Guardian Tarot - Dark Decks

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 30 Jul 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

SongDeva	30 Jul 2004
I've seen this deck sold for some time on eBay, yet repeated searches at AT have turned up nada. The Guardian Tarot seems to be self published, and is fairly dark yet poignant. The people in it are angels, winged, fallen, otherwise. It looks like you've entered an alternate, forested universe where they exist, primarily at night. Although, it almost feels like the night is day here! ...there's alot of pain here...or maybe they just live attuned to their dark sides. :) The artist hasn't answered my requests for more info on how the deck came to be. It strikes me as a dark(er) version of the lovely Templar Tarot. Is any one familliar with the Guardian? I'm really quite taken with it. I'm posting a couple of scans. Here's The Wheel of Fortune: Edited to add: It's a full 78 card deck so pm me if you 'd like to see some minors.

SongDeva	30 Jul 2004
The Death Card:

SongDeva	30 Jul 2004
The Fool:

dolphingirl	30 Jul 2004
right now I am working on a review os this deck for TP and would be happy to answer any questions that I can for you. I personally really like this deck and it reminds me of a cross between Rider Waite and the Drogi decks. It is all fully illustrated and comes with a black Tarot bag. :) Samantha

lunakasha	30 Jul 2004
This is VERY nice....dark....it does remind me a bit of the Templar deck!!! Does anyone have the website and/or artist's name so we can see more??? Thanks!!! :) Luna

HudsonGray	30 Jul 2004
Is this the one? I found a copy on ebay (up for 2 more days, cheap!). If it is, it says 10,000 printed, only a few signed (this one was), and published by Sanctuary Studios. No artist name was given. http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=19271&item=5510376067&rd=1

Gerbear	30 Jul 2004
Jeff Minkevics, a Canadian, is the creator.

SongDeva	01 Aug 2004
Do any of you who have experienced of the Guardian have anything to share? I haven't tried to read with it yet myself, but am quite impressed. I may laminated it....we'll see.

Tarot Sparrow	01 Aug 2004
I like this deck! Are there any websites with more pictures?

Cerulean	01 Aug 2004
http://www.artwanted.com/artist.cfm?ArtID=6679 The art looks similar to the ebay scans, but I'm not certain. A digital sci-fi and fantasy artist? Oh, someone should notify Centaur that someone captured a likeness: http://www.artwanted.com/imageview.cfm?ID=40553 (Actually I don't know what Centaur looks like--hope he likes the image) Regards Cerulean

SongDeva	01 Aug 2004
Cerulean, It is indeed the right artist, and some of the scans there are from the tarot deck. Well done! Sd

Centaur	02 Aug 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Cerulean Oh, someone should notify Centaur that someone captured a likeness: http://www.artwanted.com/imageview.cfm?ID=40553 (Actually I don't know what Centaur looks like--hope he likes the image) LOL. Unfortunately, my chest is not so well-defined. Haha. I am a rather innoffensive looking Centaur. Hahaha. :D

Ruby7	07 Aug 2004
I just received this deck yesterday. I got it for $4.00 U.S plus shipping which came to $8.50U.S. from E-Bay. Mine is not a signed edition and I didn't care about that, the signed copies are going for a lot more. No where on the deck, or box does it say who the artist is, but the return shipping address was from Jeff Minkevics. I like his artwork but haven't decided how readable the deck is yet (for me). The card stock is really flimsy but it is lightly laminated on one side (picture side) making it at least an easy deck to shuffle. The publisher is Sanctuary Studios and a website is mentioned but doesn't seem to be up and running yet. Ruby7

SongDeva	08 Aug 2004
Ruby, I was thinking about laminating a copy of it. (I somehow ended up with two signed copies). I don't mind this type of card stock from a self-published deck. (I'm currently laminating Hello, Tarot.)

