Deck Of Transformation: Santa Muerte Tarot [Review]

The Santa Muerte Tarot deck, crafted by renowned artist Fabio Listrani, is a vibrant and evocative homage to the Mexican Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) tradition. Comprising 78 cards, this deck intertwines the rich symbolism of tarot with the colorful aesthetics of the Day of the Dead, featuring skeletal figures, lush floral motifs, and vivid imagery that celebrate the cycle of life and death.

Designed to resonate with both beginners and seasoned tarot readers, the Santa Muerte Tarot appeals to those interested in themes of transformation, ancestral connections, and spiritual introspection. Its unique artwork and cultural depth make it a compelling choice for individuals drawn to the mysticism associated with Santa Muerte and the broader aspects of mortality and renewal.

Our personal favourite cards in this deck in no particular order are:

1. 🌕 The Moon

2. 🧙♂️ The Hierophant

3. 🗡️ Two of Swords

4. 🦋 The Tens (10s) of the Minor Arcana

Deck Specifications

• Number of Cards: 78 (22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana)
  
  

• Card Dimensions: Approximately 70 x 120 mm (2.75 x 4.72 inches)
  
  

• Cardstock: 250gsm with a slight glossy finish, offering durability and ease of shuffling
  
  

• Guidebook: Included; available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German
  
  

• Packaging: Sturdy, decorative box featuring thematic artwork
  
  

• Publisher: Lo Scarabeo

Reviews of the Deck

Many users have expressed deep appreciation for the deck's design and emotional resonance:

• "The majors are all amazing. Love the Moon so much. It's dead on! The Hierophant is fantastic and also humorous." - Reddit user

• “ This is a well thought out, cleverly conceived, and well executed deck. The images are elaborate and beautiful. If you are already a fan of the Night Sun Tarot then you will probably enjoy using the Santa Muerte Tarot. As will readers who have a little experience reading Waite-Smith based decks.” - Aeclectic Tarot

• “Based on its theme and some very obvious hints in design and intro, I am quite sure this deck would be an excellent tarot to seek guidance from ancestors or to create a connection with deceased loved ones" - The Queen’s Sword

For a complete flip through of the entire deck and a detailed look into the card visuals, check out the unboxing below: 

Things to Say From the Creator

If this deck was a person, how would you describe it?

If the Santa Muerte Tarot deck were a person, she would be both captivating and a bit intimidating. She speaks with honesty and clarity, cutting through to the heart of the matter without concern for superficialities like wealth or appearance. This deck treats everyone equally, seeing them for who they truly are. She reminds us that life's value is deeply connected to the reality of death.

At the same time, she embodies a nurturing presence, guiding us into the physical world and encouraging personal growth and evolution. She serves as a mirror—both fascinating and sometimes unsettling—reflecting our true selves and prompting introspection. Working with this deck means engaging in a journey of self-discovery, confronting truths, and embracing transformation. 

What was the inspiration for the creation of this deck?

Fabio Listrani was inspired to create the Santa Muerte Tarot by spiritual traditions that emerge from everyday life and empower marginalized communities. He was drawn to practices that are accessible to all, without intermediaries like priests, and that treat everyone equally regardless of race, gender, or social class. This perspective is encapsulated in the phrase "Shovel Beats Scepter," emphasizing the value of grassroots wisdom over institutional authority.

To develop the deck, Listrani conducted extensive research, delving into Italian texts and a wide array of online resources. He explored books, documentaries, art collections, photo reports, articles, personal experiences, and travel insights to authentically represent the themes and symbols associated with Santa Muerte and the Day of the Dead.

This comprehensive approach allowed him to create a tarot deck that not only honors the cultural significance of Santa Muerte but also serves as a tool for personal growth and reflection.

About the Author

Fabio Listrani is a self-taught Italian illustrator and artist based in Rome, renowned for his distinctive fusion of esoteric symbolism and contemporary digital artistry. His debut tarot deck, Night Sun Tarot, was released in 2014, followed by other notable decks including Santa Muerte Tarot, Goetia: Tarot in Darkness, Notoria: Tarot in Light, and the forthcoming Spirit Box Tarot, which draws inspiration from Voodoo traditions.

Check out the full collection here: https://www.spectrumstore.sg/collections/lo-scarabeo