Pietro Turino’s Ukiyo Tarot: A Journey Into the Floating World is a beautiful tarot deck. The box is a simple one, with a lovely green-on-green design with detail from The Empress card. Inside are the cards, of sturdy card stock that is still easy to shuffle, and a book of the card interpretations given in four languages (English, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese).
Perhaps my experience of tarot decks is limited, but this is the first I can recall seeing a book in several languages, so I love the inclusivity of this a lot. I also love that the boxing is minimal, but still beautiful.
The book begins with an explanation of the term ukiyo, meaning “floating world” which “evokes the essence of the impermanence and transience of human experiences, as well as an urban lifestyle dedicated to the pursuit of pleasure in all its forms.”
This concept is shown beautifully in the artwork. Every card is a beautiful moment caught, yet still shows movement, that all that has been caught is that singular moment. And the feeling of change rings clear; the wind might move the folds of a gown, the leaves might rustle, a cup lifted… This is a contemplative deck.
The book gives the reader a few spreads to try, one of which is the Floating World Spread made specifically for this deck. I gave it a try by shuffling the deck as instructed, then drew cards until I got a Major Arcana card (The High Priestess), then shuffled the remaining cards and drew three.
Here is my layout, with card 4 at the top, and then cards 1 to 3 laid out below from left to right.
- Card 1 – Nine of Wands (Shōganai – “it is inevitable”). This card is one of accepting the state that things are in. “You have found yourself faced with an obstacle of adversary from your past that is very difficult to surpass. Try to sever the ties with what is slowing you down to overcome the block.”
- Card 2 – The Wheel (Wabi-sabi – “imperfect beauty”). This card is one appreciation of the things that are before you in this moment. “Embrace your own fate and seize happiness every chance you get. Remember that fortune favours the bold.”
- Card 3 – Ten of Cups (Ikigai – “reason for being”). This card represents “something that must be pursued”. “Stop worrying so much: everything is proceeding in the right direction.”
- Card 4 – The High Priestess (ukiyo – “floating world”). This card represents “the philosophy to embody to achieve the tasks described above.” “Follow your instincts. Concentrate and reflect on yourself in order to find your inner guidance.”
So, if I am reading this correctly, I need to trust myself, that the guidance I require is within myself as it concerns my situation, and overall, while I might need to reflect also on what is slowing me, or holding me back, that things are generally moving in the right direction and I could worry a bit less about this.
All in all, a good reading, I think. I can see myself using this deck regularly, and honestly just looking at the art work as it really is beautiful and contemplative.
This deck would be a lovely addition to anyone’s collection and is well worth using.
~review by Mara McTavish
Author: Pietro Turino
Publisher: Lo Scarabeo, 2025
Pp.: 126, Price: $28.95 (USD)
