In the traditional Tarot deck this card is called "Judgment" and pictures the Archangel Gabriel up in the clouds blowing his trumpet, and below on the Earth the dead are rising from their graves. In the Tarot sequence this card stands for leaving the old life behind, shedding old habits and old mistakes that hold us back, retard our growth, like a snake shedding its skin. So you can see why I picked this image. I didn't want to use the old religion-specific title, though; being based on Jungian archetypes and theory, I didn't want to tie the card to a specific culture. I chose "Independence" to refer to the state described by the symbolism.I decided that Bob Marley's "Redemption Song", all about triumphing over the past and moving forward, was perfect for this card. And especially this version from the Playing for Change people, incorporating musicians from all over the world as well as contributions from Bob's son Stephen and old footage of Bob Marley himself performing this song. It's a great tribute to a great man and an appropriate reflection on the meaning of the card. Enjoy!
Artwork, photo, and text © 2011 by A. Roy Hilbinger
It's always fun to see your hand-made tarot cards. I like the symbolism of shedding the old skin. Nice.
ReplyDeleteCool, Roy! I like your take of the card. A snake shedding its skin fits perfectly. It's interesting how you make these your own...
ReplyDeleteI quite like the interplay between the words judgement and independence : for without the latter the former is meaningless.
ReplyDeleteSo Many Fear 'Change' .Yet,Your Right Roy, Tis Good to shed the skin & Move on.
ReplyDelete+ A Great Stonking Tune!