The Brady Tarot: Natural History Meets The Esoteric

The Brady Tarot is a 78-card deck created by artist Emi Brady, designed to offer a tool for introspection and connection during times of change. Illustrated with hand-colored linocuts, the deck features birds, flora, and fauna native to North America, blending natural history with esoteric symbolism. Brady, who holds two degrees in Printmaking, brings a rigorous artistic approach to the project, aiming for accuracy in rendering species while imbuing the cards with animistic and archetypal imagery.

The deck's creation was driven by Brady's long-standing fascination with tarot, which began in her youth and deepened through serious study in her early twenties. She sought to create a deck that could facilitate a universal conversation and help individuals connect to deeper purposes. The project was launched on Kickstarter in late 2016, reflecting a desire to provide a grounding tool amidst global uncertainties. A significant aspect of the project is its commitment to conservation, with 10% of the deck's revenue dedicated to funding North American wildlife conservation in honor of John James Audubon.

Each card begins as a linoleum block, which is hand-carved, inked, and printed on a press. The resulting prints are then hand-colored with gouache before being digitally reproduced for the deck. This meticulous process ensures each card carries the unique texture and depth of traditional printmaking. The deck also includes a book authored by Rachel Pollack, a notable figure in the tarot community, enhancing its value as both a functional reading tool and a collectible art object.

This deck is ideal for tarot readers who appreciate traditional printmaking techniques and natural history aesthetics. It will appeal to those interested in North American wildlife, birdwatching, and botanical art, offering a unique blend of nature and esotericism. Experienced readers will find its connection to RWS symbolism familiar, while its distinctive artwork provides fresh interpretive layers. Collectors of art decks and individuals seeking a deck with a strong connection to nature and a commitment to conservation will also find it compelling.

Emi Brady, an artist with Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Printmaking, was captivated by tarot at thirteen. Her serious study began in her early twenties, leading to a decade-long desire to create her own deck. Inspired by John James Audubon's nature illustrations and her own dreams, Brady chose relief printing techniques to depict North American wildlife. She launched The Brady Tarot in late 2016, aiming to provide a tool for insight during uncertain times and to advocate for inner growth and wildlife conservation.