The Animism Tarot PDF
The Animism Tarot PDF
The Animism Tarot PDF
It was the beautiful artwork that first drew me to the world of tarot. Listen carefully to the sound of a young fool barreling along without a
Though I admired tarot symbolism, as a beginner, learning to read tarot was a care in the world. He may be a little naïve and impulsive, but he is confident,
personal struggle. I really wanted a deck that I could connect with easily, with positive, and full of potential. No matter what may lie ahead, he is ready to face
imagery that not only I felt comfortable with, but one that I could read the day. This is the start of something special.
intuitively. Then one day I tried my hand at my very first tarot painting, the
Animism Tarot came to life, and a challenge began to make this deck a reality. The Llama: tenacity, curiosity, steadfastness, joy, fortitude, impulsiveness
The term “animism” has many definitions. In the essence of this tarot, it is the
belief that everything in this physical world – animals, plants, everything that I. The Magician: The Coyote
surrounds us – has a spiritual center, and that these forces have their own
influences on the universe itself. Always at the heart of my artwork, animals The world moves with him as if he were manipulating the elements
have always held great symbolic meanings and it was natural that they quickly themselves. The solid earth comes alive, rising and falling under his every step.
became the focus of this tarot deck. This project involved a journey of Searing fire flickers around him, shining light onto the once dark path that lies
combining the right animal and tarot card together. The goal was to connect before him. Cooling water surrounds him, running faithfully by his side. The
the ones that shared the strongest symbolisms. Creating a strong, spiritual bond powerful wind flows and fills him with renewed energy. He is fully aware of all
between each animal and each tarot card was the key to this deck. The Animism that surrounds him, knowing where he needs to be and how to get there. He is
Tarot was definitely a challenge, but in the end everything fell into place. the trickster: the Magician.
This guide is not a tutorial on how to read tarot; however, the Animism Tarot is The Coyote: skill, cunning, power, instinct, transformation, action
based on traditional Rider Waite meanings which are readily accessible through
tarot books and tarot websites. Instead, these pages hold short stories
describing the brief encounters in each tarot painting along with helpful key II. The High Priestess: The Striped Owl
words associated with each animal that I hope will help develop further insight
between animal and tarot. Ultimately this tarot deck is all about how you see She draws power from the moon; she is the link between the conscious
the images laid before you. Feel the animal world’s influence in your readings. and the unconscious, seeing what few ever see. She is the insight and wisdom
Trust your instincts and let the animals and their interactions speak to you. found deep within. She is the light that rises from the shadows, the light that
Though this tarot was not painted with reversals in mind, those that would like shines into the dark, revealing all that is possible.
to read with reversals are always welcome to create their own interpretations.
The Owl: rebirth, knowledge, secrecy, foresight, intuition, inspiration
Reading tarot is a lifelong learning process, and I hope the Animism Tarot will
be able to assist new and seasoned readers alike. As I hope to grow and learn
with this deck myself, I hope that others will find a connection with it too. I III. The Empress: The Golden Tiger
want to thank everyone that has provided the most amazing feedback and
support every step of the way. I’ve really enjoyed this journey and I hope the She is life: the ground that supports us, the fire that warms us, the
cards find a place in your journey like they have, and will, in mine. trees that shade us, the food that nourishes us and the very air we breathe. She
is the waterfall roaring down, delighting all of our senses. She is gentle yet
Joanna Cheung fierce, beauty, energy and Mother Earth herself.
http://www.rainbowofcrazy.com
https://www.thegamecrafter.com/games/animism-tarot The Tiger: passion, delight, beauty, patience, loyalty, protection
IV. The Emperor: The Komodo Dragon VIII: Strength: The Lion and Carmine Bee-Eater
He reigns above the lands, where raw power roars all around him. He Ferocity and gentleness, freedom and control, passion and compassion:
has never known failure and never will. He is strength and might and as the there is a balance here, one that requires a delicate touch, one without fear,
ruler of his domain, a fire burns inside him: a passion to lead his world and to but with understanding. With balance, comes peace.
protect his kingdom.
