Difference between revisions of "The Demon-Possessed Tarot"
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[[File:Cards-Reading.jpg|400px|thumb|The Demon-Possessed Tarot in a Celtic Cross spread]] | [[File:Cards-Reading.jpg|400px|thumb|The Demon-Possessed Tarot in a Celtic Cross spread]] | ||
'''The Demon-Possessed Tarot''' is a deck of [[Tarot]] cards created by [[occultist]] [[Travis McHenry]]. | '''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 [[metaphysics|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== | ==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. | 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 demon]]s. He was not new to demonology, having studied [[demon]]s while writing his 2006 book, '' | While conducting more research into the origins of the Tarot, Travis came upon the ''[[Lesser Key of Solomon]]'', and began reading about the [[Goetic demon]]s. He was not new to demonology, having studied [[demon]]s 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]]. | 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]]. | ||
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The Demon-Possessed Tarot uses the 72 [[Goetic demon]]s and six additional [[hierarchy of Hell|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. | The Demon-Possessed Tarot uses the 72 [[Goetic demon]]s and six additional [[hierarchy of Hell|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 [[grimoire]]s). | 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 [[grimoire]]s). | ||
The meaning of each card is printed on the card, so even a beginner would be able to work with the deck. | The meaning of each card is printed on the card, so even a beginner would be able to work with the deck. | ||
The deck was released alongside a companion grimoire, ''[[The Grimoire of Dark Souls]]''. | |||
==Publication history== | ==Publication history== | ||
The original version of The Demon-Possessed Tarot was first published in October 2018. 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 original version of 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. | ||
In April 2020, a mass market edition of this deck was released by [[Rockpool Publishing]], with new branding as the [[Occult Tarot]]. | In April 2020, a mass market edition of this deck was released by [[Rockpool Publishing]], with new branding as the [[Occult Tarot]]. | ||
===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. | |||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
* [https://www.bloodstone.info/post/the-occult-tarot Blog article about the deck] | * [https://www.bloodstone.info/post/the-occult-tarot Blog article about the deck] | ||
* [https://www.bloodstone.info/product-page/the-demon-possessed-tarot Product page to purchase Anniversary Edition] | |||
* [https://www.amazon.com/Occult-Tarot-Travis-McHenry/dp/1925924211 Amazon product page for the Occult Tarot] | * [https://www.amazon.com/Occult-Tarot-Travis-McHenry/dp/1925924211 Amazon product page for the Occult Tarot] | ||
* [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/travismchenry/the-demon-possessed-tarot Original Kickstarter campaign page] | |||
[[Category:Tarot Decks]] | [[Category:Tarot Decks]] | ||
Latest revision as of 07:05, 30 October 2024
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 deck was released alongside a companion grimoire, The Grimoire of Dark Souls.
Publication history
The original version of 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.
In April 2020, a mass market edition of this deck was released by Rockpool Publishing, with new branding as the Occult Tarot.
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.