The Wild Unknown Tarot has emerged as a significant tool for spiritual guidance and self-discovery, offering a unique perspective within the realm of divination. Created by artist Kim Krans, this deck is described as a "breath of fresh air" in the traditional tarot community. Unlike decks that strictly adhere to established conventions, The Wild Unknown encourages a deeply personal and intuitive interpretation of its imagery. It serves not merely as a divination tool for predicting the future, but as a companion in the quest for self-understanding, inviting users to engage with the cards emotionally and intuitively. The deck consists of 78 cards, divided into the Major and Minor Arcana, each presenting hand-drawn, minimalist artwork that explores the mysteries of the natural world and the animal kingdom. This visual language is designed to bypass the conscious mind and tap directly into the subconscious, allowing for profound contemplation and insight.
The Major Arcana: Archetypal Lessons and Spiritual Enlightenment
The Major Arcana in The Wild Unknown Tarot consists of 21 numbered cards and one unnumbered card, The Fool. These cards form the structural basis of the deck and are universally recognized in Tarot as representing significant life themes and spiritual enlightenment. In this specific deck, the Major Arcana cards are interpreted as lessons of profound meaning, outlining the structure of human perception and holding the key to life lessons that accumulate over time.
The imagery within these cards is rich with wisdom drawn from various cultures and mystical beliefs. A notable perspective cited in the source material is the connection between the 22 cards of the Major Arcana and the concept of the Mandala. As argued by Alan Oken in Pocket Guide to Tarot, these cards function similarly to the Mandala of Tarot—detailed circular images representing the Universe or the Self (Ego) used for study and spiritual samadhi. Therefore, studying the images in the Major Arcana cards is essential for reflecting on their messages and looking beyond simple keywords to find meanings that resonate personally with the querent.
Furthermore, the Major Arcana cards in The Wild Unknown Tarot are viewed through the lens of Carl Jung’s archetypes. These are described as directional, uniform patterns of influence inherent in human nature. They represent themes that characterize, describe, and symbolize the states of our psyche, guiding us toward becoming whole and balanced human beings. By engaging with these archetypal images, individuals can explore the different states they encounter in their search for greater meaning and understanding in life.
The Minor Arcana: Navigating Daily Energies
The Minor Arcana in The Wild Unknown Tarot addresses the specific energies and events of daily life. It is divided into four suits, each corresponding to a different aspect of human experience. The source material provides specific insights into the Suit of Swords, which is particularly emphasized in the provided data.
The Suit of Swords: The Realm of the Mind
The Suit of Swords deals primarily with energies that dominate the mind. This includes the full spectrum of mental activity, from focus and mental clarity to distress and inner turmoil. It represents action, communication, logic, and intellect. However, it is also the suit that often deals with heavier energies, such as conflict, destructive habits, and power dynamics. The element associated with the Suit of Swords is air, reflecting its ethereal yet powerful nature. In The Wild Unknown Tarot, the imagery in this suit is noted for being direct and unflinching; it does not "beat about the bush" like some other decks. This directness can be challenging for those seeking only positive or gentle messages, but it offers clear mirrors for reflection regarding mental states and conflicts.
The Remaining Suits
While the source data focuses heavily on the Swords, it lists the existence of the other three suits: * Suit of Wands: Represents energies related to action, creativity, and passion. * Suit of Cups: Governs emotions, relationships, and the realm of the heart. * Suit of Pentacles: Deals with material matters, finances, career, and the physical world.
Each suit contains numbered cards (Ace through Ten) and Court Cards (Daughter, Son, Mother, Father), which represent different stages of development or aspects of personality within that suit's elemental energy.
Interpreting the Cards: Methods and Approaches
One of the defining characteristics of The Wild Unknown Tarot is its encouragement of personal interpretation. The creator states that "there are no rights or wrongs, only mirrors for reflection." This philosophy allows for a flexible approach to reading, where the user's intuition is paramount.
Handling Reversed Cards
A specific challenge in Tarot reading is the interpretation of reversed cards (cards that appear upside down). The source material outlines eight widely believed and useful methods for interpreting reversed cards in the Wild Unknown deck. Two of these methods are detailed:
- Traditional Meaning: This method involves using the traditional meanings provided in the deck’s accompanying booklet (often called a "Little White Book"). These meanings are based on original Tarot systems and revised by authors using Rider Waite Smith, Etteilla, or Marseilles style decks. For example, the traditional reversed meaning of the Three of Wands might include hidden motives, doubts, betrayals, or deceptions. While this provides a starting point, the source suggests it should be combined with other methods for deeper insight.
- Opposite of the Upright Card: This is described as one of the most popular and simple ways to interpret reversed cards. It involves taking the standard meaning of the upright card and viewing its opposite. For instance, if the Ten of Pentacles upright represents financial security, a stable home, and a successful career, its reversal might indicate instability or lack of security.
Intuitive and Reflective Practice
Beyond formal methods, the deck is designed to facilitate a journey of self-discovery. The artwork is intended to draw the user deeper into the subconscious, narrowing the gap between the self and the external world. The process of shuffling, cutting, and drawing cards is described as a unique experience, with the guidebook being a revered work of art itself—handwritten and fully illustrated to guide the reader.
The deck is characterized as "not for the faint-hearted." While some cards feature sweet and innocent imagery (such as a young chick taking its first steps), others depict extremely dark or challenging imagery. This duality mirrors the reality of life and the human experience, refusing to hide behind vague or overly positive symbolism. This honesty invites users to confront difficult truths and embrace the full spectrum of their emotional and psychological landscape.
The Wild Unknown as a Spiritual Tool
The Wild Unknown Tarot is positioned as a vital tool for those on a spiritual journey. It is not merely about fortune-telling but about tapping into intuition and revealing things that are otherwise hidden. It invites users to think "outside of the box" and look for deeper meaning in life, the world, and their place within it.
For beginners, the deck is approachable because it prioritizes emotional engagement over rote memorization of meanings. For seasoned readers, it offers a refreshing option to break away from rigid conventions and explore a more fluid, symbolic language. The artistic journey of the creator, Kim Krans, is infused into the deck, resulting in a collection that tells a story of its own. The "whimsical illustrations and powerful imagery" serve as a trusted friend or guide, nudging the user to look deeper within.
The practice of keeping a journal while learning the cards is encouraged as a way to further access the subconscious. Writing allows thoughts and feelings to flow in sync with the intuitive process, helping to document personal perceptions and decipher the unique messages the cards hold for the individual.
Conclusion
The Wild Unknown Tarot offers a distinct and profound approach to Tarot reading. Through its minimalist, nature-based artwork and emphasis on personal intuition, it serves as a mirror for the subconscious and a guide for self-discovery. Its Major Arcana provides lessons on archetypal human experiences and spiritual enlightenment, while the Minor Arcana, particularly the direct and mental-focused Suit of Swords, navigates the complexities of daily life. The deck encourages a flexible, reflective practice, allowing users to explore both the light and dark aspects of their existence. Ultimately, it stands as a companion for those seeking to understand their own narrative, offering clarity and insight through the universal language of symbols.