Is It in the Cards for Us All?

HOW LACK OF REPRESENTATION IN TAROT LIMITS ACCESS TO SPIRITUALITY Written by Madison Targum, Contributing Writer Graphic by Rosie Quinlan, Contributing Graphic Artist

New Orleans is known for its enchanting atmosphere: the way the architecture bounces you back in time, the traditional magic and the crystal shops that draw you in from streets flooded by jazz. During my trip to

New Orleans, I got a taste of this enchantment when I accompanied my mom to a tarot reading. I was surprised by how therapeutic the process was, but regardless of the affirmations about my strong-willed personality, I remember the art on the tarot cards most.

They were whimsical and full of detail. Vibrant reds and blues hinted at the mood of each card. Yet one troubling detail remained consistent: the art only reflected white people in ornate settings. In a city with cultural roots in Creole and African magic practices, I began to wonder how many of the tarot decks being used were limited to those in traditional European style. Tarot cards first circulated in Italy in the 15th century as a parlor game created for the Duke of Milan for members of his courtship.1 The cards were originally played like a bridge game, known as tarocchi, and commissioned by artists to be customized for elite customers.2 Many of the artistic visuals expressed in early tarot decks were heavily inspired by the Italian renaissance and Biblical folktales that would contribute to their meanings later on.3 By the late 18th century, tarot transformed into a reputable means of spirituality when French intellectuals promoted ancient Egyptian writings

¹ Brendan I, Koener. “Where do tarot cards come from?” Slate, 2002. ² Ibid. ³ Patti,Wigington. “A Brief History of Tarot,” Learn Religions, 2018. MODA | 32

as vital to understanding human existence and the map of the soul.4 This includes ideas of occultism and the works of Egyptian priests brought over to Europe by enslaved Africans and Asian missionaries.5

After linking the imagery of the tarot to cultural mysticism, the cards gained greater credibility among wealthy white Europeans. Intrigued by the archetypal personality traits in the cards that were more flattering than psychological profiling, tarot would provoke a newfound fascination with foreseeing the future throughout Europe. However, this adoption of tarot as a means for white spiritual exploration and divination makes the ethnic origins of tarot difficult to trace. Despite the influence of Egyptian culture on tarot, the Christian symbolism and reflections of royal hierarchy present in much of the art limits who can feel welcome in this sect of spiritual exploration. This exclusion can be seen in modern tarot practice today. Even though these readings are supposed to hold universal messages, the cards historically depicted white, affluent individuals not artistically representative of diverse identities.

Nevertheless, there are many artists actively bringing cultural representation to tarot. Mexican artist David Romero recreated the traditional Two of Swords card with pops of color and accent details inspired by Aztec culture. In his interpretation, the figure appears as a woman in ancient Aztec dress whose swords have been trans-

⁴ Hunter, Oatman - Stanford. “Tarot Mythology: The Surprising Origins of the World’s Most Misunderstood Cards,” Collectors Weekly, 2014. ⁵ Ibid. formed into corn.6 By defying the gender norms of typically male figures as well as incorporating Aztec spirituality, Romero maintains the meaning of the card, which makes his work even more appealing to the public. Another artist that disrupts tarot norms is Julia Turk, who offers a more inclusive interpretation of traditional archetypes through adrogynous figures.7 These adrogynous figures are supposed to represent cosmic individuals who have no gender or racial identity. The progression artists have made in diversifying tarot visuals opens up the door for more people to be included in the spiritual community as a whole. During the Covid-19 pandemic, reports have shown that many women of color have reconnected with spiritual practices rooted in African, Indigenous and Latinx ancestry due to social media.8 Decks like The Modern Witch Tarot on Amazon have gained 4.9 out of 5 stars because creator Lisa Sterle illustrated her cards to celebrate multiple identities.9 Although the deck maintains traditional symbolism, its figures represent all ages, sexual orientations, body types and races, allowing individuals of all types to feel represented and welcomed. Ultimately, the beauty in tarot is that it can inspire both the awe and desire for knowledge of our future. But in the same way that representation in film, literature and music are vital to creating unity, so is representation in the cards. ■

⁶ Matt, Alagiah. “What lies behind artists and designers’ eternal obsessions with Tarot cards?” 2020, ⁷ Ibid. ⁸ Stephanie, Long. “Black & Brown Women Revive Tarot and Astrology in Covid,” Refinery29, 2021. ⁹ Mercedes, Viera. “The Modern Witch Tarot Deck Amazon Reviews 2021,” Refinery29, 2021.