Fly Me to the Moon

When I buy a new tarot pack, the 8 of Cups is one I always look for before purchasing. I have a lot of history with this card, so in my own tarot set, I needed to get it right, visually.

When I woke up this morning, I was a little concerned that my deck was looking like a pack of 78 portraits, but on reflection, I feel a little less bothered. Thinking about it some more, I thought back to the very early Marseille cards from centuries ago. The beauty of those cards was in their simplicity, and despite the elaborate and scenic modern packs available, the Marseille and Visconti cards are still a favoured option for many readers today. My second thought was of my first intention. Even though it is wonderful to have had so much interest and support in this project, my initial brief was to do something which I liked and can use. Whether my cards are user-friendly on a wider scale or not, I would say that I am still addressing that initial desire in what I am creating.

The 8 of Cups is a card of moving on. In my own previous experience, it has predicted a friend's untimely end of work within a specific job, and my own mother's retirement. When the 8 of Cups arrives in a daily draw or reading, it suggests a need to leave something behind. Quite often, a person is dissatisfied and something is missing. The card advises them to make a drastic move in search of whatever this is.

I don't usually go on to MSN these days, but this morning I logged in. While there, I saw that my friend Pete was online, so I gave him a wave. We havn't spoken in a while, so it was nice to catch up. Since meeting online some years ago, Pete has considering relocating. For one reason or another, this desire was stunted a couple of times, but today, he announced that he will be moving to Brisbane in March. Knowing how much this means to him, I was really pleased to hear his news. It also got me to think about my deck, and in particular, the 8 of Cups, as a card of packing up and moving on.

Most versions of the 8 of Cups are pretty bleak. A solitary traveller throws one last glace at some kind of recognisable structure as he leaves it behind and makes his way towards an unknown future. Even though Pete will be leaving friends and family behind, I wonder if a card such as this needs to appear quite so negatively. There is warmth in deciding to seek out something we desire, which is why I have added bursts of citrus oranges and yellows to my own version.

In my illustration, Pete is smiling. I had a few different resource photographs for my drawing and in some he was a little more serious looking, but because I am so pleased that he had made a decision to move, I chose the happier of the bunch. Behind him flies a hot-air balloon. It is this balloon which will take him to his new destination. Brightly coloured and surrounded by magical stars, this vehicle will help Pete find what it is that is missing in his life, once and for all.

My Other Half

Initially, I wasn't quite sure how this card would work out. I thought of using my parents to begin with, some couples volunteered themselves, and I also considered using my current boyfriend. Just before my final drawing, I even mocked up a photo of myself with the iconic Joe Dallesandro, but none of the options felt right.

In the past I had designed another Lovers card using twins. The original idea had come from seeing a design by Graham Cameron in his 'Phantasmagoric Theatre Tarot'. He placed two identical looking lovers on the same chair. When I suggested that I might use myself as my own lover in this card, a friend shrugged and commented "Hmm. Makes sense. Use the person you love the most". One for the ego!

As much as this card is about love, it is also about choice, which is why one of the characters has blond hair. He represents a different avenue. I got the idea of using conjoined twins from a film I own called Brothers of the Head. In my illustration, these guy's arms are hidden behind. It might seem that they are tied together in more ways than one.

I am really happy with this card. The colors make it for me. Also, in contrast to some of the others, there is enough symbolism to get most people's mind's working.

Decisions, decisions ...

For this card, I made decisions, and then at the last moment, I changed them.

Initially, the man in this picture was blindfolded like the woman in the original Rider Waite version of the card, but by the end of the drawing, I felt that he didn't look right and decided to show his eyes instead, contrary to tradition.

The 2 of Swords is a card of stalemate.You might think of it as a 'gone to lunch' sign or a road block. It tells us that a decision needs to be made, but at the time of reading, this is not happening. When this card turns up in a spread, it could suggest a resistance to change or someone who can not decide on how to move forward. It can also represent someone who is either sticking their head in the sand or avoiding something important.

The model for this card is my partner, Daz. My reason for choosing him is a little tongue in cheek. Since we began dating a couple of months ago, I have consistently mocked him about his inability to make decisions. This usually concerns the things we organise to do together. So that I don't always get my way and we do things which he enjoys as well, I try to get him to make choices as often as possible. Putting him in this card will hopefully be a good reminder for him.

Even though I chose to remove Daz's blindfold, I have acknowledged a little traditional symbolism. As you might see, I subtly tucked two swords into the fabric of his jacket, and round his neck, he wears an upside-down 'question mark' as a silver pendant.

Dressed for Success

The idea for this card came to me just the other day. Because this deck is such a personal one, I am trying my best, where possible, to match people and situations to my understanding of the cards. The majority of meanings stem from the interpretations offered by Edward Arthur Waite and the paintings of Pamela Coleman Smith, which were published in 1910.

The 6 of Wands is a card I am always happy to receive, but I have to say that I don't draw it as often as I would like. In the traditional image, a man arrives home on horseback. He has most probably been in battle, and crowds gather to celebrate his victory and welcome him back. In their eyes, he has achieved something and gains a level of notoriety.

In my card, I have chosen to illustrate it with my two friends, Jojo and Malou as subjects. I have already used Malou for the Knight of Pentacles, but here, she is joined inside the laurel reef by her close friend and business partner.

I met both girls in 2000, when we all began to study at art college. After that year, Malou and I went to the same university to complete our studies, and Jojo went to another. After we had all finished our degrees, Malou and Jojo joined forces and began their own ladieswear label. In the years that followed, with a lot of skill and hard work, they have developed a keen following and have successfully carved out their place in the fashion industry.

I have a lot of friends who are successful, but few have achieved this level of public acknowledgement. The Six of Wands recognises fame as part of it's identity, but warns us not to gloat or revel in our triumphs at the expense of those less fortunate. I have chosen my two Swedish friends for this very reason. As well as my being very proud of what they have achieved, they are also two of the most down to earth people you could meet.

What can I get you?

