Tarot Evolves with Our Changing World

Although I am not a tarot animist, I will be the first to say that tarot has some magical properties. This post is about one of my favorites of those properties.

There are many different ways in which tarot can evolve to meet and describe new cultural situations and circumstances.

Here are three examples of what I mean. The last is a very recent one which many of us have discovered. Perhaps, though, we have not contemplated the magic therein as much as we could.

In my tarot practice, the Chariot, Major Arcana Seven, is very often a reference to a person’s car. Of course, when tarot divination was first beginning, no one had cars. Now, they are a very important part of society. They provide our ability to work, shop, and do the things we need to do. They are a status symbol, and very often a source of stress.

It is important that when we use divination to look at someone’s life, we have within the language of our divination tool the ability to look at all the important factors.

The car has definitely become an archetype in American culture. The archetype of the Chariot was easily able to expand to fit into that cultural need.

When I was living in Connecticut and the casinos were being built, the Wheel of Fortune, Major Arcana Ten, started to appear for clients much more often than it previously had. The Wheel of Fortune was suddenly signaling employment at the casino. Later, it began to show up for gambling addiction.

The casinos changed our local culture, and tarot found a way to reflect and communicate that change.

I recently acquired Modern Witch Tarot. The Five of Wands in this deck struck me as being an amazingly clear commentary for 2020 and beyond. Yet, the deck was published in 2019.

At first glance of the Modern Witch Five of Wands we see a very typical image; five people fighting each other with big sticks. What is interesting is that two of them are wearing masks which cover the nose and mouth.

The Modern Witch Five of Wands clearly describes the contentious social discourse regarding mask-wearing during the pandemic. Yet, the timeline tells us that there is no way this card could have been consciously designed to do so.

In the accompanying book, the fighters in this image are described as a “girl gang”. When we look at the image, we can see they have Asian features. Their stances suggest they are practice bojutsu, a martial art using Japanese staff technique.

We know that in some Asian cultures the covering of the nose and mouth to prevent the spread of disease is common, and, beyond that, is considered a simple common courtesy.

The designer of Modern Witch Tarot, Lisa Sterle, could not have possibly known that mask-wearing, mask-hating, and mask-making would be front-and-center activities worldwide in the years that followed her deck’s publication.

Had the masks appeared in a different card it might not be so noteworthy. The Five of Wands traditionally is about conflict. There has been a remarkable amount of loud and contentious conflict around mask-wearing in many places around the world.

That Sterle was inspired to illustrate this card in this way a year before the pandemic is the best example of how tarot expands and evolves to represent current culture and circumstance that I have ever seen.

There are many ways that tarot is magical. Sometimes it feels hard to show clear evidence of that, since so many of our tarot experiences are deeply personal and private.

I believe the clear relevance of the Modern Witch Five of Wands to our current culture and circumstances is evidence of tarot’s power to evolve to fit a changing world.

A Sneak Peek of Tarot of the Divine Masculine

A Sneak Peek of Tarot of the Divine Masculine

Tarot of the Divine Masculine, by Vasich and Vasich, is a new indie deck that will begin funding on Kickstarter on October 1, 2019. Marko Vasich asked me to take a look at a few of the cards in advance of the Kickstarter rollout.

One of my favorite things about being a tarot pro is this privilege. It’s so exciting to get in on the early stages of a creative project, and to be able to communicate with the talented and thoughtful artists.

I was impressed with the lovely packaging of the cards they sent to me. From that I can tell that the artists will spare nothing in the quality and presentation of this new tarot.

The theme of the deck is specific, and, because of the theme, not every tarot reader will feel called to work with it. Yet, the fact is, there are a lot of queer tarotists, just as there are a lot of queer artists. This is why it is such a shame that there are so few decks available that specifically honor this community.

One would not have to be gay, or male, to read with this deck. Yet, it is definitely a deck that celebrates men, and not in a Village People way. These men are pictured in nature, not in nightclubs. There is a fair amount of male nudity in the deck, but it feels naturist, rather than sexual. It’s important to remember that the deck artists are from Germany and Serbia, where the human body is not so often viewed in a shameful way. There is subtle Pagan imagery peppered through the deck,

I remember, years ago, speaking with a group of Dianic witches, discussing that men needed to discover their spiritual mysteries. I think Tarot of the Divine Masculine would be a good tool to help with that journey, for men of any orientation.

