The Adventure Tarot: A Journey of Belonging, Self-Love, and Asian Joy

Hey there, tarot lovers (and maybe even skeptics)! I’m Elizabeth Su, and if you’ve ever found yourself at a crossroads between who you are and who the world wants you to be, you’re in the right place. Let me take you on an introspective ride through the creation of The Adventure Tarot, a road trip-inspired deck that celebrates self-discovery, belonging, and Asian joy. If you’ve been feeling like your personal journey isn’t exactly fitting into a neat box, or if you’ve been wondering how you can dig deeper into your true self without feeling overwhelmed by the “rules” of tarot, then keep reading, this post is for you.

So, How Did The Adventure Tarot Begin?

Growing up as a third-gen, mixed Asian kid in the Midwest, I had zero clue what it meant to be Chinese. In a place where fitting in meant blending in, I pushed my heritage aside and focused on doing all the “right” things, acing school, and landing a six-figure gig at a Silicon Valley startup. Sounds like a dream, right? But honestly, whose dream was it really?

On paper, I had it all at this point in my life. But inside, I was crumbling. Anxiety, disordered eating, and burnout were destroying me. I was so busy chasing “success” that I had no time for myself. In 2018, I hit a breaking point, packed my bags, and moved to New York City to study Clinical Psychology at Columbia University. I thought finding the “science of happiness” was the key to fixing it all. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.

Before The Adventure Tarot, I was also caught in the perfectionism trap, working on a book about burnout and how to “fix” yourself. I was writing for an audience that didn’t even see me, an audience that assumed my experience of being Asian in America was either invisible or irrelevant. I realized I couldn’t keep pretending to be something I wasn’t.

Then came 2020, the year the world flipped upside down. I was in NYC, watching the pandemic unfold and witnessing a heartbreaking rise in anti-Asian hate. It was then that things started to click: for the first time in my life, I realized how important my identity as an Asian American was. This new wave of grief and longing made me confront the erasure of my own culture. And it wasn’t just about me anymore; it was about healing generations of cultural trauma and re-discovering who I was. 

After the tragic Atlanta Spa shootings in 2021, everything changed for me. I couldn’t erase myself anymore. This was bigger than just me, it was about reclaiming my identity and giving a voice to people who, like me, had struggled with self-erasure, cultural identity, and belonging. That’s when I started to create The Adventure Tarot, a tool for self-discovery, and a creative project that helped me reclaim and celebrate my Asian American identity. 

Why Tarot? Why Now?

I know what you might be thinking: “Tarot? Isn’t that just for mystics, hippies, and fortune tellers?” But let me tell you, The Adventure Tarot is not your typical deck. It’s a fun tarot deck designed to make self-discovery and introspection accessible to everyone, even if you’ve never picked up a tarot card in your life (you don’t have to be a tarot expert to use it, and neither am I!).

This deck is not about following strict rules or memorizing complicated jargon. It’s about understanding yourself on a deeper level, without all the baggage. That’s why I created the deck with tarot cards simplified so that it would be as approachable and fun as possible. I’ve broken down the tarot card meanings in a way that’s relatable and easy to understand, so you can connect with the cards and trust your intuition.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this deck helps you tap into your inner voice and reflect on where you are in your life. It’s the perfect companion to commemorate your past, celebrate your present, and gear up for your future. The Adventure Tarot isn’t about following a set of steps, it’s about embracing your own journey and listening to the wisdom and adventure inside you. The beauty of this deck is that there is no right or wrong way to use it.

It is one of the best tarot decks out there for anyone who wants to dive deeper into their own story, while also having fun. Whether you’re reflecting on a major life decision, seeking clarity, or just looking for guidance along your personal path, this deck will help you every step of the way. It’s like having a heart-to-heart at a sleepover with your bestie, not sitting through a dry lecture. So put on your pajamas, grab your favorite beverage, and start your own tarot road trip! 

Tarot Cards Simplified: A Deck That Speaks to You

Forget about all the traditional “rules” you’ve heard about tarot, this deck isn’t about following a strict formula; it’s about you and your personal journey. It’s a fun tarot deck designed to help you tap into your intuition, reflect on your life, and discover who you really are, no experts or experience needed. 

