If the Fool is arguably the most important card in a deck, the Death card is undoubtedly the most feared. Of course, it does not predict death but change. Change affects all, hence the group of figures beneath the horse in the RWS. Something old must 'die away' in order for something new to come into being. 

The elegant True Black shows Death as the gatekeeper standing before a door to the "afterlife". The letters that can be seen on the door are from Tao Te Ching. Arthur Wang's excellent guidebook states he likens life to flexibility and death to rigidness. The ability to be flexible and change is therefore essential to being alive. 

I love how humorous this card is. It looks like Death is bored in his lonely graveyard and will only be cheered up by some new company. A great deck for the gothic horror lovers, the ornate gates depicted in the background give that nod to the transformative nature of change. Step this way and change our Grim Reaper's grimace to a grin. 

Here we have the tradition of the Death card having no name and only a number.  This might soothe some of your more nervous clients but the scull reflected in the butterflies wings retains that sinister quality. The process of change from a caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly has taken place in this card but the memory of what is lost is still there. Taken forward on those delicate wings. 

A beautiful, strong moon-gazing hare surrounded by transformative butterflies sitting in the dark forest. He is a symbol of good luck, in some traditions, reminding us that when a situation is tough, change is good news. No matter how difficult the process, represented by those spiky thorns, once change has taken place, the outcome will see you stronger. 

Now this is as much a surprise to me as it may be to you. An old-fashioned mass market deck, how can this be my favourite Death card? Well, multiple languages bordering the image aside, this Death card really tugs on the heart strings. What's happening here? Death is carrying her soul across the barren desert, step by step till he can gently lay her down to rest. The process of change, of transformation, of dying, can be soothing and tender. Death can be our friend supporting us and transporting us from the cold of the dark moon to the warmth of the sun. 

Our Fool is suspended, waiting for something to happen. Sacrifice something in order to move onto something new. This is a transition period. Let go. The more you give up wanting, the quicker it will happen. 

This Hanged Man isn't upside down unlike the traditional RWS version. However, the height the image achieves still gives us the feeling of seeing things from a different angle. The stunning blues in this card enhance a feeling of calmness and the importance of the pause, the withdrawal from the day to day and taking a moment to breathe. Also the image on this card is very well lit, it's worth checking out in person if you get the chance.

So here we find ourselves at the opposite end of the spectrum to the Hanged Man in 5th place. In the depths of the ocean, the beautiful greens lend themselves just as well to a feeling of tranquility and the bondage ropes give the message of surrender. Here, the artist, Charlie Claire Burgess, has kept the glowing halo around the persons head. Enlightenment can be achieved through pause, discomfort or surrender. Or through a rush of blood to the head. This deck renames the card the Hanged One to allow for an appropriate pronoun to be chosen. 

So, I suppose we're all just hanging around in space waiting for the next thing to happen. The Spacious Tarot guidebook tells us this card is inspired by the NASA photo Earthrise and enables us to reframe and get a perspective from the moon! The card also encourages us to examine the liminal spaces. What can happen in the pauses in between? I have to give this one ten out of ten for originality. 

The swinging motion of this trapeze artist really lends a weightlessness to this Hanged Man. Although the pull of gravity still applies, its application in a different direction means the weight can be lifted from our shoulders while keeping us anchored within the earths atmosphere. The golden blonde hair replaces the glowing halo. The inevitable feel-good endorphins that come with this form of exercise will lead us to enlightenment. 

There are so many cards from the Way of the Panda deck among my top 5's but this is the one card that stands out head and shoulders above all the other cuties. The glow is provided by the fireflies and this panda is hanging upside down by his own choice but perhaps wondering why he got into this position. This reminds us that we can all have doubts when we pause long enough to give ourselves time to think. Hank, the Panda, says "Don't give up. Nobody is ever truly stuck in life." A Hanged Panda is a wise Panda. 

Justice, fairness, balance. Events have worked out the way they were meant to regardless of whether it is the outcome you want. Logic and detachment. What has happened has come from situations in the past. 

Justice looks like a harsh card in the traditional RWS. This version is softer and lighter and shows the scales of Justice weighing the heart against a feather. Balance is achieved. If our Fool came across this Justice card I'm sure he'd be less frightened than if he came across the RWS with her sword drawn. 

