I love this deck! The Jack-O’-Lantern Tarot, by Giuliano Costa and Rachel Paul, follows a traditional format, with 78 cards, 22 of which are major arcana, and the four traditional suits of Chalices, Pentacles, Wands, and Swords. This is a theme deck in a way, because although its design is influenced by the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, it features jack o’ lanterns in its artwork, and it emphasizes the special atmosphere that we associate with Halloween-time. This is a great deck to read anytime, but of course, especially in an October tarot reading. The closer we get to Halloween the better!
“Enter into a realm where every day is Halloween!”
– Jack-O’-Lantern Tarot
Five-card pumpkin-patch spread
The spread I am using for this reading is from the accompanying little while booklet, and it is perfect for the Jack-O’-Lantern Tarot deck. It is also rather short, using only five cards. I like how the authors really focused on what each card position means. They say this spread is for “examining the journey of a situation from start to completion, from humble seed to masterpiece. It all starts in the pumpkin patch.”
The cards drawn
For my reading, I drew:
- 7 of Pentacles
- 5 of Wands
- XVIII The Moon
- Page of Pentacles
- 9 of Wands
I focused on what is growing or developing in my own life now, with no focus on any one specific thing or situation.
Pentacles and Wands ~ creativity and inspiration!
I see at first glance that the cards drawn really fit the intent of the reading. Pentacles and Wands stand out to me, and a major arcana card being central means the issue has some significance.
The 7 of Pentacles is a great card for when you are a creative. The card here shows hard work, full commitment to one’s craft, and a natural time of waiting. In this first position, the card might reflect the overall environment, or basis, of the issue. I see it as putting yourself out there, presenting your work, and being patient.
In the 5 of Wands we might see some competition or battle. I prefer to see it here as a healthy, energetic or lighthearted struggle. If you notice in the card itself, there is a volcano about to blow, but above it is a serene face in the clouds. There may appear to be some tumult, but all is actually well. The LWB states, “… though this spiritual battle may seem a bit draining, you can tap into your inner fire to bring you through.” I love this message for this card. It underscores that despite battle or struggle, you can still count on your own strengths.
In the third position of this spread, we see what our growth or development looks like. It points to how we might expand or progress. I think the Moon is a wonderful card for this position. The LWB of the Jack-O’-Lantern Tarot somewhat ominously says, “Press forward in your quest with your senses heightened, like a wolf under the full Halloween moon.” It also suggests believing in your personal strength and depth of understanding. In my experience, the Moon tends to mostly be a positive card. I see this as an indication that personal development through this endeavor might encompass intuitive, feeling, and somewhat philosophical or spiritual strengths. I tend to embrace the shadow as being necessary to living authentically. The Moon has always kind of been attuned with that approach, to me.
Another great card for the creative, especially when setting out on a new endeavor, the Page of Pentacles is well placed here. The LWB says of the card in this position, “What are you harvesting? What are you reaping from the situation?” It indicates that the card here in position four tells us what an outcome or result of the previous cards might be. The Page is a bit new to their craft, but their eagerness and dedication, as well as excitement, reflect a positive outcome.
For the final card, a position titled “The Jack-O’-Lantern,” we see the true potential of our creativity, and the opportunity to really define and seize our goals. This is a card about free will. The LWB says, “What action do you take now? … What can you create at this point? … When we play in the dark, we become the light. Create! Refine! Define! And Shine!” More positive and insightful advice from the Jack-O’-Lantern Tarot! The 9 of Wands is a powerfully spiritual and creative card. In this position it seems to say that it is up to you to make it happen – it is all there and all available, if you choose it, and if you work through your challenges to get there.
Putting it all together
As someone who is working in a few areas, some of it quite creative, this reading is very promising. It offers a feeling of optimism, as well as encouragement to believe in myself, my abilities, and my strengths. The challenges as well as the personal growth it shows are exciting.
A deck of depth, insight, humor, and style
I think these cards show how the Jack-O’-Lantern Tarot is not only a great deck that can be used when you are looking for something traditional, it is also a joy to use for its particular insightfulness. The artwork is captivating and evocative (and of course, features jack-o’-lanterns). The little white booklet homes in on the crux of each card’s meaning in short descriptions, sharing not only rather meaningful advice but also notes of off-beat humor. I would recommend the Jack-O’-Lantern Tarot to anyone who enjoys a standard tarot deck, but has a particular love of Halloween, pumpkins, or jack-o’-lanterns, as well as to those who enjoy a keener exploration of self-realization, self-knowledge, and a journey into the shadow self.
Learn more
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If you love this evocative jack-o’-lantern artwork as much as I do, you can learn more, read user reviews, or purchase the Jack-O’-Lantern Tarot at Amazon. You can also visit the publisher at Lo Scarabeo to see this and other fine tarot decks.
Love Halloween tarot decks but this isn’t quite the one for you? Check out my review of the Trick or Treat Tarot. It is another fun tarot deck inspired by this great holiday, full of Halloween symbolism and meaning.
~ Nellie
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