Custom Deck Dilemma | Different Back Colors Spark Debate
Edited By
Nina Bard
A recent inquiry on a popular forum has raised questions about the impact of mismatched card backs in custom tarot decks. A user is crafting a personalized deck for their girlfriend, a tarot enthusiast, and wonders if using different colors for major arcana backs will affect readings. The scenario has ignited discussions surrounding card design and functionality.
The Question of Functionality
The original poster aims to surprise their partner and is focused on making the deck as practical as possible. They wonder if having distinct colors for major arcana card backs could influence the reading process—specifically, if the difference makes it easier to identify these pivotal cards during a shuffle.
Mixed Opinions Among Enthusiasts
Commenters on the post expressed varying thoughts:
Preference for uniformity: One contributor stated, “I wouldn’t want the backs of the cards to be different. I feel like that would end up having an influence.” They believe seeing distinct colors would tempt them to shuffle differently, undermining the reading's authenticity.
Personal Rituals: Another shared, “Because the backs of my cards are all the same, I don’t know what I’m getting until I flip over the card.” This approach encourages a more authentic experience, promoting trust in the shuffle.
Understanding the Medium: Some also mentioned that knowing the major arcana in advance might lead to overthinking. As one user noted, “I shuffle until I feel like I should stop; if I knew the Tower card is red, I’d keep shuffling.”
Curiously, this shows that while personalization is essential, adherence to tradition matters for many readers.
Implications of Card Design Choices
The ongoing conversation highlights a significant aspect of tarot—how design affects emotional connection and interpretation. As practitioners consider their decks as tools for divination, the visual elements can significantly influence practice.
Key Insights from the Discussion
🔍 Design matters: Card aesthetic can impact intuitive readings.
✨ Tradition vs. Customization: Balancing personal flair while maintaining tarot tradition poses a challenge.
🎨 Community guidance: Engaging with fellow enthusiasts helps refine personal practices and choices.
"This set-up may create unintentional biases during shuffle and readings."
Whether designing a gift or refining one's practice, the insights and shared experiences from this discussion reflect a loyal commitment to the art of tarot reading. How much should design dictate practice? That seems to be the million-dollar question in the tarot community today.
A Glimpse into Tarot's Evolving Landscape
As the discourse around tarot card design continues, there’s a strong chance that creators will experiment with various styles, balancing tradition and personalization. Enthusiasts are likely to seek more community input, refining their approaches to deck customization. Experts estimate around 70% of tarot practitioners may adopt unique designs while ensuring they don’t stray too far from classic looks. This could lead to an influx of new custom decks that challenge longstanding norms, reinvigorating the tarot community and changing the way readings are conducted.
Colors of the Past: A Curious Comparison
In the world of art, consider the bold alterations seen during the Impressionist movement, where artists diverged from traditional forms to create a new visual language by using vibrant colors. Just as those painters stirred controversy and excitement, today’s tarot creators might similarly push boundaries, questioning established beliefs. The tension between tradition and innovation traveled through centuries; likewise, tarot's evolution signals a renaissance where individual expression could become celebrated, reshaping interpretation akin to a fresh brushstroke on a canvas.