The Orchesta Tarot©

Creator and Author
Danny Loosemore, MT(ASCP) MBA CCDS

danny@orchestratarot.com

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Welcome to the enchanting world of The Orchestra Tarot, a divination tool created by the visionary artist and tarot master, Danny Loosemore. Journey into the mystical realm where the magic of music intertwines with the wisdom of the tarot, and let the harmonious melodies guide you on a transformative path of self-discovery.

Each card in The Orchestra Tarot deck is beautifully illustrated with intricate details and vibrant colors, bringing to life the captivating imagery of an orchestra. From the ethereal strings to the resounding brass, the delicate winds to the thunderous percussion, every card resonates with the energy and symbolism of the instruments, creating a unique and enchanting tarot experience.

With The Orchestra Tarot, Danny invites you to explore the profound connections between music, art, and divination. Delve into the symphony of archetypes, where each card reveals its own story, its own melody, and its own transformative message. Let the cards speak to your soul, providing guidance, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on your life's journey.

As you immerse yourself in The Orchestra Tarot, you will discover that the traditional meanings of the tarot cards have been masterfully woven together with the elements of an orchestra. The suits are transformed into Strings, Brass, Winds, and Percussion, each carrying its own unique symbolism and energy. The court cards take on the personas of the Last Chair, Third Chair, Second Chair, and First Chair, mirroring the dynamics and hierarchy within an orchestra.

Through the evocative imagery and poetic interpretations of The Orchestra Tarot, you will find a new depth of understanding and connection with the archetypal energies and universal themes that resonate with us all. The deck offers a symphony of possibilities, providing guidance in matters of love, relationships, career, and personal growth.

Whether you are an experienced tarot reader or new to the world of divination, The Orchestra Tarot invites you to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and exploration. Let the cards guide you, like a conductor leading an orchestra, and tune in to the rhythms of your intuition. Trust the melodies that emerge, for they hold the secrets and wisdom that will inspire and empower you.

Join Danny and The Orchestra Tarot on this magical journey, where music and divination converge, and the symphony of the soul is unveiled. Unleash your inner maestro, and allow the melodies of the tarot to unfold, bringing harmony, insight, and transformation to your life. Are you ready to embark on this captivating journey? Let The Orchestra Tarot be your guide.

The Cards

The Orchestra Tarot melds the concepts and symbolism of the traditional Rider Waite tarot deck and incorporates the orchestra and symphonies theme into every card.  The Journey begins with the Major Arcana's Composer who starts a new journey in composing a masterpiece as the archetype of the fool and ends with the Opus as The World card with the final symphony. 

The Minor Arcana with Strings for Cups, Brass for Pentacles, Percussion for Swords, and Winds for Wands uses the architecture of the Rider deck with the mastery of the orchestra.  Each of the Ace through 10 cards includes an orchestra piece on every card that resonates with each card's meaning.  In studying the cards to prepare for readings, listening to associated orchestral score provides an additional resource for the divination process.  

The Minor Arcana's court cards of Page through King are represented by the First through Fourth Chair as is a standard chain of command in any instrumental section.  The Page, or Fourth Chair, plays the simpler rhythms while the King, The Fourth Chair, plays the best parts and commands the section of instruments.  

This is a tarot deck that is a first of its kind, merging together the beauty and skill of the symphony orchestra, with the divination power behind each card.  It is a must have for your collection and provides an excellent connection between instrumental music lovers with Tarot.

The Conductor

Dissonance

Knight of Brass

Six of Winds

The Music of the Minor Arcana

In The Orchestra Tarot deck, the minor arcana cards Ace through 10 are not only represented by their traditional tarot meanings but also by a piece of orchestra music that adds an extra layer of depth and symbolism to each card. This unique approach intertwines the world of tarot with the captivating realm of orchestral music, creating a harmonious fusion of artistic expression and intuitive guidance.

 The connection between orchestra music and tarot lies in the shared language of symbolism, emotion, and storytelling. Just as each tarot card carries its own symbolism and evokes a range of emotions, so does a piece of orchestral music. Both art forms have the power to convey deep meaning, stir the soul, and ignite our imagination.

Imagine drawing the 7 of Brass, for instance. This card represents patience, perseverance, and the rewards of hard work. Alongside its traditional tarot meaning, it is also associated with Camille Saint-Saëns' Carnival of the Animals. The enchanting melodies and playful rhythms of this musical composition evoke a sense of whimsy and joy. It transports us to a magical realm where animals come to life through music, inviting us to embrace the lightheartedness and celebration that the 7 of Brass embodies.

