The Abyss

The Abyss is a 79-card tarot deck conceptualized by Ryun Harrison, an artist based in New York City. This deck aims to delve into the sacred Divine Masculine and Feminine as experienced within the gay community, offering a unique perspective on traditional tarot archetypes. The project, launched on Kickstarter in 2021, sought to bring this vision to life, emphasizing themes of queer mysticism and ancestral connection.

The deck is described as featuring matte-textured cards and includes a full-color tarot tuck box along with a soft-covered guidebook. Harrison's artistic approach combines traditional and digital collage techniques, suggesting a rich, layered visual style that would likely incorporate diverse elements to represent the complex interplay of identity and spirituality within the queer experience. The narrative provided in the campaign hints at a journey into a mystical void, guided by ancestral whispers and sacred imagery.

While the campaign did not reach its funding goal, the concept behind The Abyss highlights a growing demand for tarot decks that offer inclusive representation and explore specific cultural and identity-based experiences. The inclusion of a guidebook indicates an intention to support readers in navigating the deck's unique symbolism and themes, making it accessible for both personal reflection and divinatory practice.

This deck is designed for queer individuals, particularly gay men, who seek a tarot system that reflects their lived experiences and spiritual journey. It also appeals to collectors interested in inclusive, identity-focused decks and those who appreciate collage art. Readers looking for a deck that explores themes of the Divine Masculine and Feminine through a contemporary, mystical queer lens will find this deck particularly resonant.

Ryun Harrison is an artist based in New York City, whose work is deeply rooted in exploring the mystical queer experience. He employs both traditional and digital collage techniques to bring his visions to life. The Abyss represents a significant project in his artistic journey, aiming to create a tarot deck that specifically addresses and celebrates the sacred Divine Masculine and Feminine within men who love men, drawing from his unique perspective as an artist in an urban environment.