A Narrative Told Through Esoterica

The art of Tarot card reading is a form of cartomancy, wherein the cards are used to gain insights which are then interpreted by the reader. Some use it as divination for past, present and future, while others use it in search of answers to questions of varying magnitude. A deck is traditionally made up of 78 cards which are split into two groups, the Major Arcana (greater secrets) and the Minor Arcana (lesser secrets). The Minor Arcana is divided into four sub-groups that embody their own core concepts and are each associated with their own symbolic element. Each card is rich with visual symbolism, and I have found the ritual of reading the cards results in the development of a personal relationship with the individual cards and their messages. Further increasing the complexity of the symbolism, each card holds a different meaning if read in reverse, creating a nuanced conversation for each different combination of cards.

My Tarot practice does not serve as a means of predicting the future or learning hidden truths about others, but rather it serves as a thought exercise tool, wherein I use the messages of the cards as a means of interogating my internal dialogue and external experience. In essence, each card spread (a particular number and arrangement of cards) acts as a narrative reflective of my (or the inquirers) experience, illuminating things already known but that beg consideration and reflection.

Through the mindful selection of 4 Tarot cards, this project serves as an esoteric examination of my own lived experience. It is a candid self-exposure, communicated in a way that is purposefully ambiguous. With the descriptions of the cards that follow, I encourage you to consider what greater and lesser secrets I am sharing.

The Four Winds Spread is informed by Rob McGregor’s interpretation of the Inca Medicine Wheel. Particpants will have access to the four cards that the scultpures are based off of, which will be placed face down. They are invited to select cards at random, placing them on a notated display of the above spread. This gives each particpant a different experience of the installation, compelled to consider the narrative that the cards they drew are telling them.

• Position 1 (South) – What do I need to let go or leave behind?
• Position 2 (West) – What must I stop hiding from and instead face with courage?
• Position 3 (North) – What must I know?
• Position 4 (East) – What can I achieve?

Exerpt:

A narrative in 4 cards.
Each Tarot spread is a personal narrative made manifest. Each individual card holds a specific meaning, which is transformed when presented in reverse. Before you is the opportunity to engage with a curated experience of a Tarot spread. There are 4 cards, which should presently be face down. Before you proceed, consider the positions of the Four Winds Spread before you begin. Then select a card at random for each position and place it face up. Keep in mind, it is perfectly normal for a card to be reversed, so feel free to change the orientation of the card before flipping it face up. Allow yourself to consider the relationship between these cards as you go on to explore the installation. Finally, ensure you return the cards to a face down position in the centre before you leave the exhibit.