This bright, colourful tarot deck is for all the cat lovers amongst you:
This kickstarter has now been funded. To pre-order the deck, please click here -
Where in the world do you call home?
Currently Las Vegas near Red Rock Canyon. It is beautiful here and I love to spend time in the mountains and canyons. I’ve found that when people find out I live in Las Vegas they think I live next to the casinos, but there are very peaceful, non-gambling areas here. And I don’t gamble. Haha. Though I’ve enjoyed living here I’ll be moving back to Los Angeles where I’m originally from. With everything going on in the world I want to be closer to family and friends.
What was your first experience with tarot and when did you fall in love with it?
I grew up in a Catholic family. When I was young, I remember my Mom talking about tarot cards and I was told to stay away from them with no explanation why or what they were. I was the youngest of 4 children, my siblings were 10, 11, and 12 years older than me and I loved to sneak into their rooms while they were out to see all the cool stuff that I never got to touch if they were home. I was around 10 when I found a Rider-Waite tarot deck in my sister's dresser. I thought the cards were so neat and I would look at them whenever I had a chance. That is where my fascination with the tarot began and I still love the classic Rider-Waite deck. I have studied symbolism, archetypes and esoteric subjects ever since.
What made you want to create this deck? What was your inspiration?
I have been a graphic designer for years working for other people. I’ve always wanted to have my own business designing for myself and making my own products with a focus on things I’m passionate about, art, tarot, and handmade goods. I started with a fun cat theme because I feel like we need as much cheer as possible during these strange times. Also, I LOVE CATS! Even though the imagery in this deck is light and fun I used the Rider-Waite symbolism as a guide.
Aside from your own deck, do you have a favourite deck? If so, which one?
Well, clearly I love the Rider-Waite deck. Haha. I have quite a few decks and have multiple favorites. A few are The Jungian Tarot, Golden Dawn Magical Tarot and Dali Tarot (the artwork is beautiful).
Do you have a favourite card (either from your deck or just the card in general). If so, why is it your favourite?
My favorite card from my deck is The Devil. It makes me smile as I made him look a bit like a potato. In general, I have always loved The Hermit card. It makes me feel like magick is afoot.
What have been your challenges in creating this deck?
It took more time than I thought it would but it has been so much fun and a great learning experience. This project reminded me that I can reach goals and get through tough times.
What is one thing you really want people to know about this deck?
I want people to know it was made with love and respect for the tarot and I hope they enjoy using and sharing it.
You have kept to traditional rider-waite symbolism – how difficult was it to combine with the cat theme?
Cats have so much personality and I think they are naturally intuitive and magical so I found it relatively easy. The symbolism isn’t perfect, I was trying to capture the spirit of the Rider-Waite deck more than anything.
How will you celebrate when your deck is finally published?
That’s a great question! I haven’t thought of that until now! I’m not against opening a bottle of Prosecco. :)
What is on offer for people who pledge?
The available rewards on Kickstarter are one or two decks. One deck is $35, two are $65. There were some monetary goals that were hit so if you make a pledge for a deck/decks you also get 3 Blooming Cat postcards, a PDF guidebook with color images and a tarot pouch.
To get you hands on one of these unique decks, pre-order here: