Three of Blades — Tarot of the Absurd

Sunday, April 1st, 2012

Artist: Jessica Rose Shanahan

 

[Annotation: I was having a terrible time figuring out what this card meant, and thus I could not illustrate it. Then one day, walking through the public library, I saw a woman with a tattoo on her neck: three swords piercing a heart! Delightful! After speaking with her, I wrote the following.]

 

The opposite of heartache
still is freedom.
It is the hand of the heart
that holds the blade.
And tho this heartache
is a necessary part of living,
it is also but a sign of holding on.
Release the blade.
Release the blade
and see what comes of love.
Release the blade and watch
the wings of your own heart
emerge like those of butterflies—
wings trapped within
some thin, translucent shell—
Release— and feel
the wings of your own heart
begin to beat—
Release and find—
Release—
It is holding on that brings
the only necessary hurt
of living.

The Fool — Tarot of the Absurd

Thursday, March 22nd, 2012

Jessica Rose Shanahan ‘If the fool would persist in his folly he would become wise.’ —William Blake

 

Zero is the cardinal number of the empty set and the additive identity of real numbers. It is important in field theory and it is part of every basic algebraic structure by definition.Without zero and the ideas contained in the notion of identities and inverses there would be practically no modern mathematics and physics.

 

The occult tarot and other metaphysical systems use allegorical significance of numerals rather than mathematical significance of numerals. Metaphysics uses the notion of identities and inverses in a philosophical manner to describe abstract concepts undefinable by means of mathematics. Mathematicians define a (seemingly) completely different set of abstract concepts using the same symbols.*

 

‘Only two things are certain: the universe and human stupidity— and I’m not certain about the universe.’ —Albert Einstein

 

The greatest problems in communication occur when people agree on the symbol used but cannot agree on the abstract concept defined by the symbol. Symbols in and of themselves have no intrinsic meaning: in every case, the meaning of the symbol is defined by the viewer. In order to facilitate communication, we try to agree on the meaning of a symbol.

 

At times this meaning is dictated by society. A large red octagon with a white outline means “stop,” although nothing intrinsic to red-octagon-with-white-outline implies “stop.” It is merely the meaning we have given a rather arbitrary symbol in order to help prevent accidents. In a city, choosing to believe that the octagon is not a symbol for stop may result in injury or death. On a deserted road, the octagon quite often takes on the meaning of “look both ways.”

 

‘The wise through excess of wisdom is made a fool.’ —Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

There two kinds of people (there are many kinds of “two kinds of people”): those who define symbols and those who more-or-less follow definitions. Definers-of-symbols are often great thinkers and philosophers or at least great leaders, however—

 

“Any fool will make a rule, and any fool will mind it.” —Henry David Thoreau.

 

So what is to prevent us from redefining the entire set of symbols and numbers used in the occult tarot? What is to prevent us from introducing an entirely new set of symbols and numbers to please our fancy? Nothing, other than the fact that this habit tends to frustrate communication. Historically, this has been done time and time again. Each religion defines its own set of symbols and defends this set’s concepts as true.

 

‘Those who wish to appear wise among fools, among the wise seem foolish.’ —Quintilian

 

In illustrating my own deck, I needed to determine which symbols meant something to me, which symbols meant nothing to me, and which of my own personal symbols I thought significant enough to introduce into the deck. Unfortunately for those who favor such correspondences, my thought patterns prevent me from incorporating the symbols of astrology, runes, quaballah, numerology, and other commonly associated esoteric systems into my deck. This can make my deck difficult to “read,” if one is used to working within “traditional” tarot systems. I apologize. For me, the endeavor of creating a deck was a beautiful journey of personal exploration and artistic expression. I am grateful to all who adore the fruits of my labor. Thank you.**

 

‘The fool doth think himself wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.’ —William Shakespeare

 

*I am neither a mathematician nor a metaphysician.
**Today’s undiscussed question was, “When will my baby be born?”

The Tower — Tarot of the Absurd

Monday, March 12th, 2012

Jessica Rose ShanahanArtist: Jessica Rose Shanahan

 

TOWER OF BA’BEL
Entropy: this, too, shall crumble.

 

More words on the subject, from Genesis:
11:1 Now the whole earth had one language and few words.

 

Some called it the First Golden Age of Communication. Others called it Grunt-Grunt language.

 

11:4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.”

