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Fanboys and Tarot

What?  How do these two things go together you might ask. I was watching this movie, Fanboys, which is an homage to Star Wars Fans everywhere. And well I am a Star Wars fan and I have found Star Wars themed Tarot decks.  YES! Of course they are just art projects because none are sanctioned by Lucas but they are amazing. And really why not share two of my favorite things with you?

Here are some of the links to ones I found to be terrific:

 

First here is the Star Wars Tarot from Valerie Kessler and my favorite cards she has created:

” XVIII The Moon – Queen Amidala

A young woman of strong intellect and intuition, Amidala augments her power and security through her ever-changing appearance. Elaborate clothing and makeup obscure her youth and unimposing size–the same traits that allow her go mostly unnoticed in her guise as the handmaiden Padmé. She is herself deceived in Senator Palpatine, her people’s representative to the Republic, who seeks to use her to further his own political interests. She forms an instant bond of friendship with young Anakin Skywalker, unaware that he will grow up to love and later betray her.

Meanings:Deception. Twilight. Obscurity. Intuition. Disillusionment. Danger. Caution. Bad influence. Ulterior Motives. False friends. Slander. Libel. Unknown enemies. An insincere relationship. There are deeper reasons for what happens. Strange connections between people, beyond their own understanding.

Reverse Meanings: A minor deception recognized before damage is done. Trifling mistakes. Overcoming bad temptation.”

 

 

“0: The Fool

 

Jar Jar Binks

 

Though friendly and cheerful, Jar Jar Binks often finds himself in others’ bad graces due to his tendency to act without thinking. Even Qui-Gon Jinn loses patience with this walking embodiment of his own admonition to “use your instincts”. Hopelessly accident-prone, Jar Jar nonetheless seems to lead a charmed life, avoiding serious injury and sometimes even helping himself and others by sheer chance–or perhaps the workings of the Force. He has a childlike view of the universe and of how people should treat one another, and is frequently bewildered by the aggressive behavior and intrigues of those around him.

 

Meanings: Thoughtlessness. Folly. Immaturity. Irrationality. Insecurity. Delirium. Enthusiasm. Naivete.

 

Reverse Meanings: Bad decision. Apathy. Hesitation. Negligence.”

 

This is from Elan Rodger‘s Star Wars Tarot from Deviant Art pages:

New Hope” Luke Skywalker as The Fool.
He is starting of on his journey, uncertain of the path ahead. “With the blast shield on I can’t see anything!” He doesn’t know where the path will lead him. Off the cliff? R2-D2 is his loyal sidekick.

 

This is the 4 of Swords- Han Solo in carbonite!

Han solo in Carbonite. He’s resting, contemplating, hibernating.

 

We also have these fascinating Sketch card Star Wars Tarot from John Wtkins-Chow:

0 – The Fool
I – The Magician
II – The High Priestess
III – The Empress
IV – The Emperor
V – The Hierophant
VI – The Lovers
VII – The Chariot

 

The rest can be found here.

 

And here is my favorite one is by Bernice Gordon with her thoughts on her art from her posts on Deviant Art: :

“This was a card that started off as very plain. I realized that it would pack a punch after the color was applied- and it did. However, during the course of it, there was an off-again, on-again love-hate relationship with the card. And I just kept reminding myself to hang in there- the color would vastly improve it.

Also, during my time working on the card, Jason Derulo’s “Riding Solo” came on the radio at least half a dozen times. This only made me laugh every time it did- because the first few times I heard that song I couldn’t help but think about Han Solo when he hit the chorus. So eventually when the song came on, I would hold up my card and point when he said “Solo”.

A special shout out to “shadechristiwolven” for helping me decide upon the final suite of the deck! The suit of Pentacles is hereby known as “Planets”.  As the most Grounded of the suites, Han fits both the Material aspects, as well as the business-like quality of the suite. While I never understood all the other girls fascination with the “bad boy heart throb”, and that whole “I love you-I know” bit made me want to slap him across the face- there is no doubt that deep down, Han is a good guy. Deep deep Down.

Deep deep deep DEEP down.
Anyhow, originally he was also going to hold his blaster.. but it seemed so “eh” out of place in the card. I like it the way it is. The gold “planet” Han hold is also iridescent… and I’m STILL wishing I had a better scanner for these. Killin’ me here.