When creating this deck, we completely flipped the script on the usual tarot court cards. Instead of “Kings” or “Queens” telling you what to do, we’ve replaced them with characters you can actually relate to. Meet the Scout, Backpacker, Explorer, and Guide, each one representing a different stage of your adventure through life. The Scout is the curious beginner, the Backpacker is out there exploring the world, the Explorer is finding their rhythm, and the Guide is the wise mentor who’s been through it all. These are people who’ve been on the journey themselves, and now they’re here to walk alongside you as equals, offering guidance, not a set of rules or strict fortunes.

This deck is a great choice for anyone who’s new to tarot or feels a little lost when it comes to reading the cards. I am not an expert tarot card reader and wanted to create a deck that breaks away from the typical tarot format, making it super approachable for beginners. Instead of memorizing detailed meanings or trying to fit into a traditional system, you can simply use your own instincts and feelings to interpret the cards. Whether you’re just starting to explore tarot or you’ve tried other decks and felt overwhelmed, this one takes the pressure off. 

The heart of The Adventure Tarot is all about connection and curiosity over perfection and hierarchy. What makes The Adventure Tarot the best tarot deck for your self-discovery journey is how simple and approachable it is. I made sure the tarot card meanings are super easy to understand so you can start pulling cards and feeling like you’re getting valuable insights right away. I’ve simplified the tarot cards to make them feel less intimidating and more like a conversation. Think of it like a road map for your heart, you can trust it to navigate you in the right direction, but there’s no wrong way to follow it.

Celebrating Asian Joy 🌸

One of the most powerful elements of The Adventure Tarot is its deep connection to Asian joy. For years, I didn’t feel like I could fully embrace my heritage. Growing up in a place where fitting in meant blending into the background, I spent so much time trying to reject that part of myself, thinking that maybe I’d feel more “normal” if I just ignored my roots. But once I finally allowed myself to celebrate my Asian heritage, everything started to shift. It was like I finally found my true north. There is so much beauty and richness in our cultures, stories, traditions, and histories that are so often overlooked or misunderstood.

This deck is a love letter to that joy, that pride, and that belonging. Every single card and illustration (seriously, shoutout to the insanely talented Jenny Chang!) is a tribute to the strength, resilience, and brilliance of Asian American experiences and stories. I wanted to create something that felt like a warm embrace, something that affirms: “You belong here.” This deck isn’t just about healing or self-reflection, it’s about joyfully owning who we are, unapologetically. It’s about celebrating our cultures, embracing the beauty in our differences, and recognizing that our stories are important, even when they’ve been ignored or erased.

For anyone who has ever felt that sting of cultural erasure or struggled to find a place where they truly belong, The Adventure Tarot is here for you. This deck is for the mixed-race, third-culture, immigrant kids, and anyone who’s ever had to navigate the complexities of identity. It’s a deck that reminds you that the strength we carry comes not from fitting in, but from fully embracing where we come from. The deck shows us that our histories, our ancestors, and our communities hold so much wisdom and power and that power is ours to claim. It’s about honoring that strength, and using it to chart a path forward that’s entirely our own. Our journeys are deeply personal, but they are also woven from the rich threads of our collective histories.

Is The Adventure Tarot the Fun Tarot Deck You’ve Been Waiting For?

If you’re on the hunt for a tarot deck that’s both fun and impactful, The Adventure Tarot is exactly what you need. This deck can be an experience shared with friends and family. The Adventure Tarot isn’t a steep learning curve, but focuses more on having a blast while exploring your true self. I love these testimonials of how the deck differs from others.

“Your deck has nuances I’ve never noticed in the cards before.. I’m so grateful!”

“These cards are just amazing! I have 75 decks and I’ve never connected with one like this!”

What makes The Adventure Tarot stand out is how it mixes wisdom with fun, making tarot feel easy and enjoyable. It’s perfect for reflecting on your journey, discovering fresh perspectives, and having a good time along the way. Each card is designed to guide you clearly, so you’re always in control of your own adventure.

Whether you’re a total tarot newbie or a seasoned pro, The Adventure Tarot is the deck you’ll keep coming back to. It’s made for anyone looking to explore their path in a meaningful, no-pressure way. Every card invites you to reflect, grow, and, most importantly, have fun. It’s all about connecting with your inner voice, embracing who you are, and enjoying the journey. So, are you ready for the adventure? 🚗✨

Shop The Adventure Tarot Now!