Cards for Change: The Tarot for Social Transformation

For some years an idea has been rattling around my head. Can we create stories of a positive future, a vision worth aspiring to? I see a world in Transition, with forces pulling in multiple directions. Some desire greater control, or would maintain their interests, others work to distribute resource and equalise opportunity. But there is little in the way of vision. However what I have alway struggled with is how to weave multiple narratives. The Tarot (or simply cards) offers the opportunity for multiple narratives and even exploration of new narratives through a shuffle of the cards and engaging the imagination. Note: Whilst the Tarot is our launch point for exploration, Cards for Change may further evolve as the prototype develops.

For some the Tarot will seem an unusual vehicle for exploring these stories. But I urge you to set aside your stereotypes and prejudices as I have, and consider the below as one means of mapping the landscape of our emergent future and a launch point for further discussion.

We are co-creating a Tarot for Social Transformation, and we invite you to contribute.

The idea at it’s core is to collect the Archetypes, Behaviours, Technologies, and Memes that are Transforming our world, and to use them to build a story of Positive Social Transformation. As well as telling this story the cards can be used for Brainstorming, Forecasting, Generating new lines of intellectual inquiry, and mapping change within your community.

Why the Tarot?

The Tarot has at it’s core a story of Personal Transformation – the Fools Journey. The Archetypes the Fool meets and events that befall the Fool on his way result in his personal growth and spiritual transformation. Despite this linear narrative however, the shuffling of the cards, or conscious use, combined with the opportunity for interpretation of the images, allows for multiple narratives and paths to emerge. The cards offer a point of provocation for us to create patterns and pathways for Social Transformation.

Many stories are being told of our future. These Meta Narratives are mostly either of Technological Salvation, Financial Collapse, Ecological Destruction, or outright Armageddon. It is necessary for us to find new stories, stories that are both positive and inclusive if we are to create a world worth inhabiting.

The Tarot offers a good working structure to help create new narratives and explore these in a distributed and non-linear manner. The associated rituals also provide a fun and meaningful framework for telling stories of our future.

The final deck will be offered for download under a cc-by license and maybe printed and offered for sale, however if you do profit from the cards and their use, please donate a portion of the profits you consider to be fair towards a socially beneficial project of your choosing.

The final deck will not be edited or curated by us, where cards are duplicated you can choose which you want to include. You may also choose to exclude cards, although first we invite you to consider carefully how you would interpret the card, and if it should really be excluded from the deck (as an example when I saw the “Castration for Rape” card I had a strong urge to remove it, my wife pointed out it was created by an Indian Woman. The card now represents for me Mob Justice, Violent Retaliation, Oppression of Women, Violence Against Women and a whole host of complex interconnected social issues that should not be ignored in any transition narrative – we must recognise the dark sides of our nature if we are to embrace the light).

So please contribute to the discussion by:

Download and print the template, or upload into a draw program (although we would rather you engage your hands).

Create a card – please only draw in black and white (for some consistency of aesthetics).
You may create your own Archetypes, Behaviors, Technologies, Memes, or anything else you consider necessary for consideration in the path to a better future.
If you wish to use the existing tarot for a launch point, generate a random card here, consider it’s meaning and how it translates to social transformation.

Finally send us your card here and we’ll add to the deck, feel free to share online #cards4change

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Note: We have prototyped this exercise at DMY with mixed results, you can find the first cards here (we will clean up for deck printing later). I would like to see more archetypes relating to real world archetypes, and emerging trends in the deck, but some are already a good start.

See gallery below.

My sample card, Admittedly a little lazy, but then what is more representative of an open space than a blank card. An opportunity, and invitation, a bare structure containing the freedom to create. An Open Space, by Jay Cousins Inspired by ‘The Fool’ “An Open Space is filled with potential, the most exciting things happen when people meet unmanaged and unfacilitated, when they engage and learn from one another in the gaps. Open Spaces are not planned, they just create the opportunity for something to happen, like a circle of dancers at a disco inviting play in the space in between. The Future is an Open Space, we cannot plan for it, we can only adapt as it emerges, and clarify our intent.”

The Journey, by Chia-Yu, Tsai Inspired by ‘The Fool’ “The Journey is like surf, follow the wave, and make your own story!!”

