There is a deep and dynamic connection between humans and nature that has been explored and celebrated in various forms of art throughout history. One of the most intriguing forms of art that has captured this connection is the Victorian Tarot deck. This deck of cards, also known as the «Victorian Romantic Tarot,» is a stunning representation of this connection, depicting the intertwining of human life and nature in a captivating and powerful way.
The origins of the Tarot date back centuries, beginning as an Italian card game in the 1400s. However, it wasn’t until the late 1700s that the Tarot was associated with divination and spiritual meanings. Since then, the Tarot has evolved into many different decks, each with its own unique style and symbolism. The Victorian Tarot, published in 2000 by artist Baba Studio, is a modern interpretation of the traditional Tarot that beautifully captures the Victorian era’s romantic and mystical essence.
This deck consists of 78 cards, divided into two groups — the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana, also known as the «Trumps,» consists of 22 cards that represent big life events and important themes. The Minor Arcana, on the other hand, consists of 56 cards divided into four suits — Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. Each suit corresponds to one of the four elements — fire, water, air, and earth, respectively, connecting to the natural world’s energy and elements.
What sets the Victorian Tarot apart from other decks is its imagery and symbolism that highlight the relationship between humans and nature. The illustrations on the cards are painted in muted, earthy tones, reminiscent of the romantic Victorian era. Each card is rich in detail and symbolism, drawing heavily from nature and its mystical elements.
For instance, the card «The Sun» depicts a joyful couple holding sunflowers, a symbol of growth and vitality, with the sun shining brightly in the background. This card represents happiness, enlightenment, and a deep connection with nature’s life-giving energy. Similarly, «The Moon» card shows a woman sitting on a crescent moon, surrounded by water, representing intuition and deep emotional connections. The moon, a powerful symbol in nature, is a reminder of our connection to the natural cycles and our inner emotions.
Another example of the intertwining of nature and humans can be seen in «The Empress» card, which shows a woman sitting on a throne adorned with symbols of nature — a crown of flowers and a vibrant garden in the background. This card represents fertility, abundance, and nurturing energy, reflecting our connection with Mother Earth and the cyclical nature of life.
The Victorian Tarot’s Minor Arcana is equally rich in its portrayal of the human-nature relationship. In the «Two of Pentacles» card, a man juggles two pentacles, representing balance and adaptability, while a ship in the background reminds us of our connection to the vast ocean and its ever-changing tides. The «Ace of Cups» shows a golden cup overflowing with water, symbolizing love, intuition, and emotional fulfillment, all attributes that are deeply intertwined with our connection to the natural world.
Furthermore, the deck’s structure also speaks to the dynamic relationship between humans and nature. The Major Arcana follows the hero’s journey, a narrative that mirrors the human experience of growth and transformation. Each card represents a stage of this journey, from «The Fool» as the beginning of an adventure to «The World» as the ultimate destination. This journey mirrors our own journey through life, where we are constantly growing and learning from our connection with nature.
The Minor Arcana, on the other hand, depicts the different aspects of our human experience, mirroring the diverse elements and energies of nature. Each suit represents a different element, each with its own strengths and challenges. Through this structure, the Victorian Tarot shows us that our connection to nature is not one-dimensional, but rather complex and ever-changing, just like the natural world.
In conclusion, the Victorian Tarot is a powerful representation of the connection between humans and nature. Through its stunning imagery and symbolism, it reminds us of our deep connection to the natural world and how it influences our lives in a multitude of ways. This deck serves as a beautiful reminder to embrace and nurture this connection, and to be mindful of our actions towards nature as it has a direct impact on our own journey through life