Ruby7	08 Aug 2004
Quote: Originally posted by SongDeva Ruby, I was thinking about laminating a copy of it. (I somehow ended up with two signed copies). I don't mind this type of card stock from a self-published deck. (I'm currently laminating Hello, Tarot.) I don't mind the card stock either, thinner card stock is easier to shuffle and handle I find. I just mentioned it out of interest for those who like thicker cards. Are you laminating the cards yourself SongDeva? I'm not sure what is involved in the lamination process and would be interested to know. Ruby7

sassygirl3124	08 Aug 2004
This looks like an interesting deck. I have a bid on it now on ebay we shell see how it goes. Julie

Oni	08 Aug 2004
that decks look desent from what i can tell. it reminds me of the hellraiser movies. he hee! is ebay the only place this is for sale? cause i truly distest ebay! but i do think this deck is cool. let me know liek the isbn or something so i can look it up

SongDeva	08 Aug 2004
I've only seen the deck at ebay. I don't think it has an isbn, as its a small publisher (the artist). At least I didn't see one. Ruby, I bought clear contact paper and am using that to laminate each card, front and back.

Ruby7	08 Aug 2004
Quote: Originally posted by SongDeva Ruby, I bought clear contact paper and am using that to laminate each card, front and back. Thanks SongDeva, I had no idea it could be that easy LOL, I will try that, Ruby7

Gerbear	08 Aug 2004
Oni, you have a pm about contacting the artist.

IronKite	09 Aug 2004
Hi there, Yup, I'm the artist...Jeff Minkevics. (You'll have to tell me how you tracked my name down) I was pointed in the direction of these forums by a member who picked up the deck via ebay. I've had Aeclectic bookmarked for quite some time (not knowing you guys had forums), and I figured I'd say hi since someone was nice enough to post about my deck. (Thanks SongDeva) (Wow, I use brackets way too much) Some quick info about the deck: Collectively, all 78 paintings were my graduation piece for my last year of ACAD. Each one was done 32"x40" on foamcore using acrylic paint, with no visual references whatsoever...just completely out of my head, something I have always struggled with. The symbolism is drawn from classic Waite, but leans towards interpretation on occasion. (like the death card...which I thought best represented the 'change' aspect better than the classic symbols) Before beginning this project I was fixated on angels and some aspects of religious iconography, and I figured that having to do 78 full sized paintings with an angel theme would get it out of my system. I was partially successful. :) 1400 hours worth of painting, 1200 hours of pre-production (scanning, photoshop, retouching and color correction) and hundreds of hours I haven't counted manually trimming the corners, sorting cards, and putting everything together. I'm exhausted. ;) Any questions you would like answered? Lemme know...

Ruby7	15 Aug 2004
Hi Ironkite, Welcome to Aeclectic!! It is really interesting to hear about how you created the deck. 78 paintings is a lot of work! And good work at that. I don't know how your name was tracked down, I saw it on this thread and then recognized it on the envelope you sent my deck in. I am curious as to why your name is not anywhere on the deck or the box or the enclosed learning card? Maybe I'm being too nosy :) Ruby7

IronKite	15 Aug 2004
Hiya Ruby! No you're not being nosy. :) One of the things that I ended up taking away from art college was a complete contempt for signing my work. a squiggle in the bottom right-hand corner was always looked down upon by teachers, and a couple of them actually took the time to advise us that any marks on a canvas which didn't contribute to the overall image are counterproductive and useless. Having been educated around that attitude, I would say it has a tendency to leak into other areas regarding my work. For me it's not as important to receive recognition for having done something as it is to know what kind of an impact that something has made on someone else. Believe me, there is nothing more gratifying than hearing someone talk about your work to you, not knowing that you are the person responsible. I mean, *I* know that I did it...I don't need to advertise the fact to feel good about it. ;)

ferrous	21 Aug 2004
Quote: Originally posted by IronKite One of the things that I ended up taking away from art college was a complete contempt for signing my work. a squiggle in the bottom right-hand corner was always looked down upon by teachers, and a couple of them actually took the time to advise us that any marks on a canvas which didn't contribute to the overall image are counterproductive and useless. Having been educated around that attitude, I would say it has a tendency to leak into other areas regarding my work. For me it's not as important to receive recognition for having done something as it is to know what kind of an impact that something has made on someone else. Believe me, there is nothing more gratifying than hearing someone talk about your work to you, not knowing that you are the person responsible. I mean, *I* know that I did it...I don't need to advertise the fact to feel good about it. ;) With this is mind, IronKite, are the decks on ebay which are claiming to be signed *actually* signed by you?

