Interview with Mariza Ryce Aparicio-Tovar, creator of The Gentle Tarot
I got an email the other day that filled me with joy.
It was from Mariza Ryce Aparicio-Tovar, an indigenous artist and creator of a new tarot deck - The Gentle Tarot. Reading through her email and kickstarter and looking at her cards it was clear that this was both a person and project with something deeply healing and important to say. I couldn’t wait to learn more and share it with you all.
Inspired by our natural environment, Mariza explores issues of mental health and self-love with hopes of advocating care for our planet and ourselves so that collectively we may experience our full potential. Talk about what we need more of in this world. Her artwork is, quite simply, gorgeous and uses the structure of tarot to celebrate these themes, resulting in a deck that feels both gentle and powerful. It reminds me of the expansive beauty of tarot. as a place to uplift values, traditions, and guidance in a lived-in way that everyday people can interact with meaningfully.
I hope you enjoy our conversation below and check out Mariza’s work and kickstarter (seriously, not only is this deck stunning and timely, the kickstarter itself has some of the best rewards I’ve seen in ages!)
Cards from The Gentle Tarot
Hello Mari and thank you so much for sharing your work here on Incandescent Tarot - I’m truly delighted to have you. I’m also so curious about your tarot journey - what brought you to the cards and how has creating a deck influenced your relationship with them?
My first experience with tarot was in college, but I did not fall in love with tarot until after college in 2010. I had quit my jobs in Seattle and was about to hitchhike solo down the west coast to LA when a couple of close friends of mine offered me a reading. Every card in the spread gave me chills and the energy in the cards and in the room was like an introduction to a new friend. I have since practiced.
Most of my history with tarot has been a sweet and soulful connection between my closest friends. Although I do practice on my own, there is something special about having the magic witnessed, read out loud and validated.
“At first I was very hesitant, doubtful of being worthy of putting my own interpretation to the cards, but now that I see that they have a life of their own, I surrender to and embrace the creative process. It feels like magic to add my version - with humility and love.”
Creating a deck has definitely strengthened my relationship with tarot. I have spent many hours sitting with meanings and over the years I have sat intently with art from different decks. Creating one has enhanced my admiration for other artists’ decks and for tarot’s essence in general. At first I was very hesitant, doubtful of being worthy of putting my own interpretation to the cards, but now that I see that they have a life of their own, I surrender to and embrace the creative process. It feels like magic to add my version - with humility and love.
Your connection to nature in remote Alaska and your indigenous background are major influences in your work with this deck. What did it feel like to channel these connections into the structure of a tarot deck? And, on a more personal level, how does tarot fit into your spiritual life?
Three of Thunder, Two of Cups, and The Moon from The Gentle Tarot
I did not necessarily channel these influences into the deck. My spirituality and inspiration from nature are always present in my personal work. Before this project, I worked on an Unalaska Flora and Fauna series. I notice a huge difference in that project and this one. Whereas the former was more restrictive/less experimental, illustrating tarot has proven to be a perfect amount of freedom for me to explore very spiritually inclined, intimate pieces that I may not have otherwise shared with the public. Three of Thunder comes to mind, as well as Ten of Thunder.
Tarot fits into my spiritual life as if it were a close friend, one that is always there, available for support and guidance. Tarot experiences, like other seemingly random-not-so-random incidences in life, to me are like a portal for the unseen. Ultimately, we carry all of the love and guidance that we need. The question is whether we allow ourselves to receive these reminders. I love how tarot is a direct connection to ethereal space, one that is tangible and easily shared with others.
That’s so beautifully put and I love how you include a quick tarot how-to in your kickstarter, inviting people who aren't familiar with tarot into working with the cards in such a welcoming way. How would you describe your "tarot philosophy"?
Thank you! My older brother requested it, since he was interested but clueless about tarot. :)
In terms of “tarot philosophy,” I would have to say that it is one of self-care and self-worth. As mentioned above, I believe we all have the strength, insight, and power that we need. It is too often and too easily forgotten. Life is not easy and the daily struggle is real. I like to view tarot as a steady support. Sometimes we bury issues and tarot can bring them back to the surface. After spending so much time with each individual card, I can see how they all pretty much steer you towards the same direction – towards one that is true to your heart.
You mention your belief in the tie between our mental health and connection to the environment - how has this influenced your life, spirituality, and work with tarot? How do you think people can begin to strengthen, reclaim, or forge these connections?
A connection with nature is a relationship available to everyone. There were many times during my college years where I would go for my run and always stop at a specific tree for a hug. That hug provided connection equal to or greater than a hug from another person. It helped me get through tough times.
“A relationship with nature heavily influences my life, as it is the basis of my spirituality. Sharing this connection through the Gentle Tarot is an attempt to remind others and myself of how we are not alone. We are loved and cared for. ”
There is no real divide between us and our natural environment. If we all remembered this, we would feel the unconditional love found there. This relationship, like any other, includes giving and receiving. It feels good to give and to take care of something you love. My mom always says to walk gently upon the earth. Reverence for nature, being receptive to its needs, and allowing yourself to be part of the natural environment causing least amount of harm as possible, are all part of this relationship.
A relationship with nature heavily influences my life, as it is the basis of my spirituality. Sharing this connection through the Gentle Tarot is an attempt to remind others and myself of how we are not alone. We are loved and cared for.
I think a simple way people can explore and strengthen this connection is to go for a barefoot walk, sit silently and feel the elements. Maybe lie down on the ground and feel how your weight is supported and held. Hug a tree! :) I am serious. Give it a good squeeze! Plants, animals, rocks, fire, wind are friends. Remember that we are all connected. I hope the nature-filled art in The Gentle Tarot serves as a colorful reminder of this.
Two of Thunder, Strength, and Ten of Cups from The Gentle Tarot
…and now for some speed-round questions: What was the most surprising part of making this deck?
The most surprising part has been how fluid and consistent my creative output has been. I definitely took long enough to start (8 years!), now they are pouring out.
What was the easiest card to create? The most difficult?
The easiest card to create may have been the first card, the Moon. I often work and re-work cards over the period of several days, but the Moon was set on the first attempt. The Emperor was the most difficult. Getting his soft fur and rolls just right were a healthy challenge for my digital painting skills.
How would you describe your deck in three words?
Loving, colorful, kind
What do you hope your tarot deck will bring to the people who use it?
I hope the Gentle Tarot brings people reassurance, support, and unconditional love. I hope that it reminds them that they are not alone, and our natural environment is also there for their support. My biggest wish is that the Gentle Tarot help others reach for their wildest dreams, as it has helped me go for mine.
Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom, process, and gorgeous deck with us, Mariza! If you’re as inspired by this as I am, head over to The Gentle Tarot kickstarter to learn more and support this wonderful creation.