Beautiful Watercolor Tarot by Christine Zillich
Christine Zillich, a German watercolor artist, created the Zillich Tarot, a contemporary Thoth-style tarot deck featuring 78 cards rich in mythological, astrological, and Kabbalistic symbolism.
About the Deck
The Zillich Tarot is a pocket-sized collection of 78 tarot cards accompanied by a 60-page booklet authored by Johan von Kirschner, which details the symbolism and meanings of each card
The cards integrate Thoth keywords while showcasing Zillich’s distinctive watercolor artistry, blending abstract and cubist elements inspired in part by Lady Frieda Harris’s work for the original Thoth deck
Each card explores multiple layers of meaning through visual storytelling:
Mythological references provide archetypal motifs.
Astrological symbols reflect planetary influences.
Kabbalistic imagery adds esoteric depth
The deck contains the usual Major and Minor Arcana, with some creative reinterpretations of card titles and arrangements. For example, Key XX—often aligned with "Aeon" in the Thoth deck—is labeled "Justice," reflecting Zillich’s unique symbolic approach
Card Size and Presentation
The Zillich Tarot cards are 2.25″ x 3.75″, smaller than standard tarot decks, and are supplied in a metal tin, making them travel-friendly and easy to store
The deck’s compact design is reminiscent of Lenormand decks but retains full tarot functionality. Minor typographical quirks exist, such as a roman numeral typo on Key XXI, though these do not detract from the overall integrity or visual appeal of the deck
About Christine Zillich
Christine Zillich studied visual communications, graphics, and design at Kassel College and later continued her studies in Italy, where she lived and worked extensively as an artist
She also has experience as an art director for Vogue and other publishers and eventually established her own creative label. Her artistic expertise spans painting, music, and illustration, all of which inform the rich expressiveness of her tarot artwork
Zillich resides and works in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, creating unique cross-disciplinary artworks that convey both depth and aesthetic beauty.
Notable Features and User Impressions
The deck harmonizes Thoth and RWS influences, producing a unique visual language that highlights archetypes with a modern, artistic twist
Detailed card imagery and layered symbolic meaning make it suitable for both tarot enthusiasts and collectors.
Its abstract cubist style, especially in Major Arcana cards like Death and The Hermit, emphasizes emotional and mystical resonance
Overall, the Zillich Tarot is recognized for its powerful symbolism, intricate imagery, and portability, making it an appealing choice for tarot practitioners who appreciate art-infused decks while exploring traditional divinatory frameworks