Understanding, by Sophia Mühling Inspired by ‘The Fool’ “The essence of loving and learning is to understand each other worldwide.”

Designer by MILLCIA MESTEROVIC Inspired by ‘The Magician’ “It doesn’t just take the will to do the right things, the designer should also consider social, economical, aesthetical aspects. Always improving his craft…”

The Hacker by Jay Cousins Inspired by ‘The Magician’ “The hacker can read how the world works, this understanding of how things work gives him power over it. Reality is his to shape, to adapt to his will.”

High Priestess by Jessie Inspired by ‘The High Priestess’ ” Imagine you can fly. But you already have wings. They are just where you need them. Within you. Along with you sight that can see above the real or fantastic world out to the seas and the skies.”

Intuition + Guidance, by REBECCA LOOS Inspired by ‘The High Priestess’ “High priestess, there to guide, use your intuition to use the tools you are given to your best and most efficient ability. Trust your gut that somethings that happen to you that you may think are ‘bad’ are actually there to show you change, to bring you back to your path. They are not there particularly to be bad but a chance for transformation but no matter which path you take it will lead you where you need to be, some night be longer + have different experiences but you will come out with the knowledge that is needed for future parts of your life, to share with others in the world. And they can also share theirs. With all this new knowledge we could build a better world.”

Never Ending Source of Power, by NOTKER Inspired by ‘The High Priestess’ “ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND THAT YOU ARE ONLY HERE FOR A LIMITED PERIOD OF TIME. NATURE WILL REMAIN. SO DO NOT MESS WITH IT, BUT REMEMBER TO CARE IT RESPECTFULLY –THEN IT WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH WHATEVER YOU WILL NEED.”

Self-Knowledge, by DUTIER CELINE Inspired by ‘The High Priestess’ “The High Priestess is about intuition and knowledge.. For me, I see it more like “self-knowledge”. You have every tools you got (from your birth; your qualities,…) but yet you cannot love yourself 100%. That is my biggest flaw.. You have to accept everything about you, about what makes you; and then and only then you’re gonna blow like a flower. I believe that if everyone could come to this point, then our world will be more tolerant, open-minded and “lovable”  no WAR  nice,…”

Nature, by Lisa Inspired by ‘The Empress’ “Follow your nature, don’t get distracted by society.”

Balance, by Azin Inspired by ‘The Emperor’ “Find a balance between being dreamy, creative, patient and being brave & alert.”

Capitalism, by Unknown Inspired by ‘The Emperor’

HIEROELOPHANT, by Geert-Jan Inspired by ‘The Hierophant’ “MEDIA IS GOD AND THE ONLY REAL POWER OF THIS TIME”

Love, by Anahita Alicadeh Inspired by ‘The Lovers’

Universe of Essence, by Narmada Ramakrishna Inspired by ‘The Lovers’ “Lovers are not two entities or “selves” in separation but a self-less awareness of your essence which is the same and universal in every being. Once we are connected to this essence you are not loved or love someone else but love itself.”

Courage of a Lioness, by Zeinab Kamal Inspired by ‘Strength’ “The lioness is a person who takes a rest every now and then to redefine her passions in life; which gives her the courage to carry on with what she believes in. And so she is naturally able to put a lot of loving energy and strength in whatever she does. When needed to keep her flame going, the Lioness knows how to claim what she deserves in return for her efforts.”

White Stars, by Blanca Inspired by ‘Strength’ “The white bright stars bring light and power in the world.”

The Way to the Luck, by Amelie R. Inspired by ‘Strength’ “On the card is a way to the Luck “

The Designer, by BALAND Soleyanne Inspired by ‘The Hermit’ “I think in your XXI century the character of the Hermit could be transpose, existing through the designer. Because in now days there are us. Who think about the world and the society. I think they have the same reflexion than THE HERMIT, and their purpose is to looking after people and give happiness and facility in life through the object they create. It’s just more material & less spiritual.”

Balance, by HEINER BENKING Inspired by ‘Justice’ “Balance across and along all sectors and scales: times, cultures, magnitudes, mindsets make justice, responsibility; peace; harmony,…”

Castration for Rape, by GUNEET FAUR BHATIA Inspired by ‘Justice’ “In a society when a women is being raped every minute, her voice striking the closed doors, what justice should she seek. A life long imprisonment, few years in a rehabilitation center, or maybe castration. But what does she get? A dark corner of the room.”

