I don’t usually impulse buy decks. I think about them for a while, trying to decide how I would use them, what kind of readings they would be good for, whether or not I have something similar in my collection, etc. But when I saw the art on this deck, I knew I had to have it immediately.

And the art DOES NOT disappoint. I can’t remember being so enthralled with the art of a deck since I procured The Deviant Moon several years ago. It’s a bit dark and scary, but in a playful way that makes it really accessible. And the images of the season about, including Jack O’ Lanterns, bats, crows, skulls, skeletons, etc.

My only real issues with the deck are that the cardstock is kind of cheap and glossy, and it comes in a cheap tuck box. I’m sure I’ll destroy that really quickly. I’ll probably edge the cards in black as well to disguise the cheapness a little. But what I do love is that they’re mostly borderless (just a black section at the bottom with the name of the card), and oh this art. It really is stunning. Well worth sewing a tarot bag for.

Let’s take a look at the cards and see what they have to say, shall we?

1. Tell me about yourself. What is your most important characteristic? The Tower. This is a toughie. I think that the idea is that this deck will break everything down to its most basic elements, removing walls that have become obstacles. It seems like a very no-nonsense deck that won’t allow for any illusion or wishful thinking.
2. What are your strengths as a deck? The Emperor reversed. It will cut through logical, analytical thinking to get to the heart of the matter. This is not a deck with rules and regulations, but a deck that will break through to the emotional, non-logical parts of the matter in question.
3. What are your limits as a deck? 2 of Wands reversed. This isn’t a deck that will help you find your way at the beginning of something. This is more a deck that will help you find your way out of situations that you already find yourself in.
4. What are you here to teach me? 5 of Cups. This deck will help you learn from and grow from trauma, learning to mourn what you have lost while still paying attention to the good things in your life. It won’t turn away from the hard lessons.
5. How can I best learn from and collaborate with you? King of Pentacles reversed. Let go of expectations of heaviness and seriousness. This just isn’t that kind of deck. Try to see these hard lessons with a sense of humor.
6. What is the potential outcome of our working relationship? King of Cups reversed. This deck will bring up emotions that may be difficult to deal with, but that must be dealt with to restore balance.

Wow. So this seems like a really intense deck. Silly, but willing to get into the deep down darkness of a matter. It does seem like a bit of a trickster, but a trickster that brings intense transformation and healing. I see it as a really good deck for deep shadow work.

Have you worked with this deck? If so, let me know what you think in the comments!