The Mary-el Tarot, created by artist Marie White, represents a profound and intricate system for spiritual exploration and self-understanding. It is described not merely as a tool for divination but as an "alchemical art" of the soul, designed to assist the user in a journey toward balance, symmetry, and self-mastery. The deck consists of 78 cards, adhering to the traditional structure of the Major and Minor Arcana, yet it infuses this framework with a unique blend of ancient symbolism and deeply personal artistic vision. Through its oil-painted imagery and the accompanying guidebook, Landscapes of the Abyss, the Mary-el Tarot offers a multi-layered approach to seeking harmony and insight, bridging the gap between the conscious and the subconscious, the earthly and the divine.
The foundation of the Mary-el Tarot lies in its artistic expression and philosophical depth. Marie White’s background, influenced by a necessity to draw from dreams, visions, and nature, informs the deck's visceral and evocative imagery. The cards are not simple illustrations but are rooted in oil paintings that delve into the depths of the Tarot’s symbolic system, echoing the style of ancient decks. This approach invites users to look beyond surface-level predictions and engage with the "chemistry of the soul." The companion book, Landscapes of the Abyss, serves as a critical guide through this terrain, using potent symbols such as the landscape of the Moon, the High Priestess, the Temple, the Merkabah, and the caduceus to unlock the meanings of each card. This methodology guides the seeker to the threshold between heaven and earth, the small and the great, and the eternal and the infinite, suggesting a practice that is as much about spiritual contemplation as it is about seeking answers.
Structurally, the deck is divided into the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana comprises 22 key cards, numbered from The Fool to The World. Within the Mary-el Tarot, these cards represent various facets of life and distinct states of consciousness, forming the backbone of the soul's journey. They act as milestones in the process of self-mastery and alchemical transformation. The Minor Arcana is further divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Disks (often corresponding to Pentacles in other decks). Each suit contains 14 cards, ranging from the Ace to the King. These cards provide insight into the daily aspects of life, emotional currents, intellectual challenges, and material concerns, all viewed through the deck's unique metaphysical lens.
A defining characteristic of the Mary-el Tarot is its thematic integration of diverse esoteric traditions. While the deck is rooted in the Thoth tradition more so than the Rider-Waite-Smith system, it also incorporates a distinct Egyptian theme. The symbols and characters have been updated to align with this theme, blending historical figures, places, and events with elements of fantasy. Furthermore, the deck is described as having a Celtic heart in one version of its development, featuring Celtic deities, symbols, and concepts. The color palette is noted to be based on the Celtic Standard Cross, utilizing white, pink, and green. This fusion of Thoth, Egyptian, and Celtic influences creates a "grand arcanum of the Goddess and her cosmic power," presenting a rich tapestry of the mysteries of life and the multi-dimensionality of the Goddess.
The spiritual essence of the deck is often personified through the figure of Mary-El, described as an angelic being of the 5th dimension. This entity is portrayed as a visitor to Earth whose mission is to teach love—specifically, how to love oneself and to put love into the world. She is referred to as the "Angel of the New Age" and the "Protector of Loved Ones." This spiritual narrative infuses the deck with a benevolent, guiding energy, framing the use of the cards as an invitation to connect with higher wisdom and unconditional love. The deck is thus positioned not just as a set of images, but as a conduit for the teachings of this angelic presence.
From a practical perspective, the Mary-el Tarot has been the subject of reviews and user experiences that highlight both its strengths and its physical characteristics. The artwork is consistently praised as "deep and stunning," "incredible," and "gorgeous with rich symbolic artwork." The guidebook is described as "well written," "in-depth," and "beneficial," providing detailed meanings and spreads. However, potential users have noted practical considerations. Some buyers have reported that the card stock quality can be inconsistent, with cards showing wear after only a few gentle shuffles. Additionally, the cards are noted to be quite large, which may present a challenge for individuals with smaller hands when it comes to shuffling. Despite these logistical points, the overall consensus points to a deck that is highly valued for its artistic and spiritual depth, with the "sum of things" being greater than its individual parts.
In conclusion, the Mary-el Tarot stands as a complex and beautiful tool for those on a path of spiritual discovery. It merges the traditional structure of Tarot with a unique alchemical, Egyptian, and Celtic-inspired vision. Through its oil-painted imagery and the profound guidance offered in Landscapes of the Abyss, it encourages a journey inward, seeking balance and self-mastery. It is a deck that asks for respect and engagement, offering a gateway to the "landscape of the abyss" and the infinite mysteries of the soul for those who are willing to explore its depths.