The Angel-Evoking Tarot

The Angel-Evoking Tarot is a 78-card deck created by Travis McHenry, known for his work with esoteric and occult themes. This deck distinguishes itself from typical "angel cards" by drawing upon the powerful, often fearsome, depictions of angels from Kabbalistic and Solomonic magical traditions, rather than modern, gentle interpretations. It aims to provide a tool for both divination and active magical work, incorporating authentic angelic sigils and pentacles from rare, unpublished grimoires.

The deck's design features a parchment-like background with deep crimson borders, echoing the traditional practice of drawing sigils in red ink on virgin parchment. Each card includes an angel's summoning sigil and a Pentacle of Tozgraec, along with an invocation on the back and the Great Pentacle of Solomon for protection. The creator emphasizes that these are not merely symbolic representations but tools intended to bring the angels into the reader's presence, allowing them to influence future events.

McHenry's research involved extensive travel to Paris to access unpublished 17th and 18th-century occult books of angel magic, written in Latin and French. This deep dive into historical grimoires, alongside other published texts like _De Arte Cabbalistica_ and _The Grimoire of Armadel_, forms the foundation of the deck's intricate symbolism and magical correspondences. The deck also comes with silver metallic gilt edges and a velvet carrying bag, enhancing its esoteric aesthetic.

This deck is for experienced tarot readers and occult practitioners interested in ceremonial magic, Kabbalah, and historical grimoires. It appeals to those who seek a more potent and traditional approach to angelic magic, moving beyond modern "angel card" aesthetics. Collectors of unique, dark, or historically-inspired decks will also appreciate its detailed research and distinct visual style. It is not suitable for beginners seeking a gentle introduction to tarot or those expecting a lighthearted, modern angel deck.

Travis McHenry is a creator known for his work in the occult space, with a previous successful Kickstarter for a set of Tarot cards. For The Angel-Evoking Tarot, his journey involved a deep dive into historical occult literature, including a trip to Paris in November 2018 to access unpublished 17th and 18th-century books of angel magic from the Arsenal Library. He passed a three-part screening interview in French to gain access to these rare texts. His process involved photographing and retouching 72 angel seals and 72 Pentacles of Tozgraec, as well as commissioning original artwork for 43 cards to avoid repetitive or "boring" depictions of angels.