Dark Grimoire Tarot
The Dark Grimoire Tarot was first published in 2008; I’ve had this deck for years and barely used it. Every time I pulled it out of the box, I fell in love again and then put it back for the future when I had more time to connect with it — and I’ve probably done this for ten years. The artist is Michele Penco, and he has since done another deck called the 2012 Tarot of Ascension. The Dark Grimoire Tarot is strongly influenced by the work of H.P Lovecraft and gives more than a nod to Cthulhu, which excites me greatly. The little white booklet is seriously poor — and I mean, it’s even worse than a standard one. If any deck was crying out for a proper book with full interpretations, it’s this one. Reading from the cards is possible, but I think less experienced readers could overlook so much. You don’t magically know how to read; you have to learn. We learn through prompts and suggestions; as such, this is not a good deck for beginners unless you have some knowledge of symbolism from elsewhere and a good general tarot book or three. So, if you’re drawn to this deck and have no idea what you’re doing, buy a book with it. Jana Riley’s Tarot Compendium was my old go-to reference book back in the day, although I’m sure there are now many more available that do a similar thing.
The imagery doesn’t stray too far from traditional meanings, and some cards are beautifully expressive of the darker meanings. Although I’m not sure if darker is the right word, they’re just honest. There are so many great cards here that it pained me to narrow it down to a whopping eighteen cards. I won’t be spending the same amount of time on each card because it’ll take too long, but I do want to give you a good idea of what this deck is capable of.
The Majors
The Fool shows a man in a straitjacket, symbolising restriction and confinement. He’s sat directly under a spotlight, manspreading, possibly on a bench. Men and monsters surround him. His face is defiant; he doesn’t look remotely intimidated despite his clear defencelessness. He faces a horned one whose face is obscured. From the booklet: “If the abyss of the unconscious unexpectedly gapes open before you, all reason may fail. As you pass the spheres of existence one by one, you approach the centre of the External Universe where time and space no longer have meaning. Extraordinary creatures are born of chaos in the mad mind of Azathoth and settle in the multidimensional world.” Azathoth is the ruler of the outer gods created by H.P. Lovecraft and is seen as a symbol of primordial chaos. The Fool, the first of the major arcana, always indicates a time of new beginnings. The description suggests this new beginning may not yet be fully formed and could hint at the need for structure and change later. The imagery suggests the man isn’t free to do much of anything and will need to be released from constraint before ideas can be put into practice. In this instance, the straitjacket could symbolise social restrictions and conventions. The focus is firmly on him, shown by the light, but it’s really only affecting his head. His ideas and thoughts are emphasised here, and a guy standing right behind him is well-positioned to free his arms; he is even showing his hand. In a reading, it may well indicate support from friends for original ideas and a willingness to help the person to free themselves from any unnecessary social conditioning.
The Lovers emphasises the traditional meaning of choices in love. A couple stands on the moorland and holds each other’s hands, but there is a distance between them. Another woman, wearing a red dress (red being the colour of passion and intensity), stands in the distance, looking at them. The booklet says: “The call of the creatures of the moors pierces the fog and shows us the path that leads to the subtle dimensions of the Beyond. The two lovers grasp each others’ hands. The time has come to decide: say goodbye and head out to explore that unknown world between the rocks of the Antarctic or remain united into the fading time between Mountains of Madness.” The man looks at the woman, but she doesn’t meet his gaze. Her head is slightly bowed, and her eyes may even be closed. The physical distance between them can be read as emotional distance and suggests a lack of intimacy. The man appears to be holding one of her hands, but it’s unclear whether she is securing his hand or about to lift it away. He seems unaware of the woman in the distance but only has to turn his head, and she’ll be in full view. Is this card suggesting that temptation is already present? Looking closer at the woman, her hair and dress are blowing in the wind. The old saying of ‘something in the wind’ was used to express that something was being kept hidden. Unless both try to reconnect fully, one of them will likely pull away from the union. The image shows the woman being less invested, but in reality, it could work either way. This card feels like it’s giving a clear warning; there is little time left to save an important relationship. A potential third party is already on the scene.
