The Chrysalis Tarot deck stands as a significant innovation within the realm of divination tools, offering a fresh perspective on traditional tarot structures. Created by author Toney Brooks and artist Holly Sierra, and published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc., this deck was the recipient of the 2014 Tarosophist Award for Best New Deck. It is described not merely as a set of cards, but as a storyteller’s deck that serves as a powerful self-reflective tool. The deck’s primary focus is on alignment, mindfulness, and attunement to the vibrations of life itself. By drawing upon a range of mythologies and featuring exquisitely drawn otherworld characters, the Chrysalis Tarot illuminates the path toward personal destiny. It guides users toward healing, empowerment, and peace with oneself and the surrounding world.
Conceptual Foundation and Artistic Vision
The creation of the Chrysalis Tarot spanned three and a half years, a testament to the depth of research and artistic effort involved. The deck is designed to be a stand-alone tool that encourages users to reconsider their approach to tarot reading. Rather than relying solely on fixed, memorized knowledge, the imagery invites the reader to tap directly into the intuitive messages the cards convey. While the deck maintains a structural familiarity with traditional tarot systems, it introduces a "new ballgame" in terms of imagery and interpretation.
The artwork, credited to Holly Sierra, is a defining characteristic of the deck. It is described as a harmonious mixture of folk, tribal, Celtic, Medieval, and New Age styles. Sierra’s vibrant paintings offer a glimpse into an enchanted world filled with goddesses and mythological creatures. Her background includes a fine arts education and extensive travel in Asia, which influences the multicultural themes present in the work. The visual language of the deck is "mythic" rather than literal; the images are bright, colorful, and often more suggestive than explicit. This artistic approach encourages the user to generate their own fairy tale and become the author of their own myth, rather than reciting standard, pre-cast narratives.
The symbolism within the artwork is rich but not cluttered. The deck features characters from diverse cultures, reinforcing the wisdom that there is no single "correct" way to gain insight. Lessons can be found in elders, family, neighbors, and folk tales. The visual harmony of the deck is often compared to "world peace in a box," where every detail is meticulously crafted to support the spiritual intent of the cards.
Structural Innovations: Suits and Archetypes
The Chrysalis Tarot retains the 78-card structure of the traditional tarot but renames and reinterprets key elements to align with its thematic focus. This reimagining extends to the suits of the Minor Arcana and the Court Cards, offering a fresh vocabulary for energy dynamics.
The Minor Arcana Suits
The four suits comprising the Minor Arcana have been renamed to better reflect their elemental and energetic associations. These changes are not arbitrary but are designed to "drive the point home" regarding the nature of the elements they represent: * Stones: This suit corresponds to the traditional Pentacles, representing the element of Earth. It governs matters of the physical realm, resources, and stability. * Mirrors: This suit corresponds to the traditional Cups, representing the element of Water. It reflects emotions, relationships, and intuition. * Spirals: This suit corresponds to the traditional Wands, representing the element of Fire. It embodies action, creativity, and spiritual energy. * Scrolls: This suit corresponds to the traditional Swords, representing the element of Air. It deals with the intellect, challenges, and communication.
The Court Cards: Troupe Cards
One of the most significant departures from traditional tarot is the replacement of the standard Court Cards with "Troupe Cards." The traditional frustration often associated with the rigid hierarchy of Kings, Queens, Knights, and Pages is replaced by a group of medieval messengers. These characters are described as a "delightful troupe" whose purpose is to inspire the querent to fulfill their dreams and guide them on their journey.
Major Archana Reinterpretations
In the Major Arcana, the Chrysalis Tarot makes bold choices to replace standard archetypes with figures that resonate more deeply with natural and mythic wisdom. Notably, the traditional Emperor and Empress are replaced by the Green Man and Gaia, grounding the deck in earth-based spirituality and ancient fertility myths. Furthermore, the traditional XII The Hanged Man is reimagined as the Celtic Owl. While this may appear as a strange choice at first glance, the underlying reasoning provided in the companion text makes perfect sense in the context of wisdom and perspective.
