# Tarot Deck Review ~ The Wild Unknown :rainbow\_heart:

**URL:** <https://forum.spells8.com/t/tarot-deck-review-the-wild-unknown/61058>\
**Category:** Witchy Wisdom\
**Tags:** tarot, divination\
**Created:** [July 28, 2025, 12:56pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/tarot-deck-review-the-wild-unknown/61058 "2025-07-28T12:56:08Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 14\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![BryWisteria](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/brywisteria/32/1632_2.png) [@BryWisteria](https://forum.spells8.com/u/BryWisteria)\
**Post date:** [July 28, 2025, 12:56pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/tarot-deck-review-the-wild-unknown/61058/1 "2025-07-28T12:56:08Z")

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Merry meet!

I found myself buying _ **The Wild Unknown Tarot** _ a few weeks back. I was at a general store (think Ocean State Job Lot, Christmas Tree Stores, or Home Goods) and was very surprised to come across a tarot deck. It was the only deck they carried (and was a crazy good price!), so naturally, it had to come home with me 🛍 😁

I’ve spent some time with the deck and done enough readings with it that I think I’ve got a pretty good feel for its energy. The following are just my personal thoughts on how I feel about the deck, its messages, and how well it works for me.

Without further ado, here are my personal thoughts and tarot deck review of _ **The Wild Unknown Tarot** _.

 ![the box](https://spells8s3.b-cdn.net/original/3X/9/0/904d764efa74acbb9c7e9f83717155a7a75fc975.jpeg)

### _ **Deck Review:** _

**The Wild Unknown Tarot** by Kim Krans

**THE ART**

The art on the cards, done by artist Kim Krans, has a wholesome sketch-like style with an eye-catching balance between black, white, and color. This a very **nature-based deck** with all of the cards depicting animals, natural landscapes, or tarot symbols (pentacles, wands, swords, and cups). I’d hesitate to call this an element-based deck as, while there are occasional references to elements, the focus of the cards is on animals and scenes in nature.

The deck has an interesting style that uses both monochrome and bright colors. “Darker” cards tend to be in black and white, while more positive or inspiring cards are much more colorful. This helps the reader get an instant and instinctive feel for the card as soon as they see it, which can help guide readings naturally.

**THE ENERGY**

The energy of this deck feels generally positive and encouraging. That being said, it doesn’t sugarcoat the difficult cards. Cards that portray challenging times or situations - such as the Three of Swords, Ten of Swords, The Tower, etc - reflect those hard but important messages in both their card descriptions and artwork.

**READINGS**

While there are some similarities to the standard Rider Waite deck, the art in _The Wild Unknown_ depicts animals and objects instead of people, and has its own symbolism at play. It **focuses on colorful expression over traditional card design**. So while being familiar with traditional card meanings can always help, this is one deck where the deck specific guidebook and/or your intuition are necessary.

 ![cards](https://spells8s3.b-cdn.net/original/3X/0/3/03c1b9433c2c435d9c989104302626cac0f99450.jpeg)

**THINGS I LOVE**

- **The Artwork** - Let’s be honest, there are very few tarot enthusiasts out there who would buy a deck if they didn’t like the art! The style of the cards called to me in how it’s almost deceptively simplistic, where the longer you look, the more meaning you find in the lines, symbolism, animals, and colors (or lack thereof). The cards are pleasant to look at and I enjoy reading them.

- **Meaningful Colors** - I know I mentioned it above, but the way color is used in this deck to portray emotion is really neat.

 ![reversals](https://spells8s3.b-cdn.net/original/3X/d/7/d7abf2d19245069edfacbff1b787490ab68dcbff.jpeg)

**THINGS I DON’T VIBE WITH**

- **No Reversed Meanings** - The Bry of many years ago who was just starting to learn tarot would have been deviously pleased with a deck that doesn’t have Reversed meanings. Now, with a bit more experience under my belt, I think using only upright meanings is like only using half the cards - it makes it more difficult for the divine to communicate the things you need to hear. Rider Waite reversal meanings can still apply, of course, as can using the inverse of the upright or doing intuitive readings, but for a deck with specialized art, it’s disappointing to not have the reversals, too.

