Tarot de la Nuit - gothic romance in 78 cards
Not every tarot deck positions darkness as strength. This one does. Tarot de la Nuit centres on what the night makes visible: shadow, intuition, the moon as guide. Carole-Anne Eschenazi wrote the texts, Alexandra V. Bach drew the cards.
Bach's style is digital and detailed. Her work combines dark fantasy with classical tarot symbolism. Every card feels theatrical, almost cinematic. The colours are muted shades of purple, blue and black, with occasional accents of gold or silver.
What you see on the cards
The figures are predominantly feminine, with long hair, jewellery, veils. The settings are nocturnal: moonlight, starry skies, dark forests, abandoned ruins. The symbolism stays close to Rider-Waite-Smith, but the execution is more modern and dramatic.
The format is larger than standard: 80 x 125 mm. That leaves room for detail, but also requires larger hands or a spacious table. The cardstock feels sturdy, the finish is matte.
What sets this deck apart
The focus is firmly on feminine energy and exploring the shadow side. That makes the deck less suitable for anyone looking for a neutral or light RWS-style deck. Here, darkness is not a problem but a starting point.
The guidebook runs to 128 pages and contains interpretations of all the cards, plus practical spread techniques. The text is accessible and connects the images to nocturnal symbolism.
Lay this deck out by candlelight or in the evening hours. The colours and contrasts come into their own then, and the atmosphere matches the theme.
About Alexandra V. Bach
Alexandra V. Bach is a French digital artist with a reputation in the dark fantasy scene. Her work has previously appeared in book cover illustrations and art collections. Tarot de la Nuit is her first complete tarot deck.
Carole-Anne Eschenazi has written several tarot and oracle decks. Her texts translate spiritual concepts into clear, usable language.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78
- Card size: 80 x 125 mm
- Guidebook: 128 pages
- Language: English
- Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide, LTD.
- ISBN: 9780738759845
- Weight: 408 grams
- Finish: Matte cardstock
- Author: Carole-Anne Eschenazi
- Illustrator: Alexandra V. Bach
Questions we often get
Does this deck follow the Rider-Waite-Smith structure?
Yes. All 78 cards are present, including the full Major and Minor Arcana. The symbolism is recognisably RWS, but the execution is much darker and more dramatic.
Is this deck suitable for beginners?
That depends on your preference. The structure is classical and the guidebook is clear, so technically yes. But the aesthetic is specific and requires an affinity with gothic imagery.