A court room drama played out with these fantastic creatures. The authoritarian figure shows anger or passion while the creature brought before the court stands passively. All eyes are on her though even though the authorities are the ones 'on stage'. The scales may be empty but they are still balanced. Can she achieve a moral victory, if not fair justice? 

Isn't that the cutest thing, pushing the littler panda away with his toes? At first I didn't see the message in this card but when you look closely you can see the two sides are different, one bright and colourful and the other dark and grey. This represents the light of the sword preventing the darkness from entering the Panda kingdom. Boundaries can be protected with the justice system. Also, sometimes your enemies appear to look like your friends. 

When I see this card, I see Joan of Arc. She's down in battle but not defeated, just pausing before taking up her sword once more. This shows the ongoing nature of Justice and that it may be a continuous effort not just a single battle to be won. She kneels not just because she is tired but also for those who seek justice and have yet to find it. 

Justice is generally not one of my favourite cards in the tarot but when I saw this version in the True Black it stopped me in my tracks. The use of light in this deck is unsurpassed and in this card in particular, the light of truth, justice and fairness literally shines out. The person embodying justice is veiled showing blind justice and wears the crown of impartiality. The spot gloss shows the constellation of Libra supporting the balanced scales. The sword is drawn but neither up nor down, showing the outcome will be not a win or a loss, but the right one. 

Where are you on the Wheel of Fortune? Are you on the way up, sitting at the top or on the way down. Worst of all, are you right at the bottom. Or is that the worst place? Maybe because the only way is up, this is the best place to be. This card tells our Fool to deal with the ups and downs of life and whatever fate throws at us with grace and positivity. 

The Wheel of Fortune is often noted as the least favourite card that people have in a Tarot deck. So it's a bit strange that a deck that I don't favour, the Anna K, has one of my favourite Wheel of Fortune cards. It shows the stages of the wheel so clearly while also showing the influence of the wisdom of age. 

This deck shows a Tarot reader reflecting the common misperception that a reading will show you your fate and that you have no influence over it. However, many believe this card reveals information about potential, enabling you to choose to work with the knowledge while at the same time being aware that not everything in life can be fully controlled.   

A panda with a lolly, a fun-fair big wheel and the fun and playful side of this card. Learn how to enjoy the ride while you can with a panda called Philip keeping you company! The beautiful pastel colours reflect the different fates awaiting you both. Doesn't he look happy? 

This card shows the story of the Fates. In Greek mythology the Moirai preside over  all, Gods and humanity. They are the daughters of the Goddess of Night and each plays a role in predetermining events. Clotho spins the thread of life over the present. Lachesis measures the length of each thread and therefore presides over the future. Atropos cuts the thread of the past. Luck, karma, destiny and fate bring an unexpected twist but somehow they follow a cohesive pattern. 

The rainbow colours, the stages of the moon, the tattooed hand and even the perfect mushroom colour nails, this image really stood out for me as my favourite Wheel of Fortune. You can delve into the symbolism of the Dharma wheel or the snake or you can choose the message that first comes to you when you see this striking image. Luck will be on your side. 

​Quiet contemplation. Meditation. Seeking knowledge and understanding by spending time alone away from noise and people. Our Fool is actively removing themselves from a situation to seek enlightenment in solitude. 

Once again this weird little deck has come up with a unique way to depict leaving the everyday life to follow the light. I love the way the Fool jester has broken through a portal in space. 

I can't believe this is the first card from the Naked Heart to make it into a top 5! It makes me question if it's a good thing to have stand out cards or if its best just to have a whole deck full of great cards that all blend beautifully. Which is what the Naked Heart is of course. However, this version of the Hermit really nails it, the soaring owl in the background and the tortoise hiding under his shell show us everything we need to know. 

The colours, the toadstools and the contemplative look on our Panda's face. What's not to love? This card has such a calming feel with the blues, greens and lilacs and the light from the lamp really glows. There is quite a grounded energy as well, no need to conquer mountains, just some fungi. 

