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| Joseph, The Gothic Tarot Compendium arrived this week and inside the package was a surprise copy of your new CD Shadow of the Raven. It was fantastic. I listened to it and read your book all night long. Thank you so much for the inscription and for signing the book. The book has changed the way I think about everything. I knew it would change the way I see the cards but now I see 'images' everywhere I go and I interpret those images according to things you have said in your book. And, your music has become my music of choice. I'd rather listen to your music than any other music. In one sense you've ruined other bands for me because they all sound so dull by comparison. I'll be listening to a favorite band all the time thinking, 'I'd rather be listening to Nox Arcana. Did you know that Baltimore, my home town, was home to Poe? We sponsored a goth gathering a couple of years ago and we took the early arrivers to the Poe House and gravesite for a tour. These are beautiful gothic places right here in my backyard. Perhaps some day I can show you these places if you have not seen them already. You are a magnificent talent Joseph Vargo. Once again I thank you for sharing it so generously with me. Many blessings, David Dellman (www.daviddellman.com) Sept 15, 2007 Hi, just wanted to thank you for the fast shipment and I love the new Tarot Book! Been wishing for one for a long time and nice to see the dark art explained. I use The Gothic Tarot all the time! My friends love the design too. Now the book will make it complete. Mary [May 23, 2007] As a long time fan of Vargo's work, and the Gothic Tarot in particular, I was thrilled to get my hands on the Compendium. I have insisted all along (to anyone who would listen) how wonderfully evocative and genuinely effective a deck the Gothic Tarot is. The Compendium is definitely a great companion piece, and I appreciated being able to learn more about the artwork itself. Aside from being a useful tool for the deck, the book is certainly a cut above a lot of the drivel that is being written on Tarot these days. As always, I wish the very best in all of your endeavours. Thalassa, SFBATS [Jul 10, 2007] Just a brief note to express my appreciation for an incredibly comfortable collection of images. I am a tarot reader in Jerome, Arizona. When I first received the deck following my order, my first thought was that it might not be appropriate for just anyone who walks in off the street for a reading. I have done many readings since receiving the Gothic Tarot deck, and have used it exclusively. I have so fallen in love with it, my other decks dim in comparison. And the most interesting part of this process for me is that these images speak to my soul; my messages to my clients is gently delivered, because of it, and I feel a sense of peace in expressing my interpretations. I am a paradox living in a world that typically feels uncomfortable to me. But your images and these cards have helped ease my plight. With much gratitude... Gypsy, Jerome, AZ [Mar 13, 2007] Imagine a world filled with mist, darkness and gloom where light shines through. Elegant, passionate and sensual characters wander through the mist and the darkness of this world, their hearts full of darkness and full of light. Vampires, werewolves, witches, gargoyles, angels, ghosts, are among the characters found on the cards and each of them reveals the cards's meanings in a particular way. The Gothic Tarot is an awesome gothic deck wonderfully drawn by the talented Joseph Vargo. Review by Wolfy James, Aclectic Tarot There are hundreds of tarot decks in the market, but there was not a magnificent Gothic Tarot available till Joseph Vargo released his. There is so much art in it, but also a great deal of work. I enjoy admiring every card as the precious work of art which it is indeed. Similarly, there is not yet a brilliant Art Nouveau tarot available in the market, for which I suggest Madame Endora. Personally, I don't have a doubt it would be a best-seller in this ever-increasing market for collecting. Your artwork is classy and thoroughly performed, as well. Anyway, may the auspicious mighty gods bless you richly for the wealth of artwork you have been yielding to the world. Albert Poch, Spain [01.20.05] Greetings! I simply had to drop a brief note to express my adoration for The Gothic Tarot. Joseph Vargo is a master of dark art, and this is the single most hauntingly beautiful deck I have ever had the pleasure of owning! Of course, I've not found anything from Monolith that I haven't liked, so I suppose it's no surprise that I love this deck so much. Yours truly in darkness, Executia [12.29.04] For anyone who likes their tarot cards a little dark, this deck should be quite exciting, a wonderfully shadowy addition to their collection. Read with these cards on a black velvet cloth or a slab of grey marble, and descend into a realm of vampires, gargoyles, wolves, ravens, slinky spirits, and warrior ghouls. Joseph Vargo's tarot consists of artwork he has done over the past ten years, that he has embellished or altered in some cases, and new pieces created specifically for this deck. Vargo conducted research in order to create an authentic tarot. The instruction booklet is well written, with