 

Also, in another amazing turn of events, this card has an odor to it. I don’t know how, I don’t know why… but using my Golden Ochre Pencil on the board made it begin to smell like… well, something probably you would smell around a Scruffy Nerfherder like Solo.

 

Han Shot First.”

“It was a no-brainier to figure out that I would use Anakin and Padme for the Lovers card.”

And here is the Empress Card:

“Like “The Hermit” card, some of the titles themselves are obvious give-aways to the content.

However, it is to note something interesting: I cannot “read” Tarot cards. I have my own deck of cards I “read” from but they are not Tarot. This series is a result of a sort of “epiphany” I had one night… and I decided to run with the idea. After all, Star Wars is full of Archetypes that are found within the Tarot Cards as well, so I decided I would just illustrate what I “felt” fit the image/meaning of the card, and look for the “official” meaning/content after I was done. This way, I wouldn’t be swayed by the pre-conceived notion, but run with my instincts. As an artist (and generally as a person) I run by instinct over knowledge most of the time. My gut is my best intuition so I never ignore it.
What’s funny is after I design the image and then check its meaning- the meaning and my “gut” usually coincide.”

 

These are just a few of the amazing things you can find if you put in Star Wars + Tarot in goggle or if you watch i09. It shared some of the amazing Scifi and Tarot.  To read more check it out here.

 

And if you want an Analysis of Tarot Archetypes in the Star Wars Series this is a great from The Magician’s Hidden Library.

“The Star Wars series is famous for retelling what Joseph Campbell called the Monomyth—the ancient story of the hero’s journey (The Hero With a Thousand Faces, 1949). As the Tarot is also an allegory for the hero’s journey, it should come as little surprise that every archetype of the Major Arcana appears in the Star Wars films, very nearly all of them within the first film released, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977).” you can find the reast of the analysis here: http://www.mysteryarts.com/starwars/tarot/

 

 

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Tarot Media Company is coming out with new Brighid Oracle!

Here is the PR about this exciting new project coming out from TMC just in time for Imbolc and Brighid’s Feast!

New Brighid Oracle
Brings Celtic Goddess into Daily Life

San Francisco, CA, February 1, 2011 – Bringing the divine energy and wisdom of this beloved Celtic goddess into daily life, The Brighid Oracle by Ceri Norman is being released by Tarot Media Company. Whether you have a little bit of Irish in your genes, are fascinated by all things Celtic, or are looking to connect with a Goddess who will guide and inspire you, this Oracle has something that appeals to everyone.

The 33 card oracle deck and companion book spring from Norman’s extensive work as a dedicated Priestess of Brighid. Her inspiration comes from ancient magic, mythology, and monuments associated with this revered Celtic Goddess, as well as the inner realms of magic and mystery.

The artist’s extensive knowledge and long devotion to Brighid result in rich and vital images. Norman shared that she has “hugely enjoyed working with Lady Brighid to create this Oracle in Her honor and feel blessed to now be able to share it with others, thanks to Tarot Media Company. ?Brighid’s inspiration is a constant source of strength and wisdom for me, and through this Oracle I share the experience of working with Brighid with others, to inspire them on their own path.”

With this work, Norman presents the goddess in her many magical forms. ?Brighid is known to and loved by many people from a variety of backgrounds and paths as Celtic Goddess, Christian Saint, or Faerie Queen.  The cards explore the mythical landscapes, sacred creatures, ancient rites, and rich treasures of creativity which Brighid provides.   Many of Her myths and magical symbols are represented in the cards of this Oracle, some very familiar (such as the Brighid’s cross) and some original to Norman (such as the geographic images).

“When I saw the images Ms. Norman sent for consideration, I knew we would publish this Oracle,” stated Anastasia Haysler, Tarot Media Company President. “Her artwork is beautiful in itself, and her expression of the many aspects of Brighid is a delightful revelation, regardless of the viewer’s level of knowledge or experience of this Goddess. Ms. Norman’s creative manifestation of her work with Brighid provide keys anyone can use to create or enhance their own relationship with this beloved Celtic Goddess.”

Norman’s most recent novel, Celtic Maidens, was released in 2010. She has contributed articles and images to Brighid & Me – Experiences of the Goddess, and numerous spirit-oriented publications. Most recently Norman has been welcomed as a features writer for Faeries and Enchantment Magazine, and she writes a regular Earth Energies column for the Glastonbury-based Four Winds Magazine.

