Wisdom of the Sacred Hive

webmuse

24-05-2006, 14:46

Hello!

This is my first deck. I'm going to include a deck concept informational piece, but it was enough to just get the Majors up with descriptions. Thanks for your feedback and for being an audience for me. It's nice to know someone SOMEWHERE will see the fruits of my labors. :).

http://www.webmuseart.com/doodles.html

Oh, and the deck is obviously bee-oriented. Bees have been used by oracles for thousands of years. Just thought I'd continue the tradition in the cards.

Blessings!

Sidhe-Ra

24-05-2006, 17:31

Holy mother of wow!

That really is some fabulous work- and I love the idea of honeycomb shaped cards! I've had a look through all the majors, and they are at once beautiful and delightfully surreal. I can't pick a favourite at the moment, but I'm sure to keep coming back to look again- it certainly is the most disturbing Hanged Man I've ever seen! A great concept, wonderfully rendered! Any plans to publish?

Blessings,

Em x

webmuse

24-05-2006, 23:27

DraagonStorm

25-05-2006, 00:35

How can bold IMPRESSIVE more then that! I'm breathless. This is some the most beautiful, professional work I've seen on this forum! I would be suprised if you don't get offers for publication just on the majors alone.

Can't wait to see the minors.

BB
Lady DraagonStorm

Sidhe-Ra

25-05-2006, 05:12

I would love to publish but I don't know how. I don't have an agent and don't know who to submit to. Advice would be wonderful! All of the pictures I have rendered poster size so they can be made into calendars, cards, or whatever. I'm exhausted from doing the majors on these and I'm going to get the minors done over the summer, but the bee is an animal energy I feel very close to and I wanted to honor it this way. I think after this deck (and after I finish some stories I've been intending to write) I might try a raven/wolf deck. But we'll see. I still have 56 more cards to go, after all.

Thanks for the compliment.

Hi, and thanks for the lovely pm! If you take a look at the websites of tarot publishers...http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/publishers.shtml... then you'll normally find submission guidelines there. You may have to rummage a bit, but they're normally very helpful, telling you exactly what they need, and where to send it. I think you've got a very high quality product here!

Blessings,

Em x

Bat Chicken

25-05-2006, 05:22

Wow! These are beautiful and I agree - the hexagonal shape is clever!!(Stunning website too.... I love it...)
I love the timing of this. My dreams have had bees in them lately - so much so I am including one on my FACT card, if I ever get it done....!

Keep us up to date - I am certain you will get a publisher - and when you do, sign me up for a deck. :) Nicely done...

Laurel

25-05-2006, 05:39

I was really impressed with your creativity and artistry. This is a deck I'd be proud to own someday.

pastelangelic

25-05-2006, 06:42

I absolutely adore these! I thought these were cards that I could buy.
When will you be publishing them ? I want them :)

webmuse

25-05-2006, 15:08

Thanks everyone for the comments and the support.

I shall look into publishing. In the meantime, I must perservere! I will try to release one Minor a day. If I do not do this please feel free to nag me as sometimes nagging is the only way I ever get things done. Today's Minor is the Seven of Blossoms (cups) because my mom is starting a new habit of healthy eating and doesn't want to think about it in terms of say the 8 of Cups and getting rid of bad habits, but rather wants to frame it in the form of choices and not letting food determine her choices, but letting her own will and determination choose for her. So, this one is for my mom!

www.webmuseart.com/7cups.html

Catmoon

25-05-2006, 23:47

Wow! These are beautiful and I agree - the hexagonal shape is clever!!(Stunning website too.... I love it...)...
...Keep us up to date - I am certain you will get a publisher - and when you do, sign me up for a deck. :) Nicely done...
Impressive!!!! I like bees but they aren't my favorite animal, in spite of that I loved it:). Would you consider a author edition... ?!? ...I would, if I were you, it's worth it. Surely in this forum you'll find tips how to do it in the professional way this deck deserves. Good luck.
:love: and :lightbulb to you

webmuse

26-05-2006, 00:47

Forgive my ignorance, but what is an author edition?? I love tarot and working with it, but I don't know much about collections as I have 2 decks I work with and don't collect much (although I LOVE looking at all the pretty pictures. I know that if I started collecting I would never ever stop, having magpie tendencies). So there are some terms i'm painfully ignorant on.

