Tarot Of The Unknown
The Tarot of the Unknown was created by artist Chris Smith, also known as Quarter Press (and Rando Calrissian), as an indie deck inspired by the beloved Cartoon Network miniseries "Over the Garden Wall." The deck was successfully funded on Kickstarter, raising $41,062 against a modest goal of $4,500 with 595 backers. Its popularity led to a second Kickstarter for a "Farewell Printing" edition, which also surpassed its funding goal. Smith also published a companion guide, "Completely Traversing the Unknown," a 50+ page full-color book with interpretations for all 78 cards. A pocket-sized edition was later released via another Kickstarter campaign.
Official Website →Art Style & Visual Character
The artwork has an autumnal, fairy-tale vibe that captures the atmospheric quality of "Over the Garden Wall" while drawing on the detailed illustration style reminiscent of Pamela Colman Smith's original Rider-Waite deck. The cards feature the adventurous spirit of the cartoon's main characters — Wirt, Greg, Beatrice, and the Beast — as they navigate a mysterious, enchanted forest. The palette is warm and autumnal, rich with fall colors and a slightly vintage storybook quality. The cards are thin yet sturdy, with a slight glittery finish that adds a subtle tactile sparkle.
Core Concept & Symbolism
The deck maps the 78 traditional tarot arcana onto scenes, characters, and themes from "Over the Garden Wall," blending Rider-Waite-Smith symbolism with the show's narrative of two brothers lost in a mysterious forest called the Unknown. The cartoon itself is steeped in folk horror, Americana, and fairy-tale symbolism, making it a naturally rich source for tarot reinterpretation. Each card embodies both the traditional tarot meaning and a specific moment or theme from the series, creating a dual layer of significance for fans.
Reading Experience
The deck has a devoted following among fans of both tarot and "Over the Garden Wall." YouTuber Kayleigh Hopkins describes the cards as having a "fun, laid-back energy" that appeals to both seasoned readers and newcomers. The Kickstarter success — nearly ten times the funding goal — demonstrates strong community demand. Collectors prize the signed and numbered editions. The deck reads well for those familiar with RWS conventions, while the cartoon connection adds an emotional resonance for fans of the show. It sits at the intersection of pop culture fandom and genuine tarot practice.
Best Used For
- Fans of "Over the Garden Wall" who also practice tarot
- Autumnal, Halloween-season themed readings
- Readers who enjoy pop-culture-meets-tarot crossover decks
- Light-hearted, approachable readings with familiar characters
- Collectors of indie Kickstarter tarot decks
Not Ideal For
- Readers unfamiliar with "Over the Garden Wall" who may miss the symbolic connections
- Those seeking traditional, non-pop-culture tarot imagery
- Practitioners who prefer decks with diverse human representation
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