an insightful, calm voice. Positive and reverse meanings are given for each card. The author does a very good job introducing tarot and offering ideas for working with the cards, emphasizing intuition and self-reflection. Draw any card and be treated to the wisdom of the shadow. These images from horror stories and dark fantasy are executed beautifully and combined together into an effectively complete tarot set. For vampire lovers and horror fans, The Gothic Tarot is a must-have! Reviewed by Nellie Levine, Illumination Tarot The Gothic Tarot by Joseph Vargo is definitely a class production-the deck is both beautiful and professionally packaged, the imagery is dramatic but delicate, making this underworld a place of alluring mystery. The artwork is what really makes this deck transcend the boundaries of theme. This is a deck I recommend highly, not merely to tarot collectors and horror fiction enthusiasts, but to anyone looking for a dramatically beautiful, independently-published deck that is most reasonably priced. Reviewed by Diane Wilkes, TarotPassages.com About this deck, what can one say? They are FABULOUS! I haven't put them down. First off, I have been a tarot reader for many years and an aficionado of classic gothic and dark works of art, music, film and literature all my life. Beautiful does not begin to describe them. The workmanship and artistry has to be the achievement of a lifetime. And I'm certain that Mr. Vargo will achieve much more to come. The cards have deep insight. Their imagery is stunning. Far more than the usual boring and tasteless, run-of-the-mill metaphysical and fantasy "goth" tarot decks that have glutted the market today. But there is nothing usual or ordinary about this deck. Mr. Vargo gives fine attention to depicting a romantic, gothic atmosphere... The cards are beautiful and sensual. The characters depicted are very real and deeply moving. Not only that, but I'm quite impressed with the booklet that came with the deck. It has none of that "airy fairy" nonsense, nor is it imbued with mumbo-jumbo arcane mysticism that is impossible to decipher. It is clear, concise and informative. I am impressed. Dark Blessings, Toni Joseph Vargo's Gothic Tarot is wonderful, and your swift handling of my order was really appreciated. I am so happy that I found your site, which I did via a Dark Art link page. I collect tarot decks, and yours is now one of my most favorite sets. Thank you so much. Victoria Dickinson [12.05.04] I would like to say that I love this deck. It has been an invaluable aid to me in studying tarot. Thank You, Alissa I collect Tarot of various styles and am a professional Tarot reader. This is the deck that finally appeals to my inner side. I wish to congratulate Mr. Vargo on his wonderful and dark images, and am further thrilled to see the cards distributed independently! Around my house, everyday is Halloween and these cards and music add to that feeling. Yours in darkness, Karma-Rich The art and passion I have seen here has remained unmatched for quite some time. I am a frequent Renaissance fair visitor as well as collector, and my fascination with the art of Joseph Vargo began many years ago when I first saw "Born of the Night" in poster form. Then seeking it out for myself I came along "Eclipse." I will have to set The Gothic Tarot among other items I can no longer live without. I would also like to add that the response of all those I have shared this with has been amazing. Your perception and accuracy of what I refer to as the black and white world is felt far and wide. Thank you. Truly, Quellen Storm [03.12.04] Please let Joseph Vargo know how pleased I am with The Gothic Tarot. I have fourteen decks, generally attracted to ones with a fair amount of "dark" images. I've bought the Born of the Night calendar for the past two years. I've been a lifelong fan of Dark Shadows and old Universal Horror Films. I was very impressed with the thought that went into The Gothic Tarot, the subtle use of colors, the imagery... Love the Gargoyle knaves! Love the arches, the cemeteries, LOVE the Sun card, the Minors were so well fleshed out. I've only had it a week and work with it every few days and am just continuously in awe of it. It's really speaking to me in a way that decks don't often do. I guess, as a collector, I'm in search of the Perfect Tarot. I believe I have found it! I often give Tarot as gifts so there may well be additional purchases coming from this way. Thank you and keep up the great work! Barrymore Tebbs Just a quick hi and wow! for your amazing Gothic Tarot which I received today. Absolutely beautiful. Its something I will treasure. Thank you. Steve Napier, England I am just overwhelmed by the ferocious beauty of Vargo's works. My husband and I sat transfixed pouring over each Tarot card individually. Words cannot express how the magnificence of his paintings enrapture my soul...just absolutely breathtaking. I saw the page on your site with the fortune telling cards as well... Really spectacular artistry, hauntingly beautiful. Each one is an escape to a land of wondrous dark beauty---and I'm not one to lavish people with compliments! But this time it's so richly deserved. I wish you both megatons of success! Sincerely, Danie |
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