Deck time: The Parrot Tarot

 The Parrot Tarot

Because divination doesn’t have to be dark all the time 

The Parrot Tarot Cards are a vibrant and imaginative tarot deck inspired by the beauty, wisdom, and symbolism of tropical parrots and exotic birds. Each card in the deck reimagines traditional tarot archetypes through the lens of avian imagery—featuring colorful feathers, lush jungle backdrops, and an emphasis on communication, freedom, and higher awareness. 

 Parrott Tarot is collaboration between artist Margaret Parrott and her son Thom, a tarot writer. The cards are brightly colored with many symbols and esoteric correspondences built into the images. In the lower right corner is the parrot “mascot” of the deck. Its demeanor often reflects the meaning of the card, sometimes in humorous…

The Parrott Tarot is a relatively modern deck, designed to combine the spiritual traditions of tarot with the natural world’s vivid vitality. Parrots—known for their intelligence, mimicry, and bright plumage—symbolize communication, truth, and expression, qualities that align beautifully with tarot’s purpose: to convey insight, guidance, and self-reflection.

Many versions of the Parrot Tarot have been created by artists and tarot enthusiasts who wanted to move away from darker, more traditional medieval imagery. Instead, they bring forward a sense of joy, renewal, and connection to nature, making the deck ideal for intuitive readings and lightwork.

 Symbolism and Meanings

Each suit and card in the Parrot Tarot keeps the structure of the traditional Rider–Waite–Smith system but adds layers of avian symbolism:

• The Major Arcana often depict parrots interacting with celestial or elemental energies. For example, The Fool might show a young parrot taking its first flight, symbolizing faith and freedom. The Magician may appear as a brightly feathered bird surrounded by the tools of the four suits, representing mastery of communication and creation.

• The Cups could feature waterbirds and tropical settings, emphasizing emotion, empathy, and connection.

• The Swords, represented by sharp-beaked parrots, highlight intellect, truth, and sometimes the double-edged nature of words.

• The Wands might show energetic birds in flight, symbolizing inspiration, creativity, and movement.

• The Pentacles often feature grounded or nesting birds, representing stability, abundance, and the material realm.

Spiritual and Divinatory Themes: how the deck is different 

In readings, the Parrot Tarot encourages messages about:

• Authentic communication – speaking truthfully and listening with wisdom.

• Freedom of spirit – trusting your intuition and taking bold action.

• Vibrancy and joy – finding color and magic in everyday life.

• Connection with nature – remembering your place in the greater web of life.

Because parrots are also associated with mimicry, the deck can remind readers to be aware of whether they’re echoing others’ voices or expressing their own truth.

The Artwork

Artists who create or interpret the Parrot Tarot often employ lush, tropical palettes—rich greens, brilliant blues, scarlets, and golds—to evoke the exuberant energy of the rainforest. The art tends to be uplifting, making it a favourite among readers who prefer decks that radiate positivity rather than shadow or gloom.

Here’s a detailed look at several Parrot Tarot Cards, focusing on how their symbolism might appear through the eyes—and feathers—of the parrot world. These interpretations blend traditional tarot meanings with avian energy, colour symbolism, and spiritual insight.

 The Fool – The First Flight

Imagery:

A young parrot perched on the edge of a high branch, wings open, gazing at the sunrise. Beneath lies a lush tropical valley filled with life. A small butterfly or feather floats nearby, symbolizing guidance from spirit.

Meaning:

This card represents new beginnings, trust, and adventure. The parrot, just about to take its first flight, reminds us that courage often requires stepping into the unknown. The vivid colours suggest optimism and freedom of spirit.

Reversed Meaning:

Fear of change, hesitation, or being too reckless—forgetting to look before leaping. The reversed Fool can also warn of “mimicking others” rather than following your own inner call.

The Magician – Voice of Creation

Imagery:

A majestic macaw stands in the centre of a swirling canopy, surrounded by tools symbolizing the four elements: a feather quill (air), a crystal (earth), a flame (fire), and a cup of nectar (water). Its beak is open mid-call, projecting sound waves through the air.

Meaning:

The Magician Parrot channels willpower and communication. The parrot’s cry becomes a spell of creation—what is spoken becomes real. This card encourages clarity of thought, focus, and manifesting through words.

Reversed Meaning:

Deception, manipulation, or using words to mislead. It can warn against speaking without integrity or losing touch with one’s authentic voice.

 The Lovers – Mated for Life

Imagery:

Two parrots, often lovebirds or macaws, sit entwined on a flowering branch, their feathers forming a heart shape. The sky glows with dawn light, symbolizing union and divine harmony.

Meaning:

This card embodies love, choice, and harmony. Parrots are known to mate for life, so their partnership represents loyalty and emotional truth. The Lovers in this deck encourage following the heart, not just romance but spiritual alignment and self-love.

Reversed Meaning:

Disharmony, unbalanced relationships, or indecision. It may suggest sacrificing one’s individuality to please others—a reminder to honour your voice.

 Death – The Molting Season

Imagery:

A parrot shedding old feathers among autumn leaves, while new plumage begins to grow. In the background, other birds fly across the horizon, symbolizing transformation and rebirth.

Meaning:

The Death card represents transformation, renewal, and release. Just as a parrot must shed old feathers to fly stronger, we too must let go of what no longer serves us. Change may seem uncomfortable, but it brings rebirth and freedom.

Reversed Meaning:

Resistance to change, stagnation, or fear of transformation. A warning to stop clinging to what must be released.

The Sun – The Joyful Flight

Imagery:

A brilliant golden parrot soars across a radiant sunlit sky, surrounded by tropical flowers and butterflies. The world below is alive with light and growth.

Meaning:

Happiness, success, clarity, and celebration. The Sun card in the Parrot Tarot embodies pure life energy. It reminds you to express yourself fully and bask in your own brilliance—your true colours are your strength.

Reversed Meaning:

Temporary gloom, doubt, or burnout. The light is still there but may be obscured by worry or overwork.

The World – Circle of Feathers

Imagery:

A great ring of feathers encircles a radiant parrot perched in the centre, symbolizing unity and completion. Around it are elements of earth, air, fire, and water—balance achieved.

Meaning:

Wholeness, fulfillment, and achievement. The Parrot Tarot’s World card reminds you that you are both the singer and the song—the journey has come full circle. Spiritually, it reflects ascension and harmony with nature.

Reversed Meaning:

Incomplete cycles or delays in reaching a goal. A call to finish what was started or integrate all lessons before moving forward.

The Parrott Tarot makes for fresh and friendly interpretation of the tarot making it ideal for readers and questioners to feel comfortable and relaxed . It is a worthy and fun n deck for any tarot collector.

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