The Spiral Tarot deck, created by artist Kay Steventon and published by U.S. Games Systems Inc., represents a unique interpretation of traditional tarot symbolism, blending ancient mythological imagery with contemporary artistic expression. This deck offers a visually immersive experience designed to convey the mysteries of the subconscious through a spiraling journey of life experience. It is characterized by its intricate artwork, which draws upon diverse cultural traditions including Ancient Celtic, Roman, and Greek myths, providing a rich tapestry for spiritual reflection and divinatory practice.
The deck consists of 78 cards, adhering to the standard Tarot structure, and is printed on high-quality cardstock. The visual presentation is distinct; at first glance, the cards resemble a gorgeously illustrated coloring book rather than standard playing cards. The imagery is described as saturated, dreamy, and engaging, with many cards featuring a matte finish. The color palette is notably vibrant and complex, contrasting with the plainer, often "banal" colors of the traditional Rider-Waite deck. This aesthetic choice is intended to energetically pull the viewer into the scenes, allowing for a deeper intuitive connection. The deck is packaged in a red cardboard box, and the cards are unsleeved, making them stand out among other decks. A unique interactive feature is the inclusion of a spiral hole on each card; with the provided card protector, the cards can be played like a xylophone, adding a tactile dimension to the spiritual tool.
Symbolic Framework and Imagery
The core meaning of the Spiral Tarot deck is rooted in the concept of the spiral as a metaphor for the human journey. Steventon compares The Fool's journey through the Tarot to the spiraling process of life experience. The Major Arcana cards are presented as universal archetypes, utilizing a mixture of Middle Eastern, Arthurian, and Mediterranean myths to describe the message of each card. This approach reflects the sum of the journey through life and analyzes the symbolic importance of all characters and stages that influence human development.
The imagery is not limited to one tradition. While the deck is often associated with Celtic wisdom, the source material notes that Steventon mixes things up, acknowledging that Celts were historically present throughout the Mediterranean, not just in the British Isles. This fusion of traditions allows the deck to tap into the unconscious mind, making it a gem for the serious tarot reader and a potential gateway into the rich tradition of tarot imagery.
The Minor Arcana cards also receive praise for their complexity and depth. Unlike some other symbolic decks, such as the Haindl Tarot or the Druidcraft Tarot, the Spiral Tarot maintains a balance between symbolic richness and intuitive accessibility. While the Haindl Tarot is noted for having more symbolic depth in its trump cards, its coloring is described as too thin to draw the viewer in strongly, and its Minor Arcana are seen as disappointing due to their simplistic, impersonal, and geometric style. The Druidcraft Tarot, though vibrant and rich in color, is viewed as too concrete, lacking the "dark corners" or unknown spaces where intuition can work beyond the known senses. Similarly, the Arthurian Tarot by Caitlin Matthews, while colorful, is often described as feeling lonely or lacking human presence, with scenes that are highly detailed and concrete without enough shadows for unknown things to form.
In contrast, the Spiral Tarot strikes a balance. The images are described as complex and saturated, yet they retain an element of mystery. The presence of "dark corners" allows the intuition to fill in the gaps, creating a more personal and engaging reading experience. The cards are compelling, rendering traditional depictions of the trumps and Minor Arcana in a way that feels more immediate and energetically potent.
User Experience and Divinatory Application
Reviews and user experiences highlight the deck's ability to provide insightful and meaningful readings. One long-term user, reading tarot since 2003, noted that this deck is the most "in tune" with them, praising the imagery, colors, and the design of the card backs. The back of the card features a solid sky blue background with two thin gold lines around the edge and a fancy "S" with spiral ends in the center. This design can be inverted, which is a standard consideration for tarot readers.
The reading experience is described as direct and forward. Users report that the cards can be "cheeky" and "put it right out there," requiring less time to contemplate the meaning compared to other decks. This suggests the deck is particularly effective for readers seeking clear, unambiguous guidance. The inclusion of a companion book, though noted as out of production, and a "little white booklet" provides basic guidance, but the deck's imagery is intuitive enough to stand on its own for many users.
The deck's physical dimensions are slightly larger than a standard playing card, measuring 2.75 x 4.15 inches (70 x 105 mm), making them easy to handle during readings. The card stock quality and the matte finish on specific cards contribute to the tactile and visual appeal. The overall consensus among users is that the deck is beautiful, immersive, and highly effective for both personal reflection and professional readings.
Integration into Spiritual Practice
For spiritual seekers and individuals interested in holistic energy harmonization, the Spiral Tarot serves as a tool for introspection. The spiral motif itself is a powerful symbol of growth, evolution, and the cyclical nature of life. By engaging with the deck, users are invited to explore the "spiraling mysteries of the subconscious." The deck's ability to connect the reader with the unconscious mind is a recurring theme in its evaluation.
The deck's reliance on universal archetypes allows it to transcend specific cultural boundaries, making it accessible to a global audience. The mixture of myths—Arthurian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern—ensures that the symbolism resonates on a broad psychological level. This aligns with the principles of holistic energy work, where the goal is to find balance and harmony through an understanding of underlying universal patterns.
While the deck is traditional in its adherence to the Rider-Waite structure, its artistic departure offers a fresh perspective. It is suitable for those who appreciate traditional tarot but seek a more visually stimulating and emotionally engaging interface. The "spiritually enhanced meaning" mentioned in reviews suggests that the deck is designed not just for divination, but for spiritual connection and personal growth.
Technical Specifications and Availability
The Spiral Tarot deck is manufactured by U.S. Games Systems Inc. and was first released on September 1, 1998. The cards are printed in Italy (as of August 2013). The deck is available in English and includes a 32-page booklet by Kay Steventon, measuring 2.65 x 4 inches. The deck is widely available through various retailers, including online platforms like Amazon and specialty stores such as the Astrology Center of America.
The deck's design is unique enough to stand out in a collection. The red cardboard box packaging is distinct, and the lack of card sleeves is noted as a feature that makes the deck immediately accessible. The interactive aspect—the ability to play the cards as a xylophone—is a novelty that adds a playful element to the spiritual practice, potentially serving as a method to break the ice or engage the senses in a different way during a session.
Conclusion
The Spiral Tarot deck by Kay Steventon is a visually rich and symbolically complex tool for divination and spiritual exploration. It successfully blends the familiarity of traditional tarot structures with an artistic style that is immersive, vibrant, and evocative of ancient myths. By focusing on the spiral as a metaphor for life's journey and utilizing a mix of Celtic, Roman, and Greek imagery, the deck provides a unique medium for accessing the subconscious. Its directness in readings and its ability to engage the intuitive faculties make it a valuable asset for both novice and experienced tarot readers. The deck stands as a testament to the evolving nature of tarot art, offering a compelling alternative to standard decks while maintaining a respectful connection to the tradition's roots.