The Fountain Tarot represents a modern re-envisioning of traditional tarot, created as a collaborative project by artist Jonathan Saiz, author Jason Gruhl, and designer Andi Todaro. This 79-card deck distinguishes itself through a synthesis of classic symbolism, contemporary art, geometry, and spirituality. Unlike standard tarot decks, it includes an additional card known as "The Fountain," which symbolizes oneness, waking from the dream of separateness, and the end of seeking. The creators aimed to capture the joys and sorrows of life while celebrating the concept of "oneness."
The imagery of the deck is characterized by original oil paintings that manage to be both intense and diaphanous. The color palette and composition evoke a sense of mystery reminiscent of the original Rider-Waite deck, yet avoid New-Age kitsch. The art style is described as fluid, easy on the eyes, and capable of leaving room for personal and intuitive interpretation. This balance of simplicity and depth allows the deck to be accessible to beginners while offering layers of meaning for professional readers.
The deck is packaged in a high-quality hard cardboard box with a magnetic closure and holographic shimmer, designed by Andi Todaro. The cards themselves feature silvered edges, a departure from the more common gold edging, and die-cut rounded corners. The back design is noted as being as thoughtfully created as the card faces, avoiding the "afterthought" quality found in many other decks. The included guidebook, written by Jason Gruhl, is concise (104 to 112 pages) and serves as a starting point rather than a detailed encyclopedia of meanings. It provides upright and reversed interpretations for each card, along with a brief overview of the Major and Minor Arcana.
The Philosophy and Structure of the Deck
The Fountain Tarot is designed to elevate perceptions of oneself and one's place in the Universe. Jason Gruhl states that the deck "mixes classic symbolism with contemporary art, melding the past and present to express the divine." It is described as haunting yet beautiful, subtle yet powerful, with a quiet energy that encourages looking at the small details and aspects of life that are often overlooked.
Major Arcana and the Fountain Card
The Major Arcana is viewed by the creators as divided into three realms: the physical, the spiritual, and the ethereal. However, the guidebook does not elaborate extensively on this division. The most significant structural deviation from standard tarot is the inclusion of the 79th card, "The Fountain."
- Symbolism: The card is symbolized by the lemniscate (infinity sign).
- Meaning: It signifies "waking from the dream of separateness and identity," "oneness," and "the end of seeking." It goes beyond the mundane to offer insight regarding everyday situations, speaking of clarity, possibilities, and the wisdom that comes from quiet listening to the self.
- Usage: Unlike humorous extra cards found in some modern decks, this card is serious in tone and is considered a valid part of a reading if it appears.
Minor Arcana and Court Cards
The suits and court cards follow standard tarot associations. The Minor Arcana titles are spelled out in full across the bottom of the cards using a contemporary, upper-case font that is easy to read without overwhelming the artwork. The Major Arcana titles are printed at the top, with Roman numerals in different colors to distinguish them from the grey titles.
Interpretive Approach and Reading Style
The Fountain Tarot is noted for its straightforwardness and ease of understanding. The imagery is fluid, and the lack of heavy-handed symbolism allows for a high degree of personal interpretation. This quality makes it suitable for both personal use and professional readings.
The Guidebook
The accompanying guidebook is compact, designed to fit within the magnetic-closure box. While it lacks the extensive detail of larger reference works (such as the Medieval Scapini deck), it provides sufficient information to get started. Each entry includes: * The card title. * A two-word description (e.g., "Boundless Innocence" for The Fool). * A brief message. * Meanings for upright and reversed positions.
Practical Application
Users have found the deck extremely straightforward. The quiet energy of the deck brings attention to the "little things" in life, suggesting that deeper meaning often hides in plain sight. For example, in the Two of Cups, the imagery invites the viewer to look beyond the obvious connection between the figures and consider the significance of the objects and shapes within the composition.
Physical Attributes and Aesthetics
The physical construction of the deck is a highlight, reflecting a commitment to quality and user experience.
- Cards: 79 silver-gilded cards with original oil paintings by Jonathan Saiz.
- Edges: Silvered edges, providing a distinct visual and tactile feel compared to standard gold gilding.
- Corners: Die-cut rounded corners for ease of handling.
- Packaging: A holographic shimmer box with a magnetic strip clasp and a lifting ribbon, designed by Andi Todaro.
- Back Design: A symmetrical, well-thought-out design that maintains the integrity of reversals.
Conclusion
The Fountain Tarot serves as a bridge between the archetypal wisdom of traditional tarot and the aesthetic sensibilities of the modern world. It offers a tool for introspection and personal development that is both visually striking and intuitively accessible. By including the "Fountain" card, it introduces a specific focus on oneness and clarity, expanding the traditional framework to address contemporary spiritual inquiries. Its high-quality production and thoughtful design make it a valuable asset for tarot enthusiasts seeking a deck that balances artistic beauty with practical utility.