Seeking enlightenment and knowledge: the modern day version. I like that it's a book that she's buried in. Although the ever present phone is just a touch away with access to all the knowledge one could wish for. Sometimes the information you seek can be found closer to home just as long as you're prepared to search.

What is it about a hibernating bear that says 'Hermit' better than anything else? He doesn't need a lantern as the bright white of the snow gives him light. He burrows under the mound rather than climbing the dizzy heights of a mountain range and he looks to the future when he will see another snowdrop in the ground rather than clamped between his tired jaws. By then he'll have worked it all out. 

Strength, courage, self-awareness and compassion. This card shows the ability to face life, or some difficult situation with hope. Our Fool is someone with inner strength, living life peacefully but with passion but is not controlled or carried away by their passions. 

The snake isn't generally my favourite animal but in this card it really shows the power of flexibility and the ability to mould into the best position to achieve strength and power. The colouring of this whole deck is beautiful but this pink shade reminds us that you don't need to be bold to be strong. 

Taming the beast. I trimmed my copy of this mass market deck. It really needs to be re-released in a borderless edition with cleaner art-work as the images are fantastic. This is such a peaceful Strength card. 

This is an amazingly vibrant deck with a real summery feel. This Strength card really exhibits power and both outer and inner strength through the direct gaze of the tiger. I feel like this should be a huge print to hang on your wall to give you a boost of confidence just before you go outside. 

I read 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' when I was little and this is what I imaging Aslan looked like. This card says peace, power, control, compassion and beauty all rolled into one very strong image. Strength means having the heart of a lion and this heart-shaped lion's mane reminds us of that. 

You see a shock of red hair and a swathe of tartan so you know this fairytale has Scottish origins. So do I but the first time I heard of Tam Lin was in the companion book to this deck 'Beneath the Moon' by Yoshi Yoshitani. It is such a beautiful story and so well depicted in this card it brings additional meaning to the message of strength. I urge you to read it. The deck is worth it for this card alone and the companion book is a treasure trove of myths and stories from around the world. 

For our Fool, finding his lover is just the start. Now they can carry on as a pair but they'll need to pull together. Motivation and willpower are the key to progress. This card is about confidence and self-belief. You can create and control a situation through the force of your will and personality. Of course this card can refer literally to travel. 

This is a strange little deck with some interesting art work. This particular card stood out as a representation that one of the most important chariots we have is our own body. Do you care for yours like you should? Is it taking you in the direction you want to go? 

Tiny creatures making their way into the future by whichever means is at their disposal. There's more than one type of vehicle but each party shows the concentration and focus that is needed to achieve their aim. And why would a fly not ride on the back of a centipede? Especially when it's been saddled up.

A modern chariot is often depicted using a motorbike. This card brings a bit of nostalgia (does anyone remember George and Mildred with poor Mildred riding in the side-car?). This image really highlights the message that a decision must be made on the route to be taken. And if you have a companion, you'll need to bring them along with you. 

Here we have another motorbike as the chariot. This time the rainbow wings represent the different paths through the range of different colours. But our brave and fierce panda drives a straight road right down the middle. Those feathers  will help him fly through any cloudy situations. 

This is a great deck overall but the Chariot card really stands out to me due to the detail of the gothic buildings as well as the movement that has been designed into the image. This little  victorian man controls the direction his opposing horses take to make their way through the maze of ramshackle houses, scaring the cat but being encouraged by the birds in the sky. 

Love, completeness, choice, temptation and commitment. one of these people is our Fool, they've found a lover, a partner, a friend. They're receiving guidance from an angel but will they follow that guidance or will they give in to the temptation of another?  

I know this might not be everyone's choice to represent the Lovers, but I do wonder if in our eagerness to represent all, we sometimes forget some. Those who perhaps were overrepresented for the longest time. Maybe this has more to do with the nostalgia in the 6 of Cups than the Lovers but I think this mass market deck is worth a place.

Beauty and the Beast. Love will conquer all. There's the passion of the red roses and the loving gaze of the beast met with the acceptance from beauty. A good reminder that this card refers to the communication in a long term relationship not just the initial whirlwind of romance. 

This card makes me think of flower power and free love in the 60's. I also hear the song to that Coca Cola advert and Wet Wet Wet crooning love is all around....It's so pretty, so colourful and speaks to a diversity that the card in the 5th place can't reach. It's good to have both options. 

