The Tarot of the Golden Wheel, created by artist and concept writer Mila Losenko, offers a vibrant immersion into the colors, stories, and style of Slavic culture and Russian fairy tales. Published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. in 2019, this 78-card deck is steeped in Russian fairytale mythology and inspired by traditional Russian Art as well as Art Noveau. Recurring through this vibrant deck are images of the Golden Wheel, a powerful symbol of karma, balance, and nature's infinite cycles. The deck serves as a tool for divination and spiritual exploration, blending the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) structure with unique cultural aesthetics.
The artist, Mila Losenko, originates from the Altai Mountains and holds a degree in Teaching Fine Arts, working as a book illustrator. Her work on the Tarot of the Golden Wheel presents exquisite watercolor paintings that are vivid rather than soft pastels. The deck is designed to be accessible to both beginners and experts, featuring a companion booklet that goes beyond basic card meanings to discuss the Slavic fairytales that form the deck's foundation. This holistic approach to tarot reading aligns with the principles of spiritual guidance and energy balancing, offering users a pathway to deeper intuitive reserves and alignment with their calling.
The Symbolism and Structure of the Deck
The Tarot of the Golden Wheel follows the traditional RWS pattern regarding the numbering of the Major Arcana, with Strength as VIII and Justice as XI. The imagery is fairly true to Waite-Smith symbolism, though it is not a direct clone. It incorporates specific Slavic and Russian folkloric elements, creating a unique visual language for the archetypes of the tarot.
Major Arcana
The Major Arcana cards represent significant life themes and spiritual lessons. In this deck, they are presented through the lens of Russian folklore while maintaining the traditional titles: - The Fool - The Magician - The High Priestess - The Empress - The Emperor - The Hierophant - The Lovers - The Chariot - Strength (VIII) - The Hermit - Wheel of Fortune - Justice (XI) - The Hanged Man - Death - Temperance - The Devil - The Tower - The Star - The Moon - The Sun - Judgement - The World
The Four Suits
The deck retains three standard suit names but renames the Pentacles suit to Wheels, reflecting the central motif of the Golden Wheel and the concept of cycles and movement.
Wands (Wands): - Ace of Wands - Two of Wands - Three of Wands - Four of Wands - Five of Wands - Six of Wands - Seven of Wands - Eight of Wands - Nine of Wands - Ten of Wands - Page of Wands - Knight of Wands - Queen of Wands - King of Wands
Cups (Cups): - Ace of Cups - Two of Cups - Three of Cups - Four of Cups - Five of Cups - Six of Cups - Seven of Cups - Eight of Cups - Nine of Cups - Ten of Cups - Page of Cups - Knight of Cups - Queen of Cups - King of Cups
Swords (Swords): - Ace of Swords - Two of Swords - Three of Swords - Four of Swords - Five of Swords - Six of Swords - Seven of Swords - Eight of Swords - Nine of Swords - Ten of Swords - Page of Swords - Knight of Swords - Queen of Swords - King of Swords
Wheels (formerly Pentacles): - Ace of Wheels - Two of Wheels - Three of Wheels - Four of Wheels - Five of Wheels - Six of Wheels - Seven of Wheels - Eight of Wheels - Nine of Wheels - Ten of Wheels - Page of Wheels - Knight of Wheels - Queen of Wheels - King of Wheels
Physical Characteristics and Quality
The deck is a standard size with smooth, uncolored edges. The cardstock is described as high quality, thick enough to last well, with a silky matte texture that glides perfectly when shuffling. The cards have no borders, though the title is placed at the bottom on a white background. The card backs are reversible and display a beautifully painted Golden Wheel motif, ensuring symmetry for readings where the back of the card is visible.
The companion booklet, often referred to as a "Little White Book" (LWB), is noted for its superior quality compared to standard tarot booklets. It features a beautifully designed cover and contains an introduction to the symbolism used, meanings for all 78 cards, and a bespoke 8-card Golden Wheel Tarot spread. The booklet is considered substantial enough that some users feel no need for a formal guidebook.
