The Night Sun Tarot, created by artist Fabio Listrani and first released in 2014 by Lo Scarabeo, represents a unique synthesis within the world of divination tools. This deck is described as a compelling journey into the realm of esoteric wisdom, rendering a dance between dark and light. It is designed to touch the soul and provide enlightening perspectives on the inner self, regardless of the user's level of occult knowledge. The deck draws heavily from the teachings of Aleister Crowley and other great occult masters, presenting a symbolic shadow language that blends diverse cultures, tarot systems, and correspondences.
The artwork is characterized by bold energy, rich visuals, and geometric figures that serve as a background for the Arcana. These geometric elements—such as the Star of David, the cube, and the seals of Solomon—project a matrix that suggests the cards do not show the real world, but rather a projection of it. The style of the deck is distinctively modern, utilizing computer graphics that resemble drawings from comic book magazines. Each card features an ornate gold frame with symbolism and a signature at the bottom.
While the deck is rooted in the complex systems of Crowley and Waite, the Night Sun Tarot does not require special knowledge in astrology or Kabbalah for basic interpretation. However, studying these doctrines can enhance the accuracy of reading combinations. The deck offers two primary paths for interpretation: one based on Crowley’s key values and the other on Waite’s. Experienced practitioners may also develop their own analogies based on the symbolism, colors, facial expressions, and gestures of the characters. It is noted that the deck does not use reversed meanings.
Historical Context and Artistic Vision
The Night Sun Tarot was authored by Fabio Listrani, a famous Italian illustrator known for works such as Santa Muerte and Goetia. Listrani's artistic style is distinguished by his choice of subjects, often delving into the dark side and the depths of the subconscious. The name of the deck itself alludes to the Moon or the unconscious, reflecting a fascination with the multifaceted and abundant nature of the world. The deck is viewed by some as a processing of the Arcana of Thoth (Crowley's deck) but presented in a version that is more accessible to a modern audience.
The imagery is described as edgy and intensely magical, evoking art from graphic novels. It is explicitly stated that this deck is not for the lazy or the faint of heart, but rather ideal for courageous intermediate to advanced Tarotistes and serious occultists. Despite the dark and sometimes frightening images, the deck possesses a bewitching aura. It appeals particularly to those fond of the teachings of Thelema by Aleister Crowley. While fans of Listrani may collect the deck for its aesthetic value, it is recommended for actual practice, as the cards are noted for their ability to subtly and accurately notice details and convey meaning through the language of images. The only potential barrier to acceptance is for those who do not accept computer graphics as a medium for a predictive system.
Deck Structure and Symbolism
The Night Sun Tarot maintains the standard 78-card structure. The suits have retained their familiar names, though the author introduced originality through the symbolism associated with each suit. The color scales for the suits are consistent: Wands are red, Cups are blue, Pentacles are green, and Swords are yellow.
Suit Symbolism
The specific symbols representing the four elements within the suits have been modified from traditional depictions: * Air (Swords): Represented by blades with a handle in the form of wings. * Fire (Wands): Represented by ornate wooden staves. * Water (Cups): Represented by crystal glasses. * Earth (Pentacles): Represented by Chinese gold coins.
Minor Arcana and Aces
In the Minor Arcana, the deck deviates from some classic imagery. For example, the Two of Swords depicts a pair of heroes crossing blades, appearing to fight, rather than a single figure. The Aces, however, remain standard, showing only elemental symbols. The number of the Arcana corresponds to the number of inherent signs associated with it.
Interpretive Approaches
The Night Sun Tarot allows for flexibility in interpretation, accommodating both beginners and professionals. The images are designed to be interpreted in two languages: through symbols and through familiar plots. This dual approach helps bridge the gap between intuitive reading and structured esoteric study.
The Two Systems
- The Crowley System: Users can apply the key values associated with Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot. Given the deck’s inspiration from Crowley’s teachings, this system provides a deep layer of occult correspondence.
- The Waite System: Users can also rely on the traditional imagery and meanings associated with the Rider-Waite-Smith system. The deck’s structure supports this familiar framework.
For those seeking to deepen their practice, the study of astrology and Kabbalah is beneficial. These disciplines help in decoding the combinations of several cards and understanding the geometric and numerical matrix woven into the background of the cards.
The Nature of the Imagery
The Night Sun Tarot explores the concept of duality—the interplay of light and dark. The deck does not shy away from the "shadow" aspects of the psyche, embracing the concept that the world is multifaceted. The geometric figures and occult seals (such as the Star of David and Solomon's seals) reinforce the idea that the querent is engaging with a symbolic reality, a projection rather than a literal depiction of events.
The use of computer graphics and comic-book style drawing creates a futuristic yet primitive aesthetic. This visual language is intended to speak directly to the subconscious, bypassing the need for extensive prior knowledge while still offering layers of meaning for the advanced practitioner. The deck is described as a "third way," incorporating the best of opposing masters (Crowley and Waite) and adding Listrani’s personal vision to create a tool that is original and powerful.
Conclusion
The Night Sun Tarot by Fabio Listrani is a modern, powerful tool for divination that synthesizes the teachings of historical occult masters with a unique, contemporary artistic vision. It serves as a bridge between the conscious and unconscious realms, utilizing a symbolic shadow language to explore the depths of the inner self. While it draws heavily on the systems of Crowley and Waite, it stands as a distinct entity with its own visual and symbolic grammar. It is a deck suited for those who are willing to engage with the darker, more complex aspects of existence and are comfortable with a modern, graphic-novel aesthetic in their spiritual practice.