The Hidden Worlds: A Journey Through Tarot Card Back Designs

Tarot cards, with their potent imagery and rich symbolism, offer windows into the unseen realms. But what about the backs, often hidden from view? Believe it or not, these seemingly simple designs hold stories of their own, reflecting the deck's theme and enriching the reading experience.

 

Let's delve into the diverse world of tarot card back designs, using specific decks as vibrant examples:

 

Popular Types Of Tarot Card Back Designs

 

1. Classic Tarot Card Back Designs

 

1) Symbolic:

 

 

Many decks stick to traditional symbols like the sun, moon, stars, or astrological signs, often intertwined with geometric patterns or borders.

 

For example, the back of the Universal Waite Tarot features a vibrant blue background adorned with interwoven symbolic elements. A prominent gold sun rests at the top, radiating outward. Below it, a silver crescent moon cradles a single white star. Four astrological signs, representative of the suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles), are positioned within the design.

 

The imagery on the back of the Universal Waite Tarot Deck draws on a rich tapestry of symbolism. The sun represents masculine energy, consciousness, and enlightenment. The moon reflects feminine energy, intuition, and the subconscious.

 

The single star signifies unity, guidance, and hope. The astrological signs connect the cards to the cycles of the cosmos and the influence of the elements. The interwoven design emphasizes the interconnectedness of these various symbols.

 

2) Floral:

 

 

Flowers have long been associated with symbolism and meaning across cultures. Their beauty and delicate nature can represent the unseen forces at work in the universe.

 

The colors used in the floral designs also play a role in the symbolism. Soft pastels can create a gentle and calming feel, while bright and vibrant colors can add a sense of energy and excitement.

 

For instance, the back of the Universal Celtic Tarot Deck by Floreana Nativo creates a sense of balance and harmony. The green background color is associated with vibrant nature, growth, and the natural world.

 

The design features a Celtic cross in the center, elaborately decorated with interlacing leaves, spirals and swirls. The four arms of the cross extend to the edges of the card.

 

3) Celestial:

 

 

Tarot card backs featuring moons, stars, and galaxies are a popular choice for a reason. These celestial elements weave a powerful web of symbolism that enhances the overall tarot experience.

 

They nudge the user towards a sense of mystery, cosmic connection, and the exploration of unseen forces that influence our lives.

 

For example, the back of the Luna Tarot Deck features a breathtaking scene of a starry night sky. A full moon dominates the center, casting a silvery glow on the wispy clouds drifting across the background.

 

The constellations are depicted in a clear and beautiful way, allowing viewers to identify familiar shapes like the Big Dipper or Orion. The color palette is cool and calming, with blues, purples, and grays creating a sense of mystery and introspection.

 

The overall design creates a sense of wonder and sets the stage for readings that explore the deeper aspects of the self.

 

4) Animal symbolism:

 

 

Humans and animals are closely related. Animals like snakes, cats, or birds carry rich mythological meanings that tie into the tarot's themes.

 

Take an example, the back of the Animal Totem Tarot Deck by Vanessa YW Teh features a beautiful illustration of a swirling vortex formed by various wildlife.  A wise old owl perches at the center, surrounded by a leaping salmon, a powerful bear, and a graceful butterfly. The background depicts a starry night sky with a crescent moon.

 

The swirling vortex represents the interconnectedness of all living things and the cyclical nature of life. The starry night sky and crescent moon evoke a sense of mystery and cosmic influence, foreshadowing the potential for powerful insights during a tarot reading.

 

2. Modern Interpretations

 

1) Minimalist:

 

 

Tarot card backs featuring simple lines, shapes, and colors offer a unique feeling that goes beyond traditional imagery. They create a clean and contemporary aesthetic, encourage intuitive readings, and allow the tarot artwork to truly shine.

 

Like The Light Seer’s Tarot by Chris-Anne Donnell. The back of this deck uses a subtle gradient effect. The top half of the card is a light, warm cream color, while the bottom half fades into a deep, cool blue. A single, thin, vertical line runs down the center of the card, separating the two color tones.

 

The minimalism allows for open interpretation. However, the color gradient could be seen as representing the duality of light and dark, the conscious and unconscious, or the positive and negative aspects of a situation. The single line might symbolize the journey one takes during a tarot reading, moving from the known (light) towards the unknown (dark) with the intention of gaining clarity.

 

2) Abstract:

 

 

Non-representational patterns or swirls can leave room for individual interpretation. Prisma Visions Tarot by James R. Eads, has a mesmerizing abstract back design.

 

Swirls of vibrant colors, including blues, purples, and greens, intermingle and overlap across the card. The colors are separated by thin streaks of white, creating a sense of movement and energy.

 

This abstract design avoids imposing specific symbolism, encouraging the user to connect with the cards on a more intuitive level. The vibrant colors and swirling patterns can spark creativity and imagination, fostering a deeper connection with the tarot's potential for self-discovery.

 

3) Geometric:

 

 

Intricate geometric designs add a modern edge and symbolize hidden order. The back of Geometric Dreamland Tarot by Bingjie Zhao features a more abstract geometric design.

 

Jagged lines, sharp angles, and overlapping geometric shapes create a dynamic and dreamlike quality. The color scheme is bold and contrasting, with blues, purples, and yellows intermingling.

 

This back design demonstrates how geometric forms can be used in a more abstract and expressive way. It prioritizes a sense of dynamism and exploration over literal symbolism, encouraging the user to connect with the cards on an intuitive level.

 

4) Whimsical:

 

Whimsical tarot back designs are a feast for the eyes, bursting with playful illustrations and vibrant colors that transport you to a world of lighthearted wonder. These decks move away from traditional, more stoic designs, embracing a sense of joy and light that makes them perfect for readings focused on creativity, intuition, and positive possibilities.

 

3. Personal Touches

 

1) Artist's signature style:

 

Many independent artists inject their own artistic flair into the back design, reflecting their unique vision. For example, the Prisma Visions Tarot can let your intuition bloom with this deck's vibrantly colored back design. Artist James R. Eads' signature style explodes with flowers, feathers, and geometric shapes, reflecting the deck's focus on personal growth and creativity.

 

2) Theme-specific decks:

 

Decks based on specific themes like mythology, fairytales, or historical periods often have backs that reflect that theme.

 

3) Customizable decks:

 

Some decks allow you to create your own back design, adding a personal touch. Acelion Playingcards provides a variety of free and commercially available card back materials to support you in developing your creativity.

 

Ultimately, the best tarot card back design is the one that resonates most with you! Explore different decks and see what captures your imagination and complements your reading style.

 

Choosing Your Guide

 

Beyond aesthetics, consider how the back design resonates with you. Does it complement the deck's theme and your reading style? Does it evoke a sense of calm, inspiration, or mystery? Ultimately, the perfect back design is the one that enhances your personal tarot journey.

 

Here are some additional considerations:

 

* Color palette: Colors on the back can influence the overall mood and feel of the deck.

* Symmetry: Balanced designs create a sense of order and stability.

* Memorability: A unique back design helps you differentiate cards quickly during readings.

 

So next time you want to design your own deck, pay attention and explore the hidden world of Tarot Card Back Designs. You may be surprised by the stories it reveals and the deeper connections it makes to your reading.

Remember, tarot is a journey of self-discovery, and even the smallest details can enrich the experience.