Tarot: Memories, Reverence and Symbolism
Laurie Adams
Tarot cards have existed in game form since around the mid-15th century and used in divination and cartomancy since the late 18th century. One deck style, the Rider-Waite deck, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, was first printed in 1909. People today are still searching for answers within the cards. While there have been many reproductions, this particular version continues to be popular, as well as inspiring countless other artists to create original decks.
As I’ve become older, nostalgia is a driving force in much of my art. When my mother passed away four years ago, I inherited her tarot deck along with other spiritually related items that she owned. I have fond memories of my hippie mother doing tarot readings for friends at parties and have wanted to create my own Tarot deck for a long time. Designing one now is a way of memorializing my mother.
In addition, with Tarot: Memories, Reverence and Symbolism I am honoring the original creators of the Rider-Waite deck by incorporating much of its art and interpretation within my own designs. I am also reimagining many elements of both the meaning and imagery. It is an homage to the original creators of the Rider-Waite tarot, while being contemporary, and using modern and regional Colorado references in the artwork.
Finally, symbolism is heavy throughout the Rider-Waite deck with both mystical and religious references. While based on the original written interpretations of the symbolism, Tarot: Memories, Reverence and Symbolism’s iconography is paired down in many of the cards and is more secular. The symbolism used in this new deck invites more diverse interpretation, even by people not familiar with tarot card reading.
Some people believe your fortune can be told by laying down some cards, while others have readings done “just for fun.” Tarot cards have endured overtime due to all the people searching for meaning or answers in their lives. Tarot cards continue to provide some comfort, hope or resolution.
