John Bauer
Mythology, landscape, and folklore permeate John Bauer's work. The cards are rich in imagery and symbolism, evoking an otherworldly feel to the deck.
John Bauer and His Art
John Bauer (1882-1918) merged folklore themes with a dreamlike, Art Nouveau-inspired aesthetic. His namesake deck exemplifies an art deck, akin to the Pre-Raphaelite and Klimt Tarot styles. Central to Bauer's paintings is a distinct magical essence, celebrating nature, particularly the enchanted beings of forests - trolls, fairies, gnomes, and mystical creatures.
Bauer's portrayal of the fantastical not only captivates but also underscores the significance of nature and the enduring allure of folklore and tales. His art, characterised by serene colours and subtle lines, provides an ideal backdrop for the Tarot deck.
It's no surprise that Bauer's work has garnered admiration since the late 19th century, marking his prolific career with around 1,000 works across various mediums and techniques.
Initially illustrating for magazines, Bauer gained widespread recognition through his illustrations for the Swedish folklore series 'Among Gnomes and Trolls'. This exposure resonated deeply in Scandinavia, where cultural revival in the late 19th century elevated folklore to popular culture.
Northern Light
Despite the success of his illustrations for the four volumes of 'Among Gnomes and Trolls,' John Bauer yearned to broaden his artistic horizons. Travel played a pivotal role in his creative journey.
In 1904, he journeyed to Lapland, Finland's northernmost region, tasked with illustrating a book promoting the country's economic potential. However, Bauer's focus shifted away from economics. He became enchanted by the landscapes, weather, and the culture of the indigenous Sami people.
As much an anthropologist as an artist, Bauer immersed himself in Sami life - absorbing their beliefs, clothing, art, diet, and stories. This meticulous attention to detail infused his sketches and paintings, influencing the fantastical worlds he later depicted, particularly those inhabited by trolls.
Bauer and his wife, fellow artist Ester, also travelled to Italy via Germany. The churches and Renaissance paintings left a profound mark on him and his artistry. Many of his works reflect the influence of Italian masters like Piero della Francesca, alongside chiaroscuro techniques and the style of Sandro Botticelli, evident in his mastery of light and shadow.
Bauer developed a distinctive, time-consuming technique. He began with a small sketch, gradually enlarging and adding more detail in successive iterations until completing the final artwork. This meticulous process allowed him to construct rich narrative worlds within each painting.
Enduring Talent
John Bauer, along with his wife and son, met a tragic end in a boating accident in 1918. Despite this untimely loss, Bauer left behind a profoundly impressive and influential body of work that pays homage to folklore and the art that deeply moved him.
His synthesis of these influences resulted in highly distinctive work - sometimes charming and whimsical, other times haunting. Throughout his art, there's a pervasive sense of enchantment in motion, whether depicting woodland sprites and faeries or the graceful figures of forest princesses and deities.
For Tarot readers with an affinity for nature and folklore, Bauer's work holds particular allure. It celebrates the interconnectedness of humans, animals, the environment, and the mythical creatures of ancient tales. Even in his more light-hearted paintings, there's a serene tranquillity that provides a serene backdrop for Tarot readings.
Key Differences
As you explore the John Bauer Tarot, you'll notice distinct differences from other decks.
For example, the Strength card features a young girl with a bear, departing from the more common depiction of a lion.
The Hermit card portrays a fair-haired young woman adorned with candles in her hair, a departure from the traditional image of an older male figure.
In another departure, the John Bauer deck replaces the traditional Hanged Man with the Hanged Person. This card depicts what appears to be a female figure with long, fair hair perched in a tree, diverging from the usual portrayal of a male figure suspended by one leg.
These variations contribute to the unique charm and character of the John Bauer Tarot, offering a fresh perspective on traditional Tarot symbolism.
Asking a Question
To start using your John Bauer deck effectively, it's beneficial to frame an open-ended question beginning with 'What?' or 'How?' This helps focus on what's happening in your life. The more thoughtful your question, the more insightful the answer. For instance, questions like 'How can I change to invite love into my life?' tend to yield better results than 'Who will I marry?' as they encourage openness and flexibility.
Once you have formulated your question, shuffle the cards while keeping your query in mind. When you've finished shuffling, lay out the cards. You can explore various spreads featured on the website - many involve multiple cards, but the simplest is drawing a single card from the deck.
Study the card you draw and let the whimsical, folk-inspired imagery and unique characters resonate with you. Trust your intuition to interpret the message, but if you feel stuck, refer to the meanings provided for each card (Major Arcana, Cups, Pentacles, Wands, and Swords) to unlock deeper insights.
This approach encourages a personal and intuitive connection with the John Bauer Tarot, making it a valuable tool for self-reflection and guidance.
The Cups
The Pentacles
The Wands
The Swords
