Rooted Remembrance Tarot Review: Rae Serafina Barker's Soulful Indie Deck
A journey into memory, intuition and soulful tarot.
In the ever expanding world of independent tarot, few creators have developed such a distinctive artistic voice as Rae Serafina Barker. Known for creating deeply introspective oracle and tarot decks that invite reflection, healing and personal transformation, Rae has earned a devoted following among readers who seek more than simple divination.
Her Rooted Remembrance Tarot is perhaps her most ambitious creation to date, a full 78 card tarot deck that beautifully combines traditional tarot structure with evocative digital collage artwork and themes of ancestry, memory, belonging and personal wisdom.
Whether you're an experienced tarot reader, a collector of indie decks or someone searching for a deck that speaks to the soul rather than simply predicting the future, Rooted Remembrance Tarot deserves your attention.
In this review, we'll explore Rae Serafina Barker's artistic vision, the philosophy behind the deck, its artwork, symbolism, usability and why it has become one of the most talked-about independently published tarot decks in recent years.
Who is Rae Serafina Barker?
Rae Serafina Barker is an artist, writer, teacher and creator whose work centres around intuition, creativity, storytelling and personal transformation. Through her artwork, books and independently published oracle and tarot decks, she encourages people to reconnect with themselves through reflection rather than certainty.
Unlike many modern tarot creators who lean heavily into fantasy or traditional occult imagery, Rae's work feels deeply human. Her visual language is rooted in memory, landscape, symbolism and emotional experience.
One defining feature of her creative process is that all of her artwork is original digital mixed media collage, created without AI. This handcrafted approach gives every card a layered, textured quality that feels intimate and authentic.
Her growing collection includes The Deep Place Oracle, The Wordless Oracle, Stone + Shadow Oracle and the Rooted Remembrance Tarot, each exploring different aspects of intuition and inner exploration.
What is the Rooted Remembrance Tarot?
Rooted Remembrance Tarot is a complete 78 card tarot deck that follows the traditional structure of the Major and Minor Arcana while offering a fresh artistic interpretation. Instead of Pentacles, Swords, Wands and Chalices the suits are more elemental, shamanic, mysterious, ethereal, primeval, they are Roots, Light, Shadow and Dreams, with the Court Cards reimagined as Student, Steward, Sovereign and Spirit.
According to Rae, the deck was created during a deeply transformative period of her own life. Rather than focusing on fortune telling, she envisioned the deck as an invitation to "remember all the way down to the roots" and reconnect with the wisdom, resilience and magic that already exists within us.
The deck includes:
- 78 full-colour tarot cards
- Original digital collage artwork
- 400 gsm premium cardstock
- Matte finish, that whispers through ones fingers when shuffling
- Gold gilded edged cards
- A comprehensive compact guidebook that fits into the box
- A beautiful and sturdy two-piece presentation box
These production choices place the deck firmly within the premium indie tarot category.
A Tarot Deck Built Around Remembrance
The title "Rooted Remembrance" perfectly captures the philosophy behind the deck. Rather than encouraging readers to seek external answers, Rae consistently invites them inward.
Throughout the imagery, recurring themes include:
- ancestral wisdom
- deep memory
- forests
- wild landscapes
- roots
- rivers
- birds
- thresholds
- cycles
- transformation
- intuition
- belonging
The concept of remembrance isn't simply about recalling the past. Instead, Rae suggests that we each carry an inner knowing that can become obscured by modern life. Tarot becomes a conversation that helps us uncover what we already know but may have forgotten.
This approach makes the deck especially appealing for readers who use tarot for personal development, shadow work, journalling and spiritual practice.
Artwork That Feels Like a Dream
One of the Rooted Remembrance Tarot's greatest strengths is its artwork.
Rae's signature digital collage style combines:
- vintage photography
- botanical imagery
- landscapes
- celestial elements
- symbolic animals
- handwritten textures
- layered compositions
- raw and elemental
- ethereal and otherworldly images
Rather than overwhelming the eye with excessive detail, each card creates emotional atmosphere.
Muted earth tones dominate the palette:
- moss greens
- warm browns
- soft creams
- charcoal blacks
- golden highlights
- weathered blues
The result is a visual language that feels timeless rather than trendy. Many readers describe the artwork as cinematic or dreamlike because each image appears suspended somewhere between memory and myth.
Traditional Tarot with a Modern Soul
One of the most impressive aspects of Rooted Remembrance Tarot is how respectfully it honours traditional tarot structure. Readers already familiar with Rider-Waite-Smith symbolism will recognise the overall framework. However, Rae avoids simply recreating classic illustrations. Instead, she reimagines the archetypes through contemporary symbolic storytelling.
This creates an experience where experienced tarot readers can comfortably interpret the cards while newcomers are invited to respond intuitively to the imagery.
The deck bridges two worlds:
- traditional tarot wisdom
- modern intuitive practice
That balance is surprisingly difficult to achieve.
Reading with Rooted Remembrance Tarot
In practice, Rooted Remembrance Tarot excels in reflective readings. Rather than giving abrupt yes-or-no answers, the cards encourage conversation.
Many readers find themselves asking:
- "What part of myself needs remembering?"
- "What wisdom have I overlooked?"
- "What wants to emerge?"
