Is it neccessary for Tarot Cards to have a specific cultural theme???

[The Suckling]

I'm seriously thinking of making my own deck, but I've noticed that all the ones I've seen have had a common theme such as native American, Medieval, Witches, Chinese, etc.

Although I take astrology very seriously, I'm still deciding on whether I believe in the Tarot, but regardless, I find it incredibly entertaining and making my own deck would be an incredbly satisfying art project. I'm not planning on doing it with a common culture, time and place in mind, but rather, focus on symbolism and beauty.

So I'm just wondering if it wouldn't be to blasphemous to create eclectic Tarot cards. What do you think, somebody???

[StormCloud]

I think that sounds like a wonderful idea! I think your deck will be more effective if the symbolism on it resonates with your ideas and personal philosophies. One of the uses of tarot is self-improvement - allowing the tarot cards to tell you a story on issues that you need to deal with. A personal deck would be wonderful for this.

I've even toyed with the idea of making a personal deck that is based on the property where we live - I love it so here. It's great that you've got the talent to express yourself artistically.

[Pheonix]

They will be your tarot, you'll have to read with them so create them whatever way you feel is best! If they are for sale you should still create them your own way. If somebody doesn't like them they'll just buy a different deck. Besides not all decks are baised on culture, or at least not one, look at the thoth, there's definately egyptian refrences but also christian, greek and many others.
Good luck
Pheonix :)

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

As far as I know, there are no real guidelines for making your own tarot cards... As long as they convey the messages to you. I believe the other's have themes to tell a story thoughout the deck.

If the deck is more of an art project, and you don't really believe that they work.....then don't worry about guidelines.

[The Suckling]

It would be an art project, but I would make them from the perspective that they do work, staying faithful to the neccessary symbolism, but choosing my own personal mottiffs to represent them, especially with the Minor arcana. ;)

I'm not going to be like Marilyn Manson and create a deck that probably has no power and accuracy whatsoever.

[Aengus McTeague]

Nothing blasphemous about creating your own deck, or using cross-cultural images at all! Many decks pull influences from different cultures and mythologies. And while the Tarot can be an incredibly powerful tool, there is nothing "sacred" about it. In my opinion, it's not something you "believe in", but like a spiritual path, poem, or piece of music, it's something that resonates with you or not. Most of the stories you read about the Tarot's "secret history" are pure hookum and wishful thinking. Every single deck on the planet was created by someone, who included the symbols and images THEY felt were important. Why should you not do the same?

[The Suckling]

Thanks, Angeus :)

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

Originally posted by Aengus McTeague
Nothing blasphemous about creating your own deck, or using cross-cultural images at all! Many decks pull influences from different cultures and mythologies. And while the Tarot can be an incredibly powerful tool, there is nothing "sacred" about it. In my opinion, it's not something you "believe in", but like a spiritual path, poem, or piece of music, it's something that resonates with you or not. Most of the stories you read about the Tarot's "secret history" are pure hookum and wishful thinking. Every single deck on the planet was created by someone, who included the symbols and images THEY felt were important. Why should you not do the same?

Here, Here! Thank you!

[Silver Venus]

I agree :boing: Go for it! & try and post some of the piccies up here :D

~ Not that Im a fan ~ but has Mralyin Manson made a deck? Whats it called? ~

[The Suckling]

Well, Manso didn't make a whole deck, he just designed a few cards for the album Holywood.

As for pics of the cards, don't expect them in the near future. I've got alot of wrk to do. ;)