Justice is one of the strongest Justice cards I’ve ever seen. A statue of a woman is seen sitting on the floor in a cobbler’s pose, soles of the feet together, and holds a bowl aloft in each hand. Three candles are burning. A poppet dominates the forefront of the image. The poppet looks like it’s already been battered and defeated and lays with two pins sticking out of its chest. There’s an idiom over here; “For two pins, I’d tell him exactly where he could stick his job” it basically means a desire to do something, usually something stupid, aggressive, or extreme. It’s an idiom that implies little provocation is needed to instigate action. There’s nothing passive about the energy of this card. Retribution has been demanded, and the deities have likely been summoned to appease the mortal responsible for requesting their assistance. The booklet says, “At the foot of the impassive and severe idol that keeps the chalices of Shadow and of Light in equilibrium, the servitors of Cthulhu have left traces of black magic, evocations of demons, and Voodoo rituals.” Servitor appears to be a word used in Chaos Magic and represents an entity that has been created consciously to fulfil a specific purpose. It describes dominant aspects of a psyche that can appear to operate independently, similar to an alter-ego. Cthulhu is representative of deep subconscious longings and motivations — it’s representative of the emotion buried so deep that few ever get to witness it. This is a really heavy card, and it suggests very specific aspects of the psyche are working hard to ensure the scales are balanced. There is likely a strong feeling of being either shat on from a great height or that someone has gotten away with more than they should. This isn’t just a card of correction; it indicates a desire for actual punishment to be inflicted on another. Someone is very angry and will demand support from those they see as having more power.
The Strength card is quite beautiful and shows a woman standing on the moorland with an open book in her right hand and a light-emitting crystal held aloft in her left. A monstrously large demonic figure crouches down to look at the crystal and looks on in awe of the crystal. The booklet says “With the shining Trapezohedron the girl confronts the gigantic avatar of Nyarlathotep, that “something that is not in the stone, but watches her from beyond the stone”: the Strength to conquer the evoked demon can be found in your heart and not in the grimoire.” The Nyarlathotep is known as crawling chaos and is a son and servant of Azathoth. He is often mistaken for a human and is manipulative and deceptive. It is said he prefers madness to murder. The Strength card always suggests that one needs to get control over base desires and direct the will in a controlled manner. This is the taming of the inner beast. The Strength card is often linked to the astrological sign of Leo, which rules the heart in the physical body. The booklet's advice appears to remind us that love may be the answer we seek. Looking deeper into the symbolism in the card, there could also be the suggestion that one needs to stay alert to propaganda and reject fear-based thinking. Even if mankind is doomed to demise, one can still choose to walk the path with love and shine a light on evil rather than succumb to madness or misery.
With The Devil we have a Cthulhu-like creature rising out of the water. The booklet interpretation is helpful: “In the crevasse that mirrors the Moon, the gigantic hands of the slimy and scaly Dagon emerge from the waters, like the deepest horrors emerge from our unconscious.” I love the reference to the unconscious because sea monsters rising from the deep are a manifestation of emotion we’d rather not confront in waking life. The card shows men standing around a campfire in a cave, although one man stands separate from the group. He is facing the Dagon and holds his arms in the air. I’m not sure if he’s trying to appease the Dagon or whether he’s responsible for summoning it from the deep. The Devil in this deck is a warning we’re probably acting on not-so-pleasant impulses. Looking closer at the card, we can see a set of steps behind the men; they’re not trapped and can run away to safety. Any danger we face is already apparent; we can allow ourselves to be consumed by the Dagon or escape to higher ground. The card suggests we actually have a choice. Traditionally The Devil represents the conflict between materialism and spirituality. Sometimes it represents conformity to the detriment of the soul. Either way, you can be consumed by evil or take the high road — but which is it to be for you?