Oni	01 Sep 2004
thanks to SongDeva i was able to get a copy of this deck. it is very different from anything i have ever seen before and unlike any deck i have at all. i have to do some readings with it and let all of u know how it reads for me. he hee! like with the holidays coming up my freinds and i will enjoy this greatly. also thanks Gerbear for the info, i may end up ordering some of the decks for my freinds.

starryeyedsofia	10 Sep 2004
I just ordered the deck as well.. How easy is it to read? I'm used to the generic decks, (rider, connelly, stuff like that) which are way too easy for me.. wanted something a little more challenging.

Moonbow*	10 Sep 2004
So where are you guys getting this deck then. Is it just ebay? I can't find anything here in the UK.

SongDeva	10 Sep 2004
It is just ebay. Sofie, I haven't tried to read with it yet. Give it a shot and let us know how it goes. Oni seems ready to do the same thing.

zagone	10 Sep 2004
Not surprisingly, you all have driven the eBay prices up. ;-) It's more in the high teens at the moment. Looks like an interesting deck! -- Zagone

starryeyedsofia	10 Sep 2004
Yeah i haven't gotten the deck in yet.. It'll be a while.. Oh how i love the mail system.. I found it on ebay as well.. i hate waiting for the auction thing though so i just do the buy now usually.

zagone	11 Sep 2004
IronKite -- Take a look at: http://www.stygiandarkness.com/tarot/index.html You might want to do a similar website to this because I know people who buy angel-themed tarot card prints. Could increase your sales and give us some great artwork for our walls as well! Respectfully, Zagone

contrascarpe	11 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by zagone Not surprisingly, you all have driven the eBay prices up. ;-) It's more in the high teens at the moment. Looks like an interesting deck! -- Zagone Yeah, always happens to me. I find a nice deck on eBay, pray I get a good deal and then someone directs the forum over to it ;)

lunakasha	13 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by starryeyedsofia Yeah i haven't gotten the deck in yet.. It'll be a while.. Oh how i love the mail system.. I found it on ebay as well.. i hate waiting for the auction thing though so i just do the buy now usually. Just curious: Can anyone tell me approximately how long it takes to receive the deck??? I think it ships from Canada, is that right??? Thanks!!! :D Luna

Ruby7	13 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by contrascarpe96 Yeah, always happens to me. I find a nice deck on eBay, pray I get a good deal and then someone directs the forum over to it ;) This is a pet peeve of mine :). It hasn't actually ruined any E-Bay sales for me but I noticed that every now and then someone will announce a great deal on E-Bay. Well as soon as this great deal has been announced it no longer will be a great deal (too many people bidding) and the members who were quietly bidding and hoping lose out. I have seen some great deals and been tempted to make the announcement myself but have not out of respect for those already bidding. I don't see it as a problem with the Guardian though, since there are multiple sales going on with this deck and deals can be gotten if you are patient. Ruby7

HudsonGray	13 Sep 2004
I don't know about shipping times for the deck, but I get packages from someone in Canada regularly (we exchange tape recorded videos of tv shows) and her tapes from Montreal always take twice as long to get here as mine do to get to her. About 2 weeks. Their postal system is slower than ours in the US.

