TAROT GOBLINKO - DARK FANTASY MEDIEVAL PUNK TAROT DECK

The Tarot Goblinko is a 78-card tarot deck by artist Sean Äaberg, designed to be a "dark fantasy medieval punk" experience. It aims to synthesize the history of tarot into a new syncretic system, encompassing the Major and Minor Arcana while also leaving room for additional cards. The deck immerses readers in a fantastic, mythological world, pulsating with street-level culture and illuminated by a vibrant, psychedelic color palette that expands with exploration.

Äaberg's artistic process for each card involves a collaborative effort with his wife, Katie Äaberg, starting with a Rider-Waite card pull. He then consults extensive occult and art libraries, including Aleister Crowley’s Book of Thoth and Jodorowsky’s The Way of Tarot, to inform his interpretation. This research is followed by discussions with Katie, pencil sketches, and meticulous inking, culminating in a detailed drawing. The final artwork is then digitally colored in Photoshop, utilizing a distinct blacklight poster and 70s Marvel comics palette.

The deck is standard tarot size at 2.75” x 4.75” and comes with an accompanying written guidebook. The campaign successfully raised $28,271 from 647 backers, indicating a strong interest in its unique blend of traditional tarot and counter-culture aesthetics. The Tarot Goblinko offers a distinct visual and conceptual journey for those seeking a departure from conventional tarot imagery.

This deck is ideal for collectors and readers who appreciate lowbrow art, underground comix, and 70s counter-culture aesthetics. It will appeal to those seeking a tarot experience that is visually bold, unconventional, and perhaps a bit irreverent, departing significantly from traditional or gentle decks. Readers interested in dark fantasy, medieval punk, or psychedelic art will find this deck particularly engaging. It may also attract those who enjoy the works of artists like Ed Roth or John Blanche, or who are looking for a deck with a strong, distinctive personality.

Sean Äaberg, also known by his pseudonym "Goblin," is the artist behind The Tarot Goblinko. His journey into tarot began in his early 20s after encountering Aleister Crowley’s Book of Thoth, which profoundly influenced his perspective. Äaberg views daily interactions through the lens of tarot, informing his art, which he describes as inhabiting an exaggerated low-fantasy world with a 70s mentality. His influences include record covers, underground comix, blacklight posters, role-playing games, and drug culture. He collaborates with his wife, Katie Äaberg, on the creative process, from initial card pulls to final digital coloring, ensuring each card is a deeply considered piece of art.