Nudity in cards

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 30 Apr 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

dolphingirl	30 Apr 2002
I have noticed that alot of people have commented that they like a deck except for the nudity. I was wondering what kind of nudity bothers you what do people consider acceptible and what people are turned away from? Why does nudity bother sa many people? I have to say I am botherd by the Cosmic Tribe myself I don't want to see body piercing, naked people w alot of tatoos and really overweight unattractive people . I would love to hear other opinions on what is good nudity in tarot and what will turn you away. Sam

Phoenix	30 Apr 2002
I personally love the Cosmic tribe. I really have no problem with nudity.

Liliana	30 Apr 2002
Im fine with nudity too, I just dont like the piplike minors on the tribe deck ;) Nudity with no reason I guess bothers me some, but frankly iwishtheir were more nude overweight people on decks, we all arent gorgeous, andwhereas I dislike piercigs, many people love them, and tattoos could add another dimension to the deck :THP

Kiama	30 Apr 2002
I am fine with all nudity. However, in some decks I do not see the need for it. In decks like the Cosmic Tribe where the theme is bound to involve nudity and the acceptance of our bodies, don't mind it. But then you get some really weird decks which have nudity which doesn't seem to have a reason for being there... Sometimes, this renders the deck unusable in front of most people! (My Mum took a look at my Manara Erotic Tarot deck yesterday... he was surprised there were decks like that around, but quite liked it!) Kiama

Lion-O	30 Apr 2002
Quote: Originally posted by dolphingirl I have noticed that alot of people have commented that they like a deck except for the nudity. I was wondering what kind of nudity bothers you what do people consider acceptible and what people are turned away from? Personally I don't mind nudity in the decks unless its not being overdone. Although I don't have much experience with other decks I do feel that the Mage deck is close to overdoing it here and there since there are a some cards in the major arcana (like the Empress or the Star) which really do not need it. Others, Gaia for example, hardly can do without since it looks & is so extremely natural. As to the nature of the pictures; like I said above they should not be overdoing it. No extreme details in the bodies themselves since there really is no need for that. So basicly, although it sounds a bit dull, I'd say nudity is ok on Tarot decks as long as its functional and not getting to near the edges of porn.

destinyawaitsme	01 May 2002
I personally don't mind nudity..but I have problems using a deck with nudity for reading for others..that is if the nudity isn't tastefully done. I use the Cosmic Tarot a lot with other people and I think the nudity in it is very minimal, but still some people I read for commented on a nipple poking out on the World card. I personally don't mind it. Like I really like the Robin Wood deck, but it has pubic hair on the females...which is fine...we all have pubic hair, but I would feel uncomfortable readin for others with it in person.

Tarotbear 2	01 May 2002
You say that girls may strip with your permission, you draw the line dividing 'art' from 'sin'. Bertolt Brecht - The Threepenny Opera " If God had wanted you to walk around nude, you'd have been born that way!" As a large, overweight hairy man who's large, overweight, naked hairy body appears on the internet and is admired and sought after by men all over the planet...the fact that nudity could bother ANYONE is a silly thought! Get over it! Get over yourself! I naked body is a beautiful thing, even if only in the eye of the beholder. (starting to sound like Allen Ginsberg, here!)

Kimon	01 May 2002
Hello, I agree with Tarotbear. Nudity is a fact of human being and life itself. Taste is another topic. Nudity is the human condition itself and the way people approach it shows how comfortable they are with the fact of being not just spiritual, but biological creatures as well. All beauty concepts are derived from the human body itself. I do not know anything more beautiful than the naked body of a human being. This is not about sex, but about admiration. Why hide our roots instead of admiring them? Greetings, Kimon

Liliana	01 May 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Kiama (My Mum took a look at my Manara Erotic Tarot deck yesterday... he was surprised there were decks like that around, but quite liked it!) Kiama Your mum is a he Kiama? I knew there was something strange about you ;) Liliana, singing "I wish I were a girlie, like my dear papa" :THP

Maan	01 May 2002
I don't mind nudity at all in decks. Like expressed there's nothing more human. Actually it buggs me when there is totally now nudity in a deck. In my favo deck the Hanson Roberts the Star card really irritades me 'cause the hair is so obviously covering everything up it's just looks so fake! ( But i still love this deck ;) )

Jewel	01 May 2002
Personally the nudity does not bother me unless it is pornographic in nature. I use the Cosmic Tribe, and honestly after the first couple of days I did not even notice the nudity. The symbolism of the deck is very deep and if you look carefully at the cards you will see the intricacies and how it all ties together. Nudity is often used in art to show innocence, purity, openness, nothing to hide, freedom ... the CT certainly does that. I think it is also important to recognize that as individuals we each come with a different set of experiences, values, and backgrounds and that will influence our likes and dislikes. My two pearls for what its worth!

