The Fountain Tarot is a contemporary 79-card deck that reinterprets traditional tarot through the lens of modern art, geometry, and spirituality. Created by Jason Gruhl and artist Jonathan Saiz, the deck emerged from a successful Kickstarter project and is designed to celebrate the concept of 'oneness' and the full spectrum of human experience. Unlike many traditional decks that may feel archaic or overly esoteric, The Fountain Tarot aims to elevate perceptions of the self and one's place in the universe by blending classic symbolism with a fresh, contemporary aesthetic. The creators intended to capture the joys and sorrows of life, encouraging users to look beyond the surface and find deeper meaning in the subtle details of their existence. The deck’s atmosphere has been noted to evoke the sense of mystery found in the original Rider-Waite deck while successfully avoiding the pitfalls of New-Age kitsch.
Visually, the deck is characterized by Jonathan Saiz's original oil paintings. These images possess a depth that belies their apparent simplicity, utilizing a color palette that is described as both intense and diaphanous. The artwork invites intuitive interpretation, leaving ample room for the reader to connect with the cards on a personal level. The physical quality of the deck is high, featuring silvered edges rather than the more common gold, and a hard cardboard box with a magnetic closure designed by Andi Todaro. The card backs are also thoughtfully designed, a feature often overlooked in other decks. The deck uses standard suits and court cards, with the Major Arcana titles printed in a contemporary, easy-to-read font that does not overwhelm the artwork.
The Fountain Card: A Unique Addition to the Arcana
The most significant deviation from standard tarot structures in The Fountain Tarot is the inclusion of a 79th card: The Fountain. This card is symbolized by the lemniscate (the infinity sign) rather than a traditional number. The creators and reviewers describe this card as representing the space "beyond human experience in which anything and everything can happen." It is a serious card, distinct from humorous extra cards sometimes found in modern decks, and is intended to be a valid part of any reading.
The meaning of The Fountain card is described as going beyond the mundane to offer insight regarding everyday situations and challenges. It speaks of clarity, possibilities, and the wisdom that arises from quiet listening to the self. Jason Gruhl writes that it signifies "waking from the dream of separateness and identity," representing "oneness" and "the end of seeking." While some readers may choose to omit this extra card, many find its inclusion wise and meaningful, appreciating the open-ended nature of its interpretation.
Symbolism and Meaning: The Fountain as The Empress
In the context of the Two Worlds Tarot system, which influenced The Fountain Tarot, this card serves as the counterpart to The Empress (Major Arcana III in the Waite-Smith tarot). The imagery and meaning are deeply tied to themes of abundance, earthly fecundity, physical health, and nurturing. It is a symbol of actions in harmony with the benevolent and beautiful side of nature.
The Fountain represents the material aspects of life: abundance, fertility, and natural beauty. It suggests a state where one is aware of the world's beauty and seeks to share that beauty with others. Providing a home, nourishment, and a nurturing environment for children or others is the paragon of what this card represents. The addition of a fountain to one's dwelling is seen as a display of wealth and a love for natural beauty, specifically the element of flowing water.
Emotionally, The Fountain signifies tender, nurturing connections. In relationships, it represents a dynamic where individuals feel cared for and supported, allowing them to grow in ability and appreciation from the emotional foundation provided. The keywords associated with this card highlight its dual nature: Nurturing vs. Neglect, Prosperity vs. Poverty, Natural Beauty vs. Crudity, Satisfaction vs. Debilitation.
Reversed Meaning of The Fountain
When The Fountain appears reversed in a reading, the meaning shifts to indicate a lack of material wealth or an absence of worldly beauty that may otherwise be actualized through wealth. It can signify a lack of a nurturing presence, pointing toward poverty or emotional neglect. The reversed position may also suggest that even if one possesses wealth, beauty, or emotional support, complications such as illness prevent the enjoyment of these resources. With the blocked or absent energy of The Fountain, making strides in the world becomes more difficult due to fewer personal and physical resources to draw upon.