Catmoon

26-05-2006, 01:14

Forgive my ignorance, but what is an author edition?? Already forgiven:)... Maybe is a bad "by the book" translation;)... Means supported by yourself, wouldn't be sheap but can be rewarding... I gess ?!?lampdownlow (a nick of another deck creator) is thinking of doing it, him and others like him coul'd help you more than I (just a tiny colector, with more ambition than money, LOL)
Maybe you can search for threads concerning this, or open a thread asking for help. Good luck.

Ruby7

26-05-2006, 04:07

I have to admit I almost didn't look at your cards since I wasn't that interested in bees and just couldn't see how a deck based on bees could make any sense.

I'm glad I took a look (it pays to be open-minded, something I have to keep reminding myself).

I love your artwork and you are also doing a great job on the writing of each card. Very imaginitive. I could definitely be drawn into this little world of bees!

All the best,
Ruby7

Strange2

26-05-2006, 20:24

Webmuse,

These are wonderful, and the hexagonal shape so very appropriate!

Were you perhaps inspired/influenced by the The Shamanic Way of the Bee (http://sacredtrust.org/interview.htm) and the Path of Pollen, by Simon Buxton? That is a fascinating book and outlook. It certainly enhanced my appreciation and awareness of bees and the natural world.

Looking forward to seeing your Tarot deck/hive grow!

Alta

26-05-2006, 21:36

Webmuse, Like Ruby7, I didn't check out your cards the first time, but did this time. Those are striking and very original. You seem to be in tune with bees, though I cannot personally imagine that! Keep going, a full deck with mnors will always do better.

webmuse

27-05-2006, 00:28

This deck started befoe I knew about Simon Buxton, however, it is continuing under his inspiration. I have had a long history with bees and with their energy in my life, dreams, and meditation. I find that enhancing their force in my life keeps away despair, depression, and meaninglessness.

But about 6 weeks ago I picked up Buxton Books. I read very quickly and consume about 3-5 books a week, but this book I'm taking my time. Each sentence is a grain of pure pollen and if I read too many at once I'd be overwhelmed and have an emotional breakdown.

The book touches my deepest spirit. I love it and am definately considering going to the UK for the shaman seminar and more.

We wander through life thinking we want love, but really what we want most is understanding without ever having to say a word. The message of that book understands me quite well.

pastelangelic

27-05-2006, 01:54

I love these cards. I am so impressed that the minor ones are just as beautiful as the major ones. They are stunning and have touched me in a way I would not have thought possible considering the cards are based on bees!
Please post more they are lovely and i look forward to seeing if you have added a new one.

Thanks

webmuse

27-05-2006, 02:34

a single new one will be added daily unless i get ambitious (like yesterday and add two. WOAH NELLIE!!).

:) If i do not add a new one then please nag me. I have a tendency to stray from projects to start new ones before the old ones are finished. So Aries!

Strange2

27-05-2006, 04:12

This deck started befoe I knew about Simon Buxton, however, it is continuing under his inspiration. I have had a long history with bees and with their energy in my life, dreams, and meditation. I find that enhancing their force in my life keeps away despair, depression, and meaninglessness.

Wonderful to hear! I find that Tarot in general has that same integrating, uplifting effect on me.

The book touches my deepest spirit. I love it and am definately considering going to the UK for the shaman seminar and more.

How exciting. Would enjoy hearing about your experience if you do go.

We wander through life thinking we want love, but really what we want most is understanding without ever having to say a word.

...and by sharing your explorations and visions through your art, you silently yet directly touch others. Thank you...

Sidhe-Ra

27-05-2006, 05:15

Oooo..the minors are going brilliantly! I really do think you are creating a 'must have' deck-publishers would have to be nuts not to snap it up! :)

webmuse

29-05-2006, 06:29

Got the Blossom Royals finished. Now I just have to do the Ace through six (why I started in the middle of the suit I have no idea . . . these things just happen).

But it's cool because it FEELS like I've finished a whole suit.

Anyway, they start at www.webmuseart.com/princesscups.html

Enjoy!

