Goetia Tarot - Dark Edition - tarot meets demonology in black and white
Most tarot decks use colour to separate the cards from one another. This deck chooses the opposite. Fabio Listrani works with a palette of greyscale and deep black, shifting all attention to the symbolism and the linework.
Each of the 78 cards is connected to a demon or spirit from the Ars Goetia, the first book of the Lesser Key of Solomon. The cards show seals, astrological symbols and Kabbalistic references. It is a system within a system: the structure of tarot is used to illustrate a wholly different tradition.
What you see on the cards
The imagery is graphic, almost cinematic. Listrani uses sharp contrasts and tight compositions. Each card carries the name of the corresponding goetic entity, its seal, and often a set of esoteric correspondences such as planet, element or number.
The glossy finish amplifies the contrasts, but also demands good light. In dim settings or candlelight the details are harder to make out.
The instruction booklet describes the relationship between the tarot meaning and the goetic entity for each card. That is not a luxury. Without that context, much of the symbolism remains closed.
Who this works for
This deck is designed for readers who already have experience with tarot and an interest in Western esotericism. It assumes you know the basic structure of tarot and that you are curious about hermetic and Kabbalistic systems.
It works well for shadow work and for spreads where you want to dig deeper than the first layer. Many people use it alongside another deck, specifically for questions related to the unconscious or blockages.
Do not place this deck in front of someone unfamiliar with tarot. The imagery is confronting and the symbolism requires explanation.
About Fabio Listrani
Fabio Listrani works from Rome and has built a reputation as an illustrator for Marvel, Titan Comics and IDW Publishing. In the tarot world many know him from the Night Sun Tarot and the Santa Muerte Tarot.
His style combines modern graphic design with classical esoteric iconography. He draws sharply, with an eye for detail and dramatic composition.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78 (22 Major Arcana, 56 Minor Arcana)
- Size: 70 x 120 mm
- Finish: glossy
- Cardstock: high quality, sturdy
- Language: English
- Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
- ISBN: 9780738770284
- Weight: 400 g
- Artist: Fabio Listrani
Questions we often get
How does this deck differ from a classic Rider-Waite-Smith deck?
The structure is the same: 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana. The difference lies in the imagery and symbolism. Where RWS relies on everyday scenes and recognisable figures, this deck uses iconography rooted in the goetic tradition. Each card refers to a specific demon or spirit from the Lesser Key of Solomon.
Does the deck come with a guidebook?
Yes, it includes an instruction booklet that explains the relationship between the tarot cards and the goetic entities. Without that booklet, much of the symbolism is difficult to grasp.