new deck - The Stygian Darkness Tarot

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 09 Jun 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

archeon	09 Jun 2004
Hello! I've just recently become aware of this community, through a wonderful e-mail invitation by a current member, and thought I'd drop in and reveal what I have been working on. The deck is called the Stygian Darkness Tarot, and the official home page of the project can be found at http://www.stygiandarkness.com/tarot/index.html The deck has already been sold to US Games Systems Inc, and is set for publication in 2005. Currently I'm working on finishing up the accompanying book, and hope to have it finished by the end of Summer. All of the cards are visible through the website, as well as a few other odds and ends. Stop by and take a look if you're interested... Thanks for your time, -Timothy Lantz, aka archeon

contrascarpe	09 Jun 2004
Timothy - Someone posted the links to your deck yesterday and there is already a buzz here in anticipation of it. Frankly, I see this as my next must have deck. It is beautiful! Waiting anxiously for 2005! Dan

Moonbow*	09 Jun 2004
I agree, it's a must have for me too. Fabulous deck, I'm trying to mention a few cards that I particularly like but it's just too difficult. This is on my want/must have/will have list :D

morandia	09 Jun 2004
hehe... /waves from "bridesmaid" on DA... I posted your link already!!!!

archeon	09 Jun 2004
Quote: Originally posted by morandia hehe... /waves from "bridesmaid" on DA... I posted your link already!!!! Hello! thanks for the positive PR!

archeon	09 Jun 2004
Quote: Originally posted by contrascarpe96 Timothy - Someone posted the links to your deck yesterday and there is already a buzz here in anticipation of it. Frankly, I see this as my next must have deck. It is beautiful! Waiting anxiously for 2005! Dan Thanks! I really appreciate the positive feedback. Its certainly a thrill knowing that something that you've spent so much time and effort on is finding an audience. -Tim

Major Tom	09 Jun 2004
Welcome to the community Timothy. :) As your post is more in the way of an announcement of impending publication than a discussion on the creation process, I've moved it to the Tarot Decks board where it will receive a wider audience. ;) Meanwhile, I look forward to sharing with you and learning from you. Enjoy.

Dakota	09 Jun 2004
My goodness, that is a STUNNING deck!!! I was completely knocked over by the 9 of cups and all of the Aces.... (I am an Ace fan, what can I say??) :D

alizarin	09 Jun 2004
Oh my, I think I'm in love. This deck is phenomenal. Is it 2005 yet?

WooMonkey	09 Jun 2004
What a stunning, high-impact deck! I especially love the Empress card. Is there any way it can come out earlier in 2005? :)

Kahlie	09 Jun 2004
It's absolutely stunning and I love it! =) Good thing it comes out in 2005 which means I have a job by that time and I can afford it :D I am going to send the link to some more people who will probably love this deck. Kahlie

le pendu	09 Jun 2004
Mindbogglingly beautiful! So creative, so iconographic, so subconscious and evocative! I love it. congratulations!! robert

13thFaeChylde	09 Jun 2004
Oh, yes...evocative was the word I used yesterday in describing it. It is simply a gorgeous deck...I have a crush on the Empress already. WHEN in 2005 will it be released? January 1st, perhaps? Then the wait is less than 6 months :)

Tarot Sparrow	09 Jun 2004
Congratulations archeon on a beautiful deck :D You have another anxious buyer.

HudsonGray	09 Jun 2004
That price tag of 'about $16' is going to make it REALLY affordable!

TallTarotGuy	10 Jun 2004
I just had to add my opinion...I am in LOVE with this deck. I cannot wait until next year when it's released. I myself have a difficult time picking a favorite card, they're all so stunning. I think it's going to be one of my favorites. SIGH...2005...such a long way off. TTG

lunakasha	10 Jun 2004
Another HUGE fan here!!! :D This deck is amazing....I am completely smitten!!! }) And yes....I am now *officially* on the subscribers' list!!!! YAY :P Thanks Tim for posting the link...I am eagerly awaiting the 2005 release of this deck...to say the least! :eek: :D Luna

Summerdream	10 Jun 2004
WOW!!!!! I am speechless. That is such a beautiful deck. I want it NOW!!!!

smokey	10 Jun 2004
My very next "MUST-HAVE"!!! Your work is absolutely stunning! Welcome aboard!

tao51	10 Jun 2004
I am really impressed by the mystical art. They are stunning cards. I especially find the Moon card impelling. I have written this deck down on my "must have" list. The descriptive text is inviting. I can't wait to shuffle and spread it! Please continue to post progress.--Tao

SilverWing	10 Jun 2004
I can't wait for 2005. These are awesome. There are several that really jumped out at me. Just love them.

