The Linestrider Tarot by Siolo Thompson
Hello, soul friends!
Today's review is covering a deck that caught my attention as soon as I saw it in a Swap group. I couldn't find a lot of pictures or information online, so decided to risk it and buy the deck from Amazon, after checking out the owner's Instagram account, as I figured it would be something different than the other 15 or so Tarot decks I own. I am eclectic and don't like to purchase similar decks. Plus, I love seeing other Indie decks - especially those that get published by large publishing houses, and checking them out!
I hope you enjoy my review and generous pictures!
Linestrider Tarot
I purchased this deck directly from Amazon, after seeing a few posts on Instagram showing these gorgeous cards. I found it to be an intriguing and interesting deck. After seeing a few pictures here and there, I knew I needed to get a set and check it out for myself. Loved the simplicity and also the fact that it is an artistic and different Tarot deck, than what I already own.
The Amazon Description of the Linestrider Tarot Deck:
Spun with soft strokes of vibrant color and intricate detail, The Linestrider Tarot features gentle yet evocative images that dance on the edge between magic and logic. With grace and innovation, Siolo Thompson's captivating minimalist art will enhance your readings in powerful and profound ways.
Linestriding is about walking in two worlds - one foot in each to discover guidance. Drawing inspiration from the edge while still moving forward on the Fool's journey, this Rider-Waite-Smith-based deck helps uncover the answers you seek about health, love, career, and much more.
About the author
Siolo Thompson (Seattle, WA) is a visual artist and author who employs multiple techniques and narrative forms, from traditional painting to comics and sequential illustration. Her work has been published and exhibited worldwide.
My Personal Review
This 78-card deck is meant to be used as a traditional Tarot deck. I wasn't really aware of what to expect with this deck, so upon opening it up I was a bit surprised at the artwork and the details in each card. I loved the simple blue and white backs that reminded me of inkblots, and enjoyed the beautiful artwork.
The artwork was something that had called me with this deck, as I stated above and why I was excited to get my hands on a set. It was variously different from anything else I have seen and I loved the unique approach to the whole deck. The artwork is really standout and stand alone with the interesting interpretation of each of the cards. I loved the white background and easy to read text on each of the cards. The watercolor aspects makes this deck ethereal and also subtle. The artwork stands out but isn't overpowering.
Siolo's artwork is absolutely magical. The images are whimsical, evoking a sense of true mysticism, and also embrace some of the lovely symbolism from various influences. I loved the details and the blending of animals, people, and also the lovely symbols throughout.
The images remind me of traditional RWS tarot imagery but with their own spin, that does stand out from other traditional decks. The cards were easy to pick up and use, and also I enjoyed seeing her interpretation of some of the Major cards from a different lens.
The card stock is not very thick, semi-matte finish, smooth to shuffle, and allows you get a nice bend without cracking the card stock. The finish really helps make the artwork truly stand out. All of the cards are on a white background and no borders. The size of the cards was an average tarot size. Not too large, and not too small. The cards also came with a nice and thicker tuck box than I have seen for most indie decks.
The backs of the cards have a simple repeated pattern that allows you to pull reversed meanings, as well. The included Guidebook is one of the most meaty and different interpretations for the Tarot that I have come across in a Tarot deck. It has 274 pages! It is longer than some Tarot books out there, not including the deck. I enjoyed some of her explanations for choosing certain images and symbolism for each of the cards, as well as the unique definitions that Siolo used.
I do use this deck quite a bit, and love the messages that come with the guidebook. As a working deck, I have enjoyed showing this off with clients and have found that the imagery is striking in a new way. The artwork is ethereal, and the messages included help me to connect in a new way to the Tarot. This is my first deck that I had purchase from Llewellyn and found that it was a good introduction to this publishing house.
The box that the deck and book came in, is quite large so for storage this may be a bit difficult to keep together. So, if you like to keep your deck and book in the original box, this may not work for you. I actually got rid of the original box due to limited storage within my deck collection.
Given that this is a Tarot deck, I don't typically get too bent out of shape without a good guidebook, but this is a solid choice. Again, 274 pages dedicated to the whole deck, it is a wonderful deck for beginners. Sometimes just having a beautiful deck to do readings with is enough to satisfy my curiosity - so this was an added bonus that really allowed me to connect further to the deck.
Here are some extra pictures of this beautiful creation:
Overall, I think this was a beautifully executed deck. It is still available to purchase through Amazon, I highly recommend it!
My overall opinion is that this deck is a 4 star choice.
Artwork - 5 stars
Card stock - 3 stars
Ease - 4 stars
Guidebook - 4 stars
I hope that you enjoyed my deck review, and also enjoy other deck reviews that I add to this site. I have a passion for exploring new decks and also finding various ways of connecting to my intuition. I appreciate you checking out my site and taking the time to read my review.
Happy Reading!
