The Fools Tarot

Our latest interview is with Nya from the Ritual Muse, the creator of the The Fools Tarot.- a deck that follows the Fool's journey through life with an innocence that comes from a life not yet jaded by the hurts and lessons of the world. The Fool is a free spirited individual that is unafraid to LIVE life to its fullest.

There are no humans in this deck except for "Justice" which is technically a statue. The Court cards do not feature kings or queens and were designed to be gender neutral. The "page" cards are "initiates" and feature a book in front of the alchemy symbol for the element. You'll also see the corresponding moon face near the top. The "Knight" cards are "champions" and feature a trophy before the alchemy symbol of the element. The "Queens" are "Sages" featuring a lotus flower to represent their wisdom and nurturing nature. The "Kings" are "Speakers" featuring a crown to represent the status of being a leader for the suit. All Champions, Sages and Speakers have their corresponding constellation near the top of the card.

Kickstqrter - The Fools Tarot

Where in the world do you call home?

Currently, Knoxville Tennessee is my home, but “Home” really is wherever my wife and son are.

What was your first experience with tarot and when did you fall in love with it?

My first tarot experience was a subtle introduction by a friend who is a reader. For several months, when we would see each other she would slide a deck close to me and say, “I know-I’m just doing what I’m being told.” At the time I felt like tarot was opening up a rabbit hole that I really did not want to descend into. One night, we were having a glass of wine after dinner and she slid her deck to me. I threw my hands up, grabbed the deck and began to shuffle. I pulled one card, looked at it and then spewed this story out to her. When I was finished, she nodded her head and took out the companion book to the deck and read it back to me. It was eerily spot on. She said, “I told you. You’re a reader.” And that was it. I purchased my first deck, fell completely in love with the art and how doing a reading made me feel-and never looked back.

What made you want to create your own tarot deck? What was your inspiration?

Years ago, I had this great idea of creating a deck with two other friends. One was a much more established artist than I was at the time, so my intention was to just be the writer. My artist friend wasn’t interested, so I created one card myself on a three-foot canvas. It was really hard work. I wanted layers for readers to get lost in, but it became overwhelming and there just wasn’t time. Since then, I have really evolved in my artwork and after creating an oracle deck from my previous work, I decided it was time to revisit the tarot idea. Inspiration for all of my projects comes from a quiet place within me. A place where I understand that all of my demons and scars can’t compare to my power and purpose.

What would you say is unique about your deck?

I think my deck is unique because I didn’t really follow any of the tarot traditions when it came to creating the artwork for the cards. I did not anticipate all of the animal energies emerging, but it just felt so perfect when they did. I think this tarot deck manifested itself and I was just the fortunate woman that got to witness its birth.

How long have you had the idea for the deck for and how long has it taken you to create it?

I really became serious about creating a deck a year or so ago. I started this journey with my Tattered Wings Oracle deck which was an easy way to dip my toe in. A tarot deck was always the bigger picture though. This deck took me about four months to create the artwork and I am still writing the companion book. I was very fortunate to be in a place that allowed time to create every single day.

We are living in such crazy times. How has the pandemic affected your creativity?

This past year I really began to understand being an empath and how I allow it to affect me. I remember sitting at our kitchen table or on the couch, night after night just crying from such a deep place. I didn’t understand the hate and the suffering in the world until we were locked in with nothing more but bad news after bad news. The only way that I was able to center and ground myself was to create. I poured whatever I was feeling into my hands and released them little by little with each brush stroke.

What have been your challenges in creating this deck?

The simplicity in this deck was much harder than I thought it would be. As an intuitive reader, I get lost in the layers of the artwork but I really wanted a minimalist approach. Being happy with a card and its aesthetic and energy was difficult because I was the creator. If someone else made it, it would be easier for me to sink in. Creating comes with expectations and I’m not always confident enough for that.

You wanted to create a simple deck that didn’t feature any human beings. Why was this important to you?

Human inequality breaks me in half some days and I know how imperative it is that everyone in the world be able to read books and see art with beings and stories that reflect who THEY are. There are some incredible artists out there that can do that, but it is not a strength of mine just yet. So, in order to make this deck gender and culture non-specific, I decided to focus on symbolism. Then I created the Death card, a soaring black raven and realized that animals are something that we can all relate to. And the energy I felt when they came up really made me feel like the cards were going to speak freely to everyone. My deck is for humans, whoever they may be and however they identify.

How will you celebrate when the deck is finally published?

Celebration night will most likely look like tacos and adult beverages at the fire pit-where we like to celebrate everything! When my Kickstarter campaign ends and I can breathe again, (HA) I am going to purchase a talisman for myself. I have always wanted a piece of jewellery that I wore when I was sitting down to do divination work or astral travel. The creation of this deck has introduced me to such an amazing community of people and they have helped me to remember a piece of me that I had forgotten. I want to sink deeper and I also want something that I can reach up and touch that reminds me of the gifts that I have been given. I want something to remind me that there is a purpose and that I can escape this realm and find whatever I need, within.

