Pls post about the meaning/symbolism in the sinners tarot cards!
also have you perchance listened to hello from the hallowoods
hello, thank you for the ask!! symbolism and artistic decision below the cut! :)
To begin, you may notice that there is no infinity symbol over Slim’s head… something that is quite unusual for a Magician tarot card. That is because, to me, music and musical instruments represent that idea of infinity and magic within the Sinners universe. Those who are shown to be talented musicians can quite literally summon the spirits of the dead (amongst other things), which I interpret as a sort of life into death into rebirth cycle.
On top of the piano is a glass of water, half-drunk, and a burning candle. These two symbols are a direct reference to the Raider Waite Magician card. I chose those specific elements because I think they represent a good amount of the spectrum of Delta Slim’s personality. Fire is very fast-acting, feisty, powerful, and sometimes explosive, while water is more slow-moving, thoughtful, but equally as powerful in the right scenario.
Along the board of the artwork, there are these leaves and vines. They are actually based on a real plant: artemisia, which is traditionally used in magickal rituals for cleansing, warding, and protection spells. It’s also used for divination occasionally!
In the top board sections, the leaves are wrapped around a harmonica and a train. The harmonica, while slightly covered by the leaves, is still mostly visible, and unobstructed. To me, similar to his piano, the harmonica represents Slim’s freedom. His freedom from slavery, his freedom to create, but at the same time, he is still living a little bit stuck in the past. The train station where we are first introduced to him is implied to be the same one where his friend was lynched.
To me, Delta Slim is an extremely tragic character because, despite the fact that he seems to know just how powerful his musical abilities are, he doesn’t seem to know that he has been quite literally playing his songs to his friend from beyond the veil. Hence why the view of the train is more obstructed, and there is no real end to it.
I included some more flower language in this card, as per usual. I chose roses because, amongst other things, their petals can be used to dispel negative energy, and their thorns are used in protection spells. However! The colors of the roses are a bit dull- that is on purpose! They are wilting, representing the slow fade of their protection and the imminent end of the magick…
The stabbed-through bird that appears in the boarder is a songbird, specifically a mockingbird. These kind of birds are known for their musical abilities, fiercely protective nature, and are often regarded as messengers or symbols of creative expression. Despite being stabbed through the heart, a usually fatal injury, the mocking birds still stand proudly, singing their songs with their heads held high.
The tree behind Slim is a blackthorn tree. They are usually associated with transformation, protection, resilience, and the cycle of life and death. They also have strong connections to traditional witchcraft and magick.
And finally, this one is a little bit more heavy handed than the other symbols, but the four suits of a traditional tarot deck appear in the four corners of the card. They represent Slim’s mastery over the four elements, as well as signaling the ultimate end of Slim’s journey- serving as almost a foil to Sammie who has just started out on his journey as the Fool.
Ok that is pretty much it! Are there any other symbols or interpretations you see in this card? Let me know- I would love to know what everyone thinks :)
Also anon, I have not listened to that song, but I will in a minute!