It's time to begin your journey into the vast unknown.Within the Cosmic Butcher’s “Guide to the Strange and Eternal” tarotdeck you will scream into the void, and it will scream back. Gone are the days of the oppressive monarchy and antiquated patriarchy. We are equal and you are your own guide within this strange universe.
Each card/suit has been renamed to fit the world I have always wanted in a tarot deck. Kings, queens, and the lot...who needs 'em? We're overthrowing these antiquated seats of power. Replacing the RWS universe with illuminated creatures and whimsical imagery that are sure to evoke a more relatable connection to the cards.
This is the perfect deck for those just beginning their journey into tarot as well as cultivating deeper connections for the tarot savants. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to use or interpret this deck. It is yours to use freely.
I’ve combined my love of all the different creatures that inhabit this planet and the infinite space that is always above us. The hand drawn and digitally designed artwork taps into the simplicity of nature's creatures, otherworldly travels, and is a thorough feast for the eyes.
The ‘Guide to the Strange and Eternal’ Second Edition features the original RWS Tarot Deck Structure that includes 78 cards (22 Major Arcana cards and 56 Minor Arcana cards).
In addition to to the 78 cards there are two (2) exclusive Major Arcana cards, 'Strange' and 'Eternal' -each with unique keywords, meanings, and interpretations. Plus one (1) extra card featuring a scannable QR code that that will transport you to the digital guide.
The Minor Arcana and Court cards are designed with the same color palette and background elements while being completely unique unto themselves. In doing so, my goal was to create a visually organized deck that causes an immediate impact in a glance connecting the reader to the card. This is amazing for intuitive readings as well as "by the book”.
Whether you recently started exploring divination decks or are a divination savant; Strange & Eternal's cards shuffle like a dream and will intermingle seamlessly with other standard tarot and oracle-sized decks!
CARD SIZE: 2.75”W x 4.75”H / Standard Tarot Size
CARD STOCK: / A blue core prevents the card from being transparent when held up to bright light thus allowing for more color intensity. A thick card stock featuring a gloss varnish adds to the sturdiness of the physical card while maintaining ease when shuffling.
STANDARD (280GSM) / Cardstock weight is measured in GSM (grams per square meter). This is the universal measure for the weight of “playing” cards aka thickness.
EMBOSSED LINEN / Adds a subtle texture to the cards for ease of handling and grip.
GLOSS VARNISH / A liquid gloss finish that will be applied by the offset printing press to seal in and protect the ink. Gloss also contributes to the colors being bold and intense.
A custom, tuck box that will protect your new Strange & Eternal deck for years to come. Featuring turquoise foiled accents and a gloss finish that will be applied for added color intensity and protection.
To give you a sense of the continuous wrap-around design, here you can see the white text and ornamentations that will be turned into turquoise foiled embellishments. As to be expected, minor design adjustments may be made prior to production, but overall this is the finalized box design! Please Note: The white template lines will NOT be printed, they have been left on the image to give you a better visual of the box!
A digital and downloadable guide book will be provided in .PDF form. This will be accessible via a QR code printed on an extra card within the deck…the 81st card! Opting for a digital guide book drastically slims down production costs (lower cost for you!) and reducing manufacturing waste was of high importance to me.
Over the four years since Strange & Eternal's initial release, I've received amazing feedback on the ease of access, use, and organized layout of my digital guide and have decided to keep everything as it is. For the Second Edition, additional annotations and exclusive card spreads will be added to the digital guide.
The new design is completely mirrored [just like the First Edition] for those who like to work with reversals in their pulls and/or reads.
New “Strange” and “Eternal” Cards
These cards were included as two (2) additional Majors in the First Edition and have been completely redesigned for the Second Edition!
Revamped and Reworked Card Artwork
The cards will still have the same base artwork but most will feature the second edition’s new color palette and reworked layouts.
Updated/Streamlined Text on All of the Cards
The title text on the cards has been streamlined for a cleaner aesthetic. This includes removing the elements and zodiac text and changing the font.
New Tuck Box Design
The second edition's tuck box has been completely redesigned and will feature metallic turquoise foiling!
New Digital Guide Card
On the first edition, the digital guidebook was accessible via a QR code printed directly on the box; this is being moved to its own card.
Digital Guidebook Additions
New annotations and exclusive card spreads will be added.
Renames
The "Messenger" (a.k.a. Knight in the Rider-Waite Smith universe) Court Suite has been renamed to the "Herald". The "Summoner" (a.k.a. Page in the Rider-Waite Smith universe) Court Suite has been renamed to the "Evoker".