About Ceri Norman:
As a dedicated Priestess of Brighid, Norman is a Cill host and flame keeper for the Ord Brighideach (Order of Brighid) and a member of the Tuatha De Brighid.
After obtaining a traditional degree in History and English, Norman earned Diplomas in Crystal Healing and Rune Divination. She resides in the United Kingdom with her husband, who is an Angel Worker.
More information about Norman and her work can be found at www.cerinorman.com

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SF Tarot Cafe, May 18, 2010

This evening was SF Tarot Cafe at Borderlands Cafe and it was my turn to lead this evening’s discussion.

I had everyone pick an Angel Card and then choose a card or two that best fits with the word they chose from their own tarot decks.  Once everyone had a chance to decide, we all discussed our word as well as what card we felt worked with it.  My word was Purpose and I used the Druid Craft deck . I chose the High Priestess and Temperance to represent Purpose.  Other words that were chosen were Abundance, Exploration, Openness, and Peace.  Each person used their own decks to share their ideas of the cards that represented their idea of their word.  Exploration was represented by The Fool from the Thoth deck as well as The Star and The Universe Card.  Openness was seen as the 3 of Swords and The Fool as well as The Lovers from Rider Waite Smith deck. Peace was seen as the Queen of Pentacles from The Tarot of Marseilles. Abundance was seen as Ten of Pentacles and Queen of Wands in the Tarot of the New Vision.  Each person explained why they chose the cards and how they would use the cards to explain this to their querents.

Next we broke up into pairs and picked a new work to use our decks to describe the word.  The chosen words were Support, Delight and Flexibility. The Support group used the Thoth and Tarot of the New Vision to show what cards work for them.  The Delight group used Tarot of Marseilles and Rider Wait Smith.  I used Druid Craft to describe Flexibility.  The cards I used were The Devil, The Hanged Man,8 of Wands, 5 of Wands and 2 of Pentacles to talk about Flexibility.  I liked the idea that the Devil was one has to be flexible in not jumping to conclusions and not trying to avoid taking responsibility for one’s actions.  The Hanged man reminds us to be flexible in our views and relax when we get stuck in a rut. 8 of Wands reminds us to be flexible in what we try and not avoid trying new things. 5 of Wands is for being flexible in a group while 2 of Pentacles reminds us to be flexible in how we see our situations and reminds us to find balance as well.

At the end I asked everyone to pick a Fractal Card from my Voyager Tarot Fractal deck.  The cards that were chosen were as follows: The Lovers, Child of Cups, Man of Worlds, and Child of Crystals.  Each person said this was exactly where they thought they were and would see how they could apply this message to their week.

I think we all enjoyed sharing another l;ayer to add to our readings and new keywords to think of our own cards and sharing them in readings for ourselves and others.

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The Lucky Pack from Arnell Ando

I had picked up the 2006 Tarot Calendar featuring Arnell Ando and Leslie Cochran collage tarot cards at SF BATS in 2008.  Even thought the calendar part was not relevant any more, the pictures were amazing. I cut them out and put them up in my office to inspire me with my work.

I was able to meet Arnell Ando at the 2009 SF BATS when she gave a talk about Tarot and Art and throwing Tarot themed parties. She shared some amazing art she had created such as her Tarot Mirrors and Tarot Masks. She shared with us ideas about how to make tarot themed invitations as well as activities to enjoy.  She also shared with us music that inspired her art.

This lead me to her website, Arnell’s Art, and finding out that I could still get her Lucky Pack! So I ordered it without delay.  I love collage decks and this one was amazing.  I received it a week later, in a package with Tarot Stamps on it. =)

Inside I found four mini artistamp sheets of 6 stamps each, depicting details from the cards, as well as a lovely green cardboard box tied with a lovely rainbow ribbon. In the box was a scroll of authenticity, Arnell’s version of the Little White book and the cards wrapped with another ribbon of fall colors.  I was in heaven.  The backs of the cards have her stamp on the back with her special mark:

Upon looking through the deck I was amazed by the art and vision Arnell had created.  She had made a Majors only deck with 23 cards which included two Lovers cards.  Of course this made me even more enamored with this deck as The Lovers card is my birth card.  As I looked through the deck I found that the beauty of this deck was best viewed in the Death Card:

I loved the use of the old fashioned type writer and typed message coming out of it.  It expressed how I think of Death, being free of the body and able to be free from the conventional ties to one’s memories no longer.  When it is time to go, I hope it will be like floating away from this plane.  I like the image of the mask coming away and freeing one from the Ego.

