The Wild Unknown Tarot, created by artist Kim Krans, presents a distinctive approach to the ancient practice of tarot reading. It is described as a spiritual tool designed for self-discovery, allowing individuals to delve deeper into their subconscious and bridge the gap between their inner world and the external universe. Unlike traditional decks that may rely on rigid symbolism, this deck functions as a mirror for reflection, encouraging readers to find personal meaning within its imagery. The deck consists of 78 cards, divided into the Major and Minor Arcana, and is characterized by its minimalist, hand-drawn aesthetic that explores the mysteries of the natural world and the animal kingdom.
The philosophy behind The Wild Unknown Tarot emphasizes intuition and personal interpretation. As noted in the source material, there are no absolute rights or wrongs in understanding the cards; rather, they serve as catalysts for deeper thought. The accompanying guidebook, a handwritten and fully illustrated work, assists readers in shuffling, cutting, and interpreting the cards, fostering a unique experience for every user. This deck is not intended for the faint of heart, as it balances sweet, innocent imagery with depictions of darker, more intense themes, reflecting the full spectrum of human experience.
The Major Arcana: Spiritual Enlightenment and Archetypes
The Major Arcana in The Wild Unknown Tarot comprises 21 numbered cards and one unnumbered card, The Fool. These cards form the foundation of the deck, representing spiritual enlightenment and the various states encountered during a search for greater meaning in life. They function as profound lessons, outlining the structure of human perception and holding the keys to life lessons that accumulate over time.
The imagery in the Major Arcana is rich with wisdom drawn from various cultures and mystical beliefs. In his book Pocket Guide to Tarot, Alan Oken draws a parallel between the 22 cards of the Major Arcana and the Mandala of Tarot. A mandala is a circular image representing the Universe or the Self, used in Tibetan spiritual practices for study and samadhi. This suggests that the cards should be studied not just for their keywords but for the deeper, personal meanings they evoke.
Furthermore, the Major Arcana cards in this deck represent Carl Jung’s archetypes. These are described as directional, uniform patterns of influence inherent in human nature. They symbolize the states of our psyche that we aspire to in order to become whole and balanced human beings. By engaging with these archetypes, individuals can explore themes of character, desire, and the journey toward self-actualization.
The Minor Arcana: Navigating Daily Energies
The Minor Arcana addresses the specific energies and situations encountered in daily life. It is divided into four suits, each corresponding to a different elemental influence and area of life. In The Wild Unknown Tarot, these suits are Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. Each suit contains the cards from Ace through Ten, as well as the court cards: Daughter, Son, Mother, and Father.
The Suit of Swords
The Suit of Swords is explicitly defined in the source material as dealing with energies dominating the mind. This includes the full spectrum of mental activity, from sharp focus and mental clarity to distress and inner turmoil. It represents action, communication, logic, and intellect. However, it often carries the weight of heavy energies such as conflict, destructive habits, and power dynamics. Ruled by the element of air, the Suit of Swords encourages the querent to examine their thought patterns and the mental structures that shape their reality.
The Suit of Wands, Cups, and Pentacles
While the source material provides specific details regarding the Suit of Swords, it lists the cards present in the other three suits, allowing for a structural understanding of the Minor Arcana.
- Suit of Wands: This suit typically relates to energy, passion, creativity, and inspiration. The cards range from the Ace of Wands to the Ten of Wands, including the court cards: Daughter, Son, Mother, and Father.
- Suit of Cups: This suit generally governs emotions, relationships, and intuition. The cards include the Ace of Cups through the Ten of Cups, along with the Daughter, Son, Mother, and Father of Cups.
- Suit of Pentacles: This suit is commonly associated with material matters, finance, work, and the physical world. The cards range from the Ace of Pentacles to the Ten of Pentacles, featuring the court cards of the suit.
Interpretive Approaches and Methodologies
The Wild Unknown Tarot invites readers to move beyond simple keyword memorization. The deck’s creator states that the cards are "mirrors for reflection," suggesting that the primary value of a reading lies in the querent's personal response to the imagery. The deck is designed to provoke thought and encourage looking "outside of the box" to find deeper significance.
One significant aspect of tarot reading discussed in the source material is the use of reversed cards. Reversed cards (upside down during a draw) can offer nuanced insights. The source material outlines several methods for interpreting them, emphasizing that while traditional meanings provide a starting point, a meaningful interpretation often requires a broader perspective.
Methods for Interpreting Reversed Cards
The following methods are identified as widely useful for interpreting reversed cards in the Wild Unknown Tarot deck:
- Traditional Meaning: This method involves consulting the deck’s accompanying booklet (often called a "Little White Book") or established tarot guides. These resources list the traditional upright and reversed meanings. For example, the reversed Three of Wands might indicate hidden motives, doubts, or betrayals. However, the source suggests using this strictly as a foundation.
- Opposite of the Upright Card: This is described as one of the most popular and simple methods. 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 and a stable home, its reversal might suggest instability or insecurity in those areas.
Other methods mentioned but not detailed in the source include looking at the card's energy flow, considering the querent's situation, and using intuitive hits. The goal of using reversed cards is to provide perceptive insights, constructive suggestions, and renewed hope.
The Visual Language of The Wild Unknown
The aesthetic of The Wild Unknown Tarot is central to its impact. The cards are hand-drawn in a minimalist style, utilizing stark contrasts and natural elements. Animals, trees, plants, and insects populate the imagery, grounding the mystical concepts in the tangible world. This connection to nature serves as a reminder of the organic cycles of life, death, growth, and decay.
The visual simplicity allows for a wide range of interpretation. A simple line or a splash of color can evoke complex emotions. For example, the source material contrasts an image of a "cute little chick taking his first steps" with a darker, more ominous image, illustrating the deck's capacity to hold both innocence and shadow. This duality is essential to the deck's philosophy, acknowledging that life encompasses both light and dark experiences.
Integrating Tarot into a Spiritual Practice
The Wild Unknown Tarot is presented not merely as a divination tool but as a companion for a spiritual journey. The act of shuffling and handling the thick cardboard cards is a tactile ritual that helps focus the mind. Keeping a journal, as suggested by the source, is another method to deepen the practice. Writing allows the reader to tap into their subconscious, capturing thoughts and feelings that arise during a reading.
By engaging with the cards regularly, individuals can narrow the gap between their conscious and subconscious minds. This process fosters a greater understanding of one's place in the world and the larger forces at play. Whether used for daily guidance, introspection, or exploring specific questions, The Wild Unknown Tarot offers a structured yet flexible framework for personal exploration.
Conclusion
The Wild Unknown Tarot stands as a unique and powerful tool for those seeking self-discovery. Through its minimalist imagery rooted in the natural world, it invites users to explore the depths of their subconscious and the archetypal patterns of the human psyche. The deck’s structure, comprising the Major Arcana for life lessons and the Minor Arcana for daily energies, provides a comprehensive map of the spiritual and material realms.
While the deck offers traditional meanings, it strongly encourages personal interpretation, viewing the cards as mirrors rather than fixed answers. The use of reversed cards adds layers of nuance, allowing for a more detailed reading. Ultimately, The Wild Unknown Tarot is a guide for the "wild one" who is willing to engage with the full spectrum of life’s experiences, from the joy of new beginnings to the challenges of inner turmoil, fostering a journey of continuous growth and insight.