Academic Tarot

The Academic Tarot is a unique 22-card Major Arcana deck, conceptualized and brought to life by Claire Chenette and the Visionary Futures Collective. Launched in 2020, the deck specifically addresses the anxieties, shifts, and new realities brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly within academic and student contexts. Each card in the Major Arcana is reinterpreted through a lens that speaks to contemporary struggles and insights, offering a reflective tool for navigating uncertain times.

The deck's creation by the Visionary Futures Collective suggests a collaborative and community-oriented approach, aiming to provide a relevant and resonant divination tool for its target audience. The themes are designed to be both holistic and intuitive, allowing readers to connect traditional tarot archetypes with modern-day experiences. The focus on the Major Arcana means the deck is intended for exploring overarching life lessons, spiritual journeys, and significant turning points rather than daily minutiae.

Physical details mentioned include a 3"x4" card size for the 22 Major Arcana cards, accompanied by a handmade storage bag. The campaign also offered a handmade cotton fabric tote bag with a "The Grad Student" print, indicating a strong thematic tie to student and academic life. The project's pricing tiers included an option for those in financial need, emphasizing its commitment to accessibility for students, the unemployed, and underpaid individuals.

This deck is ideal for students, academics, and individuals who experienced the COVID-19 era, particularly those seeking a reflective tool to process contemporary challenges. It appeals to those who appreciate a modern, thematic reinterpretation of the Major Arcana and value decks created with a strong sense of community and accessibility. It's also suitable for collectors interested in unique, niche tarot decks that capture specific cultural moments.

Claire Chenette, a GRAMMY-nominated musician, painter, and teacher, is the resident artist of the Visionary Futures Collective based in Knoxville, TN. Her diverse background in music and visual arts, combined with her role in the collective, informed the creation of the Academic Tarot. The project reflects her passion for art, teaching, and community, aiming to provide a meaningful tool for individuals navigating the complexities of modern life, especially during the pandemic.