- **Gender-Based Cards** - While the Kings and Queens are often associated with masculine and feminine energies, this deck takes it a step further and assigns the Pages as “daughters”, the Knights as “sons”, the Queens as “mothers”, and the Kings as “fathers”. As per the description, the Mother of Cups only portrays a woman, the Son of Pentacles is about a boy, etc. As someone who believes everyone regardless of their gender has both masculine and feminine energies, I think restricting cards to certain genders limits readings.

 ![father pentacles](https://spells8s3.b-cdn.net/original/3X/4/5/45e0cc19895218de0cc33bea6b6fdf1726eb47c2.jpeg)

**WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS DECK?**

Overall, **yes** - if the artwork calls to you, I’d say go for it 👍

I’m on the fence about recommending this one to beginners. I think using a Rider Waite deck or a deck that closely resembles Rider Waite is much more helpful to someone just learning the cards as it prevents having to re-learn meanings that are specific to a stylized deck. That being said, you do you! This deck is relatively straightforward and doesn’t use reversals, so in that sense, it could be welcoming to someone learning the basics.

 ![cards](https://spells8s3.b-cdn.net/original/3X/6/f/6f1ca0748eaa3254511cd5f5e06d54104cc79deb.jpeg)

**Have you used _The Wild Unknown_ or a similar deck? If not, is it something you’d be interested in exploring?**

Would love to hear your thoughts!

Blessed be :rainbow_heart:

* * *

_Enjoy tarot decks? Here are some additional deck reviews in the forum:_

- [Tarot Deck Review ~ Soul Cats Tarot 🐈](https://forum.spells8.com/t/tarot-deck-review-soul-cats-tarot/47776/1)
- [Tarot Deck Review ~ Tarot of Oppositions ↕](https://forum.spells8.com/t/tarot-deck-review-tarot-of-oppositions/22421/1)
- [Tarot Deck Review ~ Ostara Tarot 🌸](https://forum.spells8.com/t/tarot-deck-review-ostara/18791)
- [Tarot Deck Review ~ Anima Mundi ✨](https://forum.spells8.com/t/tarot-deck-review-anima-mundi/2819)
- [Can I see your tarot/oracle deck collections?](https://forum.spells8.com/t/can-i-see-your-tarot-oracle-deck-collections/60374)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![MeganB](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/meganb/32/42726_2.png) [@MeganB](https://forum.spells8.com/u/MeganB)\
**Post date:** [July 29, 2025, 5:29pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/tarot-deck-review-the-wild-unknown/61058/2 "2025-07-29T17:29:37Z")

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Oh, I always love a good tarot review! 👏

I had this deck once-upon-a-time, but I ended up not using it as much as I thought I would, so I gifted it to a friend :pink_heart: I’m glad you like it, Bry!

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**Author:** ![dan3](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/dan3/32/62627_2.png) [@dan3](https://forum.spells8.com/u/dan3)\
**Post date:** [July 29, 2025, 6:03pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/tarot-deck-review-the-wild-unknown/61058/3 "2025-07-29T18:03:01Z")

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Thank you for the great review! I looked at the Wild Unknown and pondered getting it (that is like a millisecond away from buying it for me). In fact, I had to check my stash to make sure I didn’t buy it.

I think, ultimately, I rejected it for some of the same reasons you implied. Part of it is that I still am more comfortable with RWS styles and am getting to a point where I understand them almost immediately. Connecting to an esoteric deck is still a step or two away although I have a couple of them.

I’m just getting used to reversals so I don’t want to ‘step back’. Reversals have a good use - playing with half a deck (as you implied) limits the depth possible with a spread - although reversing the guidebook keywords is a solution. Since there is no need for that with normal decks, I would hesitate to go to the trouble.

To leave a more positive point, I found your Tarot of Oppositions deck review and got it. It is one of my favorite (probably in first place). Thanks for that.

