Anima Mundi tarot
The Anima Mundi Tarot was created by artist Megan Wyreweden (also known as The Creeping Moon) and brought to life via Kickstarter in October 2017. Each card was individually hand-painted with acrylic paints. "Anima Mundi" is a Latin term originally coined by Plato meaning "the world's soul" — the belief that all living things on this planet are connected as a single spiritual entity. Wyreweden created the deck from her deep, lifelong fascination with the natural world.
Official Website →Art Style & Visual Character
The artwork is hand-painted in acrylics, loosely inspired by medieval iconography and Renaissance art. The print quality is so fine that brushstrokes are visible on the cards. The suits follow elemental themes rooted in nature: Pentacles feature trees and earthy forest scenes, Swords are birds in airy sky settings, Wands depict desert animals amid fiery stars and storms, and Cups showcase water and ocean creatures. The overall palette is moody, earthy, and organic — not bright or flashy, but deeply grounded. Cards are matte with a linen finish and gold foiled edges. Size is 2.75 x 4.75" — comfortable in the hands.
Core Concept & Symbolism
This is fundamentally a nature-based RWS deck that replaces human figures with animals and plants from Earth's biodiversity. Every creature is specific and intentional — the guidebook labels animals with both English and Latin names. The deck serves as a tribute to the planet's incredible biodiversity and the interconnectedness of all life. Court cards are represented by animals that embody the energy of each suit and rank.
Reading Experience
Community reviews are very positive. Readers describe the deck as "one of the most amazing and gentle decks" they use. The colors, animals, and moodiness create "a quiet, grounded invitation that opened up an entirely new way of reading." Some reviewers found that reading the images intuitively has been more helpful than relying on traditional RWS meanings — the deck encourages visual, instinctive interpretation. Specific cards praised include the peony Empress and the graceful doe Queen of Pentacles. The 52-page guidebook includes an intro to tarot, individual card meanings, and suggested spreads, though some reviewers note it doesn't fully explain why specific fauna were chosen for each card. Some abstract cards (7 of Wands, 4 of Pentacles) can be harder for beginners to interpret without RWS knowledge.
Best Used For
- Nature-connected and earth-grounded readings
- Intuitive, visual interpretation style
- Environmental or ecological questions
- Meditation and quiet contemplation
- Readers who love animals and feel connected to the natural world
- Gentle, non-confrontational guidance
Not Ideal For
- Complete beginners who need obvious RWS symbolism
- Those who prefer human figures for relatable narrative
- Quick, punchy readings — the deck rewards slow, contemplative work
Major Arcana (22 cards)
The 22 trump cards representing life's spiritual lessons and karmic influences
Minor Arcana (56 cards)
The 56 suit cards reflecting day-to-day events and practical influences
Wands
Fire element — passion, creativity, ambition, and spiritual growth
Cups
Water element — emotions, relationships, intuition, and inner feelings
Swords
Air element — intellect, conflict, truth, and mental clarity
Pentacles
Earth element — material world, finances, health, and practical matters