Faulkner Tarot

"The idea of talking to spirit, guides and deceased loved ones is frowned upon by so many people in this day and age and particularly using the tarot is seen as a way of dancing with the devil. I want to change this way of thinking and bring tarot into the modern world. I believe in God, I have a very strong faith but for some reason I have been given the gift of clairvoyancy and the determination to prove that this does not make me a bad person.” – From the Faulkner Tarot companion book

Because Rhiannon Faulkner chose to create the Faulkner Tarot as a modern form of self-help or practical counseling, she removes frightening, confusing or complex imagery in favor of down-to-earth snapshots. This is quite literal: the cards in the Faulkner Tarot depict actual black-and-white, slice-of-life photographs.

Quite brilliant, actually, since many Tarot enthusiasts provide their clients (or themselves) with modern shortcut phraseology anyway, no matter how esoteric or intricate the actual card illustration. For example, we often say that The Star represents “hopes and wishes”—a perfect card for literally “making a wish”. So how does Rhiannon translate this sentiment in the Faulkner Tarot? Why, with an actual wishing well, of course!

And the Ace of Wands, sometimes known as the “aha” or “light bulb moment”? You guessed it…Rhiannon provides a snapshot of an actual light bulb! The Chariot as a car or travel translates into an actual highway, while “Death’s door” or a “mere transition to another room” finds a darkened room opening up to a lighted hallway in the Faulkner Tarot Death card.

I mean, this is where we live, right?

We don’t exist among festooned Pages, a relaxed Hanged Man, the cloaked Hermit or an actual horned Devil. No, we live among ATMs reflecting a lack of funds (2 of Pentacles), a woman gazing fondly at a grouping of family pictures (6 of Cups), a mountain of undone paperwork (7 of Wands), and empty pockets (5 of Pentacles).

Where we love, work, play and celebrate finds expression in the Faulkner Tarot among a proffered bouquet (Knight of Cups), a signed contract (2 of Wands), a piggybank (4 of Pentacles), a newborn babe (9 of Cups) and a first-time skydiver (Ace of Swords).

Talk about taking Tarot into the 21st century!

Clean, simple and clear, the Faulkner Tarot expertly translates decades of esoteric thought, archetypal symbols and common associations into a contemporary, accessible and accurate deck. I’ve used this deck for months and appreciate a Tarot deck that finally cuts-to-the chase—reflecting where we live, how we function and what we face in this modern world.

Below are 18 images from the Faulkner Tarot:

Note: The Faulkner Tarot does NOT come with a LWB. However, a companion book is sold separately. You can purchase the deck here and the book here at Amazon, or directly from the creator at this link. 10% of proceeds go to cancer charities.