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**Author:** ![TricksterShaman](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/trickstershaman/32/76914_2.png) [@TricksterShaman](https://forum.spells8.com/u/TricksterShaman)\
**Post date:** [July 29, 2025, 6:22pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/tarot-deck-review-the-wild-unknown/61058/4 "2025-07-29T18:22:26Z")

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> [@BryWisteria](#):
>
> I think using only upright meanings is like only using half the cards - it makes it more difficult for the divine to communicate the things you need to hear

I totally agree with this. Tradition with the runes says no to reversals and for spell/sigil/energy work I totally agree, but for divination I think reversals add more scope for the gods to speak through the runes. 💚

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**Author:** ![Artemisia](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/artemisia/32/78846_2.png) [@Artemisia](https://forum.spells8.com/u/Artemisia)\
**Post date:** [July 29, 2025, 7:28pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/tarot-deck-review-the-wild-unknown/61058/5 "2025-07-29T19:28:34Z")

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> [@BryWisteria](#):
>
> The Bry of many years ago who was just starting to learn tarot would have been deviously pleased

> [@TricksterShaman](#):
>
> divination I think reversals add more scope

I agree, when I was starting out learning Tarot, reversals were too much for me to contemplate. As I got more adept at reading, I expanded into reading reversals and found that my reading was richer and more meaningful. All that being said, I have a deck that I don’t read reversals; it’s not particular to the art/style but rather is just my preferred way to use that deck.

I actually like the artwork of this deck, and if I were to find it discounted somewhere, I’d consider snagging it, but it’s not one that calls to me.

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**Author:** ![dan3](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/dan3/32/62627_2.png) [@dan3](https://forum.spells8.com/u/dan3)\
**Post date:** [July 29, 2025, 7:49pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/tarot-deck-review-the-wild-unknown/61058/6 "2025-07-29T19:49:17Z")

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> [@Artemisia](#):
>
> if I were to find it discounted somewhere, I’d consider snagging it,

Yep. Even though I said I wouldn’t buy it… I am an impulse shopper and I would probably get it if the price looked nice. 😀

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![BryWisteria](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/brywisteria/32/1632_2.png) [@BryWisteria](https://forum.spells8.com/u/BryWisteria)\
**Post date:** [July 30, 2025, 10:47am UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/tarot-deck-review-the-wild-unknown/61058/7 "2025-07-30T10:47:40Z")

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> [@MeganB](#):
>
> I had this deck once-upon-a-time, but I ended up not using it as much as I thought I would

It sounds like it’s a deck that has crossed many of our paths! 😊 And I think I’m following in your footsteps with it - I’ve been using it intentionally to try to connect with it, but when I need a quick reading it’s not the one I instinctively reach for. Perhaps I’ll bond with it more over time! 😀

> [@TricksterShaman](#):
>
> for divination I think reversals add more scope for the gods to speak through the runes. 💚

Well said! 👍

> [@Artemisia](#):
>
> I have a deck that I don’t read reversals; it’s not particular to the art/style but rather is just my preferred way to use that deck.

It sounds like you’ve connected with your deck’s energy and have built a practice using it that works well - that’s awesome! When it comes to finding harmony with a deck, I think choosing certain patterns of reading isn’t avoiding reversals but rather about working with the energy of a unique deck. And if something works - keep doing it! 😁 👍 ❤

> [@Artemisia](#):
>
> and if I were to find it discounted somewhere

Any chance you have an Ollie’s nearby? It’s like a new version of Building 19 and has a whole bunch of random stuff. It’s where I got this deck for the irresistible price of $5 😉

> [@dan3](#):
>
> I am an impulse shopper and I would probably get it if the price looked nice. 😀

We’re in the same boat! 😆 🤝 Do you perhaps have an Ollie’s store near you? They don’t always have tarot decks, but when they do, they are cheap! 🛍 🎉

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Artemisia](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/artemisia/32/78846_2.png) [@Artemisia](https://forum.spells8.com/u/Artemisia)\
**Post date:** [July 30, 2025, 3:34pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/tarot-deck-review-the-wild-unknown/61058/8 "2025-07-30T15:34:14Z")

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> [@BryWisteria](#):
>
> Ollie’s nearby?

