The Tarot in Wonderland by Barbara Moore
This fun deck often referred to as the Alice in Wonderland Tarot is a 78-card deck published by Llewellyn in 2018, with artwork by Eugene Smith.
It blends traditional Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) tarot structure and symbolism with characters, scenes, and the whimsical, surreal spirit of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass.
As a big fan of Alice in Wonderland and its imagery I was drawn to this deck as I’m sure others fans of the popular book and films would be.
This deck stands out for its thoughtful integration of theme and tarot system. Barbara Moore, a respected tarot author and creator, approaches the project with depth rather than superficial nods to the story. The deck faithfully follows RWS meanings while using Wonderland elements to add layers of interpretation—often emphasising curiosity, disruption of rigid thinking, playfulness, and intuition. Reviewers frequently praise how it encourages readers not to take situations (or themselves) too seriously, making it refreshing for breaking through mental blocks or stale perspectives.
The artwork by Eugene Smith is vibrant, colorful, and evocative, capturing the dreamlike, quirky essence of Wonderland without straying too far from recognisable tarot iconography. However, some images are tad dark and hard to see in low light.
Like me, fans of Alice appreciate how characters like Alice, the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, and others are mapped meaningfully to the cards (e.g., the White Rabbit as a recurring guide or trickster figure). The production quality is high, with glossy cards and excellent Llewellyn standards.
The companion book ( you’ll need this as some cards are a bit cryptic and less straightforward to read than other decks) is a major highlight—around 350 pages, full-color, and written in Moore’s signature clear, practical, beginner-friendly style. It offers detailed card explanations, creative reading ideas, and thoughtful explorations of how Wonderland’s absurdity mirrors tarot’s ability to shift perspectives. Many consider it one of the stronger guidebooks in themed decks, valuable even for experienced readers.
While the whimsy is a strength for many, it can feel overly light or “cute” for readers who prefer darker, more intense, or minimalist decks. Some reviews note that the playful, optimistic tone of the imagery (generally positive and rarely menacing) might soften traditionally challenging cards, making it less ideal for heavy shadow work or clients seeking stark realism.
A few reviewers seem to agree with my concerns and mention practical concerns: the heavy thematic overlay might occasionally make intuitive reads trickier if you’re very attached to pure RWS visuals, as the Wonderland elements can pull focus or require adjusting to the specific character assignments. It’s not borderless in all editions, and while versatile, it shines most for personal exploration, creative prompts, or lighter readings rather than strictly traditional or predictive work.
Tarot in Wonderland is a delightful, well-crafted creation that successfully marries two beloved systems. It earns its reputation as a standout in the crowded field of Alice-inspired decks through intelligent design, beautiful art, and Moore’s insightful writing. If you’re open to a bit of playful absurdity enhancing your tarot practice, it’s a highly recommended addition—charming, clever, and surprisingly profound.
If you like Alice in Wonderland this deck makes for a unique and worthy addition to your collection.
About Barbara Moore
Moore has been deeply involved with tarot for over 35 years (with some sources noting her passion beginning in her university years and intensifying around her late 20s). She discovered tarot early on and was immediately drawn to its rich blend of mythology, symbolism, psychology, and storytelling. Over the decades, she has studied under influential tarot scholars like Mary K. Greer and Rachel Pollack, and she has taught, read, and written about tarot extensively.
Professionally, she spent many years (over 20 in some accounts) as a senior acquisitions editor at Llewellyn Worldwide, one of the leading publishers of tarot and metaphysical books. In this role, she played a key behind-the-scenes part in shaping the tarot publishing landscape—acquiring and editing numerous decks and books—while also authoring her own works. She has since transitioned more fully into writing, deck creation, and teaching independently. She is based in the Twin Cities area (Saint Paul, Minnesota, in earlier bios) or Northern California in more recent mentions, and she lives happily with her wife.
Some of her notable works include:
• Tarot for Beginners: A Practical Guide to Reading the Cards
• Tarot Spreads: Layouts & Techniques to Empower Your Readings
• Companion books for popular decks like The Gilded Tarot, The Mystic Dreamer Tarot, The Steampunk Tarot, Shadowscapes Tarot, and The Enchanted Map Oracle Cards
• Your Tarot Your Way and others focused on modern, personalized approaches
About the artist Eugene Smith
Smith is a versatile illustrator whose work spans books, editorial pieces, educational graphics, and notably, several tarot and oracle decks. He is represented by Advocate Art agency and maintains an active portfolio showcasing his dynamic, character-driven style—often featuring bold colors, playful exaggeration, and a touch of caricature-like humor.
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