 

Or, perhaps they said, “Grunt, grunt grunt grunt grunt grunt, grunt grunt grunt grunt grunt grunt, grunt grunt grunt grunt grunt grunt, grunt grunt grunt grunt grunt grunt grunt grunt.”

 

And with plenty grunting, much hard work commenced. They started building a tower with bricks of baked clay and mortar of bitumen-tar. Thus began Man’s first attempt at global unity. The tower would be visible from far and wide. Lest Man become scattered, there would always be a beacon to call home.
But the Lord got wind of this. He came down to see the city and the tower.

 

11:6-7 And the Lord said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do; and nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down, and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.”

 

Yes, God saw that when all Men work as one, there is nothing We cannot do. Was God intimidated by such a show of humane cooperation? He gathered His cronies and set out to cause confusion in order to limit Man’s powers. This was called “The Divine Department of Misinformation.”

 

11:8-9 So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. Therefore its name was called Ba’bel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.

 

One way of viewing this is: Because God interrupted Man’s initial goal of unity with such forceful intent, world peace can never be attained.

 

Another way of viewing this is: Any power that attempts global domination and dominion is due to be remembered in history books for two things: (1) its construction and (2) its collapse.

 

The city’s name, by the way, was NOT Balal, meaning “to confuse,” but Bab-El, meaning “gate of God.” A third way of viewing this is: The gate of God crumbled, thereby proving that there is no great God, for any great God would have shown support for such greatness on the part of Man.

 

Possibilities will be argued until judgment day without resolve. But let it be known that no ill-will on the part of humanity is mentioned in the Bible. Sometimes, even the best intentions are doomed to failure.

 

But, O! Do not let memory of Bab-El preclude commencement of the plan. Work together. Communicate. Perhaps God wants us to show our dedication to Him through our actions and cooperations with one another.

 

God well noted, “this is only the beginning of what they will do; and nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them.” God did not say, “If they are successful at building the tower, it proves that nothing is impossible for them.” No. He placed no such limitations of Man’s ability. He confused the language so that we may not understand one another’s speech. This makes things quite difficult, yes. Persevere. If you are to believe in God, remember what God said first: “…nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them.”

 

If you do not believe in God, remember the laws of entropy. The universe is a box of marbles. By nature, life forms organized patterns. By nature, structure crumbles.

Seven of Sticks — Tarot of the Absurd

Monday, March 5th, 2012

Jessica Rose ShanahanAritist: Jessica Rose Shanahan

 

Strong stance: challenge • competition • perseverance

 

Seven of Sticks indicates a struggle after initial satisfaction. The struggle is about maintaining a position at the top while others compete for the same success and status. Competition is rife. Challenging obstacles that appear to block the path forward can be overcome with effort and clarity of purpose.

 

Those with public acclaim must expect competition and challenge. The Seven of Sticks does not win everyone over, but takes a stand to hold its ground with determination and courage. This requires self-confidence, strength and determination. There will always be opposition. This is not a card about compromise or negotiation.

 

Weak stance: giving up • overwhelmed • overly defensive

 

The reversed Seven of Sticks is overwhelmed by challenge, responsibility, and a multitude of commitments. It is at risk of falling behind and being caught unprepared.  Focus on one or two things and be confident in the ability to do them well. Constantly comparing one’s self to others or feeling one is constantly being judged and criticized is exhausting and inevitably leaves one with a sense of inadequacy.

 

Sometimes, the reversed Seven of Sticks tries to avoid conflict wherever possible, backing down too easily. In this case, being accepted and liked by others is more important than fighting for one’s beliefs. It is time to let go of struggle and move on. Of course, there is the opposite extreme, when the reversed Seven of Sticks becomes overly aggressive about protecting its turf to the detriment of personal relationships. There needs to be balance.

Ten of Coins — Tarot of the Absurd

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

feedback farm alaskaArtist: Jessica Rose Shanahan

 

Generally, I don’t like asking questions about the future. The future is what I make of it; it will unfold one way or another. Sometimes, it is nice to be reassured that everything will be okay. Today I asked the deck to give me a hint about what I will do with my life after I have a baby. I drew the Six of Blades, previously drawn from this deck on December 27th, 2011— you can see the card and read it’s story there. Briefly, the Six of Blades shows a journey of transformation or a rite of passage. I asked, “Where will this journey lead me?” and pulled the Ten of Coins.

 

The Ten of Coins is about wealth. This card shows a family sitting on a treasure chest. I drew the image with some friends of mine in mind, many years ago when they only had one baby. The baby is no longer a baby. There are now more children. Their riches are the same.