The Lion: power, protection, courage, patience, wisdom, passion
The Dragon: strength, bravery, protection, wisdom, permanence, power,
The Bee-Eater: unity, family, tranquility, support, comfort, balance
Listen to the gallops, to the pure energy racing through the trees, XI: Justice: The Chimpanzee
moving through the chaos. He is the wind, shifting through space and time. He
is the battle to win the war; he is the journey: the road travelled and the Hands meet and fingers intertwine. Understanding is shared in a simple
obstacles ahead. He is the will, willing himself to triumph. touch, and the realization that what we choose to do from here on out will be
more important than we realize. This is the time to right wrongs, a time for
The Horse: strength, control, resilience, intuition, determination, victory change and balance. Things have become clear now.
Why he is suspended, why he watches in reverse, only he understands. Beware. Watch each step and be forewarned: one must tread
His reality might not make sense, but sometimes life needs to not make sense, cautiously here. So pause, and calculate each step carefully, because one wrong
and sometimes views must be shifted in order to achieve clarity. And so he move and everything will collapse, bringing with it a world of chaos.
holds on and on until he finds his release.
The Scorpion: truth, conflict, destruction, caution, deceit, aggression
The Opossum: patience, introspection, focus, courage, opportunity, creativity
The Raven: self-awareness, adaption, wisdom, truth, loss, passage The Ibis: imagination, brilliance, transformation, success, enlightenment,
passion
The Liger: fluidity, power, synthesis, vitality, balance, control The Rabbit: creativity, conception, intuition, deception, mischief, apprehension
XV. The Devil: The Brown Hyena XIX. The Sun: The Rooster
Welcome to chaos, temptation and hedonism. The darkness moves, the Darkness has passed, and now he can step into the light and feel the
wildness intrigues, but the stripes confine. But what is the devil, really, but a warmth of the sun. He observes the radiant sunflowers that reach up to the sky,
collection of fears luring everything into the shadows. He may have power, but flourishing in the nurturing light. Negativity melts away as he feels that blissful
he is not all powerful. He is not invincible. So be strong, and conquer him. glow fill his being with energy and strength. And he will share its joy, for it will
follow him wherever he goes.
The Hyena: power, morality, cunning, dominance, secrecy, tenacity
The Rooster: renewal, awareness, dignity, triumph, fertility, confidence
XX. Judgement: The Siamese Cat Ace of Wands: The Ram
His deep, knowing eyes meet those that seek him, seeing right through This is a new day, a day filled with new choices and new opportunities.
all the masks to reveal the truth. He sees those inner thoughts, virtues, and Feel the glow of the sun fill this land with renewed energy. Now is the time to
transgressions; yet he knows that there is still time for change, for release, and take that chance, climb that mountain, and be inspired by all lies ahead.
for healing, if only it is searched for from within.
The Ram: passion, power, opportunity, determination, confidence, courage
The Cat: protection, fortune, freedom, observance, wisdom, healing
The Happy Squirrel: ??? The Cougar: power, confidence, patience, independence, drive, perseverance
Confetti fills the glorious sky as they dance with delight. They have
journeyed through it all together, surviving a season of obstacles and turmoil
and now the sun can rise up to warm their hearts once again. They have made it
and it’s their time to celebrate.
There is no time to hesitate, and little time to prepare. Tensions are on He has endured more than anyone ever should, but he knows that he is
the rise and outside forces are moving in. He needs to take action. He needs to meant for so much more. He yearns for something greater, and he knows it’s
take hold of his fears. Grab them and take control. Defeat them. Destroy them. within his grasp. Though he is exhausted and weak, he will remain strong at
He can do this. He can win. He is ready. heart, and he will continue to fight until his last breath.
