Gothic literature, a genre that blossomed in the late 18th and 19th centuries, captivates readers with its blend of horror, romance, and the supernatural. The genre thrives on creating a mood of suspense and dread, often through gloomy settings and weather that seem almost alive with foreboding. Characters in Gothic tales frequently grapple with intense emotions and psychological turmoil, facing threats both real and imagined. Classic works like Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” masterfully intertwine dark romance with haunting mysteries, making Gothic literature an enduring source of fascination and fear.
In recent years, gothic literature seems to gain a resurgence in pop culture. Shows like “The Haunting of Hill House”, “Penny Dreadful”, as well as games like “Bloodborne” and “Resident Evil Village” blended traditional themes with contemporary twists.
The Gothic Literature Tarot Deck, launched on Kickstarter, is inspired by the world classic Gothic literature, combining the mystical with the macabre that brings the reader through a compelling narrative through its evocative artwork. Some of the examples shown in the Kickstarter page include Jonathan Harker from Bram Stoker’s Dracula as The Food and Gaston Leroux’s Phantom of the Opera as Death.
I love how each card in this deck really captures the dark, romantic, and mysterious essence of Gothic literature with the traditional tarot structure, especially if you’re a fan of this genre, there’s really a layer of familiarity and nostalgia.
The Gothic Literature Tarot Deck also features thematic symbols in place of swords, wands, cups and pentacles, you’ll find ravens, torches, chalices and skulls, respectively.
- Torches (Wands): Signifying inspiration and creativity.
- Ravens (Swords): Symbolizing intellect and transformation.
- Chalices (Cups): Reflecting emotion and intuition.
- Skulls (Pentacles): Evoking thoughts of legacy and time.
According to the Kickstarter campaign, this deck has been years in the making, driven by a passion for both divination and Gothic literature. The creator, Sirian Shadow is influenced by and trained in a variety of spiritual traditions. Sirian Shadow is also the author of Spirit Work: A Guide to Communicating & Forming Relationships with Spirits and the Earth and Bone Oracle. Illustrated by Eglė Petrauskaitė, an artist and illustrator from Lithuania uses her unique signature of traditional watercolors and digital art to convey the essence of Gothic literature.
The Gothic Literature Tarot Deck is now available on KickStarter at CA$80 (USD 58) until Monday, July 1 2024 for a single tier that includes the 78-card deck and a 144-page guidebook in a keepsake magnetic closure box.
(Photo credits Sirian Shadow, Images are mockups and final designs may vary slightly.)
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