Table of Contents
Inspired by rich mythological traditions, Folklore Tarot presents deep universal truths about the nature of our world. Though originating from diverse cultures, the stories of myth and legend share common themes, pathways and archetypes, which are woven into powerful symbols of tarot. Folklore Tarot bridges the gap between the past and the present, bringing the wisdom of ancient beings to guide us on our current journey.
Product description from the publisher
I’m a big fan of mythology, so getting Folklore Tarot was pretty much a no-brainer for me. It’s by Rowan Ortins, who was new to me, but I have to say I was lucky to find their pack on Instagram. Folklore Tarot combines mythological characters with floral patterns in a colourful and joyful way.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Art style is joyful + Beautiful colours + High quality + Amazing guidebook | – Could have included more mythological characters |
About the Creator
Rowan Ortins is a talented and passionate illustrator from the beautiful city of Montreal. Ortins got their education in Illustration & Design at Dawson College. After completing their studies, they worked as an in-house pattern designer at Camelot Fabrics, gaining valuable experience and honing their craft.
In 2021, Ortins decided to take a step further and pursue their dream of working as a freelance illustrator. Their love for illustrating children’s books has been their driving force, and they have created a diverse portfolio that includes picture books, novels, colouring books, a textbook, and a tarot deck. Ortins’ art is visually appealing and thoughtfully crafted, with intricate patterns and details that showcase their exceptional talent and attention to detail.
Ortins enjoy various hobbies that keep their creativity flowing, such as reading, playing D&D, taking long walks through nature parks, and experimenting with colourful makeup looks. They also like spending time with their cat, Truffle.
Cards and the Artwork
Folklore Tarot has 78 cards and is 70×120 mm (2.75×4.75 inches), which means it is standard-sized. The paper quality is not the best I have seen, but it is certainly decent enough to be durable. On the plus side, not using sturdier card stock makes the cards bendy and easy to shuffle. The high-quality box in which the deck comes is also protective of the cards. It also holds the comprehensive guidebook that comes with it.
The main colour of the cards is black, and it fits well on both the front and the back of the cards, as colours play an important role in the mood of this deck. The back of the cards is symmetrical, so the deck can also be used to interpret reversed cards with ease. The owl symbolism on the back is reminiscent of the Minerva or Athenian owl, which adds an element of ancient wisdom to the deck.
The court cards and Major Arcana showcase characters from world mythology, making Folklore Tarot an interesting collection for those who are fascinated by different cultures and mythologies. It would have been nice to have more characters and stories, but instead, the Minor Arcana’s pip cards feature intricate floral elements. Only having special cards for the Major Arcana is not a new thing in the world of tarot decks, so it is acceptable, in my opinion.
Floral patterns are luckily interesting enough on their own to give the deck a nice artistic touch. The colours are just amazingly beautiful. The interplay of floral patterns and mythological elements makes this deck of cards visually appealing and engaging for those who enjoy exploring different themes and art forms.
The Guidebook of Folklore Tarot
The Folklore Tarot’s guidebook is fantastic. It’s the size of a deck of cards, so it fits nicely in a box. The paper is high quality, and although there are 136 pages, they are easy to turn. The art on the covers follows the same colourful pattern as the cards, and it’s easy to see that Ortins has worked as a pattern designer before.
The guidebook starts with a short introduction to the deck’s themes and inspirations. However, the book’s main content is the cards’ descriptions. Two pages are devoted to each Major Arcana card and Court card, so there is plenty of space for information. The Minor Arcana cards have been placed more compactly, and only keywords are mentioned. It’s a bit of a shame, but on the other hand, they don’t have the same mythology connection, so it’s not surprising.
For each “main card”, the guidebook provides keywords and reversed keywords. In addition, there is a brief explanation of the mythological character on the card. Finally, the guidebook gives a symbol for each one, which can be attached to the card. For the Judgement card, for example, it is magnesium because the guidebook often describes angels as bright lights, which brings burning magnesium to mind.
Conclusion
The Folklore Tarot deck is a delightful addition to any mythology enthusiast’s tarot collection. Its vibrant colour scheme and whimsical art style are sure to bring a smile to your face. This deck is perfect for those who enjoy mythology but don’t want to take things too seriously. The Major Arcana cards are especially well done, but the Minor Arcana could use more character representation, in my opinion. However, the intricate floral designs that adorn those cards are still quite beautiful and enjoyable to look at. Overall, the Folklore Tarot is a great choice for anyone looking for a fun and lighthearted tarot deck.
