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0. The Fool:
It was the beautiful artwork that first drew me to the world of tarot.
Though I admired tarot symbolism, as a beginner, learning to read tarot was a
personal struggle. I really wanted a deck that I could connect with easily, with
imagery that not only I felt comfortable with, but one that I could read
intuitively. Then one day I tried my hand at my very first tarot painting, the
Animism Tarot came to life, and a challenge began to make this deck a reality.
The term animism has many definitions. In the essence of this tarot, it is the
belief that everything in this physical world animals, plants, everything that
surrounds us has a spiritual center, and that these forces have their own
influences on the universe itself. Always at the heart of my artwork, animals
have always held great symbolic meanings and it was natural that they quickly
became the focus of this tarot deck. This project involved a journey of
combining the right animal and tarot card together. The goal was to connect
the ones that shared the strongest symbolisms. Creating a strong, spiritual bond
between each animal and each tarot card was the key to this deck. The Animism
Tarot was definitely a challenge, but in the end everything fell into place.
This guide is not a tutorial on how to read tarot; however, the Animism Tarot is
based on traditional Rider Waite meanings which are readily accessible through
tarot books and tarot websites. Instead, these pages hold short stories
describing the brief encounters in each tarot painting along with helpful key
words associated with each animal that I hope will help develop further insight
between animal and tarot. Ultimately this tarot deck is all about how you see
the images laid before you. Feel the animal worlds influence in your readings.
Trust your instincts and let the animals and their interactions speak to you.
Though this tarot was not painted with reversals in mind, those that would like
to read with reversals are always welcome to create their own interpretations.
Reading tarot is a lifelong learning process, and I hope the Animism Tarot will
be able to assist new and seasoned readers alike. As I hope to grow and learn
with this deck myself, I hope that others will find a connection with it too. I
want to thank everyone that has provided the most amazing feedback and
support every step of the way. Ive really enjoyed this journey and I hope the
cards find a place in your journey like they have, and will, in mine.
Joanna Cheung
http://www.rainbowofcrazy.com
https://www.thegamecrafter.com/games/animism-tarot
The Coyote
She draws power from the moon; she is the link between the conscious
and the unconscious, seeing what few ever see. She is the insight and wisdom
found deep within. She is the light that rises from the shadows, the light that
shines into the dark, revealing all that is possible.
The Owl: rebirth, knowledge, secrecy, foresight, intuition, inspiration
III. The Empress:
She is life: the ground that supports us, the fire that warms us, the
trees that shade us, the food that nourishes us and the very air we breathe. She
is the waterfall roaring down, delighting all of our senses. She is gentle yet
fierce, beauty, energy and Mother Earth herself.
The Tiger: passion, delight, beauty, patience, loyalty, protection
He reigns above the lands, where raw power roars all around him. He
has never known failure and never will. He is strength and might and as the
ruler of his domain, a fire burns inside him: a passion to lead his world and to
protect his kingdom.
The Dragon: strength, bravery, protection, wisdom, permanence, power,
V. The Hierophant:
Listen to the gallops, to the pure energy racing through the trees,
moving through the chaos. He is the wind, shifting through space and time. He
is the battle to win the war; he is the journey: the road travelled and the
obstacles ahead. He is the will, willing himself to triumph.
The Horse: strength, control, resilience, intuition, determination, victory
In the darkness, there is light. Through the cold, there is warmth. Past
the hardship, there is joy. Amidst the chaos, there is peace. From loss, comes
discovery. Through love, we can defeat hate. Face the battle; stand united.
Make your choice. Find your place.
The Stoat
VIII: Strength:
X. Wheel of Fortune:
This is the weaver of time and fate. Every thread has a destination.
Every connection has a purpose. Every movement causes a ripple throughout.
The weaver understands balance: threads that fall can rise up again, and though
some may come undone, they can be rebuilt once more, better and stronger
than ever before.
The Spider: fate, wisdom, rebirth, balance, creativity, design
XI: Justice:
The Chimpanzee
The Opossum
The Raven
Darkness slowly fades away, but a new dawn approaches, and as one
world rests, a new world is awakened. The night is no longer, but this chapter
must close in order for a new chapter to begin. Be ready for the light.
