First Impressions

The Pocket of Peers Tarot by Jamie Sawyer instantly stands out. This deck doesn’t just pay homage to tradition—it’s actively shaped by the people who nurture tarot spaces today. Each card features a familiar face from the world of divination: friends, mentors, and key voices woven into the deck’s tapestry, making it feel like a time capsule of 2021 tarot culture.

Deck Specs & Design

• Total Cards: 81 (extra cards offer surprises beyond the standard 78)
• Card Size: 2.75” x 4.75” (classic tarot sizing)
• Finish: Matte laminate, with distinctive matte yellow edging
• Box: Magnetic book-style box with lush illustrated interior—reading table, bookshelves, Akashic vibes
• Guidebook: Digital version included (physical sold separately)
• Edition: Limited to 1000 copies (now out of print)

Art & Symbolism

The artwork is classic Jamie Sawyer—warm, approachable, and packed with “easter eggs” nodding to Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) symbolism, yet unmistakeably fresh. You’ll find community leaders, bloggers, teachers, and kindred peers rendered in gentle lines, each card radiating personality and lived experience. The color palette is bright but not garish, creating an inviting reading experience for both personal and professional use.

Each card is a collaborative celebration, and while not every face will be familiar, the archetypes feel accessible. The backgrounds layer traditional tarot markers amidst lively, contemporary portraiture, creating a satisfying “where’s Waldo” of hidden symbols and intuitive prompts.

Reading Experience

• Community-Oriented: Shuffling the deck feels like consulting a wise crowd—friends whispering advice, mentors offering clarity. It’s a playful but potent energy, well-suited for both seasoned readers and those just starting their tarot journey.
• Intuitive Depth: The deck bridges collective wisdom with personal intuition. Even if you don’t recognize the individuals, the cards invite you to join the community spirit, making readings feel dynamic and alive.
• Reversible Backs: The card backs feature a leafy, eight-spoke wheel with a vivid, reversible design, a nice nod to RWS readers and collectors alike.

Pros

• Rich Community Context: Perfect for readers craving a tangible sense of kinship, connection, and shared growth.
• Art with Heart: Illustrations are bright, approachable, and thoughtfully symbolic.
• Quality Production: Cards feel sturdy and shuffle easily, box and edges are luxe.

Cons

• Guidebook Separate: Upgrading to a physical guidebook requires a separate purchase.
• Limited Edition: The deck is officially out of print, so it’s a true collectible.
• Not For Minimalists: Deck’s focus on specific people may not suit those wanting more universal anonymity, but the symbolism maintains a bridge to tradition.

Final Thoughts

Pocket of Peers Tarot feels like having a circle of trusted advisors always on hand, each offering their own lived wisdom. It’s a deck full of personality, with artwork and symbolism that honors the history and evolving heart of tarot practice. Both a tool and a tribute, it’s perfect for anyone who wants their readings to feel less solitary and more like joining a gentle gathering of friends—always ready, always wise