The World (And Beyond)

It's the end of the World, as we know it...

Do we feel fine?

I couldn't resist quoting the song by REM. Today we're featuring Miqua Sage, an Arapaho native originally from Wyoming. They go by the pronouns She/Her. 

They are also one of the few people to photograph me, and I've sponsored a few event prizes for events they've produced. I also happen to love the music, vibe, and DJ's they source. They're also a huge advocate for the Native American community. This was the first time I painted her!

The World (XXI) is the 21st trump or Major Arcana card in the tarot deck. It is the final card of the Major Arcana or tarot trump sequence. That means with this, all of the Major Arcana cards have official card releases!

What does the card mean though? Let's chat about it. But first, here is a progress shot near the beginning:

A lot of our lives have been impacted by COVID-19. Jobs, relationships, and friendships have met their life cycles, and new connections have formed in their stead. Similar to this Tarot card.

The World represents an ending to a cycle of life, a pause in life before the next big cycle beginning with the fool. It is an indicator of a major and inexorable change, of tectonic breadth.

Miqua is feeling the call to return to their Tribe in Wyoming, as they (and many other people) are quickly getting priced out of Phoenix. If you haven't heard, we're one of the fastest growing cities in the US, but our housing prices are skyrocketing. People who have lived here for years can no longer afford a home.

I wish I had a solution to this, but I may have to make the same decision some day. 

To encounter the World in your cards is to encounter a great unity and wholeness. It symbolizes the moment when the inner and the outer worlds - self and other - become a single entity. Quite a powerful statement, and I think reflective of Miqua's journey. 

Let's talk about what was originally debuted. Here is what came first: 

And here is the final card version. Do you spot the differences?

I added to the ambiance, cooled off the colors, and updated it with some small effects. Other than that, I was already pretty happy with the original photo. What do you think?

As I mentioned in my previous post, I'm moving to a M-F schedule for Tarot releases now. This will allow me to also mix up some other content (camping photos are next), as well as post more from SUPERNOVA.

Which I believe is getting a 2022 calendar! I need to work on that... :P

Look for the Ace of Wands on Monday! I hope you've enjoyed the post. Thanks for your patience, as it came out pretty late in the night/early in the morning. 

Sleepily Yours,

Brandon