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- Soul Guidance Edition -
happy
earthlings
the
wi
l
d
unknown
with kim krans
INTERVIEW BY ANNA CIPOLLONE
www.happywellmag.com
O
ne of the principles of yoga is the practice of
svadhyaya, or self-study, as a way of knowing
ourselves more clearly. By engaging in reflections of
self-inquiry, we invite a deeper understanding of our
inner truth that illuminates our habits, thought patterns
and conditioning. Illustrator Kim Krans crafted The
Wild Unknown tarot deck to assist in her own spiritual
practice, re-creating the major and minor arcana using
mystical elements from the natural world. Quickly
gaining a cult following, The Wild Unknown recognizes
the inherent power in the cards and how their messages
can complement a contemporary spiritual practice.
As we perform readings, we are given a mantra to
meditate on, drawing new meaning from symbolic
messages as tarot cards help to achieve the same inner
harmony we seek in yoga. Through the process of selfstudy, we become more insightful, aware and honest,
adjusting and invoking change in order to expand
toward our full potential. We spoke with artist Kim Krans
about creating The Wild Unknown and the renaissance
of the tarot, illustrating her second children’s book Hello
Sacred Life, and the impact tarot cards have had on her
own spiritual development.
Q: The Wild Unknown is a beautiful reinterpretation of the
tarot, full of a mystical allure that’s an inspiring addition to
any practice of self-study. How did you initially conceive
of the tarot deck?
Kim: My idea was to make a deck without people in it,
one that was teeming with wild nature, bursts of light,
and deep dark shadows. It was a deck for me and my
friends, and their friends, so I drew it with the spirit of
our generation in mind.
Q: How are tarot cards an expression of spiritual energy
and have they served a special purpose in your own
life?
Kim: While growing up I was so intrigued by the tarot, I
read tons of books about the cards and their meanings.
Problem was, when I tried to find an actual deck that I
loved, one that I could connect with and that felt "right"
in my hands, I was disappointed in the choices out there.
I realized if I wanted the deck of my dreams I was going
to have to draw it myself.
Q: How has your personal relationship to the cards
changed as a result of crafting The Wild Unknown?
Kim: I’ve definitely become more intimate with the
cards, especially the major arcana, they just seem part
of my day-to-day life. Not even as cards, but more as
characters.
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Q: Where do you find inspiration?
Kim: I find it in my teachers, other artists, musicians,
and writers. Basically when I see another person out
there being brave, being connected to their innate gifts,
it’s just amazing to witness.
other reflections. Remember that the cards are there
to help us find our inherent inner wisdom, so trust that
above all else.
Q: Will The Wild Unknown continue to evolve into new
projects in 2015?
Q: What role does yoga play in relation to channeling
your creative energies?
Kim: Yep! There is so much coming in 2015. The
expansion is blowing my mind!
Kim: It's my go-to every day for checking in with myself
and building energy. People sometimes think they don't
have time for yoga or meditation - but we don't have
time NOT to do it! Life is too short to not connect with
yourself and your dreams.
Q: What does ‘the wild unknown’ mean to you?
Kim: Well, on the literal end, it's a quote from the Bob
Dylan song, Isis. On the more mystical end, it's about
the place within that is not yet familiar to us, but it's full
of crazy, beautiful, infinite potential.
Q: What’s the relationship between tarot card readings
and yoga? Can tarot be integrated into a daily practice?
Kim: When it's at its best, the tarot reminds us of a crucial
part of yoga that we tend to forget about in the West,
which is the practice of self-reflection. The cards can
help us look at and question our limiting beliefs, habits,
and the perceptions we have of ourselves. Plus there
are themes consistent in both: the elements of earth, air,
fire, water, and bringing opposing forces into balance
(feminine and masculine, sun and moon, the individual
self and the whole of consciousness). Yoga always asks
us to be skillful in our actions, so it's all about using the
cards as a way to gain clarity and insight, not to increase
confusion or doubt.
Q: Tell me about writing and illustrating Hello Sacred Life.
What led you to create a children’s book?
Kim: Hello Sacred Life is my second children's book,
and there's a third one coming out in 2015 too! The most
exciting thing with Hello Sacred Life was introducing kids
to really big concepts, like the sun, moon, water, and
earth. Helping young brains and hearts start to consider
how huge and blessed our lives are.
Q: What can the tarot tell us about our lives?
Kim: The tarot is really effective at pointing out our habits.
A lot of times habits are at the root of our woes. Some
people think of a handful of the cards as being "bad."
I don't think of them that way - for me it's more like,
"Okay, you can't try to hide it anymore. Time to make a
change!"
Q: Do you have any advice for newbie tarot readers?
Kim: It's easy to get overwhelmed by the tarot, so start
simple with 1-3 card spreads. Avoid getting lost in all the
contradictory meanings and opinions online, just stick
with one or two guidebooks and begin to trust your own
relationship with the cards. Keep a journal for notes and
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ABOUT
anna
Anna Cipollone is a journalist and writer based in
Toronto, Canada.
She is captivated by the potency of yoga, and can often
be found writing on wellness, arts and culture, fashion
and style.
Her work has been featured in Chatelaine, Yoga Journal,
FASHION, and Canadian Living.
A dedicated yogi, Anna practices yin and vinyasa yoga,
and is intent on inspiring others to tame the wild mind by
means of the breath.