This Might Hurt Tarot
With A Name Like That — How Could I Resist?
My tarot collection feels more complete with the This Might Hurt Tarot Deck. Initially backed by over 700 backers on Kickstarter this indie deck is now in its fifth edition. I was able to see why before I even got it into my hands, thanks to its comprehensive website. The website includes all of the insightful information from the Little White Book in addition to images of all of the Smith-Waite-inspired artwork.
It was the depth and vulnerability in the description of the cards, coupled with their inclusive artwork that made me certain I wanted this deck to be with my others. The artist, Isabella Rotman, used the creation of this tarot deck to deepen her understanding of tarot, which is an approach I both appreciate and understand. This Might Hurt Tarot is a modernized understanding of the people and situations that tarot uses to communicate. The cards integrate Pamela Colman Smith’s imagery in addition to new, exciting interpretations of cards.
Cardstock
The cards themselves are printed on gorgeous stock that holds up to a variety of shuffle styles without cutting apart my hands. The cards edge can be holographic black or pearl — I opted for black because I was taught to wrap my decks in black as much as possible to protect them from ‘wayfaring energy.’
The deck is 4.75' x 2.75' which makes it around the perfect size for my hands as well. They have a good heft and are fun to shuffle and handle.
Artwork
I love how the symbolism among the cards themselves offer another opportunity for depth to my personal tarot study. The card descriptions in the guidebook offer more than just the standard fare. The court cards, in particular, are the most compelling and interesting I’ve seen in any deck — I am able to get clearer readings off of them. I adore the back because it’s just … once you’ve studied all the cards and spent a few moments with each, the back is a meditation in and of itself.
Reading Impressions
My interview with the deck was simply enchanting. Since I bought it intending for it to be for more personal readings for myself, I’ll keep what was said between the two of us, but I definitely learned that the This Might Hurt Tarot is as blunt but joyous as promised. I know that not only will the imagery and the guidebook give me a lot to think about and build on in the years to come, but I also know I have a lot to learn from this deck and the stories it can tell.
The artwork and color palates speak a special language, and it’s a delight to see how these cards interplay with each other within the context of a reading. It’s obvious that Isabella spent a lot of time figuring out how to tell the stories and display the archetypes in artwork and language that makes sense to the modern person.
This deck also features the most easy to interpret court cards for me. I believe that this goes back to how inclusive and embracing the cards are. This Might Hurt Tarot has court cards that feature people that I feel I have known and encountered.
Final Impressions
If you really enjoy the Smith-Waite tarot system but are craving a deck that has more inclusive artwork, This Might Hurt Tarot is a great deck to explore. Not only does it come with a good guidebook (digital and in print), but the imagery is so clear and evocative this deck makes for a powerful tool for meditation and healing. I really feel a sense of completion with this deck, and have already learned some new, exciting interpretations of favorite cards.