MoonRaven Tarot

Tarot of Woof

This is a deck to honor our canine friend, the dog.  Dogs have long been wrapped up in the lives of humans.  Dogs have been a part of our lives and companions to humankind since the beginning of time.  In Greek mythology many Gods and Goddesses were accompanied by these
wonderful creatures.  They hold part in folktales and ancient lore from every corner of the globe.  From Rome with Cerberus the multi-headed hound that guards the gates  - to Hades to Ireland, England, the Americas, and Africa.  Don’t forget Egypt isn’t just for the cats!  As their God Anubis, who is one of the most well known ancient icons in the world, shows us. 

Ancient world aside, dogs have continued to be companions with humans throughout the eras.  They have helped us hunt and put dinner on the table for our families.  They have guarded our homes and protected our children.  They have been our playmates since we were little – chasing the bubbles we blew for them and running alongside our bikes – then our best friends through our adult years – walking in the parks and snuggling up in front of a fire on those lazy nights. For some people, their dog is their most trusted friend and companion.  They have fought and died with us in wars and on the streets as officers of the law.  They have sifted through rubble for us and brought us medicine and help while we were out in the wilderness lost.   They don’t mind the wet fur when we cry on their shoulders and are always happy to see us. 

For those animals whose greatest pleasure in life consists of a good game of fetch, a tasty bone, and, of course, their best friend to give them a scratch behind the ear, this is for you!

This deck is going to include dogs that I know now and that have passed on.  I will be incorprating different breeds into different cards for more meaning.  This card will also include mythological dogs as well as dog family dogs such as coyote, jackal, fox, wolf, dingo, etc.  An example is for High Priestess I am using the Irish Wolfhound.  For strength, the Chihuahua taming her inner beast the Mexican Chupacabra.  I think Fox will make an excellent Devil Card. 

Suits will be fully illustrated and will be:

Wands - Fetch Sticks

Cups - Bowls

Pentacles - Bones

Swords - Frisbees

The Courtcards are:

Page - Puppy - New beginnings

Knight - Buddy -Not fully developed but in progress

Queen - Dog - The suit is nearly full, there is good control within the suit

King - The Pack - The embodiment of the suit

I will continue adding updated card images and Tarot of Woof updates here.  This Tarot is inspired by my dog Norman and the dogs I knew before him. Also by my daughter Katie, the only other girl I know who loves dogs as much as I do.  Since there aren't many dog tarots out there, I am hand crafting her one!

Below is the first conceptual work, which is The Fool.  I used Norman for this since he is joyous, loving, and playful but also tends to be crazy and naïve.  He has the gaity of the fool, yet I am always worried about him.  In this drawing, you will find him on the rooftop, dancing, and howling to the moon.  Next to him is a young figure reaching out..to pet him?...to warn him he is too close to the edge?  There is a full moon overhead with mountains in the distance and a running stream where a single rose of pure thought blooms.  On the wall is a window with an equal cross. The cross represents a crossroads and new beginnings, whereas at the same time, the circle is the journey - from beginning to ending to starting again - of The Fool.”