Whilst traditional Tarot decks will always have their place, there’s a wide array of modern, funky takes on the traditional Tarot which are well worth considering, especially so when buying for younger readers.
Designed and published by Deckstiny, the Cookie Story Tarot (Ver 2) is based on a parallel world in which there are no humans, simply cookies. This bright, brash, bold Tarot deck is a funky, fun, and rather sweet take based on the traditional RWS system.
Deckstiny
Based in Thailand, Deckstiny first became established in 2020 when they released their first indy Tarot Deck – The Shuffle Tarot A & B. Formerly known as ‘Shuffle Tarot’, Deckstiny is a team collaboration of Mate Horonumber, Oomsin Phumphat, and numerous additional artists and contributors including Look Danail.
Over time Deckstiny, alongside their contributing artists, has designed and produced a wide selection of divination decks, all of which are available to purchase Worldwide via their Etsy shop.
Perfecting Packaging
Whilst Deckstiny have always published high-quality Tarot decks featuring luxurious paperweights, prints, and stocks, they weren’t always so good when it came to packaging. Once upon a time, Deckstiny would pack their stunning decks in thin, paper-based tuck boxes – thankfully this has now changed as Deckstiny have upped their game, packaging almost all their Tarot and divination decks in sturdy, cardboard display-style boxes ideal for storage and presentation purposes.
Unlike the original Cookie Story Tarot which arrived in a flimsy tuckbox, the Cookie Story Tarot (Ver 2) is perfectly packaged in a brightly decorated, sturdy, cardboard display and storage box featuring thumb holes for easy access.
The Cards
Published in 2023, the Cookie Story Tarot (Ver 2) uses 350 GSM Arts card stock with matt protection and blue, glitzy edging. Measuring a standard Tarot size of 70 x 120mm, the Cookie Story Tarot (Ver 2) cards are borderless cards clearly labelled with comic-style fonts featuring symmetrical, powder-blue card backs with a variety of cutesy, colourful, imagery dotted here and there.
Additional Art Cards & Certification
Each Deckstiny deck comes with certification as their decks are notoriously ‘limited’ in terms of publication and printing figures. The Cookie Story Tarot (Ver 2) comes with additional cards including a title card, support card, and a certification card.
What No Guidebook?
Though Deckstiny has included the odd guidebook with their decks from time to time, there aren’t many of their publications that have done so. The Cookie Story (Ver 2) Tarot comes without a guidebook – this might be something first-time readers may wish to consider.
Comparing and Contrasting The Cookie Story Tarot with the latest Cookie Story V.2
I’ve been working with the original Cookie Story Tarot for quite some time now and whilst I adore the cutesy imagery and the perfect pink edging and card backs, I must admit that I far prefer the latest editions packaging as it’s far sturdier and easier to display.
I only wish there was a Cookie Story Ver 3 which combined the best of both worlds by featuring pink card edging, pink card backs and sturdy storage…
As you can see (from the image below), the original Cookie Story Tarot differs in that the card backs are pink rather than blue and the images added are far simpler in the original deck than the latest edition. I, personally, feel the new card backs are perhaps a little too busy but appreciate that both decks are symmetrical and thus are ideal for both upright and reversed readings.
Other than the edging and card backs, both the original Cookie Story Tarot and the latest edition (the Cookie Story Tarot Ver 2) otherwise have identical cards, borderless cards with the same titling and fonts. Whilst the traditional RWS Tarot is made up of 78 cards, both the original and latest edition of the Cookie Story Tarot includes an extra bonus card, The Happy Squirrel.
The Cookie Story Tarot V.2 Walkthrough Guide
I have put together a short walkthrough video further illustrating and explaining the Cookie Story V.2 Tarot.
Reading & Working with The Cookie Story Tarot V.2
I’ve spent the past month working with the latest edition of the Cookie Story Tarot (Ver 2) and must admit that other than the storage and the colour scheme of the card backs and edging, there is no difference whatsoever between this deck and the original Cookie Story Tarot.
I love how colourful, cutesy, and sweet these cards are – they are ideal for setting positive, happy vibes when reading and no doubt a good choice for younger readers. There are a couple of cards which give reference to particular fairytales, stories, and films that many of us will have watched in our younger years. This is most certainly a modern and very ‘tasteful’ take on the traditional RWS though without the lack of a guidebook may be something worth considering if purchasing this a present for younger, or less experienced readers.
The Cookie Story Tarot (Ver 2), just as its predecessor was, is an absoloute joy to work with as the cards are really easy to interpret due to the clear and rather cute imagery and with its marvellous matt card stock, this deck is a dream to shuffle.
Purchasing & Pricing Information
Available to purchase online directly via Deckstiny’s Etsy page, the Cookie Story Tarot (Ver 2) currently retails at £51.24, though it is worth noting that postage costs to the UK would add a further £32.02 to this price thus it may be worth looking at Deckstiny’s collection and purchasing in bulk.
To Summarise
The Cookie Story Tarot (Ver 2) is a bright, bold, fun, and very funky deck which is easy to interpret, super smooth to shuffle, and though it lacks a guidebook is ideal for younger and first-time readers. With its brand new super sturdy storage, and beautiful blue card backs and edging, the Cookie Story Tarot (Ver 2) is one of the sweetest decks I think you’ll ever find.
For further information on the Cookie Story Tarot (Ver 2) or alternative Deckstiny publications visit www.etsy.com/uk/market/deckstiny
Disclosure: I was sent the above product for the purpose of this post however all opinions are my own.