The Fountain Tarot represents a contemporary re-envisioning of traditional tarot, integrating elements of geometry, art, and spirituality into a cohesive 79-card deck. Created by Jason Gruhl and artist Jonathan Saiz, this deck aims to elevate perceptions of the self and one's place in the universe by blending classic symbolism with modern aesthetics. Unlike traditional decks that strictly adhere to established systems, The Fountain Tarot serves as a synthesis of the approaches found in the Rider-Waite tradition and the mystical teachings of Aleister Crowley, offering a "golden mean" between these two schools of thought. The deck’s primary objective is to celebrate the concept of 'oneness' and to capture the full spectrum of human experience, from joy to sorrow, through original oil paintings that possess a unique depth and intensity.
Central to The Fountain Tarot is the inclusion of an additional, unnumbered card known as "The Fountain." Symbolized by the lemniscate (the infinity sign), this card represents a space beyond human experience where anything can happen, signifying "waking from the dream of separateness," "oneness," and "the end of seeking." While many modern decks include a 79th card for humorous effect, The Fountain card maintains the serious tone of the deck and is intended as a valid component of readings. The deck adheres to standard suits—Wands, Cups, Swords, and Coins (replacing Pentacles)—and court cards, with the exception of swapped Justice and Strength numbering (Justice as VIII and Strength as XI).
The artwork, characterized by smooth lines, the golden ratio, and a balance of intense and diaphanous colors, evokes a sense of mystery similar to Pamela Colman Smith’s original Rider-Waite illustrations while avoiding New-Age kitsch. The physical presentation of the deck is of high quality, featuring silver-edged cards and a magnetic closure hard box designed by Andi Todaro. Accompanying the deck is a book of interpretations by Jason Gruhl, which provides a starting point for understanding the cards, including upright and reversed meanings, numerological associations, and symbolic insights. This guide encourages users to look beyond the obvious imagery to find deeper meaning in the subtle details, facilitating a journey of personal development and intuitive connection.
Understanding the Fountain Tarot Deck Structure and Design
The Fountain Tarot is a 79-card deck that expands upon the standard 78-card structure of traditional tarot. The creators, Jason Gruhl and Jonathan Saiz, designed the deck as a synthesis of the Rider-Waite and Aleister Crowley traditions, aiming to provide a balanced tool for personal development. The deck is physically distinct, measuring 7 x 12 cm, with flexible cardstock and silver gilding on the edges that does not impede shuffling. The low-sheen finish reduces glare, and a canvas texture is visible on the cards. The design utilizes a contemporary, uppercase font that complements the artwork without overwhelming it.
The Major Arcana titles are printed at the top of the cards in grey, with Roman numerals in a contrasting color. The Minor Arcana titles are spelled out fully at the bottom of the cards. The borders are subtle, featuring an inner border within a white outer edge that enhances the visual appeal. The back of the deck features a well-designed pattern that is considered an integral part of the deck's aesthetic, rather than an afterthought.
The Fountain Card
The defining feature of this deck is the inclusion of "The Fountain" card. This card lacks a traditional number and instead features the lemniscate symbol. It represents the primordial energy of chaos and the true source of everything. In readings, it is intended to offer insight regarding everyday situations and challenges, speaking of clarity, possibilities, and the wisdom derived from quiet introspection. It is viewed as a space "beyond human experience in which anything and everything can happen."
Suit and Numerological Structure
The Fountain Tarot maintains the standard structure for the Minor Arcana, divided into four suits: * Wands: Associated with the element of Fire, representing action, creativity, and energy. * Cups: Associated with the element of Water, representing emotions, relationships, and intuition. * Swords: Associated with the element of Air, representing intellect, conflict, and clarity. * Coins: Representing the element of Earth, this suit replaces the traditional Pentacles, focusing on material aspects, finances, and stability.
The court cards remain the standard Pages, Knights, Queens, and Kings. The deck also incorporates numerological associations for the numbered cards, as detailed in the accompanying guidebook.
Interpreting the Cards: Symbolism and Meaning
The accompanying guidebook, written by Jason Gruhl, provides interpretations for all cards in both upright and reversed positions. The approach emphasizes the combination of classic symbolism with contemporary art to express the divine. The guide encourages readers to look for subtle details within the imagery—such as repeated shapes or colorings—as these often hold deeper meaning.