Zoe Kate	10 Jun 2004
gasp drool sigh I MUST HAVE THIS!!! if i were to make my own deck it would look very, very similar to this. i absolutely, most definitely MUST own this deck at the earliest possible time!! eek! SOOOO gorgeous. Listen to me... I'm practically foaming at the mouth here. *blush* :D

Kiama	10 Jun 2004
I must admit that when I first went to the link I didn't much like what I saw. My first thoughts were that it was another gothic, dark art deck that wouldn't be useful for reading with at all. But then I took a closer look at the cards, and realize I spoke much too soon... I am strangely enamoured with this deck, even though it's not usually the style that I like. It is so simple (not overly cluttered) yet seems to be full of depth and meaning at the same time. And it's not as dark as I originally thought at all... In fact, the conversation (aka. rant) to my boyfriend as I entered the webpage went something like this... "I know of so many wonderful Tarot decks that are still looking for publishers, and USGames publish this? What is the world coming t- *Pause as I look at the Fool* - Roll on 2005, put me in for a pre-order at Tarot Garden, and make space in the Tarot collection! I WANT THIS DECK!" Once again I am taught the value of not judging a book by its cover. Well done, Timothy, for creating a wonderful deck. Blessings, Kiama

archeon	10 Jun 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Kiama My first thoughts were that it was another gothic, dark art deck that wouldn't be useful for reading with at all. Happy to see that a closer look changed your mind! I don't really consider myself or my work as part of the "gothic horror or dark art" tradition... I think the best interpretation I've seen so far is that my work has a sort of "beautiful melancholy" about it. -Tim

archeon	10 Jun 2004
everyone has been saying such wonderful things about the deck here in this thread, I just wanted to take a minute to thank everyone for all of the kind words! Your show of support has been amazing, and I truly appreciate it. Thanks! -Tim

seneris	11 Jun 2004
Hey Tim, and I'm going to add just another enthusiastic response to the ever-growing list: your deck is beautiful!!!!! WOW! I like the tone, and the colours.

punchinella	11 Jun 2004
This is some beautiful artwork Archeon, thanks for the link :)

Frequency	11 Jun 2004
I adore your deck. I absolutely adore it. I've been disapointed with tarot decks that I owned. They're all very nice but they have much to be desired. I dont think the minors of the Thoth have enough detail in them, and although most of the minors for the Haindl show a lot of meaning in them the stones in particular do not offer much. The Ohso Zen is very beautiful but as someone who identifies as a Satanist cards in the deck like the Ace of Swords irk me. I also don't like using it for readings with people because I don't feel it is traditional enough and it doesn't have the mystery and intrigue of a deck like the Haindl. I'm extremely excited to purchase your deck when it is released. Myself, I'm thinking up a tarot of my own using photography but I haven't finalized what I want to do yet.

punchinella	11 Jun 2004
This is a deck that will warrant its own study group. Upon first impression, I find the difference between 'warm-color' & 'cool-color' cards provocative. Archaon, what kind of system did you use to determine your minors (I mean, who were you influenced by, do you consider majors to impact on or express through suit cards of the same number, etc.--??) [Edited to add: maybe I should read the site through before asking such questions :| )

HudsonGray	11 Jun 2004
I like the fact the Knights don't have horses in them, yet there is a horse in the deck elsewhere. The swathes of color are vivid, rich (not dull!) and add to the overall images. The Kings may be a tad young on some of them, but since they're mature, that's ok. You're going to have good sales on this deck. Folks, didn't Mandragora have one under construction that was sort of similar? I have to search the archives & see, maybe pop the thread up again for comparison.

lunakasha	23 Jun 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Zoe Kate I MUST HAVE THIS!!! if i were to make my own deck it would look very, very similar to this. i absolutely, most definitely MUST own this deck at the earliest possible time!! eek! SOOOO gorgeous. Listen to me... I'm practically foaming at the mouth here. *blush* :D Are we there yet??? Huh???? Are we??? :D :P :D Is it 2005 yet???? Any idea on when in 2005???? THANKS!!! :D Luna

archeon	25 Jun 2004
Quote: Originally posted by tao51 this thread is still valuable. This is next year's bright star!--Tao Ha! Thanks for the praise... -Tim