Journey, by Unknown Inspired by ‘Justice’

Justice, by Seulki Lee Inspired by ‘Justice’ “My tarot card is ‘Justice’ and it means to me, I don’t know my way is right or wrong. But I try to be balance and keeping my journey (trip) of my life.”

Justine, by Catherine Inspired by ‘Justice’ “Justice is an old lady with a big big eye on her forehead so she can see everything and a big big heart so she can feel everything.”

Peace, by Lia (7 years old) Inspired by ‘Justice’ “EVERYBODY IS LIVING IN THE PARK. THE SUN IS SHINING. THE WORLD IS IN PEACE”

Air Guitar Player, by Zimmermann Inspired by ‘The Hanged Man’ “The air-guitar player goes everyday for one hour to a central place and plays totally passionate air guitar. He shows people that unusual behavior is possible & not that risky as people might think. The air guitar points to your imagination – think of something that is not there & start believing in it.”

Contemplation Offline No Interruptions, by Cara Inspired by ‘The Hanged Man’ “Take a moment away from the constant stream of information.. You are complete as you are. All of the answers are within. Just take time to reflect on what you already know…”

Refocuse, by Jona Inspired by ‘The Hanged Man’

The skinny man eat too much, by Philip Inspired by ‘The Hanged Man’

Death, by DAN STEIN Inspired by ‘Death’ “Honoring that we all come from the same Source and that individualism is a result/ possible of the beauty and/ strength of /support of the Earth below our feet the root bear the fruit.”

Endurance, by Hyona Inspired by ‘Death’ “Under the sea, waiting to get rescued; it’s been so long to wait. Now, it’s time to find my own way to survive. I don’t know how to get out but there is Little light.. I feel scared… but I have to follow and see.”

Dialogue, by Unknown Inspired by ‘Temperance’

Harmony, by Clémentine Jinliee Colette Inspired by ‘Temperance’ “Inside me, I often feel there are two sides that are so different and are often in conflict. There is a constant fright and (fail to bridge the two. If there is one connecting element that I can find, that will help connect the two, I think I can find better harmony and peace in myself.”

Temperance, by Cara Inspired by ‘Temperance’

Within, by Krishan Jagota Inspired by ‘Temperance’ “Dear friend, it’s time to ‘be’ and reflect on your actions & build new thoughts. The answers to all your questions lie within your conscience. There, you will find joy sourced from creativity, leading to love, gratitude, awareness & bliss.

Freedom, by ANNA BöHNKE Inspired by ‘The Devil’ “Do you always have a free decision?”

The Sun, by Unknown Inspired by ‘The Devil’

Kunst Tower, by Mica Inspired by ‘The Tower’ “The Kunst tower that I used to believe and also build is burning down with people inside unable to escape. On the top there is a mirror representing themselves and revealing the truth.”

The Height, by CANEL Pauline Inspired by ‘The Tower’ “Actually, skyscrapers are more and more height in order to welcome lot of people. It’s magnificent.”

Dissolution & New Emergence, by Naho Iguchi Inspired by ‘The Moon’ “You are the child of the moon. Your role is to shed a light in the darkness and draw a clear bright line to the emerging world. In this process, you should be patient and persistent until a gigantic mountain is dissolved and a melting drop touches to the bottom. The drop will eventually generate a water current and become an abound pond. The pond reflects a rainbow.”

Night with dream, by KAUSTAV MAJUMDAR Inspired by ‘The Moon’ “The journey is about dream. We all have lot of dreams in our mind. And those dreams come at night. A night if you design and hold the balloon as long as you want. The balloon has everything. It is your wish how you want to hold it and how long you will hold it so the dream comes true.”

The Roots, by Adriana Verhagen Inspired by ‘The Moon’ “Our roots are deeply seated. They guide our direction. Sometimes we are unaware and loose the conscious of our roots, then we might doubt our origins & directions. We must learn to guide the growth of our roots & flowers through nurture of constructive feelings.”

Unconscious Feelings, by Alice Ponsoy Inspired by ‘The Moon’ “The moon is sometimes fully seeable but, like our unconscious feelings, it hides a large part of itself most of the time.”

