Join me on my creative journey as I design my own tarot deck, blending aesthetics, symbolism, and inclusivity. Discover the challenges, insights, and lessons learned that come from my quest to find the perfect deck.
The Struggle for the Perfect Deck
I’ve always been passionate about design, caring deeply about the aesthetics and functionality of everything I use. When it came to finding the perfect tarot deck, the struggle was real. Most decks I encountered were either RWS clones that looked medieval and fusty or leaned heavily into gothic and fantasy styles. Neither of these suited my tastes.
After years of searching, I finally found a deck that resonated with me: Grace Duong's Mystic Mondays Tarot. Its bright, minimalistic style was a breath of fresh air. However, I soon realised that in its quest for beautiful minimalism, it omitted much of the symbolism present in the Rider Waite Smith deck. While this isn't a big issue for experienced readers, beginners may find it challenging without those iconic symbols to jog their memory. I persevered and grew comfortable with the Mystic Mondays deck, but it wasn't an easy ride.
The Need for a Balanced Deck
As a male tarot reader, I often have male clients who are seeking guidance. These clients, sometimes unsure about their experience with tarot, need a deck they can easily connect with. The Mystic Mondays deck, with its feminine-oriented design, occasionally made this connection difficult. This led me to define my requirements for the ideal deck: it must look good, be modern and clean, include the rich symbolism of the Raider Waite Smith deck, and feel gender-neutral.
Despite exploring countless decks, I never found one that met all these criteria. I started designing my own deck initially because I needed card illustrations for the Tarot Therapy website. These cards needed to fit the website's unique style, which combined elements of children's book illustrations and ‘psychotherapist-chic’, using watercolor illustrations. This style was something I hadn't seen in tarot before, but I was thrilled with how it was turning out.
Designing My Deck: The Beginning
I began by designing the three cards needed for the homepage, The Fool, The Hermit and the Two of Cups. However, once I started, I couldn't stop. I was inspired to create an entire deck. The figures in my deck are silhouettes, allowing anyone to project themselves into the scene, making the deck feel more inclusive and personal.
The Journey Through Major Arcana
I’m currently about 15 cards deep into the Major Arcana, with 78 cards in a full tarot deck, there's still a long way to go. The journey feels a lot like the Fool's journey itself—starting with innocence and optimism, then encountering challenges and growth opportunities along the way.
For example, the Hermit card reminds me of those late-night design sessions, where introspection and solitude helped me refine my ideas. The Empress card, with its nurturing energy, reflects the creative process of bringing these cards to life. And the Hanged Man, representing new perspectives, symbolizes the times I've had to step back and rethink my designs.
Accountability and Motivation
One thing I've learned about myself is that I have a habit of starting projects and not finishing them. It was only later in life that I understood this behavior stemmed from ADHD. Writing this post is a way of holding myself accountable. By publicly declaring my commitment to this project, I create a written record that I’ve promised to see this through. This is my way of ensuring I keep going, even when the going gets tough.
Embracing Control and Creativity
Designing my own deck has taught me about taking control and embracing creativity. Like the Chariot card, which symbolizes control and determination, this project has been about steering the deck in the direction I envision. It’s a powerful reminder that we are the architects of our own lives, responsible for our choices and paths.
Deepening the Connection
This project has also deepened my connection with the cards themselves. Before starting each card, I research all the deeper meanings and symbolism associated with it, unearthing things I never knew. It's like finding out new things about a friend you’ve known for years. This deeper understanding enriches my readings and my relationship with the tarot.
Final Thoughts
Designing my own tarot deck has been a challenging yet rewarding experience. It's a labor of love that combines my passion for design with my dedication to tarot. As I continue this endeavor, I remind myself of the mantra: it's better to be done than perfect. Perfection is always just out of reach, but a completed deck will be a tangible result of my hard work and perseverance.
Thank you for being a part of this adventure. Your support keeps me motivated, and I can't wait to share more updates and insights with you. Remember: the magic of tarot lies not in the cards themselves, but in the journey they inspire.
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