This summer, designer and photographer Alexander Berdin-Lazursky aka Sasha Vo set out to bring all the city’s artists together, uniting them with a common art work. The project was launched as a common denominator Samara Artists Cards, where more than sixty Samara artists draw one deck of tarot cards - each with one or two cards in a corporate style. Today, 63 cards out of 78 are ready, and the first decks will be published in the fall. “Big Village” asked the author why the artists combined tarot cards, and found out the opinion of a professional tarot reader about this idea.
Why does Samara need a mystical rod?
One day I came to a bar, saw the guys from the tattoo workshop “Molodost”, and at the next table - other familiar artists and realized that they did not know each other at all. I thought this was bad, sat down with Zhenya Remova and Philip Elistratov (employees of Molodost - editor's note) and invited them to draw tarot cards.
This decision is not an accident: Samara needs its own mystical core, which will be wrapped around the important people of the city. I involved not only artists in the work - the map was drawn by bartender Yura from “Bridge” and tattoo artist Oleg Rostrosa. Many have already left Samara and these cards are the thread that connects us all.
More than 60 people took part in the project - and these are not old people from the Union, but guys who live by creativity. Of course, it’s hard to call us a team yet. But now, if we meet in a bar, we one hundred percent have a topic to talk about. Before, there was nothing to talk about. What are the artists talking about - exhibitions, perhaps? But it’s not customary for us to exhibit good artists in our city, so there are no topics for dialogue.
First deck
As a person who has practiced tarot, I can say that now the deck is made in the most correct way. The cards choose their artists and are embodied themselves. It would only be more correct to make the deck in one original copy, so that the concentration of humanity would be higher. I think this will be the most powerful tool, as the Marseille deck became in its time. Can you imagine how many different efforts were put into it? Different energies and destinies?
In September I will be able to start printing the deck. The majority of artists in an internal survey were in favor of a crowdfunding company, but we are also looking for a sponsoring printer.
“Big Village” asked a tarot reader with fifteen years of experience to evaluate the cards and explain the principle of working with them
Larisa Vasilenko
Tarot reader
Just to show perspective
It will be extremely difficult to work on such a deck, because the images on the cards are very different. During the session, you are already immersed in the client’s intricate problems, so the cards themselves should be as simple and clear as possible.
But this does not mean that you cannot work with them. Only this, as I see it, the cards are not tarot, but Oracle. In the tarot system there is a clear understanding of what is behind each number and image of the card, while the Oracle implies individual work with a picture, where the author can draw any image and endow it with meaning.
The essence of tarot fortune telling is the interpretation of combinations of cards, which contain information about the development of an individual person and the stages of development of humanity as a whole. There are major arcana here, associated with images of the collective unconscious, and minor ones - a reflection of our behavior patterns. There are also four suits - a reflection of the earthly elements and character types. The combinations that come out of the reading and the conversation with the person give the tarot reader an understanding of what stage he is at and how the situation is most likely to develop. I note that the person himself can change the course of events. The tarot reader only shows the future.
Of course, it is better if the deck is drawn by one artist, so that a single style and general energy are maintained. Some cards came out very well. If entire decks were made in the style of these cards, the result would be gorgeous specimens.
The tarologist identified six cards: they asked the authors to talk about the meaning inherent in them.
Six cards
Map of the Samara artist
Classic version
Alexander Torchinov, author: I wanted to move away from the classic fool with a dog that everyone around is portraying. In the process of searching, I remembered about the series “Doctor Strange and Mister Norrell”, there is such a hero - Vinculus, and from him I began to invent my own fool, detailing him.
Larisa Vasilenko: Unlike the classic “Jester”, open to the world of a naive child, the hero looks gloomy. This “Jester” has already encountered problems, so he tries by all means to catch the bird and get what he wants. But he does not see the consequences of his actions: there is a real abyss under him and if he is unlucky, he will simply fall into it.