Even though I am still wondering how to do the minor cards for this deck, they are beginning to create themselves. I have decided that 'having no rules' should be my only rule. I started this project for myself, but now that I have had much interest in it, I don't want to lose that focus by trying to impress or hook any kind of market.

With this in mind, I had become a little worried that the pack would become 78 portraits, but this morning, in thinking about the 6 of Pentacles, I feel that in most cases, the subtlety of limited symbols is enough. Besides, once you get to know the many faces in this tarot, their unique personalities could feasibly talk to any reader.

In the 6 of Pentacles, a young man sits at a table. In front of him is a beaker. Despite the fact that this card is grounded in the element of earth, this man is sensitive and has a creative mind. He thinks of more than just himself.

In Waite's traditional card, a merchant is shown passing coins to two beggars. In mine, just a simple cup joins the young man with whoever has drawn the card. It has two straws. One for him, and one for someone else. Either we are sharing our drink with him, or he has chosen to share his with us. The 6 of Pentacles is a card of generosity, charity, giving, and receiving.

For this card, I have chosen my friend, Anthony. We met through the internet over a year ago, but have been speaking online for much longer. He has a cheerful and warm personality, and with a great deal of passion in both art and music, has much to share. For our first meeting, he made me a CD of some of his favourite music. And that wasn't all he gifted me on that day. As well as another present, he also treated me to dinner, which I was very touched by.

When the 6 of Pentacles turns up in readings, it notes acts of sharing. This sharing does not always have to be about money. It might be our precious time that we choose to offer another person, or it might be a situation which requires compromise. When the card arrives, it either highlights something of need which we will soon receive, or asks us to look at what we have and can spare. With that in mind, I hope that this card's model accepts this illustration as a thank-you for the kindness and generosity he showed me on our first meeting.

A Stab at the 3 of Swords

Taking on the minors of this deck has been on my mind for some time. I have only completed two aces so far. In the Ace of Swords, a young man has an aha moment from within the frame of a light bulb. In the Ace of Wands, another young guy represents the first spark of new passion and excitement.

I have had many ideas for the 3 of Swords. As a card of separation, my initial idea was of a broken bridge. Beneath it, would have been a stream of red, suggesting blood and pain. I photographed a bridge and began to draw from the picture, but the illustration felt lifeless and did not fit in with the others I had done already. This deck has become a very 'people oriented' collection of images, and with a card that endeavours to communicate heartbreak and hurt feelings, the 3 of Swords needed that personal touch as well.

I have tried to acknowledge tradition once again. In Pamela Coleman Smith's original painting, we are shown a heart which has been stabbed by three swords. In my card, I have tried to add that flavour, but in a more emotionally subtle way. A handsome young man stands in front of several dark clouds. From what he wears, he could be a boxer and might have been amongst a fight or two. Two plasters are placed over his wounded heart, suggesting upset and emotionally difficult times.

Even though this card presents a difficult transition, it does suggest repair. Covered up from further infection, this man's wound will heal. We already know he is a fighter and is strong enough to deal with his previous or present pain. As with traditional versions of this card, I have added the rising rays of the sun to show that despite how he is feeling now, the future will eventually be brighter.

For the second time, I have chosen Christopher de Gabriele for an illustration (a friend I met when I was at university). He was also the model for the second card I created, The Magician. This time, it is an aesthetic choice. The illustration is taken from a series of photographs that I made in my last year of studies, and he wears a pair of shorts which I both designed and made.

Better the Devil you Know

This card has been part of a conversation between a friend and I for some months. Talking our way through the cards, we joked about how her sister, Katie, would be the perfect little Devil.

The Devil is a card which has stayed close to my side for many years. She comes in all forms of temptation; be that alcohol, drugs, sex, or cigarettes. Whichever vice it is that you know you should be moderating is where she lurks. As someone who is still lured by cigarettes and a few too many drinks, she will advise me to buy an extra pack or succumb to the late bars. She is not all bad, for she allows us to let our hair down once in a while, but once she has tightened her grip, there is often no return.

I have known Katie for nearly as long as I have known the devil. At first, she became a familiar face amongst the backdrop of local pubs and clubs, and a friend of friends. But as the years passed, our friendship has tightened amongst mutual loss and many a night out. As a friend, she is more than just a little devil. But as a devil, I have to agree with her sister, that she is the best.

As with other cards in my pack, I have decided to change the title for this one. I felt that 'The Siren' is a more alluring title and better depicts the seductive characteristics of both this model and temptation itself, but I chose to add the pitchfork brooch as a nod to tradition. This siren stands in front of iron bars, for when we yield to temptation and excess, we create our own prison. Behind her, we see a dark landscape. These are the rocks where sirens would entice sailors to their death, and behind them, we see the setting sun.

Man of the Earth

On completing my last court card, I introduce this king to his tarot family. He slots in well between the enthusiastic student, hardworking knight, and luxury-loving queen. With his feet firmly grounded in practicality and Mother Earth, please meet the King of Pentacles.

The King of Pentacles is a man of the earth and his environment. You may find him fronting his own business, or alternatively, in his wellies at the bottom of the garden. This man is all about the physical realm. Like the other three courts in this suit, he is not scared of hard work. He may play a little safer than the other kings, but this cautious approach in business and other matters has brought about successful and consistent results.

For this card, I have chosen my friend Matt. He is married to one of my closest friends, and through time, has become very dear to me and I know I can trust him. While talking to him last weekend as he washed up after the barbecue, it dawned on me how suitable he would be for this card.

In recent years, he has started his own business. As with anything like this, it has had the occasional challenge, but he has built it up and works very hard to keep it performing. None of the characters from the suit of Pentacles are work-shy, and as a one-man-band (with a little help from his wife), his achievements are all down to his own effort.

Matt and his wife enjoy walking. On a few occasions, they have had me stumbling through fields (cigarette in hand) and on nature tracks in their local area. They both like to be outdoors and part of their natural surroundings. For me, the reward has always been a pint or something to eat at the other end. Like this king, Matt appreciates the physical too. This stems that bit further than his environment. Like the queen, he likes good food and comfort.