What is on offer for people who pledge?

Everyone that pledges on Kickstarter receives a deck and companion book. I have also added a companion journal, a hand-dyed embroidered reading cloth, sage items, stickers and pins are on the way and my favorite addition is the ritual oils and goodies that came straight from my garden and through my apothecary area. It’s always been my dream to have a delicious little witchy shop, so making these items and offering them are just really nurturing my soul.

To follow the Fool's journey with this deck, click here:

Kickstqrter - The Fools Tarot

Transient Light Indie Tarot Deck

Our latest interview is with Matt Wisner, the creator of the Transient Light Indie Tarot Deck.- a deck that focuses on the transient nature of life. This is Matt's second tarot deck, the first is the Trinity Tarot.

The major arcana is gender neutralised and reimagined - merging traditional symbols with new interpretations. The minor arcana will be fully illustrated also, with the house of Cups being specially interpreted into various different forms of vessels, or containers. This follows the theme of the endless spirit being contained within transient bodies.

The deck will be produced plastic-free and will also have plastic-free packaging.

Kickstqrter - Transient Light Tarot

Where in the world do you call home?

Usually I live and work in London. During lockdown, I’ve been temporarily staying at my parent’s home in the East Midland countryside!

What was your first experience with tarot and when did you fall in love with it?

I stumbled across tarot at a secular tarot workshop by Litwitchure at a music festival in 2018! It had been a transitional year for me – coming out as gay, leaving religion, moving to London and starting over with my first boyfriend. Leaving Christianity left me with a clean slate to find spiritual practices elsewhere… tarot fitted perfectly. As a visual artist who loves symbols and stories, the architypes of the tarot spoke to me. I immediately found it a powerful tool to tap into my inner spirit and intuition.

What made you want to create your own tarot deck? What was your inspiration?

It was only natural to see the tarot as a desirable challenge. But it wasn’t until I started working on my first deck, during the UK’s first lockdown, that I really worked through each card in depth. The experience of putting that deck out into the world opened my eyes to the powerful opportunity presented to me. I now feel inspired to create tarot cards as a spiritual tool – a tangible, practical and rich artwork that people can connect with on a daily basis, throughout the transient cycles of life. It’s become quite a humbling experience!

What would you say is unique about your deck?

My new deck, Transient Light, will be produced plastic-free and locally here in England. It will also include 3 bonus cards (Past, Present and Future) and a 120 page guidebook. Since the Kickstarter launched, I have also introduced my good friend and poet, Fausta Joly to collaborate with me on this guidebook. Her main role will be to create 22 bespoke poems for the major arcana. The focus of the deck is on being a vessel of the eternal spirit of life, love and the broader universe. One of the most powerful themes I find in the tarot is the call to embrace death. Whether an ending is soft and natural, like The World, or sudden and painful, like The Tower – The constant cycles of endings and new beginnings is what gives this life beauty. And in turn, it gives us the opportunity to grow and heal.

How long have you had the idea for the deck for and how long has it taken you to create it?

Honestly, the concept has formed naturally in the process of creation – in-line with my own journey and the lessons I’ve needed to learn. Usually, my artistic practice is painting, and I let imagery flow as and when it comes to me. The reasons come to light in the act of making an image, and ideas simmering below the surface spill out. As I’ve been working on this deck, I’ve found it has tied up paintings and ideas I’ve created over the last 5 years. This has also been enriched with childhood experiences, religion and stories taken from my current home-town surroundings.

We are living in such crazy times. How has the pandemic affected your creativity?

It’s been up and down, but overall it’s been very good for my creativity in two ways. Working from home has given me time to invest in my creative projects – and in my personal development and reflection, which in turn feeds into my work. Secondly, the pandemic led to me moving back home temporarily. This means lots of countryside and childhood spots to feed from. I’ve been very fortunate to have not lost my income, so I’m very privileged and thankful to be able to use the resources around me. Isolation has helped me address my fear of being alone. Before the pandemic, I was always out and about, avoiding time alone. But I’ve been able to reach a place where I enjoy my own company – which has really helped me create more often, and not wait until it’s bursting to come out before making quiet time to action it!

What have been your challenges in creating this deck?

My two challenges have been financing and time management. Creating an indie deck requires investment, with little guarantee of profit! And whilst working a full-time job, managing time and creative flow is a real task. It’s been an interesting experience to commit to a Kickstarter project before the final product is complete. I’ve been overwhelmed by the support and faith from my backers – but there’s an element of healthy pressure too! Healthy doses of pressure and accountability is fertile ground for my creativity – and it’s also exciting to share the process with my backers. I’ve learned a lot about how to take care myself and develop a system of making time to step away and recuperate. Managing this cycle of stop and go has nurtured my creative flow and reflection throughout the project.

