The Girls Drawing Girls Tarot deck, released in 2018, offers a unique perspective on traditional tarot imagery by reinterpreting the 78-card structure through a distinctly feminine lens. This deck, created by a collective of 60 different artists, serves as both a tool for divination and a reflection of modern societal shifts regarding the portrayal of women in spiritual and artistic contexts. The deck consists of the standard Major and Minor Arcana, presented on high-quality art paper, and includes a booklet crediting the artists. The imagery is designed to "feminize all masculine cards," encouraging viewers to explore the cards through a style and interpretation that resonates with contemporary views on empowerment and identity.
While the provided source material focuses primarily on the deck's creation and general tarot structure, it highlights a significant evolution in how spiritual tools are evolving to meet the needs of modern seekers. The following article explores the context of this deck, the structure of tarot as a system of guidance, and the broader implications of feminine archetypes in personal growth and energy balancing.
The Structure and Purpose of Tarot Guidance
Tarot is a system comprised of 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. This structure provides a comprehensive framework for self-reflection and understanding the human experience.
The Major Arcana
The 22 cards of the Major Arcana are described as representing life's karmic and spiritual lessons. They depict a path to spiritual self-awareness, illustrating the various stages encountered in the search for greater meaning. These cards hold deeply meaningful lessons on a soul level, guiding individuals through significant life transitions and internal transformations.
The Minor Arcana
The 56 cards of the Minor Arcana reflect the trials and tribulations experienced on a daily basis. These cards highlight the practical aspects of life and often refer to current issues that have a temporary or minor influence. The Minor Arcana is further divided into two distinct categories:
- The 40 Numbered Cards: Organized into four suits—Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands—these cards represent various situations encountered day-to-day.
- The 16 Court Cards: These cards represent different personality characteristics that an individual may choose to express at any given time.
The Minor Arcana is often viewed as a "colorful tapestry of daily life," infused with potent symbolism that offers insights into emotions, desires, intellect, and material concerns. When consulting the Tarot, the cards are said to reveal the exact lessons one needs to learn to live an inspired life.
The Evolution of Feminine Archetypes in Tarot
The Girls Drawing Girls Tarot is part of a broader movement in modern tarot to re-examine and reframe the role of women in card imagery. Historically, tarot decks often portrayed women in the background or with limited agency, mirroring societal norms of the past. However, contemporary creators are increasingly focused on depicting women as strong, active figures.
Modern Interpretations
Modern decks, such as the Modern Witch Tarot and the Goddess Tarot, reflect current societal values. The Modern Witch Tarot emphasizes empowerment and everyday scenarios, while the Goddess Tarot connects traditional imagery with goddesses from various backgrounds, infusing each card with unique feminine energy. The Girls Drawing Girls Tarot aligns with this ethos, allowing artists to interpret cards in their own style to ensure the imagery resonates with today's audience.
Archetypal Energy
In the context of feminine archetypes, cards often embody specific energies that can be utilized for personal growth:
- The Empress: Often associated with motherly love, care, and abundance.
- The High Priestess: Represents inner wisdom, reflection, and the subconscious.
- Strength: Reflects inner strength, calmness, and resilience.
- Queen of Cups: Embodies deep emotion and the need for self-nurturing.
These archetypes act as mirrors to the soul. When these figures appear in a reading, they are viewed as reflecting the seeker's own energy. They invite the individual to explore different aspects of their femininity and complexity, regardless of gender. The cards suggest that it is acceptable to be multifaceted and that embracing these various sides is part of the inner journey.
The Tarot as a Tool for Holistic Energy Harmonization
While the provided source material does not explicitly detail Vastu Shastra or Numerology, the principles of tarot reading align with the holistic approach of energy balancing. Tarot is described as a "storybook of our life" and a "mirror to our soul." This mirrors the holistic philosophy that external tools (like spatial design or divination cards) serve to reflect and clarify internal states.
Elemental Influences
The Minor Arcana suits correspond to classical elements, which is a concept shared with other holistic systems like Vastu and Feng Shui. Understanding these elements can aid in balancing one's energy:
- Wands (Fire): Represents movement, ambition, drive, and the energy that pushes one forward. It relates to the spark of creation and career momentum.
- Cups (Water): Associated with emotions, intuition, and relationships.
- Swords (Air): Relates to intellect, communication, and challenges.
- Pentacles (Earth): Concerns material security, health, and the physical world.
When these suits appear in a reading, they highlight which area of life requires attention or balancing. For example, a prevalence of Wands might suggest a need to channel fiery energy into a new project, whereas a lack of Pentacles might suggest a need to ground oneself in the physical realm.
Upright and Reversed Meanings
The tarot system acknowledges duality through upright and reversed card meanings. Upright cards generally indicate the flow of energy in a positive or direct manner, while reversed cards can suggest blocked energy, internal hesitation, or a need to look inward. This duality is essential for holistic growth, as it acknowledges that challenges (such as burnout or lack of direction) are part of the journey toward balance.
Integrating Symbolic Guidance into Daily Life
The Girls Drawing Girls Tarot, like other decks, serves as a gateway to self-reflection. The imagery and symbolism provide a focal point for intuition. The process of engaging with the cards is described as an "inner journey" that helps individuals figure out who they are and understand the world around them.
For those seeking balance in residential or commercial environments, the principles found in tarot—such as the need for emotional grounding (Cups) or the drive for success (Wands)—can inform how one approaches their surroundings. While the specific Vastu directions or numerological calculations are not present in the provided text, the underlying theme is that energy flows where attention goes. The modern reinterpretation of these ancient symbols ensures they remain relevant tools for navigating the complexities of modern life, relationship harmony, and personal growth.
Conclusion
The Girls Drawing Girls Tarot represents a significant cultural and spiritual shift, moving away from passive, historical depictions of women toward active, empowered archetypes. By utilizing a full 78-card deck structure, it maintains the traditional framework of tarot while infusing it with a fresh, feminine energy that reflects contemporary values. The deck serves as a reminder that spiritual guidance is deeply personal; the cards act as a mirror, reflecting the seeker's current state and potential for growth. Whether through the lens of the Empress's nurturing or the High Priestess's wisdom, these archetypes offer a pathway to understanding the self and balancing one's internal energy.