In a world marked by uncertainty and upheaval, Adrienne Elise Tarver’s Manifesting Paradise Tarot Deck emerges as a beacon of creativity and reflection. Launched via Kickstarter, this project intricately weaves themes of Black female identity, resilience, and the allure of the tropics into a unique tarot experience.
The Manifesting Paradise project began in 2020, during a tumultuous year overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement. For Tarver, creating tarot-inspired imagery became a powerful means of exploring hope and the potential for progress amidst chaos. The result is a stunning collection that not only serves as a tarot deck but as a work of art—each card handmade using a blend of ink, oil pastels, and colored pencils on watercolor paper.
This deck is a culmination of four years of artistic endeavor. Each card features lush, warm colors that transport the viewer to a paradise deeply rooted in the narratives of the Black diaspora. Tarver’s commitment to artistic excellence is evident; each deck will be signed and numbered, making it a collectible item for enthusiasts and art lovers alike.
“The entire Manifesting Paradise project encompasses original works on paper, video installations, tapestries, and collaged murals, which have been exhibited nationally,” Tarver explains. “Now, I’m excited that the finished deck will finally be available to everyone.”
The Manifesting Paradise Tarot Deck comprises 78 cards, including the 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana, reimagined through the lens of a Black female protagonist. The Major Arcana chronicles a journey of self-realization, while the Minor Arcana is categorized into suits of Air, Water, Earth, and Fire—reflecting the deck’s intrinsic connection to the natural world.
For instance, the Major Arcana follows the Fool’s journey, inviting users to engage with the transformative lessons inherent in each card. Meanwhile, the Minor Arcana is designed with a focus on elemental energies and personal growth, showcasing levels of knowledge through the face cards: Student, Seeker, Sage, and Scholar.
The Kickstarter campaign offers a variety of rewards for backers, ensuring that supporters can engage with the project at multiple levels. For as little as $5, backers can attend a Virtual Artist Talk with Tarver, gaining insight into the creative process behind the deck. Higher tiers include options such as a signed edition of the tarot deck, a Major Arcana poster, and even personalized readings conducted by Tarver herself.
Tarver’s work transcends traditional tarot readings, embracing a broader dialogue about identity and heritage. “Reading with the Manifesting Paradise Tarot Deck involves delving into rich symbolism and trusting your intuition,” she emphasizes. This unique approach allows users to connect with ancestral knowledge and reflect on personal narratives, making each reading a transformative experience.
To learn more about the campaign and to support this meaningful project, visit www.manifestingparadisetarot.com. Your support will help bring this vision of beauty and resilience to life, inviting all to share in the journey of manifesting paradise.
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