The Wonderland Tarot is a distinctive 78-card deck that creatively merges the traditional structure of Tarot with the whimsical, symbolic world of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. Created by Morgana Abbey and Chris Abbey, this deck offers a unique tool for introspection and guidance. It reimagines classic Tarot archetypes through the eccentric lens of Wonderland characters, such as Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the Cheshire Cat. The artwork pays homage to Sir John Tenniel, the original Victorian illustrator of Carroll’s works, providing a visual experience that is both charming and deeply rooted in literary history. This deck is designed for a wide audience, ranging from seasoned Tarot readers seeking a story-rich addition to their collection to beginners drawn to the magic and symbolism of Wonderland.
The deck’s structure adheres to the conventional Tarot format while introducing playful thematic variations. It consists of 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana cards. The Major Arcana follows the sequence and labels established by A. E. Waite, ensuring familiarity for those versed in the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) system. The creators have updated Sir John Tenniel’s classic illustrations to align with the RWS visual structure, providing a bridge between the whimsical theme and traditional Tarot symbolism. The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits, but with a significant thematic alteration. The traditional suits are re-imagined as follows: swords are represented by flamingos, rods by peppermills, cups by hats, and pentacles by oysters. To further enhance accessibility, the playing-card equivalent for each Minor Arcana card is noted in the borders of the cards (e.g., the Five of Flamingos is marked as the Five of Spades). This feature allows individuals with experience in playing card cartomancy to utilize the deck with ease. The numbered suit cards are identified in standard playing card fashion, adding another layer of familiarity.
The artwork and symbolism are central to the deck's appeal. Morgana Abbey’s illustrations are described as charming, cartoony, and whimsical, yet they carry a deeper symbolic weight. Each card re-casts a Tarot archetype through a Wonderland character, turning figures like the Walrus and the Carpenter, the March Hare, the Mock Turtle, and the Cheshire Cat into guides and reflections during readings. Lewis Carroll himself appears as the Magician in the Major Arcana. The deck’s aesthetic is praised for its tribute to the original Victorian style, offering a nostalgic yet fresh perspective. The cards measure approximately 2 3/8" by 3 3/4", a size that is easy to handle and shuffle. The deck is packaged in a tin, which not only protects the cards but also adds to its portability and charm. A notable design feature is the inclusion of two title cards that are mirror images of each other, a nod to Through the Looking-Glass. One card provides standard deck information, while its mirror image can only be read normally when viewed through a mirror, adding a layer of interactive Wonderland-themed fun.
For those seeking to use the deck for personal insight, the Wonderland Tarot is described as a fully functional Tarot deck. It is particularly well-suited for creative expression and can be an excellent choice for readings with friends or in situations where traditional Tarot imagery might feel too serious or intimidating. The deck is often recommended for its cheerful and colorful nature, making it a tool that can be used for fun, for children, or for individuals who find traditional Tarot cards uncomfortable. The guidebook, a 56-page companion included in the tin, plays a crucial role in understanding the deck. It begins with a quick overview before diving into detailed card interpretations. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to animal and fairy themes present within the deck. For those unfamiliar with the Lewis Carroll stories, the guidebook is particularly helpful, as it explains the depiction of characters and offers suggested divinatory meanings. The book helps users explore the cards' messages, which can be both descriptive—recasting classic Wonderland figures in RWS scenarios—and symbolic, furthering the divinatory implications of the cards. The overall experience of using the Wonderland Tarot is one of exploring one's journey with curiosity, depth, and a touch of whimsy, much like Alice’s own adventure down the rabbit hole.
The Wonderland Tarot in Context
While the provided source material focuses exclusively on the Wonderland Tarot, it is important to understand that Tarot is a system of symbolic divination used for centuries to gain insight, clarity, and guidance. Within a holistic framework, tools like Tarot are often viewed as a means to access one's subconscious and reflect on life's circumstances. The Wonderland Tarot, with its unique blend of familiar narrative and archetypal symbolism, offers a specific pathway for this reflection. Its whimsical nature can help to lower defenses and encourage a more open, curious approach to self-discovery. The deck’s adherence to the Rider-Waite-Smith structure ensures that it can be integrated into broader Tarot practices, while its unique suit names and imagery provide a fresh language for interpreting universal human experiences. For individuals interested in holistic energy and personal growth, the deck serves as a creative prompt for journaling, meditation, and thoughtful consideration of one's path. The emphasis on the guidebook underscores the importance of understanding the foundational meanings behind the symbols, a practice that aligns with the disciplined study required in any serious spiritual or divinatory pursuit.
Conclusion
The Wonderland Tarot stands as a unique and imaginative deck that successfully bridges the whimsical world of Lewis Carroll with the structured system of Tarot. Created by Morgana Abbey and Chris Abbey, it offers a visually charming and symbolically rich tool for personal reflection and guidance. By retaining the core structure of the Rider-Waite-Smith system while introducing delightful thematic variations in its suits and imagery, the deck is accessible to both newcomers and experienced readers. Its portability, protective tin packaging, and comprehensive guidebook further enhance its practicality and appeal. Ultimately, the Wonderland Tarot invites users to embark on a journey of self-discovery, using a familiar and beloved narrative to explore the timeless archetypes of the Tarot.