Jenny-Li	01 May 2002
Nudity is not the problem for me, the problem starts only when I can't see WHY a card is illustrated by naked people. Like the much discussed 10 of pentacles in the World Spirit-deck. I've never been bothered by that card, but each time I get this card in a reading, I run the risk of being tangled up in the "no-pants"-issue, instead of what the card is really about. On the other hand, the Devil card in that deck has a very provoking nudity illustration (if you don't like pubic hair, that card is definitely not one you're likely to get along with, I think...!) - but that doesn't bother me, because it's totally "called for". It has meaning, there's a point in showing nudity that way, it's what the card has to say. When it comes to the Robin Wood, the only problem I have with the nudity in that deck is that several cards (Judgement most of all) have me thinking "silicone", and that's another obstruction, when I should be focusing on card meanings...! ;) Light and love! Jenny :)

kayne	01 May 2002
I'm with most people who have replied to this topic. Nudity is fine and dandy if it has a purpose. The Cosmic Tribe exploits this purpose to it's advantage and the results, IMO, are excellent!

Jenny-Li	01 May 2002
Quote: Originally posted by kayne I'm with most people who have replied to this topic. Nudity is fine and dandy if it has a purpose. The Cosmic Tribe exploits this purpose to it's advantage and the results, IMO, are excellent! Just out of curiosity: What exactly is the "theme" of the Cosmic Tribe? If it has one stated, I mean...? Jenny :)

Geenius at Wrok	01 May 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Maan Actually it buggs me when there is totally no nudity in a deck. In my favo deck the Hanson Roberts the Star card really irritades me 'cause the hair is so obviously covering everything up it's just looks so fake! Well, coy prudery is pretty silly. It's like saying, "Look this person is really nude . . . but, uh, we're not gonna actually show you anything." I'm not aware, though, that there's any nudity in the Aquarian Tarot. Or the Zerner-Farber. Or any of a number of other decks. It's just not part of the artistic style. Why should that bug anyone? The nudity in, say, a Rider-Waite deck is fairly unobtrusive and abstract, so I don't really care about it one way or the other. Same with my favorite deck, the Nigel Jackson: It's there, it's not in your face, it's just part of the style. There's no self-consciousness about it. The Cosmic Tribe is very in-your-face with its nudity, and that's just one of the several things that really bug me about that deck. Whether or not the artist had his reasons, I find that deck really puerile. Everything about it is self-conscious. The theme of the deck seems to be, "Inhibition is bad." My answer to that is, excess is not the only retort to inhibition.

Jewel	01 May 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Jenny-Li Just out of curiosity: What exactly is the "theme" of the Cosmic Tribe? If it has one stated, I mean...? Hi Jenny-Li. IMO the Cosmic Tribe is not a themed deck, it is a deck that tries to establish the message that we are all part of the cosmic tribe. We are part of nature, not separate from it or better than it. We are part of a whole regardless of what we look like we are all a beautiful part of nature, and finally that nature and its beauty is to be celebrated. That is what is what it means to me anyhow.

kayne	02 May 2002
Very well put Jewel!!! I could not have said it better myself. :D Quote: Originally posted by Geenius at Wrok Everything about it is self-conscious. I don't know what you mean by describing the deck as self-conscious Geenius. I find the people in CT to appear very comfortable with their bodies and the way they are being portrayed. They illustrate their 'character' very appropriately, I believe.

