Notoria Tarot in Light
Notoria: Tarot in Light was created by award-winning Italian artist Fabio Listrani and published by Lo Scarabeo. The deck was funded through a massively successful Kickstarter campaign that reached its €4,000 goal in under 10 minutes, ultimately raising €98,179 from 812 backers (average pledge €121). The Kickstarter edition was printed on premium metal gold cardstock. The deck is the angelic counterpart to Listrani's earlier Goetia: Tarot in Darkness — where Goetia focused on the 72 demons of the Lesser Key of Solomon, Notoria celebrates the 72 angels of the Shem HaMephorash (plus six additional angels: Raphael, Gabriel, Uriel, Michael, Metatron, and Lucifer to complete the 78-card tarot structure). Listrani is also the creator of the Santa Muerte Tarot and Night Sun Tarot, and has illustrated for Marvel, Titan Comics, Heavy Metal, and IDW Publishing.
Official Website →Art Style & Visual Character
The artwork is created using digital computer graphics in a gothic, ceremonial, and deeply mystical aesthetic. The color scheme is dominated by black, gray, red, and gold — a palette that evokes both the sacred and the arcane. Gothic architectural backgrounds, detached ethereal figures, and a mysterious angelic aura are distinctive features of Listrani's style. The deck weaves ancient mysteries and alchemical lore with brilliant modern digital art. Despite focusing on "light," the aesthetic remains dark and dramatic — this is sacred luminosity rendered through shadow, not cheerful brightness. The Kickstarter edition's metal gold premium cardstock elevates the production to a luxury tier.
Core Concept & Symbolism
The deck is inspired by the Ars Notoria (Notory Art), the fifth book of the Lemegeton (Lesser Key of Solomon), an ancient grimoire of ceremonial magic. Each card showcases an angel or force of light from this esoteric tradition. The deck is far removed from the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith system — Listrani himself describes both Goetia and Notoria as "more ceremonial magic tools than actual Tarot decks." The symbolism draws from angelic hierarchies, Kabbalistic traditions, and Western ceremonial magic. Used alongside its dark counterpart Goetia, the two decks form a complete duality of light and darkness, angels and demons.
Reading Experience
The Kickstarter's explosive success (funded in under 10 minutes) demonstrated intense community demand. Astrologyk's deck review notes the gothic computer-graphic style and ceremonial magic orientation. The Labyrinthos interview with Listrani provides deep insight into the creator's vision. Reviewers consistently note that the deck is not suitable for beginners or for standard RWS-based readings — it requires familiarity with ceremonial magic, angelic lore, or a strong intuitive practice. The deck is highly valued by collectors, occultists, and ceremonial magic practitioners. It can be used as a standalone deck or paired with Goetia for dualistic readings exploring the interplay of light and shadow.
Best Used For
- Ceremonial magic practitioners and students of the Lesser Key of Solomon
- Angelic invocation and spiritual work with angelic hierarchies
- Advanced readers who work beyond traditional tarot structures
- Collectors of Fabio Listrani's acclaimed tarot art
- Pairing with Goetia: Tarot in Darkness for dualistic light/shadow readings
- Meditation on angelic archetypes and sacred luminosity
Not Ideal For
- Beginners or those learning standard RWS tarot meanings
- Everyday practical readings or daily pulls
- Readers who prefer traditional tarot structure and symbolism
Major Arcana (22 cards)
The 22 trump cards representing life's spiritual lessons and karmic influences
Minor Arcana (56 cards)
The 56 suit cards reflecting day-to-day events and practical influences
Wands
Fire element — passion, creativity, ambition, and spiritual growth
Cups
Water element — emotions, relationships, intuition, and inner feelings
Swords
Air element — intellect, conflict, truth, and mental clarity
Pentacles
Earth element — material world, finances, health, and practical matters
