Folkloric Waters Tarot

ESTIMATED SHIPPING AUGUST 2026

The Folkloric Waters Tarot embraces the water element, the natural environmental surroundings, and Finnish and Northern European folklore, myth, and magic. It highlights the highs and lows of nature, living with the land, and respecting the unknowns of the deep sea.

Each card features an antique painting from the public domain. (This is not AI.) I could see the vision of this world I was curating: hunting, foraging, and farming amongst the brutal honesty of the sea, surviving challenging encounters of life and death. There's nothing held back while living amongst nature.

The beauty of this curation of artwork is the ability to adapt and mold with you. The water environment embraces many commonalities throughout various myths and lore. And the great thing is, it doesn't have to be about that either. That's just where I've placed it for myself. 

If you are a lover of nature, the darkness of the ocean, or a fan of the unforgiving honesty of survival amongst the land, then you may enjoy this deck.

The Creation

My interest in Finnish mythology sparked this idea for a set of decks, like a mini encyclopedia set, embracing the myths and lore as a part of my ancestry research. You would be surprised to learn how little out is there in terms of English resources compared to other pantheons like Egyptian, Greek, Norse, and so on. I've slowly been building a library of books and other materials relating to the Kalevala and other Finnish tales and traditions.

During the creation of Folkloric Forest, my original intention of representing strictly Finnish tales and traditions shifted. I was bumping into areas where I couldn't find the "right" painting to represent the character or lore and the tarot card. Then, I began to overly analyze every decision I had made previously for the completed cards. At that point, I realized that I needed to widen my scope. It didn't have to be ultra-specific and detailed to strictly Finnish mythology and folklore; I can keep those connections for myself. There are many influences of it in the deck, but it was okay for the deck to become something more far-reaching in my ancestral region. 

While the Folkloric Forest quickly formed within a week or so, this almost year-long creation process took on a much slower, less feral energy. Crafting a world for the water element proved more challenging than the earth element. I naturally gravitate toward and lean into the earth element, so approaching the water element forced me to reflect on the decisions I was making as I curated and placed the artwork. To learn to lean into the emotional, the relationships, and the human living environments, I had to look within myself. Areas that I keep floating away in the darkness for few to see.

The Cards

A deep journey into the darkness of the water. Add a rich layer of rural living to your readings with fishing, foraging, and ruggedness of nature.

• 70x120 mm
• 330 gsm German black core paper 
• Matte UV coating
• Linen finish
• Gold foil (front and back)
• Deep blue matte color edges

The cards follow the Rider-Waite-Smith, with name changes to some majors and suit titles. The minors feature the suit emblem at the top instead of Roman numerals like the majors.

• The Source: The High Priestess
• The Vessel: The Empress
• The Pillar: The Emperor
• The Order: The Hierophant
• The Wheel: Wheel of Fortune
• The Submerged: The Hanged Man
  
  
• Fire: Wands
• Water: Cups
• Air: Swords
• Earth: Pentacles

The Box

The minimalist design nods to an encyclopedia-like series. Each deck in the upcoming set will feature the same design with the title, pattern, and icon swapped.

• Tuck Box
• 400 gsm cardboard
• Satin matte lamination
• Linen finish
• Gold foil stamp on exterior
• Interior printing

The Guidebook

Please note that the guidebook is for guidance with the artwork, not as a resource for learning specific folklore. I'm providing nuance to the card, but I'm by no means an expert or teacher on the subject matter.

The guidebook contains brief information about tarot, animals, and general Northern European folklore meanings. However, each card's artwork is open to interpretation and applicable to your practice, traditions, and meanings. Just because I started it in this place of Finnish and Northern European folklore doesn't mean that's where you have to keep it!

The title and date of each painting and the artist's name, birthplace, and lifespan dates are included for each card entry.

• 70x120 mm
• Perfect binding
• 104 pages
• Black & white interior pages
• Matte lamination and linen finish cover
• Gold foil stamp on cover
  
  

Buyer is responsible for any duties/taxes/import fees to your country.