The Boar: chaos, war, courage, cunning, determination, endurance The Elephant: endurance, strength, dedication, remembrance, protection
He is on top of the world and this is his moment. He basks in all of his He has travelled for what has felt like an eternity in this vast, barren
power and triumph: he has been victorious. Pausing as the sun slowly sinks into land, but the journey seems impossible; this victory may be lost. With more on
the earth, he soaks in the last glorious moments of light and warmth and smiles. his shoulders than one should ever have to bear, he is alone and exhausted. But
He has made it. he carries on with quiet determination, willing himself to the finish line.
The Caracal: power, strength, independence, bravery, proficiency, drive The Camel: perseverance, patience, toil, arrogance, vitality, focus
Be wary, dear travelers: the road ahead is dark with peril. There will be He may be small, but his enthusiasm is anything but! Full of energy and
doubts and there will be fears, but there is no need to run. It’s time to face a passion for life, he knows opportunity when he sees it. He is now prepared to
those doubts; it’s time to overcome those fears. Rise up. Find that inner welcome the world and have all the experiences he can get his young hands on.
strength, take a stand and fight for those beliefs. Believe. Be ready. Triumph will Bring on adventure! He is ready for it!
come.
The Chinchilla: discovery, curiosity, communication, awareness, innocence,
The Hedgehog: confidence, courage, intelligence, resolve, passion, protection enthusiasm
Eight of Wands: The Black Mamba Snake Knight of Wands: The Cheetah
The wheels are in motion; everything has come together for this very Blink and you might miss him as he races through the land without fear
moment. This is not the time to stop and think. There is no time for or reserve. He is a force to be reckoned with: determined, experienced, brazen
contemplation. Now is the time to act. Now is the time to strike. and a little reckless, he is pure energy put into motion.
The Snake: energy, change, action, decisiveness, haste, foresight The Cheetah: focus, power, conviction, awareness, passion, courage
Queen of Wands: The Red Fox Ace of Cups: The Otter
Pure fiery energy burns within her. She will take on any challenge This is the first spark of wonder and delight. Don’t overlook it.
without hesitation, and she will always win with ease. She is as bright and as Welcome it. Cherish it. This is when the stars align perfectly. This is where
intense as the sun, bringing light and warmth to all that surrounds her with creative energies unite. This is the potential of creating something magical.
every graceful step. Greatness is born here.
The Fox: wisdom, adaption, passion, grace, bravery, determination The Otter: vigor, balance, joy, creativity, courage, inquisitiveness
He knows how to carry himself like the king that he is: full of fiery Maybe they are strangers, or perhaps they are old friends. But an
passion and drive. He knows how to make an entrance and get all eyes on him. encounter like this cannot just be coincidence. They were meant to be in this
He’s a natural born leader, instinctively taking charge and knows an opportunity spot, to meet at this time, in this place. There is something here, and this is an
when he sees it, staying focused and journeying through until the end. opportunity that can’t be missed.
The Bull: passion, authority, strength, energy, drive, confidence The Seal: creativity, affection, curiosity, joy, communication, discovery
Look around and be thankful: through thick and thin, this was a road
journeyed and conquered together. There were never any others better suited
for this perfect camaraderie. Rejoice. Now is the time of joy and celebration;
savour every moment of it.
Rain falls softly as he finds solace in the shadows. He mourns for his Every obstacle, every struggle, every moment has led up to this. Victory
losses, and there have been many. But as the rain starts to fade, the sun slowly has finally arrived, and she will relish in every drop of it. She knows that
rises. And he will soon realize that sometimes we have to walk in darkness and happiness is fleeting, and that every tomorrow will bring new difficulties to
sorrow before we can move on to the sunlight. overcome. But today, today is a good day, and she will count every single
blessing.
The Salamander: awareness, growth, adaption, faith, endurance, change
The Black Bear: courage, patience, strength, commitment, satisfaction,
resourcefulness
Six of Cups: The Deer
Remember those days, when times were simple? Remember that time Ten of Cups: The Mute Swan
when there was no hate or prejudice, that safe place of love and of pure
innocence. Keep that time close. Remember fondly, and revisit those feelings of The sun fills the sky with warmth above and the cooling waters flow
joy once again. below, creating a perfect balance in this world. Everything has fallen into place,
and everything feels right. This is where a family can prosper; this is where love
The Deer: innocence, compassion, insight, security, love, wonder and joy can be found.