Nine of Swords
Map of the Samara artist
Classic version
Dmitry Sorokin, The image of the “Nine of Swords” is associated with sleep. When we go to sleep, we plunge into a world on the verge of life and death. The relationship between death and sleep has been interesting to me since my student days. Then I painted a picture about the war, which depicted a young Cossack lying in a field of poppies, and his white war horse bent over him. In it, just like in the map, I wanted to convey the mystical image of a dream through symbols.
Larisa Vasilenko: On the map, the person is in a panic, but not in the kind where you are very nervous - it’s more of a state of withdrawal. The girl is naked - this is a symbol of openness to everything around her, but on the other hand, her eyes are closed, which indicates complete immersion in her world. Instead of acting, taking the sword that she has at hand, she thinks. The picture very well conveys the gloomy mood that the card is endowed with.
Two of Swords
Map of the Samara artist
Classic version
Roman Kharikov, I chose the “Two of Swords” because the original card combines images that embody beauty and strength at the same time. I was also attracted by the meaning of the card - controlled peace. From these details the final idea emerged, where the night is restlessness and anxiety, and the girl with swords, illuminated by soft light, is peace.
Larisa Vasilenko: Very cool interpretation, close to the classic image. The girl has closed herself off from the world, she doesn’t trust it, so she doesn’t see its light. Crossing her swords in front of her, she steps forward. But at the same time, if she wants, she can remove the bandage.
Knight of Wands
Map of the Samara artist
Classic version
Ilya Dyadyura, In the image of the horseman, I liked the enthusiasm bordering on impulsiveness, so I tried to make him as dynamic as possible.
Larisa Vasilenko: This card is associated with the element of fire, so it is the most “lively” in nature. The author incomparably managed to convey the frantic movement, the readiness to cope with everything and go ahead.
Tarots made independently are considered much more profitable than the store-bought version. The deck has a high cost and may simply not be affordable for the person who wants to purchase them.
In this situation, instructions will come to the rescue, which will help those who wish to create their own magic deck without leaving home and at minimal cost. “A penny saves a ruble” - as the proverb says, and the money saved will be useful for other needs.
Required:
- printer with color cartridge
- thicker paper
- laminating device
- plastic scraper or card
- paper knife or scissors
The color design of the Arcana plays a significant role, so it is not recommended to save money and use a black and white printer. The thicker the card paper, the longer they will last and will not lose their original appearance.
For lamination, transparent Oracal film, special “thermal film”, wide tape or another convenient option are suitable. A scraper is required when laminating with self-adhesive film, an iron is required when laminating with thermal film, and with the help of scissors or a knife you can cut out and adjust the Arcana.
Stages of making a deck:
- placement of Arcana on a sheet of paper
- printout
- lamination
- cutting and adjusting the shape of cards
Selection of Arcana
To begin work, you need to select the appropriate version of the Tarot deck on the Internet and download images of the Arcana. The pictures are selected to the highest quality so that when printed they look bright, colorful and clear. Image resolution must be high and without extraneous inscriptions.
If you wish, you can draw the Arcana yourself by hand or in a special graphics program; it is not necessary to use templates from the Internet. A deck made in the style of collage will look original - pictures are selected from magazines, postcards, books, newspapers, or even just photographs that can meaningfully suit each individual Arcana. You can also come up with your own symbolism, depending on what each individual Arcana is associated with.
When drawing by hand, plain paper is used and then pasted onto cardboard, or the Arcana are initially depicted there. After that, you need to carefully and colorfully decorate the finished pictures and cut out each card with scissors or a paper knife, observing the round edges.
For the computer version, if the deck is without backs, simply place the Arcana on a sheet in a graphic editor and print it. Set the settings to high quality to ultimately get bright and colorful pictures.
Printout
When printing on both sides, when the cards are provided with backs, it will take a lot of time to get the front and back sides of the Arcana to match. If the images are not aligned correctly, you will have to cut off the failed sides and this will affect the aesthetics of the deck. You can print a test version on a regular sheet and in low quality to see if the sides match.
