The Night Sun Tarot, created by Italian illustrator Fabio Listrani and first released in 2014, represents a distinct synthesis of metaphysical traditions within the realm of divination. It is described as transporting the user to a mystic realm of deepest shadow and incandescent enlightenment. The deck is characterized as a potent multicultural brew, combining diverse metaphysical systems into a unique and powerful tool. Unlike traditional decks that may adhere strictly to one lineage, the Night Sun Tarot integrates elements from both the Crowley and Waite systems, creating a third, original path for practitioners.
The visual language of the deck is striking and specific. Listrani’s work is noted for its edgy, intensely magical scenes that evoke the aesthetic of graphic novels. The imagery draws heavily on the work of Aleister Crowley as well as the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) tradition, yet it is not a mere copy. Instead, it offers a "dark incarnation" of familiar archetypes. The deck utilizes acid colors and fractal images that can immerse the questioner in a state of trance, suggesting a tool designed not just for intellectual interpretation but for deep subconscious engagement.
The creator’s background influences the deck's thematic focus. Listrani is also known for works such as Santa Muerte and Goetia, indicating a comfort with subjects often associated with the "dark side" and the depths of the subconscious. The name "Night Sun" itself alludes to the Moon and the unconscious. However, the source material explicitly warns against labeling the deck as purely dark. It emphasizes the dual nature of existence, stating that "everything in this world is very dual, there is nothing one-sided." Consequently, the deck is presented as a tool that can be utilized by both light and shadow practitioners, provided they understand the underlying mechanics of the symbols.
Symbolism and Visual Language
The Night Sun Tarot is dense with occult symbols, making it a complex tool for those interested in esoteric studies. The imagery is not merely decorative; every element carries specific correspondences. The Major Arcana, in particular, are rich with elemental, astrological, planetary, and Cabalistic symbols. Geometric figures frequently appear in the backgrounds, such as the Star of David, the cube, and the seals of Solomon. These geometric forms act as a "matrix," reinforcing the idea that the cards represent a projection of reality rather than reality itself.
The characters depicted on the cards are diverse, resembling representatives of various civilizations and mythologies, ranging from the Maya to the Pyros and Hydros found in Serge Brussolo’s literature. The deck also incorporates a variety of flora and fauna, which provide hidden meanings to the fortuneteller. Angels and demons appear as well, such as the angel on the Page of Cups and the demon on the Devil card. This eclectic mix of imagery suggests a universal language of symbols that transcends specific cultural boundaries.
The fractal images deserve specific attention. They are designed to facilitate a trance state, allowing the user to bypass the conscious mind and access deeper intuition. This feature aligns with the deck's focus on magic and the unknown. The use of bright accents on specific elements within the cards helps to guide the eye and emphasize important thematic points within the complex visual field.
The Synthesis of Waite and Crowley Systems
One of the defining features of the Night Sun Tarot is its ability to bridge two major schools of Tarot thought: the Waite (Rider-Waite-Smith) tradition and the Crowley (Thoth) tradition. The author, Fabio Listrani, took the Tarot of Thoth by Aleister Crowley as a basis but did not limit the deck to that system alone. Instead, the deck incorporates "only the best" from both opposing masters, adding Listrani’s own vision to create something unique.
This synthesis is evident in the structure and interpretation of the cards. The deck contains the standard 78 Arcana: 22 Major and 56 Minor. In terms of structure, the Minor Arcana maintains a classic court group consisting of Pages, Knights, Queens, and Kings. This contrasts with the Thoth deck, which uses different court titles (Princess, Prince, Queen, Knight), indicating a closer alignment to the Waite structure in this specific area.
However, the Major Arcana follows the English school’s ordering, specifically placing Strength at number 11 and Justice at number 8. The archetypes of the Major Arcana are described as being very similar to the Waite deck, but presented in a dark incarnation. For example, the Fool card in the Night Sun Tarot depicts a hero with a face covered by a wooden mask with horns, and his body is adorned with a white armband featuring the eight-pointed Star of Chaos. The traditional dog is replaced by a dangerous Doberman, suggesting a more perilous journey than the innocent wanderer of the RWS. Similarly, the High Priestess is portrayed as a nun from a horror movie, with dark clothes, pallor, and a book of magical seals, evoking a frightening but powerful effect.
The Minor Arcana is also described as a synthesis of Waite and Crowley. While specific card meanings are not detailed in the source data, the visual style implies that the scenes retain some narrative elements of the RWS but are filtered through the chaotic, magical lens of the Thoth tradition.
