The Lubanko Tarot Deck Review

Deck: The Lubanko Tarot 
Artist/Creator: Emily Lubanko 
Publisher: Independant 
Where to buy: Little Red Tarot 
​littleredtarot.com

Emily Lubanko describes this deck as a "high-intensity tool" and the guidebook calls it a '78 card tarot deck...exploring the surreal, the intense, the queer and the divine.' I would agree totally, this isn't a quiet little mouse of a deck that's for sure. There are some wild images but there are also some calm and serene, fresh and airy images too. This is a deck that represents many elements and emotions and provides diversity without tokenism. This isn't just for shadow work or darker moods, it's a great all round deck. 

There are humans, animals and a few in-betweens in the imagery but it's the intense cards that stand out. The Lovers card is particularly shocking but the intensity of the image adds a new layer to the meaning of the card. Does this show the closest of relationships or a destructive one? This isn't a deck for the mild-mannered reader or querent. 

However, not all of the cards are shocking and the suit of Pentacles in particular has some soothing and uplifting cards. The colour palette also covers a good range enabling a light, warm feel to some parts of the deck. 

So turning to the quality of the product, this is an indie deck and as such, has all the markers that we expect of good quality. It comes in a magnetic closure book-style box which contains the cards and also a guidebook. The guidebook is well written with original content, no images but clearly laid out. 

The card stock is flexible, smooth matt finish with shiny silver gilding. They can be easily shuffled overhand but the silver gilding is a tiny bit sharp when riffle shuffling. 
In summary, yes this is a dark and intense deck but it's so much more. The range of colours and feel of the deck make it an ideal option for autumn/winter. Then I think you might find yourself using it all year round.