The Tarot of the Cat People is a unique and visually striking deck that blends science fiction and fantasy to explore the mystical connection between humans and felines. Created by artist Karen Kuykendall, this deck offers a distinct approach to traditional tarot symbolism, drawing inspiration from ancient Egyptian reverence for cats, as well as Greek mythology and Native American folklore. Set in a distant realm known as the Outer Regions, where cats are revered and beloved, the deck provides a tool for personal growth and self-discovery through its elaborate imagery and distinct interpretations. The deck is designed to appeal to both tarot enthusiasts and cat lovers, featuring full-length portraits of figures in ornate dress accompanied by cats in various settings.
The Vision and Creation of the Deck
The Tarot of the Cat People was conceived by Karen Kuykendall, who served as both the author and artist for the project. The artwork for the deck was notably illustrated by her daughter, Esmeralda Sweeney. The creative process was intensive, with the artist dedicating more than two years to preparing the original artwork. Each card was painted in acrylic on a substantial board measuring nine and a half inches by fifteen and a half inches. A distinctive technique employed by the artist was the "splattering" of backgrounds, achieved using a toothbrush to create a unique texture. The deck was published by Games Systems, Inc., and includes a 64-page booklet to guide users.
Inspiration and Aesthetic
The primary inspiration for the deck is derived from the artist's personal life, specifically her pet cats and her travels. The aesthetic combines elements of science fiction and fantasy, creating a colorful and alien landscape. The figures depicted in the cards are often shown in rich, flowing costumes and elegant jewelry, reflecting the culture of the "Cat People." The artist herself is known to dress in these costumes at science fiction conventions, further embodying the world she created. The deck features a variety of felines, including housecats, lions, and leopards, which appear throughout the cards to enhance their interpretation.
Historical and Mythological Influences
While rooted in personal inspiration, the deck also draws upon broader mythological traditions. The influence of ancient Egypt, where cats were worshipped as sacred animals, is a prominent feature. This reverence for felines is translated into the deck's worldview. Additionally, the artwork and symbolism incorporate elements from Greek mythology and Native American folklore, adding layers of depth to the traditional tarot structure.
Understanding the Major Arcana
The Major Arcana of the Tarot of the Cat People follows the traditional sequence but reinterprets the archetypes through the lens of the "Cat People" mythology. The following cards are part of the Major Arcana: The Fool, The Magician, The High Priestess, The Empress, The Emperor, The Hierophant, The Lovers, The Chariot, Strength, The Hermit, Wheel of Fortune, Justice, The Hanged Man, Death, Temperance, The Devil, The Tower, The Star, The Moon, The Sun, Judgement, and The World. While the full meanings for all cards are not detailed in the provided data, specific insights are available for the first few cards of the sequence.
Specific Card Interpretations
Based on the available documentation, the meanings of five specific Major Arcana cards have been summarized:
- The Fool: In the Tarot of the Cat People, The Fool represents new beginnings, innocence, and a leap of faith. The imagery likely depicts a figure embarking on a journey, accompanied by a cat, symbolizing the start of a new adventure with curiosity and openness.
- The Magician: This card symbolizes manifestation, resourcefulness, and power. The Magician in this deck utilizes the tools of the Cat People to create and influence their environment, representing the ability to turn ideas into reality.
- The High Priestess: The High Priestess embodies intuition, mystery, and the subconscious mind. The presence of cats in the imagery emphasizes hidden knowledge and the deep, instinctual wisdom that felines represent.
- The Empress: Representing fertility, abundance, and nurturing, The Empress in this deck is a figure of creation and beauty. The cats surrounding her signify domestic comfort and the appreciation of nature's bounty.
- The Hierophant: This card stands for tradition, spirituality, and established institutions. In the context of the Cat People, The Hierophant may represent the spiritual leaders or teachers within their society, passing down wisdom and sacred traditions.
The Minor Arcana: Suits and Structure
The Tarot of the Cat People is a complete 78-card deck, which includes the Minor Arcana. The suits identified in the source data are Wands and Cups. The Minor Arcana is divided into the numbered cards (Ace through Ten) and the Court Cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King).
The Suit of Wands
The Suit of Wands is associated with elements of fire, action, and creativity. The cards in this suit are: * Ace of Wands * Two of Wands * Three of Wands * Four of Wands * Five of Wands * Six of Wands * Seven of Wands * Eight of Wands * Nine of Wands * Ten of Wands * Page of Wands * Knight of Wands * Queen of Wands * King of Wands
The Suit of Cups
The Suit of Cups relates to emotions, relationships, and intuition. The cards listed in this suit include: * Ace of Cups * Two of Cups * Three of Cups * Four of Cups * Five of Cups * Six of Cups * Seven of Cups * Eight of Cups * Nine of Cups * Ten of Cups * Page of Cups * Knight of Cups * Queen of Cups * King of Cups
Note: The source data lists "Queen" under the Suit of Cups without specifying the suit name, but contextually it belongs to the Cups sequence.
Practical Application and Significance
The Tarot of the Cat People is valued as a tool for personal growth and self-discovery. Its unique artwork and specific interpretations encourage users to explore their connection with feline energy—traits such as independence, curiosity, and intuition. The deck's setting in the "Outer Regions" invites users to step outside of conventional thinking and embrace a more fantastical perspective on life's challenges and opportunities. The inclusion of a 64-page booklet suggests that the deck is designed to be accessible, providing guidance for interpretation even for those new to tarot.
Physical Attributes and Availability
The deck was published by Games Systems, Inc. and carries the ISBN 978-0-88079-078-9. It is a full-color deck with card dimensions of 2.625" x 4.625", making it a standard size for tarot decks. The language of the accompanying booklet is English.
Conclusion
The Tarot of the Cat People offers a rich tapestry of symbolism, blending ancient reverence for felines with modern fantasy and science fiction aesthetics. Through the vision of Karen Kuykendall and the artistic contribution of Esmeralda Sweeney, the deck provides a unique medium for exploring the Major and Minor Arcana. By drawing on influences from Egyptian, Greek, and Native American traditions, it creates a spiritual tool that resonates with cat lovers and tarot readers seeking a fresh perspective on personal growth and mystical insight.