Pirate Tarot

"From the beginning of time those who sail the seas have been a superstitious lot. They made signs against the evil eye, sacrifices to the gods of the sea for good weather, and some considered it the height of bad light to have a woman aboard a ship... Pirates, being sailors themselves, kept up this tradition of superstition and would use any method they could to get good luck and protection from harm. One method to keep themselves safe was fortune-telling." -- From the Pirate Tarot insert

Yargggh! If you're a fan of pirates, elaborate wood art and unusual Tarot decks, read on!

It was early 2006 when New Jersey residents Lucas and Carrie Amodi dreamed up the Pirate Tarot, initially desiring to make a deck that could be engraved on wood.

After the Amodios discovered artist Liz Haper, otherwise known as Galindorf, the deck creators designed and engraved the card scenes on cherry wood. During the Spring of 2006, they completed the Major Arcana, going on to finish the entire deck the following year.

The warm hues, striking contrasts and detailed engraving bring a special touch to the Pirate Tarot. Measuring approximately 5.75 x 3.75 inches, these large, glossy cards feature keywords on each one as well as reversible backings. While reflecting the spirit of Rider-Waite style decks, some cards are renamed--including the court cards--yet fresh imagery can be found within the Pirate Tarot.

The Minor Arcana suits are Pistols, Swords, Cups and Coins in this deck, with the Court cards designated Cabin Boy (page), First Mate (knight), Lady Captain (queen) and Captain (king).

The High Priestess transforms into The Figurehead in the Pirate Tarot, while The Magician becomes The Chirugeon. A clever interpretation of the Judgment card, The Plank shows a young man walking the gangplank at sword point while menacing, open-jawed sharks wait below.

The Hierophant transforms into The Bosun (another name for boatswain, or non-commissioned officer in charge of maintenance) takes on a storyteller guise, speaking animatedly with small children on the ship. And The Wheel of Fortune? Why, a directional compass called The Winds, of course!

Here are some keywords associated with a few of the cards in the Pirate Tarot:

• The Fool - Ambiguity, Chaos, Faith, Luck

• The Lovers - Choice, Passion, Union

• The Tower - Release, Upheaval, Destruction

• The Sun - Contentment, Clarity, Confidence

• 8 of Pistols - Speed, Action, Predetermination

• 2 of Swords - Indecision, Equipoise, Defensiveness

• 6 of Coins - Charity, Patronage, Responsibility

• 5 of Cups - Mourning, Healing, Acceptance

• First Mate of Pistols - Passion, Charm, Recklessness

• Lady Captain of Cups - Sensuality, Productivity, Harmony

One small issue I have with the Pirate Tarot is that some cards bear the same keywords, which can prove quite confusing for those new to the cards. I could never understand why deck creators who choose to put keywords on their card select repeating words. For example, both The Sun and the 9 of Cups cards say "Contentment", and The Emperor and Ace of Pistols both say "Virility".

Still, the Pirate Tarot offers visually intriguing artistry and depth. Wood grain and knotholes are visible on some cards, and the intricate laser etches are utterly remarkable. Published by Schiffer Books, this deck is clear, readable, and attractive. And, if you're a card game enthusiast as well, instructions for playing the Italian game Tarocchi is provided on a fold-out sheet, along with the Celtic Cross Spread and a sample Three Card Reading.