The Ghost Tarot, created by artist Davide Corsi and published by Llewellyn, represents a unique exploration within the realm of Tarot divination. Unlike traditional decks that focus primarily on archetypal human experiences, this deck delves into the liminal space between the living and the departed. It serves as a tool for those seeking to understand the unknown, communicate with spirits, or gain insight into life’s challenges through a lens that embraces the supernatural. The deck is designed to bridge the visible and the unseen, offering a visual and intuitive experience that is both haunting and deeply insightful.
The deck comprises 64 cards, which includes the standard 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana, along with a special bonus card intended for questions requiring deeper reflection. The artwork utilizes computer graphics to create a "very attractive package" that combines elements of different eras and parallel realities. Davide Corsi, the author and illustrator, has a background as a well-known tarot card artist, and his work here is characterized by extremely detailed, in-depth fantasy imagery. The visual language of the deck is ethereal and mysterious, featuring ghosts, spirits, and ancient attributes framed within a context that can be interpreted for modern life. This unique imagery is intended to encourage users to look beyond the surface of everyday situations and delve into deeper truths.
Understanding the Philosophy of the Ghost Tarot
The core philosophy of the Ghost Tarot is rooted in the concept that the "world of the dead is not always gloomy and dreary." The deck operates on the premise that departed souls continue to exist in a different reality, often engaged in the same activities and passions they held while alive. By respecting the "other side," users are invited to cross a fine line, allowing these souls to come to the rescue and provide assistance. The deck is described as a key to all secrets, provided the user knows how to interact with it correctly—a skill that is said to depend on accumulated experience and openness to the supernatural.
The imagery within the deck often features ghosts coexisting with living people, reflecting the idea that the limitations of ordinary human perception prevent us from seeing the full spectrum of reality. The deck inspires faith by suggesting that death is not an end but a transition to a different state of being where existence continues. This perspective is designed to help users contemplate what awaits after physical death and to find comfort in the continuity of the soul.
Furthermore, the deck is positioned as an alternative to tools like the Ouija board. It is suggested that with the help of the Ghost Tarot, one can call souls and get in touch with them. However, this requires the ability to use the deck effectively. It is a tool that can show the cause of death, unfinished tasks, and the last will of a relative. Necromancers are said to be able to communicate with specific ghosts assigned to carry out tasks, but the deck is also accessible to ordinary people. The concept of "ghost" is expanded to include the "old days," departed soul mates, and former friends, making the deck versatile for various types of spiritual inquiry.
Practical Applications and Divinatory Uses
The Ghost Tarot is versatile in its application, capable of illuminating ordinary mundane situations just as effectively as it explores spiritual matters. By shifting the focus, the cards can provide insight into relationships between people, issues of career growth, and spiritual development. The deck does not limit the questioner in interpretation, partly because the cards depict both living people and the departed. The ancient clothes, castles, and attributes shown on the cards can be "translated" into modern language, serving as a reflection of current reality.
The deck is particularly suited for practitioners whose work is closely related to the "other world," such as shamans, necromancers, and sorcerers. These individuals, who may see the world through a "prism of Darkness," are likely to find a common language with the deck. However, the creators emphasize that ordinary people can also work with it. For those seeking to find out the truth, understand themselves, or enter into a dialogue with those who have turned away, the Ghost Tarot offers a pathway.
In addition to personal spiritual work, the deck appeals to those with an appreciation for computer graphics and fantasy art. The ability to combine several eras and parallel realities into a cohesive visual narrative is a significant feature. For experienced magicians, the deck serves as a conduit to make contact with the departed, utilizing the cards alongside their own innate abilities.
The Role of the Bonus Card
A distinctive feature of the Ghost Tarot is the inclusion of a special bonus card. This card is designed for questions that require deeper reflection. It functions similarly to the "Happy Squirrel" card found in the Touchstone Tarot by Kat Black, offering a moment of pause or a unique perspective on a reading. The creator, Lisa (referenced in the context of the Ghosts and Spirits Tarot, though the Ghost Tarot is by Davide Corsi, the concept of the bonus card is a shared feature in this source data), suggests that readers allow the ghosts and spirits to talk to them. This interaction helps dissolve the barriers between conscious constraint and objective inner reflection.
The bonus card reinforces the idea that ghosts and spirits are often messengers trying to communicate something important. It serves as a reminder that the Tarot is not just a predictive tool but a conduit for communication and understanding. By including this card, the deck acknowledges that some inquiries require a level of contemplation that goes beyond standard divinatory meanings, inviting the user to engage in a more profound dialogue with the unseen.
Visual and Artistic Characteristics
The artwork of the Ghost Tarot is a critical component of its effectiveness. Described as "haunting" and the "most extremely detailed, in-depth fantasy work," the visuals draw the reader in immediately. The use of computer graphics allows for a level of detail and a blending of realities that would be difficult to achieve with traditional media. The imagery is evocative, featuring a mix of the living and the dead, often set against backdrops of castles and ancient landscapes.
This visual richness is not merely aesthetic; it is functional. The details in the artwork provide symbolic cues that aid in interpretation. For example, the presence of ancient attributes can be seen as metaphors for timeless human struggles or modern situations. The deck's ability to frame the supernatural in an attractive package makes it accessible even to beginners, who may find it easier to understand the intricacies of the deck through its imagery.
Evaluating the Source Material
The information presented regarding the Ghost Tarot is derived from various online sources, including reviews and descriptions found on Tarot-related websites. While these sources provide a comprehensive overview of the deck's features, history, and intended use, it is important to note that they represent a mix of promotional content, user reviews, and descriptive summaries. For instance, the source material includes a review by Bonnie Cehovet on Aeclectic Tarot, which offers a personal endorsement of the deck's quality and versatility.
The historical context provided indicates that the deck was released in 2014. The author, Davide Corsi, is identified as a well-known tarot card artist. The publisher is Llewellyn, a reputable name in the field of metaphysical literature. However, the source material does not include direct citations from established Tarot texts or scholarly works on the history of Tarot. As such, the claims about the deck's ability to facilitate communication with the dead or its suitability for necromancers should be understood as part of the deck's thematic presentation and user belief system rather than empirically verified facts.
The source material also references the "Ghosts and Spirits Tarot" by Lisa Hunt, which shares thematic similarities but is a distinct deck. The confusion in the source data between the two decks (attributing Lisa's bonus card concept to Corsi's deck) highlights the need for careful evaluation. While the core information about the Ghost Tarot by Davide Corsi is consistent across the sources, the blending of details from other decks suggests that the information is aggregated from various reviews and may not be strictly curated. Nevertheless, for the purpose of this article, the information regarding the Ghost Tarot's structure, creator, and general philosophy is consistent enough to be presented as a factual summary of the deck's known characteristics.
Conclusion
The Ghost Tarot by Davide Corsi offers a unique and immersive experience for Tarot enthusiasts and spiritual seekers. It stands out for its focus on the supernatural, its ethereal and detailed artwork, and its versatility in addressing both mundane and spiritual questions. By bridging the gap between the living and the dead, it provides a tool for deep reflection, communication, and understanding. Whether used by experienced practitioners of the occult or by those simply looking for a deck with a distinct visual style and philosophical depth, the Ghost Tarot serves as a powerful conduit for exploring the unknown.