Tarotstyle

Tarotstyle is a term used to describe a design and interpretive approach to tarot that foregrounds contemporary aesthetics and personal storytelling in both deck production and readings. It is not a single codified tradition; rather, it operates as an umbrella label applied by artists, publishers, and readers to describe a certain visual and interpretive sensibility within the tarot ecosystem.

Origins of the term are informal; it emerged in the 2000s and 2010s among independent deck creators and online communities that blend traditional tarot symbolism with modern fashion, graphic design, and popular culture. Because it is not standardized, the label can refer to a range of practices, from deck art and typography choices to reading methods and education resources.

Typical features include a fusion of Major and Minor Arcana imagery with contemporary motifs, minimal or bold graphic design, and a focus on mood, character, and narrative arcs over rigid symbol decoding. Tarotstyle decks often reimagine court cards or use nontraditional imagery to reflect identity, empowerment, or social themes. Readings may employ spreads aimed at exploring personal style, life storytelling, and future possibilities through a cinematic or diary-like lens.

The term remains informal and its usage varies by community. Critics argue that it is primarily a marketing or design category rather than a distinct esoteric system, while supporters see it as a way to broaden accessibility and relevance of tarot by aligning with current aesthetics. As with other tarot trends, practitioners typically evaluate Tarotstyle on the clarity of symbolism, readability of the spread, and resonance with the querent.