Ostara Tarot
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Sharing its name with the vernal equinox, this deck is the collaborative venture of Vancouver-based artists Molly Applejohn, Eden Cooke, Julia Iredale, and Krista Gibbard. Originally a self-published venture, this deck is now available worldwide after publisher Schiffer Books took interest and gave the work the 5-star treatment it rightly deserves.
With each artist taking charge of a Minor Arcana and splitting the Major Arcana amongst themselves, expect shifting art styles that combine an appreciation for the natural world around us with a dose of surrealist and feminist energies. For a deck that doesn't directly follow traditional tarot iconography, there is still a structure- as specific animals are assigned to each card in the Minor Arcana [with the Queens being the notable departure from that formula] it's delightful to see how each animal's importance is translated across Arcana and art style. This was a deck I was pleased to watch develop from the beginning, and holds a special place in my collection! Great Choice If: You want to support the efforts of local Vancouver women + illustrators, like non-traditional imagery and the call of nature.
Don't Choose If: You prefer a more uniformed art style, surrealist animal symbology isn't your thing. |
Deck Tradition: Non-traditional
Art Style: Varied, Surrealist Nature Suit Titles: Wands, Cups, Coins, Swords Court Card Titles: Page, Knight, Queen, King Reversals?: Yes Any Other Peculiarities?: Why is this deck so special to me? I was classmates with the deck creators, and thus jumped at the chance to support my friends and fellow artists by working with their creation. |