Table of Contents
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The new deck of Fabio Listrani, after the overwhelming positive Kickstarter campaign, reached the wider public. Goetia is a deck about Demons, extracted from the esoteric lore of the Lesser Key of Salomon, but seen in a modern psychological way. As darkness is none other than a path to light, the unconscious is just a mirror of the conscious.
Product description from the publisher
If you are interested in goetic demons, then Fabio Listrani’s Goetia: Tarot in Darkness might be the perfect deck for you. However, this tarot deck is not for everyone, as it delves deep into the dark and mysterious world of demons. For those who enjoy exploring the darker side of spirituality, this deck can be a valuable tool for self-discovery and introspection.
I wish I had purchased the Goetia: Tarot in Darkness deck earlier. Unfortunately, I missed the Kickstarter edition, which had a beautiful and shiny finish. Although I am content with my non-shiny cards, I regret not having the guidebook that came with the Kickstarter edition. That guidebook provided a more comprehensive understanding of the goetic demons and their symbolism, which the mass market edition does not do.
However, I remain hopeful that the guidebook will be released again in the future. Even if it were to be a digital copy. In the meantime, I will continue to use the deck and explore its dark and intriguing imagery.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Art style is unique + Looks great on your altar or as a part of a ritual | – The guidebook doesn’t give you enough information – Waite-Smith Symbolism is not visible |
About the Creator
Fabio Listrani is a multi-talented artist coming from Rome, Italy. He is a self-taught illustrator, author, musician, and graphic designer. He graduated from Scienze dei Media, a faculty specializing in scientific and mathematical studies. Listrani has established himself as a successful cover artist and illustrator for many international organizations, such as Marvel, Titan Comics, Heavy Metal, and IDW Publishing. He has worked on various projects, including X-Men, Doctor Who, Warhammer 40.000, Quake, Dishonored, Dark Souls, and more.
Listrani’s illustrations are characterized by intricate linework, dark and moody colour schemes, and meticulous attention to detail. His pieces often feature fantastical creatures, intricate patterns, and symbolic imagery. Listrani’s work has a distinct sense of mystery and otherworldliness, drawing the viewer into a world of magic and wonder. Whether working in digital or traditional media, Listrani’s art is always captivating and immersive, showcasing his exceptional talent and unique vision.
Cards and the Artwork
The mass-market edition of the deck comes with a visually appealing deck box that perfectly holds the cards. The box’s illustration matches the theme of the deck and radiates a mysterious atmosphere. The box lid fits firmly on top, but you should still handle it with care. I once had an incident where it came loose in my bag, but fortunately, none of the cards were damaged.
The deck has 78 cards, which are 70×120 mm in size. The card stock is high quality, and shuffling is easy. The artworks are clearly inspired by the descriptions from the Ars Goetia, and they have an intriguing 3D feel to them. This deck is marketed as a Tarot deck, but I don’t think it should necessarily be used as such. The traditional RWS meanings are not obvious, so especially novices will get lost. However, what makes Goetia: Tarot in Darkness a good deck is its potential as a goetic ritual tool.
The colour scheme of the cards is entirely black and white, which perfectly suits the theme. It pairs well with the deck companion, Notoria – Tarot in Light, which is full of colour. The cards might be a bit challenging to read in a dark room, so I suggest that you study them thoroughly before using them in your rituals.
Each card contains a lot of information for those familiar with the goetic demons. A card features the demon’s sigil, name, and original number. In addition, each card also has information about the Tarot card correspondence, as well as planetary and zodiac attribution. So, there is a vast amount of information if you know how to use it. Sadly, the guidebook does not help you much.
The Guidebook of the Goetia: Tarot in Darkness
There is little to say about the guidebook. It is the same size as the cards and contains 128 pages. However, four languages are crammed into it, so the actual page count is much less. As mentioned, there is not much about the actual cards. They are all presented in a single table, and that’s pretty much it. The redeeming thing is the background section at the beginning of the guidebook. It goes through topics such as Goetia, Kabbalah, Qlippoth, and the use of symbols.
Conclusion
Goetia: Tarot in Darkness is a deck designed for people who are interested in goetic demons. The quality of the deck is good, and the artwork is well-suited to the theme. However, if you want to experience the full potential of this deck, you should also read the Ars Goetia, as the guidebook does not provide much information. If I have piqued your interest, definitely check it out and have a look at its companion deck, Notoria: Tarot in Light.
