Featured Deck: The Hallowe'en Tarot by Kipling West

Now, this is the reason I haven't  posted in a while - The Hallowe'en Deck, by Kipling West. It has absolutely stolen my heart, and I've been off in my own little world with this wonderful deck.

 

In the Hallowe'en deck, the four usual suits of Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles are replaced with Imps, Ghosts, Bats and Pumpkins. While this may seem like a cute gimmick from the outside, with Major Arcana cards represented by, among others, mummies, werewolves and even Frankenstein's Monster, the level of research and attention to detail in this set quickly becomes apparent.

A lot of the artwork is directly inspired by the original Rider-Waite deck, and where the cards differ, this serves only to enhance the overall meaning of the cards. Previously 'difficult' cards such as the 3 of Bats/Swords and the  of Pumpkins/Pentacles take on a new, more thoughtful light - the feeling of doom and gloom is not gone, but the cards are imbued with a fresh sense of possibility, and potential for change.

With Hallowe'en right around the corner, these cards are an excellent way to celebrate the season - and also allow us to carry a little of the holiday with us, all year round.

Midnight Meadow Score:

Style: 10/10

Substance: 10/10

Card Spotlight: The Fool

   Card Spotlight:

The Fool

  This card is often left without a number, or marked as card zero. The Fool is a symbol of youth and innocence (among other things), and represents all that is new, original, inspired and unpredictable. He signifies a need to follow your own path, even when your choices and actions seem foolish to others. As a person, he can be non-conformist, optimistic, young at heart and full of enthusiasm - but also impulsive, reckless, naive and gullible.

In Jungian terms, the Fool is described as pertaining to the newborn child, free from all individual responsibility - as it does not yet have an identity as an individual. The Fool can be a fresh eager mind, or a complete display of ignorance.

As an event, The Fool represents the unexpected, the wildcard that life throws in every so often. I sometimes interpret the cliff that The Fool is depicted stepping off of as the border between outright madness and true genius. He throws himself, unthinking, into the abyss, without a thought as to what might happen next. This is both his grace and his downfall.

Pictures; Rider-Waite-Smith Interpretation,

Dark Grimoire Tarot Interpretation

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Card Spotlight:Death

Deck: Tarot

   This is, quite famously, the card many people dread. It has been used as a dramatic device in many a poorly researched film - but what does it mean?

   Well, here's what it doesn't mean. If this card comes up in a reading then no, your death is not imminent. The Death card is not used to foretell actual death, but rather the end of a situation, and beginning of something new. Perhaps Rebirth would be more fitting title. Whenever you see this card, ask yourself: what are the elements at work in your life that are detrimental to your situation? What are you holding onto, long after you should have let go? The card heralds the end of a cycle. It signifies change, closure, and the breaking of bad habits. In this sense it is quite a positive card, aand promises that your problem will come to an end.

   As with all cards, there is an interesting duality to the card, for it can also serve as a final warning that if you do not rid yourself of that which is bad for you, you can expect to have it removed forcefully. It then becomes the card of hostile takeovers, bad relationships, and addiction, or an obsession. It could apply to the money you've been 'meaning' to pay back, or the weight you've been 'meaning' to lose. In these types of situations, Death's message is clear: make a change, or prepare for the worst kind of wake up call.

Pictures: My interpretation, Rider-Waite

interpretation, Hello Kitty interpretation!





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Card Spotlight: The Magician

Deck: Tarot

   Traditionally, the Magician is a smooth talker. I've always thought of him as the original salesman. The challenge of his card is: is he selling the fountain of youth, or a placebo? As his most positive, the Magician is inspiration itself. He is a man of action, almost a miracle worker, always ready with a creative solution to any given problem. This magician is an innovator. He turns thought into action.

  But what of his counterpart? Opinion over whether reversed cards hold any real meaning is divided - indeed, the current thinking tends toward acknowledgment of the dual nature of everything; that whichever side up, the flipside is always implied. Still, when I see The Magician in a reversed position, I can't help but see a little of his confidence turn to smarm. The Magician's darker side is one of empty promises. His magic solution really is too good to be true! Be prepared for false prophets, and misuse of power and trust.



Pictures: My interpretation, Rider Waite

traditional card, HR Giger interprtation.



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