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“It is not certain what the word means,” says Italian artist
Carmen Sorrenti
in the Introduction to the mysterious
Pholarchos Tarot.
“This in itself is like a dream, already we are set to travel unknown
territory.”
Based on the concept of dream incubation caves, this is a deck for dreamers, tarot for travelers seeking a soulful life. Its poetic images engage the creative spirit while softening the thinking mind’s grip. Be prepared to enter the timeless realm of mythic imagination, safely escorted by alluringly expressive guides: Hierophant: “Preside over the Mysteries so they may make a map for you.” Lovers: “Passion is always glistening inside you, setting a course for life.” Hermit: “The farther you would travel out, the farther you must travel in.” Justice (8): “Her own mind learns to think for itself, original, eloquent and true.” According to their creator, the 78 cards are “an attempt to open inspiration, a possible experience of an archetype that invites personal investigation into life’s depths.” As a yoga and meditation teacher newly certified in dream therapy, I couldn’t wait to begin working with this deck. Dream Alchemy – reprogramming limiting unconscious beliefs revealed by a dream – merges perfectly with the Pholarchos message. Happily, my expectations were exceeded. The characters warmly welcome you into their dream-like world, where a diverse assortment of people and animals reflects the artist’s background in acting. Body language and expressions evoke an emotional response, making esoteric imagery instantly relatable. Alchemy is a major theme running through the colorful cards, from the dramatic paintings of the Major Arcana to the intimate sketches of the Minors. The Aces and Trails of Sparks, Spirals, Wings and Coral (Knights of Fire, Earth, Air and Water), printed in black-and-white, call out for creative interpretation. Such symbolism offers seasoned readers many opportunities to apply their own meanings to the art of transformation. “Alchemists have always taken the freedom to experiment with their art when seeking to make gold or an authentic self,” Sorrenti explains. The creative muse within Pholarchos Tarot will appeal to writers, artists and anyone looking for inspiration. Perfect for use in conjunction with dreamwork, it deserves a home alongside any dream journal. Psychologists, astrologers and yoga practitioners will receive fresh insight. Spiritual seekers and modern mystics also may find it useful in their work. As a bonus, everything is high quality – from the guidebook, written in concise but lyrical language, to the sumptuous 350 GSM cardstock, to a sturdy box featuring a glossy image of the High Priestess on the front. The gorgeous 3.5 x 5 inch cards feel like a gallery of fine art in your hands. Best of all, Pholarchos Tarot accomplishes something I find to be rare in an art deck: It is delightfully readable. Thoughtful touches, like the unobtrusive black borders on the card fronts and white borders on the backs, make it clear this was designed to function as a working tarot deck, not just a beautiful work of art.
When I asked, “What should people know about you?” the 8 of Wings (Air) literally flew out of my hands. Handwritten on the card: “Negotiate your Rebirth.” Will you accept the challenge? On the bottom of the deck? The Magician: “Mercurius, male and female both, orchestrator and instrument, dreamer and dreamed, begins the alchemical operations, that each voice may partake in the great unfolding…” This is not a deck to take lightly. When I asked if it had anything else to say, another Major Arcana card appeared: my favorite depiction of the Tower since Emily Carding’s Tarot of the Sidhe. The woman split open by light is a beautiful metaphor for Kundalini awakening. As if to further explain itself, the 8 of Spirals (Earth) added: You must do the work. Its message is clear: “Apprenticing infinity in the here and now. The love that I feel for you is always love for you. Make the diamond body.” The diamond body is a Tantric term referring to the clarification of consciousness that occurs through the transformative practices of yoga – and, as I wrote in my book Yogic Tarot inquire within, through the use of tarot as well. Chills all over my body confirmed that this is the real deal. Removing the barriers that stand between you and your true Self requires dedication and effort. Having such a beautiful new tool to assist in the process is truly a gift. Pholarchos Tarot, created by Carmen Sorrenti www.carmensorrenti.com and published by Arnell Ando of Arnell’s Art, is available for preorder. FTC Disclosure: While I received the Pholarchos Tarot for prospective review, my comments and opinion of the deck are sincerely heartfelt. Review by Kim Teodori, creator of Yogic Tarot inquire within, and a certified yoga teacher, certified vibrational sound therapist, dream alchemist and intuitive reader, with a Master of Arts degree from Northwestern University. |
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Pholarchos Tarot is copyright protected. Card images may be used on blogs/websites as 'Card of the Day' endeavors or for review purposes but must contain artist's site along with Pholarchos Tarot by Carmen Sorrenti. The images are not to form part of written teaching material or otherwise be used without prior consent from artist, Carmen Sorrenti. |
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