The Moon card is a little more abstract than the others and displays a winding path with a village in the distance. A man can be seen running with his shadow looming large behind him. A handful of grotesque figures follow behind; their intentions and motivations are unclear. A light can be seen in one of the windows in the distance. Traditionally The Moon card is representative of subconscious fears and illusions. It speaks of things being hidden and deception as well as self-deception. We’re usually motivated by fear and anxiety when this card appears, although sometimes it suggests getting in touch with your inner power. The booklet says: “The full Moon reflects on the ocean of the unconscious: the nocturnal light unveils some shadows where monsters lurk, ready to reawaken and ambush the mind.” It is said that the time of the full moon is when the hidden aspects of the psyche are most visible. A productive soul uses this time wisely to further identify the blocks and obstacles to freedom. The card in this deck clearly shows we’re still running away from something and suggests the fear is much greater than the reality (shown by the oversized shadow behind the man). The positive aspects show the man running towards the light — represented by the moon and the light in the window. This suggests heading in the direction of clarity and awareness, both of the self and of the motivations of others. The winding path suggests twists and turns before any truth can be revealed, but I’m not so sure the truth is anywhere near as dramatic as one might fear if receiving this card in a reading.
The Minors
The Chalices (cups) are said to be dreams and represent emotion. The Pentacles are said to be shadows and represent matter and the physical. Wands are said to be lights and represent creativity, and Swords are said to be demons and represent thoughts. Did I mention the minors are all fully illustrated too? I can’t remember, but they are, and they’re great.
An emaciated man sits on a wooden throne-type chair and clutches a grimoire to his chest. The four of pentacles often talks of hoarding or holding on too tightly to what has been gained. It speaks of security but also suggests further gain will not be forthcoming because of a lack of creativity and risk-taking. The imagery in this card firmly expresses that we have become too stagnant and are wasting away. We’re in danger of losing everything because we’re holding on too tightly to what has already been achieved. The man is dressed in warm-coloured rags, which suggests he does have some passion remaining. Maybe he needs to take a swig out of that cup (acknowledge emotion) to motivate himself. The booklet doesn’t give interpretations for the minor aracana. However, it does give a description for the suits and numbers collectively. For Pentacles, it says, The Pentacles are shadows and represent the the Element of the Earth, corresponding to our own physical centre, the body, its needs, and the material that surrounds it. Amidst the Shadows grow attachments of men who identify themselves with their body and with the objects they possess. The booklet says of the number four: a level of comprehension is reached and consolidated; stability, fulfilment.
The eight of pentacles shows a craftsman at work. The energy of the card is quiet and contemplative. The eight of pentacles is one of those cards that can be a little boring compared to others; it suggests time needs to be invested in perfecting one’s talents and abilities. It stresses the need for patience and dedication to whatever craft we’re learning. It usually highlights a period of more alone time and tells us that no one else will do the work for us. The craftsman at work reminds us that we’re creating something unique. He’s carving something from wood which could be symbolic of natural talents rather than something which needs to be forced. ‘Tis a boring card, but the imagery here is very good for what the card represents. Of the number eight, the booklet says, the ability to decide and fortitude come from reason and generate a desire for balance, stagnation. The number meaning doesn’t match up with this card — I’m struggling to make it fit. I can’t see how it would work for the eight of wands either.
The two of chalices features a clearly loving couple gazing adoringly at one another. The man has his back to the viewer, but it’s clear from how his hand holds her face as she holds his; they’re mirroring each other perfectly. The traditional meaning is about reciprocity in love. We have a rainbow in the background suggesting this love has come after a period of heavy storms, and flowers in the foreground, suggesting they’re now sitting on fertile ground. Waterfalls suggest emotions are in motion. They’re close enough to the water but not yet immersed; it’s a card of romance and speaks of the potential for a great love. The booklet says, The Chalices are Dreams and represent the Element of Water, corresponding to your own emotional centre, joys and pains. Dreams are delicate and are held in the heart like wine in a chalice. Dreams sometimes well and overflow, like tears in our eyes when we are moved. With regard to the muber two it says, diverse energies face off in the depths; obstacles, a critical point, accumulation.