Major Tom	02 May 2002
I don't have any problem with nudity in a tarot deck. The Star card for example simply calls out for it. This is not to take anything away from any deck that doesn't have nudity - but I might have difficulty connecting with a deck that completely lacked nudity... Gratuitous nudity is another matter altogether. })

catlin	02 May 2002
I also do not have a problem with nudity (Í even use the Black tarot pretty often for myself and I am a woman) and until now none of my querents ever had a problem with that. I guess most of them are so interested in knowing the message within the cards that they do not pay attention to the nudity depicted in the cards. Besides, most of my querents still cling to the good ol' RW and there nudity is not so obvious, IMO.

Jenny-Li	02 May 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Jewel Hi Jenny-Li. IMO the Cosmic Tribe is not a themed deck, it is a deck that tries to establish the message that we are all part of the cosmic tribe. We are part of nature, not separate from it or better than it. We are part of a whole regardless of what we look like we are all a beautiful part of nature, and finally that nature and its beauty is to be celebrated. That is what is what it means to me anyhow. Hmmm... Why do I suddenly feel the urge to get the Cosmic Tribe A.S.A.P...?! (I can't do it, but I WANT to...!) Thanks for a lively and intriguing description! :) Light and love! Jenny :)

mabcosmic	02 May 2002
*~Hello Everyone's got an opinion, much like that anatomical part we correlate it with and I am no exception. Nudity doesn't bother me for the exception of a few things. I am aware that erotic tarot decks are out and this is not a post to trash them, as they can be fully functional decks with underlying themes and symbolism. I just find pornography on tarot distracting, but then again, I am not the most experienced tarot reader on the face of the earth. I have viewed sexually explicit Tarot over the internet. Okay, I've got the pornography issue out of the way, I can move on to other things. I don't mind nudity if it is tasteful, doesn't demean either gender, and promotes positive sexuality. I have also been reading on websites that a lot of tarot decks do not illustrate homosexuality, which is part of the human condition. Although I am straight myself, I am concerned that others might not be able to relate as well to the Tarot if the sexual symbolism is not there in a way that speaks to others who feel differently about it. I also think it is positive to promote the fact that we all look different, so putting in silicone is an artist's wish, I only ask that other types of boobies be displayed as well. Not everyone stands to attention, and I sometimes wonder how people feel when viewing the "perfection" of the cards. Now I do understand that those two illnesses(anorexia and bulemia) are not caused only by the motivation of perfection, but are also caused by other reasons as well. I just don't think unnecessary pressure of looking "perfect" is a good thing, and that pressure can possibly manifest as those two illnesses. Happy healthy bodies come in all shapes, I think it's important to express that reality. For example, not everyone has swelling hips, huge boobies, and a small waist. Some people look like pears, others look like apples, and others look like mangos. Tattoos and body piercings would definitely bring a new dimension, like Liliana says. I myself have no tattoos or peircings for the exception of the ears, and I think that accentuation of parts of the body by way of tattoos or peircings could draw attention to the symbolism of those anatomical places, IE boobies being the nurturance prospect, penises as progenitive qualities. Not to mention buttocks being a representation of sexuality, and so on and so forth. How much detail an artist puts into it is also in lieu of a person's ability to be comfortable with it. Some people like cartoon nudity, others like to see the pubic hair, wrinkles in certain places and the whole bit. I think it's a personal decision decision of what how comfortable they are with graphic nudity. I prefer not a lot of detail myself, as long as it's art and not porn. Anyway, I've spoken my piece. It's just my personal opinion, and I am not trying to bring down any sexual Tarot decks that others can glean good understanding from. We are all different, that's what has helped the tarot express itself through others. Those differences help in having a good variety of decks to choose from. These same differences will lead each person to the deck they will connect with, also. I think the point I am trying to make is that human sexuality cannot be *pushed* out of the human psyche, it is there with many expressions, including the Tarot. How we feel about it within ourselves is our business, as no society can be totally prudish, I can't believe it can always be totally open. Some people are shy, others are not. We are also as different as our comfort levels. To expect someone to show boobies because others do isn't right either. I guess being respectful of others, irregardless of our differing opinions is truly the key. As one person doesn't mind showing off, another person might find it degrading. Same with Tarot, others like Tarot depicted sexually, others do not. As usual respect is the key! Ok, I've taken up enough space and time already! Bright Goddess blessings to all! *~Mabcosmic

