OAK GROVE ORACLE
© CHRIS BUTLER 2005.
All rights reserved.
Chris Butler was born 1967 in the
North
West of England. He holds a
degree in Theology from Heythrop
College, University of London. Chris
has an acquaintance
with the tarot
that spans over twenty years. He is
the creator of the
The Butler Tarot,
The Inner Landscape Tarot, and The
Alchemical Elements Deck.
Chris
also works as an actor and a
freelance artist.
www.butlerart.co.uk
www.butlerart.co.uk/tarot
Oak Grove Oracle's Review:
From the United
Kingdom comes
Son Tarot, an exciting new development in gay-inspired
decks. Artist and
illustrator Chris Butler previously created the imaginative works of The
Butler Tarot, The Inner Landscape Tarot,
and the Alchemical Elements Deck now brings to life a deck that reflects
life and experiences of gay men with a
decidedly in-depth spiritual aura.
Son Tarot is
currently a beautiful work in progress. A full set of the Major Arcana
has been developed with
striking digital and illustrated imagery that provides sheer delight as
it draws the viewer in with intricate layers.
Bringing a greater understanding to the meaning of the cards, this is a
deck that easily interweaves a strong sense
of Tarot tradition with mind expanding new concepts.
Even as the
traditional female archetypes assume masculine form, the feminine
virtues hold their own as
reflected within the male counterpart. Son Tarot provides a
complimentary male perspective that is both sensual
and tasteful in its depiction.
(continued below)
© CHRIS BUTLER 2005. All rights reserved.
Adding to the
layered richness of Mr. Butler’s artistic vision is connections to other
traditions. Son Tarot includes
specific references to astrology, runic, elemental and I Ching
philosophies. An exciting blend of thought that brings
depth to understanding the cards. Perhaps it will even open the door
for some users to develop new spreads
based upon these practices. An exciting idea.
The title itself
provokes a variety of interesting ideas that reveals itself in the Minor
Arcana. The familiar suits have
been named to reflect the elements of earth, fire, water and air. One
interpretation may be that we, as gay men,
are also sons of the elements. As elemental men, we are bound to the
earth, gifted with self awareness (air), blessed
with sensitivity (water), and artisans of both creativity and the Spirit
(fire). Being a son validates our masculinity and
honors those who we consider to be our parents, whether biological or
spiritual forefathers.
Who are we the
sons of? Who are our “parents?” How do we relate to our brothers? How
do we understand our
sexuality in relation to our spirituality? How does this reflect upon
our masculine nature? Chris hopes that those who
become familiar with the deck will draw their own conclusions finding
love and acceptance within.
In a nod to both
Gay Tarot and
Brotherhood Tarot, Chris has dedicated Son Tarot to Lee Bursten and myself,
Patric Stillman, for the inspiration that he received in using these
Tarot decks, which became available last year.
These two distinctive decks were created specifically with gay
sensibilities and Son Tarot provides another unique
voice.
As a somewhat
new entry into the Tarot world gay-themed decks are creating all kinds
of discussion in regard to
gender issues, whether masculine images can be effectively read as
feminine archetypes in the Tarot, relevance
to individuals who do not identify themselves as gay, breaking or
strengthening stereotypes, and if these enigmatic
entries diminish the ancient traditions of Tarot. Provocative questions
to decks that seek to give gay men a
personal insight into the Tarot. Son Tarot is a welcome entry as it
will help to personally decipher answers to
these and other questions.
This review was based upon my review of web images as
well as having one of two draft copies of the Majors, which
Chris passed along to both Lee and myself. I’m sure that the final
images may change as the deck is completed but
the intent will remain steadfast.
It will be
exciting to see the completion of this deck one hopes that
a publisher will
be
interested in seeing it reach its audience. Watch for new information
on
Aeclectic Tarot and Chris
Butler’s website at
http://www.butlerart.co.uk/tarot/Home.htm
© CHRIS BUTLER 2005. All rights reserved.
- Review written by Patric Stillman of Oak Grove Oracle, creator of Brotherhood Tarot; September 2005