The Raven: self-awareness, adaption, wisdom, truth, loss, passage
XIV. Temperance:
The Liger
Elements bend at her will, shifting under her control, flowing apart to
rush back together, mixing and blending to perfection. Temperance is change.
She works with intention, with control. She is transformation and moderation,
weighing and morphing with precision, with focus, creating harmony and
balance.
The Liger: fluidity, power, synthesis, vitality, balance, control
XV. The Devil:
The Scorpion
The Ibis
From the darkness, she rises up into the coming night, the brightest
star in the evening sky. She glows with inner light, radiating serenity and love.
With her beauty, she offers inspiration, shining with hope, tenderness and quiet
strength to the world below.
The Ibis: imagination, brilliance, transformation, success, enlightenment,
passion
XVIII. The Moon:
The Rabbit
She nears the waters edge with hesitation. Peering into the dark blue
waters, she glimpses into another world: a world of confusion, mystery and
madness, where things may not what they seem. Does she stay above or dive
into the unknown? Which is her reality?
The Rabbit: creativity, conception, intuition, deception, mischief, apprehension
XIX. The Sun:
The Rooster
Darkness has passed, and now he can step into the light and feel the
warmth of the sun. He observes the radiant sunflowers that reach up to the sky,
flourishing in the nurturing light. Negativity melts away as he feels that blissful
glow fill his being with energy and strength. And he will share its joy, for it will
follow him wherever he goes.
The Rooster: renewal, awareness, dignity, triumph, fertility, confidence
XX. Judgement:
His deep, knowing eyes meet those that seek him, seeing right through
all the masks to reveal the truth. He sees those inner thoughts, virtues, and
transgressions; yet he knows that there is still time for change, for release, and
for healing, if only it is searched for from within.
The Cat: protection, fortune, freedom, observance, wisdom, healing
XXI. The World:
Ace of Wands:
The Ram
This is a new day, a day filled with new choices and new opportunities.
Feel the glow of the sun fill this land with renewed energy. Now is the time to
take that chance, climb that mountain, and be inspired by all lies ahead.
The Ram: passion, power, opportunity, determination, confidence, courage
Two of Wands:
The Giraffe
He opens his eyes and takes it all in, every detail of the world around
him. He can see it all: what lies next to him, what lies before him, and what lies
beyond. He will take charge and prepare, because no is the time to choose his
path; now the world is his oyster. Now he is ready to leave his legacy.
The Giraffe: creativity, insight, intelligence, vigilance, patience, balance
Three of Wands:
The Cougar
Looks are deceiving; so dont look away for one second. And dont
underestimate that cute, fuzzy face. Though he may be vague and mysterious,
there is madness in those eyes: a madness of someone that should never
handle a flame. And finally, watch your nuts.
He has come a long way, and while he grows stronger with each
passing day, there is still more to do and so much more to learn. But as he takes
pause to watch the sun rise, he knows that his time to shine is coming. All of his
choices have led to this moment, and now hes ready to welcome the new
dawn.
The Hummingbird
Confetti fills the glorious sky as they dance with delight. They have
journeyed through it all together, surviving a season of obstacles and turmoil
and now the sun can rise up to warm their hearts once again. They have made it
and its their time to celebrate.
The Hummingbird: love, progression, pleasure, renewal, healing, stability
Five of Wands:
Nine of Wands:
He has endured more than anyone ever should, but he knows that he is
meant for so much more. He yearns for something greater, and he knows its
within his grasp. Though he is exhausted and weak, he will remain strong at
heart, and he will continue to fight until his last breath.
Six of Wands:
The Caracal
Ten of Wands:
He is on top of the world and this is his moment. He basks in all of his
power and triumph: he has been victorious. Pausing as the sun slowly sinks into
the earth, he soaks in the last glorious moments of light and warmth and smiles.
He has made it.
He has travelled for what has felt like an eternity in this vast, barren
land, but the journey seems impossible; this victory may be lost. With more on
his shoulders than one should ever have to bear, he is alone and exhausted. But
he carries on with quiet determination, willing himself to the finish line.
