Our latest interview is with Stefanie Caponi, the creator of the Moon Void Tarot.- a unique deck that follows the journey of one singular character - The Fool, pulling the reader inward with the purpose of self-reflection, shadow work, and healing while learning to develop & trust one's intuition.
Stefanie Caponi is an illustrator, intuitive writer, and practicing witch from Brooklyn, New York. She is the creator of the Moon Void Tarot 1st & 2nd editions as well as the author of Guided Tarot For Seamless Readings (Penguin Random House) and she writes the monthly horoscopes for Dame Wellness that focus on sex and intimacy. Her work combines many forms of creative expression to explore shadow work, healing, spirituality, and self-reflection by blending tarot, astrology, witchcraft, and story telling with the help of her two tuxedo cats, Onyx & Luna.
Kickstqrter - Moon Void Tarot - 3rd edition
Where in the world do you call home?
Brooklyn, New York is home for now!
What was your first experience with tarot and when did you fall in love with it?
I got my hands on my first tarot deck when I was 14 and instantly fell in love. It was a RWS deck, purchased long before the internet existed, and I kept it a secret for many years because I went to catholic school and it really scared my parents. I’m happy to say they are now very pro-tarot!
What made you want to create your own tarot deck? What was your inspiration?
I did not set out to create a tarot deck at all. I was writing a memoir about the spiritual awakening that happened during my divorce when I began doodling what the book would look like (automatic drawing is a way I connect with source energy) I drew a book with open pages containing text, and on the other page I started drawing The Fool. Then I realized my story was just like the tarot and I began drawing the first Moon Void Tarot illustrations, just for myself, as a way of working through the pain I was feeling.
What would you say is unique about your deck?
I created the deck to help myself through some serious shadow work and to my knowledge I have not seen another deck that follows only one character.
How long have you had the idea for the deck for and how long has it taken you to create it?
Each time I’ve created an edition of Moon Void Tarot, the idea has sprung up suddenly and the artwork pours out of me in a matter of a few weeks, which is my favorite part! Then come the production logistics, which take several months and are rewarding in their own right.
We are living in such crazy times. How has the pandemic affected your creativity?
I’m honestly very grateful for losing all of my work in early 2020. What started as a very scary Tower moment has helped clear the path for some of the most creative work I’ve ever accomplished. During this past year I’ve created 2 versions of Moon Void Tarot, wrote my first traditionally published book, Guided Tarot for Seamless Readings, Illustrated a young adult fiction book that is coming out in June, and I’m starting work on the second book this month. It has been a wild time. I hope that everyone is learning to trust the void spaces, learn to let go, and surrender gently.
What have been your challenges in creating this deck?
Formatting my artwork digitally! I wanted to teach myself how to be my own graphic designer, and it hasn’t been pretty, but the learning process has been fascinating, and when I manage to get something right it’s just so satisfying.
Can you explain the significance of the moon, and associated rituals, with the tarot?
For me, the moon and associated rituals are so significant with tarot because the moon is symbolic of what is hidden and it serves as a safe, compassionate guide to shining light into our personal darkness. It also celebrates our intuitive gifts, helping us to unlearn societal conditioning that only rewards active accomplishments. The moon in tarot helps us normalize waiting, cultivating patience, and tuning back into our bodies for answers, rather than making hasty decisions out of fear. With the moon, we embrace the unknown.
How will you celebrate when the deck is finally published?
I will be buying lots of flowers and a lovely dinner!
What is on offer for people who pledge?
I’m thrilled to be able to finally make packaging upgrades, moving from a tuck box to a beautiful two piece rigid box, as well as higher quality paper, and silver foil edges! I am most excited to add three additional cards to the 78 card deck, including two crystal oracle cards, Morganite and Black Diamond, that correspond to the heart and root chakras, and a card called The Planchette, which upright says “yes” and reversed says “no,” eliminating any ambiguity that can sometimes be present in our readings. These special touches are exclusive to the Kickstarter campaign 3rd Edition and will not be found in future editions. I’m so grateful to everyone who has helped bring this project to life, and I’m so excited to be able to make art and connect with so many wonderful people through something I had to hide for such a long time.
To own a copy of this revamped iconic deck, click here:
Kickstqrter - Kickstqrter - Moon Void Tarot - 3rd edition
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