Product Review: The Surrealist Tarot by Luigi di Giammarino

Surrealism developed out of the previous Dada movement, which existed as an anti-art movement that intentionally produced artworks that defied reason. Due to this movement, artists began experimenting with the avant-garde in their work. Surrealist artists had an enthusiasm about the impact that their art could have on demobilizing and deconstructing powerful forces within society, such as the impact that World War One left on society.

The Surrealist Tarot

True to the name, this tarot deck delivers imagery that is straight up surreal. Pulling from artists such as Salvador Dali, René Magritte, and Frida Kahlo, the deck takes their work and creates powerful tarot images that at times jars the reader with its symbolism in the best way. The deck is done by Luigi Di Giammarino from Lo Scarabeo (Italy). It features a full deck of 78 cards and comes with a Little White Book (LWB). 

The cards are colorful and unique, so if you read using color theory you will love this deck quite a bit, just based on that alone. 

Some of the favorite cards are the Page of Pentacles, the King of Pentacles, and the High Priestess. The deck reads so well, whether you know your surrealist painters or not. Its strength lies in direct questioning and provides hard to argue with concrete answers. 

In a test reading I asked what I need to know and received the Devil, the Sun, and the 10 of Cups. Seems like this is saying what I need to know is that I am the one getting in my own way. Well then! Sometimes people need to get told the hard truths and process from that. You can see those cards below!      

If you are looking for a deck that combines wild art with historical movements, then this deck is one that you will love. To order your copy or browse our online selection please visit Llewellyn’s site by clicking here. Stay tuned for more product reviews and more coming to our blog soon!