Pixie’s Whisper Tarot
As a teacher of Tarot, and a longtime admirer of Pamela Coleman Smith’s artwork, I have several recolored versions of the Rider Waite Smith deck. It’s my favorite deck for tarot instruction, study, meditation, and tarot magick. I have a lot of decks, but nothing as direct or as versatile as the Rider Waite Smith deck. It is typically the deck that I use for professional readings because it can address anything and everything. Most people are familiar with it, the images are approachable and easy to translate. However, because I use it so often for professional readings, I rarely use it for personal readings. An exception to this would be Carol Herzer’s Illuminated Tarot, which is a beautiful, recolored Rider Waite Smith tarot deck. And now, I find Pixie’s Whisper Tarot to be another amazing exception…and then some.
Beginning with the Fool and the appearance of the little jester hat, Pixie’s Whisper promises to be its own wonderfully creative thing. The creator, Loreen Muzik, takes images from Pixie’s (Pamela Coleman Smith) artwork and the classic Rider Waite Smith deck and manages to create something fresh and unique. The images from an old beloved classic seem to come alive in a whole new way. Playful and a little cheeky, Pixie’s Whisper feels upbeat, good-natured, and welcoming. It beckons the reader to go on an adventure. It invites us to explore, learn, and play…as we examine each card with childlike wonder and curiosity.
Oddly, the first thing that drew me to Pixie’s Whisper Tarot was the backs. I mean, while I do appreciate a well-designed tarot back, it isn’t typically what draws me to a deck initially. It’s true, the backs of any tarot deck can add or take away from the overall experience (in my opinion), but they are rarely, if ever, the draw (for me). But with Pixie’s Whisper, it was the very first thing I noticed. They have different patterns, you see. Seven different luscious patterns! Not only do I love this, but it may be the coolest, most original thing I have ever seen! The backs don’t just add to the tarot experience, they are part of what makes Pixie’s Whisper for me.
The combination of the motley backs and the casino-quality linen card stock make this deck an absolute joy to shuffle. If you are a fan of riffle shuffling, you will appreciate the lovely bounce of this deck. In fact, I do believe that Pixie’s Whisper is just dying to be shuffled…over and over again.
As I begin to explore Pixie’s Whisper, I notice the most peculiar thing. Often the characters of the tarot are shrunk down in size, while other key symbols are enlarged. Making them more prominent and interesting. It’s as though I’m looking at the Rider Waite Smith deck from a different angle. The same classic symbolism, with a different viewpoint. For me, this distortion of the symbols accentuates the meanings in the most wonderful and interesting way. It’s like it brings the meanings closer, making them more personal somehow. Which is exactly as it should be.
The whimsical illustrations, exaggerated imagery, and vintage-like color palette are reminiscent of classic cartoons from the 1930s. This is just one more attraction for me.
From the bright red tulips sprouting from the earth to the fanciful clouds hovering above, there are a lot of little things that make Pixie’s Whisper so extraordinary. I adore the red-bellied robins sprinkled throughout the deck. And I am especially fond of the amazing celestial crystal ball, which appears numerous times throughout the deck. Four times, to be exact. But who’s counting?
But what really ties everything together for me is Loreen’s incredible use of color. The contrast between the subdued pastels and the bright vibrant colors is simply stunning. She may refer to herself as a digital scrapbooker, but she is very clearly more than that. This lady is an artist.
Another thing I appreciated about Pixie’s Whisper is the absence of borders. There is something about borderless decks, which feel a little more intimate than other decks. The combination of the enlarged images and the lack of borders make this deck seem more affable.
Speaking of things that aren’t there, such as borders. Notice how the Chariot (above) is missing a Charioteer?
And the Ten of Coins does not include the three-generation family from the Rider Waite Smith deck? Or the two white adult dogs? Instead, you see two white puppies looking up innocently at a pyramid of ten coins. Again, it’s the little differences. And let’s not forget the tulips!
The Aces are very much like the traditional Rider Waite Smith deck, but with a few spectacular differences. My favorites would be the Ace of Cups with the tangerine background, water splashing out of the cup, and of course, the robin. The Ace of Pentacles with red tulips and the cat napping above the title is another favorite.
I didn’t notice at first, but all the court cards have curtains in the background. I absolutely love the sun peeking behind the curtain of the King of Coins. And I would love to know what kind of fish the Page of Cups holds in his chalice. At first, I thought it was a flounder, but now it looks more like an angel fish to me. Either way, I just love it.
I think Pixie’s Whisper would be a fantastic addition to anyone’s tarot collection. I also think it might appeal to people who may appreciate the Rider Waite Smith deck, but don’t feel inspired to use it for readings. I would have no problem recommending this deck to beginners. As for me, Pixie’s Whisper just works.
I purchased the standard-size tarot deck (2.75” x 4.75”), but Loreen offers a Pocket size (2.25” x 3.50”), which doesn’t have titles. I was very tempted to get the smaller deck but decided to put it on my wish list for a later date. Mine came in a cute little tuck box, but there were different options for this as well. At the time of this purchase, you could order a standard-size tarot deck without a box, as well. There was also the option of a matching padded zipper pouch, with orange lining. It looks super cute. I may have to go back for it later.
To purchase Pixie’s Whisper or for more information about Loreen Muzik and her wonderful creations, visit Divination Apothecary on Etsy. And if you get a chance read her bio. It’s funny, creative, and incredibly inspiring.
For a full walk-through of Pixie’s Whisper Tarot visit the Tarot Tidbits YouTube channel to watch Exploring Pixie’s Whisper - Tarot Walk-through. Or see a side-by-side comparison of Pixie’s Whisper and the Rider Waite Smith Tarot.
