The tarot world is currently experiencing a fascinating wave of synchronicity, with numerous artists independently creating tattoo-themed tarot decks. Among these captivating creations, the Tattoo Tarot by Megamunden stands out as a truly exceptional and mesmerizing example of this trending theme. This deck beautifully marries the timeless art of tarot with the bold aesthetics of tattoo culture, resulting in a unique and powerful divination tool.
A selection of Major Arcana cards from the Tattoo Tarot deck, showcasing the woodblock print style and vintage tattoo art aesthetic.
While the Tattoo Tarot is inspired by tattoo art, its visual style is strongly reminiscent of medieval woodblock prints, executed with remarkable skill. The artistry displayed in this deck is truly impeccable, a testament to Megamunden’s design talent. For enthusiasts of Marseille-based tarot decks, the Tattoo Tarot quickly becomes a favorite, drawing you in with its intricate imagery and vintage charm.
Close-up view of more Major Arcana cards from the Tattoo Tarot, highlighting the detailed linework and symbolic imagery within the tattoo-inspired designs.
The deck evokes the feeling of a rediscovered historical tarot, deeply rooted in the artistic traditions of the Renaissance. The consistent color palettes within each card suite further enhance this impression, transporting the reader to a fantasy-medieval realm. Yet, the Tattoo Tarot also incorporates modern interpretations, such as the depiction of Key VI, The Lovers, demonstrating a thoughtful blend of classic and contemporary elements.
The Lovers card from the Tattoo Tarot deck, an example of modern interpretation within the medieval woodblock style, showcasing the unique artistic approach.
There’s a distinct artisanal quality to this deck, perfectly aligning with its UK-based publisher, Laurence King Publishing. This synergy between creator and publisher underscores a shared appreciation for handcrafted artistry and a commitment to blending traditional values with cutting-edge creative design.
The World card from the Tattoo Tarot, displaying the full card design with its vintage tattoo and woodcut aesthetic, emphasizing the deck's unique visual style.
Professional tarot readers will find the Tattoo Tarot exceptionally well-suited for client readings. The cards photograph beautifully, thanks to their matte finish, crisp lines, and balanced composition of rich colors against a clean white background. The cardstock is notably high-quality – thick yet smooth, ensuring effortless shuffling and longevity. The overall production value of this deck is truly outstanding, making it a pleasure to handle and use.
A hand shuffling the Tattoo Tarot deck, demonstrating the card size and matte finish, highlighting the deck's usability and high production quality for tarot readings.
The captivating illustrations are the work of Oliver Munden, known as MEGAMUNDEN, whose art possesses a distinct vintage aesthetic. Munden’s signature style involves highly-detailed, meticulously rendered tattoo designs infused with esoteric undertones. Even the pip cards in the Tattoo Tarot feel like magically charged sigils, each carrying a depth of symbolic meaning.
Ace of Swords and Two of Swords cards from the Tattoo Tarot, showcasing the pip card designs with intricate details and the blue/teal color dominance of the Swords suit.
The color palette of the Tattoo Tarot is thoughtfully designed. The Major Arcana cards artfully blend the color tones of all four suits, creating a harmonious visual experience. In contrast, the Minor Arcana suits maintain consistent color dominance: Wands are red, Cups are gold, Swords are blue/teal, and Coins (Pentacles) are green, providing intuitive visual cues for readers.
Five, Six, and Seven of Wands cards from the Tattoo Tarot, illustrating the red color dominance of the Wands suit and the detailed pip card imagery.
The intricate detailing within the pip cards significantly enhances both the aesthetic appeal and interpretive depth of the deck. Notably, the Page cards are titled “Knave,” a traditional designation that resonates with many tarot practitioners.
Knave of Swords card from the Tattoo Tarot, highlighting the unique title "Knave" for the Page court card and the detailed character design within the Swords suit.
The Tattoo Tarot‘s exceptional quality and appeal are no surprise when considering the expertise behind it. The deck benefits from the wisdom and experience of Diana McMahon-Collis, co-founder of TABI, the Tarot Association of the British Isles. McMahon-Collis’s extensive knowledge and insightful approach to tarot are evident in every aspect of this deck.
The Tattoo Tarot guidebook and card box, displaying the full-color guidebook and packaging, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the deck set.
The accompanying guidebook is a valuable resource, printed in full color on glossy pages and packed with insightful content. It offers a purist perspective on card interpretation, which aligns perfectly with the deck’s historical and traditional aesthetic. The deck’s design is so convincingly vintage that one might easily believe it to be a historic tarot from centuries past, save for subtle modern touches in the facial renderings.
Examples of keyword interpretations from the Tattoo Tarot guidebook, featuring cards like The Fool and The Magician, showcasing the insightful keywords chosen for each card.
The keywords thoughtfully chosen for each card in the Tattoo Tarot guidebook add another layer of depth. Examples like “Apathy” for The Fool and “one-man band” and “chatterbox” for The Magician demonstrate the insightful and nuanced interpretations provided. The appearance of a moon goddess archetype in The High Priestess and the description of The Emperor as “immature, rebellious, and of weak character” further illustrate the deck’s unique and thought-provoking perspectives.
Card back design of the Tattoo Tarot, showing the intricate and aesthetically pleasing reversible card back, contributing to the deck's overall visual appeal.
The card back design is also notably captivating, completing the deck’s overall aesthetic harmony. While marketed as a tattoo-inspired tarot, the Tattoo Tarot‘s artistic essence leans more towards medieval woodblock prints. This unique blend makes it exceptionally appealing to those who appreciate both vintage tattoo art and historical tarot aesthetics. It stands as a top choice among tattoo-themed tarot decks, and its strong connection to medieval artistry might even suggest a broader appeal beyond the tattoo niche.
In conclusion, the Tattoo Tarot is an exquisitely executed deck, rendered in a style that pays homage to the masters of the Renaissance. Its beautiful coloring, combined with the insightful guidance of a tarot expert, creates a truly perfected package. This deck is a remarkable addition to any tarot collection and a must-have for those who appreciate the artistry of Tarot Card Tattoos and the rich history of tarot itself.
