Tarot of The Crystal World

The Tarot of The Crystal World is a complete 78-card tarot deck illustrated by Naarm (Melbourne) Australia-based artist Brooke Penrose. The deck is characterized by its "fierce, punk, challenging, inclusive, and emotional" aesthetic, aiming to offer a distinct and impactful reading experience. Penrose's artistic influences, including Norman Lindsay, Brian Froud, Ian Miller, and Larry Elmore, are evident in the esoteric and imaginative quality of the illustrations.

Each card features original artwork, printed on 400gsm linen stock, which suggests a durable and tactile feel. The deck comes with a full-color guidebook and is housed in a rigid box, indicating a premium presentation. The campaign successfully funded on Kickstarter in 2022, raising $14,978 from 343 backers, demonstrating significant community interest in its unique vision.

The deck's inclusive and challenging nature suggests it moves beyond traditional tarot archetypes, inviting readers to engage with its imagery on a deeper, more personal level. While rooted in the 78-card structure, the "punk" and "emotional" descriptors imply a departure from conventional interpretations, making it suitable for those seeking a more raw and contemporary approach to divination.

The artwork in the Tarot of The Crystal World is characterized by a distinctive hand-drawn, illustrative style with a slightly raw, almost underground comic book feel. The color palette observed in the image is muted yet rich, featuring earthy reds, deep blues, and greens, often with a distressed or textured appearance that contributes to the 'punk' aesthetic described. Figures are often depicted with expressive, sometimes exaggerated features, and the compositions appear dynamic and narrative-driven, even within the confines of a single card. The line work is bold and visible, suggesting ink or pencil origins, which aligns with the creator's background in drawing. The overall visual impression is one of intricate detail combined with a slightly unsettling, yet captivating, emotional depth.

This deck is ideal for experienced tarot readers and collectors who appreciate unique, art-driven decks with a strong, unconventional aesthetic. It will appeal to those interested in punk, alternative, or underground art styles, and readers who seek a more challenging and emotionally resonant connection with their cards. Individuals looking for inclusive and non-traditional interpretations of tarot will also find this deck compelling.

Brooke Penrose is an artist and musician from Naarm (Melbourne), Australia, who has dedicated his life to drawing. His fascination with the weird and esoteric began with the works of Norman Lindsay, Brian Froud, Ian Miller, and Larry Elmore, influences that are clearly visible in the imaginative and often fantastical elements of his art. Penrose's creation of the Tarot of The Crystal World stems from this lifelong artistic journey, bringing a unique, punk-inspired vision to the traditional tarot system.