#pan'slabyrinth

Okay, deep breaths, everyone. Because if you're anything like me, your soul just vibrated when you heard those words: Guillermo-Inspired Tarot Deck & Guidebook.

For too long, we've wandered the mundane, seeking echoes of the beautiful, the grotesque, the utterly enchanting darkness that lives just beneath the surface of reality. And now, it's here. A deck born from the very essence of that gothic romance, that creature feature elegance, that profound melancholy and breathtaking wonder we crave.

This isn't just a tarot deck. It's a portal. It's a whisper from the labyrinth, a key to unlocking the shadows and the light within your own story. Each card is a miniature masterpiece, steeped in the rich, intricate artistry that only a true visionary could inspire. Think forgotten libraries, moonlit gardens, the gentle creak of ancient floorboards, and the eyes of creatures who know more than they let on.

Whether you're a seasoned oracle, a curious seeker, or simply someone who appreciates the exquisite beauty of the macabre and the magical, this deck is calling to you. Imagine the readings, the introspection, the sheer vibes this will bring to your sacred space. It's not just about divination; it's about connecting with the stories that resonate deep in your bones.

Let's be real, your current tarot deck is probably great, but does it make your inner monster sigh with contentment? Does it feel like it was pulled from a forgotten fairytale, dusted with starlight and secrets? This one does.

So, if your heart beats to the rhythm of the strange and beautiful, if you find comfort in the shadows and magic in the mundane, then you need this. It's more than just cards; it's an experience. It's a journey into the heart of what makes us human, and what lies beyond.

Find your destiny, embrace the darkness, and let the visions unfold. Link in bio (or, you know, wherever links go on this hellsite). HERE FOR INSTANCE

Different people will react differently to Pan’s Labyrinth  due to its themes of innocence and reality. Is magic real? Can the light of childhood persevere despite the ugliness of the real world which surrounds it? Your answer depends on your interpretation of the film's ending.

Set in Spain, in 1944, young Ophelia (Ivana Baquero) learns from a strange creature (performed by Doug Jones, voiced by Pablo Adán) that she is the reincarnation of a fairy princess. As she accomplishes the tasks that will allow her to return to her kingdom, Ofelia’s stepfather, the cruel Falangist Captain Vidal (Sergi López) searches for republican rebels.

As an adult, I often find myself longing for the days when I believed in magic. Although they were often filled with nightmares (even a simple sticker marked Dracula pasted onto my bed frame was enough to terrify me at night), I was too preoccupied with the make-belief to realize how frightening reality can be. Despite the witch in Snow White being irredeemably evil, her realm of fantasy will always prevent her from being as frightening as Captain Vidal. Just as fairytales and myths prepare children by showing them the dangers of the outside world, Pan's Labyrinth prepares us for the worst of humanity. It teaches us that although there are dazzling wonders and beauty to be found, some forms of evil cannot be reasoned with and must be avoided at all costs. It's been so long since we've sat down with a story of fauns and princesses that we've forgotten how important the lesson is. This makes Pan's Labyrinth a fairytale for adults.

There’s something about this film that appeals both to the child inside you and the adult, mixing the fairytale elements and the war dramas in a way that is rarely attempted. Ophelia's magical trials are distractions from the real world ruled by her vicious stepfather but deep down, you know it's only a temporary escape. The story makes you feel both young and old at once. It arouses such complex emotions and states of being so effectively - and all without spelling it out - that it’s a masterpiece of storytelling.

If this weren't enough, Pan’s Labyrinth is an incredible sight filled with imagination. Its creatures are unique creations that will fill your eyes with stars or your nights with chills. You want to see this tale by Guillermo del Toro just to witness the makeup and puppetry used to bring the fantasy realm to life. The art direction and design are superb.

The plot and themes are sophisticated, the visuals gorgeous. What about the people within this world? Normally, it would be hard to tell, at least for this reviewer, as I don't speak Spanish. This time, it didn't matter. The cast is excellent, particularly young Ivana Baquero.

The only thing to criticize about Pan's Labyrinth is its title, which would be better translated as The Labyrinth of the Faun. It's a story that will appeal to anyone that used to be a child and has now grown up. Its narrative holds tremendous power, more than enough to earn it full marks. The same could be said about its visuals and emotional weight. (Theatrical version with English Subtitles, February 2, 2015)

"...I AM THE MOUNTAIN, THE FOREST AND THE EARTH..."

PIC INFO: Resolution at 900x1157 -- Spotlight on a portrait of Pan, a.k.a., the Faun, titular character in Guillermo del Toro's fairy tale/drama/war film "Pan's Labyrinth" (2006), artwork by William Stout, c. 2015.

Ofelia: "My name is Ofelia. Who are you?"

Pan: "Me? I've had so many names. Old names that only the wind and the trees can pronounce. I am the mountain, the forest and the earth. I am... I am a faun. Your most humble servant, Your Highness."