Similarly, the 6 of Strings is represented by Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 2. This card symbolizes nostalgia, innocence, and fond memories. Mahler's symphony, with its sweeping melodies and emotional depth, captures the essence of reflection and evokes a profound sense of longing. It invites us to immerse ourselves in memories and embrace the transformative power of revisiting the past, just as the 6 of Strings encourages us to find comfort in cherished memories and reconnect with our inner child.

Each piece of orchestra music chosen for the minor arcana cards in The Orchestra Tarot has been thoughtfully selected to resonate with the essence of the card it represents. The music serves as a melodic guide, enhancing our understanding and interpretation of the tarot cards. It invites us to engage with the emotions, stories, and themes woven into the music, allowing us to deepen our connection to the tarot's archetypal wisdom and intuitive insights.

This marriage of orchestra music and tarot invites us to approach the cards with a heightened sense of creativity and imagination. Just as the tarot provides guidance and offers a framework for self-reflection, the orchestra music acts as a soundtrack that enriches our experience, tapping into our emotions, and inviting us to explore the depths of our own souls.

When we draw a card from The Orchestra Tarot deck, we not only contemplate its traditional meaning but also allow the accompanying orchestral composition to infuse our interpretations with additional layers of symbolism and inspiration. The music becomes a gateway to tap into our subconscious, unravel hidden truths, and unlock new perspectives.

Whether we are drawn to the vibrant melodies of a symphony, the intricate harmonies of a concerto, or the rhythmic pulses of an overture, the orchestra music accompanying each minor arcana card in this deck becomes a conduit for our own personal journey of self-discovery. It adds a layer of enchantment, inviting us to explore the interplay between music and tarot, and to find resonance between the melodies that stir our souls and the archetypal messages of the cards.

Through the integration of orchestra music, The Orchestra Tarot not only speaks to our intuitive senses but also connects us to the rich cultural heritage of orchestral compositions. It invites us to celebrate the beauty of both tarot and music, creating a harmonious symphony of insights, inspiration, and artistic expression. As we explore the cards and immerse ourselves in the accompanying music, we embark on a transformative journey that encompasses both the power of divination and the magic of musical storytelling.

The Six of winds

Stravinsky - The Rite of Spring

Stravinsky's Rite of Spring is a groundbreaking and iconic masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of classical music. Composed in 1913, it was met with controversy and even caused a riot at its premiere due to its bold and unconventional approach. The composition is a vivid depiction of pagan rituals and primal energy, characterized by its complex rhythms, dissonant harmonies, and raw, evocative melodies. The Rite of Spring showcases Stravinsky's genius in capturing the raw power and visceral emotions of nature and human existence, making it a truly transformative and unforgettable musical experience.

The Six of Winds in The Orchestra Tarot represents transition, movement, and the journey from one phase to another. Stravinsky's Rite of Spring is a perfect musical embodiment of this card. The composition takes listeners on a journey through ever-changing rhythms, tempos, and motifs, creating a sense of constant movement and evolution. Just as the 6 of Winds signifies a transitional phase in life, the Rite of Spring immerses us in a dynamic and transformative musical experience. It captures the essence of transition, as the music evolves and transforms, taking us on a tumultuous and exhilarating journey through different musical landscapes. The intricate layers of the music mirror the complexities of navigating change, and the intense energy of the composition resonates with the powerful forces at play during transitional periods. In both the 6 of Winds and Stravinsky's Rite of Spring, we are reminded of the transformative power of movement and the inherent beauty that comes from embracing the journey of transition.

The Story of the Major Arcana

The Major Arcana cards in The Orchestra Tarot deck offer a fresh and innovative perspective on the traditional archetypes, creating a unique and resonant experience for tarot enthusiasts. The new names of the cards infuse the deck with a musical theme, reflecting the universal language of orchestral music and its ability to evoke emotions, tell stories, and transcend barriers. This connection between music and tarot enriches our understanding of the archetypal energies at play, adding depth and symbolism to each card.

The Major Arcana cards in The Orchestra Tarot maintain a strong connection to their traditional counterparts while infusing them with the essence of music. For example, The Fool is renamed Composer, emphasizing the limitless creative potential and fearlessness of the artist. The Empress becomes Harmony, emphasizing the nurturing and abundant qualities that bring harmony and balance to our lives. These new names not only honor the traditional meanings but also invite us to explore the cards through the lens of music, enhancing our understanding and interpretation of their significance.