Sidhe-Ra

29-05-2006, 18:19

The new cards are beautiful- you have a great consistency of style which binds the cards together, and yet each one is also unmistakeable as an individual. You are very skilled at photo collage- I have to admit to not having a clue how it is done! You have acheived such beautiful results so quickly! What program do you use? How do you make it do what you want it to? Still, your website design is stunning, that's what you do, isn't it? You clearly have mastered ye tricksy computer! :)

Blessings,

Em x

P.S. Love the key phrases- they remind me of mine ;) xx

webmuse

29-05-2006, 23:50

I use Photoshop. The originals I make are actually huge. About 3 feet by 3 feet at maximum print quality. Most of the images that look like they have cohesive parts from a single photo don't. I borrow from everything.

I have 400,000 royalty free images, I also use photographs I have taken as well as my father-in-laws photos. The shaman of blossoms is part my husband because that is what he comes up as all the time. I should have taken from pictures of my mom for the queen, but I couldn't find any good enough. She might get on honeycombs (pentacles though).

My degree is in international affairs and I have in the last 5 years started and run a nonprofit to teach immigrant and low-income girls web and graphic design, union organized, and volunteered for Americorps. Now, I'm just focusing on all my creative pursuits for a change. I taught myself web design in college after I learned how Subcommandante Marcos (who I had a crush on) and the Zapatista Liberation Army in southern Mexico used the web to broadcast their little heard of revolution. I thought it was a skill I could learn, too. I was also inspired by several digital artists including MizKitty at www.fullmoongraphics.com.

I have "paid my bills" with this useful skill over the last few years, but it feels soulless doing ads and websites for company's i ethically disagree with. I'm glad I ran Project DIVA (Digital Intelligence Via Art) for the high school girls. It made me feel better about my talent. This also feels good too.

Bat Chicken

30-05-2006, 02:54

I admire that you found such purpose for your skills and talents. Getting up in the morning is so much easier when the work does not feel empty.

You are doing a beautiful job with this deck!

webmuse

31-05-2006, 23:51

I just wanted to thank Sidhe-Ra for walking me through the 2 of cups and lending me the word "saucy". I'd like to also thank her for accepting Olivia Newton John even when I hated her.

Furthermore, I find her a bit of a muse and would like to publically acknowledge her similarity to those divine keepers of creativity!

Blossoms complete. On to pentacles!!

Sidhe-Ra

01-06-2006, 03:36

Awwww...shucks...

Thank you! May 'saucy' serve you well!

xx

RiverDaughter

03-06-2006, 07:32

WOW!

This is an amazing deck! I cant believe how stunning some of these cards are - and the bees! I can't wait to see the rest of the deck!

webmuse

04-06-2006, 10:57

. . . and I'm tired. But hopefully, I'll be able to start on the next suit on Monday or Tuesday.

webmuse

04-06-2006, 23:20

Oops. Here's the link. www.webmuseart.com/princesspents.html

FantasyWorld

04-06-2006, 23:27

This is Fantastic!!! Very creative and inventive! Refreshing and awing!
Do hope you can get it published! I would love a copy!!!!

pastelangelic

04-06-2006, 23:38

I love these cards and they are all beautiful. I love the descriptions and the links with the bees makes it easier for me to understand the meanings of them.

I am stunned at how quickly you have produced these mini works of art. I hope you get them published as I would buy them.

Thank you for sharing them with us :)

Sidhe-Ra

05-06-2006, 17:09

You're doing amazingly- such wonderful images, and produced with such speed! I particularly like the princess and prince of honeycombs, there's a wonderful feeling of underlying power. And because you're such a fast worker, I know I'm not going to have to wait long before you have even more scrumptious images up for me to yum! Huzzah!

Blessings,

Em

webmuse

12-06-2006, 04:48

The Stings are complete!!!

http://www.webmuseart.com/princessstings.html

One more suit to go. I apologize to all of you who have gotten used to seeing me on the forums these last few weeks. I've been terrribly busy these few days, but after a wedding tomorrow I'll be back to chat. And!!! I can now go into the Your Readings forums to check up on Mundane Readings! Yay!

Okay, well, I'm going to go take a hike before starting Seeds. Thanks for your continued support.

Bat Chicken

12-06-2006, 05:38

Wow. Some very powerful images.... I love the Ace.

webmuse

15-06-2006, 16:58

No energy left for exclamation points, but it is finished. Seeds start here:
http://www.webmuseart.com/1seeds.html

Back Design here:
http://www.webmuseart.com/backdesign.html

Tired. Need to go meditate on the 9 of discs or something. Anyway, wish the bee oracle article/history thing was done, but it isn't. Don't think I will get it done this week or maybe even the next. The outline is just sitting . . . there . . . and that seems a good place for it. There. . .

