The Tarot of EdenThe paradise deck, 1/3 |
The Tarot of Eden will draw you in with its fascinating pictures and wonderful attention to detail.
The deck of cards was illustrated by the surrealist painter, Alika Lindbergh. An internationally recognised artist she is also an ethnologist and the author of fantasy novels and a keen supporter of animal right’s issues. This can be seen in her choice of subject matter where animals are frequently represented, especially with the Major Arkanas and many of the court cards. The card designs are colourful and imaginative; it is immediately obvious that the artist works within the tradition of the Tarot but gives it her own personal, slightly futuristic touch. It’s no easy matter to define the style of her illustrations; they are not directly influenced by the artist’s ethnological interests neither are they directly affiliated to any particular culture or epoch.
Alika Lindbergh’s work is simply very original and has great aesthetic appeal! The style is an unusual combination of futuristic elements and medieval flair, incorporating figures drawn from a wide variety of cultures and various aspects of the plant and animal kingdoms.
The only slight drawback for those people wanting more uniformly decorative cards, like for example the currently popular tarot cards from the “Rider-Waite” deck, is that the elaborate illustrations here are only on the higher denomination and court cards. The Minor Arkanas – the numbers - remain in their original and classic style, and consist of no further illustration or symbolism other than the symbols and numerals that fire the imagination and stimulate the interpretation. Prior knowledge of the tenets of symbolism and the mystical importance of numerals is essential for those wishing to work intensively with these cards.