I am pleased to have finally finished the sixteen court cards now, and can slot the king into his suit. I really never thought I would get this far.

The Entertainer

As I have said before, the process of finding the right models and subjects for my cards has been extremely natural. With just two kings left to design, I ran into both at a barbecue last week. I hadn't expected to find either there, but in the same way as it has with nearly every card so far, I knew that the subject of this card was right for the King of Wands as soon as he came and sat down next to me.

I have known Marc for a few years. He is a friend of a friend and we occasionally meet at social gatherings. He is one of those guys I always enjoy running into, because he has a vibrant personality and can be very entertaining. As do all of the figures in the Wand court.

Think of the sun bursting through the clouds in this illustration. People represented by the suit of wands radiate excitement and are a lot of fun to be around. Now think of this man. A king is the highest rank in his family, and here, he handles his playful side with maturity. The knight doesn't always know what to do with all of his energy, but with experience, the king can use it to guide and inspire others. He is a warm and popular man, who has many a follower.

Since this card shows one of the two remaining kings, this card completes another tarot family. The King and Queen of Wands are an explosion of energy when together. As are their presentational offspring, the knight and page. Altogether, this fiery crowd make for a creative and exciting group of people to spend time with.

The First Domino

With being preoccupied by the 9-5 job, I have not had so much time to make it into this blog lately, let alone design more cards. But as the days have passed, I have stacked up a handful of new subjects for my illustrations. I have photographed a landscape for a forthcoming minor card, and for the illustration which accompanies today's entry, I had taken a selection of photos.

I tried today's card out in a few different ways. I wanted to add other elements to the image, but they just didn't work. So in the end, I added only the flash to the tip of the young man's cigarette, since it has strong relevance to my understanding of this particular card.

The Ace of Wands embarks on a new beginning. Imagine tossing a match into a barn. Pretty quickly, it would catch on the hay and spread. Minutes later, you'd have a full fire on your hands. This card is a bit like that. If you think of it as a card of creativity and inspiration, then you'll understand that when it falls into a reading, it is that first domino in a chain of inspirational situations and projects we might be passionate about. People who are described by a card like this are easily excited and consistently throw themselves into things which are new, however risky.

For this illustration, I introduce you to Twydall. I met him some time back when he worked in a cafe, even though the conversation was very brief. We were much later re-introduced in a pub, and since then, have spoken many more times.

Twydall has a very excitable personality. Only recently, he asked me to go and see him perform his poetry. On that occasion, I couldn't make it, but the other week, he gave some friends and I a sampler of his poems. His work is observant, thought out, and cuts to the chase. He communicates well with his audience, and has a great range, allowing them to both laugh at the comedy in his work and ponder on the more reflective aspects. I chose Twydall for this card, because like that fire in the metaphorical barn, where ever he ends up going, I see him becoming far bigger and more impressive than just that single lit match, inspiring others as he grows.

The Hostess with the Mostest

I always knew who I was going to use as a subject for the Queen of Pentacles (even if there have been a few strong contenders for her crown). Through many readings, I always associated this young woman with the suit of wands, but as time has moved on, I see that it is the earthy queen she resembles the most right now.

Picture our queen standing in her home. She is dressed well. Her clothes are luxurious, accessorised, and fit her like a glove. She is expecting visitors for a small dinner party and you can smell the food she has prepared cooking in her kitchen. Her children are asleep in bed and while she waits for her guests, she samples just one more chocolate from the expensively wrapped box.

This portrait of the queen fits the card's model, Laura, very well. She is the friend who has been in my life for the longest length of time. Laura is grounded very firmly on the material plane. Even though she might not identify herself as financially savvy, she has always been a hard worker and has always been able to support herself and her family - whether there was a partner in her life or not. This said, her decisions are considered carefully and her effort is invested straight into the lives of those she cares for and loves. She is the homemaker, the business-woman and a mother, all rolled into one. If you want a realistic piece of advice, you'd better get yourself over here.

The Queen of Pentacles understands practicality, but she also has a good grasp of luxury too. Even though she would never leave one of her children without, she is tempted by all that glitters. This lady has taste and you will see it's markings in her clothing, interests, the walls of her home, and the food she lays on her table. Physical desires need to be met, but this stretches further than the kind of tea she puts in her pot. Members of the suit of Pentacles have a strong connection to their bodies. They are sensual and enjoy physical contact. This can make them very good lovers. Like fine wine, they appreciate good sex and give their all to a partner whom they care about.

With so many strings to her bow, they don't call this queen the hostess with the mostest for nothing!

Say hello to your Queen

The search for a Queen of Cups has been a long one. I have looked through photos, friend lists, and through mate's online albums. I found some people to be too fiery. Some were too matter of fact. And others did not have that certain femininity that this queen possesses.

This card makes sense to me this evening, and in drawing it, it's wash of blue was very healing. After a confrontation with a neighbour and some other unconnected issues which got me down, it seemed to be appropriate to go in yet another search for the Queen of Cups. I returned to the same possible model I had on a few occasions already. By chance, I received a message from her on my phone this evening. I am sure it was a sign.

For this card, I have chosen Jo. Jo and I go back to my university days, but we met that little bit earlier when she came to see my Foundation fashion show at art college. By the exit, just before she left, she quickly introduced herself to me and said she would see me at fashion school. It was the beginning of our friendship.

As with the last card I spoke about here, this queen has light and dark aspects. When ill-dignified in a reading (influenced by less positive cards), she can become over-emotional and withdrawn. This can lead her to turn inwards and dwell on those things which are not working. But when positively aspected, she becomes an alluring, receptive and loyal friend or lover. She will make you laugh during the fun times and provide an ear and shoulder when situations are bleak. I chose Jo as this queen, due to her sensitivity and compassion. Being receptive, as this queen is, she is someone who would very rarely lash out and upset others, but can be easily hurt or emotionally wounded herself. Think Princess Diana and Marilyn Monroe. The Queen of Cups is a figure of great intrigue and mystery. Where as the other queens live with their feet firmly in the real world, this creative lady spends a lot of time in lands of imagination and fantasy.


