessly proportioned.

As noted in a previous commentary, I applaud the decision to border each suit in a different color... While not essential, particularly for those experienced in working with the tarot, it does enhance the immediate perception of a card's energy when it is framed in a corresponding hue. Those still in the learning phase of their cartomancy journey will find it especially beneficial to have, for example, a Cup card bordered in blue providing a useful and quick association with emotions and the water element...The same being true with Wands having a beautiful coral shade reminiscent of passions and fire surrounding, so on and so forth. When an artist/author choose to add such an attention to detail I greatly enjoy it!!

The deck is crafted from hardy cardstock, featuring a whimsical pastel back cover and adorned with a lovely gold edging. The cards thicker texture does make shuffling more challenging. For these types of decks, I prefer to riffle shuffle in halves, followed by hand-over-hand ...This method provides a thorough shuffle without too much difficulty or causing excessive bending.... That said, I have long, piano-like fingers, so someone with shorter hands would likely find it necessary to do the same. I believe it would be quite challenging for most people to shuffle this deck in entirety at once in a riffle style.

Thanks to the sturdiness of the higher GSM, this deck is certainly not one that will break down quickly. In fact, it seems likely that the edging will flake off before the cards themselves show signs of wear.

The guidebook is wonderful in that it incorporates images of the cards alongside their descriptions, a feature I greatly appreciate... While the images in this book are not in color, which would've been ideal, they are nearly as large as the actual cards, making it highly convenient to reference the imagery as its meaning is being described by the author, even if you don't have your deck out...

Many original depictions of the various archetypes are presented in The Adventure Tarot. This prompting me to consult the guidebook several times to better understand the illustrator's perspective for certain cards. For instance, the Seven of Pentacles and Scout of Swords initially confused me, but each time I referred to the guide, the author provided a thorough and insightful explanation in so gifting me a fresh interpretation of what the card's archetype can offer us when exploring its themes internally. By doing so the author and artist live up to the deck's self-description of being, "A road trip inspired deck for self-discovery and belonging".

Cards I adore!!! 

If I were to select my favorite cards, I believe I would start with the Nine of Wands and The Empress... Both of these cards being creative and captivating in how they go about depicting their individual essence...

The Nine of Wands depicts a woman at a protest, passionately making her voice heard not only through written signs but also by shouting her frustrations and truths into a loudspeaker. It conveys a sense of being on the defensive, protecting something valuable and worth fighting for.

And whereas The Empress card shies away from portraying a regal woman seated on a throne, pregnant with life, but shows her actively engaging with the world. At the same time, she remains mindful of the importance of self-care, ensuring her needs are met even in environments that may be less conducive to her well-being.

Having spent a significant portion of my life in Northern California I find the choice to use redwoods as a representation of The Emperor both symbolically meaningful and enduring. These steadfast and towering wonders hold a profound place within my spirit as they do so many others... Their majestic energy seems to captivate the woman depicted in the card, and with her appearing diminutive in contrast to the grandeur of these natural giants, she has witnesses being under their protection and if afforded the realization that what is built to last will withstand seasons of uncertainty...

The Explorer of Pentacles, by another name, the Queen of Pentacles, embodies here a profound sensuality in connecting with the world while utilizing the earth element in one's rituals through magickal and stimulating ways... She reminds us we can indulge in this element as we pamper ourselves by immersing fully in the richness of the world in mature and insightful manners. It was illustrated with simplicity, yet simultaneously poignant.

The only card diverging from tradition title is the Hanged Man. Here instead we see this archetype penned as the Acrobat. This choice highlights the alternative interpretation of the Hanged Man, often associated with sacrifice, but frequently interpreted as the art of viewing situations from a different perspective—quite literally seeing things turned upside down, so to speak...

The essence of all acrobats is they are in constant motion, embodying the ability to view situations through an ever-evolving lens that becomes shaped by each new exploration and the associated acquired wisdom. This concept is beautifully woven throughout the entire deck I feel, making it one I am sure I will be using time and again.

Things that don't quite resonate. 

Although at least half of the deck's art is executed in a new manner, there was not a single card where I felt the essence of the tarot meaning was lost. Instead, the deck as a whole seemed to flow naturally and be quite enjoyable to traverse. This tarot guides one on a journey of self-exploration, which aligns with the ultimate purpose of the tarot, showing it hits its mark.

Where you can purchase...

Available at most mass market locations you can purchase decks this tarot is easily found on a google search for your preference of retailer. May I suggest shopping small whenever possible and checking your local book/metaphysical shops first. If you wish to shop directly with the author, I'm sure Elizabeth would appreciate it! https://elizabethsu.com/tarot

** The Aventure Tarot will be seen in Mystic Mondays very soon, and likely often... This is one that, from the moment I picked it up, proved to be wonderfully easy to read while offering energy and connection with each shuffle. If you seek a deck authored by a woman that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and the feminine experience, this is undoubtedly the perfect choice for you.

The process of understanding the happenings of life alongside our psyche becomes a sacred form of divination when we invite in artistic expression to shine a light for us. To assist us in walking forward with more confidence than before we casted cards. And for that, a love of cartomancy will forever be a lifelong affair for me. Until next shuffle...

Blessings unto thee, and so it is.

Tiffany