The swords are among the best minors in the deck, and I had a hard time just picking one or two. So, as you can see, I picked half of them. The booklet says, The Swords are Demons and represent thoughts and the Element of Air, corresponding to our own intellectual centre, with the mind and its potential. If thoughts escape our control, they can become obsessions, taking the form of Demons that enslave the mind. The three of swords is a typical indicator of heartbreak, separation and pain. In the Dark Grimoire, a woman leans back slightly with her arms folded as she stares into the distance. A book lays open on a table in front of her as demonic apparitions appear to emanate from its pages. Has she conjured these haunting visions, or is it simply the chapter she’s found herself on? I feel this card is speaking more about the longing we can endure when this card makes an appearance in a reading. It can appear when we’re afflicted with the awful hankering and lamenting over an unavailable person. It’s also symbolic of the fears we face when in a period of separation from the one we love. Although the swords are air, we need to remember that; they’re not talking about emotion because they deal with our thoughts and ideas. Maybe she just needs to close the book to make them all go away. Too much time spent in the head and not enough direct action, but maybe no action can be taken? Regarding the number three the booklet says, The grimoire falls open to natural magic, to creativity, to union.
The five of swords is another unpleasant card, and the imagery shows a man running with an army of demonic figures following closely behind him. If he stops or falters, they’ll almost certainly catch him. The five usually represents conflict and opposition. In this deck, the imagery suggests an impossible situation to escape. Symbolically, it says someone is trying to outrun their fears, or someone is in danger of being overwhelmed by fear. It’s impossible — if he turns around to fight, he’ll be defeated. He simply can’t win against so many. It sums up the five of swords pretty well. No point in fighting, and yet can’t run away either. Of the number five, the booklet says, there is the opportunity to move on to a higher level of consciousness, but there is also uncertainty and difficulty in abandoning personal convictions. I can kind of see how this relates in a wider sense, but the same could be said about any of the cards in the deck if we apply the meaning of the number five.
I love the seven of swords in this deck. I’ve written about the seven of swords in an extended post somewhere in this blog because it’s so fucking problematic when it appears in daily life. A man sleeps with a gun on the bedside table, but the handle is at the furthest point away from his hand if he should need to grab it quickly. A shadowy figure stands in the doorway. Will he enter the room fully, and what are his intentions towards the man sleeping? The imagery warns us we’re not as prepared as we think. It also cautions us to be guarded lest someone tries to steal something important that we’ve worked hard to attain. For the number seven, the booklet says mental and physical actions are developing dynamically. The imagery certainly gets the message across that someone is being sneaky, and we need to pay attention lest something be stolen. Or maybe we’re at risk of some kind of mental or emotional attack? The gun suggests we do have a way to defend ourselves, but only if we’re alert. The card suggests being unaware (asleep) that there is a potential problem with someone who has access to our personal space.
The eight of swords is a disturbing sight. An ogre with a visible third eye grasps a jar; one hand holds the lid firmly in place whilst the other holds tight to the bottom. Parts of Cthulhu can be seen where his heart should be — an evil heart, perhaps? Is the ogre representing someone controlled by his unconscious impulses rather than his emotions? Inside the jar, a woman stands with her hands on the wall as if trying to raise the alarm that she’s trapped and needs release. If faced with this card in a reading, can we assume a situation where we are trapped by something seemingly bigger than ourselves? The monster’s third eye indicates someone with strong intuitive abilities. What I find most disturbing is that this card often appears when there’s a very specific situation in play — a man or woman will be obsessed with someone and unable to communicate how they feel. It’s your classic situationship card. Using the symbolic references on this card, I’d be inclined to think it represents a situation where someone falls for another who is emotionally damaged. The kraken-esque heart suggests someone who often gives in to their unconscious impulses and darker emotions. I find the look on his face to be unnerving. He isn’t looking inside the jar at the woman but off to the side; it’s suggestive of him being in his head with his thoughts. And that’s usually what’s happening — this card speaks of the unspoken fantasies of the cowardly and the emotionally retarded. Their victims are often trapped into thinking there’s something more human on offer, like physical contact and even love. Is the artist suggesting they know exactly what they’re doing? Disturbing indeed.