As with the Page of Swords earlier, the Queen of Cups completes a family. As I surround her with them, I ask the sensitive lads in the cup suit to say hello to their queen. Knowing these guys, I think they would be very happy to accept her into the fold.

Bright as a Button

The little girl in this illustration looks out at us from within the frame of her card. She has only recently turned four years old, but don't let this small matter of her young age lead you into making assumptions about her. This little one is as bright as a button and will most definitely keep you on your feet.

The Page of Swords is curious. She is interested in finding things out and will always ask questions. She communicates well and enjoys to talk and use her imagination. Even though she likes spending time alone working things out, she loves to hold a crowd. This little lady can keep us well entertained with her stories and observational wit.

With all tarot cards, there must be balance. Without dark, there can not be light. For all of the pages in this deck, their enthusiasm is balanced by naivety and inexperience, due to their age. The Page of Swords may be inquisitive and eager to learn, but when ill-dignified in a reading, her curiosity can indicate gossiping, underhandedness, or as noted in tarot tradition, a spy. Because this little girl is knowledgeable beyond her years, it makes it that bit easier for her to wind us into her intricate web, should she choose to.

My subject for this card is my friend's daughter, Eva. Even though I have not used any other children for pages in these illustrations, it was difficult to dismiss this one. When I was considering which youth might possess the right sharpness of mind and an ability to hold people's attention, I thought of Eva instantly. Even though so young, she happily soaks up conversation and debate, and anyone meeting her would be foolish to underestimate her level of understanding and social appreciation. But this gift can create problems, as much as being her greatest skill. Even though these airy pages make great students, public speakers and the life-and-soul of any dinner party, they can become bored easily, over-thinkers, and require a great deal of mental stimulation.

One of the satisfying things about getting this card finished today is that it completes a family. All of the 'people' from the suit of Swords are now finished and sit well together. The Knight of Swords sits protectively behind his younger but astute sister. Their strong parents, the king and queen, are here too. A coolness breathes through the four characters as they sit together as one. Knowing each of these people personally, they feel just right as a group, which is satisfying.

As a sideline, I was also thinking about how the cards bear more relationships with one another than what is based in tarot tradition. As an example, the lady who I used as a subject for The Empress also happens to be Eva's mother in real life. This may never have any bearing on a reading, but generally, it will be interesting to see how these real-life characters and their social connections and history plays out amongst one another in spreads.

The Flash of Fire

This card was especially pleasing to do. When I work on these illustrations, they take many hours. I draw each by hand on the screen with a mouse, using photographs as source material. Not all of them go right first time, so it can become quite frustrating on occasion. But while I am locked into the drawing, the person I am studying is pretty much the only thing on my mind. As well as concentrating on every line which makes up their face, I am also thinking about how I can successfully communicate the person's personality to others through my drawing.

Today's subject was pleasing because she and I go back a long way. Right to the early 80s. As the Queen of Wands, let me introduce you to Jennie.

Jennie has an important place in this deck, for she represents the first major shift of direction I took in my teenage years. She is a symbol of my finding an identity and seeking independence.

The two of us met at school when we were both about 14. She may remember it differently, but I am sure our first interactions involved mucking about in religious study lessons. Once introduced, we soon started hanging about at break, sitting next to each other in lessons, meeting up in evenings, and going here, there and everywhere at weekends. We formed a very solid bond, wrote each other secret notes, and shared all of our thoughts and feelings. She was very different to any friend I had known before. She liked to have fun and take risks. She was exciting to be around and for many years, we spend much of our free time together (getting into far more trouble than we should have been and loving every minute).

Jennie could probably take on the role of all four queens in the tarot. She has been sensitive, a hard-worker, and a woman who speaks her mind with strength and conviction. She has changed her career direction as many times as her hair colour, but in all she has done, has remained focused and dedicated. But it is with the Queen of Wands that I wanted to place her in this deck. Mainly due to the memories of those teenage years, which flooded back as I worked on her portrait.

People warm to the Queen of Wands in many ways. As an entertaining and fun type of gal, she draws the interest of those around her, since there is a flash of fire which she channels and it can be very contagious. She knows how to have fun and thrives on new and challenging experiences. As a lover, she is warm, loyal and liberal. All of the members of the wand suit have a strong understanding of their sexuality. They are a very passionate family.

Working on this card has been a little different to the others. In linking my friend to a card, I had to dig further into the past than I have with any of the other models and it has been really warming to think back over those distant years.

The Thinker

This card has been on the back burner for just under a month. The last time I saw the young man it is modeled on, we decided that we would get together for a drink at some point and take some further photos as source material. But since life has been that bit busier in these last few weeks, we haven't managed to hook up, so I began working with what I already had.

I chose this card to work on because it is connected with both the mind and authority. With a new design contract coming up, I really need to engage my brain and remain focused. I cannot allow my emotions to be triggered under pressure or for my social life to find a way of squeezing itself in between me and the new job. This has happened before. The King of Swords understands how to control these things with the power of his mind.

I chose Ben as the subject for this card. We first met in a late bar a while back. I walked over and told him I liked what he was wearing. From that moment, we literally stayed up all night talking and went from the bar to breakfast in the morning. He has a coolness of character about him, which makes sense in using him as a spokesperson for this king. Even though more emotionally rounded than this tarot character, Ben is a deep thinker, and from what I know of him, takes responsibility for and care of his words in the same way as the King of Swords would.

The Showman

Whenever I buy a deck, the Knight of Wands is one of the characters I always check out. After using the tarot for many years, the court cards begin to take on their own lives, and when I buy a new deck, it is nice if they are personally recognisable. As with the Knight of Cups, I really needed to get this fiery knight right for these illustrations.

The Knight of Wands is pure fire, through and through. This young man is fun to be around and people always enjoy his company. If you are having a party, you would want this knight near the top on your list of invitations. He might not be the most reliable of gentlemen in the tarot deck, but when he does grace you with his presence, he will keep you more than entertained.