Geenius at Wrok	02 May 2002
Quote: Originally posted by kayne I don't know what you mean by describing the deck as self-conscious Geenius. I find the people in CT to appear very comfortable with their bodies and the way they are being portrayed. I'm not saying the photographic subjects are self-conscious, I'm saying the deck is self-conscious. Self-consciousness isn't merely a synonym for shyness—it's the belief that one is at the center of everyone else's attention. There are two ways of reacting when you think everyone's eyes are on you: You can shrink back, cover up and try to fade into the wallpaper (the usual interpretation of self-consciousness), or you can say, "Screw you and your fuddy-duddy bourgeois judgments—I'm gonna flaunt what I've got." OK, fine, you're naked and proud of it, but that doesn't mean you're not being self-conscious about it. To go about your business as if no eyes were on you at all: that would be the absence of self-consciousness. That's what bugs me about this deck. It would be enough to simply be naked. Instead it says, "HEY, EVERYBODY, LOOK AT ME—I'M NAKED! AND PIERCED! AND ALL TARTED UP IN HALLUCINOGENIC COLORS! AND I'VE GOT RANDOM EYEBALLS ALL OVER THE PLACE, JUST LIKE IN 'GOTHIC'! AND I USE THOTH TITLES, SO I'M EVEN MORE ESOTERIC THAN ALL THE REGULAR TAROT DECKS! I AM SO FREAKIN' ALTERNATIVE IT'LL MAKE YOUR HEAD SPIN!" Yes, fine, that's lovely. Run along now. I'm not sure I've fully conveyed how obnoxious I think this deck is, but this will do for now.

destinyawaitsme	02 May 2002
"HEY, EVERYBODY, LOOK AT ME—I'M NAKED! AND PIERCED! AND ALL TARTED UP IN HALLUCINOGENIC COLORS! AND I'VE GOT RANDOM EYEBALLS ALL OVER THE PLACE, JUST LIKE IN 'GOTHIC'! AND I USE THOTH TITLES, SO I'M EVEN MORE ESOTERIC THAN ALL THE REGULAR TAROT DECKS! I AM SO FREAKIN' ALTERNATIVE IT'LL MAKE YOUR HEAD SPIN!" My thoughts exactly Geenius... ;)

Melvis	02 May 2002
Geenius: LOL! While I do like the CT deck a lot, I like your explanation of the reason why you don't like it even better! You crack me up on a regular basis! And don't worry...IMO you've made your point about how obnoxious you think the deck is, and you did it with humor, which I LOVE! :D I'm going to 'run along now'. ;) Peace, Melvis :TSTRE

Zhritza	02 May 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Geenius at Wrok I'm not sure I've fully conveyed how obnoxious I think this deck is, but this will do for now. Yeah you have! :D I probably won't get the deck, for much the same reason, judging from the images of it I've seen. I really like the idea of a deck with a lot of nudity in it that is not an erotic deck, so I wish I liked the CT, but it is very garish - in multiple ways.

Emily	03 May 2002
I don't have a problem with nudity in the decks I own, most Rider Waite + clones, Don't think there is any nudity in Celtic Dragon (if there is I don't remember lol) and the Robin Wood the cards that show nudity are quite powerful and attractive cards, The Lovers for example. I don't think I would go out of my way to own a deck that showed alot of nudity when it wasn't needed - I wouldn't feel comfortable using it after learning with the Rider Waite and moving onto the Spiral, my favourite, which does include nudity, The World, The Devil, The Star etc. I'm not a prude but, no I don't like exessive nudity unless its the theme of the cards and then I wouldn't be buying that kind of deck lol :)

