I’ve been eyeing the Mermaid Tarot after stumbling across it in a YouTube deck review, and I’m surprisingly torn about it. The ocean theme really speaks to something deep in me, even though I’m usually more drawn to forest-based decks like the Green Witch or Wild Unknown.
What’s interesting is how the deck seems to flow from traditional RWS meanings → more intuitive, emotional interpretations through the water element. I appreciate that Robertson kept the symbolism accessible while adding that fluid, underwater quality to each card.
My main hesitation is whether the consistently dreamy, aquatic aesthetic might feel too one-note for daily readings, especially when I need something with more bite or grounding energy. Has anyone who works with this deck found it versatile enough for different types of questions, or does it lean heavily toward emotional/spiritual guidance?
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Mermaid tarot decks aren’t (always) the best fit for questions that require a focus on structure or discipline.
Edit: Like those about legal matters or investments, these really need a different energy. The fluid, emotional nature of these decks can sometimes overlook the rigidity those topics demand.
Edit: I should clarify, this doesn’t mean they’re bad decks, they just have their own strengths that lean more toward emotional or creative readings rather than practical, structured ones.
Sorry if this is off-topic but I wanted to mention that in many cultures, mermaids are seen as protectors of the sea, which adds a layer of depth and reverence to mermaid tarot decks.
For example, in West African folklore, Mami Wata is a water spirit who embodies beauty and healing, which could offer a different perspective when reading with a mermaid deck.
This is the obvious one. Oracle cards with stunning artwork and it’s all mermaids. If you’ve ever worked with the Oracle before, you’ll be able to pick this right up.
If it’s less about the mermaid art (because only some of the cards are actual mermaids but they’re all oceanic) this would be my favorite. I really like this deck and if you just want the standard Tarot, this is the best mermaid option.
I’ve been working with the Mermaid Tarot for a few months now, big fan of it.
Here’s actually a really insightful walkthrough where a reader shows how each suit’s water transformation works, especially how the pentacles become pearls and maintain their earthiness while gaining this fluid adaptability. The RWS foundation staying intact while adding that oceanic lens is exactly what makes this deck work for both traditional and intuitive readers.
Mermaid decks work beautifully as companion decks when paired with something more grounded, pulling a second card from a mermaid oracle alongside your main reading adds this gorgeous layer of emotional depth without overwhelming the message. You can just use them by themselves but that’s how I like them.
It’s like the mermaid energy flows around and through the primary reading, offering intuitive whispers rather than trying to carry the whole weight of guidance on its own.
honestly the mermaid tarot has this magnetic pull, i literally couldn’t walk away when i saw it in person. it handles practical questions just as well as emotional ones, like the water element adds clarity instead of making everything foggy the dreamy vibe actually helps me see situations from new angles rather than limiting the readings
Pairing my Mermaid Tarot with a more grounded deck for comparison readings creates this amazing balance when I pull the same position from both decks, the mermaid cards bring out emotional undercurrents I might miss.
The watery vibe definitely intensifies during full moon readings (maybe it’s the tides?), but for practical career stuff, I’ve noticed the court cards still pack plenty of punch those mermaid queens mean BUSINESS. You might be surprised how the flowing aesthetic actually helps you see rigid situations more fluidly, which sometimes is exactly the ‘bite’ you need.
There’s something soothing about the Mermaid Tarot’s connection to myth and lore.
Reminds me of childhood stories by the sea, a gentle whisper from the past guiding today’s process. If you’re feeling torn, perhaps look at how this deck might bring that sense of wonder into your readings.
Low-key has been disappointed by Sisters of the Sea, the guidebook and keywords are actually high-key amazing for intuitive work, but the card art itself feels way less magical than what you’d expect from the online images. It’s as if they’ve packed all the oceanic wisdom into the words but forgot to match that same depth of energy in the visuals.
Okay this is WILD but I literally just pulled the Page of Cups from my Mermaid Tarot while scrolling this thread!
She’s holding this glowing pearl instead of a cup and it’s like she’s saying, ‘yes, explore water decks!’ The synchronicity is off the charts because I was debating whether to get a second water-themed deck.
I found the Tarot of the Mermaids (the Llewellyn one) at a beach-themed birthday party where I was doing readings, it’s different from the Mermaid Tarot but has this really enchanting underwater vibe that surprisingly worked well for all types of questions, not just emotional ones.
This is the deck I use on rainy days. Every single time.
The imagery pulled people in immediately at the party, and I found that the oceanic symbolism actually gave me more flexibility than expected because water can be calm, stormy, deep, or playful, depending on the card. Since you mentioned wanting something that flows from RWS meanings, this deck might be worth checking out alongside the Robertson one, I’ve noticed having two water-themed decks gives me options when one feels too gentle for a particular reading.
Just got mine this week too and I’m absolutely in love! The moment I saw it in the shop, I knew it had to come home with me, there was such a strong pull. Already did a few readings with the guidebook and the energy is incredible, It’s definitely my new favorite deck! Which spread did you try first with yours?
The color symbolism in the Mermaid Tarot is perfect, with blues and greens dominating to evoke calm and intuition. The presence of lively corals and fiery hues in certain cards can signify passion and transformation, giving us a balance of emotional depth and dynamic energy.
This color interplay might be just what you need for versatile readings.
… Plus, it’s just beautiful and my girls love using this deck.
The Mermaid Tarot shifts my reading style completely. I find myself swaying slightly while shuffling, like riding invisible waves. The deck seems to prefer being stored near water elements, too.
Mine lives next to my aquamarine crystals and a small shell collection. Maybe it’s just me but the readings feel deeper that way.
Last summer I did a reading for my sister with the Mermaid Tarot about her upcoming vacation, and the 6 of Wands showed these dolphins jumping through victory hoops. I told her she’d have some kind of unexpected water triumph, thinking maybe she’d finally learn to surf or something.
Turns out she entered a beach volleyball tournament on a whim and her team actually WON! Now she asks specifically for the ‘dolphin deck’ whenever she needs guidance.
Oh my goodness, if you’re looking to truly connect with a mermaid tarot deck, get ready for the most amazing path that will take a few magical weeks to several enchanting months! Can you believe it?!
Every single day, you’ll discover incredible new details about how the shimmering water element flows through each card! It’s absolutely thrilling to spend so much time uncovering all the tiny, beautiful nuances, like how each ripple and wave completely transforms traditional card meanings in the most unexpected ways.
The water influence is just SO cool, it seeps into every corner of every interpretation and makes everything sparkle with new meaning.
I combine the Mermaid Messages with the Tempest cards. Tarot + Oracle with the same vibes works really well together.
While pairing a mermaid tarot deck with another for balance is a popular suggestion, it might be worth noting that the idea of sticking strictly to elemental themes is a bit outdated. Decks have evolved to incorporate multifaceted symbolism, so you might find that a single well-designed deck can stand alone effectively.
to spend so much time uncovering all the tiny, beautiful nuances, like how each ripple and wave completely transforms traditional card meanings in the most unexpected ways.