Pokemon cards can be used in cartomancy like tarot cards, but there’s not a ton of resources out there for getting started with it. The goal of this guide is to go through the original 150 pokemon and interpretations based on the card’s type, evolution and individual characteristics. Some of this will be based on the show, some of it the cards themselves, and some of it from the games.
The pokemon can be found by pokedex number in groups of 15 (so there will be 10 total guide posts).
*record scratch* Cue the pokerap.
1. Bulbasaur
The seed pokemon. Grass types are associated with growth, and Bulbasaur is the embodiment of this concept. The seed on its back grows with it, eventually opening up into the flower of the Venusaur. Bulbasaur is the seed stage of growth, where the idea exists and has even been planted, but needs additional work and experience to blossom. The card of potential.
2. Ivysaur: the flower grows larger, now a bud about to blossom. Proximity; whatever is coming will happen soon.
3. Venusaur: the flower blooms. Manifestation and power. It is now. Whatever happens will be large, focused, and long time coming, like the gathering of light for Venusaur’s signature solar beam.
4. Charmander
The lizard pokemon. Found in the rain with his tail fire low enough that it threatens to go out entirely-- a huge risk, given that if it does, the charmander dies-- he becomes a loyal, if moody, member of Ash’s team. Charmander is associated with resistance to adversity. As long as that fire burns, so does the matter at hand.
5. Charmeleon: this pokemon was...difficult, to say the least. No longer resistance to adversity, but resistance towards authority.
6. Charizard: Triumph over a situation that has given resistance; overcoming a roadblock or something that has proven hard to push past.
7. Squirtle
The Tiny Turtle pokemon! (No, seriously, look it up. It’s the Tiny Turtle.) This pokemon is known for its shell on its back, which when scare,d it will draw back into. The Squirtle card represents a retreat. This could be for the sake of healing or just fear; nevertheless, squirtle is a step back from the outside world and a re-examination of the self.
8. Wartortle: said to live 10,000 years, wartortle is inner wisdom, the kind that comes from experience and thought.
9. Blastoise: represents accurate perception of both oneself and the world around. Seeing without filters, but not necessarily removed from the action. A clear head.
10. Caterpie
One of the first pokemon encountered in the games, caterpie is the embodiment of what it means to be a beginner. Caterpie is weakness (sorry caterpie!) embodied, humble and always having to scurry away from tougher opponents. It can be the victim of a harsh world or hiding from it, but caterpie is small, humble, and unable to defend itself.
11. Metapod: is defined by its move ‘harden’ because it’s a dick and so represents the reaction to either weakness or the way that things have been treated because of weakness; it’s the hardening of oneself against harsh situation, growing stronger and less vulnerable, but also less open as a result of it.
12. Butterfree: overcoming weakness, nonconventional solutions; butterfree is never strong in terms of sheer stats, but it is significantly effective with its status affecting attacks (e.g stun spore, poison powder) which take out an enemy as sure as solar beam when used right. Butterfree is finding a way around a problem instead of charging straight through, finding your own path.
13. Weedle
Not just bug, but also poison type, weedle is the sting in the back of your mind, doubt and insults that add up, like poison in your blood. Not necessarily dangerous on its own, weedle represents small injuries close to home, possibly with those you are close with (or even yourself). This is not serious harm, but it’s not pleasant, either.
14. Kakuna: the evolved form of weedle, Kakuna represents waiting, riding out the storm. Although pain comes, the kakuna bares it and waits until it is over. It is gritting your teeth and looking upwards, letting the wave crash. It is not a passive card, though. This endurance takes serious effort.
15. Beedrill: Vindication, the infliction of pain. This card is the revenge card; whatever ills have been thrown, they are now coming back in full, and the pain will be sharp and harsh. Beedrill is a swarm of emotion that ends in violence; however, that retribution can be for ills. In the right setting, this card could also indicate justice.
DISCLAIMER: This is all based on my personal interpretation of the cards. I know there are pokemon-themed tarot decks that you can buy, but this is meant to be a more DIY option, for a more budgeted/closeted witch.
Some Pokemon cards to use as a DIY tarot deck. Feel free to change it up to suit your personal tastes.
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MAJOR ARCANA:
0 The Fool - Ditto, Mime Jr.
I 1 The Magician - Mr. Mime, Alakazam, Abracadabra
II 2 The High Priestess - Vespiquen
III 3 The Emperess - Nidoqueen
IV 4 The Emperor - Nidoking
V 5 The Hierophant - Xatu
VI 6 The Lovers - Luvdisc, Swoobat
VII 7 The Chariot - Lapras, Mudsdale, Tauros, Stoutland
VIII 8 Strength - Machamp, Regigigas, Buzzwole
IX 9 The Hermit - Toxipex, Cloyster
X 10 The Wheel of Fortune - Clampearl, Bronzor, Klefki, Dhelmise
XI 11 Justice - Gallade, Marowak
XII 12 The Hanged Man - Hitmontop, Galvantula, Spinarak, Ariados, Burmy
XIII 13 Death - Shedinja, Duskull
XIV 14 Temperance - Medicham
XV 15 The Devil - Giratina, Spiritomb, Houndoom
XVI 16 The Tower - Palossand, Exeggutor Alolan Form
XVII 17 The Star - Clefable, Staryu, Starmie
XVIII 18 The Moon - Lunatone, Cresselia, Umbreon, Lunala
XIX 19 The Sun - Solrock, Sogaleo, Espeon
XX 20 Judgement - Arceus
XXI 21 The World - Mew, Victini, Solosis, Guzzlord