For this card, I have chosen my friend, Robert. Unlike this knight, he is reliable and is successfully committed to both his work and partner. But like the Knight of Wands, he does have a dynamic and magnetic personality. As with the Page of Wands (played out by Lizzie in a recent illustration), Robert is a gifted artist, is enthusiastic, and is driven.

I have known Robert for a good ten years. I am not entirely sure how we first met. I think he may have kindly paid for me to get into a club to see Bad Manners, but I'll have to check that one out to be sure. But from that time, we formed a good friendship - spending many, many nights sitting up chatting at his house - emptying bottles of wine, discussing art, photography and film. We do not see each other as much as we once did, but we do drop each other messages from time to time - often out of interest and praise of each other's artwork.

The Knight of Wands is a showman. He is presentational and has a strong sense of both his identity and sexuality, which makes him quite a character. If you want someone to get a project on it's way, to get a party started, or to add a real spark to your love life, then this knight is your man.

The Wild Card

I have had this card in my head for some time. As with yesterday's illustration of Thijs, I had planned on using a certain person for this card. When another friend from Canada sent me a photograph of her dog, Isabella, the whole set-up for the picture suddenly came together in my mind. The traditional version of this card contains a small dog as the travelers companion.

I am not usually one for re-naming the cards within a tarot pack, but when you are using people who you care about as the models, you hardly want to insensitively label them with a title like The Fool, which is why I have chosen to re-title this particular unnumbered card.

The Fool, or Traveler, as we have here, has no value in the tarot. The card can pop up anywhere and alter a reading. It will provide fresh beginnings at best. At worst, it can be chaotic and hard to tie down.

I have chosen my friend Kate for this image. I have known her for what must be eighteen years now. As a couple of Piceans, we connected well instantly. At the time, neither of us were particularly responsible and lived those days for the moment. Even though still in contact, we do not see each other so regularly these days. However, in the true spirit of this card, when we do meet up, we always have a lot of unpredictable fun and it is as if we had never been apart.

The Traveler is a card of spontaneity. It might advise you to throw a sicky, go on a sneaky shopping trip, or have a day at the coast. If you're relationship has become stale, it might suggest spicing it up and trying something new with your partner. It is about taking a chance. Kate was always someone who would pop up unexpectedly in my life and then disappear just as quickly. Even though an extremely caring and generous person, it might not always be so easy to find her in a time of trauma (even though she would be there for you if she could), but every moment that was spent with her was never wasted.

The Traveller is a character of great excitement and the card suggests we grab an opportunity before it is gone. My friend is now a mother and is enjoying the responsibility it has brought, but knowing her, she still manages to find excitement and possibility in all opportunities, wherever it is she happens to be travelling through.

The Aha Moment

You might call it a flash of inspiration or an 'aha' moment. Or like Archimedes, you might cry 'Eureka' when you have finally managed to figure something out. This is what the Ace of Swords is all about. It is that moment of clarity or mental awareness, cutting through the clouds of doubt or confusion.

I have had a few of these moments in the past week. As well as reading the cards professionally, I often apply for design work, and since Monday, I have had two interviews for a men's underwear position. Beforehand, I needed to put together trend and design boards and research heavily. At the beginning of the week, I really wanted the job and was excited about it, but by Friday, I had one of these Ace of Swords moments. Thinking things through, I realised that the job is not for me.

Because of the current climate, people are snatching at anything they can get, and this job spelt security to me. But I realised that I must look at the bigger picture. I had been so blinded by the pound signs and shiny packaging of the role, that I had not stopped to think about whether it was what I really want for the long term. Through a flash of clarity, I realised it was not. It was like the switching on of a light bulb. As well as beginning to get commissions for artwork and more tarot events booked, it has also been suggested that I take on more creative teaching. I realised that these things were more suitable than the job for which I had applied.

As a design, this card has been sitting on the back burner for some weeks. I welcome my friend, Thijs, back for a second time as a model. While going through his photographs for my Knight of Swords illustration last month, I also came across the one I have used as a resource here. Showing Thijs looking over his shoulder, it made me smile and reminded me of that aha moment I have been speaking of regarding the Ace of Swords. I asked him if he would mind my using him for more than just one card, as I thought the pose would work well with my design handwriting.

So, here we have the Ace of Swords. Embarking on the numbered cards of the Minor Arcana, I wanted them to look a little different from those which have already been created. As I continue with them, they will very likely become more abstract than the court and major cards have already been.

Tom-Tom

Many creators use a different name for the second trump of their tarot. Rather than The High Priestess, some shorten it to just The Priestess, where as others change it entirely. In the Gay Tarot by Lee Bursten, it is named The Intuitive. For the same gender reasoning, I have altered the title of my version too.

I have always been interested in clowns. Surprisingly, as a child, I would not leave our second floor flat if I saw someone outside dressed as one. They prettified me then. But as I got older, the more theatrical side of clowns and jesters became an interest.

In my early 20s, I had two bedrooms at my parent's house. The one I slept in was painted in childlike orange and aqua. On the walls were many framed pictures of clowns. Mostly from fashion shoots. Hanging around my bed were puppets, and sitting in various places were old rag dolls and shining Pierrots. My friend and I would dress up as them and photograph one another, so it is not completely unusual for me to turn to Pierrot as a basis for my self-portrait now.

When I think of The High Priestess, I see her as a guide. She is what lurks beneath our consciousness. In recent times, she has urged me to follow gut reactions. Today, I have been linked very much to my subconscious, regarding work decisions. The High Priestess is your very own Tom-Tom. You know what a Tom-Tom is, don't you? Those things you put in your car to help you when you are lost. When conscious thought and decision has been switched off, this card relates to that personal navigation system which we all have, helping us to steer our way out of trouble. The silent clown is mine - waiting on his moon, amongst the stars, until he is needed.

