THE WINDING TAROT
Created by Stephanie Burrows, Illustrated by Adam Oehlers
A black-and-white tarot deck about exploration, courage, and learning to find your way, one careful step at a time.
Preorders open Saturday, February 14th at 12pm (UK time) at ThreeTreesTarot.co.uk.
⭐ Preorder price
£40.50 early bird (Feb 14–Mar 15)
£47.75 standard (from mid-March)
Payment taken at time of preorder
Estimated shipping: late March / April 2026
Before you preorder: There's a lot of information below. We've done our best to present it clearly, so please read through everything carefully.
Please note: All photos and images shown are prototypes. Final designs may vary slightly.
DECK SPECS
-
CONTENTS: The Winding will include 78 tarot cards, plus seven bonus cards exclusive to the first printing (a selection of these may be offered for purchase in the future if there is a second print run), three double-sided companion reference cards with keywords, and two blank cards to protect the deck.
-
CARD SIZE: 70mm x 120mm (approximately 2.75 x 4.73 inches), with white borders and rounded corners.
-
CARD BACKS: Good news! They'll be reversible!
-
CARD STOCK: Eco-friendly 400gsm FSC-certified, carbon-balanced paper, printed with vegetable-based inks and finished with a matte, anti-scuff laminate.
-
BOX: Two-part box with a grey lid, made from responsibly sourced materials and designed with recyclability in mind. The lid will feature a woodland-themed design printed using vegetable-based ink. A small hole in the base allows the cards to be easily removed by gently pushing them out.
Each copy of The Winding will include a uniquely numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
A BIT OF BACKGROUND
For those familiar with our previous deck, Heartwood, The Winding picks up where that world leaves off, stepping just beyond its familiar boundaries.
The deck follows a spider who lives in an old wooden shed at the back of the Heartwood property. Leaving this known place behind, they venture into the forest and onward toward the nearest village.
For a spider, this can be a dangerous world because, well, they're a spider (and to some people, spiders can be scary). But in their mind, this simply isn't the case. They don't even know what being scary is.
Their winding path reflects how we each learn to navigate the world. This is a deck about exploration, courage, and finding your way one step at a time.
WHY THE DECK IS BLACK AND WHITE
The Winding is rendered entirely in pen and ink, inspired by the work of Edward Gorey, whose are first drew Stephanie (the creator) to tarot.
By using line, texture, shadow, and negative space in place of colour, the deck allows atmosphere and storytelling to lead the reading, guiding the spider's journey from beginning to end.
WHY A SPIDER DECK?
Spiders are remarkable, often misunderstood creatures. They play a vital role in keeping ecosystems in balance, are found almost everywhere on Earth, and display an extraordinary range of behaviours (from patience and precision to bold curiosity).
Some species, such as jumping spiders, are known for their inquisitive nature: watching, exploring, and actively engaging with their surroundings. That attentiveness and bravery sit at the heart of The Winding.
Our spider isn’t something to fear. Instead, they represent vulnerability, curiosity, and the courage it takes to keep going.
A NOTE FROM THE CREATOR
Before I created my first tarot deck, Oak, Ash & Thorn (before it was even a fully formed idea), I had my heart set on making a spider deck.
Early on, I was told no one would want to see spiders in tarot; that people would rather squish them. I couldn't disagree more.
The Winding exists because of that difference in perspective.
To me, spiders are perceptive and curious, shaping the world in subtle ways most of us never notice. This deck is an invitation to look again, and to consider that even the smallest, most misunderstood creatures can become gentle guides when we take the time to truly see them.
I completely understand that this deck may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but not making it would have been a regret.
And besides... spiders are pretty wonderful!
We hope you'll see that too.
#JusticeForSpiders
THE MAJOR ARCANA
The Major Arcana follows the spider’s journey through the forest, reflecting the 22 archetypes of the Rider-Waite-Smith tradition.
Our Fool (the spider) appears on most Major Arcana cards as they move deeper into the woods, encountering moments of challenge, growth, and discovery aligned with traditional meanings.
THE MINOR ARCANA
In the Minor Arcana, the spider reaches the nearest village and continues their journey alone.
The four suits explore different corners of village life: quiet lanes, doorsteps, market stalls, windowsills, and hidden spaces. No other animals appear, but each card is rich with atmosphere and character.
A NOTE ON THE ART & SYMBOLISM
In The Winding, suits don’t always show a literal number of objects (such as five swords or three cups). Instead, card meanings are conveyed through imagery, atmosphere, and visual storytelling.
Because of this, symbolism isn’t always as immediately obvious as in some of our previous decks. While we wouldn’t describe The Winding as an advanced deck, it does invite a slower, more intuitive style of reading.
CARD BACK DESIGN
The reversible card back features our spider set within a winding wreath of foliage.
Vines curl inward from opposing corners, mirroring one another so the image remains upright whichever way the card is turned.
