Quick Specs
- Publisher: U.S. Games Systems
- Artwork: Pamela Colman Smith’s Rider-Waite imagery in glow-in-the-dark ink
- Cards: 78 full deck, black and white with raised phosphorescent ink
- Best for: RWS collectors, night ritual work, tarot gifts
The Classic Deck, Transformed
The Glow in the Dark Tarot is published by U.S. Games Systems and uses Pamela Colman Smith’s original Rider-Waite artwork, printed in black and white with a raised phosphorescent ink that charges under light and glows a vivid pale green in the dark. The 78-card deck includes a 56-page guidebook with upright and reversed meanings and several spreads, including a Star Spread designed specifically for this deck.
The card stock has a distinctive matte texture from the raised ink, which makes it feel quite different in hand from standard coated decks. The imagery stays legible in normal light, all the familiar Rider-Waite details intact, so it functions as a reading deck by day. Charge it under sunlight, a UV lamp, or a strong LED and the cards hold a bright glow for several minutes in a dark room, long enough to conduct a short spread. The effect is genuinely striking and not merely novelty.
How to Use the Glow in the Dark Tarot
How to charge and read with the Glow in the Dark Tarot for both nighttime and standard readings.
- Charge the Deck Before Dark Readings
Expose the cards to sunlight, a UV lamp, or a bright LED before any low-light reading. The longer the charge, the brighter and more sustained the glow. Direct sun for five minutes gives the longest effect.
- Read in Near-Total Darkness
For the glow to show, the room needs to be very dark. Low ambient light washes out the phosphorescence. Turn off all lights, close curtains, and let your eyes adjust before pulling cards for a reading.
- Use in Normal Light for Daily Readings
The deck reads well in ordinary light. The black and white imagery with raised ink has good contrast and all Rider-Waite detail is preserved. Keep it in regular rotation rather than only using it in the dark.
The Tarot Fellow Standard
I carry this deck because it earns its place both as a working RWS reading deck and as a genuinely interesting collector piece. The glow effect is not a gimmick layered onto low-quality cards, it’s built into a properly constructed 78-card deck with a real guidebook. It’s one of my top recommendations when someone asks for an unusual gift for an established reader. Browse my full tarot deck collection to find the right match for any reading style.
Frequently Asked Questions
After a good charge under direct light, the cards glow brightly for two to four minutes in full darkness. The glow fades gradually. You can re-expose the cards mid-session to refresh the effect as needed.
It is a complete 78-card deck with all 22 Major Arcana and all 56 Minor Arcana cards. It ships with a 56-page guidebook covering upright and reversed meanings for every card, plus several tarot spreads including a dedicated Star Spread.
The cards stay very readable in normal light. The raised phosphorescent texture is tactile, and all of Pamela Colman Smith's original Rider-Waite artwork is preserved and clearly visible in daylight conditions.
Yes, because it uses Rider-Waite-Smith imagery that most learning resources reference. The included guidebook covers upright and reversed meanings for every card. Beginners familiar with RWS will find it useful.
Came in perfect condition and quickly, overall great experience will definitely buy more from seller
Super fun idea. I don’t know when I will ever use tarot cards in the pitch darkness, but if I ever do, I have the cards for it. These are a great addition to my tarot collection, and I will probably use them in regular light, but now I’m prepared for when there’s no light.
Beautiful glow in the dark. I love it
Easy ordering process and fast shipping! High quality card stock and come in a sturdy box. They really do glow in the dark, but hard to “charge” or expose to light, so black light is the way to use them best! Great quality would purchase again! TY!