Tarot is meant to encourage people to explore their potential and face things in their lives that are hindering their growth. People often associate tarot cards with telling the future, but there is far more nuance to it. Although you can look to tarot for answers, you will often find that the cards will prompt you to ask more questions. 

Tarot forces the user to look inward and explore their own identity. It is no wonder that queer people have gravitated towards them, as part of the queer experience is exploring your own sexual and gender identity. 

These recreations of tarot cards are meant to integrate aspects of queer history, culture and experience with the traditional meaning of the cards. They will provide a broader understanding of the way the queer community is connected to tarot and how the two can go hand-in-hand. 

The Magician represents our freedom to explore spiritual politics. It is also meant to reference the connection between Heaven and Earth, the Spiritual and the Physical. When it appears in a reading, it is seen as a reminder to avoid holding yourself back and explore, even if the exploration is seen as scandalous. 

In its queer adaptation, The Magician still references an exploration of spiritual politics and encourages you to dive into things widely viewed as scandalous by society. It is a reminder of the importance of sex in a couple’s spiritual and physical relationship. 

Strength represents courage. It serves as a reminder to the reader that they have the ability to withstand whatever life throws at them. When it appears in a reading, it prompts you to find courage in the face of adversity through integrity of the self. 

In its queer adaptation, Strength references the Trans community and the immeasurable courage they show each and every day as people and legislators bombard them with hate and discrimination. It is a reminder that, no matter what is thrown their way, the power of their authenticity and the love of the rest of the queer community is always behind them.

The Devil explores the land of taboo subjects. It references the human desire to express oneself honestly, even in the face of ostracization or association with impermissible subjects. Although The Devil card is associated with fear, it is actually a wonderful sign to receive in a reading. 

In its queer adaptation, The Devil depicts a drag performer in stunning Lucifer-inspired garb. Drag performers have been largely alienated from society, sometimes associated with hell and sinning, but they continue to live authentically in spite of this. Drag symbolizes everything honest about being queer.

The Empress is a celebration of femininity and nature. Therefore, it has a strong association with Mother Earth. In a reading, it advises you to trust in your compassionate instincts and to bring healing and support to those around you.

In its queer adaptation, The Empress is meant to depict the fact that there is power in queer compassion. It also references the connection much of the LGBTQ+ community has with nature. Although some people claim that it is not “natural” to be gay, homosexual relationships are found in many different species. Many queer people take solace in this, causing them to connect with Mother Nature.

The Emperor symbolizes leadership and solidarity. It is meant to remind the reader that they have power over their own life. Although there are many things that are out of human control, the Emperor encourages you to take command over the things you can.

In its queer adaptation, the Emperor harkens back to the black queer individuals that were at the forefront of the LGBTQ+ communities’ fight for liberation. It is also a reminder that masculinity is not a requirement for being powerful, and anyone can take control of their life as long as they are willing to fight.

• Outfit made by Katherine McClure

The Hierophant serves as Earth’s connection to Heaven. When it appears in a reading, it asks the reader to adjust their view of things to a more spiritual lens. It reminds you to broaden your horizons.

In its queer adaptation, the Hierophant explores the complicated relationship many LGBTQ+ people have with religion. It is meant to speak to religious trauma and encourage members of the LGBTQ+ community to shed the shame and condemnation they faced within their religious communities.

The Lovers encourages the reader to look at their romantic relationship. It is a card of choice, and implores you to evaluate our connections and ensure that you are making the choice that will result in growth and love.

In its queer adaptation, The Lovers is meant to reference the careful consideration required for making choices as a gay couple. We can never be certain if we will be accepted or rejected by those around us, requiring us to constantly evaluate our safety in public. It is a reminder to keep your lover close, and make the choices that are safest for you both. 

Temperance is about finding balance. It is a physical manifestation of the search for missing pieces in the soul. It advises the reader to ebb and flow with changes in order to find balance within.

In its queer adaptation, Temperance represents the balance between masculine and feminine energy. It is meant to reflect the struggle that many members of the LGBTQ+ community face while trying to find their place in society but outside of the gender binary. It is also a commentary on the question many queer couples are faced with: “who’s the man and who’s the woman?”