Signs, Symbols, and Figures
Avni Goel
Traditional tarot decks are rooted in the collective and personal wisdom we hold to certain signs, symbols, and figures. Collective wisdom is what is passed down to you through traditional belief systems and personal wisdom is what you form yourself through your own experiences. This idea of collective and personal wisdom is what determines our individual abilities to form associations.
These two types of “wisdoms” lay the foundation for tarot card reading giving the reader and the recipient the ability to interpret almost every aspect of the card. Because of the common associations we all have with the signs, symbols, and figures that are found in tarot such as pentacles, infinity signs, sun and moon imagery, angel of heaven, and angel of death, the meaning of each card is more or less universally understood.
As designers, we live and study in a world ruled by signs, symbols, and figures. The idea of a variety of imagery all having common associations among us is truly fascinating when we think about the diversity of perspectives and interpretations. A work in progress with four current decks, this translation of images and symbols is what tarot is based on, making it the perfect vehicle to challenge the sign, symbols, and figures traditionally found in tarot into elements that are more cultural and humorous. These updated tarot decks now sit at the intersection of old ideologies mixed with very modern connotations, creating cards with completely new associations that are still universally understood.