Mindscapes Tarot by John A. Rice – A Dreamy Journey Through Oil Pastel Landscapes
Imagine standing at the edge of a quiet forest, watching the tide shift color, or seeing a city glow in the distance. In the Mindscapes Tarot, every card serves as a small, hand-drawn oil pastel painting that feels both dreamy and remarkably precise. These cards are designed as windows; while they look outward into vast landscapes, they simultaneously invite you to look inward. With a soft, classical atmosphere, this deck transforms the tarot experience into a visual walk through the subconscious.
About this Deck
The Mindscapes Tarot is a unique 80-card deck that reimagines the traditional tarot journey as a series of places rather than just symbols. Created with oil pastels—a medium rarely seen in the tarot world—the artwork possesses a brush-like movement and a light, airy quality. The scenes range from snowy mountain passes to bustling streets, all speaking to the reader through atmosphere, color, and direction rather than fixed icons. This makes the deck an excellent choice for those who prefer intuitive readings based on the "feeling" of a scene.
Symbolism and Themes
John A. Rice draws deeply from psychology, mythology, and color theory to build the foundation of these worlds. A standout feature of this deck is the reimagining of the Minor Arcana. The four suits have been renamed to reflect the natural and architectural elements of the landscapes: Branches (Wands), Tides (Cups), Spires (Swords), and Stones (Pentacles).
Within each suit, the cards follow a "panorama line." From Ace to Ten, you return to the same location, observing how it changes through seasons, years, and cycles of plenty or lack. This creates a continuous narrative thread, allowing the reader to track the evolution of a situation as if they were visiting a familiar place at different points in time.
The Creators
John A. Rice
John A. Rice is a multi-talented actor, writer, and visual artist who operates J.A.R. Studio in Astoria, New York. His work is celebrated in over 35 countries for its ability to help people rediscover their own "mystique." By using oil pastels to create these tarot worlds, Rice offers a perspective that is childlike yet sophisticated, encouraging readers to see themselves as the heroes of their own unfolding stories.
Practical Use
This deck is particularly suited for readers who enjoy descriptive storytelling. Instead of looking for a specific symbol, you might ask: "What is the weather like in this card?" or "Where is the horizon line?" The 208-page guidebook provides thoughtful, inviting interpretations that help bridge the gap between the artwork and the reader's personal journey.
To get started, try the "Three Windows" spread:
Lay three cards. The first is the Window In (what is happening within you), the second is the Window Out (what the outer world is asking of you), and the third is the Bridge (the connection or action that links the two).
Features
- Number of cards: 80 cards
- Language: English
- ISBN: 9781401976989
- Publisher: Hay House LLC
- Weight: 142 g
- Dimensions: 80 x 56 x 130 mm
- Includes: 208-page guidebook
Expert FAQ
What makes the Minor Arcana in this deck different?
The suits are renamed to Branches, Tides, Spires, and Stones. Furthermore, each suit features a "panorama line," where the cards from Ace to Ten depict the same landscape evolving over time and seasons.
Is this deck suitable for beginners?
Yes, especially those who are visual learners. While it moves away from traditional Rider-Waite-Smith iconography, the intuitive nature of the landscapes and the comprehensive 208-page guidebook make it very accessible.
What is the artistic style of the Mindscapes Tarot?
The deck is created entirely in oil pastel, giving it a soft, textured, and painterly feel that emphasizes mood, light, and environmental storytelling.
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