Straight to the Point

For me, the Knight of Swords is one of the most dynamic characters in the tarot. Where as the Knight of Cups may find himself lost in love or the Knight of Pentacles can be found up to his (or her, since my own illustration here is female) elbows in work, the Knight of Swords is all about movement. When this young man charges into your day, you'll most definitely notice him.

For this card, I have chosen my friend Thijs. I first began speaking with him a handful of years ago. We met through a tarot forum. As a couple of swordy guys together, we enjoyed the conversation and debate shared with others at the time. On occasion, we could both be likened to this knight, charging into and slicing through conversations with our strong and forceful opinions.

Thijs and I continued to talk away from the forum, and after a good few years, have now reconnected again. He has a good mind and says what he thinks. In a world filled with many a back-stabber and flaky personality, it is good to have friends around you who don't sugar-coat what they tell you and are straight to the point.

Not everyone is ready for the Knight of Swords, since he can represent sudden change which can sometimes be disruptive. But generally, I think we all can appreciate the kind of person he is - one of intelligence, conversation, great enthusiasm and wit. Personally, I need this kind of man in my life - someone who knows how to whip up that which is stagnant and stimulate my mind.

Lucky Star

Even though the last few weeks have been pretty productive in terms of teaching and tarot reading, things have not always seemed so positive. In the current climate, for many people, work has been hard to find. Although it has got me down on many an occasion, I have always clung to the hope that things would get better at some point.

When I think of The Star in tarot, it is that small pocket of hope which I draw on. I imagine it as a tiny window of light amongst the darkest of days. When things are not working out as I might like them, it is this window which I aim to squeeze through eventually.

My model for this card is Zorian. Even though we see a bright, youthful and attractive face looking out to us from this card, things have not always been so easy for him. He has had to deal with many obstacles and personal problems in his life so far, and I have chosen him to be The Star because through such hardship, he managed to carry on towards that small window of hope. He is a fighter and an inspiration.

So for today, as one teaching project is now finished and I have no up-and-coming appointments, I look into this card. Zorian's eyes offer hope as he invites us to join him amongst the frame of this card and seek out small areas of opportunity, rather than fixing our attention on the darker side of the world around us.

Beneath the Armour

I spoke with a prospective client last night, and during the conversation, thought it might be a good idea to spend five minutes here, talking about how I work. Many people who I talk to are often put off by having their cards read, due to bad experiences in the past. I remember my cousin's ex-girlfriend once telling me that a reader had informed her she would be dead by 40. For your interest, I read for this woman when she was 42.

Quite recently, I was booked to read at two fairs. Due to the unprofessional nature of the organiser, I am no longer involved with the events, but one of the things I became aware of when talking with him, was that his regular readers professed to be psychic and a lot of their customers expected it. Often, I think people misunderstand what a tarot reader actually does. Even though some will carry these add-ons, not all readers make contact with the other side, dress as gypsies or charge you an extra twenty-quid to remove a previous curse. I have had psychic skills since I was a child, and even though I sometimes draw on them when reading, they are not part of my marketing make-up.

The cards that I design for this blog have a lot to do with the image I want to project as a reader. They are of real people; all of which, have a place in my life at the moment. I try my best to provide practical and realistic guidance for such characters in the world. The word 'fortune' suggests that our fate is not in our hands. If the future can not be changed, then what would be the point of shelling out cash for a reading? My aim is to provide my clients with control over their lives; to be the cause, rather than the effect of what happens to them.

When I read for you, I will lay out ten cards. They will look at your present, your past, your hopes, and your fears. They will advise you as to where you are stuck and who can help you to move forward. They offer suggestions and guidance, but only you can affect your future by using the information I provide.

The illustration for today's post is of the Page of Cups. I have always had a strong affection for this card, and as with yesterday's, wanted to choose a model who was youthfully vibrant and creative. Today, I add my friend Sergio to the clan. Sergio is a good example of the new beginnings symbolised by the rank of page, since he uses himself as a canvas in many ways. I do not mean this as obviously as in his love for tattoo, but more around the general images he creates - each look is organic and naturally fresh.

The Page of Cups works with his feelings, and from knowing Sergio, I also recognise someone who is emotional and caring beneath the armour of his image and self-design. As a friend, he has been consistent in his care and contact with me, which is the reason I chose to use him for this illustration.

The Spark

Even though the tarot page's depict young people, many readers use them to describe events. Because of the youthfulness of these characters, it is often new situations or projects that they will describe. In terms of the Page of Wands, we have a person or theme which is fresh, excitable and creative.

The Page of Wands might be a good card to describe how things are going for me at the moment. Since I started this blog, things have begun to pick up. I have had a handful of new tarot clients, and through them, my name has been recommended to further people who are now getting in touch. With regards to my work as a designer, I have just spent two weeks in a grammar school, guiding teenagers through the process of creative learning. I often see this card as a lit match which has been tossed into a stack of dry wood. It is the original spark before the fire. As with my tarot clients, I am hoping that other schools will respond to my newly acquired and successful teaching experience.

As I have been updating and creating this site, I have chosen the models without too much prior-thought. I could be thinking of a card and a person will come to mind, or as in this case, I will see someone and their personality traits will remind me of a character from the tarot. I chose my friend Lizzie for this card. We met over a year ago at a party. In the same way that the initial spark of a match can turn into a forest fire, we quickly hit it off, spending a long portion of our time there sitting in a bathroom, talking. She has a very captivating personality, and as with all members of the wands court, is creative, inspired and inspiring in her own originality.

A Woman of her Word

This evening, I practiced the tarot with a friend. He read for me and I read for him. Drawing one card at a time, we answered each other's questions and it gave me a chance to try out my new deck, Dame Fortune's Wheel, by Paul Huson. The results were very accurate, and for me, the Queen of Swords answered more than one pressing problem.

I have always seen a particular friend as the Queen of Swords. Even though she can be a kind and nurturing person, like many, she wears a protective suit of amour in certain situations. At work, she knows her stuff and sticks to her word. With her children, even though being a caring and generous mother, they are more than aware of who the boss is. And as a very close friend, she has never sugar-coated her responses to the questions I have asked. If you want a straight answer or someone who won't get over-emotional in a tense situation, then this is your girl.