MeeWah	03 May 2002
This discussion has elicited some interesting comments. I think there have been other discussions in the past regarding nudity in Tarot that I have not really paid attention to. I especially appreciate the comments from Jewel & Mabcosmic. I think "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". The apparent nudity in Cosmic Tribe has not been an issue. I have had Cosmic Tribe for some years now. It remains one of my favorite decks for its artwork, its theme & its vitality. I first viewed the deck when I stumbled on its website. I was immediately drawn to some of its cards, & purchased the deck mainly on the strength of those cards (such as The Hermit & The Star). The Hermit & The Star are representative to me of cosmic art, that art that expresses a higher consciousness. Generally, the figures are artistic, refer to elemental influences & shamanistic influences; are adorned with doo-dads or accessories representative of the energy of the particular card. Any apparent lack of clothing has never struck me as being glaring, but as an expression of deck's theme. I especially like the diversity of races & the physical bodies which are more representative of real life. After all, very few of us have "perfect" shapes. & what is "perfection" anyway? But I digress. I had forgotten what strong feelings this deck elicits, & that instances of nudity on decks can be such an issue. It seems to be one of the decks that results in love or hate. Offhand, the only other deck I can think of that I use that has nudity & near nudity is the Ancient Egyptian by Clive Barrett. Artistically speaking & in terms of Tarot, that is another wonderful deck!

MeeWah	03 May 2002
Geenius & Qolus: Despite our diffferent views regarding Cosmic Tribe, I respect your opinions. Generally, I enjoy y'all's posts very much-- they are well-expressed & intelligent; funny on occasion, too.

Jewel	03 May 2002
For those who are interested in learning a little more of what the creators of the CT had in mind when creating the deck and the primary elements of the deck (Cosmic Eyes, Nudity and Technology) please stop by the Study Groups forum, I have posted some information from the CT book that explains this. P.S. This post is not meant to sway anyones opinion, just passing on where interested parties can obtain additional info.

Angel Star	03 May 2002
I have to say the nudity doesn't bother me a bit but for older people I am reading for some of it may be shocking. For others they really don't care about the nudity. I mean if I showed my mom some of the decks with alot of nudity like the Secrets Tarot deck she would be like "Geez why is she so naked" and my mom is not conservative but she don't understand tarot that much but I know she would make a comment as to why so much nudity. Personally I like it. Some pictures are like " Dang that is a bit much but oh well" I think people are just trying to break out when they do a deck and get over alot of the repression. Its time to. I remember in the 80's before all the sexual diseases it was encouraged but ever since all the diseases it seems people are trying to be more conservative and I just don't get it myself. We were born naked so what is the big deal?

Marie	03 May 2002
Hi:) Nudity seems to be a big part of each artists individual style and how they have arranged their symbolism. Sometimes clothes are just clothes. They show age, time period, class. Sometimes clothes can show things like purity or divinity, link people with motherhood, the earth, the sky...Nudity can mean innoncence, openess, immodesty, vulgarity, forcing ones self on other people. It can be the spirit unclothed by flesh or the physical universe. Different parts of the anatomy can symbolize different things. Regeneration, nourishment, birth, positive and negative, male-female aspects. As an energy center, the kundalini, life force, coils and turns in the root shakra which is located in the groin area. It is the source of creativity. It can be hard to look at because it is so personal and powerful and sacred. When we see it, usually something is going to happen Maybe good, maybe not. I don't seem tohave a preference, I love seeing how different people choose to illustrate all of these concepts. Marie

Geenius at Wrok	03 May 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Angel Star . . . so what is the big deal? Well, that's my point exactly. It's not something a big deal needs to be made of. Just do it, don't yammer on about it. In fairness to the Cosmic Tribe, having alternative Lovers cards for gay users is a very good idea. It's kind of funny, actually, that the nudity is what's getting the deck so much attention, rather than this. Maybe because the CT is so self-conscious about its nudity but unself-conscious about its inclusiveness.

