The Fountain Tarot represents a distinct evolution within the realm of divination tools, offering a 79-card deck that re-envisions traditional tarot through the lenses of geometry, internet culture, art, and spirituality. Created by Jonathan Saiz, Jason Gruhl, and Andi Todaro, this deck emerged from a desire to capture the joys and sorrows of life while celebrating the concept of 'oneness.' Unlike decks that may oversimplify imagery, The Fountain Tarot successfully distills complex symbols to their essential cores while maintaining profound depth. The artwork, originating as full-size oil paintings, utilizes a color palette that is both intense and diaphanous, evoking the mystery found in the original Rider-Waite deck while avoiding New-Age kitsch. This deck is designed to elevate perceptions of self and one's place in the universe, blending classic symbolism with contemporary art to express the divine. It encourages users to focus on the quiet energy of the "little things" in life, where deeper meaning often hides in plain sight.
The Philosophy and Artistic Vision
The foundational philosophy of The Fountain Tarot is rooted in the synthesis of diverse perspectives. The creators studied numerous decks from different periods before the artist, Jonathan Saiz, executed the oil paintings that became the final card images. The resulting aesthetic is one of fluidity and contemporary elegance, characterized by smooth lines, the golden ratio, and the beauty of forms. The deck permeates the primordial energy of chaos, suggesting a bizarre pattern that develops into order.
The artistic direction, managed by Andi Todaro, extends to the physical presentation of the deck. The cards feature silver gilding on the edges, an unusual choice compared to the more common gold edging, and measure 7 by 12 centimeters. The cardstock is noted for its flexibility and low sheen, which prevents glare on darker cards. While the canvas texture shows through, the handling is described as a pleasure, with the gilding not impairing shuffling. The back design of the cards is given equal thought to the fronts, avoiding the common afterthought status of many deck backs. The font used is a contemporary, upper-case style that is easy to read without overwhelming the artwork. Major Arcana titles are printed at the top in grey with Roman numerals in a differing color, while Minor Arcana titles are spelled out fully at the bottom. A subtle white outer border contains the main image, enhancing the overall appearance.
The Unique "Fountain" Card
A significant deviation from the standard 78-card structure is the inclusion of a 79th card titled "The Fountain." This card replaces a numerical value with the lemniscate symbol, representing infinity. The creators describe this card as signifying "waking from the dream of separateness and identity," "oneness," and "the end of seeking." It is not a humorous addition, as sometimes seen in other modern decks, but a serious component that aligns with the deck's tone.
The Fountain card represents the space "beyond human experience in which anything and everything can happen." It offers insight regarding everyday situations and challenges, speaking of clarity, possibilities, and the wisdom derived from quietness and listening to the self. In the context of the deck's numbering, it stands at a distance from The Fool (0) and The World (21), acting as a representation of unshakable chaos and the true source of everything. Many readers find the meaning open to personal interpretation, though it is generally viewed as a valid part of a reading if it appears.
Comparison to Traditional Systems
The Fountain Tarot does not exist in a vacuum; it actively engages with and synthesizes traditional tarot systems. It is frequently described as a "golden mean" between the approaches of Aleister Crowley (Thoth Tarot) and Arthur Waite (Rider-Waite). While it maintains the tradition of 78 classical images plus the additional card, it incorporates elements from Crowley regarding the flow of energies coming from the personality itself.
However, it remains accessible to those familiar with standard Rider-Waite meanings. The deck aligns with specific inspirations, including the Rider-Waite, Robin Wood Tarot, The Steampunk Tarot, Aquarian Tarot, and Visconti-Sforza. There are minor structural differences: * Suits: Pentacles are depicted as Coins. * Major Arcana Numerology: Justice is assigned VIII (8) and Strength is assigned XI (11), following the Crowley tradition rather than the Rider-Waite ordering. * Court Cards: These remain standard as Pages, Knights, Queens, and Kings.
This blending allows the deck to feel familiar yet innovative, providing a bridge for readers moving between traditional and modern esoteric practices.
The Companion Book and Interpretive Guidance
The deck is accompanied by a book written by Jason Gruhl. Due to packaging constraints, the book is card-sized and relatively concise (104 to 112 pages depending on the source), serving more as a starting point than a detailed exhaustive explanation. The book includes: * An overview of the Major and Minor Arcana, viewing the Major Arcana through three realms: the physical, the spiritual, and the ethereal. * Associations for numbers, courts, and suits within the Minor Arcana. * Several spreads for reading. * Card meanings for both upright and reversed positions.
The interpretive style in the book provides each card with a title and a two-word description (e.g., 0 The Fool is "Boundless Innocence") followed by a message and meanings. Notably, the book places special attention on numerology, symbolism, and the geometry of the images. The author paid specific attention to how to work with Arcana in both upright and reversed positions. While the book is not as profusely detailed as some historical decks (like the Medieval Scapini), it provides sufficient information for beginners and those familiar with standard systems to utilize the deck effectively.
Practical Application and Reading Style
The Fountain Tarot is described as having a "quiet energy" that encourages looking at small details and aspects that may initially be overlooked. This approach suggests that the deck is particularly suited for personal development and introspection. The imagery is fluid and easy on the eyes, leaving room for personal and intuitive interpretation. This flexibility makes it suitable for professional readings as well as personal use.
Readers have noted the deck is straightforward and easy to understand. The synthesis of systems means that while the imagery is contemporary, the underlying structure is rooted in established esoteric knowledge. The deck encourages a perspective where the little things in life hold the greatest meaning, countering the urge for bold, drastic changes. Instead, it guides the user to find clarity and possibilities through quiet listening and observation of the self.
Synthesis of Energy and Design
The overall energy of The Fountain Tarot is a blend of the mystical and the modern. It incorporates the primordial energy of chaos and the structured beauty of geometry. The holography and gray tones in the design, managed by Andi Todaro, set an airy and sublime mood. The deck is a testament to the idea that order can develop from chaos, and that the energies utilized in divination originate from the individual's own personality.
For those seeking a tool that respects traditional symbolism but offers a fresh, artistic, and intuitive perspective, The Fountain Tarot provides a unique option. It bridges the gap between the historical roots of tarot and the nuances of modern spiritual inquiry, offering a path to explore the "oneness" of existence through the lens of geometry and art.
Conclusion
The Fountain Tarot stands as a sophisticated synthesis of traditional tarot structures and contemporary artistic vision. By integrating the mystical depth of Aleister Crowley's systems with the accessible symbolism of Arthur Waite, and adding a unique 79th card focused on infinity and oneness, it offers a versatile tool for spiritual insight. Its emphasis on geometry, the "little things" in life, and intuitive interpretation makes it a valuable asset for both beginners and experienced readers seeking a deeper connection to the self and the universe. The deck's physical quality, thoughtful design, and philosophical depth ensure it holds a significant place in modern divination practices.