This friend has a special place amongst this deck. Aside from being a good friend for near on twenty years, in recent times, I owe a lot of the opportunities I have had to her belief in me. In helping me find experience within the high street fashion industry, she was the first domino in a string of contacts and contracts. In actual fact, without her initial and consistent help, the drawings on this blog might never have come into being. They represent years of practice which was either initiated or manifested with her supportive eye. As a head of graphic design, it was a true compliment for her to praise these illustrations this evening.

The Queen of Swords can often receive a bad wrap. People don't always warm to her because they don't take the trouble to find out what her harsh words or armour are concealing beneath them or from her past. But you can be assured that what she says will be as true as she sees it. It may not be wrapped up in pretty packaging on every occasion, but her word is one you can rely and depend upon.

The Social Triangle

This weekend, I was in London. Some years ago, I connected with two young men through an internet forum. The younger of which, I have become good friends with in person. We get together every so often for coffee and shopping visits locally.

The two of us made our way up to London to meet the third member of our social triangle for the first time, since he was over from Australia. It is this third member who has posed as my model for the Knight of Cups.

The Knight of Cups is a sensitive young man, which is why I chose my Australian friend for this card. Over the years, we have had many conversations. During testing times, his words have been comforting, even if from so far away. Even though we never ruled out the possibility of meeting, deep down, I never really thought we would, so when he said he was coming to London and suggested getting together, despite having little money, I knew it was something I had to do. Even though it was only a short time spent in his company, he was as interesting and kind-natured as I had imagined he would be. Just like this knight.

The Knight of Cups is a card which I always search for when looking through a tarot pack I might buy, so it is important for me to get it right here. For those who may be wondering about the small line of hearts on his scarf, I added them as a reminder that this knight is a symbol of water and emotional concerns. I have used artistic licence to add little details into my cards as I make them - such as the 'Ace of Spades' tattoo on my 'Magician's' shoulder.

When I asked my younger friend which card he identified with, he also considered himself to be a Knight of Cups. However, when choosing between the two models today, I finally decided that he fitted the role of the Pentacles Page better for now. Lowering his rank was by no means undermining his maturity, since he has far more maturity than many I know who are twice his age. It was more to do with his natural ability to study and the way in which he craves learning. When we first became acquainted, I remember him introducing himself on the forum as 'a boy who wants to learn tarot'. As I have gotten to know him better through the years, his desire to learn and travel have taken him around the world, whet his appetite for foreign language, and won him a place at Oxford University. The Page of Pentacles is a student in life, regardless of age, and I was happy to sit this friend beside the hardworking and fashionable friend who appears in the Knight of Pentalces illustration. As part of the same suit, they make a good team.

Tarot has not just given me a hobby. It has given me a community. I have met many internet friends in person - from America, Switzerland, Israel, and now Brisbane. I have one very long-term email companion in Canada. Reading the cards has brought me a good deal of personal friendships here in the UK too, as well as enriching my spiritual and artistic life.

Emotional Support

The King of Cups is mature and consistent support. With a little age and experience behind him, this king knows what to say and how to listen. We can often find him in professions where he might offer counselling or some other way of working with emotions.

Thinking about the King of Cups this morning, I sent an email to a friend, asking him if I could use him as a model for my illustration. In this technological age, he and I have never met in person, but this does not mean I care for him any less. We were brought together through the study of kabbalah, and from a few simple questions grew an important friendship. Through the power of email, webcam (and on occasion, conversation through a microphone), we have had many laughs. When a close mate of mine died last year, he was also very supportive.

I have chosen this man as the King of Cups because of his sensitivity. During bad times, he has been a sympathetic ear and consistently dependable. This king has learnt to deal with his own emotions, so can help others feel secure through empathy. When I draw this card, I am aware that emotional support is in my environment. It is something I can either choose to administer or receive.

What You Put In ...

In other tarot-related articles, I have always compared the Knight of Pentacles to my ex-boyfriend. He and I were together for five years, and in that time, lived as a couple in three different places. Even though we are no longer in touch now, I still think of him when the Knight of Pentacles turns up in a day or reading.

My ex and I were miles apart in personality. Where as I would jump into something with both feet and hope for the best, he would arduously plan every step to assure it's success. Being inpatient by nature and one to skip the boring details, this frustrated the more spontaneous side of me, as everything took us twice as long to do. Where as I could zip through and clean our flat in an hour, it would take him that long to devise a cleaning schedule before even starting. This difference in one another lead to many an argument. In my mind, he took too long to do anything. And in his, I didn't invest enough time into doing things properly.

But even though my ex-boyfriend's obsessive attention to detail irritated the hell out of me at times, it was also one of the things which I deeply admired in him. Possibly, because it was a quality that I didn't possess myself. I knew that if someone wanted a job done, he would do it to the very best of his ability. How ever dull the challenge was for him, a job done was worth doing properly, and he never cut corners. He was never work-shy and would roll up his sleeves for many a task. I think this is the main reason that he has always been successful within work. He is dependable and hardworking. When the Knight of Pentacles falls into a reading, I think of my ex's characteristics. The card is a good challenge for me, as it often turns up to remind me that some serious graft or planning is needed.

On searching for a fresh model for the card, I came across a friend. Many tarot commentators see this card's energy as being a little on the dull side, but my friend is far from boring. In fact, as my closest friend at university, I probably had the wildest nights [and days] in her company. We partied a lot. And I mean 'a lot'.

But despite the partying, this friend, like my ex, is an incredibly hard worker. As well as spending her early professional days on either her own work or assisting others for unpaid experience, she would then rush off and work behind a bar to make money. In recent times, her effort has brought her exposure and well-deserved success in her career. Like all Knight's of Pentacles, she is far more than an overnight success. She plans, pays attention to detail, and even amongst tight deadlines, always found time to help me with my work when I was having a tantrum with the sewing machine.