Because of this, the deck works particularly well for:
- morning reflections
- journalling
- meditation
- creative inspiration
- shadow work
- grief processing
- seasonal rituals
- personal growth
While it certainly functions as a predictive tarot deck if that's your preferred reading style, its greatest strength lies in helping readers cultivate self-trust.
Card Quality and Production
Independent tarot creators often face the challenge of balancing artistic freedom with manufacturing quality. Rooted Remembrance Tarot succeeds on both fronts.
The 400 gsm cardstock feels substantial without becoming difficult to shuffle. The matte finish reduces glare while preserving the richness of the artwork. Gold edging adds elegance without feeling excessive. The sturdy keepsake box protects the deck well, while the included guidebook offers thoughtful interpretations rather than rigid definitions.
Overall, the physical production reflects the care invested in the artistic vision.
The Guidebook
(The little white book, or lwb as it is known within the tarot community.)
A tarot deck is only as useful as its guidebook for many readers. Rather than presenting fixed meanings, Rae encourages curiosity. Her interpretations often act as prompts for exploration rather than definitive answers.
Readers are encouraged to notice:
- emotional responses
- recurring symbols
- intuitive impressions
- personal memories
- body sensations
This approach aligns beautifully with the overall philosophy of Rooted Remembrance Tarot.
Comparing Rooted Remembrance Tarot to Other Indie Decks
The independent tarot community has flourished over the past decade, with hundreds of beautiful self-published decks entering the market.
So what makes Rooted Remembrance Tarot stand out?
Unlike highly decorative fantasy decks, Rae's work feels grounded in emotional authenticity. Unlike minimalist decks, it offers rich symbolic layers. Unlike many collage decks, the imagery feels cohesive rather than assembled.
Readers who enjoy decks such as The Spacious Tarot, The Wild Unknown Tarot or The Weaver Tarot may find Rooted Remembrance Tarot offers a similarly contemplative experience while maintaining a unique visual identity.
Who Will Love This Deck?
Rooted Remembrance Tarot isn't designed for everyone. If you're seeking a brightly coloured, highly literal Rider-Waite-Smith clone, this may not be your ideal choice.
However, if you appreciate:
- psychological tarot
- soulful artwork
- symbolic storytelling
- independent artists
- premium production
- intuitive reading
- spiritual growth
- journalling
then this deck will likely become a favourite. It's especially suited to readers who see tarot as a lifelong companion rather than simply a predictive tool.
An Independent Artist Worth Supporting
One reason many collectors gravitate toward Rae Serafina Barker's work is her commitment to independent publishing. Rather than licensing her work through a major publisher, she retains creative control over every aspect of production.
She has also publicly stated that all artwork for Rooted Remembrance Tarot is original digital mixed-media art created without AI, something many collectors increasingly value in today's creative landscape.
Supporting independent artists helps preserve diversity within the tarot community, allowing creators to develop unique visual languages rather than following commercial trends.
Final Thoughts
Rooted Remembrance Tarot is far more than another beautiful indie tarot deck.
It is an invitation. An invitation to pause. To remember. To listen. To reconnect with the parts of ourselves that often become buried beneath everyday life.
Rae Serafina Barker has created a deck that honours traditional tarot while offering something genuinely fresh. Its evocative artwork, thoughtful symbolism and emphasis on self-trust make it one of the most compelling independent tarot releases available today.
Whether you're an experienced reader looking for deeper reflective practice or a newcomer seeking a deck that prioritises intuition over rigid interpretation, Rooted Remembrance Tarot offers a meaningful companion for your journey.
In a world increasingly filled with noise, Rooted Remembrance Tarot quietly reminds us that some of the most profound answers have been within us all along.
For readers searching for a tarot deck that blends artistry, emotional depth and spiritual reflection, Rae Serafina Barker's Rooted Remembrance Tarot is an exceptional choice, one that continues to leave a lasting impression long after the cards have been returned to their box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rae Serafina Barker?
Rae Serafina Barker is an independent artist and writer who creates beautifully illustrated tarot and oracle decks focused on intuition, creativity and personal reflection.
What is the Rooted Remembrance Tarot?
The Rooted Remembrance Tarot is a 78 card indie tarot deck that follows the traditional tarot structure while exploring themes of memory, nature, healing and self-discovery through original collage artwork.
Is Rooted Remembrance Tarot beginner-friendly?
Yes. The deck gently follows the Rider-Waite-Smith system, making it accessible for beginners, while its guidebook encourages intuitive reading and deeper personal insight.
Does it follow the Rider-Waite-Smith tradition?
Yes. It keeps the familiar tarot structure and meanings but presents them through Rae Serafina Barker's distinctive artistic style and symbolism.
What makes this deck unique?
Its focus on remembrance, ancestry, nature and inner wisdom sets it apart. The evocative artwork encourages reflection rather than simple prediction.
Is the artwork AI-generated?
No. Rae Serafina Barker has confirmed that all the artwork is her own original digital mixed-media collage, created without AI.
Is it good for shadow work?
Many readers enjoy using the deck for shadow work, journalling and meditation because of its thoughtful symbolism and introspective themes.
Can I purchase the Rooted Remembrance Tarot from The Guilded Veil?
Yes. The deck is available directly from The Guilded Veil, supporting the artist and ensuring you receive an authentic edition.