Any modern deck suggestions that aren’t just RWS clones? I’m drawn to unique artistic styles, but still want it to be readable/intuitive. I don’t mind a good Oracle deck either but I would really like the traditional RWS system but a more modern take that isn’t just a gimmick.
Thanks!
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There are a whole lot of options, but if I had to narrow it to just one, I’d say… Modern Witch Tarot. It sounds like exactly what you want, and it’s probably the most popular modern deck.
I’m sure plenty of other readers will have other suggestions for some modern decks, but if you want to check out a bunch in the meantime, look at our popular tarot deck list. Most of them are modern decks and probably want you want anyway.
@Sploots beat me to it as always. MWT is a great deck but I think I have her beat (for once) with something better.
It’s similar but newer & cheaper. So if the style suits you then this is the modern deck I’d go for.
Not surprised to see these two are the first suggestions, I probably would have suggested the same ones.
I know exactly what you mean about the flood of RWS clones. It can be hard to find something with its own soul that still feels like home and most of them feel like they’re just a cash grab.
The Light Seer’s Tarot is super popular for a reason. The art is modern and diverse, and it reads really well. It follows the RWS system, but the imagery feels so fresh and relevant, so that seems like the kind of thing you want. Another great one is This Might Hurt Tarot. It keeps the classic symbolism but sets it in our world, with queer and diverse characters. It’s incredibly relatable without being too gimmicky.
If you want a huge artistic leap, check out The Wild Unknown. It uses animals and nature instead of people. It’s a very different vibe but still RWS-based and powerfully intuitive.
I hope you find the one that speaks to you!
Hmm…
You guys are too on the ball for me, most of my suggestions are mentioned already.
I really like a different deck, so the Wild Unknown strips away all the human figures. Just animals and nature, but for something new… Star Spinner. More fairytale but still readable and cool modern feel.
Hey there. I read tarot and cast runes, so I get wanting something fresh and intuitive. Modern Witch gets another vote from me. RWS-based with a more current look and diverse art, and the traditional symbols are still there.
If this isn’t your kind of artwork you might want to check out the asthetic tarot card list since they’ll all be modern and you’ll get a good mix there already.
The Awaken Tarot could work for what you want. It has contemporary art but still follows the RWS structure, so it’s intuitive to read with a fresh look.
I saw some YouTube reviews that show all the cards if you want to check it out before buying. Have you tried cleansing your current deck? Sometimes that helps when you feel disconnected from it. But if you’re drawn to the Awaken deck, the symbolism is updated while keeping the traditional meanings intact.
Check out the Tattoo Tarot deck - sounds like what you’re looking for. It’s basically a mix of Rider-Waite-Smith and Marseille traditions but with a modern tattoo art style.
The imagery is pretty intuitive while still keeping the traditional card meanings intact. The artwork is fresh but the symbolism stays true to the classics. Might be worth looking into if you want something that bridges old and new styles.
Your request for ‘modern but not gimmicky’ makes sense. I think Jung would’ve liked how some newer decks use contemporary symbols that still feel meaningful on a deeper level. The Tarot del Fuego does this well with its photographic collage style. That also shows their other very similar deck which is more popular, but I just like the artstyle of this one more.
It looks like something you’d see on Instagram, but has real depth for inner work. Each card has these layered visuals that work well for processing complicated feelings. It’s a good mix if you don’t want to go Oracle.
The Fountain Tarot might be worth checking out. It has really nice, ethereal artwork that’s different from traditional RWS while keeping the core meanings intact.
Fair warning, though, my tarot teacher pointed out that the deck leans heavily into masculine imagery. You’ll find there aren’t many feminine figures throughout the cards, which might matter depending on what you’re looking for. The art style is very contemporary, if that’s your thing.
I find unique modern decks by browsing Instagram accounts that review indie releases. It’s been the easiest way for me to spot decks with clear imagery and a modern look. I found the Moonchild Tarot there; it goes well with selenite in readings - especially with The High Priestess - when I want to lean into intuition.
The indie crowd often shows decks you won’t see in big shops. The Dreaming Way Tarot pops up a lot, and I like pairing it with labradorite for The Fool. Most of these indie decks keep the RWS basics but bring in fresher art, so readings feel current without getting gimmicky.
The Fyodor Pavlov deck might work for you. The kickstarter edition has nice cardstock that shuffles really well. The Modern Witch deck feels stiff in comparison.
The artwork has a watercolor style. There’s good representation, different body types and identities throughout the deck, not just the same figures repeated. If you know RWS, the symbolism is familiar. It’s like Ethereal Visions but with a lighter color palette. The colors are soft without looking faded. The deck works fine for daily draws or bigger spreads. It updates the traditional imagery without getting too experimental.
Have you considered the Alleyman’s Tarot? It features different artists for each card which gives you that unique artistic variety you’re looking for while still maintaining the traditional structure.
I went a bit overboard and started swapping cards with other readers to create my own frankendeck because apparently I can’t leave well enough alone. The varied art styles actually help with intuitive reading since each card feels distinct rather than just another RWS variation.
The Moonchild Tarot could work well for you - Danielle Noel does these watercolors that have a dreamy feel, but still have all the original symbols. People seem to really like the soft colors and floaty figures.
If you want something with more color, the Tarot of the Divine by Yoshi Yoshitani uses fairy tales and myths from different cultures with the RWS structure. Like The Fool is Little Red Riding Hood and The Star has Vasilisa. Both of the decks are easy to read right away.
You’re basically describing most indie decks from the last decade - ‘RWS but make it modern’ is its own genre at this point. Can you narrow it down? What art style do you like - minimalist line art, watercolors, bold graphics? How close to traditional RWS do you want to stick?
Since you want readable but unique, have you checked out the Lo Scarabeo Tarot? They combined the Marseille, Waite-Smith, and Thoth traditions into one deck. Also worth looking at: decks where the artist gets the symbolism but reinterprets it thoughtfully instead of just redrawing Pamela Colman Smith’s work with different faces.
A lot of newer decks swap illustrated minors for Marseille-style pips. They look nice, but if you read RWS, they can be harder to read (like The Wild Unknown).
Also, watch for renamed courts or suit changes. I do a quick flip-through at least a couple of the cards to see if the message is clear before I buy. Kind of like a deck interview but to see if I’d be able to work with it before I buy.
The This Might Hurt tarot could work well for you. It has a contemporary feel but still follows RWS structure. I pulled the Tower from this deck last month when asking about a friend’s job situation, she got laid off two days later, then found a better position within the week. The artwork uses diverse representations throughout.
Isabella Rotman reimagines the cards with modern scenarios. Like the 3 of Cups shows friends at a protest instead of a traditional celebration. Made sense when I read for my sister about her activism work. The deck mixes masculine and feminine energies without it feeling forced.
The Fyodor Pavlov deck is really nice too, though it’s less traditional than RWS. His art style is more abstract and dreamlike. I mostly use it for shadow work readings where that mysterious vibe works well. His Death card came up during a reading about letting go of old patterns and it definitely resonated.
Both decks are modern but still respect the traditional meanings. I grab This Might Hurt for daily readings more often. Pavlov’s deck I save for when I want to dig deeper.
If you want something new, check out the Supernova Tarot from Lo Scarabeo. Just came out recently. It’s got this cosmic theme but the cards still make sense when you look at them.
I usually just pull one card a day with new decks to get used to the art style. Takes a while before I’m comfortable doing full spreads with them.