I looked through the other cards and found the one that was hanging above my desk at eye level so I could look at it whenever I am feeling low: The Wheel of Fortune.

As I read through the accompanying book, Arnell had made sure to show the many different ways one could gain information about one’s future fortune, with a Magic 8 Ball, playing cards,a crystal ball, a wheel of fortune and of course tarot cards. Madame Fortuna challenges one to decide if they will take a chance of giving up what they have for what could be. And anything can occur if one take a spin at the wheel.

The next card that caught my attention was The Moon.  I often get this card and thought that the two towers made from interesting blocks Arnell had made herself was just another layer she added to this card showing her personal style. The Moon, winking in the center of the card, seemed to be showing the playfulness that can be found in the moonlight.  The two wolves in the picture also show the wild nature that  can come out during a full moon, with one howling and the other seeming to invite the viewer to explore their own wild side.

And of course the two Lovers cards intrigued me.

This card shows many different ways of expressing love.  It implies a simpler and gentler time. There are many types of couples in this card. They show romantic love as well as camaraderie between each other. I felt like this card could come up in a reading about love between couples but also as friendships and relationships between family members and siblings.

This was in contrast to the other Lovers card, showing a Wolfman, and his two choices in lovers:

The Wolfman has his feet in the waters of Venice clutching two love letters from the two women in his life. One of these ladies is depicted as a masked woman with a voodoo doll and the other as a beauty preparing for a visit with her love. These two women represent the Wolfman’s choices in his world between mystery and beauty according to the artist. I see this card as one that warns of the fickleness of love.  It also caution one of the hidden motives of misguided lovers. It can warn of a relationship that is not completely as it seems.

The rest of the cards are just as lovely and hold many different views of the way to explore each of the Major Arcana cards. I am in awe with the art, thought and work Arnell put into each of the cards. I find that I see new things each time I pick them up.  As I work with The Lucky Pack more, I will post what it reveals to me.

I will leave you with the last card I drew, the Hight Priestess and say “Ride Lady, Ride!”

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Contemplation of Winter in the Voyager Tarot Deck

When I think of winter and how it comes across to me in the Voyager Tarot deck, I visualize the Two Of Worlds-Reflection. This card shows a snow covered mountain, snow covered hills, a lake by some snow covered trees and in the foreground is a white wolf sitting in snow. It has two moons at opposite corners of the card and a clear star filled sky.
During winter one can go out and see the sky filled with stars on a clear night. Everything appears to reflect off the surfaces of the snow. It reflects back light which could be blinding as well as illuminating. When a lake reflects back the images, they can be  the opposite of what one may see when looking directly at the lake.  These all can have a clear crisp view with little to block it.
All of this reminds me that when I look out on a winter scene, it comes to me clear, stark and focused.  I see things in a sharper light. And the Two Of Worlds points out the clearer view and seeing more than the obvious. Look for the hidden view that is now clear and crisp.  Winter light can be reflective and can illuminate some things one may have missed when it was full summer and could be blinded by all the  spectacular colors seen then.

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Barbie Tarot-Michelle Erica Green

So I was looking at different decks out there in the world like you might do, and I stumbled upon the Barbie Tarot.

I have loved Barbie since I was little as I got to play with my neighbor’s 1950’s doll with wigs and elegant dresses and all those accessories. And here was a deck that used this image and created it to fit into a Tarot deck!

Michelle used all the different types of Barbies out there to creat this deck as well as a few Ken dolls. My favorite cards are 11- Justice which is Wonder Woman from Barbie Loves Pop Culture and 13- Death Sterling Silver Rose from the Bob Mackie Series. She took time to really think about each card and what doll would best represent the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot.

She has changed the pip/minor arcana to suit the Barbie style however. Swords are now Hats as Barbie is a fashion icon. Cups are Flowers as they are new water to grow and flourish. Coins became Purses as Barbie never seems to carry money but always has her purse. And Wands stayed wands as there were enough images that worked for this.

The deck is a fun and fanciful deck. if you like the doll that has it all this might be a deck to consider finding for yourself.

Here is the the link to the Barbie Tarot