In the vast, ever-evolving world of Tarot, there’s always something new and exciting on the horizon. Enter The Red Hand Tarot, a Kickstarter campaign that’s as visually striking as it is spiritually profound. Created by indie tarot artist James of Pixel Occult, The Red Hand Tarot brings a fresh twist to the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) tradition, while offering a fully immersive gothic experience through its hauntingly beautiful red, black, and white color palette.
Fans of gothic aesthetics, horror themes, and classic tarot symbolism will find themselves instantly drawn to the bold imagery in this deck. But don’t be fooled by its dark exterior—The Red Hand Tarot still contains all the archetypes and spiritual meanings that make the RWS system so beloved. The deck weaves together tradition and innovation, embracing an artistic style that feels both timeless and delightfully unconventional.
The 78 cards of The Red Hand Tarot are a masterclass in dark elegance. The stark contrast of red and black with subtle white highlights sets a cohesive tone, pulling you into the world Pixel Occult has built. While the imagery leans into gothic and horror influences, the archetypes remain accessible, allowing both beginners and seasoned readers to tap into its intuitive energy.
This deck is much more than just an artistic collectible, though it certainly is that—crafted with precision, printed on casino-quality linen card stock, and accented with luxurious red gilt edging. Each card, from the Major Arcana to the Minor, follows the tried-and-true RWS structure but adds subtle yet thoughtful twists, like replacing traditional gendered honorifics with titles like “Sovereign” and “Descendant,” making it a perfect match for readers who reject binary notions of gender.
One of the standout features of The Red Hand Tarot is its commitment to inclusivity. James has ensured that depictions of gender, race, body types, and sexual orientations across the cards reflect the diversity of the real world. Even the court cards, which often adhere to gendered titles in traditional decks, are reimagined in The Red Hand Tarot to transcend these limitations. This makes it not only a beautifully gothic addition to any collection but also a progressive tool for introspection and divination.
The minor arcana, too, have undergone thoughtful revisions. Where classic decks might use titles like “The Lord of Established Strength,” James has pared it down to “Established Strength,” allowing for a cleaner reading experience that emphasizes the message of each card over its old-world formality.
James isn’t new to the tarot world. Since 2016, he’s been steadily building a reputation as a go-to creator for those who seek something a little offbeat, a little darker, and always beautifully crafted. From the Sinking Wasteland Tarot to the Neon Moon Lenormand, his decks have consistently garnered rave reviews for their artistic flair and high production value. His Etsy shop is filled with glowing feedback about fast shipping, sturdy packaging, and the striking quality of his designs.
For James, creating Tarot is more than just a job—it’s a passion. “I’m not focused on target audiences or market research,” he explains. “I just start with an idea of something I’d like to see exist in the world.” And, thanks to his dedicated community of backers, James is able to keep bringing those darkly beautiful ideas to life.
In a world where Tarot can sometimes feel inaccessible or outdated, James’ latest creation is a reminder that these ancient symbols are not only alive but evolving. Back The Red Hand Tarot on Kickstarter today from $60, and bring a piece of this dark, gothic masterpiece into your life.
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