The Symbolist Tarot Deck ~ The Second Round

The Symbolist Tarot deck is a curated collection of fine art masterpieces from the Symbolism Art movement, assembled by Richard Fox. The project's core goal was to create a cohesive and readable tarot deck using existing artwork that naturally aligns with tarot themes. The Symbolism movement, flourishing in the late 19th century across Europe, is characterized by its dreamlike, fantasy, mythical, and occasionally macabre imagery, which the creator believes lends itself perfectly to the archetypal narratives of the Tarot.

This deck, described as a "Second Round" Kickstarter, builds on previous efforts, streamlining backer rewards and aiming for a goal of $6,500 to fund its publication. The creator emphasizes the deck's appeal to a broad audience, from novice readers to professional artists, suggesting it serves as both a metaphysical tool and an introduction to the Symbolism art movement. The project also highlights a commitment to ethical practices, including securing licensing agreements for any non-public domain artwork to ensure artists and their estates are compensated.

The deck adheres to traditional tarot standards, featuring 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana cards. Each card is designed to be full color, printed on high-quality 305 GSM "black core" playing card stock with a UV overcoat, and packaged in a custom full-color tuck box. A booklet with artist credits and tarot interpretations is included, providing context for both the artwork and its divinatory meanings.

This deck is ideal for art history enthusiasts, particularly those with an appreciation for the Symbolism Art movement and its aesthetic. It also appeals to experienced tarot readers who enjoy working with art-based decks and can interpret complex, evocative imagery. Collectors seeking a unique, fine-art-focused tarot deck will find this appealing. While beginners could use it, the reliance on pre-existing art might require a stronger connection to the included interpretations or external knowledge of the RWS system.

Richard Fox curated The Symbolist Tarot deck, a project born from his long-standing passion for the Symbolism Art movement. He had unknowingly researched the project for many years as his personal collection of art from this era grew, eventually realizing the potential for these images to form a stunning tarot deck. His goal was to create a cohesive and readable deck that would not only serve as a divinatory tool but also introduce new enthusiasts to his favorite fine art movement. The project was a "Second Round" Kickstarter, indicating previous efforts and a continued commitment to bringing this vision to life.