Deck time: The Runic Tarot by Lo Scarabeo

 

The Runic Tarot by Lo Scarabeo

The Runic Tarot, published by Lo Scarabeo and created by Jack Sephiroth and Jaymi Elford.  Graced with artwork by Zhang Chao this is striking deck that weaves together the traditional structure of Tarot with the deep symbolism of Norse mythology and the Elder Futhark runes.

It’s an atmospheric deck, often praised for its gritty, cinematic art style that feels both ancient and modern. The 78 card deck is heavily inspired by Valhalla, the Viking Age, and the Sagas. The included detailed guidebook is high quality, easy to read and is an ideal guide not just for this deck but also runes in general.. 

Jack Sephiroth’s digital painting style uses a muted, "earth and steel" palette. It’s dark, moody, and highly detailed, focusing on the raw power of the Norse gods and the harsh landscapes of the North.

Each card features a corresponding Rune from the Elder Futhark. This isn't just a cosmetic addition; the rune's meaning is intended to provide a secondary layer of interpretation to the Tarot card.

While it follows the standard 78-card Tarot format, the Runic Tarot renames and reimagines several elements to fit the Viking theme:

The Major Arcana

The archetypes are replaced with figures from Norse myth:

• The Fool is represented as a traveler at the start of a saga.

• The Magician is often linked to Odin (the seeker of wisdom).

• The High Priestess becomes The Seer (Völva).

• The Chariot features Thor’s goat-drawn cart.

The Minor Arcana

The suits are renamed to reflect the tools of the Norse world:

• Wands → Horns (Spirit, social gatherings, fire)

• Cups → Chalices (Emotion, intuition, water)

• Swords → Swords (Intellect, conflict, air)

• Pentacles → Shields (Physicality, protection, earth)

If you are considering adding this to your collection, here is what you need to know:. To get the most out of this deck, it helps to have a basic interest in runes. The cards offer to  bridge the gap between a standard RWS (Rider-Waite-Smith) interpretation and the specific energy of the depicted rune.

This is a "heavy" deck. It doesn't shy away from themes of battle, sacrifice, and the cold reality of the Wyrd (fate). It is excellent for deep shadow work or questions regarding destiny and personal strength. The Book: Like most Lo Scarabeo kits, it comes with a multi-language companion book. The English sections provide a solid foundation for how the Norse lore connects to the specific card meanings. I strongly advise you to read the book carefully to truly understand and familiarise you with this deck. 

If you are a beginner, the imagery is distinct enough that you can still follow RWS meanings, but the "Shields" and "Horns" terminology might take a few readings to get used to! For those who are interested and influenced by the runes and Viking lore this deck will serve as a great way to use it as tarot whilst also working within the runic lore. It’s a dark, powerful and brooding deck . Pink and fluffy it ain’t but it is a good example of how different lore can be integrated into tarot. 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Runic-Tarot-colour-tarot-instructions/dp/8865277068

https://www.loscarabeo.com/products/runic-tarot-kit

About the creators

The Runic Tarot is a collaborative effort between two highly respected figures in the modern tarot world: Jack Sephiroth, who provided the visual soul of the deck, and Jaymi Elford, who crafted the structural and written framework.

Jack Sephiroth (The Artist)

Jack Sephiroth is a digital artist known for a specific "cinematic" and "ethereal" style that has gained a massive following in the tarot community. His work often features hazy, misty backgrounds and figures that feel as though they are emerging from another realm. He blends classic fantasy art with a deep, almost grimy realism.  

Notable Works: Before the Runic Tarot, he gained fame for the Heaven & Earth Tarot. If you compare the two, you’ll notice the same masterful use of light and shadow, though the Runic Tarot is decidedly more rugged and "Norse" in its textures.  

Symbolic Focus: Sephiroth is known for weaving complex symbols directly into his art—astrological signs, Hebrew letters, or in this case, runes—making his decks particularly popular with occultists who like "Easter eggs" in their cards.  

Jaymi Elford (The Author)

Jaymi Elford is an expert tarot reader, author, and "divination experimentalist" based in Portland, Oregon. She has over 30 years of experience with the cards.  Her role in the Deck is key. While Sephiroth handled the visuals, Elford was responsible for the intellectual architecture. She bridged the gap between Norse mythology and traditional Tarot meanings, ensuring the deck was functional for actual reading and not just a pretty art piece. She is a major voice in the tarot community, co-hosting podcasts like Cardslingers Coast-to-Coast and writing for The Cartomancer magazine. Her approach is very grounded; she often talks about using tarot as an "inner compass" for daily life.  She authored the book Tarot Inspired Life and has worked on several other decks, including the Triple Goddess Tarot.  

https://www.shadesofmaybe.com/

Why This Duo Works

The pairing of these two is why the Runic Tarot feels so cohesive. The Artist brought the "Viking vibe"—the cold winds, the heavy shields, and the grit of the Sagas. The Author ensured that the runes weren't just slapped on the cards as decoration, but actually aligned with the card’s energy (e.g., placing the rune Thurisaz on a card where its themes of protection and reactive force make sense).