Can Anyone Create a Tarot Deck and What Makes It Authentic?
The question of whether anyone can create a tarot deck has been a subject of debate among enthusiasts and practitioners. In this guide, we will explore how someone can create a tarot deck from scratch and discuss the importance of qabalistic references and authentic tarot meanings.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Tarot Deck
Creating a tarot deck is not just about drawing and patterning cards; it involves deep knowledge and understanding of the symbolic essence behind each card. Here’s a step-by-step guide to starting your own tarot journey:
1. Choose Your Theme
The first step is to decide on the theme of your tarot deck. This theme should resonate with your personal beliefs, experiences, and visions. Whether it’s a spiritual, historical, or contemporary theme, your creativity will flow through it.
2. Understand the Qabalistic References
Qabalistic references make your tarot deck more meaningful and profound. Each card is connected to the Tree of Life and represents certain energies and pathways. For example, the Major Arcana card The Tower represents the path connecting Glory (Sefirah 8, Hod) and Victory (Sefirah 7, Netzach).
By internalizing the symbolic meanings on the Tree of Life, you enhance your interpretive abilities and the richness of your tarot readings. This knowledge allows you to create a deck that not only serves as a tool for divination but also as a pathway to spiritual growth.
3. Define the Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana consists of cards corresponding to suit symbols and elemental associations. Each card in the minor arcana reflects its place on the Tree of Life. For instance, the Cups suit may represent feelings and emotions, which correspond to the Water element and the emotional aspects of the Tree of Life.
Is It Possible to Create a Tarot Deck From Scratch?
Yes, it is indeed possible for anyone to create their own tarot deck from scratch. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Theme and Meaning Assignment
Start by assigning appropriate meanings to each card based on your chosen theme. This process requires deep contemplation and a clear understanding of the symbolic and spiritual associations.
2. Gather Artwork
Artwork is a crucial element of any tarot deck. You can either create your own art or commission an artist. The visual representations on your cards should be true to the meanings you have assigned.
3. Print and Publish
You can publish your deck in various mediums. You can create a physical deck or a digital version. If you prefer a physical manual, you can print it yourself or use services like MakeplayingCards to get your deck professionally printed.
Understanding Authentic Tarot Decks
While anyone can create a tarot deck, not all decks are authentic tarot cards. Real tarot cards, particularly the 22 cards of the Major Arcana, reflect the kabbalistic wisdom encoded in the Tree of Life. This symbolic meaning is what gives tarot cards their spiritual significance.
To gain a deeper understanding of the real tarot cards, consider watching the video series by Michael Steeves called Tarot by the Tree. This series explains the meanings of the cards in their original context, which provides invaluable insights.
For decks that don’t adhere to the traditional kabbalistic meanings, it might be more appropriate to refer to them as 'unique tarot decks' or 'fortune-telling cards.' These decks can still be a source of fun and personal reflection, but they are not rooted in ancient wisdom and mystical traditions.
Conclusion
Creating a tarot deck is a creative and spiritual endeavor. By incorporating qabalistic references and understanding the symbolic meanings, you can create a deck that is not only unique but also authentic and resonant with the original wisdom of tarot. Whether you choose to publish your deck or keep it for personal use, the journey of creating your own tarot cards is a rewarding one.
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