The world of Tarot offers a rich tapestry of symbolism, archetypes, and guidance for those seeking insight into their life paths. Among the various decks available, the Spiral Tarot Deck by artist Kay Steventon stands out for its unique blend of traditional structure and mythical imagery. This deck provides a visually stunning and spiritually enhanced tool for readings, drawing upon ancient wisdom to explore the mysteries of the subconscious. By examining the deck's characteristics, its artistic influences, and the meanings of its cards, one can gain a deeper appreciation for its potential as a guide for personal reflection and understanding.
The Spiral Tarot Deck: An Overview
The Spiral Tarot Deck is a complete set of 78 cards, adhering to the standard structure used in traditional Tarot readings. It is manufactured by U.S. Games Systems Inc. and was first released on September 1, 1998. The deck is designed to be accessible to both seasoned Tarot enthusiasts and newcomers to the practice, offering a fresh perspective on a classic art form. Its physical dimensions are slightly larger than a standard playing card, measuring approximately 2.75 x 4.15 inches (70 x 105 mm), making it a substantial tool for handling and viewing.
A defining characteristic of the deck is its visual presentation. The cards feature a simple, modern design with a gorgeous black and gold spiral pattern on the back. This spiral motif is not merely decorative; it is a central theme that connects the deck to ancient Celtic traditions. The artwork on the front of the cards is described as intricate, with many cards possessing a matte finish. The color palette for the Major Arcana cards is particularly noted for being bright, vibrant, and eye-catching. The overall aesthetic has been compared to that of a gorgeously illustrated coloring book, highlighting its artistic and engaging nature. The deck comes packaged in a red cardboard box, and the cards are printed on both sides.
Artistic Vision and Authorial Intent
The creator of the Spiral Tarot Deck is Kay Steventon, who is credited as the author and artist. Steventon has produced this deck with a focus on uniquely symbolic artwork that employs ancient Celtic wisdom to delve into the subconscious. The artistic vision is to combine traditional Tarot symbolism with subtle, contemporary art, creating a bridge between the old and the new.
The inclusion of a 32-page booklet by Steventon provides essential context for the deck. This booklet explains the philosophical underpinnings of the artwork and offers guidance on interpretation. The central concept presented is the comparison of The Fool's journey through the Tarot to the spiraling process of life experience. This framework suggests that the deck is designed to reflect the cyclical and evolving nature of human development.
The Spiral Motif and Celtic Influence
The spiral is a powerful and ancient symbol, and its prominence in this deck is intentional. The back of each card features a design that mirrors "cup & ring" marks found on surviving Celtic stone carvings. These carvings, which include left-hand spirals spinning off into right-hand spirals, are a direct link to the artistic and spiritual heritage of the Celts, who were historically present not only in the British Isles but also throughout the Mediterranean, including places like Corsica.
Kay Steventon draws heavily on this mixed Celtic heritage to enrich the deck's symbolism. The deck's Major Arcana presents universal archetypes through a fusion of myths from Middle Eastern, Arthurian, and Mediterranean traditions. This approach reflects the sum of the human journey through life, analyzing the symbolic importance of the characters and stages that influence our development.
Major Arcana: A Mythical Journey
The Major Arcana of the Spiral Tarot Deck follows the traditional order but reinterprets each card through a specific mythical figure. The accompanying booklet describes these associations, providing a unique lens for understanding each card's message. The following table outlines the specific mythical figures assigned to the first nine cards of the Major Arcana in this deck:
| Card Number | Card Name | Associated Mythical Figure |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | The Fool | Perceval |
| I | The Magician | Hermes |
| II | The High Priestess | Sophia |
| III | The Empress | Eve |
| IV | The Emperor | Arthur |
| V | The Hierophant | Chiron (Centaur or Planetoid) |
| VI | The Lovers | (Not specified in source data) |
| VII | The Chariot | (Not specified in source data) |
| VIII | Strength | (Not specified in source data) |
This integration of diverse myths demonstrates the deck's aim to be universal, drawing from a wide well of human storytelling to convey the timeless lessons of the Tarot.
Understanding Card Meanings: The Minor Arcana
While the Major Arcana focuses on life's major spiritual lessons and archetypal journeys, the Minor Arcana addresses the day-to-day aspects of life. The Spiral Tarot Deck's Minor Arcana is described as following the traditional meanings, similar to those found in the Rider-Waite system. The deck uses the standard four suits: Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands. The face cards are also traditional: King, Queen, Knight, and Princess.
