Xultun Tarot

Please note: The Xultun Tarot is not available for order until May 1, 2025

XULTUN TAROT (Classic Edition)

by Peter Balin and Michael Owen

The 2011 Classic Edition is a re-creation of the original 1976 edition true to its larger size and vibrant colours of the major and minor arcana. To see the cards and the full story of how they came to be see here. 

Created by Peter Balin in 1976, the Xultun Tarot was the first of the non-European or indigenous tarot decks. It is based on images from Maya history and culture and is also known as the Maya Tarot or the Maya Book of Life. 

It remains the only tarot deck where the major arcana form a complete picture. The cards are taken from Peter Balin's original painting (see left). They tell the story of the marriage of spirit and matter and what C G Jung called the individuation process. 

In arrangement with Peter Balin, Kahurangi Press has undertaken to reprint the original edition of the cards. Only 500 of the original cards were ever printed and they are now rare collector's items. See the cards here.

The Maya Book of Life: Understanding the Xultun Tarot by Michael Owen, is the companion book to this Classic Edition of the cards. 

Please note: This is not the Lotus Press 1978 edition, not authorised by Peter Balin, that is sold on Amazon. The price reflects its mass printing, muddy colours and smaller playing card size.

REVIEWS

The new edition of the Xultun Tarot is cause for celebration.
—Rachel Pollack, author of Tarot Wisdom

In Peter Balin’s single painting of the twenty-two Major Arcana of the Tarot, we have a multi-textured tapestry that depicts the Self.... its myths and symbols that can take your personal work with any tarot deck to a new level.
—Mary K Greer, author of 21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card

For more reviews see here.

Kahurangi Press 2010, 80 cards, major and minor arcana, 89 x 136 mm, 3.5 x 5.3 ins