Released in May 2012, The Returning of Panthera Tarot is a Felidae based Tarot deck illustrated by Mint Yoruneko and published by Deckstiny, a well-known Thailand based company that have produced numerous Tarot decks which have been hugely popular with readers and collectors Worldwide.
Designed and created by Mint Yoruneko, a self-confessed amateur Tarot reader and collector, The Returning of Panthera is based upon the Felidae family and the concept of a World without humankind. The Returning of Panthera Tarot explores the tragedy of extinction and toys with the idea that if humankind were to be no longer, perhaps Tigers may return…
Packaging & Presentation
The Returning of Panthera Tarot arrives presented in a simple, purple, cardboard tuck box featuring two examples of the Panthera based artwork (on the front and back of the box). I personally find thinner cardboard presentation boxes a little flimsy for storage purposes. That, and I found this particular box tricky to open without bending or ripping the lid.
The Guidebook
Though Deckstiny do not tend to provide guidebooks with their Tarot decks, The Returning of Panthera Tarot includes a small, black and white, English edition of the guidebook offering simple guidance, translations, and meanings upon each card. The seventy-six paged guidebook includes an index, the authors note, alongside a short paragraph explaining the upright meaning for each of the major and minor arcana cards. A QI code is printed on the back of the guidebook so that users/ readers may also access this information in a digital format.
The Cards
Printed on matt-coated, 310 GSM Japanese quality card stock, The Returning of Panthera Tarot is a standard-sized Tarot deck (120 x 70mm) with white edging, and beautiful, chocolate brown cardbacks featuring Tiger-based reversible artwork ideal for upright or reversed Tarot readings.
Additional Cards
The Returning of Panthera Tarot arrives with four additional cards: two art cards, a title card, and a signed certification card ideal for collectors.
The Major Arcana
The Returning of Panthera Tarot follows the traditional Rider Waite Smith Tarot in terms of the setup, titling and numbering of the cards. However, this deck has replaced the well-known human figures with Felidae, big cat inspired artwork.
The major arcana features a background of the purple forest, this atmospheric artwork was intentionally included to represent the grace, nobility, and great dignity of the Felidae family. These beautiful, borderless cards feature simple, subtle white titling and numbering.
The Minor Arcana
The Returning of Panthera uses the four traditional RWS suits (Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles). Much like the major arcana in style and artwork, the minor arcana continues to feature big cats in various positions, roles, and scenes, representing each of the traditional suits and cards.
The Suit of Wands
Based in the ‘golden Savannah’, the suit of wands features a number of lions to represent each of the traditional figures and scenes.
The Suit of Cups
Based in a colour-changing, firey forest, the suit of cups has at atmospheric feel to the artwork linking closely to the concepts of nostalgia and memories.
The Suit of Swords
Set in the harsh terrain of the snowy mountains, the suit of swords signifies strength and perseverance.
The Suit of Pentacles
Set in an lushious, green jungle consisting of millions of plants, the suit of pentacles represents materials, goods, and the earth.
A Video Walkthrough
Here’s a short video walkthrough detailing and further explaining The Returning of Panthera Tarot.
Reading and Working With The Returning of Panthera Tarot
Though I don’t often tend to work all that much with nature-inspired Tarot decks, the imagery, tones, colour, and style of The Returning of Panthera Tarot is a treat to behold. This delightful deck is super smooth to shuffle, thus really easy to work with, though I wouldn’t recommend it to beginner readers as they may find the imagery a little tricky to decipher, that and the guidebook lacks information upon reversed readings.
I’ve been working with The Returning of Panthera Tarot for just over a fornight now and whilst I adore the deck, it isn’t one that I’d choose to read with daily as though I adore and have fond memories of watching and seeing the big cats in Africa as a child, I find animal-based Tarot decks somewhat difficult to work with for whatever reason. Though I enjoy working with modern Tarot decks, I personally prefer traditional figures and imagery.
Purchasing & Pricing Information
The Returning of Panthera Tarot is available to purchase online via Deckstiny’s Etsy Store for £59.60. There is an additional shipping fee of £5.42 for delivery to the UK. This is welcome news to those of you who may have considered purchasing from Deckstiny in the past but were put off by the hefty shipping fees.
To Summarise
Whilst I’m not necesserily the biggest fan of animal-based Tarot decks, I was hugely impressed by Mint Yoruneko’s ‘Returning of Panthera Tarot’ especially considering that this was his first ever Tarot deck. This silky smooth, marvellous matt-style deck is a joy to shuffle and to work with though as I said above, is more suited to experienced / advanced Tarot readers.
For further information upon The Returning of Panthera Tarot or alternative Deckstiny publications visit www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ShuffleTarot
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Product Rating
Disclosure: I was sent the above product for the purpose of this post however all opinions are my own.