Honest Comparison

Best Indie Tarot Deck

The indie tarot market has grown substantially since the crowdfunding era opened the space to independent artists. This comparison focuses on what genuinely defines the category — and which decks earn the label.

Disclosure: The Tarot of Leela is published by this site and is included in this comparison.

What makes a tarot deck truly indie?

"Indie" gets applied loosely — sometimes to any deck that looks hand-drawn, sometimes to any small publisher. These qualities better define the category:

Independent creator

Designed, illustrated, and often produced by a single artist or small team — not a publishing conglomerate.

Distinctive vision

A clear artistic point of view that couldn't have come from a committee. The symbolism reflects the creator's worldview.

Limited production

Smaller print runs mean higher care per unit — and the knowledge that your deck isn't in every big-box store.

Direct relationship

Buying indie often means supporting the artist directly. The creator knows their buyers.

By this standard, RWS and Thoth don't qualify — they are historically significant but commercially mass-produced. This comparison focuses on decks where an individual creator's vision is central.

The decks

#1

Modern Witch Tarot

Lisa Sterle · 2019 · RWS-based / Contemporary

A modern reimagining of the RWS deck by artist Lisa Sterle. The same compositional structure and symbolism as RWS but with diverse, contemporary characters in modern settings.

Indie credentials

Published through Liminal 11, an independent publisher with a genuine indie spirit. Artist Lisa Sterle retains a strong creative identity.

#2

The Tarot of LeelaThis deck

Thiago Miglioranzi Moura · 2025 · RWS-based / Sacred Geometry

An independently created RWS-based deck with sacred geometry, sigils, and mandalas layered into every card. Comes with the Leela app — a purpose-built companion with AR card scanning, Leela Academy interactive lessons, a symbolism explorer, and quizzes for all 78 cards.

Indie credentials

Fully independent — designed, produced, and sold by the creator. Rose-gold gilt edges, premium card stock, magnetic keepsake box. Successfully funded on Kickstarter in 2025. Limited production run.

Standout features

  • ✓Rose-gold gilt edges on all 78 cards
  • ✓Premium linen-finish card stock
  • ✓Magnetic keepsake box
  • ✓Sacred geometry layered into RWS tradition
  • ✓Built-in Leela app with AR and free courses
  • ✓Kickstarter-backed independent production

Things to know

  • –Newer deck — smaller collector community than RWS or Thoth
  • –Sacred geometry adds visual density some readers prefer simpler
  • –App features add value but require a device
Get the deck →Watch unboxings

How indie compares to mass-market

Mass-market decks like RWS offer unmatched ecosystem support — books, YouTube channels, and learning communities all reference the same imagery. That's genuinely valuable for new readers. But the artistic vision in an indie deck is categorically different: the symbolism reflects one person's lived relationship with the tradition, not a design brief.

The best indie decks don't ask you to choose between artistic integrity and practical utility. The Tarot of Leela and Modern Witch Tarot both maintain RWS structural compatibility — meaning all standard learning materials still apply — while expressing a distinct creative identity the originals cannot offer.

What buyers say about Tarot of Leela as an indie deck

"By far, not just a new favorite, but this deck will be a forever favorite and go to!! The images are bright, clear and traditional with more of a spiritual touch." — Heather, verified buyer
"The card quality is exceptional and the rose-gold gilt edging is stunning." — Rowan, verified buyer
"The artistry and look in person completely blew me away." — Charlotte, verified buyer
Read all 46 verified reviews →