Tarot of Northern Shadows
According to the artist Sylvia Gainsford, the Tarot of Northern Shadows "portrays the roots of Norse and Celtic belief along with the traditions and tales whose origins are lost in the mists of time...." There are Irish, Scottish, Cornish, Manx and Breton influences in this deck. Gainsford was also inspired by the Mabinogion, a book of eleven stories of Welsh folklore and history. The Major Arcana shows Norse and Celtic figures with accompanying animals and runic symbols. The court card figures are Norse gods and goddesses (Rods), characters from the Mabinogion (Cups), figures from British Celtic and Continental legend (Swords) and Irish Celtic characters (Discs). This deck is also available as a boxed set withTarot of Northern Shadows written by Howard Rodway (134 pages). Rodway and Gainsford also collaborated on the Tarot of the Old Path.
Number of Cards |
Card Size |
Copyright |
Publisher |
Card Back Design |
78 22 major/56 minor |
2 3/4" x 4 3/4" |
1997 |
U. S. Games |
|
Language of Card Titles: English and German
Style of Suit Cards (2-10): story pictures
Also Included: instruction booklet by Howard Rodway, two publisher decklist cards
Major Arcana:
Fool, Magician, High Priestess, Empress, Emperor, High Priest,
Lovers, Chariot, Strength, Hermit, Wheel of Fortune, Justice,
Hanged Man, Death, Temperance, Devil, Destruction, Star, Moon,
Sun, Judgement, World
Suit Names: Rods (Wands), Cups, Swords, Discs (Pentacles)
Court Cards: King, Queen, Knight, Page
SAMPLE CARD IMAGES: