The Blood Tarot

The Blood Tarot is a unique divination deck created by Pat Francis, designed to be both meaningful and morbid, celebrating the inherent beauty and gravity of blood. Eschewing what the creator describes as "tacky" mass-produced occult items, this deck offers a deeply personal and visceral connection to its subject matter. The artwork for each card is derived from actual blood pressings, allowing the organic flow and patterns of blood to form abstract, Rorschach-like images that are then interpreted as tarot archetypes.

Francis's intention was to create an occult item that reflects a true love for its subject, moving beyond superficial shock value to explore the profound symbolism of life and sacrifice. The deck is described as being completely self-produced, emphasizing an authentic, hands-on approach to its creation. The campaign highlights the careful process of making over two hundred pressings to find the perfect image for each Major and Minor Arcana card, letting fate guide the splashes and folds to reveal surreal designs that resonate with their assigned meanings.

The deck is explicitly referred to as a "Tarot" throughout the campaign, with mentions of "Major and Minor Arcana," indicating a full 78-card structure. The creator's background in Santeria and reflections on animal sacrifice inform the deck's philosophical underpinnings, imbuing the use of blood as an artistic medium with a sense of profound respect and gravity. The project aimed for high-quality production, including gilded edges, to honor the significance of the material and its symbolic power.

This deck is ideal for experienced tarot readers and collectors who appreciate unique, art-driven decks with a strong conceptual foundation. It will appeal to those interested in themes of mortality, sacrifice, and the deeper, more visceral aspects of spirituality, particularly individuals who find traditional occult aesthetics lacking in genuine depth. Readers who prefer abstract, intuitive imagery over literal representations will find this deck engaging, as will those drawn to the intersection of art, ritual, and personal philosophy.

Pat Francis created The Blood Tarot to challenge the "tacky" and superficial nature of many modern occult items, seeking to infuse true meaning and respect into a deck exploring mortality. Her inspiration stems from her childhood experiences practicing Santeria with her mother, particularly the rituals of animal sacrifice. This upbringing instilled in her a profound understanding of blood as a symbol of life and the most precious gift, leading her to question the paradox of worshiping death without respecting life. This philosophical journey culminated in the creation of The Blood Tarot, where she uses blood as a medium to reconnect with its visceral power and gravity, aiming to create a divination tool worthy of its profound subject.