The theme of this new tarot deck centers on the cosmic seed. The creator Lelania Simone highlights the concept of the soul as a cosmic seed planted within the vessel of the body, and enhancing the soul’s potential to develop, learn, grow and interact in positive ways on one’s life path. The deck was created over 11 months using a digital process to modify and layer textures, colors and images and merge them with hand-drawn elements. The visual impression of the cards is feast of colorful collage, not just of images but of ideas and cultures. The deck is multi-cultural and bends gender norms.
The previous works of the author-artist include the book “Urban Soul Warrior” and the “Oracle of Awakening” deck. She owns Alchemy Ritual Goods in Denver, Colorado. The Tarot of the Cosmic Seed is loosely based on the foundation of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot. A few Major Arcana cards have been re-named: Wanderer (Fool); Sacred Feminine (Empress); Sacred Masculine (Emperor); The Teacher (Hierophant); and Liberation (Judgment). There is also a new 23rd Major Arcana card called “The Cosmic Seed.”
The re-named Court cards are a notable update: Messenger (Pages); Action (Knights); Nurturer (Queen), and Mastery (King). The author says this was done “in an effort to decolonize the tarot and challenge outdated gender norms.” Non-traditional characters populate the Court cards in a stylish and energetic manner.
The cards are 2 ¾” by 4 ¾” (7 cm x 12 cm) and feature aqua metallic edges, and there is an attractive embossed aqua metallic symbol on the card backs. The cardstock is sturdy and easy to shuffle. A small book is included inside of the two-part custom box. It includes an introduction to the deck, a Cosmic Seed spread, and card meanings. The card meanings include three keywords, a short description of what the card means, and two or three brief keywords for reversal meaning possibilities.
The deck is well-done from a production standpoint as well as from the standpoint of the creator’s adherence to her theme and organization of the images. The imagery is highly diverse and taps into global indigenous characters and symbols. For example, the circular Aztec calendar is featured on the Ace of Pentacles. This may not be the easiest deck for a beginner to start with. For tarot readers who appreciate multi-cultural influences and flexible gender images, it’s a cheerfully funky and upbeat deck to work with.
~review by Elizabeth Hazel
Creator: Lelania Simone
Red Wheel/Weiser, c 2024
79 cards in a two-part custom box with 80-page booklet.
$21.89
