Tarot V

Tarot V - vampire archetypes for shadow work

Vampires are not monsters in this deck. They are mirrors. Alejandro Colucci and Charles Harrington use the vampire as archetype to make the human shadow visible. What you see is dark, raw and printed without borders.

The deck follows the structure of the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot, but the imagery is completely different. No recognizable scenes, but vampire images that translate the essence of each card into a gothic visual language. The High Priestess becomes a bloodthirsty queen, the Hanged Man hangs from chains instead of a tree.

What you see on the cards

Each card is printed borderless, so the image runs to the edge. The colors are dark: lots of black, red, grey. The style is dramatic and theatrical, with emphasis on facial expressions and posture.

The imagery is detailed but not excessive. There is room to breathe. The symbolism is layered: a vampire drinking blood can stand for addiction, but also for transformation or survival instinct.

The guidebook explains per card how the vampire theme relates to the traditional meaning. It also includes suggestions for shadow work: questions you can ask, themes the card can activate.

Who this does not work for

This is not a beginner deck. The imagery deviates too far from the traditional system to be intuitively readable without knowledge of tarot. If you are just starting out, pick up a classic RWS deck first.

Also, if you struggle with dark imagery or are drawn to gothic aesthetics without interest in the symbolism, this deck probably does not fit. It is designed for shadow work, not decoration.

Pull one card as a daily card and ask yourself: which monster do I recognize in myself today? The vampire archetypes help you see patterns you would otherwise avoid.

About Charles Harrington and Alejandro Colucci

Charles Harrington has over 25 years of experience with tarot and esoteric systems. He wrote the guidebook and designed the structure of the deck.

Alejandro Colucci drew all the cards. His style combines realism with gothic drama, keeping the vampires human enough to remain recognizable.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78
• Card size: 70 x 120 mm
• Finish: Borderless
• Material: Sturdy cardstock
• Weight: 500 g
• Language: English
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
• ISBN: 9780738770833
• Author: Charles Harrington
• Illustrator: Alejandro Colucci

Questions we often get

Can I use this deck if I do not know the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot?
No. The imagery refers to the traditional meanings but does not show them literally. Without basic knowledge of tarot you miss half of what the deck is trying to say.

What exactly is in the guidebook?
Each card gets a description linking the vampire imagery to the traditional meaning. There are also suggestions for shadow work and questions you can use during a reading.