 

In our culture, wealth is most often thought about in terms of property or investment assets. When I went to take out a mortgage loan, at one point I told the mortgage broker, “I like to pretend I’m very wealthy.” He looked up from his paperwork. “You’re not,” he said. I hadn’t expected a mortgage broker to think I’m wealthy. “I like to pretend I’m wealthy,” I said, trying to emphasize the bit about pretending. “Well,” he said, looking me in the eye, “you’re not.” I don’t know what his point was; my point was that I feel as if I have enough for my needs.

 

The Ten of Coins is a card of affluence and wealth, but true wealth cannot be measured by a mortgage broker. Wealth is the realization that one has enough to satisfy one’s needs. This is a card of shows financial security, accomplishment, and comfort. It is a card of commitment to sustainability, long-term investment, and following a consistent approach to achieve a form of success that truly stands the test of time.

 

The Ten of Coins says, despite challenges and setbacks, everything will eventually come together beautifully. This sense of accomplishment is a result of an improved career path, more solid finances, a stable home, and committed long-term relationships called “family.” Family— or a family of beloved friends— is incredibly important for the sense of place and the sense of belonging this card represents. Those who earn the Ten of Coins feel compelled to share their success with others.

 

I knew the friends I depicted on the card would never have a bundle of money, but a bundle of money is not a measure of true wealth. Their wealth lies in their family, their commitment to the land, and their commitment to their way of life. They share generously with others. I admire them immensely. I will be joyous if my journey leads me to the place where their hearts sit.

King of Coins — Tarot of the Absurd

Tuesday, February 21st, 2012

Jessica RoseArtist: Jessica Rose Shanahan

 

Dignified— This card can indicate a loyal and dependable leader who is not necessarily either intelligent or imaginative. He is trustworthy, patient, cautious, and uses his inborn wisdom to increase his wealth. He is slow to lose his temper, but once angered he stands rigid against his enemies.
Key Words— Planning, advice, counsel, promising ventures.

 

Ill Dignified— This card can indicate a person who is easily bought, dull, very materialistic and mercenary. He is blind to beauty and hates change as he finds it hard to adapt. He treads a well worn path even if it leads nowhere.
Key Words— Beauty blindness, dislike of change, mercenary attitude.

Knight of Cups — The Renaissance Tarot

Sunday, February 19th, 2012

Jane LyleIllustrator: Helen Jones
Author: Jane Lyle

 

Keywords:

Upright: Romantic • Inspirational • Visionary

Reversed: Loss of direction

 

The Knight of Cups is the Arthurian hero— the grail knight— the spiritual poet— the courtly lover—the romantic artist. Chasing his muse, he undertakes a journey of imagination and creativity through the unconscious. Because he is in love with life itself, he is charming and attractive to others, regardless of their sex. He uses refined, feminine intuition during quests of romance and seduction. Master of following his heart’s inner compass, he makes decisions with little input from his brain and follows the wisdom of his dreams.

 

In the worst of times, the Knight of Cups jumps to conclusions before looking at facts. He becomes moody, jealous or emotional to the point of incapacity and allows his emotions to control his life.

 

*   *   *

 

Tarot of the AbsurdI made a postcard

to celebrate the completion of my deck.

Want one?

Send me a post card for trade

or buy one here.

I also made a stamp of the Knight of Sticks

which is way cooler than the postcard

but Zazzle® won’t publish it publicly

because apparently it glorifies weapons

in a way that is not incidental.

The Hermit — Tarot of the Absurd

Tuesday, February 14th, 2012

[I have been in NY City for a few days. I had a wonderful time. I am now re-united with my computer and scanner.]

 

Artist: Jessica Shanahan

 

I love this image. You can click on it to make it bigger and see each individual hair in the Hermit’s beard.

 

This is how I make my pictures:

 

I spend anywhere from a few days to a few years trying to figure out what a card means to me.

 

I rack my brain for ideas on how to represent the meaning of the card using lovely curved lines and zero colors and two dimensions.

 

I draw a sketch in pencil on a piece of scrap paper. Again, this can take a very long time.

 

I scan the sketch into my computer and import it in Adobe Illustrator to use as a template for a vector graphics illustration.

 

I place points on the apexes of curves and pull vectors that approximate my hand-drawn curves. This takes one day or many, depending on the complexity of the image and how many times I edit it before it approaches completion.