Seven of Wands:
The Hedgehog
Be wary, dear travelers: the road ahead is dark with peril. There will be
doubts and there will be fears, but there is no need to run. Its time to face
those doubts; its time to overcome those fears. Rise up. Find that inner
strength, take a stand and fight for those beliefs. Believe. Be ready. Triumph will
come.
The Hedgehog: confidence, courage, intelligence, resolve, passion, protection
Eight of Wands:
Page of Wands:
The Chinchilla
He may be small, but his enthusiasm is anything but! Full of energy and
a passion for life, he knows opportunity when he sees it. He is now prepared to
welcome the world and have all the experiences he can get his young hands on.
Bring on adventure! He is ready for it!
The Chinchilla: discovery, curiosity, communication, awareness, innocence,
enthusiasm
Knight of Wands:
The Cheetah
The wheels are in motion; everything has come together for this very
moment. This is not the time to stop and think. There is no time for
contemplation. Now is the time to act. Now is the time to strike.
Blink and you might miss him as he races through the land without fear
or reserve. He is a force to be reckoned with: determined, experienced, brazen
and a little reckless, he is pure energy put into motion.
Queen of Wands:
Ace of Cups:
The Otter
Pure fiery energy burns within her. She will take on any challenge
without hesitation, and she will always win with ease. She is as bright and as
intense as the sun, bringing light and warmth to all that surrounds her with
every graceful step.
This is the first spark of wonder and delight. Dont overlook it.
Welcome it. Cherish it. This is when the stars align perfectly. This is where
creative energies unite. This is the potential of creating something magical.
Greatness is born here.
King of Wands:
Two of Cups:
The Seal
He knows how to carry himself like the king that he is: full of fiery
passion and drive. He knows how to make an entrance and get all eyes on him.
Hes a natural born leader, instinctively taking charge and knows an opportunity
when he sees it, staying focused and journeying through until the end.
Maybe they are strangers, or perhaps they are old friends. But an
encounter like this cannot just be coincidence. They were meant to be in this
spot, to meet at this time, in this place. There is something here, and this is an
opportunity that cant be missed.
Look around and be thankful: through thick and thin, this was a road
journeyed and conquered together. There were never any others better suited
for this perfect camaraderie. Rejoice. Now is the time of joy and celebration;
savour every moment of it.
The Dolphin: unity, communication, trust, freedom, pleasure, kindness
Four of Cups:
The Sloth
Five of Cups:
Rain falls softly as he finds solace in the shadows. He mourns for his
losses, and there have been many. But as the rain starts to fade, the sun slowly
rises. And he will soon realize that sometimes we have to walk in darkness and
sorrow before we can move on to the sunlight.
The Salamander: awareness, growth, adaption, faith, endurance, change
Six of Cups:
The Deer
Remember those days, when times were simple? Remember that time
when there was no hate or prejudice, that safe place of love and of pure
innocence. Keep that time close. Remember fondly, and revisit those feelings of
joy once again.
The Deer: innocence, compassion, insight, security, love, wonder
Seven of Cups:
Nine of Cups:
Every obstacle, every struggle, every moment has led up to this. Victory
has finally arrived, and she will relish in every drop of it. She knows that
happiness is fleeting, and that every tomorrow will bring new difficulties to
overcome. But today, today is a good day, and she will count every single
blessing.
The Black Bear: courage, patience, strength, commitment, satisfaction,
resourcefulness
Ten of Cups:
The sun fills the sky with warmth above and the cooling waters flow
below, creating a perfect balance in this world. Everything has fallen into place,
and everything feels right. This is where a family can prosper; this is where love
and joy can be found.
The Swan: balance, healing, love, serenity, happiness, unity
The Platypus
Though the deep darkness surrounds him, he looks up to the sky filled
with shimmering colours and the swirling light opens his eyes to endless
possibilities. What path he follows will be up to him. Not every light is as bright
as the next, but each streak is a journey, creating its own path along the
expansive sky.
Page of Cups:
Eight of Cups:
The Magpie
Knight of Cups:
The Hippopotamus
The sky grows dark, and he has grown tired. He has been there for far
too long; times have changed and so has he. He seeks more in life, and though
he is weary of change, he can no longer call this place his own. Taking one more
look at this once familiar world, he rises up to leave it for the last time.
