Labyrinth Tarot

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 13 Jan 2005, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Shade	13 Jan 2005
Does anyone have any info on Royo's Labyrinth Tarot. I saw an ad for it in Heavy Metal Magazine and tried to search around on the web. None of the sites I found were in English and they only had pictures of the deck's box. I'm wondering if the majors will be the same as the ones in his Black Tarot or if this is an entirely new deck.

Gerbear	13 Jan 2005
I only found out that the deck will be issued in two formats. A deck with book, showing all the cards, with descriptions of each card, and an exclusive, signed and numbered edition of 500 copies. I haven't seen any pictures yet.

Darla	14 Jan 2005
On all the websites I have found it said that in the Labyrinth Royo shows his most recent work on which he has been working during the last four years. So I guess the Majors will be different than in the Black Tarot. Perhaps he will even illustrate the Minors!

aleela	20 Jan 2005
Royo's "Labyrinth Tarot" is out in book form, but the cards are not out yet apparently. The publisher is Heavy Metal. The book comes in 2 versions, a hardcover without dustjacket ($24.95), and a deluxe, limited edition hardcover ($39.95) that is cloth bound, gilt-stamped on the spine and cover, with a 4-color dustjacket and a beautiful signed print (a toned pencil drawing of a nude priestess holding a deck of cards). The Major Arcana has been completely re-envisioned since his "Black Tarot," drawing on various esoteric traditions, tarot symbolism, astrology, numerology, the Hebrew alphabet, and more. The figures are delicately drawn using what appears to be ink wash and watercolors, and many of them are nude or semi-nude ladies (Royo's strength, artistically). The colors are muted and somewhat somber. The Minor Arcana are depicted similarly to his previous deck (The Black Tarot), with the pips illustrated only by the basic symbol (chalice, shield, sword, staff), the court cards with people. Royo has chosen to depict the Jacks as females, playing again to his artistic preference and strength. In my opinion it's a beautiful interpretation--visually. Royo's written interpretations seem a little chaotic at times, as if he's trying to bring in too many ideas. But judge for yourself! I work at Bud Plant Comic Art and we are selling both editions. Our scans should be up soon. Another US source I found on the web is Mile High Comics (no scans). A couple of European vendors have it (with cover scans shown) if you want to do a Google search. Aleela (newbie)

Sullanciri2002	07 Apr 2005
If you look through my history on these forums, it will become clear that I found this site by looking for extra info on Royo's tarot work ... which explains why I somehow managed to find these books sitting in an obscure shop in Germany. The people in the shop remarked that the cards were expected before summer, but didn't seem to know more. As to the text, I cannot say much - partly because the book was in German and Spanish (neither of those come easy to me), but also because I couldn't spend 30 minutes reading a book without being asked to stop doing that. The art was typical Royo - that is to say, beautifull and erotic, in his very easily recognized style. Nothing extravagant, nor very elaborate however. Perhaps extra scrutinising of the background details will reveal more. A few slight surprises - wands looked like maces, thus very agressively styled. The court persona for chalices were wearing bright scarlet clothing - and reminded me much more of fire than water ? The biggest drawback of course, is that the minor are just pips. The book retailed (hardback) at about 40 € (appr. 45 $ ??)

Jeannette	19 Apr 2005
We just received word that our supplier for the Black Tarot will be able to provide us with the Labyrinth Tarot as well, so we've started accepting preorders for this title at Tarot Garden -- although I'm still waiting for the projected price info. We've been told that the deck version of the tarot is expected to be released sometime at the end of May. But by the time our (German) supplier receives their copies and forwards our shipment on to us, it may well be close to August before we have it available for sale to our North American (and international) customers. -- Jeannette The Tarot Garden

Dajax	05 May 2005
I just received the Labyrinth Tarot Book as a surprise gift from an ex. I was never drawn to the Black Tarot, but the Labyrinth is just gorgeous. I had a hard time tearing myself away from it. And even though the pips aren't illustrated, they too match the elegance of the Majors and Courts. It's just beautiful. I guess I'll have to add the deck to my wish list ...but I honestly believe that this can be a working deck. It's slightly erotic...but not enough to offend or to distract from the deeper meaning of the cards. Just my sparse thoughts for the evening...

smokey	06 May 2005
Oh,My! Well, let me be the first to Congratulate! You! What a wonderful surprise! (And,to have a former remaining such a Kind and Thoughtful friend,too!) ..I've never seen this deck,so,I'll be off now, to take a peek!

The Labyrinth Tarot thread was originally posted on 13 Jan 2005 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.