It is better to take paper with a density of 250 g/m2; with a lower density, the deck will turn out thin and soft. Before purchasing, you need to make sure that the printer can print on the thick paper you choose.
If all the recommendations are taken into account and made, put the finished deck into print. You will need a lot of ink, so it is recommended to carefully monitor each individual printed sheet in order to notice in time if the pictures become faded and replace the cartridge.
To ensure an exact match between the front and back sides of the Arcana, load strictly one sheet at a time into the printer and ensure that the paper is positioned identically in the printer.
Strengthening
Laminating home cards is a must when making a deck. If you miss it, the pictures will quickly wear out and fade. The most convenient is considered to be a film that sticks when heated with an iron; film for books and textbooks with a special adhesive base has also proven to work well.
Method for laminating film with an adhesive layer:
- Cut a piece of film slightly larger than a sheet.
- Glue it a little to the table, starting from the middle and spread the film in different directions. Tear off the film almost to the end of the table, leaving 1-2 cm glued, and then apply the glued part from the edge with your finger.
- Laminate the sheet using a scraper or card.
- Cut off the excess and laminate the other side.
Methodology for using “thermal film”:
- Cut a piece of film slightly larger than the sheet.
- Place the laminating sheet.
- Place the film on top and make sure there are no folds.
- Cover with a clean sheet.
- Iron with a heated iron for a short time to avoid any defects.
- Cut off the excess edges and do the same on the reverse side.
The finished sheets must be carefully divided into cards using a special stationery knife or scissors. If desired, you can laminate each card separately.
Total
When creating your own Tarot deck yourself at home, you need to understand that the meaning of the cards does not change with respect to their manufacturing method and appearance.
This is the same magic deck, like the one sold in stores, only this version is initially charged with the energy of the person making them and will serve him faithfully for many years.
Look into someone else's future, read the past, hear about the dangers of the present - who among us does not want to have such skills? And some have it. Of course, in order to fully learn this, you need to have the gift, will, desire and tools. One such tool is Tarot cards.
WRITE YOUR STORY
It is not known for certain where Tarot cards came from. Of course, there are several theories of their appearance, and the surviving cards from the decks of the early 15th century are indisputable evidence for some convinced materialists that Tarot cards appeared in Italy and precisely at this time, not earlier, because there is no other evidence.
However, you and I are well aware that it is absolutely impossible to just come up with a deck and practices for it. Knowledge is collected bit by bit, polished over the years, some knowledge is lost under tragic circumstances, and is restored over the centuries. Much knowledge has its own keepers and they wisely keep it for future descendants, skillfully hiding it from their contemporaries. We can only be glad that the knowledge of Tarot cards has not been lost over the centuries, and we can use them to the fullest.
Many have found their decks in stores and work well with them, being satisfied with the deck, themselves and the results, but there are people who, for one reason or another, cannot find their deck, or have found it, but understand that something is eating them. It happens that your own deck comes in a dream, or comes in images after meditation. This is exactly what we will talk about - how to make a Tarot deck with your own hands.
Before you take up the tools and prepare the paper, you need to clearly understand what exactly you want and, of course, you need to be aware that making the deck will take a huge amount of time. Before you start making a deck, you need to think through not only the plot of the deck, but also its philosophy, you need to see the main characters of the deck, understand what knowledge they will carry, how you can interpret it, and most importantly - how not just to preserve, but to increase the possible level interpretation. You must not only write your story, but also nourish it with your own strength.
HANDS OR TECHNIQUE
If you have started creating your deck, then do not be afraid of anything. You are creating an instrument that is true to yourself, which, saturated with your energy, will be a good assistant to you for the rest of your life. To make a deck you will need paper or cardboard, pencils, markers, markers, pens or brushes, whatever is convenient for you. And then get started - line the paper and start creating your own story or legend, as you like. Don’t worry about making a mistake, if you’ve thought through everything clearly, then you won’t make a mistake, and the emerging deck will also help and advise you. Don’t forget about the back of the cards, it’s also not easy - it shouldn’t contradict the general plot of the deck.
