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Maneki Neko
Tarot
Maneki Neko translates to
Beckoning Cat, and is often called a Lucky Cat. Their raised paw
signifies that they are calling people to them...luckily resulting in
customers and prosperity. They are from Japan but are found both in Japanese and Chinese
businesses. To learn more about them, I suggest the
Wikipedia article.
I
have chosen to make original tarot cards, featuring one of my favourite
subjects: the Maneki Neko! Each card will have a different design
combining elements of traditional themes and meanings of tarot with the
style and lore of the Japanese lucky cat. I also intend to feature a
cat on each card, rather than skimp on the number suits (i.e. nine of
wands, etc). Once all of the cards have been finished, I will try and
get the deck published in its entirety.
Each card I sell on
ebay will be
the original image, created in coloured pencil and india ink. They are
standard tarot size (2.25" x 4.25"), created on 185 lb illustration board
treated with fixative to protect the art
and come with a protective
plastic sleeve.
The white 'crokittycats' watermark does not appear on the actual card.
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*Orokana
Neko*
For the first card I chose to use the traditional look associated
with the Fool card, only replacing the figures and scenery with more
Japanese elements. The kitty is the familiar mi-ke (calico)
pattern seen on many lucky cats. His stick is bamboo with a
commonly patterned Japanese scarf. The dog has become a
white kitsune (fox) which are associated with many myths and legends
as well as being guardians of the Inari shrine. |
*Neko
no Onmyouji*
By the 7th century in Japan, Taoism, Buddhism, and Shinto had given
birth to a practice of divination called Onmyoudou. An Onmyouji was
a specialist in these spiritual arts, providing everything from
protection from evil spirits to advice on moving capitals.
The Magician card traditionally features the card's namesake with
each of the four suits represented on the table before him. The
suits for this card are being changed a little from the rest of the
deck to better serve their user. For the wand, he has a Harai-gushi,
used in purification rituals. For cups, he has a bowl of salt, also
a used for purification. Representing the sword are Ofuda, talismans
made of paper strips. Ofuda can be used as weapons against evil
spirits or ghosts. Lastly are Koban (oval coins from Japan's Edo
period); because what's a lucky cat without his Koban? |
*Neko
no Miko*
Perhaps the closest thing to a Priestess in the Shinto religion is
the Miko. Often translated as "shrine maiden," Miko take part in
ritual ceremonies and dances, help with the upkeep of the shrine,
and sell omamori (charms) to visitors. They are not considered on
equal footing as the Kannushi (Shito Priest). Though men and women
both can be Kannushi, I decided to use the Miko instead.
The Miko in this card is sweeping the steps of the Gotokuji Temple
in Setagaya, Japan. This is the legendary temple of the Maneki Neko.
In keeping with High Priestess tradition, she carries a scroll,
which she has tucked into her belt.
I have tried to capture the temple as much as possible using the
few
photos I could track down. |
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* Neko no
Odairi & Neko no Hina*
In Japan, March 3rd is the holiday "Hina-Matsuri," also known as the
"Girl's Day Festival." Every year, families with little girls
celebrate the growth and hopeful future of their young ladies. One
traditional decoration is a set of "Hina Ningyo," dolls representing
Heian period Royalty and their court. Sets can range from the very
simple (with only the Emperor and Empress) to incredible displays
complete with hundreds of accessories. Be sure to visit Wikipedia to
learn all about this delightful holiday!
Since in the "Hina Ningyo" sets, the Emperor and Empress are
inseparable, I decided to make these cards match as a complete
image. The images on the screen are a tailed-tortoise (representing
long life) and a crane (for prosperity). |
*Neko no
Yamabushi*
Yamabushi are mountain ascetics whose religion blend elements of
Shinto and Buddhism. They are known for their feats of endurance,
and for their skillful mastery of the horagai, a trumpet made from a
large sea-shell. The horagai is usually encased in a maroon-coloured
knitted netting. |
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*Neko no Koibito*
The two trees in this card are the Ukon no Tachibana (Mandarin
Orange on the right side in the old Japanese Court) and the Sakon no
Sakura (Cherry on the left in the old Japanese Court). They are
commonly featured in Hina Matsuri doll sets, and can often be found
at Shinto Shrines. However, when looking at the trees from the
front, their names are opposite of the viewer's left and right. The
red thread recalls an old Japanese myth that soulmates are tied
together by the pinky finger by an invisible red string. And in the
background? Yep! That's Mt. Fuji. >^-^< |
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