The Naked Heart Tarot Deck Review

​Deck Title – The Naked Heart Tarot
Creator/Artist – Jillian C. Wilde
Publisher - Independant 
Date purchased - 2019

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Introduction

Calling all Hoxton hipsters, put down your vegan lunch and check out the Naked Heart Tarot. Okay, maybe I'm stereotyping unfairly. Although this deck is super-cool, its also got some lovely images with some very kind and comforting messages in the guide book. I'm fortunate to have picked up the third edition as there are some slight changes to some of the cards, my favourite being the addition of roses to the Magician. The animal images are realistic and beautiful, so even if you don't wear a full beard and live in Shoreditch, the Naked Heart might be the deck for you.  

What's Good? 

• Beautiful animal images on most of the cards, unfussy with plenty of white space but enough symbolism to connect to the meanings
• Astrological glyphs and planetary symbols are tucked within the images so if you're knowledge extends to this discipline you might find that additional symbolism helpful. If not, they are in no way obtrusive 
• Excellent card stock, matt finish, reversible backs, standard size with a quality two piece box
• A great guidebook that fits within the packaging. Includes upright and reversal or shadow meanings. There is a section at the back describing the images on the cards and some general guidance at the front. There are crystal recommendations for the Majors
• The creator and artists personal story of how the deck was created is included alongside the legend of the Naked Heart. I just love this background information 
• The package includes a crystal grid, the same as the image on the card backs. The guide book advises how to use this addional functionality 

What's bad? 

• There are no people in the deck so if you need a human face, this one isn't for you
• If you like every square inch of the face of your cards covered then the white space might make you feel a bit uncomfortable. Personally I love the breathing space it allows and the way it enables the images to speak for themselves 

Favourite/Stand Out Cards

I love the contrast between the blue and the red hearts in these two cards. There are anatomical hearts in the 2 of Cups as well but otherwise these two cards really stand out in the deck. The Naked Heart is an extra card relating to connection and purpose, the blue heart in the 5 of Cups in unmistakable in its sadness and pain.

I love bears and I couldn't choose between these two cards as they're both so gorgeous. The texture in their fur makes you want to reach out and touch them. 

The camel in the 10 of Wands really looks like it's worn down. It brings to mind the phrase 'the straw that broke the camels back'. Whenever I turn the 7 of Wands in this deck it really does give me a shock. This mountain lion is defending her territory. 

The court cards are renamed Innocence, Movement, Heart and Spirit instead of Page, Knight, Queen and King. This does seem more appropriate in relation to the animals. The contrast between the matt white background and the black soft textured face of the buffalo in the Spirit of Pentacles is typical of the feel of this deck. I could almost reach out and stroke his face. The Magician has those beautiful red roses added in this edition but I can't help but think of Shrek and smile when I see this little green eye peering through. 

Summary

​This is the best deck for…the serious reader who wants something smooth and cool and non-scary. The deck feels grounded with the inclusion of these beautiful animals.
The images are so well depicted you could almost reach out and touch them and as the white space is matt it softens any contrast between the 3D of the animals and the 2D of the other symbols. There are some mythical creatures included like the unicorn and the pegasus winged-horse but this doesn't feel like a 'woo' deck. It's quickly becoming one of my favourites and gives clear and honest readings. 

Where to buy?

I got my copy from Little Red Tarot in the UK littleredtarot.com/product/naked-heart-tarot/. The creator can be contacted on IG or at her website jilliancwilde.com where it says you can also purchase via Amazon.com.