Deck Review: Magical Dogs Tarot

Mickie Mueller and Dan Mueller, Magical Dogs Tarot. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Worldwide, 2018.  ISBN: 978-0-7387-5005-7. (Link to publisher.)

 

This kit includes the 78-card deck and a full size book, the Magical Dogs Companion. I first used this deck in January 2024. 

Earth Puppy (Page of Pentacles)

I bought this deck for a couple of reasons. One, I bought it during Llewellyn's Holiday Sale, and its price was 50% off, which meant I got this for less than $20. Two, Mickie Mueller is the artist. She is also the artist for the Mystical Cats Tarot, a favorite of mine (link to my review). So based on the artist, I bought it. While I am not much of a dog person, I still appreciate them. In the end, I came to like this deck for its art and ease of use. If you liked the cat's deck, you might like this one. If you are a dog person looking for an accessible dog themed deck that brings canines to life, this is a good choice. Even if you are not a dog person you might warm up to this deck. 

The book is arranged as follows: 

• Introduction. This discusses the strong bonds between humans and canines. Dogs may seem common and ordinary, but they also have an arcane and mysterious side which this deck brings forth. The introduction also goes over how the deck itself is organized. There are some card name changes in the Major Arcana but nothing too radical. For example, the Hierophant becomes the Shaman. In the Minor Arcana, dogs are grouped in elemental packs: fire, sea, sky, and earth. The introduction also gives some instruction on how to use ad care for the deck. That part is kept brief, an overview to help you get started if you are a beginner. 
• The Major Arcana: Dogs' Deep Wisdom. These are the Major Arcana card entries. Each entry includes a black and white image of the card, text describing the card, symbols, and elements, "Paws for Thought" (interpretation), keywords, and reversed meaning. 
• The Minor Arcana: Dog Packs. A chapter for each pack. Each chapter also has a one page introduction. You then get the card entries. Card entries are like those of the Major Arcana, which I appreciate. Books tend to go all out on the Major Arcana then skimp on the Minor Arcana. Here you get relatively balanced coverage. 
• Spreads. You get two spreads made for this deck that you can try out. 
• Appendix. This features some sketches from Mickie Mueller for the deck. This is basically a small look behind the scenes at how the deck was made.
   

The book is an easy read, but not terribly deep overall. As the authors acknowledge, they provide an overview of how to read Tarot; you can find other more detailed books on that. The core of the book is in the card entries, and the writing does a great job here. The text presents the arcane elements and wisdom of dogs. It connects it all very well to Tarot, and we can learn many lessons when we see Tarot through dogs' eyes and lives. It is well written. The entries offer some depth without the heavy esoterica. Could you read the cards without the book? Possibly. I am sure intuitives may be tempted to toss the book aside. You'd be missing a lot of background and context if you don't read the book, so I would encourage folks to read it. 

The Mage-I

The art on the cards is great with a broad variety of dogs and breeds. For the most part, the card entries identify the breeds you see on the cards. The art is colorful, playful at times, but it can also be serious. Card imagery leans strongly within Rider Waite Smith (RWS), so if you read within RWS tradition, you should be just fine with this deck. The dogs are painted with attention to detail; they are expressive and look realistic, like you could pet them. The dogs for the most part are outdoors, out in nature. Thus folks who enjoy nature themed decks may enjoy this one. 

I found that I could easily read with this deck right away. Images are clear, and they draw you in. Images have plenty to consider. At times it felt as if the dogs talked to me.. I really enjoyed using this deck. It feels easy to use and read. It delivers messages well. You don't have to be a dog lover to use it. I am more of a cat person, and I can still use this deck just fine. I am sure many dog lovers will appreciate it. 

The cards have the typical thin Llewellyn card stock. They shuffle and slide easily. The art is borderless, and the card back art is reversible. The cards measure about 4 1/2 inches by 2 3/4 inches. They have a very light glossy finish. The art is Mueller's watercolors, which look great, and are a reason to acquire this deck. 

Overall, I am happy that I took a chance on this deck, and I am glad to own it. I highly recommend it, especially if you are a Tarot reader who loves animals. 

5 out of 5 stars.

This deck qualifies for the following 2024 Reading Challenges: