Tell me about these cards…

The World Spirit Tarot is a traditional (RWS) style deck with 78 cards organized as the Major Arcana, the People Cards, and the Minor Arcana in 4 suits: Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles. The art is vibrant and folksy, with emphasis on inclusivity, bringing together folks of many colors, shapes and genders from a variety of cultures with ease. Moving away from outmoded Euro-centric hierarchy, the People Cards are alliteratively titled Seer, Seeker, Sibyl and Sage. The deck was well-received and published in both English and Spanish by Llewellyn in 2000. A second edition of the deck and book were printed privately in 2015 with a forward by Mary K. Greer.

The images were intensively researched and created over a seven year span. Inspired by the artistic tradition of New England’s historic Folly Cove Designers, Onça drew, hand carved, printed and then hand-illuminated 80 8”x10” lino block prints to make the deck. The concise, accessible book was co-authored by herbalist and acupuncturist Jessica Szucka Godino. The World Spirit Tarot brings together a sturdy box, autographed book and the deck itself.

Are all decks like this?

The traditional Tarot deck is comprised of 78 cards. These are divided into two groups referred to as the Minor Arcana and Major Arcana. The Minors are then subdivided into 4 suits with pip and Face cards.  The suits are commonly called Cups, Wands, Swords and Pentacles,  There are 22 Major cards, numbered 0 to 21. Some cards and their meanings have remained fairly constant over the centuries, and some have evolved to match the times. Together they make a fascinating mirror for those interested in a meditative symbolic tool for self knowledge.