The Ouroboros Galaxy Card Deck
Illustrator: Carolina Ruiz
Designer: Yasmine Steele
The Ouroboros Galaxy is an illustrated card deck and storybook that uses narration and visual storytelling to help children engage with complex global issues. Inspired by The Little Prince and the philosophical ideas behind The Library of Babel, this project invites young readers to reflect on the rise and fall of civilizations through imagination and empathy.
Set in the year 5,040, the story follows Eleanor, a young explorer wandering through the infinite Library of Babel. She stumbles upon a mysterious book that holds a deck of cards. Each card opens a portal to a fallen planet within the Ouroboros Galaxy. Eleanor is transported to these planets to witness their histories, understand their failures, and uncover the lessons they hold.
The name Ouroboros comes from the ancient symbol of a serpent devouring its own tail, representing the eternal cycle of destruction and rebirth. This concept, present in many cultures, is at the heart of the project. Each planet in the story reflects issues that mirror our own world, from environmental collapse to greed, corruption, and the misuse of technology.
The card deck is inspired by the layered meanings of Tarot cards. Each card holds its own story, imagery, and moral weight, encouraging children to think critically about cause, consequence, and connection. Through Eleanor’s journey, readers are reminded that understanding history is essential to avoiding its repetition.
As the co-creative lead, I developed the narrative structure, designed each card, and crafted the visual identity of the project. My goal was to create an immersive educational experience through world-building, symbolic illustration, and storytelling. This project reflects my interest in using narrative and design as tools for reflection, learning, and positive change.
Educational Purpose
This project uses the accessible format of a children’s story to explore themes such as:
The impact of unchecked technological advancement
The consequences of environmental destruction and exploitation
The dangers of conflict, corruption, and control
The power of empathy, memory, and ethical imagination
As Eduardo Espinosa once said, “If we don’t know our history, we are doomed to repeat it.” This project turns that warning into a hopeful learning experience for young minds.
