Lo Triumpe

I recently received an incredible package from an incredible lady – Lena Ruth Stefanovich. She shared with me two of her books, and the decks that go with them. I am both honored and humbled to be able to have this material in my hands.

The first book is “Lo Triumpe” (OKF, Cetinje, 2008), a book of short stories based on the Tarot. The stories themselves I cannot comment on, as they are not in English. The 22 card Major Arcana deck that accompanies this book is entitled the “Black Mountain Tarot”, and is illustrated by the inimitable Emily Carding. The deck came nicely presented in spreadsheets of four cards each. In her foreword, Emily notes that Lena left the choice of the theme for the deck up to her – Bravo Lena! You two ladies together are incredible! A not so small point – this was the first deck to be published in the newly independent Montenegro!

More of the cards can be seen here, on Aeclectic Tarot- http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/black-mountain/ . Images in this deck were inspired by historical figures, architecture, modern life, ancient mythology, folk tales, Christian, Pagan, and Muslim spirituality, Montenegro’s stunning countryside and rugged mountains, and, as Emily states, even a view of an optimistic future.

The incredibly good news about the “Black Mountain Tarot” is that a second edition ( which will include an intro written by Lena, along with a couple of her stories) is due to be released by the Tarot Media Company (http://tarotmediacompany.com/upcoming-releases/tarot-of-the-black-mountain-by-emily-carding/). Yes, it was supposed to be out in 2011 – keep an eye on this page – the deck, along with Lena’s stories, is worth it!

© April 2011 Bonnie Cehovet

Advertisement