WolfSpirit	30 Jun 2004
That Moon card is just soooo beautiful ! And being an animal lover, I like what you did with Temperance, having the lamb and the tiger there. I really love how the cards look, but it looks like it will be a very readable deck as well. And by 2005, I should be ready to explore a new deck :D

archeon	01 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by WolfSpirit That Moon card is just soooo beautiful ! And being an animal lover, I like what you did with Temperance, having the lamb and the tiger there. I really love how the cards look, but it looks like it will be a very readable deck as well. And by 2005, I should be ready to explore a new deck :D Thanks! and again thanks to everyone who has taken the time to view the deck and give me feedback... it really has me excited for the release knowing so many folks are looking forward to making use of the deck. -Tim

weetabix	01 Jul 2004
The artwork for this deck reminds me of the artwork I've seen in the very best comic books, really luminous, dramatic stuff, far more evocative than the usual *BIFF!* *POW!* sort of thing you see the eleven months out of the year that the book is drawn by the usual assortment of charlatans. The year has seemed to pass so quickly but suddenly 2005 seems as far away as flying cars.

lunakasha	02 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by tao51 That the tarotholics can wait that long to own this fantastic deck!--Tao Well....only because we have no choice but to wait, LOL!!! :D If only it could get pushed ahead to, say.....December 2004???? Wishful thinking I'm afraid....*sigh* :) Luna

TaranRavenfrost	04 Jul 2004
OMG, This deck is truly beautiful! When this come out, it will be my main deck. I have some questions, and I would be more then happy to have them awnsered ;) What will the size of the cards be? How thick will the cardstock be? What deck did you draw symbolism from?(Rider, Thoth?) Thank you ahead of time!

oceanpoetry	08 Jul 2004
this deck has such richness and aliveness! this is an incredible deck -wow! thanks for posting the link! how long do we have to wait?! -archeon, do you know when exactly it might be released in 2005?

archeon	09 Jul 2004
the card size will be 2 3/4 inches by 4 3/4 inches which seemed to be a standard when I began my research... The Rider deck was probably more influential than the Toth as far as symbolism but there is a good deal of my own thrown in the mix where I either had strong ideas for a particular card or just plain disagreed with the traditional symbolism. Can't offer any info on the cardstock, but I would assume whatever standard US Games typically uses... Also don't have any idea of the final publication date yet other than the very broad "2005" Thanks for your interest!

archeon	15 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by tao51 Well, let us hope that it will be early 2005! This is on my list for next year!--Tao agreed! this is by far the longest in development project I've ever worked on... I can't wait until people can start using it, I'm really looking forward to seeing how people react to it...

tao51	17 Jul 2004
I put the site in my favorites. I looked at the cards again. The swords suit is so impressive. I am going to be so ready for this deck.--Tao

rabble	17 Jul 2004
I love this deck too! I had to go buy some of your prints :)

Kittaine	17 Jul 2004
I'm buying this deck only cos that stud in the 5 of Swords is such a hottie who looks like Jason Lewis--that himbo (no offense to all the guys out there) who played Samantha's boytoy in the last season of Sex and the City. But other than that, this deck is nicely "dark." To me it looks like a blend of the Vertigo Tarot and the Haindl, without the Vertigo's "garbage" quality and without the Haindl's attachment to astrology and whatnot, which is always good for me. Yep, I'm so buying this deck!

tao51	19 Jul 2004
fantastic The Chariot, the Empress, Queen of Swords all are beautiful! I love all the aces in this deck. They are exquisite in their design. They have an extra-helping of symbolism. I just look at the cards and ((((((sigh)))))! I really think this is an artistic triumph.--Tao

lunakasha	30 Jul 2004
*BUMP* Can we talk some more about this one???? I am REALLY anxious for this deck to be published!!!! }) :D Luna

Eco74	30 Jul 2004
This is a verrrry facinating deck. It's going on my wishlist along with the rest of the intended accumulations. :o)

13thFaeChylde	30 Jul 2004
....I am just lost in the 3 of Cups card.... I think this will be my most drooled-over (literally) deck, once I get my little hands on it :P What was I supposed to be doing??? Oh yeah, something relating to work (attempts to re-enter reality).

lunakasha	30 Jul 2004
OMG....I just went to the website and looked at the prints which are available NOW!!!! :D I REALLY want the print of all of the Majors..... I love the Moon and Death cards especially...... I WANT it NOW!!!! }) hehehehe (patience I know!) :) Luna

lunakasha	30 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by 13thFaeChylde ....I am just lost in the 3 of Cups card.... I agree, 13thFae....what a GORGEOUS card!!!! LOVE the full moon and the raven......WOW!!!! :) Luna

