PVRGATORIVM - Oracle - Divination - Tarot - Cards

The PVRGATORIVM Oracle is a 70-card divination deck created by Mexican-Danish artist Jens Friborg. Inspired by both the tarot and the historical European practice of burning witches for their immortal souls, the deck delves into themes of purgatory, suffering, and the complex interplay between human actions and spiritual consequences. The campaign successfully raised $18,172 from 287 backers, indicating a strong interest in its unique and provocative concept.

Each card features a black-and-white illustration reminiscent of historical woodcuts or engravings, lending the deck a timeless, somewhat somber aesthetic. The imagery is designed to evoke introspection and contemplation, offering a tool for divination that encourages deep reflection on personal struggles and spiritual journeys. While described as an oracle, the deck's inspiration from tarot suggests a structured approach to its symbolism, allowing for nuanced readings.

The deck's core concept, drawing from the dark history of witch trials, positions it as a tool for confronting difficult truths and exploring the human condition through a lens of historical and spiritual weight. It aims to provide insights into personal challenges, moral dilemmas, and the path to spiritual clarity, making it suitable for those seeking profound and often challenging self-exploration.

The artwork is rendered in a stark black-and-white style, strongly resembling historical woodcut prints or copperplate engravings. This aesthetic is characterized by dense cross-hatching and fine lines that create texture, shadow, and form, giving the illustrations a classical, somewhat macabre feel. Figures are often depicted in dramatic poses, with a strong emphasis on human and mythological forms, including horned figures and allegorical scenes. The visual style is consistent across the sample cards, which feature titles like "Indulgence," "Attack," "Loyalty," and "Sorrow," each accompanied by a Roman numeral and a planetary or astrological symbol, hinting at a structured system beneath the oracle format.

This deck is ideal for experienced oracle and tarot readers who appreciate dark, historical, and allegorical themes. It will appeal to those interested in the history of witchcraft, European folklore, and spiritual concepts of suffering and redemption. Readers who prefer black-and-white, highly detailed, and art-historical aesthetics will find this deck particularly compelling for deep, introspective readings.

Jens Friborg is a Mexican-Danish artist based in Copenhagen, who previously worked as a fashion and textile designer. He describes a shift in his creative focus, moving away from labels and towards making objects for spiritual work. The PVRGATORIVM Oracle represents this new direction, drawing on his diverse cultural background and interest in spiritual tools to create a deck with a unique historical and thematic depth.