The Broken Mirror Tarot, created by Sengia, presents a contemporary vision deeply rooted in historical artistry. This deck draws its primary inspiration from the mystique of medieval European stained glass paintings, an art form closely associated with the Gothic cathedrals of the Middle Ages. The design philosophy seeks to reenact and build upon the bold color statements, intricate patterns, and narrative power inherent in that time-honored medium. By borrowing from this classic aesthetic while introducing a modern touch to break conventions, the deck aims to spread an experimental spirit in both cartomancy and daily life. It positions itself as a tool for personal exploration, encouraging users to approach readings with a rational mindset rather than seeking guaranteed outcomes.
Artistic Inspiration and Design Philosophy
The core identity of the Broken Mirror Tarot lies in its homage to stained glass artistry. This influence is evident in the deck's visual language, which attempts to capture the luminous and segmented quality of light passing through colored glass. The creators intended to move beyond a simple reproduction of traditional tarot imagery by infusing it with this specific historical art style. This approach results in a deck that is recognizable as a Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) clone in terms of symbolism, yet distinct in its execution. The artistic rendering aims to convey narrative and emotion through a palette and composition that mimic the gothic atmosphere.
User Experience and Physical Attributes
Feedback on the physical manifestation of the deck highlights a discrepancy between the digital representation and the physical product. While online campaigns presented the design as vibrant and bright, resembling sunlight streaming through stained glass, the actual card stock has been described as very thin. Although functional for shuffling, the texture is not perceived as particularly pleasing to hold. Additionally, the silver gilt edging, while initially attractive, has shown a tendency to degrade and take a battering over time, even with infrequent use. These physical characteristics are important considerations for individuals who value the tactile experience of their divination tools.
The Guidebook and Linguistic Style
A notable feature of the Broken Mirror Tarot is its small, paperback guidebook. Despite a somewhat haphazard translation—likely from an original language such as Chinese—the guidebook has garnered appreciation for the "wonderful naive quality" this gives to the card explanations. This loose use of language extends to the cards themselves, where users may encounter unconventional labeling, such as the singular "Pentacle" for the suit of Pentacles or the inclusion of the article "The" in titles like "The Strength." This linguistic idiosyncrasy contributes to the deck's unique character, offering a refreshing departure from strictly formal tarot terminology.
Symbolic Interpretations and Key Imagery
While the deck follows the standard RWS symbolism, there are specific cards where the artistic style shines particularly well, offering nuanced interpretations.
The Sun
In the Broken Mirror Tarot, The Sun card features a swirling dancer. This imagery is praised for capturing the radiant joy and energy of the card perfectly, portraying "light in motion, full of life." It serves as a potent visual for themes of vitality and happiness.
The Strength
The Strength card depicts Atlas holding up the world while a storm rages around him. This interpretation emphasizes a quiet, unseen, and unappreciated endurance. It suggests that true strength is not loud or showy but is the quiet resilience that holds steady under pressure. This imagery serves as a reminder of the core of strength inside all individuals, enabling them to persist even when burdened by the figurative weight of the world.
The Seven of Pentacles
A favorite among many users, the Seven of Pentacles shows a figure looking at his vine while holding an axe. The ambiguity of the image—whether it represents quiet satisfaction at a job well done or an exhausted contemplation of chopping the vine down—captures the context-dependent spirit of the card. It perfectly embodies the themes of patience, assessment, and the potential for a pivot in one's efforts.
The Fool and Other Cards
The Fool is rendered in a way that is faithful to the RWS tradition but suits the deck's specific art style. The Ten of Swords is noted for its aesthetic appeal, and the suit of Pentacles is said to work well with a "sludgy palette," making the Queen of Pentacles look cool. The Chariot card is highlighted for its nice use of repeating circles in the design.
Interviewing the Deck for Personal Insight
One method for understanding the energy of a new tarot deck is to conduct an interview spread. This process allows the user to ask the deck about its personality, strengths, and how it prefers to work. An interview with the Broken Mirror Tarot provided the following insights:
- Deck Characteristic (9 of Swords): The deck suggests it can help ground the user during moments of panic or when facing painful and scary situations. It advises stepping back, chilling out, and approaching situations logically.
- Deck Strengths (Strength): It indicates its strength lies in providing guidance to help the user calmly face difficult situations and master their own anxiety.
- Deck's View of the Querent (Five of Wands): The deck sees the user as someone who has been struggling with conflicting internal thoughts and ideas, suggesting it is ready to help navigate this internal conflict.
- What the Deck Asks of the Querent (Four of Cups): The deck asks the user to be receptive to its messages and to not overlook the guidance it offers, implying a need for open-mindedness.
- Potential Future Together (Ace of Pentacles): This card suggests a new beginning or a seed of opportunity for financial or material stability when working with this deck.
- Outcome of the Relationship (The World): The ultimate outcome is seen as a cycle of completion and wholeness, suggesting a fulfilling partnership.
Conclusion
The Broken Mirror Tarot offers a unique blend of medieval stained glass aesthetics and traditional tarot symbolism. While it is a faithful Rider-Waite-Smith clone in meaning, its value lies in the artistic interpretation and the specific mood it evokes. The deck is described as having a "cool concept" with specific cards that work exceptionally well visually, such as The Sun, Strength, and the Seven of Pentacles. However, potential users should be aware of the mixed feedback regarding the physical quality of the cards and the translation style of the guidebook. Ultimately, for those who are drawn to its specific art style and are looking for a deck that emphasizes grounding, resilience, and logical approach to anxiety, the Broken Mirror Tarot presents a distinct tool for personal exploration.