It is the middle of the zombie apocalypse and you need some guidance. What do you do? Or perhaps, it is now and you just want to do something that is ridiculously good fun. Again, what is one to do? The answer is obvious. Grab The Zombie Tarot: An Oracle of the Undead with Deck and Instructions of course!
Published by Quirk Books (@quirkbooks), instructions written by Stacey Graham (@staceyigraham) and cards illustrated by Paul Kepple & Ralph Geroni of Headcase Designs, this 78 card ‘working’ deck based on the Rider Waite tarot deck is worth the price simply for the illustrations. It is also worth the price for the entertainment value.
Stacey Graham’s instructions and card descriptions are written with a good dose of humour and sarcasm. The instructions are also clear and concise, suitable for the “beginner” and for those who are already familiar with tarot.
If you are familiar with a “normal” tarot deck, you’ll notice a few differences. One of these differences is found in the suits; coins have been replaced with hazards. The imagery on each card is also changed in order to accommodate the zombie apocalypse. The spreads are also created specifically for this deck.
Within the instruction book, you will find five different spreads. The first is The Beginner, a standard 3-card spread answering questions about past, present and future. The second is The Broken Heart, a 8-card spread, laid out in the shape of a heart, answering questions about relationships — the central issue, how you see the other person, how they see you, unknown influences, where you want the relationship to go, who can help, challenges and outcome. The third is The Gravestone, a 6-card spread, laid out in the shape of a gravestone, helping you to identify and deal with an important issue. The fourth is The Eyeball, a 7-card spread, laid out in the shape of an eyeball, that offers a glimpse into the month ahead. The fifth is The Severed Head, a 7-card spread, laid out in the shape of a person with a floating head, that offers a 360-degree perspective on a situation.
You will also find detailed information about the Major and Minor Arcana, including a breakdown of each of the four suits and the numbers.
Stacey did a wonderful job with the instructions, ensuring that they are accessible to anyone, regardless of their views on tarot.The Zombie Tarot doesn’t take itself seriously. And it shouldn’t. After all, it is zombies and zombies are fun, unless of course they are chasing after you.
And the art. The art is delicious and gorgeous. Art lovers will want this deck simply for the 78 pieces of exquisite art.
If the above isn’t enough to entice you into purchasing The Zombie Tarot, I invite you to listen to my interview with Stacey Graham. Things we discussed during the interview include: Stacey’s background; The art of The Zombie Tarot; A crash course on tarot; The different spreads available in The Zombie Tarot; Three tarot readings; and more.
You can purchase the deck at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Indigo Books & Music, or wherever books are sold.
A copy of The Zombie Tarot was provided for the purposes of this review.