Overlapping leaves create a sense of enclosure without feeling fixed or closed. At the heart of the design, a small star hangs overhead as a guiding light.
We’re especially happy with how the card backs turned out; they feel gentle, grounded, and unexpectedly sweet.
THE FONT
For clarity and continuity, we’ve used LTC Goudy Oldstyle (the same typeface featured in the new editions of Oak, Ash & Thorn, Smoke, Ash & Embers, and Thistledown). Its literary feel made it a natural fit for The Winding.
THE GUIDE CARDS
To keep the deck as eco-friendly as possible:
-
The Winding will not include a printed guidebook
-
There are no plans for a physical guidebook
Instead, the deck will include three double-sided companion reference cards with thoughtfully chosen keywords to support intuitive reading.
An accompanying PDF guidebook will be emailed automatically upon preorder or purchase.
DIVINATION COINS
Matching divination coins will be available as optional preorder items alongside The Winding tarot deck. All coins will be available as a preorder, opening at the same time, with estimated shipping in late March / April 2026.
Details:
-
Diameter: 38mm (approx. 1.5 inches)
-
Brass core for a satisfying weight
-
Includes an informational guide card with suggested instructions
Design:
-
One side: The Fool, nestled within their silken tent
-
Reverse: The spider within a wreath of foliage, a guiding star overhead
Finishes:
-
Antique silver-effect finish (long-term fixture in the shop; initial run of 500)
-
Antique brass-effect finish (limited edition; 350 will be available)
Once the antique brass-effect coin is gone, it will not be restocked.
⭐ Preorder price
Individual coin
-
£17.00 early bird (Feb 14–Mar 15)
-
£19.75 standard (from mid-March)
RETURN OF THE SMOKE, ASH & EMBERS DIVINATION COIN
We’re also bringing back the Smoke, Ash & Embers divination coin, which has been out of stock for over a year.
-
Brass with an antique brass-effect finish
-
38mm in diameter (approx. 1.5 inches)
-
Initial run of 200 coins
⭐ Preorder price
Individual coin
-
£17.00 early bird (Feb 14–Mar 15)
-
£19.75 standard (from mid-March)
Please note: All images shown are prototypes and final designs may vary slightly. Metallic finishes interact with light in subtle ways, and while every effort has been made to photograph the coins accurately, the final colour may vary slightly in person.
LAUNCH SALE (MID-FEBRUARY)
From February 14th (12pm, UK time) to March 15th (12pm, UK time):
-
10% off new edition Oak, Ash & Thorn, Smoke, Ash & Embers, and Thistledown
-
10% off divination coins (making them £17 each)
-
15% off Heartwood decks
-
20% off seconds decks
-
20% off classic Oak, Ash & Thorn and classic OAT mini decks (limited stock)
Additionally:
-
Coin + deck bundles will be discounted 14-18%.
-
2 divination coins for £32
-
The Winding tarot deck will be around 15% off the usual £47.75 price (£40.50 during the preorder).
All sale prices will reflect reductions from regular retail prices (no code needed).
Please note that during the sale period, mailing list promo codes and all other discounts will be paused.
Important: If you order additional items with The Winding or any preorder coins, everything will ship together. If an item is currently available and you wish to receive it sooner, please place a separate order.
OUR PRINTER
We print with Generation Press, a Brighton-based printer we trust deeply.
-
B Corp Certified (score: 119)
-
Carbon neutral, using renewable energy and solar power
-
FSC-certified papers & vegetable-based inks
-
Living Wage Employer
-
Carbon Balanced Paper programme supporting the World Land Trust
They’ve also funded the planting of 6,518 trees in the UK, which we’re proud to support.
PREORDER FAQ
WHAT IS A PREORDER?
Preordering means your copy is set aside for you in advance. Orders are shipped once the deck is ready, and you’ll receive updates along the way so you always know what to expect. 💚
WHEN WILL MY PREORDER SHIP?
Estimated shipping is late March / April 2026. If decks arrive earlier than expected, we'll ship as soon as possible and notify everyone by email.
All orders ship from the UK, so delivery times vary depending on destination. Please note that shipping times are estimates, not guarantees. International deliveries may take longer due to customs processing or other factors outside our control.
Once your order has been dispatched, we’re unable to provide additional delivery updates beyond the tracking information (where available). Delays can occur due to order volume, destination country, industrial action with Royal Mail, or wider global disruptions.
We'll share regular updates on production progress, shipping timelines, and any changes (including early shipping) via email. Please make sure you're subscribed to our mailing list so you don't miss important updates.
If you're not already subscribed, please join our mailing list by clicking here.
WHAT IF I ORDER ADDITIONAL ITEMS WITH THE WINDING?
If you order additional items or preorder coins alongside The Winding, everything will ship together in one package.
If an item is currently in stock and you'd like to receive it sooner, please place a separate order.