Reading with The Fountain Tarot
The Fountain Tarot is designed to be accessible to both beginners and experienced readers. The deck is described as straightforward and easy to understand, with fluid imagery that is easy on the eyes. While the guidebook included with the deck is compact and serves as a starting point rather than a detailed encyclopedia, the deck is intuitive enough that those familiar with standard Rider-Waite meanings should have no trouble adapting to it.
The deck encourages a shift in perspective. Rather than always looking for bold, drastic changes, The Fountain Tarot highlights the significance of the "little things" in life. It prompts the reader to observe the small details and the aspects of a situation that may initially be overlooked. It is in these subtle elements that deeper meaning often hides in plain sight. For example, in the Two of Cups, a reader might look at the curve at the bottom of the card as both a portal and a cup, or notice how the figures are focused on a specific cup, inviting questions about what is being prioritized or ignored.
Physical Attributes and Deck Construction
The physical quality of The Fountain Tarot contributes to the reading experience. The cards measure 7 x 12cm and feature flexible cardstock with a low sheen finish, which prevents glare on the darker cards. The silver gilding on the edges does not impair shuffling or handling. The canvas texture of the artwork is visible, adding to the tactile quality of the deck. The font used is a contemporary, uppercase style that is easy to read without overwhelming the artwork. Major Arcana titles are printed at the top of the card, and the deck follows the standard structure of Pages, Knights, Queens, and Kings for the court cards. The suits are standard, though Pentacles are referred to as Coins.
Holistic Integration and Personal Development
The Fountain Tarot is positioned as a tool for personal development. The "quiet energy" of the deck is said to bring the sentiment that the small details of life often hold the greatest meaning. It encourages a balanced approach to self-perception and one's place in the universe. By melding the past (classic symbolism) with the present (contemporary art), the deck expresses the divine in a way that is relevant to modern life.
For those interested in holistic energy and spiritual well-being, The Fountain Tarot offers a way to explore the self through art and intuition. The deck's focus on 'oneness' aligns with spiritual practices that seek to dissolve the illusion of separateness. The inclusion of The Fountain card specifically supports a meditative approach to readings, inviting the reader to access clarity and wisdom from within.
The Role of the Guidebook
The guidebook by Jason Gruhl is designed to fit within the deck's box, making it a portable reference. While it is not an exhaustive volume, it provides the necessary context to understand the deck's unique perspective. For deeper study, the creators' website is referenced as a source of additional information. The guidebook acts as a bridge between the traditional meanings of tarot and the specific nuances of The Fountain Tarot, particularly regarding the unique Fountain card.
Critical Evaluation of Source Material
The information regarding The Fountain Tarot is derived from reviews and descriptions found on established tarot community websites and the deck's official promotional materials. These sources are reliable for understanding the deck's design philosophy, physical attributes, and intended use. However, as with all tarot interpretations, the meanings are subjective and open to the reader's intuition. The source material does not provide specific historical context regarding the creators' backgrounds beyond their roles in the project, nor does it offer comparative analysis with other specific modern decks. The claims of the deck's effectiveness for personal development are based on the creators' intent and user testimonials found in the source data, which should be viewed as anecdotal rather than empirical.
Comparison to Traditional Decks
The Fountain Tarot is explicitly compared to the Rider-Waite, Robin Wood Tarot, The Steampunk Tarot, Aquarian Tarot, and Visconti-Sforza. It adheres to these traditions with specific exceptions: Pentacles are renamed Coins, and the order of Justice (VIII) and Strength (XI) is reversed compared to the standard Waite-Smith ordering. This structure allows readers familiar with traditional decks to transition easily while enjoying a fresh visual perspective.
Conclusion
The Fountain Tarot stands out as a modern, high-quality deck that respects tarot traditions while introducing a unique card focused on abundance and the dissolution of separateness. Its artistic depth, high production value, and emphasis on intuitive interpretation make it a valuable tool for personal growth and spiritual exploration. Whether used by beginners seeking an accessible entry point or by experienced readers looking for a fresh perspective, The Fountain Tarot offers a way to explore the nuances of life's joys and sorrows through the lens of contemporary art and timeless symbolism. Its unique 79th card, The Fountain, adds a layer of depth regarding material and emotional abundance, encouraging users to nurture their surroundings and relationships to foster growth and satisfaction.