I chose to illustrate this card today because it is always useful to remember that things take time. When the Knight of Pentacles turns up, it lets us know that something will manifest, slowly but surely. Every step counts and none should be missed. As someone who has planted seeds here and there in recent times, I must acknowledge, like any gardener, that a full-grown Oak tree is not going to be standing on my doorstep in the morning. Things take time to grow, but consistent nurturing, effort and elbow-grease will ensure results, as both examples here know.

How did we get here?

For many, discovering tarot is an extremely personal and spiritual experience. If you believe what you read, a handful of tarot commentators will suggest that your first deck should be gifted to you and the cards must not be explored until such a time. Many of us could literally wait until the day we die for this to happen. Without a fortune-telling granny or friends with an interest, eleven years on, I would probably still be sitting here waiting.

My introduction to the tarot cards was anything but miraculous. I discovered my first pack during my weekly shop in a supermarket in North London. Sold as a beginners set, it sat alongside other 'How to ..' gift-packs on a shelf. I examined the box for a few minutes, before casually tossing it into the trolly with the frozen chicken, tinned peas and bottles of wine.

That evening, my boyfriend and I had a couple round for dinner. After the meal, I pulled the unopened pack out and showed it to my friend's wife. She said that she had a French pack at home, but didn't know how to use them. After a refill of our glasses, we sat on the floor, spread the cards out and consulted the accompanying book for their meanings. It was all very entertaining.

Some months passed and I continued to use my supermarket deck. As much as I found it interesting, something didn't feel entirely right. Until I spoke with a friend's housemate, I had no idea that there might be a selection of other sets on offer, so on a hot summer day, she and I made our way to a small shop in London's Covent Garden, called 'Mysteries'. The shop owner had an album of samples to look through, showing a selection from around sixty different packs. Leafing through them, I continued to return to one page, showing a deck called The Rohrig. The eyes of The Devil card in one of the samples continued to lure me back to it, and I eventually bought the cards. My real tarot journey began on that summer's day with The Rohrig Tarot.

Even though I have learnt a lot about the tarot over the years since, I still look back at those early years with the Rohrig fondly. When my boyfriend and I would have social gatherings in our North London flat, halfway through the evening, I would slip into our bedroom with a friend and my wooden box of cards. We would sit together on top of my red double-bed, light the incense and lay out the tarot. With little knowledge, the images were intense and mysterious, and we would work together in interpreting the messages within them, often surprised by their accuracy.

For the last nine years, tarot has become a part of daily life. I use a pack as part of my morning routine, and in recent years, have begun to read professionally - having regular clients and working at organised parties. The idea of making the move from hobby to career was not an easy one, for that very reason. As a designer for the high street, I never considered that I might make money or a living from reading tarot. I simply saw it as an interest. It was only when I showed both my graphic design portfolio and a page of tarot-inspired scribbles to a business advisor a few months ago that she surprisingly said 'I would be quite happy to back you as a professional tarot reader'. She went on to say 'Most successful businesses are built on something we are passionate about'.

I want my business to have a distinct feel. While researching this idea, I came across many kinds of sites and readers. I see myself as someone who uses the cards to provide guidance and I believe that the 78 tarot cards are a map of all possibilities in life. Some people will have experienced a handful of these lessons already, but there are many buttons waiting to be pressed. When I lay out the cards, the tarot highlights these areas for my clients, and gives them the opportunity to make changes in their life, based on the conversation we will have. I don't channel dead relatives, I couldn't tell you what you had for breakfast this morning, and I don't use spirit guides or angels, but if you are willing, I can simply, and effectively, help you to see the bigger picture through a selection of connected images. Being aware of what and who is coming into our lives allows us to manipulate the future to our benefit.

Remote Control

Even though the bulk of my readings will be done in person, after responding to a request a week ago, I will be performing a remote reading this evening via Instant Messenger. In actual fact, since the beginning of trading, this will be my first customer.

Personally, I prefer the contact with people that face to face reading gives. Some readers will draw cards with little to no contact and post a reading to the client in the mail or over the internet. I have done this in the past, and even though it has had good results, it is not my preferred way of working. Unfortunately, distance means that I can not get to everyone who wishes me to read for them, but a service such as Instant Messenger allows bridges to be formed. A remote reading enables conversation between two people and provides the client with a certain level of control over their own reading. We might see the computer as another tool of The Magician.

Talking of The Magician, I just received an email from yesterday's 'card' model. I was pleased to hear that he is working on his own fashion line. His email concluded with the thought that to reap any benefits in life, we need to give things a shot. This made me smile, since it entwined quite perfectly with the interpretation of the card I chose him for. The traditional Magician has a table of tools. Each has it's own use and it is up to him to choose which will benefit a circumstance or situation. Even though remote readings will not suit all of my clients, for tonight's lady, it is a way of bridging a gap and helping her join the dots.

It's Showtime!

The Magician is the first numbered card of the tarot and begins our story. As if by magic, he pulls inspiration, fantasy and possibility down from the heavens above and grounds it in physical reality. I use the words 'as if by magic', because all of us have the ability to bring our dreams to life in one way or another, regardless of whether we feel we have the resources or not. I chose to both illustrate and kick-start my blog with this card because as well as symbolising a first step, it reminds me of how my new business venture has descended from a dream.

I flipped through many old photographs to find my Magician and stopped at the one which I have used as a resource for this illustration. It is of a young man who modelled for me on several occasions during my last year at university. In this drawing, I include a little of the card's magic, as he pulls down an inspirational flash from above and uses it as a means to create something tangible here on earth. While the magical threads and stars in the picture flow from his right hand down to the ground, he is a conductor of raw energy. At best, artists, performers and writers aspire to become a channel for this kind of creativity, wanting to transmit it into their paintings, songs and books.

The friend I have used for this card was more than an aesthetic choice. While working with him on my course, his input helped bring my projects to life, so it seemed fitting to use him as a symbol of and vessel for inspiration here. As my blog truly opens with this card, the hard work begins. I need to now find a way of putting all of my ideas, conversations and aspirations into some kind of real and conscious action. It's showtime, as they say.