This blog is dedicated solely to my Taiga* Tarot designs as they develop. I am not necessarily designing this deck for use in divination, but rather to ultimately share 78 taiga, drawn and written out of my over 30-year journey with The Tarot as a faithful and creative guide. I also do not post these as final versions, simply as final for the moment. Some may very well be subject to revision as I discover more about their inter-relationships, or am drawn to a different design or wording, or receive feedback.
Very simply put "taiga" are illustrated tanka. "Tanka" are mood poems traditionally written in five lines of 5-7-5-7-7 syllables, that usually reference natural images and human emotion. Also, there is often a contrast, conclusion, or response in the last two lines to the first three. My tarot tanka are largely non-traditional, but I do make an attempt to respect the basic form. At the end of each card post is some additional "Background Information" on the deck.
From the start the cards have been influenced in some way by my night dreams, and they all have a decidedly psychological bent. I most definitely expect the latter to continue as that is largely how I relate to The Tarot. I also make no attempt to encompass a broad range of Tarot meanings and approaches in these designs, but to simply highlight an aspect or two of each card that I have found central, pointed, or less common.
As to why a black and white deck? I adore color and find it's often an important aspect of readings, so had no idea that the deck would be in black and white. (Actually, the only thing I "knew" about the deck ahead of time was that it would be a taiga tarot.) But this is how it has come through. I am planning to make the backs of my own laminated copy very colorful, however. :-D
I have the odd feeling that this deck exists in its entirety somewhere else/when, and is coming to me, card by card. There is also an image that keeps occurring to me: this deck is like an embroidered panorama, being made from one long strand of many textured thread, within which each individual card is one stitch.
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'til next time, keep enjoying The Tarot,
**** [aka: Patricia Kelly] **** If you wish to copy or use any of my writing, please email me for permission (under “View my complete profile”)**** SEE ALSO: Roswila’s Tarot Gallery & Journal; Roswila’s Dream & Poetry Realm; and DREAMJIN: for Haiku-Like Dream Poems, a Yahoo group.****
