The Mystical Cats Tarot deck presents a unique synthesis of traditional tarot archetypes and feline symbolism, offering an alternative pathway for divinatory exploration. Developed by Lunaea Weatherstone and Mickie Mueller and published by Llewellyn in 2014, this deck reimagines the standard 78-card structure through the lens of cat behavior, elemental clans, and ancient reverence for felines. Unlike decks that anthropomorphize animals by dressing them in human clothing, the Mystical Cats Tarot maintains the dignity and natural body language of domestic cats, aligning their movements and expressions with the emotional and philosophical meanings of the cards.
This deck is grounded in the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) tradition, ensuring that readers familiar with standard tarot symbolism can navigate its imagery with relative ease. However, it introduces distinct variations in suit names and court card structures to create a cohesive feline world. The deck is designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and functionally robust, with a companion app that provides high-resolution imagery and intuitive tools for both beginners and experienced readers.
Deck Structure and Composition
The Mystical Cats Tarot adheres to the standard tarot architecture, consisting of 78 cards divided into the Major and Minor Arcana. The deck maintains the traditional count of 22 Major Arcana cards and 56 Minor Arcana cards. Within the Major Arcana, the deck follows the RWS numbering, specifically placing Strength as card number 8, following the conventional ordering. The Fool is designated as card number 0, maintaining the traditional starting point of the Fool’s Journey.
Major Arcana Titles
The Major Arcana cards feature titles that reflect the deck’s specific thematic focus. While they correspond to traditional archetypes, the naming convention emphasizes feline attributes and mysteries. The titles included in the deck are:
- The Cat (corresponding to The Magician)
- Cat Magic
- The Priestess
- The Empress
- The Emperor
- The Priest (corresponding to The Hierophant)
- The Lovers
- The Chariot
- Strength (Card 8)
- The Hermit
- The Wheel (of Fortune)
- Consequences (corresponding to Justice or similar karmic concepts)
- The Floating Cat (corresponding to The Hanged Man)
- Death
- Grace (corresponding to Temperance)
- Demon Cat (corresponding to The Devil)
- The Tower
- The Stars
- The Moon
- The Sun
- Good Kitty (corresponding to Judgement)
- The World
This renaming highlights the deck's intent to translate universal human experiences—such as magic, judgment, and transformation—into the specific philosophy of the feline realm.
Minor Arcana Suits and Court Cards
The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits, replacing the traditional Wands, Cups, Pentacles, and Swords with elemental clans that resonate with cat mythology. The suits are:
- Fire: Associated with passion, action, and energy.
- Earth: Associated with stability, material concerns, and practicality.
- Sea: Associated with emotion, intuition, and the subconscious.
- Sky: Associated with intellect, communication, and spirit.
The Court Cards have also been renamed to reflect feline hierarchy and personality types. Instead of Pages, Knights, Queens, and Kings, the deck utilizes:
- Kitten
- Tom
- Queen
- King
This structure allows readers to explore personality traits and roles within readings using distinct feline characteristics.
Visual and Interpretative Philosophy
A defining feature of the Mystical Cats Tarot is its commitment to realism and naturalism. The source data notes that the deck features "normal cats (not dressed or in human-like positions)" with body language that is carefully matched to the feeling and meaning of each tarot card. This approach ensures that the imagery remains grounded in the authentic nature of cats, avoiding caricature while maintaining symbolic depth.
The deck is described as possessing "artistic beauty and esoteric wisdom," with a visual style that transports the viewer to a "magical realm of feline wisdom." The cats in the deck inhabit picturesque settings, facing challenges and engaging in relationships that mirror human concerns. This allows the reader to interpret the cards through the philosophy of the cat, providing a fresh perspective on traditional tarot dilemmas.
Digital Integration and Tools
To complement the physical deck, a digital application is available (specifically noted for iOS devices). This app serves as a comprehensive tool for readings and study. Key features include:
- High-Resolution Imagery: Full-screen display of card art.
- Journaling: A sophisticated journal to track readings and insights.
- Spreads: 22 built-in spreads, with the ability to design custom layouts using a "Free Form" option.
- Customization: Options to allow or disallow reversed cards, use Major Arcana only, and customize reading cloths and card meanings.
- Interactive Tools: Animated shuffle and cut, zoom capabilities, and optional voice prompts.
- Sharing: Ability to share readings via social media or email.
The app includes the full and unabridged book associated with the deck, making it a self-contained resource for learning. It is noted that the book and card meanings are available in English only.
User Reception and Accuracy
Feedback regarding the deck, particularly through the digital interface, suggests that it offers a "wide variety of a spread" and provides "accurate readings." The deck is positioned as a tool that offers more than "cliche meanings," appealing to those who have a deep connection with cats or are seeking a nuanced approach to divination. The interface is described as intuitive and easy to use for both beginners and experts.
Conclusion
The Mystical Cats Tarot is a fully realized tarot system that honors the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith structure while infusing it with a distinct feline aesthetic and elemental logic. By utilizing the natural behaviors and symbolism of cats, it offers a unique lens for introspection and divination. Its comprehensive digital integration further supports users in their practice, providing tools for tracking, learning, and sharing insights. For those seeking a deck that combines esoteric wisdom with the familiar presence of domestic cats, this deck offers a structured and artistic avenue for exploration.