Currently On Kickstarter: The Alleyway Tarot

The deck has now arrived with me, and you can read my review here

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I own Publishing Goblin‘s last Kickstarter Tarot deck, The Alleyman’s Tarot, and, while it’s a bit unwieldy to work with, I still love it for reflection purposes, and for thinking about the ways different artists interpret the traditional card meanings. The guidebook is also a cracking read, as opposed to the normal fairly generic guff. So I didn’t hesitate in backing this new deck, The Alleyway Tarot, that follows the same principles as its predecessor. Each card in the deck is designed by a different artist, and the concept is that this is a ‘found’ deck, cobbled together with individual cards that the alleyman has magpied into his life over the years. It’s a really clever concept, and a great way to support multiple talented artists.

It also personally resonates with me a great deal, as I have my own ‘found street card’ collection. Ever since I was a little kid, every time I have come across a discarded playing card on the street, I have picked it up and hung on to it. Forty one years on (well, more like 35, as I wasn’t doing it as a toddler/pre-schooler!) this is my collection:

What are their stories? How did they end up abandoned on the street? What happened to their deck mates? I honestly find them fascinating. And no pairs so far! Maybe one day I’ll collect a whole deck… ;-). It’s also long been my dream to create my own Magpie Deck from all my favourite tarot cards across my deck collection. So you can see why both The Alleyman’s and The Alleyway appeal to me!

Like The Alleyman’s Tarot, it’s a pretty ambitious project, with over 100 new cards. I bought all the add on cards for the Alleyman Tarot because I am obssessive and have no self control, but as it turned out I didn’t really think it needed that many cards. It can feel a bit overwhelming. I did enjoy going through and picking my ‘favourite 78’ to work with though, so that was fun, and I am sure I will do the same here.

There are a couple of Oracle decks in the KS campaign as well, but if you just want the Tarot deck, pledges start at £41 (plus postage), and delivery is estimated for next March. The project has already hit its funding goal, with over 2,000 backers, so no need to worry that it might not come to fruitition!

Much like the Alleyman’s, I am sure there will be some cards that don’t really speak to me in this deck, but a host of cards that, not only resonate, but also alert me to some really talented new creators working in the field of Tarot :-). And look at that Two of Cups *heart eyes emoji*. If I had my way pretty much every Two of Cups would be hot queer guys snogging, so I am a happy bunny ;-).