Black Cat Deck: Three of Fangs

The Three of Fangs could be subtitled “Being Invisible”.  A black cat skull, viewed from the top, has a smaller skull positioned like a third eye.  What does it see, if anything?  Below, a triskele of fangs (decorated to look like blind raven heads) encloses an empty, weeping cat eye.  Like the Three of Swords in the Tarot, this card at its best may suggests some sudden insight, revelation, or clarification, usually in regard to a relationship or complex situation.  At its worst, it may indicate alienation or heartbreak. 

Three of Fangs

In some American folk magic traditions, black cats contain a special bone that has the power to make a person invisible.  Depending on the tradition, the bone must be carried in a secret bag, used with other items in a special ritual, held in the mouth, or even eaten.  I haven’t been able to find out which bone it is supposed to be, or even whether it’s the same one for every black cat.  This unpleasant bit of folklore is a 19th century blend of African and European magic with very old roots, so I have chosen the skull (a powerful symbol in its own right) to represent the mysterious bone that confers invisibility.

Homeless cats are invisible to most people.  Blindness, either partial or total, is a fairly common affliction among these creatures.  It can be caused by malnutrition, injury, and various illnesses, all of which are preventable if the cat lives indoors in a safe, loving home.  Yet because their eyes are so beautiful and their gaze so direct (and forward-facing, just like humans), blind cats often inspire unease, disgust, or even fear rather than compassion, and they are less likely to be rescued or adopted.

This was a very difficult card to draw.  I made several sketches and ink drawings before coming up with the final design, which is much more abstract than I originally intended.