Merry meet!
The lovely @starborn inspired me to get back into the tarot deck reviews I had been doing a while back. So here we go - this is a small introduction and my thoughts about the Soul Cats Tarot 
I actually bought this deck as a gift for someone else who was drawn to it - but after reading through the book and flipping through the cards once, they decided they werenāt actually interested in it. I āadoptedā the deck back and never got around to putting it away.
Somehow, over the many months, it has become my trusty go-to deck for readings. Hereās a little bit about why, shared in the hopes of helping anyone else who is considering adding this deck to their collection.
Deck Specific: Using the Cards: Something unique about this deck is that it does not use āuprightā and āreversedā like most standard tarot decks do, but instead calls them āguidanceā and āprotectionā.
Soul cats believe life needs to be viewed from multiple angles, so reversals will be given as much time and understanding as upright cards in this deck and guidebook. Upright meanings for your cards are seen as guidance; upside-down card meanings are seen as signs of protection.
Soul Cats Tarot Guidebook
Additionally, the reader is also encouraged to consider the card as a whole- the general energy and character of the card in all its forms simultaneously.
You will notice that when you flip to the card section in this guidebook, they will each contain a message was well as guidance and protection; this is for the general overall energy of your card. Think of it as a neutral position, neither up nor down; it just is, which is a pretty standard feeling for a cat.
Soul Cats Tarot Guidebook
This reminds me of the Oppositions deck, which I struggle with - Iāve found that the more things the reader is expected to consider when reading a card, the harder it is to make the call on how to interpret it.
That being said, in the Soul Cats deck, this āoverall energyā is usually a lovely little quote with some suggestions and advice. And since messages of guidance or protection follow it, it seems easier and more cohesive to read than the Oppositions deck.
In other words, finding the cardās meaning in a reading feels more like feeling out the right spot in a pool of sunshine, rather than looking at a bullet point list and trying to select the ārightā one (if that makes sense!).
Readings feel gentle, natural, and like there are no āwrongā answers.
PROS: Thereās a lot to love about this one! It comes in a big, beautiful case with a full-color guidebook that, if you ask me, would be worthy of a spot on your bookshelf on its own.
The art is beautiful in a happy, reassuring, and fun way. Although it acknowledges topics such as the cycle of life and death, heartbreak, and other harder things on the journey of life, it does so in a positive way. Overall, the cards are very gentle, but I do think I should mention that there is one card that depicts a cat who caught a mouse and there is some blood (itās the Death card), which may be difficult for some.
CONS: While itās not a con per se, I do want to mention again that this deck is extremely gentle. Itās nuruting, caring, and supportive - which is great, if thatās what you need right now.
But sometimes we as human beings really need a hard push. There are times for coddling and times where a boot to the head is what it takes to get us back on track- and this is not the deck for hard wake-up calls 
Would I recommend this deck for beginners? Yes, this is a gentle and kind deck with lots of encouragement, fun pictures, and great energy.
That being said, the guidance/protection (instead of upright/reversals) is unique. As such, I would stick with that age-old advice of starting with the traditional Rider Waite deck and learning the traditional card meanings before branching into specialized decks.
The traditional meanings will help you with all other decks, but specialized meanings are meant to be used only within the specific deck. Itās always a good idea in the long-term to spend time with the basics and build a solid foundation that will help you become a better and more confident reader.
As such, Iād recommend this deck to beginner readers who have spent at least a little time learning the traditional meanings of tarot cards. Itās a great second deck, or a good accompaniment to a basic traditional deck.
Have you used the Soul Cats Tarot or a similar deck? If not, is it something youād be interested in exploring?
Would love to hear your thoughts!
Blessed be
Enjoy tarot decks? Here are some additional deck reviews in the forum:
Thank you for taking the time to review this deck. It sounds lovely! I also love the cat fabric you used in the photos! 
itās a gorgeous deck and I love the front artwork. I might have to add this to my wishlist!
are on their way.
