The Ink Witch Tarot is a unique and captivating deck of tarot cards that combines the traditional symbolism of tarot with the bold and intricate illustrations of artist Lingyun Zhang. Each card in this deck is a stunning work of art, with intricate details and vibrant colors that draw the eye and invite the viewer to explore. The Ink Witch Tarot takes its name from the medium used to create the illustrations - ink. Zhang's use of ink gives the images a sense of depth and movement, as if they are flowing and shifting before your eyes. The ink also adds an element of mystery and magic to the deck, as though the images have been conjured up from another realm. The imagery of the Ink Witch Tarot is both familiar and fantastical.
Maille does not shy away from challenging imagery, and that’s most prominent here in the suit of Swords. That Eight of Swords is so clever, though, isn’t it? It brilliantly conveys the sense of being stuck, restrained in place, but it’s illusory, and there is a way out, if you apply reason. It’s been a while since I’ve seen such ingenuity in interpreting the Swords suit as we see here in the Ink Witch Tarot.
By the way, check out Maille s online art portfolio, especially the page of his full-color bird illustrations , where each work is titled after a deity, like Icarus, Prometheus, Pandora, Medusa, Ariadne. Maille s Etsy shop describes his work as witchy and queer-friendly art, to which I d also add covers an eclectic range of cultural iconic references.
The imagery of the Ink Witch Tarot is both familiar and fantastical. The deck features traditional tarot symbols and archetypes, such as the High Priestess, the Magician, and the Fool, but reimagines them in a way that is fresh and contemporary. The characters in the deck are diverse and inclusive, representing a wide range of genders, ethnicities, and body types, reflecting the diversity of the modern world.
Ink witch taror
It's that time of the year when you might be looking to buy someone special a tarot deck or to treat yourself. So I wanted to review an independent deck that's still available and that hasn't been easy to find! However, thankfully the Wootique are still carrying this little gem. So here we have The Ink Witch Tarot. Just to be clear up front, this isn't a witchy deck. I don't know if the name refers to a nickname for the artist or not but although you'll find a cauldron, some magic wands and such like in this deck, you won't find anyone wearing a witches hat. It still has a magical quality though. And that comes in it's ability to enable you to become a storyteller extraordinaire.
This is a fully illustrated deck but it isn't an RWS clone. The art work is kind of hard to describe, it's not cartoony but it's not too grown-up either. Maybe a little bit fairytale but with some gentle reality thrown in. The colour palette for the deck stands out in its muted tones. It's all pale blues, browns, beiges, black and white and as such has quite a calm and together feel. It's not too sparse but there's lots of space to enable you to see what's going on.
The card stock is good quality, smooth playing card stock. So it's easy to overhand shuffle as well as to riffle and bridge. As you can see the images are borderless, with the exception of the footer at the bottom and the font is very easy to read. The traditional suits and titles have been retained with Strength at VIII and Justice at XI. For those of you who like absolute symmetry, do be aware that the footers are of different depths and shades.
The cards come in a standard tuck box without any guide book. There is a guide book available for purchase, I believe in the U.S. but if you're in the UK, you can download a PDF copy from the artists website www.ericmaille.com/downloads
I would recommend downloading it as there is some excellent information about why the artist chose to represent the images in a different way to the traditional decks.
There is diversity in age, sex and sexual orientation but not in skin-colour or culture. There are animals real and imagined. Its strength doesn't lie in its diversity. It's key point of interest is it's storytelling ability. It will transfer you to magical lands or just a slightly magical version of this land and spark your intuitive readings. While all the time blending nicely with your furniture, no doubt. Quite a remarkable little deck.
A while back I reviewed the book The Cards: The Evolution and Power of Tarot by Prof. Patrick Maille. Eric Maille is his son, an artist, and the creator of the Ink Witch Tarot. Maille is an Oklahoma-based artist and illustrator whose works explore “the irony that we as humans often feel poorly equipped to live out that experience, struggling against our environments, the people around us, and our own emotions” (per his artist statement). And you’re going to find that theme at the heart of these beautiful illustrations.
One of the standout features of the Ink Witch Tarot is its attention to detail. Each card is filled with tiny elements and hidden symbols that add layers of meaning to the reading. For example, the Fool card features a butterfly motif, symbolizing transformation and freedom, while the Devil card includes a snake wrapped around a rose, representing temptation and desire. These subtle details invite the reader to dive deeper into the cards and uncover their hidden messages. The guidebook that accompanies the Ink Witch Tarot is as beautifully designed as the cards themselves. It provides in-depth interpretations of each card, as well as suggestions for reading spreads and tips for connecting with the energy of the deck. Whether you are a seasoned tarot reader or a beginner, the guidebook offers valuable insights and guidance to help you navigate the rich symbolism of the Ink Witch Tarot. Overall, the Ink Witch Tarot is a truly enchanting deck that offers a fresh and contemporary take on the traditional tarot. Its stunning illustrations, attention to detail, and inclusive representation make it a valuable tool for anyone seeking guidance and inspiration. Whether you are an experienced tarot reader or just beginning your tarot journey, the Ink Witch Tarot is sure to captivate and inspire you..
Reviews for "Finding Clarity and Insight with Ink Witch Tarot: Navigating Life's Challenges"
1. Katherine - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Ink witch tarot". The artwork in the tarot deck was subpar and lacked creativity. The cards were poorly designed and the colors were dull and unattractive. Additionally, the interpretation of the cards in the guidebook was vague and didn't provide much insight. Overall, I found this tarot deck to be lacking in both artistic quality and depth of interpretation.
2. Daniel - 2 stars - "Ink witch tarot" left much to be desired for me. The illustrations were uninspiring and lacked the mystical allure that I look for in a tarot deck. The cards felt cheap and flimsy, which took away from the overall experience of using them. The guidebook didn't provide enough detailed explanations of the card meanings, leaving me feeling confused and disconnected from the tarot readings. Overall, I would not recommend this tarot deck to serious practitioners or anyone looking for a visually appealing and accurate tarot experience.
3. Emily - 1 star - I found "Ink witch tarot" to be a complete waste of money. The illustrations were amateurish and looked like they were drawn by a child. The cardstock used for the deck was not durable at all and started chipping after just a few uses. The guidebook was poorly written and didn't provide any helpful interpretations. I regret buying this tarot deck and would strongly advise against purchasing it.
4. Mark - 2 stars - As an avid tarot enthusiast, I was highly disappointed with "Ink witch tarot". The artwork lacked depth and complexity, making it difficult to connect with the cards and fully engage with the readings. The guidebook was also lacking in explanation and often left me wanting more insight into the meaning behind the cards. I would recommend looking for a different tarot deck with more artistic value and a better accompanying guidebook.