I like the nine of swords despite the fact it’s a shit card to get in a reading. The imagery is descriptive of the self-loathing one is typically experiencing when this card appears. Cruelty, both to self and others, usually because of a lack of honest communication and a closed heart. The imagery is symbolic of not liking what is seen when looking in the mirror. We can extend that further and take the suggestion that others may simply be mirroring our behaviour back to us. Whatever the situation, it’s a sign we’re not happy with how we look, nor are we likely to sleep soundly. In the booklet it says of the nine: the experience produced abundance, wholeness, but perhaps also isolation and crisis. As you can probably see, none of the number interpretations help very much at all. They’re ambiguous, often inaccurate, and just don’t help much with interpretation. You can certainly see how the nine of swords is isolation and crisis on a mental level. The cups and pentacles may be abundance on an emotional/physical level. But what about the nine of wands? What do we do with that card?
The Knights
The knights are particularly revealing in this deck, and I love how each card has a different expression. Many decks will have the same picture but use a different colour and insert the symbol for whichever suit it represents. The Dark Grimoire has an interesting take on each of the knights. The Knight of Wands is the most dynamic of the four and shows a knight riding a demonic lion-like creature who is growling at a pile of tentacles. A ball of light can be seen hovering at the end of the staff wielded by the knight, and it looks like it’s damaged one of the tentacles. This knight is symbolic of someone prepared to fight for what they stand for — likely to be courageous and quick to act. This person probably won’t shy away from confrontation.
The Knight of Swords rides a fierce-looking winged creature with a third eye and horns. The tongue of the beast hangs out of its mouth, and it holds its rider's head in its front paws as it flies through the sky. The headless knight wields his sword in his left hand as though he has instructed the creature to charge. It’s a scary-looking image, and I can’t figure out why the knight is headless. It may be symbolic of a person who takes action on his thoughts rather than being led by his heart. There is still a huge amount of energy and movement in this card; I assume it represents someone who moves even faster than the Knight of Wands because he can take flight.
The Knight of Chalices rides a ghostly-looking horse with what looks to be a fake unicorn horn. He holds a chalice aloft in his left hand as he pushes his horse to go forward through shallow water. Movement is further accentuated through his garments flowing behind him. He’s the archetypal lover, and the card's energy suggests he is less inclined to do battle than the Knight of Wands or Swords. He carries a cup and brings love, although he might not be prepared to put up a fight even when it’s needed.
The final card is the Knight of Pentacles and what makes me laugh out loud is how it shows how painfully slow this knight can be. When this card represents a person or a situation, we can expect things to take far longer than most of us would hope for. Just look at the card — he isn’t even moving. I hope no one is actually waiting for him; the thought of that makes me feel quite agitated. I genuinely love how the artist has managed to show the different temperaments of each of the elements.
This really is an amazing deck which deserves time and dedication to absorb its message. The symbolism is incredibly rich and reveals so much information. Fans of H.P. Lovecraft could probably pull out an extreme amount of information without knowing anything about tarot. With that in mind, I’d recommend reading some of his work if you end up working with this deck for any length of time because it’s bound to be revealing. This deck has a strong psycho-analytical feel and will suit anyone who likes to dig deep into motives and behaviour. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s bound to resonate strongly with those who are complex. It’s a beautifully honest and expressive deck.
