Table of Contents
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Ask the Alchemist to help you see beyond the mundane. Navigate through your complex emotions and thoughts with the Illuminator at your side. Let the Warrior protect you and give you courage. Delving into the attributes and personas of all 40 archetype cards, this full-color companion book shows you how to maximize your personal mythology.
The Archeo deck’s description
About three years ago, I stumbled upon Nick Bantock’s book, Griffin and Sabine: An Extraordinary Correspondence, which introduced me to his work. As someone who is enthusiastic about surrealistic art, I found his idea of creating a novel with postcards and including surrealistic pictures very intriguing. The book was captivating and made me want to read the rest of them immediately. Although the subsequent novels didn’t have the same impact on me as the first, I was happy to learn that he had also created an oracle deck called The Archeo: Personal Archetype Cards. In this post, I’m going to review that deck.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Good guidebook + Cardstock quality is great + Card’s can be used to design characters for novels | – Message in the cards could be clearer |
About the Creator of The Archeo
Nick Bantock is a prolific British artist, writer, and illustrator who has captivated readers and art lovers for decades with his unique style and creative vision. He is best known for his bestselling Griffin and Sabine series, which has sold over 2 million copies worldwide, and his other works, including The Venetian’s Wife, Windflower, and The Museum at Purgatory.
Bantock’s work is characterised by its intricate and detailed illustrations, rich symbolism, and compelling narratives. His art is a fusion of various media, including painting, collage, and drawing. It draws on various influences, from traditional folk art to modernist abstraction. Bantock’s art is also deeply rooted in spirituality, mythology, and storytelling. It often explores themes of love, loss, identity, and transformation. His work has inspired countless readers and artists worldwide and continues to be celebrated for its beauty, creativity, and originality.
Cards and the Artwork of The Archeo
The deck draws inspiration from Carl Jung’s ideas, which is quite evident since it is subtitled as personal archetype cards. For those who are unfamiliar with Jung’s archetypes, they are universal, symbolic patterns that exist in our collective unconscious and manifest in our thoughts, behaviours, and personalities. It’s a fascinating material, and it is what oracle cards and tarot cards are made for, in a sense.
The Archeo deck is a beautiful and unique oracle deck unlike any other. The kit includes a 40-card deck and 204-page colour guidebook. Each card features an intricate and detailed illustration that draws the viewer in and invites them to explore the symbolism and meaning behind the image. The artwork is stunning and thought-provoking, making this deck a must-have for anyone interested in oracle decks and Bantock’s art.
One of the most striking features of The Archeo deck is the use of mixed media in the artwork. Bantock combines photography, painting, and drawing to create realistic and fantastical images. The result is a deck that feels both ancient and modern, a perfect reflection of the timeless wisdom contained within the cards. The use of colour is also notable, with each card featuring a unique palette that perfectly captures the mood and energy of the card.
The Archeo’s Guidebook
The aim of the guidebook is to help you comprehend various archetypes. Moreover, these archetypes differ from those defined by Jung. Instead, Bantock uses the term “archeo” to denote the concept of multiple archetypes in one. Furthermore, Bantock created the Archeo cards to aid you in creating a positive and practical personal mythology. This makes the deck fun, and you can spend a lot of time reading about the different archeos.
This deck has an unexpected use for novelists looking for inspiration in their writing. By using the guidebook and cards, writers can explore and develop design character details they may not have thought otherwise. So, if that is something you might be interested in, have a go at it.
The guidebook begins with an introduction to the history and purpose of the cards and gives an overview of the Archeo deck itself. Bantock’s writing is clear and engaging, and he does an excellent job of explaining the various elements of the deck in a way that is both informative and accessible.
The guidebook also contains the attributes and personas of each card. Consequently, this will help you understand the qualities of different Archeos. Moreover, 40 short tales provide the narrative back stories of the Archeos, helping you get to know each one better. I like stories in the guidebooks because they make the cards feel more alive. It’s like the characters are part of some story that you can invent in your mind through readings.
Conclusion
This deck is a unique blend of the teachings of Carl Jung and the surreal art of Nick Bantock. It offers a fascinating journey of self-discovery, where you can explore the depths of your psyche through the lens of archetypes. If you are drawn to Bantock’s art, this deck is a must-have for you. It will take you on a journey into yourself, where you can gain new insights and deepen your understanding of your inner world.
PS. If you enjoyed the artwork in this deck, take a look at the Deleted World by Josh Urban Davis.