Strong and fierce, yet gentle and calm, this knight is a powerful force.
Emotionally and creatively driven, he flows with the ups and downs of life, like
the journey through the waves of the ocean. He understands that he must
adapt to the movements of the waters and be sensitive to its changes. Flow
with the tide, not against it.
Queen of Cups:
Ace of Swords:
She rises and falls with the tides and knows how to take maneuver all
that lies ahead. She flows as one with the universe: together they are intuitive,
divine, and pure. She is healing and magic itself - a link to the unconscious realm
and a mystery that graces this world. She is a gift filled with wonder, artistry,
and love.
The Turtle: wisdom, tranquility, maturity, love, permanence, empathy
King of Cups:
The great waters part for him. He is the embodiment of harmony itself:
loving, gentle and above all, benevolent. He is balanced in his judgements, yet
most understanding, patient, and kind, welcoming all that are in need of him.
The Whale: healing,
communication
understanding,
balance,
knowledge,
serenity,
The Panther
She may not see what lies ahead, but she can sense it. Though she may
be blind, it will not be her downfall. She knows there are other ways to see; so
she must trust her instincts before making the next move.
The Panther: courage, caution, protection, renewal, independence, instinct
Three of Swords:
Darkness creeps in as warmth fades away into cold. This is not where
anyone should ever be. This is not how anyone should ever feel. Eyes close as
breathing slows. Soon the pain will be over, but the spirit will remain strong.
The Dove: communication, sacrifice, truth, hope, release, renewal
Four of Swords:
The seasons have not been easy, but the storm has passed and for the
moment, the sky is calm. Its time to take pause, to close those eyes and relish
this moment of peace. Let down your guard and breathe. This is the time to
focus, rethink, and plan. There will be more storms ahead, and you must be
ready when they arrive.
The Koala: reflection, peace, hope, focus, comfort, solitude
Five of Swords:
Nine of Swords:
As the cloudy waters return to its eerie stillness, for the moment, there
is calm. But this was survival at all costs, and there was a high cost for triumph.
Has danger passed, or is there still peril in the darkness ahead? Is this what
victory feels like?
Life has not been kind. Even under the blanket of the night, he must
slip further away into darkness. He must escape. He has suffered so much, and
he is so tired, neglected, and weary. Perhaps one day he can open his eyes to a
better dawn.
Six of Swords:
Be still, little one, and conserve your energy. You have suffered more
than anyone should, but you have endured, and you will become stronger for it.
So rest your head, and let time heal your wounds. The journey is almost over,
and your destination is close.
The Penguin: perseverance, drive, fortitude, tranquility, adaption, resilience
Seven of Swords:
The Raccoon
Ten of Swords:
This is it. This is what the end feels like: to be trapped, to be tired, to be
powerless. Be brave; lay down your arms. Its time to accept this defeat, learn
from it, and welcome its mercy.
The Vulture: sacrifice, death, release, resurrection, patience, foresight
Page of Swords:
He moves swiftly, hidden in the dark. He blends into the night like a
shadow. Moving quickly, he takes hold of as many treasures as he can. He
gathers them together, only to run back into the blackness.
This young page itches for action. He seeks answers and truths. He
knows of the obstacles ahead and eagerly awaits them. Skies will darken and
the waters may get rough, but he is prepared and he is ready to face it all. Hes
ready for his journey.
Eight of Swords:
The Octopus
Knight of Swords:
The Greyhound
Blink and you might miss him. Slow down and you may never catch up.
He is the knight on a mission, cutting through the air like a sword. He is action
itself, quick physically as he is mentally. So focused that nothing can distract
him, he moves with the wind, blazing a trail few can follow.
Queen of Swords:
The Osprey
Quick and fierce, she perches high above the world, glowing in all of her
divinity. She is as cold as her blade and equally sharp. No obstacle will block her
path. No crisis can slow her down. She cuts through all deceptions and lies; she
is too smart for such trivialities. There is no one better to lead her people, and
none that can match her skill.