13thFaeChylde	30 Jul 2004
Luna, I think I might have to order some prints to whet my cravings. Plus, the wall behind my bed is dark lapis-lazuli blue, and I think these would be yummy hanging there. Mmmmmm mmmmmmm good })

lunakasha	30 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by 13thFaeChylde Luna, I think I might have to order some prints to whet my cravings. Plus, the wall behind my bed is dark lapis-lazuli blue, and I think these would be yummy hanging there. Mmmmmm mmmmmmm good }) YES.....I am with you on this one!!! :D I definitely need to change up the wall decor in my bedroom...... These prints are just TOOOOO nice to pass up!!!! I need to check again, to see if we can order prints of any of the cards....all I noticed were certain groupings of cards..... Between this one and the Corneal Edema......WOW!!!!! :P Luna

archeon	30 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by lunakasha I need to check again, to see if we can order prints of any of the cards....all I noticed were certain groupings of cards..... I used to have single card prints available but there didn't seem to be any interest... though If you'd like a particular card, I could work something up... -Tim

lunakasha	30 Jul 2004
Nope.....no individual card prints :( It looks like the prints are either the four Heralds, four Queens or all twenty-two majors grouped together.... They are also offering mugs, stickers, postcards etc. featuring the Death card :) But this will change to another card at some point....I am very tempted!!! }) :D Luna

lunakasha	30 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by archeon I used to have single card prints available but there didn't seem to be any interest... though If you'd like a particular card, I could work something up...-Tim WOW....that would be GREAT!!!! I need to get back to you on this, however, when funds become available LOL!!!! Is it OK to email you through the website??? Thanks Tim!!! :D Luna

archeon	30 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by lunakasha Is it OK to email you through the website?? Oh yes! feel free to send me a note anytime... -Tim

13thFaeChylde	30 Jul 2004
Oooohh!!! me too! me too!!! I would like to get several of the 4x6 size, the Moon, the Star, the High Priestess, the Empress...would it be possible to have the 3 of Cups as a print?

archeon	30 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by 13thFaeChylde Oooohh!!! me too! me too!!! I would like to get several of the 4x6 size, the Moon, the Star, the High Priestess, the Empress...would it be possible to have the 3 of Cups as a print? That shouldn't be a problem, I'll see what I can do... I was planning on revising the site this weekend, and I'll put up some new information on the prints by Monday. -Tim

13thFaeChylde	30 Jul 2004
Thank you, Tim!!! :D I really love your deck (sighs all giddy-like)

archeon	30 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by 13thFaeChylde Thank you, Tim!!! :D I really love your deck (sighs all giddy-like) You're welcome! and... Thanks for compliments! -Tim

rabble	30 Jul 2004
My prints arrived - just the 4*6s coz I'm not employed, and I love them! I want more, bigger! I want cards!! This is so at the top of my coveting list! :)

tao51	31 Jul 2004
My hands are itching just to shuffle...spread...and read!--Tao

Rusty Neon	31 Jul 2004
Aechon ... excellent art! This deck will certainly have a following. Just one question. I've noticed the clearly-written signature Lantz on each one of the cards. In the case of scans on the web, that's probably a good idea for artist protection. However, I'd find that, if the cards of the US Games deck are going to be used in reading, meditating or studying, the signature would be very distracting from the artwork if the signature appeared on each card in the deck and could be a decisive factor (for some people, including me) against buying the deck. Will the signature appear on each card in the US Games Stygian Darkness deck? (Hopefully, you answer 'No'.)

Frequency	31 Jul 2004
Rusty Neon: Every deck I have ever seen has been signatured. Every painting I have ever seen has been signatured. I suggest if you don't like it that you get used to it because you'll be seeing them a lot.

Rusty Neon	31 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Frequency Rusty Neon: Every deck I have ever seen has been signatured. Every painting I have ever seen has been signatured. Not every tarot deck is signatured on each and every card of the deck. I don't think any of the decks in my collection of 30+ decks are so signatured. Examples of my decks: pre-1900 tarot decks (such as the Marseilles), Thoth, Gareth Knight, Morgan-Greer, US Games Tarot of the Spirit, etc. Even the Rider-Waite is not signatured on every card; instead, there are subtle initials of artist Smith's. As well, not every painting that has made it to the art galleries is signatured.

Kittaine	31 Jul 2004
When can we have this deck? When, when, when? I think it may be a good candidate for being "The One" for me along with Corneal Edema, the Gothic Tarot of Vampires and the Tarot of Transformation...:D

HudsonGray	31 Jul 2004
Not all the US Games decks have signatures. I pulled out my decks, sorted through the Llewellen & others & checked some. The Ancestral Path Tarot does have a signature on each card (small & not obtrusive), but the Hanson Roberts deck does not. That one only had a few cards with the signature. Hopefully any signature included will be small & not get in the way. The artist doesn't always have a say in how US Games decides to go, you know.

