THE SUIT OF ROSES
(Element of EARTH / COINS)
The rose is one of nature’s most beautiful creations. There is evidence of its existence dating back 35 million years. What makes the Rose unique amongst the four suits is that it can exist completely on its own in the element of earth. There are countless varieties of roses that have been cultivated and refined through generations — with patience, experience, and expertise.
THE ELEMENT OF EARTH
In the suit of Roses we deepen our connection to the natural world in the element of earth. The flip side of the natural world is the material world, so the suit of Roses also speaks to our wealth, investments, belongings, home and financial stability. When there is little connection to or interest in nature, there will always be more attachment to the material plane. The suit of Roses lets us know when this axis is out of whack, when material concerns and labor dampen our spirits and our ability to enjoy what’s right in front of us.
WHY ROSES?
When I first started drawing roses for the Outsider Tarot, I had been living in one city or another for 20 years. I had no image in mind of what a real rose bush looked like without searching the internet. When I moved to the country, I wanted to plant roses everywhere. I was shocked by how many varieties there were to choose from. I now have knock out roses, rosa rugosas, miniature roses and primitive roses. Every time I see a new rose bud, it really feels like a blessing, and when one of my bushes has been eaten away by caterpillars or inflicted by a fungus, I feel a ping of despair, until I remember the buds always come back renewed in the spring. All of these interactions went into the designs for this suit.
THE OUTSIDERS
The Suit of Roses is grounded by cultivators, farmers, collaborators, queer provocateur Leigh Bowery, our chosen families, essential workers, poet and tattoo artist Samuel Steward, those learning the magical powers of mother nature, and my grandmother.
SYMBOLS & GLYPHS
To give more depth to your readings with the Outsider Tarot, each card includes glyphs for any associated zodiac sign, planet or alchemical element (fire, water, air, earth) right inside the title box.
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