The Illuminated Tarot, created by Caitlin Keegan in 2017, presents a unique approach to divination and gameplay. Although frequently referred to as a Tarot deck, the Illuminated Tarot is technically classified as an Oracle deck consisting of 53 cards. This distinction is significant for practitioners, as the structure and composition differ from the traditional 78-card Tarot system. The deck is designed to be accessible, allowing users to seek answers to complicated questions and gain guidance before uncertain ventures. The definition of the deck's name—illuminate—suggests the primary purpose of the cards: to shine a light on something to make it more visible. While traditional decks often rely on the esoteric traditions of secret societies, such as the Hermetic Tarot, the Illuminated Tarot focuses on modern reading and divination without requiring knowledge of complex laws or rituals.
The deck follows the structure of a standard deck of playing cards, utilizing the suits of spades, diamonds, hearts, and clubs. These suits correspond respectively to the traditional Tarot suits of swords, pentacles, cups, and wands. The cards are numbered from 1 to 10 and include the face cards of jack, queen, and king. The 53rd card is the Joker, which is designated as number 0 and corresponds to The Fool in traditional Tarot. The artwork is characterized as fun, fanciful, and colorful, with some reviewers noting a style that resembles adult coloring books. The imagery is bidimensional and color-rich, ranging from naive to surreal. The guidebook provided with the deck is minimalist and colorful, offering keywords in bright block letters rather than extensive symbolism. This approach encourages readers to rely on their own impressions and intuition rather than being distracted by heavy traditional symbolism.
Deck Structure and Card Correspondences
The Illuminated Tarot integrates the Major Arcana into the meanings of specific cards within the minor suits, a feature that distinguishes it from standard playing card decks. This integration is determined by the creator using numerological correspondence and intuition based on traditional card meanings. For example, the Ace of Diamonds corresponds to the World card, imparting meanings of peace, travel, and open-mindedness. This differs from the traditional Ace of Pentacles, which focuses on new beginnings, money, and practical matters. The inclusion of Major Arcana themes within the minor suits allows for a layered reading experience, though it is noted that using this deck will not necessarily help a new reader learn traditional Tarot meanings in a strict sense.
The deck includes "crics," which correspond to the Pages of the Tarot, but it notably does not include the Knights (or cavaliers). This omission alters the dynamic of the deck, removing the element of movement and action associated with the Knight cards in traditional Tarot. The deck is often described as a "double deck" when paired with The Illuminated Playing Cards, also by Caitlin Keegan, offering further versatility for users.
Suit Correspondences
- Spades: Correspond to the suit of Swords.
- Diamonds: Correspond to the suit of Pentacles.
- Hearts: Correspond to the suit of Cups.
- Clubs: Correspond to the suit of Wands.
Major Arcana Integration Examples
- Ace of Diamonds: Corresponds to the World card (Peace, Travel, Open-mindedness).
- 10 of Spades: Corresponds to the Judgment card (Waking up, New beginnings).
Interpretive Methodology and Intuition
The Illuminated Tarot is designed to be accessible to beginners who trust their intuition, yet it offers depth for seasoned readers. The guidebook provides brief explanations of the origins of Tarot and cartomancy, along with a few spreads to try. However, the primary mode of interpretation relies on the keywords provided on the cards. The minimalist nature of the guidebook suggests that the deck is intended to spark the reader's own insights rather than provide rigid definitions.
For seasoned readers, the deck offers "divine possibilities," though patience is required due to its unique structure. The limited number of cards (53 compared to the standard 78) makes it a "complicated deck" in terms of what is omitted (such as the Knights) and how the Major Arcana is woven into the minor suits. Readers familiar with the Rider-Waite system may find they can apply and expand traditional meanings, but the deck stands on its own as an Oracle system.
Reversed Cards
A technical aspect of the Illuminated Tarot is the handling of reversed cards. Unlike many Tarot decks where reversals carry specific negative or blocked energies, some cards in the Illuminated Tarot appear identical whether upright or reversed. For example, the Joker (Fool) looks the same in both positions. However, other cards do feature differences when reversed. An example provided is the 10 of Diamonds, which uses a bright yellow color on the top half and a darker blue-green on the bottom half. In other instances, the differences may be extremely subtle, such as the Ace of Diamonds where Saturn appears on top but not on the bottom. This inconsistency in design regarding reversals is a noted characteristic of the deck.
Specific Card Meanings and Comparisons
The Illuminated Tarot often shifts the focus of traditional Tarot meanings, emphasizing positive aspects or different nuances. A clear example is the 10 of Spades, which corresponds to both the Rider-Waite 10 of Swords and the Judgment card.
The 10 of Spades vs. Rider-Waite 10 of Swords
- Rider-Waite Focus: The 10 of Swords traditionally focuses on endings, often depicted as a figure lying on the ground stabbed in the back, with a sunrise in the background symbolizing the dawn of a new day after a painful conclusion.
- Illuminated Tarot Focus: The 10 of Spades features a beautiful picture of a rooster. The meaning assigned is "waking up," with a stronger emphasis on new beginnings rather than the painful endings. This aligns with the Judgment card's theme of awakening and resurrection.
The Ace of Diamonds vs. Ace of Pentacles
- Rider-Waite Focus: The Ace of Pentacles represents new beginnings in the material world, money, practical matters, and prosperity.
- Illuminated Tarot Focus: The Ace of Diamonds corresponds to the World card. The keywords are peace, travel, and open-mindedness. The guidebook does not mention money or practical matters, shifting the interpretation toward a more holistic, global perspective.
Practical Application and Holistic Energy
While the Illuminated Tarot is a tool for divination, it operates within the broader context of holistic energy work. The deck's emphasis on intuition aligns with the spiritual principle that the seeker holds the answers within. The cards act as a mirror or a light to illuminate the subconscious. For those interested in holistic living, this deck offers a way to engage with daily energies without the heavy esoteric baggage of some traditional systems.
The deck is suitable for both gameplay and divination. As an Oracle deck, it is less bound by strict rules and more by the creative connection between the user and the imagery. The inclusion of animals, such as the rooster in the 10 of Spades, adds an earthy, natural element to the readings, which can be beneficial for those seeking to connect with nature's rhythms.
Considerations for Use
- Intuition: Essential for interpreting the minimalist keywords.
- Visual Association: The colorful imagery is designed to trigger emotional and intuitive responses.
- Flexibility: The deck allows for personal interpretation of the Major Arcana integration.
- Consistency: Users must adapt to the inconsistent handling of reversed cards.
Conclusion
The Illuminated Tarot by Caitlin Keegan is a distinct and vibrant addition to the world of cartomancy. It bridges the gap between traditional Tarot and modern Oracle decks, offering a 53-card system that is colorful, intuitive, and accessible. While it deviates from the strict structure and meanings of the Rider-Waite system—omitting the Knights and integrating Major Arcana meanings into the minor suits—it provides a valid method for seeking guidance and illumination. The deck encourages users to trust their own intuition, using the provided keywords and imagery as a springboard for personal insight. Whether used for simple gameplay or deep divination, the Illuminated Tarot serves as a tool to "shine a light" on the path ahead, emphasizing new beginnings and open-mindedness over rigid traditional interpretations.