Spiritual and Divinatory Applications
The Tarot of the Golden Wheel is designed to assist users in various aspects of spiritual well-being and personal growth. The imagery and symbolism are intended to evoke intuition and connection to nature's cycles.
Gaining New Perspectives
The deck is particularly noted for helping users see new perspectives and surrender to the flow of life. As indicated by an interview with the deck using the Hanged Man archetype, the deck describes itself as offering "New perspectives, surrender." This aligns with the concept of looking at situations from different angles and accepting what cannot be changed.
Overcoming Stagnation and Analysis Paralysis
For individuals feeling stuck or overwhelmed by overthinking, the deck offers support. In the deck's self-descriptive interview using the Eight of Swords, it states, "When you feel stuck or in a state of analysis paralysis, I'm your best friend." This suggests the deck is a tool for breaking free from mental constraints and finding clarity.
Deepening Intuition and Creativity
The Hermit card in the interview indicates the deck's ability to help users "go deeper into your creative and intuitive reserves." This suggests the Tarot of the Golden Wheel serves as a guide for meditation and introspection, tapping into the subconscious mind and artistic potential.
Alignment with Calling
The Judgment card in the interview suggests that working with the deck "will help you stay aligned with your calling." This positions the deck as a tool for life purpose discovery and spiritual realignment.
The Golden Wheel Spread
The companion booklet includes a unique spread called the Golden Wheel Tarot spread. While the specific positions of the 8 cards are not detailed in the provided source material, the existence of this bespoke spread highlights the deck's integrated system of divination. It is designed to work in harmony with the deck's specific symbolism and the concept of the Golden Wheel.
Holistic Approach to Tarot Reading
The Tarot of the Golden Wheel encourages a holistic approach to divination. It is not merely a tool for fortune-telling but a means of connecting with cultural mythology and the cycles of nature. The vivid watercolor artwork is intended to be visually stimulating and emotionally resonant, allowing the reader to access deeper layers of meaning.
The deck appeals to those interested in Slavic culture and fairytales, providing a cultural context that enriches the reading experience. For users of Slavic descent, it offers a way to connect with heritage. For others, it provides an entry point into a rich mythological tradition.
The guidebook's discussion of Slavic fairytales adds an educational layer, transforming the reading process into a journey through folklore. This approach aligns with the principles of holistic energy balancing, where understanding the cultural and historical roots of symbols can enhance their vibrational impact.
Practical Considerations for Users
When selecting a tarot deck for personal growth or professional consultation, the physical and energetic quality of the cards is important. The Tarot of the Golden Wheel offers: - Durability: High-quality cardstock ensures the deck withstands regular use. - Ease of Shuffling: The silky matte finish facilitates smooth handling. - Visual Clarity: The lack of borders and vivid colors allow the imagery to speak directly to the subconscious. - Comprehensive Guidance: The extensive guidebook supports learning and interpretation.
It is important to note that while the deck is based on RWS symbolism, it is not a clone. Readers familiar with RWS will find the structure familiar, but the Slavic artistic influence provides a fresh energetic signature. Users should be prepared to engage with the specific cultural nuances presented by Losenko to fully utilize the deck's potential.
Conclusion
The Tarot of the Golden Wheel by Mila Losenko stands out as a culturally rich and artistically beautiful tool for divination and spiritual exploration. By weaving Slavic folklore with the traditional structure of the Rider-Waite-Smith system, it offers a unique pathway to understanding karma, balance, and the infinite cycles of nature. The deck's high-quality production, comprehensive guidebook, and focus on intuitive depth make it a valuable asset for homeowners, business owners, and spiritual seekers looking to harmonize their energy and gain insight into their personal and professional lives. Whether used for personal reflection or professional consultation, the Golden Wheel serves as a guide to new perspectives, creative flow, and alignment with one's true calling.