 

Because one of my goals is to have as few points as possible, I go through a prolonged period of removing points that I have placed. I use no pre-formed “shapes” (squares, circles, stars, etc.) and, with few exceptions (see the hanged man), I do not cut&paste or re-use any of the images I have drawn. I am obsessive. However, my images are drawn by a human (me) and I want them to look that way. Another goal of mine is to reproduce the feeling of pen&ink.

 

Each image goes through a lengthy editing period— from a few days (rarely) to a few years (way too often)— before I say “enough!” and call it done. Many of the pictures have changed substantially since I began the deck. My style has become more refined and detailed. That is what happens when a project takes so long.

 

Because the pictures are drawn in vector graphics, the originals can be blown up infinitely large without losing definition. There are no pixels. Often times, when I am drawing an eyeball, it will take up my entire computer screen. That is how close I work.

 

The purpose of this blog is to gain a better understanding of the cards
that I might better be able to explain the images in my deck
and someday write a little book.

Strength — Tarot of the Absurd

Monday, February 6th, 2012

Jessica Shanahan[Strength is one of the first cards I illustrated, back when I was drawing with black ink and a horsehair brush, living in a tiny cabin in Alaska, riding a bicycle everywhere I went. I have always been quite satisfied with her appearance.]

 

Right-side-up: Strength, courage, patience, control, compassion
Up-side-down: Weakness, self-doubt, lack of self-discipline

 

In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck and its plethora of clones, Strength is depicted as a women gently opening the jaws of a lion. The lion, a symbol of animal passion and desire, is sticking out his tongue, which he would not do if he was preparing to bite. This lion is happy to submit; the woman has successfully tamed the beast. This card is obviously not focused on pure physical strength. The woman overcomes the lion with a quiet, inner strength. When placed with its toothed mouth gaping between the women’s legs, the lion becomes a seductive reference to women’s power: the inner strength and perseverance needed to overcome oppression.

 

The lion’s position also becomes a subtle reference to the “vagina dentata,” a term which Sigmund Freud is often credited with coining. Literally, it means “female genitalia with teeth.” This image of the toothed vagina captured what Freud described (or experienced) as fear of castration, which he argued all boys (or men) feel upon first seeing female genitalia. Freud wrote:

“Probably no male human being is spared the terrifying shock of threatened castration at the sight of the female genitals.” (Three essays on the theory of sexuality. Trans. James Strachey, Basic Books: New York, 1962, p. 216.)

On the other end of the spectrum, Camille Paglia wrote in Sexual Personae:

“Metaphorically, every vagina has secret teeth, for the male exits as less than when he entered.” (p. 13)

 

In ancient civilizations, women do not only give life, they take it also. Dark Goddesses are both the manifestation of the warm, nurturing womb and the devouring gateway to the afterlife. The Norse Goddess Hel ruled over Helheim, whose gateway was a vagina. The Christians, who adopted Hel’s name into the after-world of Hell, often depicted Hell’s gateway lined with teeth and looking very much like female genitalia.

 

While Freud’s argument for the universality of this fear may seem ridiculous to most of us, the image is prevalent through world mythology. Various cultures have folk tales about women with toothed vaginas. These are possibly told as cautionary tales warning of the dangers of sex with strange women and to discourage the act of rape, tho the tales are more predominant in the more patriarchal societies— perhaps representing man’s fear of being conquered by what he seeks to oppress.

Queen of Cups — Tarot of the Absurd

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

Artist: Jessica Rose Shanahan

 

The Queen of Cups leads with her heart rather than her head. She is highly intuitive, often psychic and dreamy. This can make it seem as if she lacks common sense and rationality. However, there is no intuition more powerful than that of the Queen of Cups.

 

She easily senses the feelings of others to help them make sense of emotion in a compassionate manner. She is a good wife and a loving mother. She is fair, honest, and warm-hearted. Those who struggle see her as a beacon of light and are drawn to the safe harbor of her care.

 

The Queen of Cups is a symbol of achievements made possible by the use of imagination and creativity. A lover of beauty, she is highly imaginative, artistically gifted, affectionate and romantic. Whatever her chosen art, it is her best form of self-expression. To study the art of the Queen of Cups is to study the Queen herself.

 

Because she is so responsive to the feelings of others, the Queen of Cups must constantly uphold her boundaries between herself and others. If not properly protected, the Queen of Cups can lose her own sense of self. This is her greatest vulnerability.

 

Queen of Cups says: Trust your intuition. Listen to your inner voice. Follow your heart. Lose your head.

 

I love the Queen of Cups.