#insect tarot

There happens to be another deck about bugs going on for the aptly named Insect Tarot by San Francisco-based game maker Loren Sherman. The deck is a fantastical take on different social subsets of insects, transformation, and growth. The face cards of the minor arcana relate to specific groups: bees, termites, wasps, and ants (cups/pentacles/swords/wands, respectively). It will be a 78-card fully illustrated deck in standard tarot size in a two part box, along with a 4″x6″ guide book that explains each of the cards, species, symbolism, and inspiration. The campaign is already fully funded on Kickstarter and continues until March 23rd!

Get the deck here!

Ace of Horns / Lanternfly (Pyrops whiteheadii)

Upright keywords: Breakthroughs, Concentration, New Ideas, Truth

Reverse keywords: Argument, Confusion, Hostility, Miscommunication

In nature, horns serve as tools of both defense and assertion. Each card within this suit exude sharpness of thought and piercing truth. The Ace of Horns betokens the pursuit of absolute clarity amid the swirling mists of confusion, unveiling truths obscured by uncertainty. Symbolizing the raw unyielding might of the mind, this card indicates a moment of revelation that guides us towards the light of understanding. As with all of the Aces, this card indicates a momentous step forward.

Lanternflies are known for their distinctive and elongated 'horn', which is actually an extension of their head. Sheathed within this hollow structure is a proboscis they use to pierce plants and feed on sap. Mirroring such precision, this card emphasizes the crucial role of mental acumen and astute decision making - championing reason as the pathway to triumphant breakthroughs.  

 Suggesting the seeker is on the cusp of a new understanding or a significant mental shift, the appearance of this card demands we slice through doubt, see things as they truly are, and approach situations with a clear and focused mind. Knowledge is the key to unlocking the shackles of ignorance and fear.

The Lesson Of This Card: "Clarity and truth illuminate the path I choose to follow."

The Big Bug Gospel Tarot is Live on Kickstarter!

Kickstarter relaunch on Oct 1st *pre-launch page here*

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

I believe invertebrates possess powerful inherent magic that is condemned to obscurity or derision by the irrational prejudices of society. The Big Bug Gospel is my homage to some of these lesser-known and underappreciated animals. This deck aims to weave their narratives into the classic themes of tarot, offering some new perspectives and insights to both seasoned readers and curious newcomers. Without resorting to judgmental ‘creepy’ stereotypes often associated with them, this deck is a celebration of life in all its forms, emphasizing that every creature, no matter how small or strange, has their own story and significance. We are living in a time where insect populations are rapidly declining - a phenomenon often referred to as the “insect apocalypse.” Numerous studies have documented dramatic decreases in both the abundance and diversity of insect species worldwide. This alarming trend is driven by habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, pollution, and the spread of invasive plant and animal species. It’s more important now than ever to shine a light on the fascinating lives of invertebrates; each and every one is infinitely worth knowing.

The Bug Bug Gospel reimagines the traditional 78-card Rider-Waite tarot deck, replacing the familiar human figures with a diverse menagerie of invertebrates. Each card features a different animal, carefully selected and illustrated to represent the card’s traditional meaning while bringing new depth and perspective to the intricacy of the most overlooked aspect of our living world.

[Image ID: A graphic with 5 card examples from an invertebrate themed tarot deck: a saturniid caterpillar on The Fool card, a common cockchaffer beetle on The Page of Antennae/Wands, a candy cane snail on The Knight of Shells/Cups, An earwig on the Queen of Horns/Swords, and a male fig wasp inside a fig on the King of Galls/Pentacles. The text says “Coming soon to kickstarter, Big Bug Gospel, 78 card tarot deck.” /End ID]

This Kickstarter is now live!

I believe invertebrates possess powerful inherent magic that is condemned to obscurity or derision by the irrational prejudices of society. The Bug Bug Gospel is my homage to some of these lesser-known and underappreciated animals. This deck aims to weave their narratives into the classic themes of tarot, offering some new perspectives and insights to both seasoned readers and curious newcomers. Without resorting to judgmental ‘creepy’ stereotypes often associated with them, this deck is a celebration of life in all its forms, emphasizing that every creature, no matter how small or strange, has their own story and significance. We are living in a time where insect populations are rapidly declining - a phenomenon often referred to as the "insect apocalypse." Numerous studies have documented dramatic decreases in both the abundance and diversity of insect species worldwide. This alarming trend is driven by habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, pollution, and the spread of invasive plant and animal species. It’s more important now than ever to shine a light on the fascinating lives of invertebrates; each and every one is infinitely worth knowing.

The Bug Bug Gospel reimagines the traditional 78-card Rider-Waite tarot deck, replacing the familiar human figures with a diverse menagerie of invertebrates. Each card features a different animal, carefully selected and illustrated to represent the card's traditional meaning while bringing new depth and perspective to the intricacy of the most overlooked aspect of our living world.

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I’m planning on starting up a kickstarter soon because if I can I’d rather print a batch of these in bulk so I don’t have to charge an arm and a leg to do print-on-demand.

🩷🧡💛💚🩵💙💜

🪲💚 The Giant Water Bug: A True Emperor 💚🪲

The giant water bug’s behavior is all about boundaries and strategic action. The male is a vigilant guardian, carrying his eggs on his back to protect them until they hatch. This powerful act of caregiving is a perfect reminder of The Emperor card’s essence—ensuring stability and safeguarding the future. It shows us that real leadership isn't about control, but about combining strength with care and compassion.

A true Emperor leads with wisdom and responsibility, just like this incredible bug. 💚

- Big Bug Gospel Tarot