The Black Tarot

The Black Tarot - gothic fantasy by Luis Royo

Luis Royo's work is not quiet background imagery. His pictures provoke reactions. The Black Tarot brings his characteristic style into tarot format: dark, sensual, full of dragons and mystical figures that look at you with a gaze that hides nothing.

This is not a classic Rider-Waite deck. The symbolism follows its own logic, based on Royo's artistry. That asks something of the reader. You need to be willing to look first at what is there, and only then at what you know of it.

What you see on the cards

The imagery is rich in gothic detail. Dragons, chained figures, mysterious women in armour or veils. The colour palette is dark: much black, deep red, purple and silver.

The cards are printed on sturdy cardstock with a glossy finish. That strengthens the intensity of the images. The format is standard, 66 x 120 mm, comfortable to shuffle.

The guidebook is multilingual and contains basic information about the cards in English, Spanish and German. No extensive interpretation, but enough to begin with.

How you work with it

This deck works best for readings that ask something of you. Shadow work, transformation, exploration of desire or fear. The imagery is too intense for everyday questions.

Many people use this deck intuitively. The posture of a figure, the gaze, the atmosphere of a card often say more than the standard meaning. That makes the deck suitable for those who trust their visual associations.

Pay particular attention to the gaze of the figures in this deck. Royo paints eyes that tell you something about power, desire or resistance, and that often gives the core of the reading.

About Luis Royo

Luis Royo is a Spanish illustrator internationally known in the fantasy and science fiction world. His work combines mysticism with a sensual undertone and a gothic aesthetic.

He has created countless book covers, posters and artworks. The Black Tarot is one of his few tarot projects and shows his characteristic style in full force.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78 (complete tarot with Major and Minor Arcana)
• Format: 66 x 120 mm
• Material: Sturdy cardstock with glossy finish
• Language: English, Spanish and German
• Publisher: Lo Scarabeo
• Artist: Luis Royo

Questions we often get

Does this deck follow traditional Rider-Waite symbolism?
No. The imagery is based on Royo's own artistry and gothic fantasy. The cards do have the traditional names and structure, but the symbolism deviates. This makes the deck suitable for intuitive readers or people with some experience.

Are the images suitable for every reader?
The cards have a dark, sometimes sensual atmosphere characteristic of Royo's work. This is not a light deck. If you feel drawn to his style, it fits. If not, there are quieter alternatives.