The Ostara Tarot deck is a unique and visually stunning creation that draws its inspiration from the vernal equinox, or spring, a season synonymous with awakening, renewal, and fruitfulness. Created through a collaboration of four Canadian artists—Morgan Applejohn, Eden Cooke, Krista Gibbard, and Julia Iredale—the deck represents a harmonious blend of distinct artistic styles to form a cohesive mantic instrument. The name Ostara itself evokes themes of rebirth and hope, encouraging a perspective that looks at the world through a lens of optimism and spiritual growth. This deck is designed not just as a tool for fortune-telling but as an aid for spiritual awakening, tuning the user into the natural cycles and the flow of spiritual energies inherent in the world.
The creation of the Ostara Tarot is an ode to the awakening of life, with its name rooted in the Scandinavian holiday celebrating the spring equinox, a period historically viewed as the true beginning of the year. The artists, who studied together and shared an interest in mysticism, sought to create a divinatory tool deeply connected to natural processes, animal archetypes, and the celebratory spirit of the Ostara holiday. The resulting deck is often described as an attempt to see the world with a sense of wonder, reflecting not only natural cycles but also the subtle flows of spiritual energy, teaching balance and harmony to those who use it.
Artistic Collaboration and Deck Structure
The intricate artwork of the Ostara Tarot is a defining feature, with each of the four artists contributing to specific sections of the deck. The Major Arcana illustrations are divided among all four artists, while the Minor Arcana suits are assigned to specific creators to maintain thematic consistency. The suit of Coins is illustrated by Morgan Applejohn, Swords by Krista Gibbard, Cups by Eden Cooke, and Wands by Julia Iredale. This division of labor results in a deck that, despite its varied artistic styles, remains incredibly cohesive and well-executed. The imagery is frequently reminiscent of fairytale installations, creating scenes that are at times dream-like, playful, and surreal, inviting an intuitive approach to reading.
The physical deck features a white border overlaid on top of the image, with Roman numerals at the top for numbering. Signatures are present only on the court Arcana. A notable feature is the back of the cards, which displays a bird’s skull from which flowers sprout. This potent symbolism is central to the deck's theme, representing the concept of awakening to life and the cyclicality of nature. The image is mirrored and framed in an ornate border, adding to the deck's aesthetic appeal. The suits exhibit distinct stylistic approaches: the Swords are characterized by cold shades, gloomy pictures, and detailed elaboration; Pentacles feature more positive art with a watercolor technique reminiscent of children's book illustrations; and both Cups and Wands are abstract and symbolic, drawing some comparison to the style of Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot.
Understanding Suit Symbolism and Identification
A unique characteristic of the Ostara Tarot is that the suits of the Minor Arcana are not explicitly labeled by their traditional names (e.g., Pentacles, Cups). They are only indicated by number and court card hierarchy. This design choice can make some of the Minor Arcana cards difficult to distinguish at first glance, particularly for those reliant on traditional suit symbols. However, identification is possible through the subtle visual incorporation of the suit’s traditional symbols.
For example, when interpreting a spread, one must look for specific iconography to differentiate the suits: - The suit of Cups is identified by the presence of bowls, glasses, and mugs. - The suit of Swords is distinguished by the appearance of blades. - The suit of Wands is recognized by the depiction of branches of trees. - The suit of Pentacles (or Coins) is indicated by engraved coins.
This reliance on visual symbolism over explicit labeling encourages the reader to engage more deeply with the imagery and trust their intuitive interpretation, a style for which the Ostara Tarot is particularly well-suited.
Reading with the Ostara Tarot Deck
The Ostara Tarot is designed for readers who are comfortable with an intuitive style and are open to occasionally ignoring the traditional Waite-Smith or Marseille meanings. While the Minor Arcana may present a challenge due to the lack of suit designations and occasional deviations from traditional card meanings, the deck is still accessible. For those new to Tarot, it is considered "okay for beginners," though it may take longer to fully grasp the deep meanings of the cards. The deck comes with an accompanying guidebook that provides traditional meanings and helps users navigate the cards.
For effective reading, the prediction itself should be built around a careful analysis of the colors, facial expressions, postures, and gestures of the characters depicted. To better understand the spreads, a knowledge of the classic meanings of the cards according to the Waite system is beneficial. This foundational knowledge allows the reader to easily navigate the Major Arcana and the court group. The images on the cards are detailed and eloquent, offering a wealth of hidden meanings. Furthermore, the deck's structure places great importance on numbering. Studying numerology, including the meanings of numbers up to 21, is highly useful, as the numbering in the Ostara Tarot provides a whole sea of meanings that can clarify the context of a reading.
Thematic Focus and Applicability of Readings
The thematic core of the Ostara Tarot is the integration of totems of animals, birds, and insects. Every creature depicted carries a specific meaning, emphasizing the idea that humanity is a guest in the world of flora and fauna. The action in the cards frequently takes place in natural settings—the seabed, a hollow tree, a flowering field, or a snow-covered forest—though cozy indoor scenes also appear, all of which can be interpreted as a representation of "home." This deep connection to nature makes the deck a powerful tool for individuals seeking to connect with the natural world and their own inner landscapes.
The Ostara Tarot is a versatile mantic tool suitable for a wide range of inquiries. Its applications include: - Household and Financial Matters: The deck is effective for addressing everyday affairs, financial concerns, and issues related to the home. The imagery often depicts characters caring for their homes and simple things. - Relationships and Soul-Searching: It is well-suited for working out relationship dynamics and searching for a soulmate. - Personal Character and Totems: The deck allows the questioner to correlate with their own totem, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of their own character.
For instance, the Six of Coins in the Ostara deck is depicted as a mermaid providing for her fish friends, sharing her wealth in an oceanic flow of energy where everyone receives what they need. This stunning visual representation perfectly captures the card's general meaning of prosperity and generosity. Similarly, the Tower card, while showing a burning tower and a sense of destruction, also includes scattered birds, which provide a sense of hope that comes with necessary upheaval and change.
Conclusion
The Ostara Tarot is a magnificent and high-quality deck that offers a unique experience for Tarot enthusiasts. Its beautiful and intricate artwork serves as a gateway to exploring themes of nature, renewal, and spiritual awakening. While its style may not be for everyone and it may present a steeper learning curve for beginners compared to more traditional decks, its ability to foster a deep connection with natural energies is undeniable. For those who resonate with its fairytale-like, dream-like, and surreal imagery, the Ostara Tarot provides a rich and rewarding tool for intuitive reading, personal growth, and exploring the secret knowledge hidden within the cycles of existence itself.