Some will say that you should use simple designs and pastel colors for a shirt - don’t believe it. This should be at your discretion, if you feel that the back of the cards should be bright, then do not resist yourself. You will spend a lot of time on your deck, perhaps some card will not turn out right away - burn it, ask the deck for forgiveness, scatter the ashes and start again, but then, when you hold your deck in your hands, you will realize that all your deprivations were worth it.
If you decide to make your deck using modern technology, then I will not dissuade you, although, of course, this is not at all the same. Pulling pictures from the Internet, pouring them into one folder, and then printing and laminating - perhaps this option will suit someone, but then the deck still cannot be considered yours, because you did not draw the arcana. You will need to adapt such a deck for yourself. However, don’t worry, if you did use the technique, you still created your own history, which your deck will preserve.
When the deck is completed, you will not only acquire a faithful and reliable tool, you will create a piece of magic that can reveal to you many secrets about yourself and the world around you, and this is truly priceless.
By “deck” we will mean the Oracle rather than the Tarot, since the Oracle is, let’s say, a freer structure and is sometimes more difficult to create.
1. A deck is a whole world, and this world must also be multi-level - that is, you won’t be able to just plan out different pictures, it won’t be a deck. First you need an idea, some kind of image. And in this sense, making a Tarot deck is much easier: no matter how different the options are, the Tarot is still based on the same archetypes, illuminated from different angles. And to make your own Tarot, you just need to know its structure perfectly, know the angle at which you want to illuminate the archetypes, and select (or draw) pictures. The objectives are clear. It's more difficult with Oracles. This deck must fit your world so that you can work with it later. But this world has not been painted by anyone before you, and no one knows what you want to show in this deck - it’s a colossal job.
2. Let's say the image of the deck is thought out, you see it clearly and know what you need. Now you need to select the material for the deck (or draw images). Let's consider the option with a selection of pictures, because it is more common. Usually there are either too many “catchy” pictures or too few. But, in any case, a person who wants to make his own deck should have an idea of where to look for these images if they are not yet available. Otherwise, what's the point of wanting to make a deck? If you don’t have any material at hand, draw it yourself. So, an option with more material. First, we flip through our folders, collecting all the “catchy” images in one place, go to sites that pop up in our memory - in short, we collect approximate material, keeping in mind the image that we want to embody. When the material has been selected (most often, there is much more of it than necessary), we go through it several more times, critically evaluating each picture, removing what does not fit and leaving the best. The oracle has no restrictions on the number of cards, but we would not recommend doing too many at once, this system is good in development, so determine the minimum (usually about 50 cards, give or take a dozen). After sorting out the pictures, try to divide them into groups according to the image you came up with.
3. When the pictures are selected and arranged in groups, you will need to devote a couple of days to each card, go through them all in order to understand what these cards mean and what their energies are in general. Record the results of your walkthroughs; you need to delve deeply into the pictures to check whether this is what you need and whether you made a mistake in choosing these pictures to suit your deck image. Working with cards this way, you can change something in them, or remove some completely.
4. When you understand that all the pictures suit you and they are all clear to you, you can begin to write interpretations based on the passages. Your notes will be very useful here. Be aware of your deck image, your groups of cards, your goal in front of you. Interpretations must be written on several levels so that they can describe all the situations that this Oracle will work with in the future. This step will summarize your walkthroughs and bring clarity to the maps. By working with cards, writing down their interpretations, you structure the energy that already exists in them (now understandable to you) and invest your own programs based on it.
