The Tarot Draconis emerges as a distinctive and powerful tarot deck that artfully integrates the primordial energy of dragons with the traditional framework of Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) symbolism. Released by Arcane Studio and published by Llewellyn Publications, this deck is the creation of artist Davide Corsi, known for his work on other fantasy-themed decks such as the Tarot of the Elves and the Vampire Tarot of the Eternal Night. The deck is designed to serve as a potent alternative to standard tarot systems, retaining a romantic and epic flair while guiding users through mystical and spiritual realms with the visionary perception of dragons. It is a 78-card deck, comprising 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana, structured within the classic suits of Chalices, Swords, Pentacles, and Wands. The court cards follow the traditional Knave, Knight, Queen, and King hierarchy.
The core philosophy of the Tarot Draconis is rooted in the legend that dragons are ubiquitous entities, existing in the sky, the sea, and on land. This deck posits that these mythical beasts offer guidance through their visionary wisdom, helping seekers overcome obstacles, guard treasures, win battles, and conquer deep-seated fears. The illustrations, described as having a slick, fantasy graphic style, are computer-generated and heavily inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s depiction of dragons in Middle-earth. While some reviewers find the art beautiful and easy on the eyes, others have noted a strangely lifeless quality to the imagery. The deck’s color coding aligns with elemental associations: Green for Earth (Pentacles), Red for Fire (Wands), Blue for Water (Cups), and Grey for Air (Swords), each representing dragons with special powers invested in their respective elements.
The companion material for the deck generally includes a 64-page little white booklet available in six languages, which provides straightforward explanations for each card. However, a recurring point of critique is the lack of a detailed, individual companion guide for each card, which some users felt would have offered deeper insight into the author’s specific interpretations. Despite this, the guidebook is considered easy to comprehend by many, and the deck is praised for its strong, wise energy. It is generally recommended for users who already possess a foundational understanding of tarot, as the general nature of the provided book may not suffice for absolute beginners seeking in-depth instruction. The deck’s cards are noted to be roughly the size of standard playing cards but slightly thicker, with a paper quality that some reviewers found to be a bit fragile, though others disagreed. The card back design features a gold dragon head in a central circle against a red and black background, designed to be reversible for readings.
The Archetypal Journey: Major Arcana and Suits
The narrative structure of the Tarot Draconis follows the traditional path of the Major Arcana, beginning with the potential of the Fool (0) and culminating in the completion and new beginning of The World (XXI). This journey is framed through the lens of draconic mythology. The Major Arcana cards are populated with renowned dragons from various global regions, representing earth, fire, water, and air elements. The deck’s story is one of archetypal personifications of wisdom, creativity, and fantasy. The dragons within this deck are presented as guides and teachers, inspiring heroism and the navigation of life’s epic battles. The Minor Arcana suits are likewise imbued with draconic themes, with each suit representing a different aspect of life through the power of these winged beasts.
- Chalices (Water): Associated with emotions and relationships, guided by dragons of the deep.
- Swords (Air): Representing intellect, conflict, and clarity, influenced by dragons of the sky.
- Pentacles (Earth): Relating to wealth, career, and the material world, governed by dragons of the land.
- Wands (Fire): Symbolizing creativity, passion, and action, fueled by dragons of fire.
The court cards—Knave, Knight, Queen, and King—within each suit further delineate specific energies and personalities, all filtered through the draconic archetype. This structure allows for a comprehensive reading experience that is familiar to RWS practitioners while offering a fresh, powerful aesthetic and thematic depth.
Reading with the Tarot Draconis: Spreads and Interpretations
The Tarot Draconis is designed for practical application in divination and personal guidance. The cards are intended to reveal what is happening in a person’s life and to identify potential problems or solutions. The deck’s energy is described as strong and wise, making it a suitable tool for introspection and strategic planning. While the provided source material does not offer extensive specific card-by-card meanings, it does describe the general purpose and provides examples of how the deck can be used through specific spreads.
One such spread mentioned is the Dragon’s Breath, a five-card spread that utilizes only the Major Arcana. This spread is designed to identify a neglected goal and illuminate the path to achieving success. Another highlighted spread is the Flight of the Dragon, a six-card spread that can reveal an individual’s life path. These spreads demonstrate the deck’s focus on profound, life-oriented questions rather than minor daily inquiries, aligning with the epic and majestic nature of its draconic theme.
User experiences, as reflected in reviews, suggest that the deck provides "spot on" readings. The imagery is powerful enough that even a simple card like the 2 of Wands can feel as if the dragon is "staring onto my soul," indicating a deep, resonant connection for the user. The art style, with its blend of light and darkness, is particularly appreciated by those who resonate with the dragon theme. The energy of the deck is considered a great asset for those looking to express heroism on their life’s journey.
Practical Considerations and User Experience
When considering the Tarot Draconis for personal or client use, several practical aspects are noted in the source data. The deck is physically well-constructed, coming in a durable, glossy box with an embossed leather texture that is pleasing to the touch. The cards themselves are printed on paper that has been described as both "a little fragile" and not fragile, indicating some variability in production or user perception. They are slightly thicker than standard cards, which may affect shuffling for some individuals.
A significant consideration is the language and depth of the companion guide. While the little white book is available in six languages and is considered straightforward, it is not a comprehensive guide. One reviewer noted that the book was in a language other than English, which could be a barrier. The lack of detailed interpretations for each card means that users are encouraged to rely on their own intuition or knowledge of traditional tarot symbolism to derive meanings. This positions the Tarot Draconis as a deck better suited for intermediate to advanced readers who can bridge the gap between the RWS system and the deck’s unique draconic imagery. For beginners, the general explanations may not provide enough structure to build a solid interpretive foundation.
The deck’s aesthetic, while beautiful to many, is also described as "strangely lifeless" by one reviewer, suggesting that the computer-generated art style may not appeal to all tastes. However, the consensus among fans is that the art is beautiful, the story is compelling, and the energy is palpable. The deck is widely available, with purchasing options listed on platforms like Amazon, making it accessible for those interested in adding it to their collection.
Conclusion
The Tarot Draconis by Davide Corsi stands as a unique fusion of traditional Rider-Waite-Smith tarot structure and the mythological power of dragons. It offers a 78-card system that guides users through a narrative of wisdom, fantasy, and personal heroism. Its strengths lie in its beautiful, epic art style, its strong and wise energetic signature, and its ability to provide profound insights for those who work with it. The elemental color coding and the archetypal journey through the Major Arcana provide a familiar yet refreshed framework for tarot practice. While the deck is highly recommended for its artistic merit and thematic depth, potential users should be aware that the accompanying guidebook is general in nature, making prior tarot experience beneficial. It is a deck for the dragon enthusiast and the seasoned tarot reader seeking a powerful, fantasy-infused tool for divination and spiritual guidance.