Practical Application and User Suitability
The Night Sun Tarot is characterized as a tool that is "not for the lazy or the faint of heart." It is explicitly recommended for courageous intermediate to advanced Tarotistes and serious occultists. The deck appeals to individuals who are closely associated with witchcraft and who study esotericism. This includes practices such as access to the astral plane, Reiki, and other forms of energy work. The bewitching aura of the cards is designed to facilitate these deeper connections.
The deck is also particularly relevant for those interested in the teachings of Thelema by Aleister Crowley. Because the cards are a processing of the Thoth Arcana in a more accessible visual format, they serve as an entry point to Crowley’s complex system without requiring the user to navigate the dense symbolism of the original Thoth deck immediately.
Despite the "dark" imagery, the source material suggests that the deck is understandable to both beginners and professionals. The images are interpreted in two ways: through symbols and through familiar plots. This dual interpretive method allows a practitioner to choose their approach. One method relies on Crowley’s key values, while the other relies on Waite’s. The choice depends on the system the practitioner has studied. This flexibility makes the deck adaptable to different backgrounds.
Interpretive Approaches
- Crowley-Based Interpretation: Utilizes the specific correspondences of Hebrew letters, astrology, and Kabbalah indicated on the Arcana.
- Waite-Based Interpretation: Relies on the narrative structure and archetypal symbolism similar to the RWS tradition.
The App and Digital Experience
The Night Sun Tarot is available as a digital application, providing a modern interface for the ancient practice of divination. The app is designed to be intuitive and elegant, suitable for both beginners and experts. It features gorgeous full-screen, high-resolution card images and full support for current iOS devices.
Key features of the application include: * Sophisticated Journal: Allows users to record readings and track patterns. * Spreads: Includes 19 built-in spreads and a "Free Form" option to design custom layouts. * Customization: Users can allow or disallow reversed cards, use Major Arcana only, and customize card meanings and reading cloths. * Accessibility: The interface is available in English and Spanish, while card meanings are available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German. * User Experience Tools: Includes zoom functionality, animated shuffle and cut, optional voice prompts, and the ability to share readings via email, Facebook, and Twitter.
The app includes an introduction and brief card meanings, making it accessible for those new to the deck, though the deck itself is noted as challenging. User feedback suggests that the app is generally excellent but notes a specific desire for the "Pick a Card" function to remain static once selected for the day, rather than changing every time it is tapped.
The Concept of the "Night Sun" and Duality
The philosophical underpinning of the Night Sun Tarot is the interplay between light and shadow. The deck explores the "abyss of ideas" and the infernal world, but it does so to illuminate the depths of the subconscious. The source material posits that the deck is not purely dark; rather, it is a tool for defense and understanding. By revealing "curses, love spells, and weaknesses," the cards allow the user to learn how to defend themselves against negative magical programs.
This approach aligns with the concept of the "Night Sun" as an antipode to the "Tarot of Light." However, both are united by rich symbolism and unusual drawing. The deck invites the user to look beyond the surface reality—the projection—and understand the matrix of symbols that governs existence. Whether one views the deck as dark or light is a choice, but the underlying reality is dual.
Summary of Symbolic Elements
| Element Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Visual Style | Graphic novel aesthetic, acid colors, fractal images. |
| Major Arcana | Waite archetypes in dark incarnation (e.g., Horned Fool, Horror Nun High Priestess). |
| Symbolic Motifs | Star of David, cubes, seals of Solomon, eight-pointed Star of Chaos. |
| Entities | Angels (Page of Cups), Demons (Devil), Maya, Pyros, Hydros. |
| Correspondences | Hebrew alphabet, astrological, Kabbalistic, planetary. |
| Structure | 78 cards, Strength at 11, Classic Court (Pages, Knights, Queens, Kings). |
Conclusion
The Night Sun Tarot by Fabio Listrani stands as a unique contribution to the field of divination, offering a sophisticated blend of the Waite and Crowley traditions. It is a tool of duality, designed to explore the depths of the subconscious through the lens of dark, magical imagery and fractal symbolism. While visually intense and described as challenging, it provides a structured system for intermediate to advanced practitioners, as well as those seeking a visual gateway into the teachings of Thelema and occult symbolism. Its availability as a feature-rich digital application further enhances its accessibility, allowing for detailed journaling and customizable spreads. Ultimately, the deck serves as a projection of a complex matrix of esoteric knowledge, inviting the user to engage with both the shadow and the light to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the self and the unseen forces of the universe.