Though the deep darkness surrounds him, he looks up to the sky filled Page of Cups: The Platypus
with shimmering colours and the swirling light opens his eyes to endless
possibilities. What path he follows will be up to him. Not every light is as bright He is young at heart, brimming with energy and promise. He closes his
as the next, but each streak is a journey, creating its own path along the eyes and dives in to the unknown. There is no hesitation; he is filled with delight
expansive sky. and anticipation and is ready to flow with the universe and feel its magic.
The Polar Bear: fearlessness, independence, intuition, courage, patience, The Platypus: curiosity, peace, intuition, opportunity, individuality, fluidity
balance
The Magpie: insight, revelation, discovery, courage, bravery, opportunity The Hippopotamus: insight, creativity, grace, adaption, healing, freedom
Queen of Cups: The Leatherback Sea Turtle Ace of Swords: The Bald Eagle
She rises and falls with the tides and knows how to take maneuver all Sometimes we must reach the highest mountain to see the world
that lies ahead. She flows as one with the universe: together they are intuitive, clearly. Find that inner strength, breathe, focus, and take it all in. Let the world
divine, and pure. She is healing and magic itself - a link to the unconscious realm speak. What we find may not be what we wanted, but it may be what we
and a mystery that graces this world. She is a gift filled with wonder, artistry, needed after all.
and love.
The Eagle: clarity, courage, intelligence, drive, growth, control
The Turtle: wisdom, tranquility, maturity, love, permanence, empathy
Darkness creeps in as warmth fades away into cold. This is not where
anyone should ever be. This is not how anyone should ever feel. Eyes close as
breathing slows. Soon the pain will be over, but the spirit will remain strong.
The seasons have not been easy, but the storm has passed and for the
moment, the sky is calm. It’s time to take pause, to close those eyes and relish
this moment of peace. Let down your guard and breathe. This is the time to
focus, rethink, and plan. There will be more storms ahead, and you must be
ready when they arrive.
As the cloudy waters return to its eerie stillness, for the moment, there Life has not been kind. Even under the blanket of the night, he must
is calm. But this was survival at all costs, and there was a high cost for triumph. slip further away into darkness. He must escape. He has suffered so much, and
Has danger passed, or is there still peril in the darkness ahead? Is this what he is so tired, neglected, and weary. Perhaps one day he can open his eyes to a
victory feels like? better dawn.
The Shark: dominance, power, fearlessness, drive, cunning, endurance The Bat: repression, darkness, fear, death, rebirth, insight
Six of Swords: The Adélie Penguin Ten of Swords: The Bearded Vulture
Be still, little one, and conserve your energy. You have suffered more This is it. This is what the end feels like: to be trapped, to be tired, to be
than anyone should, but you have endured, and you will become stronger for it. powerless. Be brave; lay down your arms. It’s time to accept this defeat, learn
So rest your head, and let time heal your wounds. The journey is almost over, from it, and welcome its mercy.
and your destination is close.
The Vulture: sacrifice, death, release, resurrection, patience, foresight
The Penguin: perseverance, drive, fortitude, tranquility, adaption, resilience
Raccoon: curiosity, courage, confidence, secrecy, discretion, transformation The Duck: honesty, grace, persistence, dexterity, change, adventure
He is alone. Alone and helpless, with one is around, his resolve is Blink and you might miss him. Slow down and you may never catch up.
fading. He knows that he is trapped, restrained by forces that he does not He is the knight on a mission, cutting through the air like a sword. He is action
understand. And understanding is key, because he will not find his freedom itself, quick physically as he is mentally. So focused that nothing can distract
until he understands that there is always a way out. He just needs to find it. him, he moves with the wind, blazing a trail few can follow.
