Occult Tarot
The Occult Tarot (originally called The Demon-Possessed Tarot) is a deck of Tarot cards created by occultist Travis McHenry.
The deck was highly influential in sparking an interest in shadow work and demon invocation throughout the metaphysical community. It also inspired several imitators, including Goetia: Tarot in Darkness (2021) by Fabio Listrani, which borrowed the deck's themes and imagery.
Development
In 2017, after spending four years practicing with Tarot cards and learning the fundamentals of cartomancy, Travis McHenry began attempting to create his own Tarot deck. He first attempted to make a deck using artwork created by painter Hieronymus Bosch, but was unable to manipulate the paintings in a manner that was visually pleasing. Travis set aside this project, which would later be published as the Hieronymus Bosch Tarot in 2020.
While conducting more research into the origins of the Tarot, Travis came upon the Lesser Key of Solomon, and began reading about the Goetic demons. He was not new to demonology, having studied demons while writing his 2006 book, Into the Abyss: The Memoirs of a Paranormal Adventurer, which contained an entire chapter devoted to demon possession. He decided to make a Tarot deck that combined demons with Tarot cards.
In April 2017, Travis began work on creating his deck, and within a few months, he had successfully completed all 78 cards and began experimenting with a printed copy of the deck, using it for divination and ritual magic.
Content
The Demon-Possessed Tarot uses the 72 Goetic demons and six additional Grand Princes of Hell, matching these 78 spirits with 78 Tarot cards. The correspondence of the deck combines the ability of each demon with the traditional meaning of each Tarot card, forming a syncretic bond between card and demon.
Each card contains the summoning sigil of the demon, its seal, and other pertinent symbols or invocations that may be required to summon or protect against the demon while working with them (as instructed by the Lesser Key of Solomon and other grimoires).
The meaning of each card is printed on the card, so even a beginner would be able to work with the deck.
The backs of the cards have the Secret Seal of Solomon and an invocation to summon the demons.
Six Grand Princes of Hell
- Baphomet = The Magician
- Lucifer = Death
- Moloch = The Devil
- Beelzebub = The Moon
- Azazel = Ace of Wands
- Lucifuge Rofocale = Ace of Pentacles
Publication history
The original version, released under the title "The Demon-Possessed Tarot," was first published in October 2018 by Bloodstone Studios. This edition featured gilded metallic edges. Less than 1,000 of these decks were printed, and they did not include a booklet or instructions of any kind. Travis later stated this was an intentional decision to prevent "those who do not know" from using the deck. A second edition was printed in early 2019 to coincide with the release of The Angel-Evoking Tarot that included a tiny six-page instruction booklet. The deck was released alongside a companion grimoire, The Grimoire of Dark Souls.
In early 2019, the author signed a five year licensing deal with Australian mind-body-spirit publisher Rockpool Publishing to reprint the deck as the "Occult Tarot" for a broader audience. This new version of the deck went on sale in April 2020. It is a companion deck to the Angel Tarot.
French edition
In November 2021, a French edition of this deck, titled Le Tarot Occulte was created and published by TresDaniel Groupe under their Editions Exergue imprint.
Pocket edition
In 2024, a smaller edition of the deck was released with a tin box as a "pocket edition."
Anniversary edition
In 2024, a new edition was released to celebrate the deck's 5th anniversary. This new version had updated packaging and an added Lilith card as the Death card. It was limited to only 500 copies, most of which were sold during the initial Kickstarter campaign.
Reception
Since its release, the deck has sold over 60,000 copies around the world. During the first week of its release, the Occult Tarot was the #1 new tarot deck on Amazon.com.
It is one of the most-pirated tarot decks in markets where it is not currently available through mainstream distribution channels. The pirated decks do not contain an instruction booklet and are of lower quality. They originate from a factory in China.