- Arnell Ando has been making these cute little Tarot
dolls whenever the spirit moves her. Sewing on beads and
charms as well as a tiny Tarot card that, together
characterize the personality of a Major Arcana. Then Arnell
adds a 'soul' (something inside the doll that represents a
wish or focus) before sewing up - finishing off the effect
with complimentary pop up paints. She puts a broach pin on
the reverse side so one could wear the doll or even
use it as part of an attracting or repelling ritual related
to the card's energy. Each Voodoo Tarot doll is a one
of a kind original. Signed originals.
- Published tarot decks: Transformational Tarot -
Lucky Pack Tarot Deck - Heros's Journey Tarot - Storyteller
Tarot
- I began my studies of the Tarot in my early 20's. I was
living in Japan and feeling quite cut off from my Western
philosophical and religious background. Always fascinated by
mythology, symbology, and the unknown mysteries, I guess it
was a natural direction for me to explore. I was hooked at
once, spending endless hours journaling, studying any Tarot
books I could find in English, and collecting decks from
obscure, back alley shops. Many strange synchronicities,
dream prophesies and other bizarre occurrences both
frightened and enticed me to delve deeper.
Returning to the United States after a decade abroad,
divorced with two young sons, I began a new life. I got a
Masters Degree in Psychology, but I found it
difficult to bridge my spiritual/creative side with this
more cognitive view of personal growth. I continued to
collect unusual decks, appreciating their beauty, but never
finding one that expressed my beliefs and the archetypes
that resonated within. The gap grew wider as I wondered how
to make a living from psychology, which seemed somewhat dry
and cerebral, or metaphysics, which appeared to be a loading
dock for all manner of charlatans and opportunists. I became
quite disenchanted with the whole spectrum of guiding
oneself and others towards a higher ground.
Instinctively, while studying women's history, I began
creating raw, primitive art forms while working through
accumulated issues of anger, pain, and disillusion. This
process was both invigorating and meditative. About the same
time, I discovered a growing field of alternative psychology
called Expressive Art Therapy, which used all mediums
of creative expression to explore the psyche and unlock
hidden truths beyond words and deeds. I had found my niche.
It was quite a transformational experience for me. I
continued my schooling in this field and eventually became a
Certified Expressive Arts Therapist. All the while I was
creating a Tarot deck and journal. This process was helping
me come to terms with my life story; hopes and fears, goals
and setbacks. I devoted myself to this project for two more
years. My friends were most supportive, asking me for color
copies of my deck and urging me to publish it. I had to
create a new deck to publish however, as many of the
contemporary images I incorporated into my themes, were
copyright protected. Collage is still a 'grey' area
with regards to current laws. It has been most gratifying to
self-publish, although it was a huge financial risk
and a lot of hard work to cut, collate, package and market
the work, as I'm sure any of you who have ventured in that
direction realize.
At this point in the story, Transformational Tarot
has just been published by US Games and I'm relishing this
long awaited moment! I'm thrilled to share it with fellow
Tarotists, as so many kind folks have shown support of this
project and shared an interest in obtaining a copy. In
anticipation of the US Games publication I spent several
months editing each of the 78 cards in Photoshop to create
the best possible quality...it has been a labor of love.
Recently we also made a new section of the site which
displays all the new Transformational Tarot cards
individually along with their descriptions.
I continue to conduct workshops at various gigs and Tarot
conferences. I have a small art studio in my home, and
occasionally facilitate workshops in San Diego, CA. I find
this work to be healing and inspirational. My dear friend Leslie
Cochran of Dreamythology and I have been creating
a limited edition Tarot calendar since 2004 and I
always enjoy collaborating with her. Mainly though I'm
blissfully working on creative projects in solitude.
- Live and work in U.S.A.
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