Queer Tarot: An Inclusive Deck and Guidebook [With Book(s)]
✍️ Molesso, AshleyA tarot deck and guide celebrating queer identity by artists Ash and Chess.
Ashley Molesso and Chess Needham present a tarot set that reimagines traditional symbolism through a queer lens. Their company, Ash + Chess, is known for bold retro designs. This 176-page guidebook accompanies the illustrated cards. The work reflects their mission to support LGBTQ+ visibility. It stands apart from conventional decks by prioritizing inclusive identity. The physical dimensions and weight make it a substantial yet portable item. Readers looking for diverse mystical resources will find this set relevant.
Published in 2022 by RP Studio, this work emerges from the Ash + Chess studio in Upstate New York. The creators gained traction after their 2017 debut at the National Stationery Show. Their art reaches global markets in North America and Europe.
📝 Description: Queer Tarot: An Inclusive Deck and Guidebook [With Book(s)]
💎 Expert review
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Readers seeking a spiritually affirming and visually vibrant tarot experience will find deep resonance in this deck. It is particularly valuable for queer and trans individuals who wish to see their identities reflected authentically in spiritual practices, offering a safe space for self-discovery. Those new to tarot may appreciate the accessible guidebook that demystifies interpretations while celebrating diverse life experiences. The set serves as both a beautiful art object and a practical tool for daily reflection, making it ideal for anyone desiring a more inclusive approach to divination that honors the full spectrum of human identity.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
While this deck excels in its mission to celebrate queer identity through Ash and Chess’s distinctive artistic lens, it may not suit readers seeking traditional, classic tarot interpretations or those indifferent to LGBTQ+ themes. The guidebook’s focus on affirmation might feel too specific for generalist occultists accustomed to standard Rider-Waite-Smith symbolism without modern reinterpretations. However, for its target audience, the emotional depth and visual vibrancy are unmatched. It is a specialized tool rather than a universal one, best appreciated by those who value representation in their spiritual toolkit over historical continuity.
❓ Frequently asked questions
📖 Who should read this
This deck is an essential addition for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking a mirror for their spiritual journey, and for allies embracing broader perspectives. If you value inclusive representation and vibrant artistry, this set invites profound personal connection and growth.
🎯 Key themes and symbolism
Affirming Queer Identity
This deck boldly centers LGBTQ+ experiences, moving beyond traditional gender and relationship norms to present archetypes that resonate with diverse identities. It redefines universal human themes through a queer lens, offering a powerful tool for self-acceptance and spiritual validation within the community.
Modern Tarot Interpretation
While respecting the foundational structures of tarot, this set introduces contemporary interpretations that speak directly to modern life and diverse relationship dynamics. It encourages a flexible, intuitive approach to meaning, allowing readers to connect with the cards in ways that feel authentic and personally relevant.
Dynamic Visual Storytelling
The distinctive, vibrant illustrations by Ash + Chess are a hallmark of this deck, bringing a fresh aesthetic to the tarot tradition. Each card is a miniature work of art, employing bold colors and expressive designs that enhance intuitive understanding and make the journey through the Major and Minor Arcana truly captivating.
📜 Historical context
📚 Glossary
- Tarot
- LGBTQ+
- Inclusivity
📔 Questions to reflect on
- Which card in this deck most powerfully reflects an aspect of your identity you are currently exploring or celebrating? How does it make you feel?
- Consider a challenge you face. How might the imagery or meaning of a particular card from Queer Tarot offer a new, affirming perspective on it?
- How does this deck's inclusive approach encourage you to rethink or deepen your understanding of traditional tarot archetypes?
📖 Read on the blog
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