Interpretive Methodology and User Experience
The Chrysalis Tarot is designed to facilitate a deep connection between the user and the cards. The companion text, written by Toney Brooks, is praised for packing a "ton of sage wisdom" into words that energize the reader. The meanings are crafted to deliver deep symbolism in an understandable and entertaining manner. Each card denotes its Rider-Waite twin soul, providing a bridge for those familiar with traditional systems, yet the presentation encourages a move away from fixed knowledge.
Intuitive and Meditative Use
The deck is particularly well-suited for meditative practices and pathwork. Users report that the cards have a "chatty" quality, with some images acting as a hand that pulls the viewer into the scene to share the card's story. This immersive quality makes it an excellent tool for: * Meditation: Using specific cards to focus the mind and explore inner landscapes. * Pathwork: Walking the journey of the Fool through the World to uncover personal lessons. * Intuitive Reading: Allowing the imagery to spark personal associations and messages rather than relying strictly on a guidebook.
The Hero’s Journey
The deck is explicitly framed as a tool to assist the querent on their "Hero's Journey." It focuses on healing, wisdom, and enlightenment. By engaging with the Chrysalis Tarot, users are encouraged to navigate their own metamorphosis, much like the butterfly that gives the deck its name. The transformation is not just about divining the future but about understanding the self in the present moment and aligning with the vibrational flow of life.
Comprehensive Overview of Deck Characteristics
To provide a clear reference for the unique attributes of the Chrysalis Tarot, the following table summarizes its key structural components compared to traditional tarot.
| Card Component | Traditional Terminology | Chrysalis Tarot Terminology | Spiritual Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suit of Earth | Pentacles | Stones | Physical stability, resources, grounding |
| Suit of Water | Cups | Mirrors | Emotion, reflection, intuition, relationships |
| Suit of Fire | Wands | Spirals | Action, creativity, energy, expansion |
| Suit of Air | Swords | Scrolls | Intellect, challenge, communication |
| Major Arcana I | Emperor | Green Man | Earthly authority, nature, masculine vitality |
| Major Arcana II | Empress | Gaia | Fertility, abundance, feminine nurturing |
| Major Arcana XII | The Hanged Man | Celtic Owl | Wisdom, suspension, new perspectives |
| Court Cards | Kings/Queens/Knights/Pages | Troupe / Medieval Messengers | Guidance, inspiration, dream fulfillment |
Artistic Influences and Dedication
The artistic vision of Holly Sierra is deeply personal and influenced by a lifetime of fascination with the mystical and magical. Her journey began in childhood when she discovered an antique deck among her parents' possessions. This early encounter sparked a lifelong infatuation with tarot. The Chrysalis Tarot deck is dedicated to her beloved parents, serving as a tribute to her roots.
Sierra’s artistic style is characterized by vibrant colors and an attention to detail that elevates the cards beyond mere divination tools to works of art. Her travels in Asia and her fine arts education contribute to a multicultural tapestry that avoids cultural appropriation by synthesizing influences into a harmonious whole. The deck feels like a "fresh breeze of inspiration" because it avoids the stale imagery that has plagued the tarot market. Instead of offering clones of existing decks, it offers a unique visual language that feels both ancient and entirely new.
The Role of the Companion Guide
While the Chrysalis Tarot can be used as a stand-alone deck, the accompanying guidebook is highly recommended. The book explains the thought process behind the choices made in the deck's design. For example, understanding why the Hanged Man became the Celtic Owl helps the reader grasp the deeper symbolic intent. Toney Brooks’ writing is described as energetic and packed with wisdom, making the study of the deck an engaging experience. The deck also includes a 60-page booklet with instructions for a five-card Pentagram Spread, providing a practical method for readings.
Conclusion
The Chrysalis Tarot represents a convergence of high-quality artistry and profound spiritual intent. It offers a pathway for users to engage with the tarot in a way that is both structurally sound and deeply intuitive. By replacing rigid traditional archetypes with fluid, mythic figures like the Green Man, Gaia, and the Celtic Owl, and by renaming the suits to better reflect their elemental energies, the deck invites a fresh perspective. It serves as a mirror to the soul, reflecting the user's own mythic journey toward healing, empowerment, and peace. For those seeking a deck that prioritizes mindfulness and vibrational attunement, the Chrysalis Tarot stands as a celebrated and award-winning choice.