Tarot Gothica

Understand your shadows and lights,
your own Devil and God,
your fears and strengths.

~Quote from the back of the box

Title: Tarot Gothica

Author: Janne Koivuniemi

Illustrator: Janne Koivuniemi

Publisher: Schiffer Publishing

• Come into the dark, there are wonderful things for you to see…

• The Tarot Gothica features 78 illustrations of entities who are wanting to cross over and have you heed their messages.

• The illustration for the Chariot brings me memories of 80’s and 90’s rock bands. In this image there are four women who are dressed in black leather pants and satin shirts. On the ground there are three women, a blond, red head, and brunet. The brunet and read head have chains wrapped around their neck that are being held by another woman who is standing up. This woman has her leg on top of the brunet woman’s back. The Chariot talks about movement and control. In the image the woman is controlling the direction of the two women who are on the ground.

• The second illustration for the 4 of Wands reminds me of a messed up wake gone wrong! In this image there is a dead or living female who appears to be comatose that rests on top of a table. She is wearing a black leather and lace dress and has her hands resting on top of her breasts. In between her hands is a red rose. Around the table are family and friends who look at each other cheerfully while drinking their alcoholics drinks. The 4 of Wands talks about celebration and maybe even family gatherings.

• The last illustration 9 of Swords reminds me of a bad horror movie about the dead that reanimate themselves. In this image there is a beautiful woman who wears a scarlet and black dress. Someone or something has decapitated her and all she does is hold her head with her left hand while she looks at us! The 9 of Swords talks about dread and anxiety.

• The design for the back of the cards do not feature a new illustration, which I was slightly disappointed about. The illustration for the back of the cards is the same illustration used for the front cover of the box. Therefore, it is not reversible.

• Regarding the texture of the cards, I’m confused, yet someone what pleased. First, they do not have the same card stock like Schiffer’s previous tarot/oracle decks. The cards are not laminated. When bending and feeling the cards, they feel a tad fragile. But, when they shuffle, they hold up pretty well.

• The card deck and booklet comes in an original small Schiffer packaging box. The lid and bottom have two purple ribbons that hold it together. The cards are stored in a small compartment in the bottom of the box. The book lies on top of the cards. The size of the cards are large and are approximately 3” x 5”.

• The small companion book is written by Janne Koivuniemi and features 80 pages. The companion guide booklet is not difficult to understand and has enough phrases for each interpretation of the cards. Though, there is a bit more information for the Major Arcana cards than there is for the minors. Unfortunately, there is no tarot spread(s) included in the book. The small booklet starts off with a Preface, the meanings for the cards, and a Conclusion.

• The illustrations for the cards are done by Janne Koivuniemi and the medium for the art is computer generated photo manipulation/collage. Which in my opinion it is very good. I’ve seen some other illustrations using the medium for this tarot deck, but this one is done nicely.

• I always have a special place in my heart for dark/Gothic/horror tarot/oracle decks. When I head and saw that this one was going to be released, I got it as soon as it came out. I’m fascinated how it features illustrations that are creepy and dark. Some look very odd and strange, while others are gruesome. Illustrations of lesbians and nudity are also included in the cards, so don’t let it scare you away. As for the quality of the card stock, don’t let it worry you. By shuffling this cards several times, I feel that they will last me a long time. If you want a dark/Gothic/ tarot deck that is easy to read with or for your collection, get a copy of this tarot deck by clicking here!

 © 2010 – 2015 J. R. Rivera
Reproduction prohibited without written permission from the author.