I am proudly offering this Second Edition with all the bells and whistles I dreamed for it, in doing so, I have decided against additional box upgrades for continuity reasons. The tuck box features my signature, continuous box design as well as the foiling embellishments (specifically the flowing 7-pointed stars). Maintaining the same size/style of box and my signature design elements is important to me. Instead, I’ve opted for a variety of free goods if this campaign hits funding milestones...
PLEASE NOTE: Wholesale Pledge Levels (THE MERCHANT + THE ETERNALS) are not eligible for Stretch Goals | The $9,000 FREE ENAMEL PIN Stretch Goal level does NOT include those who pledged to non-deck tiers (THE MAGPIE + THE UNIVERSE PORTAL)
This is an estimated timeline as I expect everything to go smoothly, but have also added a lot of padding to the campaign's estimated ship date of March 2025. Just in case. Ya' never know what's going to unexpectedly pop up. As always, I will keep backers updated every step of the way. I'm a Gemini with a penchant for excessive talking so expect the updates to be a‘plenty!
HOW IT WORKS:Shipping will not be charged with your rewards on November 1st, 2024 when this campaign ends. Shipping is charged separately with your survey. Shipping will be calculated and collected after the campaign through the Pledge Manager.
Using the pledge manager, you'll be able to confirm your rewards, add any additional items, confirm your mailing address, and finalize your order.
Shipping will be charged when you are sent your surveys in February (if the timeline goals are met with no delays). This allows me to have your most recent mailing address as well as the most accurate and affordable shipping costs.
Please note that shipping costs do not include U.S. State Sales Tax; which is required to be collected via Backerkit.
ADD-ONS: Shipping may increase if you have add-ons based on the total weight of your package. For example, one deck weighs almost nine (9) ounces. Add-ons such as the sticker and art prints are both under one (1) ounce so they will not affect shipping costs.
If you would like an estimation of how much your shipping will be based on your add-ons, please message me via Backerkit and I will be glad to assist you.
✶ Shipping Confidence: Rest assured I am well versed in domestic and international shipping. The first edition of Strange & Eternal was an international success and has made it’s way to many wonderful places such as Estonia, South Korea, and everywhere in between!
✶ Note for International Backers: Backers are responsible for paying all VAT, duties, and/or customs fees that may be applicable. These fees will NOT be collected by Kickstarter. To ensure you receive your package without issue please be sure to research, in advance, what VAT, customs fees, etc. are required in your country. You will be contacted by the postal service in your country when your package is ready for pick-up. All VAT, duties, and/or customs fees will be due at that time. When shipping internationally, I make every effort to properly fill out customs forms. Please do not ask me to change the value of your package or mark it as a gift.
If you have questions regarding shipping to your specific country, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
✶ Lost or Never Received Rewards: Backers with be notified via updates when the project is near completion. If you have not received your package by the completion of the shipping process, you will have fourteen (14) days to contact me about a missing package. If you do not contact me within that timeframe about a lost or never received package, you will forfeit your rewards and your pledge will be considered a donation and rolled into future projects.
Thank you all for joining me on this campaign. I understand that in today's economic climate an item such as this is not a necessity, but a frivolity. With each creative crowdfunding campaign I've strived to make the rewards as affordable as possible. Capitalistic greed by way of overcharging is not the goal here -or ever. Your support means more to me than a simple sentence could express as it allows my ideas to come to fruition.
✶ Artist Bio: Molded and forged in the Steel City; Pittsburgh, PA - I have been a freelance graphic designer since 2004. Unapologetically finding inspiration in the uncomfortable beauty found in this world. My ambition is to bring a little dash of magic to your everyday routines by way of beautiful artwork and curiously crafted wares.
✶ Finalized Artwork: As to be expected, design adjustments may be made prior to production to the cards, tuck box, and card back before everything goes to production. Backers will be updated of any and all design changes no matter how miniscule they are.
✶Manufacturing: This is my third time using New Titan Print for a divination deck! I'm confident that the quality of the finished product and turn around times will not only meet, but exceed my expectations.
If you've been following me for a while, you might have noticed I make a playlist for every idea, project, and concept before I start the tangible work on it. It's a crucial base foundation for me because it helps set the tone (vibe, if you will lol) of what I want to bring to life. I hope you enjoy these playlists as much as I enjoyed creating them for you.
