This deep & bizarre deck has earned his followers and fans these last 4 decades, and is still going strong and very much being sought after despite being long OOP, and most important for me has found its way into my collection. It was created by the Swiss esoteric teacher Leo Armin, a healer and guru from the 70's and 80's who had his own group of followers (among who actor Peter Sellers) and also ran a church.
The deck has been printed at (least?) three different times, after some research I’ve reconstructed a printing history
1978: hinged black box edition with green velvet interior (this seems not always to be the case – but I’m not sure of it means there where several print runs or that there where simply different boxes in regard to the interior furnishing). This is the original version that was published by Cobwebs Press (London). It was released to the US in 500 signed copies by U.S Games Inc.
1986: "white box edition 1"
The edition was printed by the “Regal Print Company” (London) and was probably printed in 1986. This edition wasn’t signed and differs from both the original English version and the US Games version in that the numbers do not have dots on either side and the lettertype is not the same. “Leo” isn’t mentioned here as world copyright is attributed to “S.B. Armin 1986”.
1991: "white box edition 2"
French version copyright 1991 by R.Armin. The text an edited and expanded version of the original LWB, there are also quite a few differences in the images also. The French version also has slightly smaller cards then the original English one, but with a much better print quality.
Stefan,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on this acquisition. It's quite a find. Which edition is yours?
Alec
Thanks Alec,
ReplyDeleteMine is the '78 edition
I would like to clarify something. Leo never called himself a guru. He was a healer and the last thing, Leo was not Swiss. He was British. Just to clarify information.
ReplyDeleteMarcie-
Nope. He was actually of German descent- real surname 'Schirtenleib' before changing it to Raymond Armin (Leo was his esoteric name)- and though he never declared himself a guru he was a figurehead of the Emin cult. THose of us in the Emin mostly see him as a guru.
ReplyDeleteAstounding tarot, as are the books that came from Cobwebs press. To be looked out for.
He may well have been of German descent, but he was a London guy ( very much so ).
DeleteThe Emin was never a cult & he would have been quite offended to have been associated with the tag "cult".
I have many books, tapes of meetings & The tarot of Frown Strong & was a member of The Emin Society for five years & attended regular meetings at Putney, London.
I appreciate the corrections... Leo was an Englishman of German descent, and truly an Englishman at heart. Labels such as guru, cult leader, and so on will never define the life of a man like Leo. And lastly, Peter Sellers was never involved in The Emin. His lifelong friend, Spike Milligan was, as well as Spike's son.
ReplyDeleteI have the original 1978 hinged black box with green velvet. Signed 109/500 and looking to sell the deck. vxderror@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteSir,
ReplyDeleteI find it quite strange that explanations as to the meanings of the Frown Strong Tarot are not readily available on the WorldWideWeb, given that each pack had a starter booklet. Leo also gave a more detailed account of each card in one of his many writings, The Journey, Volume Two. For such explanations/starter-understandings not to be available to those who would like to seek out universal truths by which to live one's life I find bewildering, especially considering the wealth of information that can be found on almost any other subject. I have lived with this tool that Leo generously gave us for many years, returning to it regularly when I need direction, as I know have many others.
A point of interest: Leo’s original drawing of card 15, The Green Man, had the horned demon sitting on a mound of turds!
I hope that this starts the ball rolling…
Card 1 The Juggler
Words to associate with this card:
New Arisings, Creative Forces, Truth, Standards, Disciplines, Confidence, Security, Accomplishment, Psychology, Produce, Growth, Lowering of Standards, Devaluation, Coarseness, Destruction, Dominance, Tyrants, Illiteracy.
Significance:
The Juggler has the mark of the highly skilled person, already accomplished and with great confidence in his own ability. The misuse of these abilities can lead to those negative aspects mentioned above.
Best regards, Mr Reindeer.