Tarot of a Moon Garden by Sweikhardt & Clarkson

Traditional structure, lunar fantasy world. The deck keeps the classic 78-card, four-suit tarot framework while reimagining it as an enchanted moonlit garden of fairies, dragons, and unicorns.

Whimsical, approachable art. Karen Marie Sweikhardt's dreamlike night scenes are gentle rather than frightening, with reversible, intricately patterned card backs.

Full deck and booklet. You get all 78 cards plus an instructional booklet by Laura E. Clarkson with upright and reversed meanings, everything you need to begin reading right away.

From the publisher, U.S. Games Systems: the Tarot of a Moon Garden delivers its secrets on the wings of dragonflies, butterflies, angels, and fairies, while unicorns and dolphins bring insightful messages. This deck weaves together traditional tarot symbolism, mythic expression, elemental magic, and the reflective phases of lunar energy. The Major Arcana depict fairies, dragons, butterflies, and unicorns, while the Minor Arcana carry playful touches such as dragonflies forming the hilts of the Swords suit. Booklet by Laura E. Clarkson includes upright and reversed meanings; paintings by fantasy artist Karen Marie Sweikhardt.

Karen Marie Sweikhardt is a US-based fantasy artist who first imagined the Moon Garden as a poem before it blossomed into this fanciful deck. First published by U.S. Games Systems, it has become a lasting favorite among readers who love whimsical, dreamlike tarot.

• 78-card full-size tarot deck (22 Major Arcana, 56 Minor Arcana)
• Instructional booklet with upright and reversed meanings
• Artist: Karen Marie Sweikhardt
• Booklet: Laura E. Clarkson
• Publisher: U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
• Theme: lunar fantasy garden with fairies, dragons, unicorns, and dolphins
• Reversible, patterned card backs
• Card size: approximately 2 3/4" x 4 3/4"
• ISBN: 9780880797054
• SKU: DMOOGAR0TA

The moon has always governed the softer, more reflective side of the psyche, the realm of dream, intuition, and the imagination. By setting tarot in a garden lit by moonlight, this deck leans fully into that association, inviting you to read in a more dreamlike, feeling-led way rather than a purely analytical one. The whimsical creatures are not just decoration; they set a tone of wonder that quiets the critical mind.

Tarot itself is a tool for reflection rather than fixed fortune. The 78 cards trace the human journey, from the Fool's first step through the lessons of the Major Arcana and the daily texture of the Minor Arcana. Because the Tarot of a Moon Garden keeps the traditional structure and four suits beneath its fantasy imagery, you draw on more than a century of shared symbolism even as the pictures carry you somewhere enchanted.

That gentle, approachable quality is part of the gift. This is a deck that rarely frightens, which makes it a kind companion for tender questions, and its lunar theme is a natural fit for moon-centered practice, seasonal reflection, or simply reading by candlelight.

1. When the deck is new, clear it in whatever way suits you: passing it through cleansing smoke, resting it under the moon, or simply shuffling while you set your intention for your work together.
2. Take time with the artwork before you read. Let the moonlit scenes and creatures draw your eye; the deck is designed to spark intuition through its imagery.
3. Choose a spread, whether a single daily card, a three-card line, or a fuller layout, and shuffle while holding your question in mind.
4. Read the cards with the booklet close at hand for upright and reversed meanings, letting the dreamlike images guide your intuition.
5. Close your reading with a moment of thanks or reflection, and store the cards somewhere that feels right, wrapped in cloth or kept in their box.

• Crystal Visions Tarot Deck: a kindred faerie-and-fantasy deck, a lovely companion for readers who love dreamlike art.
• Celestial Tarot Deck: another deck drawn from the night sky, mapping tarot onto the moon, planets, and stars.
• White Sage Smudge Sticks, Set of 6: cleanse your deck and reading space with sacred smoke before you begin.
• Soul Connection Frankincense Resin: burn a little frankincense as you read to settle the mind and mark the space as sacred.
• Selenite Wire-Wrapped Necklace: luminous and moon-pale, selenite is a fitting companion for lunar-themed readings.

Is the Tarot of a Moon Garden good for beginners?

Yes. It keeps the traditional 78-card, four-suit structure, so standard tarot knowledge applies, and the booklet gives upright and reversed meanings for every card. Its gentle, whimsical imagery is especially welcoming for newcomers who find some traditional decks a little intimidating.

How many cards are in the deck, and what comes with it?

The Tarot of a Moon Garden is a full 78-card deck, with 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana. It comes with an instructional booklet by Laura E. Clarkson that provides upright and reversed meanings for each card.

What makes this deck feel different from a classic tarot?

The structure is traditional, but the imagery transports you to an enchanted moonlit garden of fairies, dragons, unicorns, and dolphins. Even the suits carry whimsical touches, such as dragonflies forming the hilts of the Swords, giving the whole deck a soft, dreamlike, lunar mood.

Who created the Tarot of a Moon Garden?

The paintings are by fantasy artist Karen Marie Sweikhardt, who first imagined the Moon Garden as a poem, and the accompanying booklet is by Laura E. Clarkson. The deck is published by U.S. Games Systems.

How do I cleanse or care for a tarot deck?

Many readers cleanse a new deck before first use by passing it through cleansing smoke, setting it under the moon, or knocking and reshuffling to reset its energy. Store the cards in their box or wrapped in cloth, keep them dry, and handle them with clean hands to protect the art.