lunakasha	13 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by HudsonGray I don't know about shipping times for the deck, but I get packages from someone in Canada regularly (we exchange tape recorded videos of tv shows) and her tapes from Montreal always take twice as long to get here as mine do to get to her. About 2 weeks. Their postal system is slower than ours in the US. Thanks HG.... I have only had one experience with the Canadian mail....bought a couple of decks from an ATF member and received then in about six days, which isn't too bad....so I will expect this one to arrive in a week or two....THANKS!!! :D Luna

lunakasha	13 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by zagone Not surprisingly, you all have driven the eBay prices up. ;-) It's more in the high teens at the moment. Looks like an interesting deck! -- Zagone Last time I checked, they still had a few for $12.95 Buy It Now }) :P Luna

starryeyedsofia	13 Sep 2004
i was told shipping took about 3 weeks or so.. depending on where in the US you are.

inanna_tarot	15 Sep 2004
OMG! I did a quick check on ebay uk for the deck and one came up! On buy it now!! Ohhh my luck my luck my luck!! Sooo excited about seeing this deck. The artwork is amazing! And ive got a soft spot for anything canadian ever since my first long term boyfriend was canadian. Im soooo stoked! LALALALALALA now, wheres my credit card, its been hiding for far too long :P Sezo x

SongDeva	15 Sep 2004
Congrads,Sezo. :) I hope you really enjoy it.