mabcosmic	03 May 2002
*~Greetings~* There was an interesting comment made about linking the uprise of diseases and the correlation with it to more clothes. I recently had a very disturbing conversation with my own mother about differences between alternative religions and contemporary religions and the differences in morality about this issue. As we all know, many witches worship skyclad, but not all. Many witches connect with people with whom they will share a willing and adult relationship also. What my mother was referring to was the "lack of morality" issue about alternative religions. Sometimes, when you don't do your homework like my mother doesn't with this issue, the concept of morality and sexuality can become a hot topic. The fact that some pagan artifacts, modern Tarot cards, and worship practices of some Witches tends to strain the untrained eye into thinking that people of the alternative religious community to be immoral, and bestial-like in their sexuality. Tarot cards and nudity, have become no exception in this view. My point is, even though there is an absence of sexual morals, Witches do in fact take responsibility for their relationships with other people, generally. How morality relates to nudity and sexually transmitted diseases is interesting that there has been no decline in diseases in this country, even though people have been more apt to put their clothes on. I am no exception, as I keep myself modest for personal reasons. I also find it interesting how people will correlate immorality with alternative religion worship, when in a society built on Judeo-Christian ethics and morality: We see more teenage pregnancy rates, a high STD rate(1 in 5), and an interesting amount of criminals in prison that profess to be "Christian." Even when their actions have proved otherwise. I believe that when a person chooses a religion, either through upbringing or otherwise, that the rules still apply. Being a Christian is not easy in society, I give people that, however, taking responsibility for personal choice in religion is also very important. To me, religion is how you act, and how much responsibility you are also willing to take to follow the tenets of that religion. My husband and I are both pagan, but we remain exclusive to each other, and keep our clothes on. Please, please don't take this as a christian bashing post. Do note that I respect others' religions, and I love my mother dearly but there has been some confusion that I'm trying to clear up. My point on this with Tarot is that it CAN keep it's clothes on, but when it doesn't, looking at nudity shouldn't correlate purely with sex, either. When people start viewing only sex when looking at a phallic symbol, I think it's time that we all start being a little less depraved and little more openminded to what it really represents in the human psyche(IE masculinity and progentive and creative qualities). This is only my opinion. That's why porn Tarot distracts me, because it focuses on sexual acts and it makes me think of other things than symbolism. Other people may feel differently and glean understanding from them also, so I am not against it being out there. I have made a personal choice, nothing more, nothing less. Anyway, I have taken up space in the forum again. Again, I only contribute this as mind candy for you guys, pick it apart, and I hope you get something out of it. I know others feel differently about the subject, and I respect those views also. *~Blessings!~* Margi

debins	03 May 2002
I find nudity in a deck an alert that I am dealing with the naked truth, as it were. I think when one is naked it is difficult to lie. So I think of the nudity as symbolizing the bare truth. Also, I think nude figures portray humans as they are before the divine universe. I'm rather humbled before a card that depicts nudity. All my pretension disappears. Namaste.

Jenny-Li	04 May 2002
Quote: Originally posted by debins I find nudity in a deck an alert that I am dealing with the naked truth, as it were. I think when one is naked it is difficult to lie. So I think of the nudity as symbolizing the bare truth. /.../ That's a really good point, I can definitely relate to that! (I just got the Robin Wood Star twice in this mornings readings, and your point is really adding to what I got from that card earlier. Thanks! :) ) Light and love, Jenny :)

catlin	08 May 2002
Yesterday I got my pack of CT and was delighted about the deck! I imagined it worse concerning nudity and piercing/tatoos but I think the cards are aestethical and I like it. Besides, I finally have a deck for potential gay clients (and another one for my collection ;) )

Angel Star	08 May 2002
Now I am seriously thinking about getting this deck from Amazon. I just received the Victoria Regina yesterday and their decks are alot cheaper. I have seen this deck and I find it quite beautiful plus I have heard so much about this deck from the forum that I will probably end up with it. It is quite beautiful kind of reminds me of the Voyager as far as the collage work goes. :)

smokey	27 Mar 2004
Out of the 50 - some- odd decks I accumulated throughout the 20 yrs. ( off & on ) of the Tarot "dealing with me, " the Cosmic Tribe has by far the most nudity, but it CHOSE me, so, rather apprehensively, I ordered it, feeling I'd no choice in the matter as I've never had any deck pick me before. Boy, was I glad !!! I find the artwork beautifully tailored with style and class. With a slight weight problem myself, I've only to think of the Queen of Disks and recall the radiant joy on her face to feel better. She is so COMFORTABLE within her body! Ditto the Princess of Disks for not allowing her weight to become an "issue." I've acquired several new decks since my beloved C.T., but it still ranks my favourite, nudity and all!!! Thanx for lettin' me share.

smokey	27 Mar 2004
Hi, it's me again, I had to briefly leave & re- appear cuz I'd chosen to quickly forget the coupla' decks I'd recently seen browsing that totally turned me off, so I had to re- browse to catch their names. To me, the Decameron deck displays nudity lewdly, and the Priapo Tarot is naught but hard-core porn. I feel a deck as such does nothing but gives Tarot a BAD name! However, to each his/her own, and I sincerely hope I have NOT offended anyone. This is just my humble opinion of course. (I don't even know if these decks were out @ the time of these posts, and I didn't think to check, duh! However, I really doubt they were.) Thanx again for letting me share.

