The Wheel of Fortune represents good beginnings. Your next trip will start off just right: Be blessed with no security lines and an entire row to yourself on the plane.
Artist Jesse Lortz reimagines ten tarot cards as the characters we encounter in transit.
The origins of the tarot are as mysterious as their powers of divination. Some historians claim the decks derive from the Book of Thoth, a mystic text supposedly penned by the Egyptian god of knowledge and translated into images by ancient priests; others say they first surfaced in 15th-century Europe, originally used for common card games and eventually adopted by members of the occult.
Today, they remain a beloved fixture—even if primarily among Millennials desperate for whatever guidance they can get. Travelers, however, are natural-born soul-searchers; so for Here issue 11, we asked El Paso, Texas-based artist Jesse Lortz to reimagine 10 of the 32 cards as characters we might meet during our travels. Next on our list: figuring out how to join the quadrillion mile club.
Strength indicates a surge in energy and might. Please, use your newfound power to help the poor soul in front of you lift their luggage into the overhead—we just want to get to our seat.
The Lovers indicate an impending difficult decision. Do you flirt with the cute passenger who just sat next to you on your long-haul flight? Do you sit in silent longing? Very tricky.
Judgment recognizes that a long period of change will soon bear results. We see you’ve been accumulating those frequent flyer miles—it’s time to use them and book your next trip.
The Hermit symbolizes a time for serious self-reflection. Be honest with yourself: Did you really need to pack eight pairs of shoes for a weekend trip?
The Chariot indicates that you have a long, difficult journey ahead—but you’re the one who booked a flight with three connections to save $30, so don’t blame us.
The Magician represents excellent communication skills. That being said, now is the time to finesse an upgrade (or at least an extra bag of peanuts from the flight attendant).
The Emperor signifies power and leadership. We figure it’s best to celebrate your authority by making a power move and splurging on a first-class ticket.
The High Priestess tells us to trust our instincts. In other words, if you think you’ve had one too many at the airport bar, you’re probably right.
The powerful Fool card represents an end to an old way of life and the beginning of a new chapter. Instead of vacationing in the same spot again, it’s time to try something completely new.
