Tarot and the Art of Creativity

“Each one of us, we’re a constant radio station communicating and receiving. It’s just that we’re not taught how to read, how to interpret the energies and intuitions we pick up. The tarot card is a really important component in this… " Ben Okri

Tarot cards are rich in visual symbolism and the stories they tell help people make sense of the ups and downs of human experience. They’ve been around for hundreds of years - from simple card games to fortune-telling, divination tools, the occult and intuitive storytelling.

In this episode of Illuminated, we join four artists at their private readings to hear how tarot is part of their creative practice.

The Queen of Wands: Comedian and writer Jessica Knappett drives to Harrogate to meet Carla Greenwood who has news of an ominous block in her work.

Madame Sosostris: Writer Sir Ben Okri has borrowed ‘the wisest women in Europe’ as a character for his latest novel. Where did she come from?

Five of Coins: Musician, writer and actress Lola Kirke is about to go on stage in Manchester. Jen Cownie asks her if the Five of Coins card tells a story about feeling like an outsider.

Pentacles: Poet and generative intelligence designer Adam Martin is embarking on a new project. Is he on the right path?

With Ben Okri, Jessica Knappett, Adam Martin, Lola Kirke, Jen Cownie, Carla Greenwood and Diane Whiteley.

Editor.............................. Ross Burman
Producer......................... Alexandra Quinn
Executive Producer......... Kris Dyer

A Rakkit production for BBC Radio 4