Departures Tarot

The Departures Tarot, created by Nicholas Jacobs, presents a 78-card tarot system with an artistic foundation in New Objectivity, a movement characterized by a detached, realistic, and often critical portrayal of reality. This influence is evident in the deck's stark compositions and the stylized, almost sculptural rendering of its figures. The artwork moves away from traditional, ornate tarot imagery, opting instead for a more minimalist and emotionally resonant approach that invites introspection.

The deck's visual language utilizes a restrained color palette, primarily consisting of muted earth tones, grays, and blacks, with occasional splashes of ochre or deep red to highlight key elements. This deliberate choice contributes to the deck's serious and contemplative mood. The figures, while abstract, convey a sense of human experience and archetypal meaning, allowing for a broad range of interpretations during readings. The overall aesthetic is sophisticated and artistic, appealing to those who appreciate fine art in their divination tools.

While specific details about the card count or guidebook are not provided, the visual evidence strongly suggests a full tarot deck, with cards like 'The World' clearly visible. The design appears to follow a traditional tarot structure, making it accessible to experienced readers who can connect the unique artwork to established meanings. The deck's success on Kickstarter, raising $11,795 from 187 backers, indicates a strong interest in its distinctive artistic vision.

This deck is ideal for experienced tarot readers and collectors who appreciate art-house aesthetics and a more abstract, interpretive approach to tarot. It will appeal to those interested in art history, particularly movements like New Objectivity or Expressionism. Readers seeking a deck with a serious, contemplative tone and a departure from traditional Rider-Waite-Smith imagery will find this deck engaging. It may be less suitable for absolute beginners due to its non-literal artistic interpretations.