The Octopus: drive, adaption, potential, intelligence, resolution, communication The Greyhound: action, dignity, loyalty, intuition, determination, intelligent
Queen of Swords: The Osprey Ace of Pentacles: The Scarab Beetle
Quick and fierce, she perches high above the world, glowing in all of her Breathe in the sweet scents of life. This is a new day, filled with
divinity. She is as cold as her blade and equally sharp. No obstacle will block her opportunity and delight. Be inspired by the beauty of this world. All that
path. No crisis can slow her down. She cuts through all deceptions and lies; she flourishes began as a tiny seedling in this earth; so plant your seed and take that
is too smart for such trivialities. There is no one better to lead her people, and first step towards richness that is so rightly deserved.
none that can match her skill.
The Scarab: creation, transformation, rebirth, growth, fortune, vitality
The Osprey: truth, authority, foresight, wisdom, diligence, action
It’s time to get to work! A mother guides her little ones as they build
their new home. Her children are young but eager and have much to learn.
Actions are followed and materials are passed through tiny hands, along with
knowledge, experience, and joy.
Don’t touch that. It’s mine. Every jewel surrounding him is a symbol of
his efforts that have paid off. These are his achievements. All of his hard work,
his investments, his security, his future, all of it lies before him. It’s his and his
alone. He does not plan on sharing any bit of it; so don’t get too close!
The world is crashing down all around them. Their dreams, their Welcome to his castle. Closing his eyes, he feels the warmth of the sun.
security, their very livelihood, everything is up in flames before their eyes, He can feel its glow filling him with pure energy. He takes in the air and feels the
clouding the sky with its destruction. But despite it all, they still have each wind surround him. He feels the water and earth at his feet, breathing with life
other. What has fallen will make way for new life; and so they push through to and sustenance. As he takes it all in, he knows that these are his victories. This
be there when it happens. is his kingdom. And he deserves every bit of it.
The Kiwi: truth, change, adaption, protection, endurance, communication The Moose: strength, confidence, determination, honour, dignity,
independence
The Plover: unity, insight, tranquility, reflection, creativity, resourcefulness The Zebra: family, balance, encouragement, solidarity, freedom, peace
The ground is still white, but the seasons are changing. He has endured He is young, bright eyed and energetic. Full of potential, he is a page with a
the harsh climates and it has not been easy. Every day has been a challenge but plan, and he is ready to take on the world and embrace its richness. He has
he forges ahead. And now he has survived; he can finally take pause and reflect prepared for this moment and he now knows what he must do to achieve his
upon his next move as he can finally welcome the warmth of a new day. dreams. This is his time to shine.
The Peacock: rebirth, confidence, victory, patience, resilience, devotion The Chipmunk: preparation, control, courage, independence, trusting, adaption
Water ripples outward as he pushes through the wave; he has found Steady and resilient, he has come a long way in life. He is a rock:
his calling. He now understands the value of hard work and perseverance. He unmovable physically, unyielding mentally, steadfast and strong. A practical,
toils away, not for notoriety or bragging rights, but for his own personal pride grounded Knight, he knows what to expect, how to prepare, and how to get
and achievement. He is focused. He can do it. things done.
The Beaver: dedication, drive, guidance, success, integrity, community The Rhinoceros: determination, wisdom, strength, stability, awareness,
endurance
Queen of Pentacles: The Alpine Cow
She is the queen of the earth, tending to the ground that she graces
with every step. She is balanced in life, understanding the value of hard work as
well as the importance of simple pleasures. She is comforting and gracious,
supportive and understanding, and she welcomes everyone with a warm heart,
ready to nurture and listen at a moment’s notice.
This king is a powerful force. Wise beyond his years, he is the ruler of
everything that lies before him. Though he enjoys his material wealth - he
knows that he has rightly deserved every drop of glory that has ever touched
his skin - more important is his spiritual wealth as he remains compassionate
and giving, dedicating himself to all those in need.