This comprehensive deck review explores The Poe Tarot by mixed-media artist and author Trisha Leigh Shufelt, a uniquely crafted deck that allows readers to navigate the Fool’s journey with Edgar Allan Poe as their literary companion while learning from the profound wisdom contained in his timeless works.
Purchase Deck: The Poe Tarot
Publisher’s Vision According to the publisher, this is “a smartly devised deck allowing the reader to navigate through the Fool’s journey with Poe as companion and learn from the wisdom contained in his literary works.” The concept brilliantly merges the psychological depth of Poe’s writing with the archetypal wisdom of traditional Tarot.
Artistic Design and Inspiration The Poe Tarot features whimsical and, at times, macabre black-and-white illustrations that perfectly capture the essence of Poe’s literary atmosphere. Shufelt’s mixed-media artwork draws direct inspiration from such classics as The Raven, Annabel Lee, The Masque of the Red Death, and many more, while maintaining respect for traditional Tarot archetypes.
Unique Approach to Traditional Symbolism The deck follows Poe himself as the main character, navigating through the traditional Fool’s journey while diving deep into subconscious realms. This approach allows users to unveil hidden wisdom through both Poe’s literary insights and established Tarot teachings, creating a uniquely immersive reading experience.
Comprehensive Guidebook The included 192-page guidebook provides extensive support with Poe quotes integrated into card meanings, comprehensive keywords, and reversed interpretations. This substantial guide ensures that both Poe enthusiasts and Tarot practitioners can fully appreciate the deck’s literary and divinatory layers.
Distinctive Suit System The Minor Arcana features creatively renamed suits that maintain traditional meanings while adding Poe’s atmospheric touch:
- Candles (Wands) – Fire element with gothic illumination
- Quills (Swords) – Air element honoring Poe’s writing implements
- Wells (Cups) – Water element reflecting depth and mystery
- Paws (Pentacles) – Earth element connecting to Poe’s animal symbolism
Perfect for Specific Audiences This deck particularly appeals to lovers of Edgar Allan Poe’s literature and those who appreciate distinctively original Tarot interpretations. The combination of literary depth with traditional divinatory wisdom creates a reading experience that’s both intellectually stimulating and spiritually insightful.
📽️ Video Chapters:
- 00:00 – Introduction: The Poe Tarot Deck
- 01:02 – Guidebook Review & Quality Assessment
- 02:37 – Cards First Look & Initial Impressions
- 03:25 – Major Arcana Complete Walkthrough
- 07:53 – Minor Arcana: Candles/Wands Suit
- 10:00 – Minor Arcana: Quills/Swords Suit
- 11:46 – Minor Arcana: Wells/Cups Suit
- 13:53 – Minor Arcana: Paws/Pentacles Suit
- 16:00 – Final Thoughts and Purchase Recommendation
The Poe Tarot successfully bridges the gap between literary appreciation and spiritual practice, offering a uniquely atmospheric approach to traditional Tarot wisdom that honors both Poe’s psychological insights and archetypal symbolism.