SEAMS TAROT

The SEAMS Tarot, an acronym for Southeast Asian Myths and Stories Tarot, is a collaborative project bringing together various artists from the diverse cultures of Southeast Asia. Organized by Singapore-based tarot reader Rowen, this 80-card deck aims to infuse the traditional tarot system with rich narratives and imagery drawn from the region's folklore and spiritual traditions. The project, though unsuccessful in its initial Kickstarter funding in 2021, represents a significant effort to create a culturally specific tarot deck.

The deck was designed with card specifications including 70x120mm dimensions, printed on 330gsm high-quality art paper with matte finishing and rounded corners. A key feature for the limited edition tiers was gold leaf printing on the card backs and gold embossed edges, indicating a premium production quality. The accompanying booklet, ranging from 150 to 200 pages, was designed to be compact (70x120mm) with a color printed cover and black and white interior pages, providing guidance for interpreting the unique imagery.

This deck stands out for its commitment to cultural representation, offering a fresh perspective on tarot that moves beyond Western-centric symbolism. By drawing on the myths and stories of Southeast Asia, it provides a unique lens for self-reflection and divination, appealing to readers interested in exploring different cultural frameworks within their tarot practice. The collaborative nature of the project also highlights the diverse artistic talents within the region, promising a varied and rich visual experience.

This deck is ideal for tarot enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate culturally specific decks and are interested in Southeast Asian folklore, mythology, and art. It would appeal to readers seeking to diversify their tarot practice with non-Western perspectives and those who value collaborative art projects. Experienced readers looking for a unique, thematic deck that still adheres to a recognizable tarot structure would find this particularly engaging.

Rowen, the organizer of the SEAMS Tarot project, is an experienced tarot card reader and the organizer of the Singapore tarot meetup since 2008. He is also the Chairperson of the Tarot and Cartomancy Association (Singapore) and the author of the book "Tarot in an Hour." His philosophy emphasizes present-moment awareness, stating, "When people consult me, it's not that I'm reading the future; I am guessing at the future. Based on the omens of the present. If you pay attention to the present, you can improve upon it, what comes later will also be better."