Okay, very very very very tired. Very tired. Going to bed. Have fun all and maybe I'll wake back up sometime this week to see what else is brewing on these forums.

Blessings.

mythos

15-06-2006, 18:07

The things I miss when I'm off in the land of zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. This deck is stunning webmuse. Everything about it is perfection, from the imagery chosen, to the research, to the choice of card shape etc etc etc. How fortune we are that you buzzed in here to share your treasure store of honey with us.

You are an inspiration :love:

mythos:)

Sidhe-Ra

15-06-2006, 18:40

Wow- no wonder you're tired! I can't imagine anyone, (other than Chronata and her 'minute deck'), creating an entire tarot so QUICKLY, let alone such a striking, beautiful, inspiring and original one!

I'm absolutely in love with the Seed Shaman- probably one of my faves from the entire deck- what wonderful work!

Sleep well, my friend, and dream of honey :) We'll see you when you've recovered!

Blessings,

Em x

.traveller.

16-06-2006, 03:08

I love the symbolism of the seeds. The remind me of something one of my mentors said to me a long time ago, "Planting a seed is the ultimate act of faith and belief in tomorrow."

Is this a typo? I only count 6 other seeds, plus the one sprouting the flower.
"SEVEN OF SEEDS
Seeds cannot run from conflict or competition. Surrounded by seven other seeds"

I think my favorite cards are the Princesses. They are beautiful and creepy at the same time. Very powerful images.

Tara2007

17-06-2006, 01:14

webmuse

17-06-2006, 02:41

Seeing this deck was like coming home. Bees, as many of you already know, are associated with the Goddess Artemis (Diana) who just happens to be my Patroness. I love all things "bee". The honey, wax, Royal Jelly (in cosmetics you know)and of course the melodic humming of the little dears working in their hives.

While I'm at the mic.....there were some ancients who actually worshipped the bee as a deity by itself.

I guess you've gotten the idea that I'm very much in favor of this deck. It's beautiful and creative. Whenever it's for sale, I'm buying.

I follow the Huntress as well. I didn't get to work in Crete's bee goddess, but there is so much bee lit out there already, I really wanted mine to supplement it and not rewrite it.

Thank you so much for your support on this deck.

And P.S. I didn't take a break, except I DID sleep in yesterday. But, I wrote the article, put up a suggested spreads link, and corrected typos too. You can find them here.

www.webmuseart.com/beeoracle.html
www.webmuseart.com/honeycombspreads.html

It's strange how once you finish a deck you really aren't finished. There is so much clean-up. I feel like a bee, newly born, cleaning her cell for two days before leaving the hive.

Tara2007

17-06-2006, 22:31

Sounds like it's time to kick back, pour yourself a cup of tea, with honey of course, and enjoy some time off. You worked hard on this project, and it shows.

A good weekend to all...

baba-prague

17-06-2006, 23:12

Congratulations! Enjoy the feeling of this moment - and I hope you can soon hold a deck of these cards in your hands, though simply having made them digitally is in itself a lovely thing and an achievement.

Tarot Sparrow

18-08-2006, 14:08

Bump--I saw this thread when it first started and just rediscovered the website link in my bookmarks and realized the whole thing was finished and more stunning than I imagined! Congrats on a job well done... I can't help but wonder if anyone has offered to publish yet? I would love to own a copy, as I'm sure many of us would. If it's still just sitting there unpublished, someone pick it up!

Scion

22-08-2006, 16:55

What a stunning piece of work! I have a thing about bees myself... At one point I had an entire dining room set recovered in "Napoleanic bee" silk.

And please put me on any list you might have when it's been published... Wasn't phetish's Tarot Press looking for designs (http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=62751)?

Congratulations on a beautiful piece of work. Please do keep us posted. :)

S

Cath

22-08-2006, 18:24

They are absolutely stunning !!!

Gardener

24-08-2006, 07:34

Hello - I just discovered this deck Monday, and it's amazing! I'm really delighted by the images. Some are a little creepy, some are a little scary, but I think somehow that just makes me like the deck even more. I've never been a fan of insects, and I really had to work to get past the fact that I just got stung by 4 wasps all at once. But it was worth it for the depth and charm of this wacky deck. I can't wait to be able to buy one. I'm rushing off now to read the related article...