Savage Divination : a Bestial Tarot

Savage Divination: a Bestial Tarot is a 78-card deck that explores the profound spiritual connection between humanity and the animal kingdom. Created by self-taught artist Victoria Leptailurus Gannon, the deck draws inspiration from global myths, legends, and folklore to assign animal archetypes to traditional tarot meanings. Each card is intended to highlight the similarities between animal characteristics and human personalities, offering a unique lens through which to interpret the tarot.

The project, though ultimately unfunded on Kickstarter in 2013, showcased a vision for a deck where creatures like the crafty Coyote embody the Ace of Wands, representing the spark of creation and the gift of fire, while the powerful Lioness stands as The Empress, symbolizing nurturing strength and provision. The artist aimed to create a deck that was both deeply symbolic and visually engaging, allowing readers to connect with the primal wisdom of the animal world.

Gannon's detailed illustrations, which she estimated would take 15-20 hours per card, were designed to be suitable for high-quality prints, indicating a commitment to artistic depth and visual richness. The deck was conceived as a tool for self-exploration and understanding, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary insights into animal behavior and human psychology.

The artwork is characterized by a vibrant, painterly style with rich textures and expressive animal portraits. The color palette is diverse, ranging from the warm, golden tones of the lion in 'Strength' to the iridescent blues and greens of the peacock in 'The Star,' and the fiery oranges and deep blues of the coyote in 'The Ace of Wands.' Each animal is rendered with a sense of majesty and personality, often set against atmospheric or symbolic backgrounds. The detail in the fur, feathers, and eyes suggests a meticulous approach, aligning with the artist's statement that each card takes significant time to complete. The overall aesthetic is both mystical and grounded, with a strong emphasis on the inherent power and symbolism of each creature.

This deck is ideal for animal lovers, those interested in animal symbolism, mythology, and folklore, and readers who appreciate richly illustrated, non-traditional tarot decks. It appeals to individuals seeking a deck with a strong connection to nature and primal energies, and those who enjoy exploring the parallels between human and animal archetypes. Experienced tarot readers looking for a visually unique deck that still aligns with traditional RWS meanings will find it particularly engaging.

Victoria Leptailurus Gannon, a self-taught artist with a deep love for animals, conceived Savage Divination after nearly a decade of contemplating a tarot deck. Her journey began with idle thoughts that evolved into sketches and then detailed paintings, driven by her passion for tarot imagery and animal symbolism. She aimed to dedicate herself fully to the project, intending to drop hours from her professional baking job if the Kickstarter had been successful, to ensure the completion of all 78 highly detailed cards.