Medieval Gothic Tarot

The Medieval Gothic Tarot is a 78-card deck created by artist Arlene Whiteswan, drawing inspiration from her personal visions of the Tuatha de Danaan, a race of divine beings in Irish mythology. Painted in 1997, the deck remained in storage for over two decades before Whiteswan sought to bring it to light through a Kickstarter campaign in 2020. The deck aims to blend the dramatic aesthetic of medieval gothic art with a magical, faery-inspired sensibility.

The deck features a full 78-card structure, including both Major and Minor Arcana, adhering to the traditional tarot system. The campaign offered options for both standard and luxury linen finishes, indicating attention to the physical quality of the cards. While the Kickstarter campaign did not reach its funding goal, the project highlights a unique artistic vision rooted in personal spiritual experience and a long-standing creative endeavor.

The accompanying softcover guidebook, mentioned in several reward tiers, suggests that the deck provides interpretive support for readers. The blend of historical art influences with a specific mythological inspiration positions this deck as a unique offering for those interested in Celtic lore and a more traditional, yet distinct, artistic approach to tarot.

This deck is ideal for tarot readers interested in Celtic mythology, particularly the Tuatha de Danaan, and those who appreciate a distinct, hand-painted folk art aesthetic. It appeals to collectors seeking unique, artist-driven decks with a strong narrative and historical art influence. Readers who enjoy a more dramatic, mystical, or 'gothic' visual style will also find this deck compelling, especially those familiar with traditional tarot structures.

Arlene Whiteswan, an artist, adventurer, and self-described Faery seer, created the Medieval Gothic Tarot in 1997. The deck was inspired by her personal visitations from the Tuatha de Danaan, divine beings from Irish mythology. After lying in storage for many years, Whiteswan decided to bring her long-held artistic vision to the public through a Kickstarter campaign, hoping the deck would finally see the light of day.