Deck Review: Spiritsong Tarot
- Ehrin Yates
- Jul 5
- 5 min read
The first deck I’ve decided to review is my current go-to for personal readings. The Spiritsong Tarot is a deck that I’ve had for a while but did not feel called to use it for months, so it sat, unopened, on my shelf for the better part of a year (I do this a LOT). Around the spring equinox this year, I was called to it, and ever since she has been stuck to me like glue. In fact, she demanded that I bring her to Oregon on our most recent visit. Apparently, she also needed to ground and recenter at the coast lol
A little about the specs & quality of the deck….
This deck, created by Paulina Fae (Cassidy), was first released in October 2017 by US Games. It comes in a rigid/hard box (which is awesome for protection while traveling) that measures 3.5 x 5.5 inches, running about a half inch larger than the cards themselves. I always appreciate the rigid boxes because those stand up very well to wear and tear while being hauled around and stores beautifully if you keep them at your altar, desk or shelf.
Sizing up at 3x5 inches, this deck is slightly larger than your “industry standard” decks (2.75 x 4.75). If you have larger hands like I do, this is not really an issue… but for those of you with smaller hands (ahem… @tinyhandedtarot) you may need to alter your shuffling technique.
The cards have a smooth, velvety matte finish rather than a highly laminated one. This finish gives very little reflection from lights which is great for doing distance readings or photographing your pulls for social media. If you’re anything like me, you struggle with the right lighting and positioning of the spreads more often than not.
When it comes to thickness, these cards run about .33mm each… I’d say that they are a mid-weight deck. They are definitely durable and hold up well to daily use but also remain flexible and soft to the touch. That might be one of my favourite things about the physicality of the deck.
The finish on these cards makes for a smooth shuffling experience. I have not had any issues at all with cards sticking together. I use a variety of shuffling techniques but riffle-shuffle regularly and have yet to see any evidence of that with these cards after near-daily use for about five months.
Artwork & Symbolism
At first glance, this deck has a very dreamy feel to it. The watercolour artwork is delicate and mystical while also exuding the sense of deep, earthly wisdom. The nature motif is perfect for all those heavy earth energies that love beautiful things (yes, that means you, Taurus), being more on the dreamy side of modern while keeping a vintage feel. With colours seeming to be produced by coloured pencils or watercolour paints instead of computer generated/printed solid ink, it just adds to that vintage feel when paired with the velvety matte finish.
If you rely on traditional symbolism for your readings - like objects, colours or people - this may be a little more difficult to read. However, if you are an intuitive reader this should be no problem at all, and I would feel comfortable classifying this as an intermediate level deck for readability. As someone who does spend a good amount of time working with spirit animals and totems, I find the artwork very triggering in a good way, it easily evokes emotions and communication with my highest court.
The artistry has a very heavy connection to the earth and air elements for me. The background greenery, wildflowers and vines really emphasize the lush abundance of nature. There is an overtone of abundance, growth and healing linked to the earth energy in this deck which sets a very mothering feel.
Muted pastel colours consistently used throughout the entire deck really add to the spiritually uplifting, childlike and dreamy quality of air. There is a definite flow to the card's artwork that further connects to the softer side of the air element through movement.
The structure follows that of the well-known RWS decks for the most part, with the Major Arcana keeping the swapped Strength and Justice in the 8th and 11th positions respectively. However it does change the names of a handful of the cards (6: Love in place of the Lovers; 13: Transition in place of Death; 15: The Shadow in place of the Devil; 20: Awakening in place of Temperance) without changing the theme or energy of the card. While it does keep the RWS Major Arcana, the suits of the minor arcana carry different titles. Acorns: Wands • Crystals: Pentacles • Feathers: Swords • Shells: Cups . For those who have trouble with the swapping of names for the Minor Arcana suits, they include the elemental correspondence runes on the bottom of each card as a quick visual reminder.
The cards do much more than just traditional though. Each one incorporates the deeper symbolism and meanings of the animals represented on each card. For example, the Strength card (8rd card in the Major Arcana) is depicted with an elephant. Elephants are known for their power in stillness; they are one of the most emotionally intelligent creatures and are loyal to their family creating deep bonds. These is also the element of physical strength, endurance and courage that is demonstrated by the elephant.
Readability & Use
When it comes to companion material, this deck is very well arranged. Each card has a couple of words that identify the key essence/energy of the card. It does come with a paperback guidebook. Black & grey artwork but it has great write-ups for each card if you are the kind of person who enjoys using the books. The descriptions are personal, insightful and relatable, not just that cut and dry “X means Y” type of explanations for the cards. It also includes reversals, keywords and a brief introduction about the deck style. Even though I've previously stated that it is more of an intermediate level deck, if you are a reader who prefers to use a guidebook, then any skill level would be able to read with this deck.
There is nothing about this deck that I can say that I dislike either. It’s not often that I can say that about a deck, but this particular deck I have yet to find a downside. Spiritsong definitely has a voice of its own though. There are times when it does not want to be used in readings for certain clients - or even myself - and I respect that.
Final Thoughts
I think what I like most about the Spiritsong deck is that it’s not one that is overly cartoony and it’s not heavy AI feeling. It really does have a kind of ethereal feel to it where it can be placed in any decade and would fare well as a more mystical deck. This is a deck that I feel should be kept in rotation if you are the kind of reader who uses more than one deck. It has great usability and will speak up when it has a message for you or your client. Spiritsong’s voice is gentle but firm. Do not ignore her. She will give you brilliant insight if you open yourself to listen.
⭐️ 5/5 ⭐️
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