- Boadicea’s Tarot of Earthly Delights
- Author: Caroline Kenner (Insta @mythkenner) with Paula Millet, Deck Creator and Artist (Insta @boadiceas.tarot)
- Published by RED Feather, 2025
- RRP: US$ 34.99 / UK£ 31.99
- ISBN: 978-0-7643-6908-7
- Reviewed by Cadence Insta @temperanceandtruth
I was excited to review Boadicea’s Tarot of Earthly Delights when I found out that it was being produced in mass market; it was previously an independent deck. I will admit that I am not typically drawn to collage art decks as I can find them too visually chaotic and lacking in cohesion. Some creators, however, are masters of this type of art, and artist/creator Paula Millet is among those who seamlessly blends imagery for visual cohesion. The guidebook is authored by Caroline Kenner of The Fool’s Dog, a popular cartomancy app for learning and divining on the go, as well as studying the art of individual decks.
The deck is an homage to Boadicea the Queen, a British Celtic warrior and leader of the Iceni tribe, who led a revolt against Roman occupation in the first century AD/CE. The uprising began when Roman authorities ignored Boadicea’s inheritance of her husband’s throne, following his passing, and then violated her daughters. Boadicea and her army were successful in the revolt in several areas before ultimately being defeated by the Romans. The deck seeks to honor her courage, leadership, and wisdom.
One of my favorite images from the Major Arcana is the Magician. I love a female Magician! She is depicted in her workspace, surrounded by objects to aid her in her craft. The summarized interpretation notes, “This virtuoso of improvisation skilfully juggles the very fabric of reality. You might be tricked, or you might be enlightened”. The guidebook offers extended upright and reversed meanings, a description of the art, and the meanings of the symbols found in the art. I particularly love that the artwork and symbolism are described in such detail, something that is often lacking in guidebooks.
In the Minor Arcana, the suit names are changed but are easily understood in relation to the elements: Wands are Combustion; Cups are Tentacles; Swords are Aether; and Pentacles are Fungi. The suits are color-coded in the borders. The beginning of the Minor Arcana section provides a fantastic primer in the elements, numerology, and the court cards.
Amongst my favorites in the Minor Arcana is the striking artwork of the Three of Combustion. Three figures are shown facing the sea, and each has a flame on top of their heads. In the background, the Taj Mahal appears in the clouds. The figures stand in sand dunes, which are illuminated with fireflies. The summarized interpretation reads, “You and your partners have reached an accord. Your work is laid out before you, and you’re eager to proceed”. I love this interpretation of the Three of Wands, as it pulls in the numerological references of the three: expansion, collaboration, and the many forms of the Trinity. Typically, we see a single figure, looking out to the sea, and contemplating how to expand his goals. The guidebook notes that the clouds signify a plan that has yet to be manifested; the Taj Mahal represents a labor of love; and the fireflies represent inspiration. It is a fantastic, unique take on the Three of Wands.
The back of the substantial guidebook is a great primer on how to read tarot, including phrasing questions, suggestions for interpretations, and many unique spreads. In addition, an Appendix provides credit for each piece of artwork used in the creation of the cards, and the list is extensive. Also of note are two additional cards that can be used: an additional Major Arcana card (22) of Boadicea, and another card numbered with an infinity sign titled Perspicacious Platypus. The latter represents personal enlightenment and depicts the platypus looking at its own image in a mirror, glowing and surrounded by a lush garden, a rainbow, and a statue of Venus, in contrast to the drab room that it stands in. The card is meant to depict inspiration and the multi-faceted versions of ourselves.
This deck is published by Red Feather. The box is incredibly beautiful, with a magnetic closure, a solid nest for the cards, and a ribbon to easily access the deck and book. It should be mentioned, though, that the box is very large, probably the largest box in my entire collection. As I have noted in other reviews of Red Feather decks, I find that this publisher offers the most unique decks of all the mass market publishers, and Boadicea’s Tarot of Earthly Delights is no exception. The card stock, however, is not my favorite. It is rather stiff and very difficult to riffle shuffle without dividing the deck. The overhand shuffle works great. The cards are gilded, and the card backs are reversible and very visually appealing.
If you are like me and not always drawn to collage art, I highly recommend this deck to expand your view of this art medium, as the images are blended so beautifully and cohesively. The imagery doesn’t take itself too seriously; many images show the creator’s fantastic sense of humor. It offers nods to traditional Rider-Waite-Smith symbolism, but it is no clone. In addition, the guidebook offers information that is helpful to both beginners and seasoned readers. Lastly, I should note that many of the images that I loved contained [tasteful, artistic, lovely] nudity and are, therefore, not depicted here.
Boadicea’s Tarot of Earthly Delights can be purchased here:
https://schifferbooks.com/products/boadiceas-tarot-of-earthly-delights
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