HOW WILL MY ORDER BE SHIPPED?
-
UK orders: Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed
-
International orders: Royal Mail Tracked
Tracking details will be emailed shortly after dispatch.
TARIFFS & U.S. ORDERS (PLEASE READ)
Recent news suggests the U.S. government may introduce increased tariffs on goods imported from the UK (potentially up to 25%) with changes possibly taking effect from June 2026.
At the time of writing, nothing has been confirmed. However, this uncertainty affects how and when U.S. orders are shipped.
Currently, U.S. import tariffs on UK-made goods like ours are 10%. Any increase would apply only to goods entering the U.S. after new rules come into effect and would affect all international sellers shipping to the U.S.
HOW THIS MAY AFFECT U.S. ORDERS
To minimise the risk of U.S. customers being affected by potential tariff increases, we are planning wherever possible to dispatch U.S. preorder shipments before June, should any new rules be introduced later in the year.
If higher tariffs are introduced from June, we strongly recommend placing any planned U.S. orders either:
-
during the mid-February to mid-March preorder period (when the shop is on sale), or
-
by May 15th at the latest
Orders placed within this window have the best chance of being produced and dispatched before any changes to U.S. import tariffs apply.
If tariffs are formally confirmed, delayed, or withdrawn before shipping begins, we will communicate clearly by email before any orders are dispatched.
CUSTOMS INFORMATION FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS
To keep things simple and stress-free, we’ll use Royal Mail’s Postal Delivered Duties Paid (PDDP) service, designed for current U.S. tariff rules.
What this means:
-
Duties will be shown and collected upfront at checkout
-
We pass the duty to Royal Mail, who pay U.S. Customs on your behalf
-
Parcels won’t be refused at customs
-
No additional charges will be due on delivery
What this looks like at checkout:
-
Add items to your cart as normal
-
At checkout, a 10% U.S. Customs Duty charge will be added (for example, a £45.50 item = £4.55 duty)
-
Complete checkout and pay for everything together
This system, combined with our effort to ship U.S. preorders before June, is designed to keep costs clear and predictable.
CUSTOMS INFORMATION FOR ALL OTHER COUNTRIES
Any customs fees, VAT, or import taxes are the buyer's responsibility.
We are not liable for customs charges or delays caused by customs processing.
Customs policies vary widely by country, so we recommend checking your local government's customs guidelines before ordering.
A VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER ABOUT MAILING ADDRESSES
Please double-check your mailing address before placing your order, especially if your browser autofills details.
If a parcel is returned due to an incorrect or incomplete address and needs to be re-sent:
-
Any duties or VAT paid on the original shipment are non-refundable
-
Duties, VAT, and shipping charges must be paid again
This applies to all international orders, including U.S. orders.
If your address changes before dispatch, you can contact us anytime with your name and updated address, and we’ll happily amend your order.
We’ll also send reminder emails before shipping to give you another opportunity to check your details.
CUSTOMS DECLARATIONS
We always declare orders honestly and accurately.
We won’t undervalue parcels or mark them as gifts. This transparency helps ensure parcels move smoothly and safely through customs.
WILL I RECEIVE A TRACKING NUMBER?
Yes. You'll receive an email with a tracking information shortly after your order has been dispatched.
HOW DO I ORDER?
Thank you so much for your support! We truly appreciate it!
Preorders go live Saturday, February 14th at 12pm (UK time) on our website.
For additional information regarding our Terms and Conditions (Shipping, VAT & Customs, and Return Policy), please click here.
Actual colours may vary. This is because every computer monitor, laptop, tablet and phone screen has a different capability to display colours, and everyone sees these colours differently. We edit our photos to show all of our products as life-like as possible, but please understand the actual colour may vary slightly from your monitor.
Adam Oehlers
Adam Oehlers is the illustrator of this deck. He currently works out of Norwich, England and has exhibited worldwide from Australia to the UK, Europe and the States. He has worked alongside writers and publishers from around the world and has worked as a concept artist, character designer and writer for animations and computer games.
Adam has always found a great deal of inspiration from the classic illustrations of Arthur Rackham, Edward Gorey and any intricate classic pen illustrations and print work. He has a great love of old stories and fairy tales and aims to tell a story through every illustration, striving to create a sense of nostalgia to take the viewer back to a forgotten memory, to remind them of the soft magic that surrounds us.
Stephanie Burrows
Stephanie Burrows is the creator of this deck. The West Yorkshire countryside that she calls home is the source of her inspiration. Some of Stephanie's earliest memories of Tarot include her mother reading Tarot for friends and family. Now, she enjoys starting the day with Tarot for inspiration and guidance.
The journey to where she is today has been incredibly wonderful, and she is thankful to everyone that has supported her along the way. Your e-mails and messages are so lovely, and it reminds her, every day, how lucky she is to be able to now create Tarot decks for a living.