Editor’s note: Today’s column contains references to erotica.
This month I want to highlight an amazing Queer artist whom many of our readers may already know, but if not, prepare for a real treat. Joe Phillips has enjoyed an artistic career for over 35 years. His work has been appeared on product advertisements, as well as various magazine and book covers. He has worked for several of the top comic book companies, including DC and Marvel, where he has drawn for some of the most popular titles of all time: Speed Racer, Doctor Who, and Wonder Woman, to name but a few.
While his work in that arena has certainly been impressive, it is his Pagan and Queer-themed work that has drawn so much attention from our intersectional communities, and where many first had the privilege of enjoying his amazing talent.
I first stumbled upon Phillips’s work through gay erotica. Based on a 1999 web-short, The House of Morecock (2001) was the first American-made animated gay pornographic film ever made. It focused on a twenty-something blond supernatural investigator who always seemed to end up in explicit sexual situations with whomever (and whatever) was being investigated. It certainly got my attention. I would see his work prominently displayed in various places on the queer-internet, and in more recent years became enamored by his Witch Boys project, which allows individuals to commission an image of themselves in the guise of a Witch, flying through the night. (Full disclosure: I jumped at that chance myself.)
The Divine Diversity Tarot Deck by Joe Phillips [courtesy]
Phillip’s latest offering is something of a love letter to the Pagan community. The Divine Diversity Tarot features images of people from different races, cultures, sexualities, and body types, all unified under a single banner. Where there have been other decks that celebrate specific cultures and people, what makes this deck stand out (besides the beautiful artwork) is the fact that these cards often show these different types of people together, making this deck particularly empowering for a message of inclusion, rather than one of separation.
This deck actually first came out in 2018, realizing the artists’ vision to have a deck that depicted different races, sexualities, genders, and bodies together. This deck was quite large (4”x6”) and included a couple extra cards: alternative versions of both the Lovers and the Devil, each with both “heterosexual” and “homosexual” varieties given. Now we can enjoy an updated version of this stellar deck with the second edition (Divine Diversity 2). This one is somewhat smaller than the original, now 2.75” x 4.75,” making it easier to hold and to shuffle, and has added two more cards: “lesbian” versions of the aforementioned Lovers and Devil cards, further expanding the sexual representation this deck brings to the reading table.
Is it getting hot in here or is it just me? (The three variations of the Lovers tarot card from the Divine Diversity tarot deck by Joe Phillips [courtesy]
These alternative cards could be singled out and chosen to represent the specific relationship form of the querent or could all be left in play to offer different nuances of situations or relationships. (And that’s before we even consider poly relationships! We could be here all day!)
In addition to the varying sexualities at play in these additional cards, there is also representation of interracial relationships, a detail that affirms the reality of the racial intersectionality in our Pagan and Queer communities and also stands as a reminder to those who may not live in areas with many BIPOC people or at least not in their immediate Pagan circles. Representation matters. Exposure to the unfamiliar is a huge step toward normalization and this deck provides a beautiful opportunity for this message to be conveyed.
Three sexy Devils (The three variations of the Lovers tarot card from the Divine Diversity tarot deck by Joe Phillip) [courtesy]
For a people who work at being inclusive and welcoming (even if we perhaps too often collectively fall short of those ideals), this deck is a visual reminder of the values many Pagans hold and the beauty of our beloved and vibrant community. But it is more than just a reminder, or even a map or guide. It is a spell, to reinforce those ideals and help bring them more fully to fruition.
While this deck affirms a healthy sexuality, the artwork is not overly sexual, making this deck appropriate for a wider audience. (If you are looking for a “full frontal” tarot, check out the Cosmic Tribe Tarot by Stevee Postman.) But if you are looking for a deck that you could use in a more public setting, then the Divine Diversity is an excellent and stylish choice, even if still a touch risqué at times.
A diverse selection… Pick a card… any card. (Selections from the Divine Diversity tarot deck by Joe Phillips) [courtesy]
The deck comes in a stylish hard cardboard box and comes with a booklet that gives upright and reversed divinatory meanings for each of the cards. While it does not give any instructions as how to use the tarot (but do we really need that?) it does offer a little introduction that sets the stage for this deck and gives a little bit of insight into the mind of the artist and their reasons for designing this deck.
Another nice detail of this edition: the edges are beautifully edged with metallic purple gilding. This is very striking and looks amazing when the deck is assembled and dealt. The cardstock is heavy with a matte finish and feels very satisfying. I can imagine that there will be with me for many years of use.
It’s so shiny! (The metallic border of the Divine Diversity 2 tarot deck by Joe Phillips) [courtesy]
My only “complaint” (if we can even call it that) is that the hot ginger bear that appears on the box cover is nowhere to be found in the deck itself, but honestly if that is the biggest negative then it’s clear this is a real winner.
As our consciousness evolves, so should our art, our tools, and our magic. The Divine Diversity Tarot demonstrates this beautifully and is a formidable addition to the world of tarot, especially for those who like to see the richer hues of representation in our spiritual practices.
The Divine Diversity 2 deck can be purchased from the artist’s website.
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