zagone	26 Sep 2004
Guardian Tarot -- Initial Deck Review Guardian Tarot is not a deck you are going to like -- you should buy it anyway. This deck has a lot important to say to you, so read past the flaws I outline below. I'd be curious to hear if other people share my impressions. This is a deck that gives a poor initial impression -- the cards are on really flimsy stock and the included tarot bag (a good idea in theory) is of such cheesy fake leather that it would be insulting to put a Tarot deck in it. From a packaging point of view, I see why this is being liquidated on eBay. Furthermore, all the cards are set in a hellscape of misery and oppression which no one with a depressive disorder should look at. The artwork is of variable quality -- some really well done paintings mixed in with stuff that shows either immature talent or a need for speed. But -- first looks are deceiving -- and frankly I'm risking being a jerk treating Jeff Minkevic's work this way. I am delighted that a brand new artist with a new and unique viewpoint has not only painted 78 Tarot cards for us, but has managed to self-publish with all the work that entails. Who cares if the packaging and execution is a bit off? This deck is an Existential deck. It deals with Death, Freedom, Isolation, and Meaninglessness. It deals with the anxiety and despair and depression and anger that these basic human states engender. It deals with the fallout from failed relationships, projects, and lives. In existential counseling, its considered essential that clients (and all human beings) come to terms with Death, Freedom, Isolation, and Meaninglessness. I have not finished coming to terms with these -- and that's partially why this deck so disturbs me. I don't think the artist has finished coming to terms either -- perhaps that's why the deck is so dark. This is the darkest deck I have ever worked with. Or -- maybe its dark because the artist wants to force us to confront our anxieties? I have put this deck down "disappointed" with it 4 times now -- only to find myself picking it up again, and then feeling motivated to write a review! There's something going on here that needs confrontation, and I think its those universal four states of human existence. The landscape of this deck is very hellish -- chaotic red and orange skies (except in the black/white Cups suite which is usually devoid of emotion). No one is happy. Everyone in alone. Cards showing the pinnacles of achievement betray a meaninglessness to the completion of the work. This deck needs further review than I can give it today (with my work schedule and 10 credit grad school homework load). Here are some impressions of cards that really struck me: The Magician -- He holds the wrong (left) hand up to the sky. His other hand does not point to the ground or the pentacle. Usually Magicians connect the powers of sky and earth. Here, in this entire deck, the earth is alone, isolated, and hellish. Perhaps there's a better place in the sky somewhere, but there's no connection to where we are. He instead touches the sword with his right hand. Swords are, I think, more about violence and action in this deck (than knowledge). There's a lot of silly people doing active things in this deck but none of it really improves our world. The Devil -- The most comforting, compassionate, hopeful card in the deck. And that's a problem. Lucifer ("light-bearer") is bearing a torch and offering a comforting way. Don't be deceived -- there is no hope in this world. The Star -- I hate this card. And its really well done for what I think is the message. The Star is about hope. Here, hope is empty. The hope figure has no face. It desperately scoops blackness from the pond (rather than pouring hope into the pond from heaven). Its trying to take hope from where none exists and the star shines remote and cold in the sky. 7 of Cups -- Compare this card with the Star. This figure is also totally black. The illusions of this world have no substance or hope. Death -- A figure cries in front of a tree stump. (I guess all those leafless trees in the background of multiple cards are actually alive by comparison to the stump.) The human figure has two red blood marks on his back. Look carefully. the stump has the same two red blood marks. Is the tree's death upsetting because it forces him to confront his own pending death? Are the stump and the figure actually One because the world is an illusion of our own making? From the stump rises the only green healthy plant sprout in the entire deck! Is that the tradition Death card message that the cycle of life always begins anew? Or is it a message that we are better off dead and out of this horrible world? The Chariot -- The carriage has no driver! The traditional message of this card that could be determined from this is to step up and take the reins -- take control. The existential message is that the effort is all meaningless anyway. The World -- This is the card that sums up the entire deck. She is dancing alone and kinda sad in the desolation. The is a really well executed card. Knight, Queen, & King of Cups -- Everything is black and white. The Knight and Queen are totally cold and withdrawn. The King looks more like a fertility god with the horns behind his throne and antler-like crown. He holds a green egg in his right hand -- the only green, I think, in the deck except the Death card. There's a rare message of hope here that I don't quite get yet -- something about greener pastures in the next life? 7 of Staves -- This is one of several cards that does a better job than the average tarot deck of bringing out what the card really means. 7 of Staves is often about being on defense -- and rather desperate defense at that. In Guardian tarot, the defender's fear, anxiety, and anger really, really show. Good job. 6 Cups, Lovers, 2 Cups, 5 Pentacles -- Compare all these cards. The Lovers are not quite touching and their trees are not reaching for each other. She has a snake in her tree. I don't think this deck has a very positive outlook on love relationships... The Two of Cups shows two glasses toasting, but not the faces of the people -- its meaningless contact at best. The 6 of Cups actually shows real human contact (one of few cards to do so). In the Six of Cups the trees bend towards each other like they usually do in the Lovers card. The female has a very nasty look on her face -- something is going very wrong with this "innocent" relationship. I'm including the 5 of Pentacles with this group of cards because the people actually seem to be getting comfort from each other -- a rare thing in this deck. 9 & 10 of Cups -- The 9 of Cups is usually about happy plenty -- perhaps excess. Here we have a guy who has plenty but is drinking sad and alone. The 10 of Cups in many decks is about ultimate happiness and fulfillment -- and I think that is what is meant here (rather than being the "happy family" card). This 10 Cups shows the man walking away from the world with the cups forming a rainbow in the sky. The message may be that happiness lies beyond this sad world -- sort of like the green spout arising from the stump in the Death card. 10 Pentacles -- My favorite card in the deck. I have not given enough ink to the fact that Jeff has come up with several innovative ways to paint meanings in this deck -- both traditional meanings and his own unique takes. This card shows a figure looking at a painting of completion. Can someone shed more meaning on the symbol in the painting? The 10 Pentacles is a card of stability and material well-being. Several deck artists also add in some emotional happiness to make 10 Pentacles the "happy family" card (instead of 10 Cups). Here the work of Pentacles has been completed. But its static. Its meaningless to the observing figure. It does not make him happy. Its a painting and an illusion. 8 Swords -- Usually there is a path from the circle of swords if only the figure would work to find her way out. Here, in this card, there is no path out. If you have clients that need to confront their existential issues, and have the stomach for it, then you could use this deck to read for them. Be careful however. It's usually considered a moral requirement for Tarot readers to give their clients some hope -- some way to work on improving negative readings. You might be hard-pressed to give your client productive improvement advice with this deck. Perhaps its more a self-study tool. Okay -- There's lots to hate in this deck. But, in many ways, its very well done. If you believe that confronting your anxieties and fears leads to personal growth, then you need to buy this tarot deck. - Zagone

The Guardian Tarot - Dark Decks thread was originally posted on 30 Jul 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.