Sunday, 31 August 2025

Deck review: Mindscapes Tarot by John Rice


Windows In, Windows Out

Drawing inspiration from psychology, mythology, and color theory, the hand-painted oil pastel artwork in this unique tarot deck is healing, inspiring, and vibrates with childlike whimsy and natural beauty.

Originally conceived as a majors-only deck and Kickstarted in 2022, Mindscapes Tarot has evolved into a comprehensive journey of self-discovery through all 80 cards.

With the traditional suits renamed to reflect the changing panoramas they feature, the Minor Arcana is made up of Branches (Wands), Tides (Cups), Spires (Swords), and Stones (Pentacles). Each card from Ace through Ten depicts the same scene through the seasons and years, the same place in times of plenty and times of lack.

As you delve into the deck, you'll find yourself immersed in a realm where every stroke of color and form whispers secrets of the subconscious. No matter your skill level, you will be able to get answers from your readings and find authentic, creative solutions to your problems.

Allow each card to become a portal to a world of inner exploration, where the boundaries between myth and reality blur, and the depths of the soul are illuminated. With stunning artwork and profound symbolism, this deck is more than just a tool for divination - it's a catalyst for personal growth and transformation.


You can see the complete flickthrough on TikTok or Youtube. I posted two spreads, an interview spread and a Story Snapshot spread.


I. First Impressions
Unboxing Experience: The deck comes in a two part box with a soft, slightly velvety feel. It's wrapped in plastic. When you open it, the book is resting on top of the cards, which have a paper band keeping them in place.

Artwork Style:
The hand-illustrated oil pastel cards are exquisite. The Minor Arcana’s seasonal progression creates a living timeline within a single location — an orchard that grows and flourishes, mountains that erode and rise, seas that swell and calm. Dramatic cards stand out beautifully against lighter, natural tones, making moments of tension or change visually striking.

More than any deck I’ve used before, Mindscapes invites storytelling. Each image feels like the first frame of a longer tale, ideal for writing prompts or narrative spreads.

The Star card from Mindscapes, showing a colourful landscape



II. The Cards

Card Backs:
All cards share a non-reversible background, subtle in its charm and detail.

The non reversible card back

Major Arcana:

  • Strength is 8, Justice is 11.

  • Two extra cards, The Catacombs and The Great Work, add layers to the deck’s journey.

  • Each Major includes the number in Roman numerals, the name, astrological symbol, and a unique sigil.

  • While the meanings correspond broadly to the RWS system, the images often explore new interpretations, making them feel fresh and thought-provoking.

The Hanged One, showing a polar bear looking up at the Northern Lights

Minor Arcana:

  • Each suit unfolds in its own landscape: Branches in lush orchards, Tides at sea, Spires among mountains, Stones in a desert city.

  • The suit name is written at the bottom; frames feature subtle color variations for identification.

  • Court cards are from the point of view of the character, placing you inside the scene and enhancing narrative immersion.

Two Minor cards, showing the subtle difference in frame colours
The Knight of Branches card, peeping out through a tent opening into a clearing in the woods


Card Stock and Size:
Standard tarot size with slightly thicker, matte-feel cards. Shuffling is easy, and they have held up beautifully over several weeks of use.


III. The Guidebook

Writing Style and Readability:
The guidebook is clear, approachable, and informative. While the print is a touch small, the descriptions are rich, explaining both symbolism and design inspiration.

Card Meanings:

  • Majors: two pages per card, covering keywords, visual cues, a detailed image description, and a suggested action or meditation.

  • Minors: similar coverage, offering depth without overwhelming.

Spreads and Techniques:
The book includes two spreads and tips for connecting with the deck. The overall message: trust your intuition and do what works best for you.


IV. In Use

Intuition and Connection:
The art captured me immediately, but the deck didn’t give up its secrets at once. I had to study, explore, and find familiarity in the new imagery. Once attuned, the deck became responsive and surprisingly deep. This isn’t a “pick up and read” deck; it rewards time, patience, and reflection.

Clarity of Readings:
Readings improve the more you engage. While there were no instant “aha” moments for me, repeated use revealed rich insights. My querent appreciated the thoughtful interpretations, and the deck’s storytelling potential became increasingly evident.

As I explored the cards through a daily diary, they revealed characters, fleeting moments, and sparks of inspiration that went beyond typical tarot readings.

Suitability for Different Skill Levels:
Because of the renamed Minors, extra cards, and non-standard images, Mindscapes Tarot isn’t ideal for absolute beginners. However, for anyone familiar with tarot or deeply engaged with art and narrative, it’s an invaluable addition that can deepen your practice and expand creative thinking.

A dramatic card from the Mindscapes Tarot deck

Suggested Spreads for Storytelling

One of the most unique aspects of the Mindscapes Tarot is how naturally it lends itself to narrative exploration. Here are a few spreads that showcase its storytelling potential:

1. Interview Spread

  • Pull cards to “interview” the deck as if it were a character or guide.

  • Questions can include: Tell me about yourself, What are your strengths?, What should I learn from you?

  • This spread draws on the deck’s symbolism to highlight its personality, guidance, and advice.

2. Story Snapshot Spread

  • Choose two or three cards to inspire a short, episodic scene.

  • Let the imagery suggest characters, actions, or conflicts.

  • Great for diary entries or creative writing prompts, as each card can spark a fleeting moment, emotion, or encounter.

3. Inner/Outer Spread

  • A two-card spread highlighting inner dynamics vs. outward experiences.

  • Especially effective for introspective storytelling, helping the reader or writer explore how internal states influence external events.


Example in Action

In my own exploration, I used the Story Snapshot spread to follow a single narrator through small, episodic diary entries. Cards like the Hanged One prompted quiet reflection, the Moon added fleeting, dreamlike unease, and Cups brought moments of joy and connection along familiar paths. The Queen of Branches even appeared as a rare, inspiring presence, sparking new ideas and action at just the right moments. Using the deck this way highlights its narrative potential - each reading can unfold like a short story, with characters, settings, and emotional beats that linger long after the cards are put away.

Final Thoughts

This is a beautiful, nuanced deck that adds immeasurably to your tarot practice. It shines when you allow it to tell a story, when you linger with the images, and when you let its landscapes and characters enter your imagination. Give yourself time to get to know it - and let the cards get to know you. The journey is as rewarding as the insights it provides.

The Four of Stones card, a dramatic desert cityscape



1 comment:

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