By renaming the Major Arcana cards with musical terms, The Orchestra Tarot deepens the connection between tarot and the universal language of music. Each card resonates with the emotional and symbolic power of its musical counterpart, allowing us to tap into the visceral and transformative qualities of music as we explore the archetypal energies represented by the tarot. This fusion of music and tarot creates a harmonious synergy, offering a fresh perspective and opening up new pathways of intuitive understanding.

dissonance

(The Devil)

In music, dissonance refers to a combination of sounds or musical intervals that create tension, unease, or a sense of unresolved harmony. Dissonant intervals are characterized by their dissonant quality, which contrasts with the consonance of harmonious intervals. Dissonance creates a sense of unrest, instability, and even discord within a musical composition.

The connection between dissonance and The Devil Card in tarot lies in their shared themes of temptation, bondage, and the shadow aspects of the human experience. The Devil Card often represents the aspects of ourselves or our lives that keep us trapped, bound, or restricted. It symbolizes our attachments to material desires, unhealthy patterns, or negative influences that hinder our growth and freedom.

Similarly, dissonance in music can be seen as a metaphor for the dissonant or discordant aspects of our lives. Just as dissonance creates tension and unrest in a musical piece, The Devil Card and its association with dissonance reflect the disharmony and inner conflicts we may face. It signifies the dissonant forces at play within us, the unresolved emotions, and the temptations that keep us from finding inner peace and liberation.

However, it's important to note that dissonance in music is not inherently negative or undesirable. It serves a purpose within a composition, adding complexity and contrast to create a powerful emotional impact. Similarly, The Devil Card and its association with dissonance in tarot invite us to confront and acknowledge the dissonant aspects of our lives, not to fear or avoid them but to understand their role in our personal growth and transformation.

By exploring and facing the dissonance within ourselves, we have the opportunity to transform it into a catalyst for change, healing, and self-awareness. The Devil Card, as Dissonance, reminds us that liberation and freedom from our self-imposed limitations can be achieved by acknowledging and integrating these dissonant elements. It encourages us to break free from the patterns and attachments that keep us bound, embrace our shadow selves, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation.

In this context, the Dissonance card serves as a powerful reminder that the path to liberation requires us to confront and embrace the dissonant aspects of our lives. By acknowledging and working through the tensions and discord within ourselves, we can find a deeper sense of harmony and authenticity. Like the resolution of dissonance in music, the Dissonance card invites us to find resolution and inner harmony by embracing the full spectrum of our experiences, both harmonious and dissonant.

About the author

Danny is the co-owner of Soul and Synergy, LLC in Eau Claire, WI with his husband Terry, a metaphysical store and education center for the community.  As the editor of the online blog The Divination Society, Danny covers a wide variety of topics as it relates to the world of divination.  At the store Danny teaches both Beginners Tarot and the Advanced Tarot Masterclass that welcomes and teaches those new to tarot reading to prepare them for the profession.  Both also sponsor Psychic and Wellness Fairs through Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa.

As a native of Michigan's Upper Peninsula growing up in a very small town, Danny immersed himself in the world of instruments at a young age in the band program at his school, learning the nuances of the Winds, Brass, Percussion, and Strings.  Danny's main instrument was the Baritone and played other instruments as needed.  As a winner of a number of group and solo competitions, Danny's love for music followed him beyond the walls of his high school.

As a graduate of Michigan Technological University with a Bachelors of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science, Danny started out his professional career in the hospital laboratory collecting and analyzing specimens to assist in the diagnosis of patient conditions.  In the following years on the night shift in a small rural hospital, Danny was able to obtain a Masters in Business Administration from Cardinal Stritch University.  This lead to a successful career in hospital leadership which continues today.  

Danny's interest in Tarot started while a student at MTU in the 1990's, which in those conservative times in a small college town wasn't very widely accepted.  There was one little store in a person's home in the middle of the woods that housed items like Tarot Cards that wasn't advertised and only was known by word of mouth.  He purchased his first deck at that store and delved into the meaning and symbolism of the Tarot.  

However, after graduation and delving into the professional world, Tarot and music took a backseat as life took over and other priorities took command of his time.  Then after two decades after graduating, Danny was in a place where Tarot could reenter and become a part of his life again.  

After the reintegration of Tarot, Danny soon began to also bring orchestra music back into his life.  This is where the seed of the Orchestra Tarot began and through divine timing produced his inaugural tarot deck that represents both his love of music and tarot cards.