Goblin Market Tarot – Step Into a World of Victorian Enchantment and Dark Mystery
About this Deck
The Goblin Market Tarot, created by the visionary John Matthews and masterfully illustrated by Charles Newington, invites you to step across the threshold into the dark, rich world inspired by Christina Rossetti's Victorian masterpiece. This is not your typical "fairytale" deck; here, the "Fair Folk" are portrayed in their ancient, authentic forms—cunning, mysterious, and occasionally ruthless. With 80 cards and a comprehensive 176-page guidebook, this set explores the hidden wisdom found within the shadows of the Otherworld.
Symbolism and Themes
Drawing inspiration from the famous poem, the deck centers around a magical market where supernatural beings gather to trade secrets and stories. The Major Arcana reimagines traditional archetypes through figures like the Fairy Queen and The Wise One, while the Minor Arcana utilizes magical objects, flora, and fauna set against a backdrop of crumbling ruins and overgrown forests. Every card is a window into a landscape where nothing is quite what it seems, emphasizing themes of temptation, transformation, and the price of knowledge. Rather than portraying fairies as innocent, this deck reveals them as keepers of a deep, sometimes dangerous, ancient wisdom.
The Creators
John Matthews
John Matthews is a New York Times bestselling author and a world-renowned expert on Arthurian lore and ancient spiritual traditions. His prolific career includes celebrated works such as the Wildwood Tarot, the Arthurian Tarot, and the Byzantine Tarot.
Charles Newington
Charles Newington is an acclaimed illustrator whose atmospheric and detailed style perfectly captures the eerie, Victorian-gothic aesthetic required to bring the Goblin Market and its inhabitants to life.
Practical Use
The Goblin Market Tarot is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the symbolism and stories of the fairy world. It is particularly effective for shadow work, exploring the dualities of nature, and seeking answers that require a more nuanced, "Otherworldly" perspective. The extensive companion book provides detailed interpretations, making the deck accessible for various levels of experience.
When reading with these cards, treat each draw like a transaction at the market; be prepared to offer your full intuition in exchange for the deep, sometimes startling truths the goblins reveal.
Features
- Number of cards: 80
- Language: English
- ISBN: 9781786785541
- Publisher: Watkins Publishing
- Weight: 553 g
- Dimensions: 100 x 54 x 138 mm
Expert FAQ
Is this deck suitable for beginners who are new to tarot?
Yes. While the themes are deep and complex, the 176-page companion book provides thorough explanations for each card, making it an excellent learning tool for curious souls and seasoned readers alike.
How does the Goblin Market Tarot differ from a standard 78-card deck?
This deck contains 80 cards, offering additional layers of storytelling and archetypal depth specifically tailored to the Victorian goblin and fairy lore explored by the authors.
Is the artwork more "dark" or "whimsical"?
The artwork leans toward the "darker" side of folklore. It avoids modern, sparkly depictions of fairies in favor of a more mysterious, authentic, and Victorian-gothic aesthetic that honors the original poem.
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