Whether you're brand new to tarot or an experienced reader looking for a softer, more introspective companion deck, The Good Tarot stands out as a modern reimagining of a centuries-old system.
Tarot is often associated with mystery, fate, and sometimes even fear. But The Good Tarot by Colette Baron-Reid offers a very different entry point into the tarot tradition and is rooted in encouragement, self-reflection, and personal empowerment. Designed to uplift rather than predict, this deck reframes tarot as a tool for inner guidance and conscious growth.
What Is The Good Tarot?
The Good Tarot is a complete 78-card tarot deck accompanied by a 120-page guidebook. While it follows the traditional tarot structure of the Major and Minor Arcana, it intentionally shifts the focus away from fortune-telling and toward fostering personal insight and growth. The deck's philosophy is that tarot works best as a mirror for the present moment rather than a forecast of the future.
Colette Baron-Reid, known for her work in intuitive development and personal transformation, designed this deck to help readers tune into their intuition, clarify their mindset, and reconnect with their sense of purpose. Instead of asking, "What will happen to me?" the deck encourages questions like, "What energy am I in right now?" or "What perspective will best support my growth?"
A Modern Structure Rooted in the Elements
The Four Elemental Suits
One of the most noticeable differences in The Good Tarot is the way it reframes the Minor Arcana. Rather than using the traditional suit names of Cups, Swords, Pentacles, and Wands, the deck names the suits directly after the four classical elements:
- Air
- Water
- Earth
- Fire
Each element aligns closely with its traditional tarot counterpart but feels more universal and intuitive. This elemental emphasis makes the deck exceptionally approachable for readers who already work with elemental symbolism through astrology, energy work, or spiritual practices.
Affirmation-Based Card Meanings
Another defining feature of The Good Tarot is its use of affirmations. Every card's primary message is written in the present tense, framed as a positive statement. Even cards that traditionally represent difficulty or loss are expressed as opportunities for awareness and transformation.
Rather than predicting obstacles, the cards ask the reader to step into responsibility, clarity, and trust. The language gently reinforces the idea that growth is always possible, even during challenging moments.
Renamed Major Arcana
Several Major Arcana cards have been renamed to better reflect the deck's philosophy. For example, cards traditionally associated with fear or finality are reframed in a more expansive, compassionate way. These updated names do not remove depth from the cards but instead soften their entry point, making them feel less intimidating, especially for beginners.
The Artwork and Visual Tone
The artwork, created by Jena DellaGrottaglia, plays a significant role in how the deck communicates. The imagery is dreamlike, symbolic, and ethereal, drawing on mythic figures, elemental landscapes, and archetypal scenes. The color palette is rich but calming, and the illustrations leave room for intuitive interpretation rather than dictating a single meaning.
Many readers find that the artwork alone invites reflection, even before consulting the guidebook. The visuals support the deck's overall message: tarot as a contemplative, intuitive experience rather than a rigid system.
The Guidebook: Accessible and Encouraging
The accompanying guidebook is written in clear, supportive language and avoids overly technical or esoteric explanations. For each card, it offers an affirmation, a general meaning, and reflective guidance designed to help readers apply the message to their own lives.
Rather than prescribing strict interpretations, the guidebook encourages readers to engage in dialogue with the cards. This makes it especially appealing to those who use tarot for journaling, meditation, or daily check-ins rather than formal readings.
Strengths of The Good Tarot
One of the deck's greatest strengths is its gentle, encouraging tone. It consistently emphasizes self-trust, resilience, and conscious choice. For people who feel anxious around traditional tarot or who prefer guidance without fear-based interpretations, this deck can feel reassuring and grounding, making it especially suitable for those on a path of personal development.
Its approachable design helps beginners feel confident and experienced readers to find a meaningful, reflective tool for their practice.
Critiques and Considerations
That said, The Good Tarot is not for everyone. Some traditional tarot readers feel that the affirmation-focused approach removes the sharper edges of tarot symbolism and reduces its complexity. Others note that the deck sometimes functions more like an oracle deck than a conventional tarot deck, particularly in structured spreads that rely heavily on classic meanings.
These critiques are largely a matter of personal preference. Readers who value predictive readings or traditional symbolism may find this deck limiting, while those drawn to introspection and personal development often see its approach as a strength.
How to Work With The Good Tarot
This deck is particularly well-suited for daily or weekly pulls, mindfulness practices, and journaling prompts. Many readers use it as a morning card to set an intention for the day or as a reflective tool during periods of transition.
It can also be used alongside a more traditional tarot deck, offering an alternative perspective when clarity or emotional grounding is needed.
Final Thoughts
The Good Tarot encourages curiosity, compassion, and personal responsibility, inspiring readers to explore their inner world with motivation and openness.
For anyone seeking a tarot deck that emphasizes growth, awareness, and empowerment, The Good Tarot offers a thoughtful and gentle path inward that meets you exactly where you are.
Flip Through the Entire Deck
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