The world of tarot is constantly evolving, with new and fascinating themes emerging in deck creation. One particularly captivating trend is the rise of tattoo-themed tarot decks. Among these, the Tattoo Tarot by Megamunden stands out as a truly exceptional example, blending vintage aesthetics with classic tarot symbolism. This deck isn’t just riding the wave; it’s a remarkable piece of art that deserves a closer look.
Major Arcana cards from the Tattoo Tarot deck, showcasing woodblock print style and unique artistic interpretation.
Interestingly, the Major Arcana cards in the Tattoo Tarot deck aren’t arranged in numerical order upon unboxing. This initial deviation from the traditional structure hints at the deck’s artistic focus. However, as we delve deeper, we’ll find that the Minor Arcana suits do adhere to a more conventional sequence. A notable detail within the Major Arcana is the depiction of The Star card, which manages to maintain the symbolic essence of nudity while presenting it with tasteful modesty – a thoughtful touch in contemporary tarot design.
The stated theme is “tattoo-inspired,” but the visual style of this deck evokes a strong sense of medieval woodblock printing. This is not merely an imitation but a masterfully executed artistic choice. Illustrators and art enthusiasts alike will undoubtedly appreciate the design talent evident in each card. For those who favor Marseille-style tarot decks, the Tattoo Tarot quickly becomes a standout favorite. The more you examine its imagery, the more likely it is to join your personal list of cherished Tarot de Marseille (TdM) decks.
Close-up of Tattoo Tarot Major Arcana cards, highlighting the intricate linework and vintage color palette reminiscent of woodblock prints.
The Tattoo Tarot feels like a rediscovered artifact, a polished and refined version of a historic tarot deck that might have been lost to time. It pays homage to the artistic traditions of the Renaissance, seamlessly blending them with tarot archetypes. The consistent color palettes within each card further enhance this timeless quality, transporting the reader to a fantastical, medieval-esque realm. While rooted in tradition, the deck also incorporates modern interpretations, such as the depiction of Key VI, The Lovers, offering a fresh perspective on classic symbolism.
The Lovers card from the Tattoo Tarot deck, demonstrating a modern take on traditional tarot symbolism within the vintage aesthetic.
There’s an undeniable artisanal charm to this deck, perfectly aligning with its UK-based publisher, Laurence King Publishing, known for their emphasis on high-quality design and artistic integrity. It’s as if the deck’s creator, Megamunden, and the publishing house were destined to collaborate, both valuing artisanal craftsmanship and pushing creative boundaries while honoring traditional art forms. This synergy results in a product that feels both cutting-edge and deeply rooted in artistic heritage.
Group of Tattoo Tarot cards fanned out, showcasing the matte finish, clean lines, and balanced color and white space ideal for tarot readings.
Professional tarot readers will find the Tattoo Tarot to be an excellent tool for client readings. The cards photograph exceptionally well, boasting a matte finish, crisp, solid lines, and a harmonious balance between rich colors and the white background. The cardstock is notably high-grade and thick, yet possesses a smooth finish that allows for effortless shuffling. The overall production quality is truly remarkable, making this deck a pleasure to handle and use.
Selection of Tattoo Tarot Minor Arcana cards, displaying suit-specific color palettes and detailed pip card illustrations with vintage tattoo style.
The deck’s illustrations are the work of Oliver Munden, known professionally as MEGAMUNDEN. His distinctive artwork is characterized by a vintage aesthetic, creating highly detailed and meticulously rendered tattoo designs imbued with esoteric undertones. The pip cards in the Minor Arcana feel almost like magically charged sigils, each carrying a unique visual weight and symbolic depth.
The color palette is thoughtfully designed, with the Major Arcana incorporating hues from all four suits, creating a unifying visual theme. In contrast, the Minor Arcana suits maintain consistent color dominance: Wands are primarily red, Cups are gold, Swords are blue/teal, and Coins (Pentacles) are green, each color reinforcing the elemental associations of the suit.
Swords suit cards from the Tattoo Tarot, featuring blue and teal tones and intricate detailing in the pip card designs.
The intricate detailing within the pip cards significantly enhances both the aesthetic appeal and the interpretive potential of the deck. Another noteworthy detail is the use of “Knave” instead of “Page” for the court card – a subtle but significant choice that resonates with many tarot practitioners who prefer the term “Knave.”
Knave of Swords card from the Tattoo Tarot deck, highlighting the use of "Knave" court card title and detailed illustration.
The Tattoo Tarot‘s success in capturing the essence of a perfect tarot deck, particularly for Tarot de Marseille enthusiasts, is no accident. It benefits from the intelligence, wisdom, and experience of Diana McMahon-Collis, co-founder of TABI (the Tarot Association of the British Isles). McMahon-Collis’s deep understanding of tarot tradition and symbolism is evident in every aspect of the deck. Exploring her extensive writings further reveals her to be a prolific and exceptionally skilled tarot author, adding another layer of credibility and expertise to the Tattoo Tarot.
Group of Tattoo Tarot cards including the guidebook, showcasing the full-color guidebook and overall presentation of the deck.
The accompanying guidebook is a valuable addition, presented in full color with glossy pages and rich in content. It offers a purist approach to card interpretation, aligning with traditional tarot meanings, which is highly appreciated by many serious tarot students. If one were unaware of its 2018 publication date, the deck could easily be mistaken for a historic tarot from the 16th century. It so effectively echoes iconic medieval tarot decks, although the rendering of faces might lean slightly towards a more modern style, subtly deviating from the strict artistic conventions of the late Middle Ages.
Selection of Tattoo Tarot Major Arcana cards with guidebook, emphasizing the keyword selections and unique interpretations in the guidebook.
The keywords thoughtfully chosen for each card in the guidebook are particularly insightful. Examples like “Apathy” for The Fool, or “one-man band” and “chatterbox” for The Magician, demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the archetypes. The High Priestess card subtly embodies a moon goddess archetype, while the interpretation of The Emperor as “immature, rebellious, and of weak character” offers a provocative and unconventional perspective.
Card back design of the Tattoo Tarot deck, featuring intricate symmetrical artwork in line with the vintage woodblock style.
Finally, the card back design is simply captivating. Overall, while marketed as a “tattoo-inspired” tarot, the Tattoo Tarot transcends this label. It arguably leans more towards a medieval woodblock print aesthetic, making it resonate deeply with those who appreciate historical and vintage tarot styles. Perhaps branding it less explicitly as “tattoo” and more towards its historical and artistic merits would broaden its appeal, especially given its strong alignment with the preferences of Tarot de Marseille readers.
In essence, the Tattoo Tarot subtly but effectively blends modern design sensibilities with an old-world charm. It masterfully evokes the feeling of an ancient deck, each card seemingly printed by letterpress, carved from wood by a Renaissance artist like Oliver of Münden himself – a sought-after illustrator of illuminated manuscripts with Byzantine influences.
The deck showcases exquisite execution, rendered in a style that pays homage to Renaissance masters, with beautifully complementary colors, and enriched by the insightful writings of a tarot expert. It’s a truly exceptional deck that offers a unique and enriching tarot experience.