Oh heck, I’ve never heard of it but checked their store locator and bam we do have at least 1 here!

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![dan3](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/dan3/32/62627_2.png) [@dan3](https://forum.spells8.com/u/dan3)\
**Post date:** [July 30, 2025, 4:30pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/tarot-deck-review-the-wild-unknown/61058/9 "2025-07-30T16:30:42Z")

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> [@BryWisteria](#):
>
> Any chance you have an Ollie’s nearby?

Yes! I have never shopped there (it is 15 miles away in a rough neighborhood so that is understandable). I looked at their store flyer (online) and I definitely have to drop by.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![BryWisteria](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/brywisteria/32/1632_2.png) [@BryWisteria](https://forum.spells8.com/u/BryWisteria)\
**Post date:** [July 31, 2025, 11:02am UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/tarot-deck-review-the-wild-unknown/61058/10 "2025-07-31T11:02:16Z")

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@Artemisia and @dan3 - How fun that you both have one nearby! 😀 I think Ollie’s gets their inventory from stores that close down, so it’s always random what they have on their shelves. It’s fun because you never know what you’ll find! If you decide to go, I wish you happy shopping 🛍 😊

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Artemisia](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/artemisia/32/78846_2.png) [@Artemisia](https://forum.spells8.com/u/Artemisia)\
**Post date:** [August 1, 2025, 4:13pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/tarot-deck-review-the-wild-unknown/61058/11 "2025-08-01T16:13:55Z")

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I realized how silly it would be for me to drive across town in 95 degree weather with a car full of fresh and frozen groceries for a $5 tarot deck I don’t need. 🤣

Fun to find out I do have an Ollie’s though, I’ll have to keep it in mind when I’m already in the area!

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![BryWisteria](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/brywisteria/32/1632_2.png) [@BryWisteria](https://forum.spells8.com/u/BryWisteria)\
**Post date:** [August 4, 2025, 11:10am UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/tarot-deck-review-the-wild-unknown/61058/12 "2025-08-04T11:10:57Z")

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> [@Artemisia](#):
>
> a $5 tarot deck I don’t need. 🤣

And that’s only if that particular Ollie’s happens to have any in stock - it’s a gamble with a lot on the line! Nothing worse than mushy groceries 😅 🛍

> [@Artemisia](#):
>
> I’ll have to keep it in mind when I’m already in the area!

Sounds like a good plan! I hope that when things align, your Ollie’s has lots of fun treasures for you to explore (and hopefully some tarot decks)! ❤ 😊

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![little.elf.queen](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/little.elf.queen/32/60378_2.png) [@little.elf.queen](https://forum.spells8.com/u/little.elf.queen)\
**Post date:** [August 7, 2025, 2:33pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/tarot-deck-review-the-wild-unknown/61058/13 "2025-08-07T14:33:17Z")

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I found this in my local bookstore and ended up purchasing it because I remembered your review!  
It’s going to take a minute to get used to the son/daughter/etc. and no reversals like you mentioned, but I got such a calming and welcoming vibe when I picked it up. 💜

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![BryWisteria](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/brywisteria/32/1632_2.png) [@BryWisteria](https://forum.spells8.com/u/BryWisteria)\
**Post date:** [August 8, 2025, 10:51am UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/tarot-deck-review-the-wild-unknown/61058/14 "2025-08-08T10:51:11Z")

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> [@little.elf.queen](#):
>
> I got such a calming and welcoming vibe when I picked it up. 💜

It sounds like it resonates with you, that’s awesome! 😊 Congrats on your new tarot deck, @little.elf.queen. I’d love to know what you think of it after you’ve spent some time together - please feel free to share your thoughts if you’d like to!

Happy readings! :rainbow_heart: ✨