The Transparent Tarot

So a brief interpretation of this spread might go something like this:

The querent, (represented by the central Two of Wands), is part of a new creative partnership which needs to choose its direction. They care deeply about this situation, and are able to empathize with the other party and their opinions, (Queen of Cups in the West, for water and emotions). While the querent brings this sensitive and creative side, the other party brings an idea with the potential for great success, (The Sun in the East, for air and ideas/thoughts/communication). Look at how these two cards interconnect with the central Two of Wands, and we can see that they flow nicely into, and complement the figures, showing how these two forces are natural parts of the two sides at work in the central card. In the North, we have the Magician, which seems to interweave with the Two of Wands, showing that each side brings valuable qualities together in balance, and they have everything they need to make this project a commercial success. Slightly disconnected from the other images, we see the Nine of Cups in the South, (Fire and the will/spirit), showing that this may bring the querent’s dearest wish into reality, but its lack of interconnectedness with the other cards may mean that it seems too far off yet to really believe. So, there we can see how a simple spread like this can give a clear and insightful reading.

One of the concerns that has been expressed by those unsure about the idea of a Transparent Tarot, is that the images would become just a muddled mess. While I have already demonstrated the extent to which the images can combine elegantly, obviously in a deck of 78 cards, there will be times when figures overlap and confuse the image, not matter how carefully it's been designed!

If you are not a fan of a seemingly clashing image, an option you can always take is flipping one of the cards so that they no longer interfere with each other. This is one of the possible ways that I reccomend you can combine two or more of the same court card,(which will normally take up the same space), within a combination, like so:

But what if we accept the chaos, and try to read a 'muddled' image? I played randomly with combinations on my computer, and it took a few attempts before I found one where figures overlapped. The below combination shows the Hermit, Six of Swords, Ten of Wands and Five of Cups.

Those two at the bottom really look as if they're under each other's feet, don't they? But could this be talking about a couple? One represented by the Ten of Wands- working too hard, taking on all the responsibility and not noticing the emotional pressure that has been put on the partner, the Five of Cups, who has started to feel the onset of depression, feeling invisible and overlooked due to the others' work commitments. But perhaps there is hope- for not only is the Ten of Wands reaching to the largest of the upright cups, so may be able to show the positive emotional presence that the partner needs, but the Hermit shows a calming and introspective presence. Perhaps some space and time alone is indicated here, which eventually would be all the better for the relationship, as they do seem to be crushing each other! Or perhaps a romantic or spiritual retreat as a couple...

Using intuition here is key, as there are so many possibilities when we look at a combination- what if in fact his reaching for the bottom cup will result in the rest falling over? After all, he is carrying a heavy load- perhaps this will be the last straw that drives them away to a solitary existence, (Six of Swords/Hermit)?

This shows that the very nature of how the figures interrelate can provide insights into a reading - even, (or especially), when they're muddled! It also shows how these interactions can provide an inspiration for stories, character development or situations for those who like to use Tarot creatively.

I hope you are looking forward to exploring the myriad of possibilities as much as I am!

Blessings,

Emily x

The foreword to the Transparent Tarot workbook was written by the wonderful Naomi Ozaniec, whose own contribution to Tarot and the Qabalah has been many intelligent and insightful books, such as The Aquarian Qabalah, Teach yourself Tarot, Initiations into the Tarot and many more.

Here is what she had to say:

"Having found inspiration in the images of the Tarot for many years, I am delighted by Emily Carding’s sheer originality and new vision, The Transparent Tarot. In an area constrained by tradition, innovation is unexpected but Emily's concept has achieved a remarkable feat. The Transparent Tarot pays due homage to tradition while taking the familiar images into a new realm. The traditional pack of cards has become a series of transparencies, the characters of the Major Arcana now appear in their essential forms, simple and minimal and the Minor Arcana appear as silhouetted figures. The result is a new fusion between a modern material and the realm of archetypal ideas. Overlapping transparencies enable the reader to combine several cards and interpret symbols like layers in the mind. Emily's considerable design and graphic skill enables each of the cards to interrelate visually with others; the symbolic connections then speak for themselves.

Emily Carding is emerging as one of our most original and talented Tarot artists, this landmark deck forms a nodal point on the Tarot family tree permitting a new course of development to unfold. Whether you are a collector of outstanding Tarot design, a reader or a student of Tarot, The Transparent Tarot will engage your full attention just as it did for me."

Thank you Naomi! xx

See more about Naomi and her work on her website- www.thehouseoflife.co.uk

A wonderful new addition to the ever evolving world of modern Tarot is now available- The Quantum Tarot.

And I'm not just saying that 'cos I'm in it!

Here I am as the Empress:

Combining modern quantum science and esoteric symbolism, Kay Stopforth and Chris Butler's unique new deck looks set to be a treat not just for the senses, but for the mind.

I look forward to giving it the full attention it deserves once I get to see it in the flesh!

Em x

Coming out at around the same time as the Transparent Tarot is Janet Boyer's wonderful new book, Back in Time Tarot. I was lucky enough to have a sneak preview of this work, and here is my review in full:

"I thoroughly enjoyed Janet Boyer’s fascinating book, ‘Back in Time Tarot’. Janet takes her many years of experience and knowledge of Tarot, and passes them on generously with a warm and down to earth writing style which instantly engages the reader. The ‘Back in Time’ or ‘BIT’ method, which is the focus of the book, is a wonderfully refreshing approach to Tarot which any reader or Tarot enthusiast will just be itching to try themselves!

The bulk of the book is made from various examples of this method in action, not only from Janet herself, but also some very well known names from the Tarot world, such as Lon Milo Duquette, Lisa Hunt, and Mary Greer. This gives great insight into not only the many possible ways to perceive a card, but also a fascinating peek at how these great Tarot minds think!

Janet’s book, and the ‘BIT’ method, gently encourage you to think outside the normal strictures and methods of Tarot, teaching us to look at the cards in a new way. This method can help novices really start to understand and acquire their own personal meanings for the cards, and offers experts a much needed refreshing new angle to take. Rather than learning by rote from a book of essential meanings, we are encouraged to look at situations from our life and THINK for ourselves about which cards would describe or evoke that situation, thus enabling us to build up our own database of very personal meanings. This has enormous potential for improving reading skills and understanding of Tarot, which can be daunting for some.

I would heartily recommend this book and Janet’s innovative method to anyone with an interest in Tarot, an open mind, and willingness to learn. You won’t be disappointed!"

I think Janet's book would be a wonderful complement to the T.T.- and vice-versa! Using the Transparent Tarot, you could create unique scenes, combining cards to evoke any circumstance or character, learning through really thinking about how the cards interact with each other and what images form, and what atmospheres and effects can be created- I can't wait to try!

Blessings,

Em xx

Here we see the Empress as a backdrop for the Two of Wands and the King of Cups. The Wands card shows a passionate debate and the need to choose between two directions. Perhaps it is the start of a new business partnership, or the querent is in two minds himself over which path is best. The King of Cups seems to loom gently over the fiery wands, and indicates clearly which side he favors. He is a mature figure of great emotional depth and wisdom, and it would be prudent to follow his guidance! Along with the gentle yet powerful energy of the Empress in the reading, it is clear that a patient and caring response is needed. The Empress here shows us that there does not need to be haste in the decision making process, but to take time to find the true insight of the King of Cups, and follow your inner wisdom.