Major Arcana Themes
The Major Arcana in The Fountain Tarot is viewed through the lens of three distinct realms: the physical, the spiritual, and the ethereal. * The Fool (0): Described as "Boundless Innocence," this card represents the start of a journey or a willingness to embrace the unknown. * The Fountain (Unnumbered): Represents the state of oneness and the dissolution of the ego. It signifies the end of seeking and waking from the dream of separateness.
Minor Arcana and Court Cards
The Minor Arcana provides insight into daily life and specific challenges. * Two of Cups: Often interpreted as a card of partnership and connection. In The Fountain Tarot, the imagery may prompt the reader to consider what aspects of the connection are being focused upon and what might be overlooked. * Coins (Pentacles): These cards focus on the material world and earthly concerns, utilizing the imagery of coins to represent wealth and stability.
The deck follows the standard meanings found in the Rider-Waite system, making it accessible to those familiar with traditional tarot, while offering a fresh perspective through its unique artistic style.
The Artistic Vision and Physical Presentation
Jonathan Saiz’s oil paintings form the visual core of The Fountain Tarot. The artwork is characterized by a color palette that is both intense and diaphanous, creating a sense of mystery and depth. The creators studied many different decks from various periods before finalizing the designs, resulting in images that are simple in composition but rich in meaning.
Design Philosophy
The deck is described as permeated by the primordial energy of chaos, developing into an order that reflects the beauty of geometry and forms. This connection to geometry and the golden ratio is a key theme, distinguishing it from other decks. The atmosphere is haunting yet beautiful, subtle yet powerful, designed to encourage personal development by focusing on the small details of life.
Packaging and Presentation
The physical presentation of the deck is a significant aspect of the user experience. * Box: A hard cardboard box with a magnetic closure, designed by Andi Todaro to convey airiness and sublimity. It features holographic elements on the gray tones. * Edges: The cards feature silver gilding (silvered edges), which is an unusual touch compared to the more common gold edging. * Book: A 104-page (or 112-page, depending on the specific edition) guidebook fits neatly into the box. While compact, it provides essential meanings, spreads, and introductions to the Major and Minor Arcana. It emphasizes numerology, symbolism, and the geometry of the images.
Integrating The Fountain Tarot into Holistic Practices
The Fountain Tarot is designed as a tool for personal insight and can be integrated into various holistic practices. Its focus on "oneness" and the synthesis of different mystical traditions makes it suitable for those seeking a deeper connection to their intuition and the universe.
Personal Development
The deck encourages a shift in perspective, moving away from the need for "bold and drastic changes" and instead highlighting the significance of the "little things in life." The quiet energy of the deck prompts users to examine the small details and overlooked aspects of their situations, where deeper meaning often resides. This approach aligns with holistic strategies that prioritize mindfulness and subtle energy work.
Intuitive Reading
Jonathan Saiz leaves significant room for personal and intuitive interpretation. The imagery is described as fluid and easy on the eyes, allowing readers to connect with the cards on a personal level. The deck is considered straightforward and easy to understand, making it a viable option for beginners as well as professional readers. The inclusion of The Fountain card adds a layer of openness, as its meaning is fluid and subject to personal insight.
Synthesis of Traditions
By blending the approaches of Arthur Waite and Aleister Crowley, The Fountain Tarot offers a balanced system that respects traditional symbolism while embracing modern artistic expression. This synthesis allows practitioners to draw upon a broader range of interpretive tools, combining the structured symbolism of Rider-Waite with the energetic focus of the Thoth tradition (associated with Crowley).
Conclusion
The Fountain Tarot stands as a unique contribution to the world of divination, offering a 79-card system that honors traditional tarot structures while introducing a distinct artistic and philosophical vision. Through the oil paintings of Jonathan Saiz and the interpretive framework provided by Jason Gruhl, the deck serves as a bridge between the past and present, the mundane and the divine. Its central theme of "oneness" and the inclusion of the unnumbered Fountain card encourage users to look beyond the surface of their experiences and find clarity in the quiet details of life.
The high-quality physical presentation, including the silver-edged cards and magnetic closure box, enhances the tactile and visual experience of reading. Whether used for personal introspection or professional guidance, The Fountain Tarot provides a versatile tool for exploring the complexities of the human condition. It invites users to engage with the mysteries of the universe through a lens of geometric beauty and spiritual synthesis, fostering a deeper connection to the self and the infinite possibilities that exist beyond the veil of separateness.