5. The time has come to give a name to each card. Making the deck In fact, the names of the cards may come to you during all stages of working with the Oracle being created, but at this stage you can check them all, having the interpretations and your own experience of passages at hand. Think about the names, try to feel how accurately they describe the main thing that these cards should say. Working with names is very important. And don't forget about the name for the entire Oracle. Check the original versions, find the one that describes it most succinctly.
6. Don’t forget about the back of the cards, this is also an important point. Choose a picture to put there, or draw one yourself. It should fit organically into the deck and not distract you from working with it. You shouldn’t make a “text” shirt; it would be better if it was an ornament or pattern in soothing colors - whatever suits you.
7. Having created cards in electronic form, do not rush to print them. First, work with them like this, randomly choosing a card of the day or a card per person, check your interpretations. Once you know your deck well enough and are confident in it, you can print it.
8. Now your Oracle is in paper form, it needs a storage place: a box or a bag. And get to know him further. This process will bring many new discoveries. Work with cards, meditate. Your own Oracle contains many secrets. After some time, you may want to add a few more cards to your deck. It will grow with you.
(c) Taigana
Tarot is a unique tool used not only as a fortune-telling or ritual tool, but at the same time as a tool for knowing oneself, one’s personality and self-analysis. For a beginner, of course, a symbolic series of standard decks, which are easy to purchase in stores, is enough. The unique symbolic system of each deck is a whole world, which is incredibly exciting to immerse yourself in.
And yet, the more a person penetrates into this topic, the more contact he needs with the instrument, and the more subtle his work and impact will be. In this case, the question arises about creating a Tarot with your own hands. The most talented people can take on this very decisively, trying to draw all the major arcana themselves, putting individual vision and understanding into each card.
Such decks will be truly unique, but they will also be incredibly difficult to interpret, because their symbolic system will be different from that in the reference literature. But you can create Tarot cards with your own hands without delving into the topic so much as to change the interpretation of already existing systems.
The most important thing in this case will be personal contact with each card. Thus, you can take ready-made images of any Tarot deck that is similar in spirit and print them on a printer, preferably a color one, and then paste them onto prepared blank sheets of cardboard. You can also use self-adhesive wallpaper or self-adhesive film with a suitable calm pattern as a shirt. Such cards will absorb the energy of the person making them, becoming a personal instrument, closer in spirit, and therefore more accurate.
The making of Tarot cards should be treated practically, as a magical ritual, which in essence it is. Focus and concentration are very important; you should not allow yourself to be distracted by unnecessary thoughts, especially ordinary and everyday ones. It is necessary to ensure complete peace so that no one disturbs or disturbs the atmosphere. You can use burning candles, calm music for meditation, and incense. All this creates the energy necessary for such a task.
Every element is important in how to make tarot cards. Firstly, the choice of images of exactly the deck whose symbolic row is felt to be the closest. Secondly, when printing, you must strictly adhere to the color scheme. There are no accidents in the symbolic world of Tarot; the color content of each card is as important as the symbolic content.
The materials that will serve as the base (jacket) for the deck must be of high quality and durable. You will have to work a lot with the deck, and no matter how carefully the fortuneteller handles it, low-quality paper and cardboard will quickly become unusable. There is home lamination film and clear self-adhesive film that can be used to protect your manufactured deck from wear and tear and extend its lifespan.
The advantages of a personal, self-made Tarot deck are that energetically it will be closest to the person, and this leads to more accurate layouts. In addition, this is an advantage in choice - not every store will have the deck that really suits the best, expresses the interests and personality of a person. For such a personal deck, you can even use images of Tarot rarities that cannot be purchased because they are collector's editions.
For those who want to really dive deeply into the ritual part of using Tarot cards, it should be completely clear that purchased cards carry too much dirty energy because they are a product of commerce. Magical tools must be made personally and independently for a specific purpose, otherwise it will not have sufficient power, will become energetically unusable and the ritual may have the opposite effect.
Thus, no matter what reason the fortuneteller is guided by, making a personal Tarot deck is completely justified and is really worth devoting your time to.
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