In the last year or so there has been some discussion online about the phenomenon of “nicewashing” tarot decks. Nicewashed decks are those that have a significantly “positive” feel to them, almost as though they have a pink fluffy instagram filter applied to their message. Those opposed to nicewashing argue that it is a problematic practise that diminishes the message of tarot. However, I believe that nicewashed decks are valid and important, and in this blog I will explain why I hold this view and why I think that readers should give this topic some thought.

Examples of Nicewashed Decks

Some decks that have been accused of nicewashing:

The Starchild Tarot

The Moonchild Tarot

The Lioness Oracle Tarot

Shadowscapes Tarot

The Hello Kitty Tarot

The Monstarot

The Kawaii Tarot

The Crystal Unicorn Tarot

Pretty much anything and everything by Doreen Virtue

Oracle cards can also be nicewashed. For example the Work Your Light Oracle, Universe Has Your Back Cards and Love Your Inner Goddess Oracle have been criticised for having an overly positive, “newagey” vibe to them, bordering on cringey.

Arguments Against Nicewashing

“Are nicewashed decks still tarot?” In my experience, those who answer “no” this tend to be tarot purists who believe that any alteration from the “true” tarot is unacceptable. Personally, I’m not a fan of the idea that only a single approach to tarot is legitimate – I believe the greatest potential of tarot is unleashed when you adapt it to suit you!

A major argument against nicewashing is that these decks are misleading due to an inherent bias that compromises their objectivity. For example, does the Crystal Unicorn Tarot cause me to look at an issue with rose-tinted glasses? Yes it probably does, but I think whether or not that’s a bad thing depends on the situation.

Different Situations – Different Decks

Lighter decks

As someone who has battled with depression, I can unequivocally say that there are some occasions that might call for a nicewashed deck such as the Fairy Tarot, Angels Tarot or the Crystal Unicorn Tarot. Sometimes a kinder, gentler message is the most effective. We don’t always need to be bitch-slapped by the cards!

Darker decks

On the other hand, sometimes a more hard-hitting deck is necessary. For example if a client is having difficulty taking responsibility or action in their life, or has a propensity to self-sabotage or procrastinate. In those cases I might reach for my Bohemian Gothic Tarot or Marigold Tarot.

Neutral decks

If a client comes to me with a question about how to deal with their grief over the death of a family member, it would be simply insensitive for me to reach for my Santa Muerte Tarot or Marigold Tarot, decks that are packed full of skeletons and darkness. Here, the Crystal Unicorn Tarot might also be inappropriate as the client may not feel like I am taking their question seriously. In this case a more neutral deck, coupled with compassionate reading would be more appropriate.

Other considerations

At the end of a reading I like to conclude with a card from an oracle deck. If the reading has been particularly heavy I might choose an uplifting deck such as the Nature’s Whispers Oracle. However, if I felt that a querent was having difficulty hearing the message of the reading, I might reach for the Mystical Shaman Oracle.

I should add that on some occasions I will let the querent choose the deck themselves as sometimes the ‘right’ deck can be the one they are most drawn to. Again, it depends on the situation.

My Responsibility as a Reader

As a reader I feel that it is important for me to offer the most empowering readings possible. Part of that manifesto requires me to intuit the appropriate deck for a specific question and querent – the type of deck I choose depends on the situation. Therefore, in my opinion, nicewashed decks are just as useful as any other deck, including traditional decks such as RWS, Thoth or TdM.

Let me know what you think! Do you prefer more traditional decks? What do you think of nicewashed decks?

This post was inspired by the marvellous Katey Flowers! I wholly recommend her YouTube channel!