First Impressions: Antique Anatomy Tarot, Ephemeral Edition

Skulls

Flowers

Bones

Antique medical instruments

Elixers

Latin

Did anyone see any words there that they didn’t like? Of course not. There’s nothing not to like there, just like there’s nothing not to like about the new Antique Anatomy Tarot: Ephemeral Edition. This is the newest addition to the hauntingly beautiful line-up of decks by Claire Goodchild of Black and the Moon.

If you’re familiar with the Oracle of Oddities decks (also by Black and the Moon), rejoice! This is like another installment of it, but this time with the 78-card structure of the tarot.

If you’ve read either of my reviews of the original Antique Anatomy Tarot (here and here), you know I named my Antique Anatomy Tarot Ethel Jean. This is because I like to personify decks. Ethel Jean has her own setting, kitchen decor, and hobbies that I’ve made up for her.

And you always go and visit her, just like she knows you will.

But this time, when stop at her tiny wooden house that’s just outside of town, the rocking chair on the porch, where she normally sits, is empty. You can hear someone banging cabinets inside. You cautiously push the door open and stand on the threshold.

Maybe it’s Ethel Jean’s daughter. No, perhaps a younger sister. Whichever, it doesn’t look like Ethel Jean rummaging through the mismatched mugs in the cabinet by the window.

Unsure what to do, you just stand there, torn between awkwardly leaving and finding out what happened to Ethel Jean.

The woman briskly pours two mugs of tea and turns to place the mugs on the heavy wooden table between you.

She both is and isn’t Ethel Jean. She’s taller. Or standing straighter. Her hair is fuller, longer. Her eyes are clearer, sharper. Her hands are steadier, stronger.

She sits and looks at you expectantly, so you sit. As she begins to talk, you realize that she is, without a doubt, Ethel Jean. But somehow younger.

This deck is louder and bolder than its predecessor. And the detail is absolutely stunning.

The four suits have been changed to reflect the deck’s theme.

The suit of Cups has been replaced by Elixers. Tonics and tinctures in various jars have been fitted with bizarrely creative little labels.

The suit of Pentacles is Coins (which is a common alternative to this suit) but LOOK AT THE COINS.

(The writing on the middle coin on the VI is Latin for “what shall we give in return for so much.”)

Wands have become Rods, which basically boils down to “old timey instruments of fucking torture.” But with cheerfully fiery flowers.

Swords have become Blades, where the flowers remain, but have lost their brightness.

I am so, so excited to work with this deck.

You can get it right here, when and while it’s available.

Buy us, bitch.