Aure	27 Mar 2004
I have no problem whatsoever with nudity as long as it doesn't involve anything sickening. You know what I mean when you look at this one: http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/giardini-di-priapo/cards.shtml Nudity is natural and I hate it how it has been turned into an unnatural and somehow dirty these days (referring to the Janet Jackson episode etc.). There doesn't necessarily have to be anything sexual in nudity, I actually get more bothered when people try to cover up things like airbrush the nipples etc. That actually attracts more attention!! So, healthy nudity is better than for example putting silly underwear on Michelangelo's David statue or trying to hide his private parts under a huge fig leaf... :D

Star Spirit	27 Mar 2004
I'm fine with nudity, as long as the deck isn't distasteful and very graphic, simply an excuse for pornography. Those kind, I just find disgusting. But I do like, for example, the Tarot of Mermaids, which is on its way to me. As long as it's tasteful nudity, I have no problem with it. (I mean, it's not like mermaids wear clothes anyway, right?) :D

laura_borealis	27 Mar 2004
I don't mind nudity in decks at all, and the Cosmic Tribe is my current favorite deck. Sure, there are a lot of penises hanging around in there, but they're quite innocent little guys. Actually the most randy-looking card isn't showing a penis at all (Knight of Wands -- at least, he looks randy to me!) :D I can see having a problem with how nudity is presented in a deck, but not with the nudity itself. I'm not fond of very airbrushed-looking, idealized images of women, or body builder male types. I wouldn't want a specifically erotic deck, either. I wouldn't be able to read well with it. But if other people appreciate those decks, more power to 'em.

VGimlet	27 Mar 2004
I'm surprised I missed this thread the first time around! I don't mind nudity in cards at all. In fact, one of the minor focus points of my tarot collection are erotic decks. Partly because it interests Ken, and anything that gets him interested in tarot is a good thing. :) But also because decks can be so different in the way nudity is used. In the Royo Black tarot, it's more of a showcase for his art, rather than a usable tarot, and of course, other's opinions on this may vary. In the Tarot of the Imagination it's used almost humorously in some respects. Of course I wouldn't use a deck with a lot of nudity if I thought the person I was reading for would be uncomfortable with it - that would detract from the reading for both of us. Still, on the whole, nudity and sensuality is both totally natural, and sometimes beautiful. :)

Red Emma	27 Mar 2004
Motherpeace and Daughters of the Moon are the two decks I have which have some nudity. It's never bothered me, and about four years ago when I pulverized one of my ankles, I spent about a month in a Catholic convalescent center. When my husband brought me books, etc., I was a little leery of asking for a tarot deck at all. It was, after all, a fairly conservative institution. I decided if tarot was a big deal, someone would say so. Of course he brought Daughters of the Moon which has quite a bit. While I was there, I asked just about everyone who came in my room if they'd like a reading. I explained that I was just learning and that it was a feminist deck. There were those who didn't want a reading at all, and those who came by every few days for more info. No one complained about the nudity in the deck. Much to my relief.

Astra	27 Mar 2004
A great thread! Thanks, Smokey, for kicking it up, since I wasn't here when it originally came around. When I was originally working on my cards, I had one simple 3D figure modeling program, and no easy way to even think about clothing the characters, so I ended up "clothing" them in colors and textures, which ended up working really well, but left just a bit of a question in the back of my mind as to whether there would be a problem for some people with nude figures, even if they weren't "real". I still suspect there may be some minor problems, but it feels a lot better, now that I've read through the last 5 pages of posts.

smokey	29 Mar 2004
You're quite welcome, Astra! I literally stumbled across it just "looking" and was glad I did! I'm just wondering how ya'll found it ?!? I'm thinking by browsing, using the "Search" button &/or both maybe...

The Nudity in cards thread was originally posted on 30 Apr 2002 in the Tarot Decks board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Tarot Decks, or read more archived threads.