The Osprey: truth, authority, foresight, wisdom, diligence, action
King of Swords:
Look into the eyes of power as his very presence commands the highest
level of respect. This is a king with intelligence beyond his years, one that lives
by the strongest moral codes. His moves are calculated, each action made with
purpose, made without fear or hesitation as he seeks out truth and justice
above all else.
The Wolf: power, truth, knowledge, understanding, honour, discipline
Ace of Pentacles:
Breathe in the sweet scents of life. This is a new day, filled with
opportunity and delight. Be inspired by the beauty of this world. All that
flourishes began as a tiny seedling in this earth; so plant your seed and take that
first step towards richness that is so rightly deserved.
The Scarab: creation, transformation, rebirth, growth, fortune, vitality
Two of Pentacles:
The Kangaroo
What goes up must come down, and sometimes life deals us many ups and
downs. So keep your eyes open for what matters most. Catch it as it falls, hold it
dearly, and ride with it as it rises back up again. Life is full of change. Youre
ready for it.
The Kangaroo: protection, adaption, balance, vigor, action, foresight
Three of Pentacles:
Its time to get to work! A mother guides her little ones as they build
their new home. Her children are young but eager and have much to learn.
Actions are followed and materials are passed through tiny hands, along with
knowledge, experience, and joy.
The Dormouse: discovery, devotion, commitment, resourcefulness, vigilance
Four of Pentacles:
The Skunk
Dont touch that. Its mine. Every jewel surrounding him is a symbol of
his efforts that have paid off. These are his achievements. All of his hard work,
his investments, his security, his future, all of it lies before him. Its his and his
alone. He does not plan on sharing any bit of it; so dont get too close!
The Skunk: confidence, courage, self-esteem, contentment, discretion, defense
Five of Pentacles:
The Kiwi
The Moose
Nine of Pentacles:
The world is crashing down all around them. Their dreams, their
security, their very livelihood, everything is up in flames before their eyes,
clouding the sky with its destruction. But despite it all, they still have each
other. What has fallen will make way for new life; and so they push through to
be there when it happens.
Welcome to his castle. Closing his eyes, he feels the warmth of the sun.
He can feel its glow filling him with pure energy. He takes in the air and feels the
wind surround him. He feels the water and earth at his feet, breathing with life
and sustenance. As he takes it all in, he knows that these are his victories. This
is his kingdom. And he deserves every bit of it.
The Moose:
independence
Six of Pentacles:
strength,
Life is a journey of give and take, and when they work as one, they both
come out richer. So they will live this life together in understanding and
kindness. And they will both reap all the benefits, for they know that the scale
will never be balanced with just one piece.
Ten of Pentacles:
confidence,
determination,
honour,
dignity,
The Zebra
She has journeyed far, overcoming many obstacles and comes to rest,
and here, life is thriving. She has found her place in this land. She breathes in
the air, knowing that the world before her eyes is all hers. And above it all, she
knows that she will be able to share her experiences and successes with those
that she holds closest to her heart.
Seven of Pentacles:
The Peacock
Page of Pentacles:
The Chipmunk
The ground is still white, but the seasons are changing. He has endured
the harsh climates and it has not been easy. Every day has been a challenge but
he forges ahead. And now he has survived; he can finally take pause and reflect
upon his next move as he can finally welcome the warmth of a new day.
Eight of Pentacles:
The Beaver
Knight of Pentacles:
Queen of Pentacles:
She is the queen of the earth, tending to the ground that she graces
with every step. She is balanced in life, understanding the value of hard work as
well as the importance of simple pleasures. She is comforting and gracious,
supportive and understanding, and she welcomes everyone with a warm heart,
ready to nurture and listen at a moments notice.
The Cow: love, compassion, fertility, prosperity, serenity, generosity
King of Pentacles:
This king is a powerful force. Wise beyond his years, he is the ruler of
everything that lies before him. Though he enjoys his material wealth - he
knows that he has rightly deserved every drop of glory that has ever touched
his skin - more important is his spiritual wealth as he remains compassionate
and giving, dedicating himself to all those in need.
The Gorilla: wisdom, leadership, authority, generosity, protection, loyalty