Let me start with a few disclaimers:
1. The magic lies within the practitioner, not the tools. Any tarot deck can be effective in the hands of a skilled reader.
2. I’m a long-time Warcraft player and fab. Not the type to cosplay as Gul’dan at ComiCon, but I’ve been raiding through World of Warcraft for what seems like decades, and almost is. (For the Horde, of course—and yes, I main a warlock, and yes, an Undead one. Why would anyone think otherwise?) (Editor’s note: Lordaeron shall be avenged.)
3. When I heard about the Warcraft Tarot, I was immediately intrigued. I contacted Insight Editions to help me locate a press kit before ordering one, and to my surprise, they sent a whole deck for me to review.
Packaging and Guidebook
The presentation of this deck is exceptional. The marbled look of the box and guidebook exudes quality, and the gold ribbon for removing the cards adds a touch of elegance. The 128-page guidebook is beautifully designed in full color, with detailed descriptions of both the major and minor arcana. Each major arcana card is presented with a larger image and thorough explanations, making the guidebook accessible for both beginners and advanced readers.
The guidebook introduces spreads that align with traditional layouts but are given Warcraft-themed names. While this isn’t unique in the world of themed decks, it’s a nice touch that integrates the WoW lore seamlessly.
The box and selected cards from the World of Warcraft Tarot [courtesy Insight Editions]
Card Design and Quality
The cards themselves are a joy to handle. The cardstock is of excellent weight—not too thick or thin—and feels wonderful in hand. The slightly embossed card backs depict the Warcraft cosmology, featuring a matte finish with a polished, shellac-like layer. This gives the cards a sharp, premium look but does make them prone to picking up fingerprints. So, if you’re planning any mischievous activities post-reading, take note!
Each card is framed in gold foil, which echoes the embossed feel of the card backs, and the muted pastel palette ties the deck together aesthetically. The illustrations are stunning, though the imagery sometimes diverges from the intricate symbolism found in Rider-Waite decks.
Lore and Imagery
The deck is deeply rooted in World of Warcraft lore, with familiar characters and themes populating the cards. While some might disagree with the specific choices for certain characters representing particular cards, this didn’t detract from my experience. It felt like flipping through a tarot version of a ComiCon lineup, encountering “old friends” in a different context.
That said, the deck does seemingly prioritize lore over traditional Rider-Waite symbolism in some cases. For example, The Fool is represented by Wrathion, a dragon entered the story as the only uncorrupted member of his lineage. While this choice makes sense within the Warcraft universe, the card lacks traditional Rider-Waite elements like the dog, sun, flowers, and signature stance. For those familiar with Wrathion’s character, the depiction works, but it may feel incomplete for someone using this as their first tarot deck.
The major arcana did seem a little Alliance-heavy, which is a choice that I completely understand. It will certainly make the Alliance players feel better. (Editor’s note: We are better.) After all, they have to live with “King’s honor, friend,” not something excellent like “For the Horde!”
Final Thoughts
This deck is an extraordinary fusion of World of Warcraft and tarot traditions. The craftsmanship is top-notch, the quality is exceptional, and the price point is remarkably reasonable for what you get. While the imagery may require familiarity with WoW lore to fully appreciate, the deck is both a beautiful collectible and a functional tool for tarot readings.
Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just a Warcraft fan looking to explore the tarot, this deck is worth every gold coin.
World of Warcraft: The Official Tarot Deck and Guidebook by Ian Flynn (MSRP: US$29.99) – 78 cards and a 128-page booklet with all-new hand-illustrated works of art.
Available through Insight Editions and at major retailers.
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