Tarot of the Hidden Realm BOX SET

The Tarot of the Hidden Realm has 78 expressive, intriguing, and borderless images. Rather than relying on traditional tarot symbols, it strips back its images to the raw elements of nature and the fae. The art is full of life, movement and feeling.

Evoke the powerful wisdom of the fae with the Tarot of the Hidden Realm. Instead of relying on esoteric symbols, this powerful deck uses the raw elements―water, air, fire, and earth―to speak directly to your emotions. The beautifully drawn figures follow the Rider Waite style, but express more energy and movement, drawing you in even as you draw their truths out. The companion guidebook reveals techniques and card meanings for beginners and more experienced readers alike.

Tarot of the Hidden Realm Review by Rosewater

This deck takes us to the mysterious and hidden realm of Faery. Its creator is Julia Jeffrey and the accompanying book is written by Barbara Moore, who always manages to enter the spirit of the many and various decks she has written about. This one is no exception.

Practically, it’s a very user-friendly deck, standard tarot deck size (4 ½ x 2 ¾ inches) and easy to shuffle. The cards have a low sheen and are non-sticky. They are borderless (yay!) with a light brown strip at the bottom for the title. The backs are a twining pattern of shaded grays, and non-reversible. The only other downside is of these cards is their flimsiness. A bit more weight would’ve made them perfect.

The artwork is of astoundingly high skill. The deck creator used models for her figures and faces, and it shows—beautifully. The people all look familiarly human, with fey features that hint at their otherness. Equal artistic attention has been given to both Arcana; only the titles indicate which one you’re looking at. In color and design also this is a cohesive deck, every single card fits in.

Julia Jeffrey made several Major Arcana changes to the standard RWS titles. The Chariot becomes “Faery Stallion”; the Wheel of Fortune is the “Fortune Faery” blowing a fluffy dandelion seed; The Devil becomes “Shadowdance”, the Tower is the “Blasted Beech,” while Judgment is titled “Life Renewed” and shows a young girl offering a sprouting acorn to the viewer.

The Minor Suits each have animal totems, as shown on the Aces. Wands are introduced by a fox, Cups by an otter, a heron by Swords, and Pentacles by a hedgehog. In the rest of the Minor cards, similar representative creatures interact with human/fey beings, or appear in the background.

This deck is exceptionally eye-catching, but never “fluffy”. While these fey people inhabit the world of earth, river and tree, they are not sentimental nature-lovers. The presence of swords and arrows indicate that they are also hunters and warriors. The savage expression of the woman in the Ten of Swords shows in no uncertain terms that she has had enough, thank you! Other cards show wistfulness (Six of Swords), mystery (The Hermit) and deep tenderness (Three of Wands).

The accompanying 213 page book starts by giving the essentials of tarot reading and finishes with ideas for spreads and pathworking. Each card is shown in B&W and followed by an evocative 2-3 paragraph description and interpretation. As the meanings rely more on atmosphere, environment and facial expression than on symbolism, there is much scope for intuitive interpretation. Beginners would therefore have no difficulty in reading with this deck.

On first sight I had doubts about the emphasis on human/fey figures, being used to seeing swords, wands and other traditional elements. Looking again I can see they are there, but often in subtle and unexpected guises. As you’d expect, perhaps, in a message from the hidden realms.

Dislikes? One thing that irks me is the Magician’s moustache; it looks stuck-on rather than real. And some of the Kings look a little young to be holders of elemental power and wisdom—but then, it’s said that among the fey no one truly ages!