Why did you choose transience as a theme for your deck?

My Trinity Tarot deck was fuelled by my spiritual journey of discovering the divine and manifestation at the beginning of my post-religious life. The new Transient Light deck follows on from this journey, focusing on transience – after a year of loss, change, grief and opportunity for everybody. The very transience of life, is what makes it valuable. Nothing is permanent, yet as humans we are fascinated by the eternal. I’ve had an image in my head for a few years now of a skull containing an eternal spirit of love – that our temporary, earthy bodies can contain and facilitate something more universally connected and priceless. Letting this spirit within us take the lead in our life shifts the focus from the darkness of loss to the beauty of transience. If we have a spark from the universe within us, what a deliciously brief life this is!

How will you celebrate when the deck is finally published?

It all depends on the covid-19 restrictions here in the UK! Honestly, I think I will treat myself to a break – book some time of work and get outdoors. I’m hoping to return to London in a few months, so I will need to recuperate before the change.

What is on offer for people who pledge?

You can pledge to purchase the deck alone or in bundles of 3, 6 or 12. You can also bundle the deck with my first deck, Trinity Tarot. Alternatively, you can pledge as little as £10 for a set of 3 signed postcards (Sun, Moon and Star).

All decks purchased via pledge will be signed, numbered, hand wrapped and shipped with love by me! I’ll also be throwing in a discount code for further purchases either on my Trinity Tarot deck, postcards or t-shirts.

To back this unique deck click here:

Kickstqrter - Transient Light Tarot

Living Legacy Oracle Deck

Our latest interview is with Angie McCoy, the creator of the Living Legacy Oracle deck. A fully-customized oracle deck for you to share your Guidance, Advice and Words of Wisdom with your family

Have you ever wished you could have a few minutes of conversation with a loved one that you've lost? Just a little guidance or advice for that question, or just some Words of Wisdom?

Have you ever wished you could always be there for your loved ones? Just to offer a little guidance or advice for their questions, or just offer some Words of Wisdom?

Then this deck is for you!

For more info and orders - Living Legacy Oracle Deck

Where in the world do you call home?

Union Grove, Alabama

What was your first experience with tarot or oracle and when did you fall in love with it?

The earliest I can remember, was around 11 years old. I started learning, reading and collecting Tarot and Oracle cards when I was in my early 20’s and still get excited about each new Deck!

What made you want to create your own oracle deck? What was your inspiration?

I have been a Multi-Passionate Entrepreneur for many years. In more recent years, I decided to blend my entrepreneur endeavours along with my passion and start a Mystical Apparel and Accessories Line, Mystic Life™. Creating a custom oracle deck has been a dream of mine for the past few years, after dabbling in some card designs in a couple of community designed decks. I decided to create a completely custom deck designed to give your guidance, advice and words of wisdom as your Living Legacy and a Legacy that is Timeless and will last forever.

What would you say is unique about your deck?

Living Legacy Oracle Cards is completely custom. Each person that orders a deck, creates their own guidance, advice and words of wisdom that they want to share with their friends & family. The card box is also custom with personalized to and from information and a customized postage stamp image with their chosen photo. Along with their custom information on the cards, they can send their handwriting to put on each card for the person they are creating them for as well as their salutation & signature. Their deck will be one of a kind.

How long have you had the idea for the deck for and how long has it taken you to create it?

I believe it was about 4-5 years ago when I first designed a card for a community designed deck, that sparked my interest in creating a deck. It has only been this last year that I have focused in on the idea and design and worked on making it a reality.

We are living in such crazy times. How has the pandemic affected your creativity?

I feel it has boosted my creativity, mostly giving me more time at home to focus. The only delay was manufacturing, printing and shipping, so in those aspects, I have taken my time through the year to get prepared and wait for a better time to bring it to life & launch.

What have been your challenges in creating this deck?

Most of my challenges have been about self-doubt, fear and analysis-paralysis. But my desire and excitement helped to push through the doubts and challenges.

Do you see this deck as helping to connect different generations of family and friends?

Yes! My desire is for people to create a custom deck for their friends, family and even have for many generations to come. I feel they would work great for families now, especially with so many families living far away from each other, around the world and military families. They can be a gift for friends and family, for a little comfort on a daily basis and a gift they will treasure forever.

How will you celebrate when the deck is finally launched?

I haven’t thought about how I will celebrate when they launch, I will just be so happy and excited! I do hope others love the deck and the meaning and purpose behind them as much as I do and I can’t wait for the joy of seeing others create their own custom deck for their friends & family.

How can people purchase their own deck?

As the Living Legacy Oracle Deck is a completely custom deck, it is ordered one at a time. We are offering a new launch special pricing along with free shipping worldwide.

Angie is offering a giveaway that runs until the 31 Mach 2021. To enter, click here:

Giveaway

To order your own customized deck at a special price (for a limited time), click here:

Living Legacy Oracle Deck