The Spiral Tarot deck, created by artist Kay Steventon and published by U.S. Games Systems Inc., offers a unique and immersive experience for tarot enthusiasts and spiritual seekers. Distinguished by its intricate artwork and thematic use of the spiral motif, this deck bridges traditional tarot symbolism with a visually compelling, dreamlike aesthetic. The deck consists of 78 cards, adhering to the standard structure of Major and Minor Arcana, and is designed to facilitate deep introspection and intuitive readings. Unlike standard decks, the Spiral Tarot incorporates interactive elements and a specific artistic philosophy that draws heavily on Celtic wisdom and mythological archetypes.
This deck is characterized by its attempt to create an energetic pull for the user, inviting them into the scenes depicted on the cards. By blending Middle Eastern, Arthurian, and Mediterranean myths, Steventon presents the Fool's journey as a spiraling process of life experience. The following sections detail the specific attributes, artistic philosophy, and symbolic interpretations associated with the Spiral Tarot, based on available reviews and product specifications.
Artistic Philosophy and Visual Appeal
The visual design of the Spiral Tarot is its most defining feature. The cards are described as having a "simple, modern design" featuring a "gorgeous black and gold spiral pattern." The Major Arcana cards utilize bright, vibrant, and eye-catching colors, while the overall imagery is often compared to a "gorgeously illustrated coloring book." This aesthetic choice is intended to move beyond the "plain" or "banal" colors associated with the Rider-Waite deck, offering a more saturated and engaging visual experience.
The artwork is designed to be "dreamy" and "complex," creating a sense of depth that encourages the viewer to look closer. Unlike decks such as the Druidcraft Tarot, which are noted for being "too concrete" with every detail visible, the Spiral Tarot allows for "dark corners" and "unknown spaces." This lack of concrete detail is intentional, as it provides room for the user's intuition to work beyond what is strictly known to the senses. The imagery is crafted to avoid the "lonely" feel of some other decks, instead populating scenes with enough human presence to feel relatable yet mystical.
Physical Specifications and Interactive Features
The physical construction of the deck is distinct. The cards are slightly larger than standard playing cards, measuring approximately 2.75 x 4.15 inches (70 x 105 mm). The back of the card features a solid sky blue background with two thin gold lines around the edge and a central fancy "S" with spiral ends. This design is reversible, allowing for inverted readings.
One unique aspect of the deck is its interactivity. The cards are printed on both sides and feature a "spiral hole." When combined with the included card protector, the deck can be played like a xylophone. This tactile element adds a layer of engagement not found in traditional decks. The cards also feature a matte finish on many of the illustrations, enhancing the tactile experience.
Companion Materials
The deck originally included a companion book and a "little white booklet" (32 pages) by Kay Steventon. The companion book, which provided deeper insights into the deck's philosophy, has reportedly gone out of production, leaving the booklet as the primary written guide. The booklet outlines the basic meanings and the concept of the Fool's journey as a spiraling process.
Symbolic Interpretations and Meanings
The Spiral Tarot is rooted in the "ancient Celtic wisdom" and is described as a "relatively traditional Rider-Waite" deck in structure, though its symbolism is enhanced. The spiral motif is central to the deck's philosophy, representing the cyclical nature of life and the metaphysical world.
The Fool's Journey and Archetypes
The Major Arcana cards are presented as "universal archetypes." Steventon compares the Fool's journey through the Tarot to the spiraling process of life experience. The deck utilizes a mixture of myths—specifically Middle Eastern, Arthurian, and Mediterranean—to describe the message of each card. This synthesis reflects the historical reality that Celts were once found throughout the Mediterranean, not just the British Isles. The deck analyzes the symbolic importance of characters and stages that influence human development.
Reading Style and User Experience
Reviews suggest that the Spiral Tarot is a deck that speaks clearly and directly. Users have described the cards as "cheeky" and "forward," putting answers "right out there" without requiring excessive contemplation to decipher meaning. This directness, combined with the immersive imagery, makes the deck popular for both self-readings and reading for others.
The deck is generally well-regarded by those who find the Rider-Waite symbolism correct but visually unappealing. It offers a "spiritually enhanced meaning" through its art. While some users miss the out-of-print companion book, the deck's imagery is considered intuitive enough to guide the reader without extensive external reference.
Summary of Deck Characteristics
The following table summarizes the key specifications and features of the Spiral Tarot deck based on available data.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Creator | Kay Steventon |
| Publisher | U.S. Games Systems Inc. |
| Total Cards | 78 (Standard Major and Minor Arcana) |
| Card Dimensions | 2.75 x 4.15 inches (70 x 105 mm) |
| Primary Theme | Celtic wisdom, Spiral motif, Mythological archetypes |
| Visual Style | Vibrant, dreamy, saturated, complex (vs. concrete) |
| Back Design | Solid sky blue with gold lines and a spiral "S" (Reversible) |
| Special Features | Spiral hole for interactivity, Matte finish options |
| Companion Material | 32-page booklet included; Companion book out of print |
Conclusion
The Spiral Tarot by Kay Steventon serves as a bridge between traditional tarot structures and modern artistic expression. Its reliance on Celtic wisdom and the spiral motif provides a thematic consistency that appeals to users seeking a deck with "spiritually enhanced meaning." The deck’s strength lies in its ability to balance traditional symbolism with a visually immersive experience that invites intuitive interpretation. By offering "dark corners" for the mind to explore, rather than concrete, literal depictions, it facilitates a connection to the subconscious. For those seeking a deck that is both visually striking and symbolically deep, the Spiral Tarot offers a unique tool for spiritual exploration and life analysis.