Tarot & Art

Numerous artists have been inspired by the mysterious and mystical elements of Tarot cards and the occult. One renowned artist who incorporates these themes heavily in her work is the influential surrealist painter, Remedios Varo. Another notable figure is Austin Osman Spare, who used his art to explore esoteric subjects such as spirit possession and astral projection. Contemporary artists like Colette Miller, known for her “Angel Wings Project,” and Marjorie Cameron, whose work is often compared to that of Aleister Crowley, have also demonstrated their fascination with the occult and spirituality through their artwork.

Tarot is a visual language that has been used by esoteric practitioners for centuries, allowing them to communicate with each other and the divine. The intricate and symbolic imagery of tarot cards provides a rich landscape for artists to explore and contribute to this language. The interaction of art and esoteric practice is seen in the unique interpretations of the Tarot that arise from the artwork of different artists. By exploring this visual language, artists bring new perspectives and dimensions to the practice of divination and spiritual exploration.

Tarot and color philosophy have a deep connection as each tarot card is associated with a specific color. The colors have different meanings and significance that help to convey the message of the card. For instance, the Fool card is associated with yellow, which symbolizes new beginnings, optimism, and freshness. Similarly, the High Priestess card is associated with blue, which symbolizes intuition, spirituality, and connectedness. The color philosophy of Tarot helps to enhance our understanding and interpretation of the cards, creating a holistic experience for the user.

The cards serve as a visual language for man's need for visual response, with color being a crucial element in stimulating the brain through imagery. The psychology of color plays a significant role in this aspect, with different colors evoking distinct emotions and affecting moods. This illustrates the power of visual stimuli in shaping human perception and responses, making oracles a remarkable tool in communication and predicting the future.

Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Björk, Lana Del Rey, and Florence + the Machine are some of the artists who are heavily influenced by tarot and the occult. Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page is known for his extensive collection of tarot cards and his fascination with Aleister Crowley. David Bowie incorporated occult symbolism in his lyrics and album artwork, particularly during his Ziggy Stardust era. Björk has referenced Tarot in her music videos and album art. Lana Del Rey incorporates tarot imagery in her music videos and album artwork, while Florence + the Machine's Florence Welch has said in interviews that she regularly consults Tarot cards for songwriting inspiration.