The Star Spinner Tarot represents a significant evolution in the realm of modern divination, offering a deck designed to bridge the gap between traditional mysticism and contemporary values of inclusivity and diversity. Created by Vietnamese American comic book artist and illustrator Trungles (Trung Le Nguyen), this deck was first published on March 17, 2020, by Chronicle Books. It is described as a modern version of classic tarot mysticism, reinterpreting traditional imagery to reflect a more elaborate and varied modern world. The deck draws inspiration from a wide range of stories, mythology, and fairy tales, aiming to guide users on their personal journeys through a world where fairies play and mermaids yearn.
Unlike many traditional decks, the Star Spinner Tarot explicitly acknowledges the Asian and African origins of the Tarot and addresses the misappropriation powered by imperialism that brought these practices to Europe. This historical awareness is woven into the deck's philosophy, which seeks to decolonize and expand upon the familiar Rider-Waite Smith (RWS) tradition. The deck is celebrated for being "reflective of the Rider-Waite Smith tradition but not tethered to it," offering a breath of fresh air with its bold, vibrant, and dreamy art style. It is marketed as a tool for seasoned tarot users and beginners alike, particularly those seeking a modern, diverse, or LGBTQ+ way to explore tarot.
Deck Composition and Features
The Star Spinner Tarot is a comprehensive set comprising 81 full-color cards and a 160-page guidebook. The inclusion of 81 cards, rather than the standard 78, is a distinctive feature that accommodates multiple Lovers cards. These variations are designed to reflect a wide range of romantic expressions and relationship dynamics, moving beyond the binary interpretations often found in classic decks. The cards are presented in a beautifully designed flip-top box with a magnetic closure, providing secure storage. The card stock is standard size with a matte finish that feels silky to the touch, and the backs are fully reversible, featuring a purple background with spinning stars bordered by fairies.
The imagery within the deck is characterized by its inclusivity. Trungles uses the art to distort expectations of what sex and gender look like in the body, featuring a "good chunk of skin showing" to challenge normative ideas of fantasy figures. While the deck is praised for its diversity, some critiques note a lack of body-size variation, with figures often appearing thin and petite. The suits remain familiar—Chalices, Coins, Wands, and Swords—but are presented with unique thematic elements. A notable structural change is found in the Court Cards: all Kings are depicted as animals. For example, the Wands suit features a Raven King, the Coins suit a Rabbit King, the Chalices suit a Dragon King, and the Swords suit a Finch or Robin-like bird King.
Spiritual and Divinatory Applications
The Star Spinner Tarot is designed for divination and personal guidance. The deck utilizes the metaphor of the "star wheel" to evoke connections, paths, and journeys. Each of the 78 cards (plus the additional Lovers variations) features a unique star wheel design based on the star wheel spread. This spread is specifically intended to give the reader insight into the question they are focusing on. The guidebook provides the necessary framework for understanding these symbols and applying them to readings.
The deck's energy is described as honest and positive. Reviews suggest that while the deck acknowledges when things are tough, it ultimately delivers a feeling of positivity. It is viewed as a "friend who tells it like it is but helps you to feel positive about it." This makes it a suitable tool for individuals seeking clarity and reassurance in their lives. The symbolism is thoughtful, and the representation is designed to make users feel included, which is a core aspect of its spiritual utility.
The Role of Trungles in Modern Mysticism
Trungles (Trung Le Nguyen) is a celebrated artist whose work explores diaspora stories, LGBTQ+ themes, and the role of fairy tales in the popular imagination. His background in comic books and graphic novels informs the narrative quality of the Star Spinner Tarot. By contributing to publications such as Oni Press, Boom! Studios, and Image Comics, as well as the blog The Nerds of Color and the podcast Asian America, Trungles has established a reputation for creating art that resonates with modern, diverse audiences. His intentionality in the guidebook regarding the origins of Tarot underscores a respectful and ethical approach to spiritual practice, aligning with a holistic view of energy that honors historical roots.
Practical Considerations for Users
For those interested in acquiring or using the Star Spinner Tarot, the deck is positioned as an ideal gift or self-purchase. It is frequently recommended alongside other modern decks such as the Prism Oracle Deck, The Modern Witch Tarot, The Sacred Self-Care Oracle, and Mystic Mondays Tarot. The deck is accessible to beginners due to its connection to the RWS tradition, yet it offers enough unique interpretation to engage experienced readers. The guidebook serves as a crucial companion, providing the context needed to navigate the deck's inclusive imagery and star wheel spreads.
The deck's aesthetic—dreamy, striking, and poignant—contributes to the user experience, allowing for a "magical world of fairies and mysteries" to unfold during readings. This immersive quality supports the holistic goal of personal growth and spiritual well-being, providing a space for breathing room and introspection in a complex world.
Conclusion
The Star Spinner Tarot stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of spiritual tools, blending ancient divination practices with modern sensibilities. Through the vision of Trungles, it offers an inclusive, diverse, and aesthetically pleasing approach to tarot reading. By expanding the traditional Lovers cards to encompass a spectrum of romantic expression and by reimagining Court Cards as animals, the deck invites users to explore their paths with fresh eyes. It serves as a bridge between the familiar and the fantastic, guiding individuals toward personal insight and harmony in a way that honors both tradition and the diversity of the modern human experience.