SHINE ∞, by IGOR STANGLICZKY Inspired by ‘The Sun’ “SHINE THRU; SHINE ON; SHINE YOUR OWN DELIGHTFUL ENERGY AND MAKE YOUR WAY THRU ANY SITUATIONS YOUR LIFE PATH MAY CONFRONT YOU WITH. SHINE INDEFINITE.”

Sunny Son, by MAX Inspired by ‘The Sun’ “We grow to THE SUN.. By the warm light. A son embraces naivety and everything else. The Sunny Son’s solution is a smile.”

Sunny, by Andrea Inspired by ‘The Sun’

Eternal Vision, by David Buttn Inspired by ‘Judgment’ “NSA…..”

The Smile, by Valentina Burtrago G. Inspired by ‘Judgment’ “The smile gives you the confidence and the support you need to start or continue your projects. Shows you that there is never a bad decision in life. “

Facettes, by Jean SENECAL Inspired by ‘The World’ “I think that each one have two or more “faces”. Some we let everyone see, and others more personal, on secret. Maybe this card is really personal for me. But I think it can allow people to think about who they are, and what kind of person they are. (going really far >->).”

The Worlds, by Chris Inspired by ‘The World’ “The worlds are all interconnected A systems with mutual influence. The interconnectedness is endless and universal. In order to understand the world, you need to understand all of them – and the other way around!”

The Avant Guardian is inspired by this podcast about Clyde Casey. Casey for many years acted as a surrealist bouncer outside a theater in LA. He kept away the bad energy, by engaging with hate and potential violence from a completely different paradigm, mentally and emotionally disarming would be aggressors from a point of surreal humour and an altered reality. Other examples of Avant Guardians include Chip Guy, and Standing Man. Avant Guardians change the narrative, they show that violence need not always be met with violence in order to neutralise aggression (in fact one could argue it only ever increases it and at most internalises and delays a future violent outburst). Instead the Avant Guardian shifts the field of play entirely bringing the aggressors into a different frame of engagement where their behaviour feels out of place and ridiculous.

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Update: New additions and second event

It was our pleasure to participate in a festival at Klien Hundorf, a small community in North Germany. You know you’re in Paradise when the food served is picked from plants within 5 minutes walking distance. There weren’t so many participants, but those that did were worth it. See below for the latest additions.

Violence and Aggression behave like Viral Epidemics. We must be aware of how aggressive energy spreads and ensure that we are not hosts.

The Avant Guardian is inspired by this podcast about Clyde Casey. Casey for many years acted as a surrealist bouncer outside a theater in LA. He kept away the bad energy, by engaging with hate and potential violence from a completely different paradigm, mentally and emotionally disarming would be aggressors from a point of surreal humour and an altered reality. Other examples of Avant Guardians include Chip Guy, and Standing Man. Avant Guardians change the narrative, they show that violence need not always be met with violence in order to neutralise aggression (in fact one could argue it only ever increases it and at most internalises and delays a future violent outburst). Instead the Avant Guardian shifts the field of play entirely bringing the aggressors into a different frame of engagement where their behaviour feels out of place and ridiculous.

Card picked: The Fool Card name: Der Aufgang ist das Ende, oder Die Erste is die lette Description: The First one is the last one is the first one…. That’s the circle of life. The (things) life comes and go and you and you start, if you stop and if it is finish it starts and so on… Love!!!

Name: Manu Card Name: Chalice of Trees Creating a safe space for change to happen. Your role is not to act or think. Your role in the world is to hold and leave space at the same time. Connect therefore to the earth, stick your roots deep into the ground, your intuition will shine and guide the way to our collective liberation. May all beings be happy, loving and in peace.

Without Darkness there is no Light. Being alone does not mean being lonely. You have you: your biggest love. Be love, just Be. Loving, pure, honour the child in you, be thankfull, know that all is one, all is love, be love. XXX

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Update. At present the project is on hiatus, whilst I focus on Betabook.co.

We’ve collected at least 20 additional cards to process. Here’s a couple.

Stewardship, by Lauren Lapidge

Who are the stewards of the future?

Who is responsible for the resources of the future?

What can we learn about the past and now on ‘stewardship’?