The Chrysalis Tarot represents a distinctive approach to the ancient practice of tarot, offering a fresh perspective on self-discovery and spiritual guidance. Created over three and a half years by author Toney Brooks and artist Holly Sierra, this deck was recognized in 2014 with the Tarosophist Award for Best New Deck. The deck is designed not merely as a tool for divination but as a powerful instrument for alignment, mindfulness, and attunement to the vibrations of life itself. It invites users on an adventurous journey within, one that is described as revealing, informative, and fun.
At the heart of the Chrysalis Tarot is the concept of the "Otherworld." This is defined as an unseen force or energy field that informs the psyche and nudges individuals forward on their quest for self-fulfillment. The pursuit of personal destiny is characterized as a struggle to find inner peace and balance between the ego, which wants and takes, and the psyche, which allows and gives. The Chrysalis Tarot posits that by one's side on this journey is this benevolent force, known by many names and masks, which ultimately assists in finding helpful guides from an invisible world of archetypes.
The Philosophy and Artistry of the Deck
The Chrysalis Tarot is described as a "storyteller’s deck" that moves users away from fixed knowledge and toward tapping into what the card is trying to convey. While it is based on the standard 78-card Rider-Waite layout, it is considered a non-traditional deck that brings a fresh, metamorphic approach focused on self-development. The artwork by Holly Sierra is noted for its uniqueness, described as a mixture of folk, tribal, Celtic, Medieval, and New Age styles. Despite this eclectic mix, the imagery works in perfect harmony, creating a visual experience that is mesmerizing and rich in detail. The deck is full of symbolism without being visually busy, featuring characters from diverse cultures, all of whom appear to have lessons to teach.
The accompanying text by Toney Brooks is crafted to deliver deep symbolism in an understandable and entertaining manner. It packs a ton of sage wisdom into words that energize the reader. The deck is particularly recommended for meditation and pathwork, providing an excellent medium for those looking to deepen their introspective practices.
Structure of the Chrysalis Tarot
The deck maintains the traditional structure of 78 cards but reinterprets many elements to align with its unique philosophy.
The Major Arcana
The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, numbered 0 to 21. In the Chrysalis Tarot, these cards represent characters and archetypes from the Otherworld. Some cards feature significant deviations from traditional imagery to better suit the deck's thematic focus. For example, the traditional card XII, The Hanged Man, is replaced with the "Celtic Owl." While this may seem a strange choice at first glance, the reasoning behind it is well-researched and makes perfect sense once understood. The Major Arcana guides the user through the major themes of life and the spiritual journey, acting as a map of the metamorphosis the deck encourages.
The Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits, each consisting of 10 Pip cards (Ace through Ten) and a set of Court cards. The Chrysalis Tarot renames the traditional suits to reflect its thematic focus:
- Stones: Corresponds to the traditional Pentacles. This suit deals with matters of the material world, stability, and earth energy.
- Mirrors: Corresponds to the traditional Cups. This suit explores emotions, relationships, and the realm of water.
- Spirals: Corresponds to the traditional Wands. This suit represents energy, action, inspiration, and the element of fire.
- Scrolls: Corresponds to the traditional Swords. This suit addresses the mind, intellect, conflict, and the element of air.
The 40 Pip cards feature scenes designed to inspire personal reflection and stimulate psychic intuition and imagination.
The Court Cards
A significant departure from the traditional deck is the replacement of the 16 traditional Court cards. In the Chrysalis Tarot, these are replaced by a "fun-loving troupe of medieval troubadours." These troubadours are described as real-life messengers inspired by the Otherworld. They are intended to assist the querent, particularly during critical moments and troubling crossroads. They represent the active, communicative aspect of the Otherworld, bringing specific guidance and energy to the reading.
The Purpose and Application of the Chrysalis Tarot
The Chrysalis Tarot is designed to illuminate the psyche, which is a vital component in the art of listening to one's internal voice, raising self-awareness, and informing decisions. While tarot has historically been associated with mysticism, divination, and magic, and is noted for its uncanny ability to flesh out future possibilities, the Chrysalis Tarot emphasizes the internal journey.
The deck is described as having a feeling that one is being inspired and advised by a group of close friends when asking questions. The symbolism is international and eclectic, and most original Rider-Waite card associations are replaced with a new outlook. This encourages the user to reconsider how they approach the cards, fostering a connection that relies on intuition. The deck is suitable for both intuitive reading and structured study, with the accompanying book providing insight into the choices made during its creation.
For those seeking to achieve their destiny—a co-creative, maddening march through life filled with chance, chicanery, and choice—the Chrysalis Tarot serves as a companion. It invites questions and inspires the mind, facilitating a journey that aims for healing, empowerment, and peace with oneself and the surrounding world. It teaches that wisdom can be gained from any kind of person or situation, and the deck reflects this by drawing from a wide array of cultural and mythological sources.
Evaluating the Chrysalis Tarot
Reviews and testimonials highlight the deck's ability to actively participate in the reading process through intuition. It is considered suitable for tarot professionals and newcomers alike, with the artwork being universally praised as beautiful and captivating. The deck is seen as a fresh take on somewhat stale concepts, destined to satisfy consumers and bring a new level of channeling to readings.
The deck is not just a pretty face; it is packed with meaning and designed to guide the user toward a better understanding of their own psyche and the unseen forces that influence their life. It is a tool for metamorphosis, much like the chrysalis from which it takes its name, suggesting a transformation from a current state into something more beautiful and enlightened.
Conclusion
The Chrysalis Tarot stands as a unique and award-winning contribution to the world of tarot. By blending beautiful, eclectic artwork with a philosophy centered on the Otherworld and self-development, it offers a fresh approach to spiritual guidance. Its reimagining of traditional tarot structures—from the imagery of the Major Arcana to the troubadours of the Court cards—invites users to engage with the cards on a deeper, more intuitive level. Whether used for meditation, pathwork, or standard readings, the deck serves as a powerful tool for those seeking to balance their inner world, navigate life's challenges, and achieve personal metamorphosis.