Review: The Gothic Tarot Deck

The Gothic Tarot

This Majors only deck is made from "...cemetery photographs from around the world uniquely enhanced by collage and hand coloring." The cards are squarer than most measuring 3 3/4" X 4 1/4". They have a black border and are on a glossy card stock. The cards have the traditional names with the exceptions of 0 - Innocence, 10 - Chance, and 15 - Deception. Cemetery art often consists of statues of angels, consequently there are a lot of angels in this deck (11 by my count). The art is good. There has been enough color added to break up the predominate grays of the statues. The black border and weathered gray of the statues, combined with skulls and blood red roses, as well as some blood red blood, give the deck a "gothic"* feel. The artist has worked with cemetery art for some time. She is also the creator of the Necromantic Tarot.

The deck comes in a two piece box wrapped with a silver elastic cord. There is no little booklet, but there is a title card and a card with a short description of the deck, including the deck number and the artist's signature. The deck is from a limited edition of 1000 decks. I would have liked to have gotten a little booklet or some type of leaflet with this deck as some of the symbolism deserves explanation. I recommend this deck for collectors and for those who like cemetery art and things "gothic".

The Gothic Tarot by Leilah Wendell

Price: $25.00 (includes shipping in the U.S.)

ISBN: 0944087108

Available from Westgate Press, 5219 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA, 70115 (504)899-3077

*Gothic is used here as the term applies to literature as opposed to the European art style, though in this case it represents a lifestyle, vice literature. Confused? Check out some Gothic Pages on The Dark Side of the Web.