Pink Flamingoes say love, don't they. The way they stand together almost makes a heart shape between their heads and necks. There may be another flamingo and even images of people and birds around them but these two only have eyes for each other. They are their own priority. 

Could an image convey a feeling any better? Even if the relationship isn't between two people this card shows that overwhelming feeling of love and connection in its most passionate form. A tornado of emotion and devotion. Whatever dark clouds are lurking in the background, the energy of love creates a protective shield around our Lovers. 

Even with the leadership of the Emperor,  guidance and support will be needed and that's where the Hierophant comes in. Teacher, counsellor, guru, the Hierophant is a different kind of leader to the Emperor. Where he leads, others follow and in some cases worship. Where can our Fool find this spiritual tuition? Without or within? 

Is the Yoga teacher just a teacher or are they someone to admire and emulate. Do you wish you had their life of calm, not to mention the flexible joints and the perceived lack of office politics? Mind, body and spirit on the mat. 

The spirituality and inner strength of the Hierophant is shown in the cape of feathers (or are they angels wings?) and the amethyst headdress. The third eye is wide open and the card has been re-titled 'The Visionary'. There's a connection with a higher plane for sure and the burning hot energy of the sun enables communication. I'd be a bit worried about the colour of his fingers though. Let's just hope its from dying the feathers purple! 

This wise owl doesn't need to show his supplicants crouching before him. He holds the key to what they need and they'll know where to find him in the woodland. Perched on his branch of a tree as old as time. 

Who guides us in the here and now? Its more often Twitter or Instagram rather than an organised religion. And even if it is a religion, you can probably follow them on religion.com or via a handy app on your phone. This card shows a modern take on The Hierophant and that relaxed stare at the phone screen is so recognisable. 

My favourite is this more traditional version of the Hierophant preaching to his congregation. They may all be tiny bugs but they have someone to look up to. Their jewelled backs pass for religious garments. A congregation to be proud of. A leader with all the support he needs can in turn give his followers what they crave.  

So far, for our Fool, they've met exciting, mysterious and kind beings but now it's time for the serious, masculine, ordered and structured space of the Emperor. No more bouncing around, this is time to fall in line and follow the rules. Or is is really time to learn how to be the one who makes the rules? The Emperor is probably one of the most difficult cards in a deck to get right. Here are the decks I think have hit the nail on the head!

He's boldly calling out from the top of this peak he's conquered. This is probably the most animated of the Emperors in the top 5. He's more aggressive and less restrained but he's still powerful. I imagine our Fool would be a little bit frightened when confronted by this scene. But this is an aspect of all of us that exists, it's just a case of how much it shows on the surface and how much is hidden beneath. 

Poseidon manages to convey the essence of the Emperor while still being relatable. Is it the underwater environment that makes me think he'd be less stern or is it the soft, beautiful colours? He feels larger than life and like the Empress having the qualities of all Queens in the deck, the Emperor has the qualities of all four Kings. Perhaps this one has a little more of the King of Cups than the others. 

A regular entrant to the top 5's this deck consistently portrays the archetypes in a beautiful way. It's easy to see how this magnificent beast would be the Emperor of his enchanted forest. It appears that he has captured the moon in his antlers. But is that just the way he wants us to view him? His direct stare shows he's not afraid to confront whomever crosses his path. He's confident of his inner strength. When our Fool is confronted by this sight, I suspect they'd feel like a deer in the headlights. 

I know not everyone likes anthropomophised animals but this deck, new to my library, has some winning cards and this Emperor is one of them. The scene is laid out in a similar fashion to the next character we'll meet, the Hierophant, but this regal Emperor is totally in charge of the little lions at his feet and all the other unusual creatures in his kingdom. 

A simple side view manages to capture all we need to know. He's the most handsome Emperor out of my 80+ decks. His expression is serious and stern but calm. He looks after himself and wouldn't look out of place in a Hollywood movie but it's not from a place of vanity, it's all part of his structured lifestyle. His well-trained winged companion mirrors his stance and awaits his masters instructions. I think our Fool would want to be this Emperor.