The Wild Unknown Tarot stands as a distinct and evocative presence within the realm of divination tools. Created by a vibrant artist, this deck is described as a breath of fresh air in the traditional tarot community, distinguished by its whimsical illustrations and powerful imagery. At its essence, this tarot deck serves as a guide, functioning much like a trusted friend who encourages one to look deeper within. Each card acts as a doorway to reflection and insight, inviting users to ponder the meanings behind the images and symbols rather than adhering to rigid, established conventions. The deck encourages a more personal interpretation, asking users to engage with the cards emotionally and intuitively. This approach makes it an accessible choice for beginners and a refreshing option for seasoned readers alike.
One of the most appealing aspects of the Unknown Wild Tarot is its focus on the journey rather than the destination. Each reading is a unique experience, shaped by current feelings and circumstances. The cards guide the exploration of one's own narrative, offering clarity in times of uncertainty. It is more than just a divination tool; it is a companion in the quest for self-discovery. The creation of the deck was a significant artistic endeavor, with the artist infusing their personality and experiences into each card, resulting in a collection that tells a story of its own. The artistic process involved countless hours of sketching, resulting in a deck that invites users to get lost in the intricate designs and colors, sparking curiosity and imagination.
The Artistic Vision and Symbolic Language
The imagery in the Wild Unknown Tarot is rich in symbolism, and understanding these layers can deepen one's connection with the cards. Each card tells a story through its imagery, often using familiar symbols in new and imaginative ways. For instance, the Fool card, a staple in many tarot decks, may depict a character on a whimsical journey accompanied by animals that represent intuition and instinct. This imagery captures the essence of new beginnings and the spirit of adventure, encouraging one to embrace the unknown.
A fascinating aspect of the deck is its incorporation of themes of nature. Many cards feature flora and fauna, which serve not only as beautiful art but also as symbols of growth, transformation, and connection with the earth. This botanical influence resonates deeply with many users, reminding them of their place in the world and the cycles of life. The use of color adds another layer of meaning; specific hues can evoke emotions and thoughts. For example, a card dominated by shades of blue may invite feelings of calm and introspection, while vibrant reds could bring energy and passion to a reading. This thoughtful use of color helps users tap into their emotional state and guide their interpretations.
The deck is also noted for its minimalist style. The striking images on the cards offer profound contemplation. The Wild Unknown guidebook is described as a phenomenally revered work of art—a handwritten and fully illustrated book that guides the reader through shuffling and cutting Tarot cards, creating a unique experience and interpretation of each card.
The Major Arcana: The Fool's Journey and Spiritual Lessons
The Major Arcana cards in the Wild Unknown Tarot, also commonly called Trump cards, form the basis of the Tarot deck. They consist of 21 numbered cards and one unnumbered card (the Fool), consistent with other Tarot decks. These cards represent spiritual enlightenment and describe the different states encountered in the search for greater meaning and understanding in life. In this way, the cards serve as lessons of profound meaning. The meanings of Major Arcana cards outline the structure of human perception and thus hold the key to life lessons that accumulate over time.
The images in the Major Arcana cards contain the wisdom of many cultures and mystical beliefs. As noted in Alan Oken's Pocket Guide to Tarot, the 22 cards of the Major Arcana are the same as the Mandala of Tarot. A Mandala is a detailed circular-like image representing the Universe or Self (Ego), drawn on the center of a canvas and used for study and spiritual samadhi by Tibetans. Therefore, it is important to study the images in the Major Arcana cards and reflect on their messages. Users are encouraged to look behind the simple keywords and traditional meanings of the Tarot cards to find meanings that belong to them. As knowledge of symbols grows, understanding of what the card represents will deepen.
The Major Arcana cards in Wild Unknown Tarot also represent Carl Jung’s archetypes—directional, uniform patterns of influence as an inherent part of human nature. They are themes that characterize, describe, and symbolize the states of the psyche by which individuals aspire to be whole and balanced human beings. Along this journey, one will encounter many challenges, face adversity, work, make decisions, and fight against opposing forces. Every step on this path brings one closer to enlightenment, often seen as The Fool’s journey.
When a Tarot spread shows the majority of the Major Arcana cards, the querent is seen to be experiencing life-changing events that have lasting effects. There are important lessons that must be heeded in order to progress further in the spiritual and personal search. However, if there are many reversed Major Arcana cards, this will imply that the querent is not focusing on these important life lessons and must return to the previous card’s lesson first before continuing to read other cards. It is still possible to perform readings using only 22 cards from the Major Arcana. This method is often used for readings involving mental self-awareness or when one needs a deeper insight from the Collective Unconscious.
The Minor Arcana: Elemental Influences and Everyday Realities
The Minor Arcana cards in the Wild Unknown Tarot address the more specific aspects of life, divided into four suits, each representing a different element and associated themes.
The Wands Suit
The Wands suit in the Wild Unknown Tarot represents the element Fire. The meanings of the Wands cards are related to primordial energy, spirituality, inspiration, determination, strength, intuition, creativity, ambition and expansion, original thoughts, and "seeds" through which life will arise. This suit governs the dynamic, energetic aspects of existence and the spark of creation.
The Cups Suit
(While the source material lists the cards in the Suit of Cups, specific detailed meanings for this suit beyond the elemental association are not provided in the chunks. However, traditionally, the Cups suit represents the element of Water and is associated with emotions, relationships, intuition, and the subconscious.)
The Swords Suit
(While the source material lists the cards in the Suit of Swords, specific detailed meanings for this suit beyond the elemental association are not provided in the chunks. However, traditionally, the Swords suit represents the element of Air and is associated with intellect, thoughts, communication, and conflict.)
The Pentacles Suit
(While the source material lists the cards in the Suit of Pentacles, specific detailed meanings for this suit beyond the elemental association are not provided in the chunks. However, traditionally, the Pentacles suit represents the element of Earth and is associated with material wealth, health, work, and the physical realm.)
Engaging with the Deck: Intuition and Personal Interpretation
The Wild Unknown Tarot is designed to be a tool for personal reflection. It asks users to engage with the cards emotionally and intuitively rather than simply memorizing their meanings. The deck invites users to explore their inner landscape. The intricate designs and colors spark curiosity and imagination.
The deck is described as a companion in the quest for self-discovery. It encourages users to embrace uncertainty with open arms and to trust their intuition. Whether seeking guidance, clarity, or simply a moment of reflection, the deck has the potential to enrich the journey. As one embarks on a tarot adventure, it is essential to remember that the cards are merely tools—they reflect one's own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. With each reading, one embarks on a voyage of discovery, connecting with oneself and the world around you.
The Wild Unknown Tarot is not affiliated with other specific tarot brands mentioned in the context, and the author of the blog posts mentioned in the source data clarifies that they are not affiliated with the Wild Unknown, describing their series as a purely unofficial labor of love. This underscores the deck's independent and unique standing in the tarot community.
Conclusion
The Wild Unknown Tarot offers a unique pathway into divination, emphasizing artistic beauty, intuitive interpretation, and the symbolic language of nature and archetypes. Its minimalist yet profound imagery serves as a mirror for the psyche, guiding users through the Fool's journey of the Major Arcana and the elemental influences of the Minor Arcana. By prioritizing personal emotional engagement over rigid memorization, it stands as a valuable companion for self-discovery and spiritual exploration. The deck’s structure, rooted in traditional tarot principles yet presented through a contemporary, nature-infused lens, provides a rich field for contemplation and insight.