Aun	31 Jul 2004
Awesome deck! Added to my (huge) wishlist....

tao51	03 Aug 2004
Quote: Originally posted by HudsonGray The artist doesn't always have a say in how US Games decides to go, you know. Sadly, when it is money at stake the artist is usually slighted. His art must fit to the publisher's scheme of things.--Tao

lunakasha	04 Aug 2004
I just received this email from the artist, Timothy Lantz, and wanted to share it here: Quote: Greetings! It seems like it’s been a while since the last update (I did mention this would be irregular right?) and that’s mostly because I’ve been holding off the summer update until I was ready for the big announcement. Ah, but before I get to that, let me fill you in on a few other things first. (Yeah, I know I’m teasing here...) First, the web site has undergone a little revamping. I’ve updated the look of my main site, www.stygiandarkness.com and changed the Tarot Project pages to reflect the new design. There’s still some tinkering to be done yet, but for the most part everything is in its proper place. Secondly, I’ve decided to make single card prints available. The prints are 8x10 inches and feature the artwork of each individual card without the card border. As of this moment, only the Cups and Swords suits are available, but the rest will be soon. To order simply fill out the form located at the bottom of the individual card’s detail page on the Project web site. The prints sell for $15 and that includes free shipping. Next up, I have been named Redefine Magazine’s artists of the month for the month of August. There’s an interview, conducted by Melissa Kowalczyk available on the web at http://www.redefinemag.com/07-082004/archeon.html and there’s a few questions about the Stygian Darkness Tarot. And now for the big news... The Tarot deck and all accompanying materials have been completed and mailed off to the publisher. I expect there will be the last minute corrections and what not, but as of this week, the files are now in the hands of US Games Systems Inc. and it will be up to them to make the next move. Thanks again to all who have been following this project with interest... all the kind words and attention you’ve shown the Stygian Darkness Tarot has been greatly appreciated and has made the whole thing worthwhile. I’ll send out another update sometime in the fall, and hopefully before long we’ll be able to announce a publication date. So it sounds like the Stygian Darkness deck will be coming out fairly soon..... depending upon US Games of course!!! :P Congratulations Tim on being recognized by Redefine Magazine, and thanks for keeping your rabid fans updated!!! :) Luna

rabble	04 Aug 2004
I'm sure that every time I look at this deck I love them more! I'm sitting with my brand-new-just-arrived-in-the-mail-drooling-to-die-for deck in front of me, and I'm looking at the Stygian Darkness instead of my new cards! (although I am trying to prolong the moment :) )

static46342	04 Aug 2004
I wanted to say that this deck is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen, and I was wide eyed when I first laid eyes on it. haha I was excited to see that there would be prints of some of the cards because I was looking for something to hang on my wall, but I guess I will have to wait until the Empress card is a single print for sale.. as it's always my favorite tarot card. ;D something like a poster would be amazing.

Phantom Goddess	05 Aug 2004
Wonderful deck. This is going on my wishlist for 2005

archeon	10 Aug 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Rusty Neon I've noticed the clearly-written signature Lantz on each one of the cards. In the case of scans on the web, that's probably a good idea for artist protection. However, I'd find that, if the cards of the US Games deck are going to be used in reading, meditating or studying, the signature would be very distracting from the artwork if the signature appeared on each card in the deck and could be a decisive factor (for some people, including me) against buying the deck. Will the signature appear on each card in the US Games Stygian Darkness deck? (Hopefully, you answer 'No'.) The signature will not be on the cards... -Tim

archeon	10 Aug 2004
Thanks to lunakasha for posting the update! and let me just add... all cards are now available as single art prints... -Tim

HudsonGray	09 Nov 2004
Hey folks, it looks like the Stygian Darkness Tarot has been renamed (thanks to US Games perhaps?) to The Archeon Tarot. FYI, for when it comes out next spring. Don't look for it with the other name.

archeon	10 Nov 2004
HudsonGray wrote: Hey folks, it looks like the Stygian Darkness Tarot has been renamed (thanks to US Games perhaps?) to The Archeon Tarot. FYI, for when it comes out next spring. Don't look for it with the other name. It was my decision to rename the deck... but US Games fully supported the change. -Tim

The new deck - The Stygian Darkness Tarot thread was originally posted on 09 Jun 2004 in the Tarot Decks board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Tarot Decks, or read more archived threads.