Table of Contents
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Welcome to The Phantomwise Tarot. This black-and-white world is a little bit circusy, a little bit Wonderland, and a little bit nocturnal phantasia of its own invention. It is a mix of myth and fairy tale, where each individual you meet may be an illusion, reflection, or distortion.
From The Phantomwise Tarot product description
Tarot decks are often seen as a portal into worlds filled with mystery and symbolism. The Phantomwise Tarot is no exception. This deck comes from the mind behind the bestseller The Night Circus. Imagine a black-and-white realm that melds a circus’s whimsical allure, Wonderland’s curious oddities, and enchanting dreams of a nocturnal fantasy. This deck is where myths and fairy tales converge, with every character you meet potentially being an illusion, reflection, or distortion.
While crafting The Night Circus, Erin Morgenstern explored the intricacies of tarot through a creative exercise that ultimately birthed The Phantomwise Tarot. Each card in this deck is a work of art, capturing the themes of the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck with a whimsical yet mysterious twist. These cards waited over a decade to be debuted and be ready to enchant the world.
Join me as I review The Phantomwise Tarot. This deck promises to weave magic into your readings and invite you into a world of shadows and light.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Good background information about the cards + Good quality cards + Beautiful artworks | – The guidebook could have been longer |
About the Creator
Erin Morgenstern, born 1978, in Marshfield, Massachusetts, is an author best known for her debut novel, The Night Circus. Her enchanting blend of fantasy, romance, and magical realism captivated readers, and her rich storytelling is characterised by vivid imagery and imaginative worlds. Morgenstern’s theatre and studio art background informs her writing style, giving her narratives a visual and immersive quality.
Following the success of The Night Circus, she released The Starless Sea, another mesmerising tale that further established her as a master of modern fantasy. Morgenstern’s ability to weave plots with deep emotional resonance has earned her a dedicated following and critical acclaim. Aside from her novels, she has ventured into other creative projects, such as The Phantomwise Tarot deck, showcasing her talent for blending art and narrative in compelling ways.
Cards and the Artwork
The Phantomwise Tarot deck consists of 78 cards that adhere to the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) tradition in both naming and symbolism. With a touch of ballerinas, of course. This makes the deck straightforward and accessible for those familiar with standard tarot conventions. While there is potential for the deck’s theme to be further incorporated into the card names through more in-world terminology, the traditional approach is still practical and user-friendly.
One of the standout features of the Phantomwise Tarot is its captivating art style. The artwork exudes an ethereal quality, combining elements of shadows, a hint of circus intrigue, and a touch of Wonderland whimsy. This creates an atmosphere where everything seems enveloped in a mist of mystery, leaving you uncertain about what you are seeing and suggesting that things might not always be what they appear. The decision to present the deck’s art entirely in black and white enhances this dreamlike, enigmatic ambience.
Moreover, the deck pays clear homage to the original artwork by Pamela Colman Smith, maintaining a connection to the classic tarot imagery while infusing it with its unique, fantastical twist. This blend of tradition and innovation makes the Phantomwise Tarot a visually and symbolically interesting tool for tarot readers.
The quality of the cardstock is good, and the cards have a linen finish, which makes them easy to shuffle. Occasionally, cards tend to stick together, but it’s not an issue. The name of the card is clearly stated under the art, and the placement and font make it look almost like a silent film subtitle, which fits the feel of the cards. At least my cards seem to bend a little, so be careful when storing them.
The Guidebook of The Phantomwise Tarot
I found the guidebook to be concise yet comprehensive, providing just what you need from a thematic deck. It may lack in-depth explanations of tarot basics and keywords, which is unfortunate, but the stories we get instead make up for it. The stories behind each card truly breathe life into the deck. I thoroughly enjoy these narratives and find them to be the highlight of the guidebook.
In addition to the stories, you will also get some basic spreads to use with the cards. The Phantomwise Tarot is connected to Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking-Glass, which the author makes clear by quoting at the beginning of the guidebook. That book has even inspired her to name one of the spreads Down the Rabbit Hole Spread. This made me appreciate this deck even more since I’m a fan of Alice in Wonderland. However, don’t expect any detailed explanation about the spread, as you won’t get any.
Conclusion
The Phantomwise Tarot deck, hand-painted by Erin Morgenstern, is a stunning collection of 78 cards that transports you into a captivating black-and-white world. The cards are beautiful, featuring whimsical and mysterious artwork that blends circus magic with fairy tale charm. The quality of the deck is exceptional, with durable cardstock and a beautifully designed box. This enchanting world, however, could be even more immersive with a more extensive guidebook, offering additional stories and deeper insights. Overall, The Phantomwise Tarot is a magical addition to any tarot enthusiast’s collection.
