The Tarot of Mystical Moments, published in 2020 by U.S Games Systems, Inc., represents a distinct departure from traditional Tarot decks through its unique artistic vision and conceptual framework. Created by artist Catrin Welz-Stein over a span of three years, this 83-card deck is characterized by its lush, surreal imagery and a strong emphasis on feminine energy. Unlike standard Tarot systems, the deck was designed with an intuitive approach where the artist discovered the meaning of each card as the creative process unfolded. This methodology resulted in a deck that, while rooted in the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) system, offers a fresh, whimsical, and often unconventional interpretation of archetypal symbols.
The defining feature of the Tarot of Mystical Moments is its inclusion of five extra cards that re-imagine traditionally male figures as female. Specifically, the deck provides female versions of The Emperor and the four Kings (Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles). This expansion brings the total card count to 83, though the creator suggests removing these additional cards before performing readings. The artistic style utilizes collage techniques, combining old paintings, photographs, and illustrations to create dreamlike visuals that evoke powerful emotions and trigger intuition. The deck is unapologetically female-oriented, offering inclusivity in representation regarding culture and body types.
Artistic Philosophy and Design
The visual language of the Tarot of Mystical Moments is defined by its borderless design and silver gilded edges, which measure approximately 13cm x 8cm. The cards are noted for their large size and slippery texture, though they fan easily. The collage technique results in images that do not reveal their meanings immediately; rather, they require contemplation of the sensations and feelings they evoke. For instance, the imagery often represents suits in non-traditional ways, such as the Three of Wands depicting the "three" as tentacle braids.
The accompanying 96-page guidebook provides upright and reversed meanings for each card. While the book does not contain card images, it allocates a full page to each card, explaining the artistic intent followed by keywords. Notably, the keywords for the male and female versions of the Kings and The Emperor remain identical, suggesting that the energy of the card is consistent regardless of the gender representation.
The Major Arcana
The Major Arcana follows the standard RWS titling and ordering (Strength VIII and Justice XI). The imagery in the Major Arcana is particularly strong, with many users reporting a deep connection to cards such as The High Priestess.
The High Priestess
In this deck, The High Priestess depicts a woman standing behind bold red curtains, with a ship sailing on waves in front of her skirt. According to the guidebook, the ship in the waves represents "intuition that guides you on your journey of self-knowledge and understanding." This image serves as a powerful symbol of the subconscious mind and the navigational force of inner wisdom.
The Emperor
The deck features two distinct versions of The Emperor: a traditional male representation and a female version. The female Emperor is depicted as a giantess holding many leashes with humans at the end. This imagery suggests a different interpretation of authority and control compared to the male version, emphasizing a matriarchal or encompassing form of governance.
The Sun and The Lovers
While the deck is generally well-received, some users have noted difficulty connecting with specific cards, particularly XIX The Sun and VI The Lovers. Although The Sun is visually beautiful, some readers find it lacks the traditional energy and joy associated with the card. Similarly, The Lovers card may not resonate as strongly with all users compared to other majors.
The Minor Arcana and Suit Interpretations
The Tarot of Mystical Moments adheres to the traditional four suits: Wands, Cups, Pentacles (referred to as Coins in the guidebook), and Swords. The deck maintains the standard court card structure of Page, Knight, Queen, and King. However, the artistic representation often challenges traditional gender norms and visual cues.
Wands
The suit of Wands explores themes of action, creativity, and will. The Ace of Wands introduces a burst of creative potential, while the Three of Wands uses the visual metaphor of tentacle braids to represent the number three, looking forward to the future.
Cups
The suit of Cups focuses on emotions, relationships, and intuition. The Ace of Cups signifies the flow of emotional energy, while the Two of Cups represents partnership dynamics. The imagery in these cards often blends surreal elements with emotional depth, requiring the reader to look beyond standard symbolism.
Swords
The suit of Swords deals with the realm of the mind, conflict, and clarity. Cards such as the Three of Swords (often depicting separation or sorrow) and the Eight of Swords (confinement) are rendered with the deck's signature collage style, adding layers of nuance to traditional meanings.
Pentacles/Coins
The suit of Pentacles (Coins) addresses material matters, work, and physical reality. The Ace of Pentacles introduces opportunities for prosperity and grounding, while the Ten of Pentacles represents long-term security and legacy. The visual style softens the often rigid imagery of the suit, inviting a more holistic view of material well-being.
The Extra Cards: A Feminine Reinterpretation
The inclusion of five extra cards is a significant aspect of this deck's identity. These cards were originally created because the artist had designed a deck where the Kings and The Emperor were all female. To accommodate readers who prefer traditional gender representations, these five female cards were added as extras.
- Female Emperor: A giantess figure representing authority and control in a matriarchal context.
- Female King of Wands: Represents leadership in creative or entrepreneurial ventures.
- Female King of Cups: Represents leadership in emotional or intuitive matters.
- Female King of Swords: Represents leadership in intellectual or legal matters.
- Female King of Pentacles: Represents leadership in material or financial matters.
These cards allow readers to choose the representation that resonates most with the querent or the situation, reinforcing the deck's theme of inclusivity and feminine energy.
Practical Considerations for Readers
For those choosing to work with the Tarot of Mystical Moments, several practical aspects are noted by users:
- Shuffling and Handling: Due to the silver gilded edges and large size, the cards can be slippery. However, they fan easily, which aids in spreading.
- Borderless Design: The lack of borders is a preferred feature for many readers, as it allows the imagery to flow uninterrupted.
- Guidebook Utility: While the guidebook lacks images, it provides essential keywords and artistic interpretations. It is recommended to spend time studying the imagery and the artist's narrative to fully grasp the card's intent.
- Deck Composition: Users can choose to use the standard 78 cards or incorporate the 5 extra cards, effectively creating an 83-card deck. The guidebook suggests removing the extras for readings, but the choice remains subjective.
Conclusion
The Tarot of Mystical Moments stands out as a unique contribution to the world of divination tools. By prioritizing intuitive artistic expression over rigid traditionalism, Catrin Welz-Stein has created a deck that speaks directly to the subconscious. Its strong feminine energy, inclusive representation, and surreal collage imagery make it a powerful tool for those seeking to deepen their intuitive practice. While it remains rooted in the Rider-Waite-Smith system, it challenges the reader to engage with the cards on a sensory and emotional level, offering a fresh perspective on timeless archetypes.