For those seeking to understand the core meanings of the Tarot's Major Arcana, which form the foundation of any reading, the following interpretations are provided. These descriptions capture the essence of each card in its upright and reversed positions, offering a general guide to the energies they represent.
The Fool (0)
- Upright: Innocence, new beginnings, free spirit.
- Reversed: Recklessness, being taken advantage of, inconsideration.
The Magician (I)
- Upright: Willpower, desire, creation, manifestation.
- Reversed: Trickery, illusions, being out of touch.
The High Priestess (II)
- Upright: Intuitive, unconscious, inner voice.
- Reversed: Lack of center, lost inner voice, repressed feelings.
The Empress (III)
- Upright: Motherhood, fertility, nature.
- Reversed: Dependence, smothering, emptiness, nosiness.
The Emperor (IV)
- Upright: Authority, structure, control, fatherhood.
- Reversed: Tyranny, rigidity, coldness.
The Hierophant (V)
- Upright: Tradition, conformity, morality, ethics.
- Reversed: Rebellion, subversiveness, new approaches.
The Lovers (VI)
- Upright: Partnerships, duality, union.
- Reversed: Loss of balance, one-sidedness, disharmony.
The Chariot (VII)
- Upright: Direction, control, willpower.
- Reversed: Lack of control, lack of direction, aggression.
Strength (VIII)
- Upright: Inner strength, bravery, compassion, focus.
- Reversed: Self-doubt, weakness, insecurity.
The Hermit (IX)
- Upright: Contemplation, search for truth, inner guidance.
- Reversed: Loneliness, isolation, lost your way.
The Wheel of Fortune (X)
- Upright: Change, cycles, inevitable fate.
- Reversed: No control, clinging to control, bad luck.
Justice (XI)
- Upright: Cause and effect, clarity, truth.
- Reversed: Dishonesty, unaccountability, unfairness.
The Hanged Man (XII)
- Upright: Sacrifice, release, martyrdom.
- Reversed: Stalling, needless sacrifice, fear of sacrifice.
Death (XIII)
- Upright: End of cycle, beginnings, change, metamorphosis.
- Reversed: Fear of change, holding on, stagnation, decay.
Temperance (XIV)
- Upright: Middle path, patience, finding meaning.
- Reversed: Extremes, excess, lack of balance.
The Devil (XV)
- Upright: Addiction, materialism, playfulness.
- Reversed: Freedom, release, restoring control.
The Tower (XVI)
- Upright: Sudden upheaval, broken pride, disaster.
- Reversed: Disaster avoided, delayed disaster, fear of suffering.
The Star (XVII)
- Upright: Hope, faith, rejuvenation.
- Reversed: Faithlessness, discouragement, insecurity.
The Moon (XVIII)
- Upright: Unconscious, illusions, intuition.
- Reversed: Confusion, fear, misinterpretation.
The Sun (XIX)
- Upright: Joy, success, celebration, positivity.
- Reversed: Negativity, depression, sadness.
Judgment (XX)
- Upright: Reflection, reckoning, awakening.
- Reversed: Lack of self-awareness, doubt, self-loathing.
The World (XXI)
- Upright: Fulfillment, harmony, completion.
- Reversed: Incompletion, no closure.
Features and User Experience
The Spiral Tarot Deck offers several features that enhance the user experience. The cards are interactive; each card has a spiral hole, and an included card protector allows the user to play the cards like a xylophone. This unique feature adds a tactile and auditory dimension to the practice, moving beyond purely visual interpretation.
The deck is praised for its ability to provide insightful and meaningful readings. The "seductive" color imagery and "subtly potent" symbolism are designed to unfold meanings that tap directly into the unconscious. This makes the deck a valuable tool for serious tarot readers seeking a fresh perspective, as well as a perfect gateway for those new to the rich tradition of Tarot imagery. The deck's design encourages the user to pause and look before drawing a card, fostering a more mindful and deliberate approach to the reading process.
Conclusion
The Spiral Tarot Deck, created by Kay Steventon, is a beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully designed tool for divination and self-reflection. It successfully merges the traditional structure of the 78-card Tarot with a unique artistic vision rooted in Celtic wisdom and universal myths. Through its vibrant imagery, interactive elements, and the spiraling journey of the Major Arcana, the deck offers a spiritually enhanced medium for exploring the subconscious and understanding the various energies that influence life's path. It stands as an elegant and potent gem for those looking to engage with the timeless wisdom of the Tarot in a fresh and captivating way.