Six of Swords image from Tarot of the Divine Masculine by Vasich and Vasich, used with permission.

The art in this deck is splendid, detailed, and realistic. The cardbacks are reversable. The cardstock is of quality and has a pleasant finish that I can only describe as slippery matte. The card edges are black.

In a deck of men, some card names must be changed. The High Priestess has become Intuition, and the Empress has become The Provider. My favorite of the card samples I received was the Six of Wands, a fierce Celtic warrior clad in a kilt.

This deck follows the Smith-Waite tradition to the point that the cards will make sense to anyone who reads with a Waite deck. The suit of Pentacles is called the suit of Diamonds, yet seems traditional in its expressions of earthly matters.

While most of the cards aren’t overtly sexual, the Four of Cups isn’t for the faint of heart. We see a woman engaged with two men, while a second woman appears disinterested. It’s important to note that none of the deck images seem pornographic. The art style is gentle and sensuous, rather than cheap and tawdry.

Tarot of the Divine Masculine is not for everyone. That means that the people who resonate with this deck need to get behind it. Let’s make sure that this beautiful offering becomes available to those who will find wisdom in it and use it to find wisdom within themselves.

The Energetic Care of a New Tarot Deck

Many readers feel the preparation of a new deck is a very important part of a professional reading. Preparing your deck insures the energies of printing and manufacturing are erased, and replaced by the energies of your own personal space.

Part One: How I Care for Decks Waiting for Adoption

Tarot decks aren’t alive. They are cardboard and ink. Yet, in the hands of a tarot reader, tarot cards seem to come alive to speak truth, bring healing and give direction. There are many reasons this happens. Part of the reason is that tarot works with sacred archetypes. Beyond that, in the five centuries that tarot has existed, each tarot reader, artist and student has added their energy to the body of tarot. Another reason is the power of creativity, and the intentions of the artists who create each deck. Yet another reason is the energy we use to care for our decks.

Unless you designed your deck yourself or purchased an indie custom deck, your tarot deck was made in a factory, and is one of thousands. Yet, when your deck become your own it takes on a specific energy and becomes something unique and one-of-a-kind. We call this ‘bonding’, or ‘connecting’ with your deck, or ‘seasoning’ your deck.

My goal in curating and selling tarot decks is twofold. First, I want to make my all-time favorite tarot decks available to you, incuding beloved classics and exciting brand-new offerings. In this goal, I am especially interested in provided good beginner decks, and decks that are particularly good ‘workhorses’; that is, decks appropriate for readings of all types.

Second, I want to treat the decks I keep in stock as I treat my own new decks. While these decks are waiting for adoption, I will not only keep them safe, I will begin the energy work that will help to ensure your excellent connection with your new deck.

When each deck arrives from the factory, I do three important steps. First, I smudge the deck with sage or palo santo to remove any random energy it may have picked up from production, packing or shipping. Next, I give it a pre-dedication ceremony (see words below). Then, I cleanse it with a selenite wand to make sure it is ready to absorb your energy and bond with you when you receive it. Finally, I bless it with a special wand, giving it my intention for your success with your new deck.

Part Two: How to Dedicate Your Deck

Christiana prepares a deck with sage

Everyone has their own traditions and preferences. These directions include traditional methods. Feel free to adjust your dedication to your specific need and beliefs.

When you receive your deck, think about how you want to use it. Is this deck for personal use, study, professional use, or all three? What do you hope to achieve with this deck? Take a moment and write a dedication for your deck (see sample below).

Once that is accomplished, I suggest that you create sacred space through prayer, or playing music, or by lighting candles or incense. You can invoke elements, angels, saints or ancestors. Call in your energies and entities ask them to attend your deck dedication. Or, you may prefer to simply quiet your mind and address your Higher Self.

If you like, smudge your deck with sage, palo santo or your favorite incense. You may smudge the whole pack at once, or you may take the time to run each card through the smoke.

Once that is complete, read your dedication aloud.

Then, it is time to ‘mark your deck’. This is a time-honored and traditional way to make your new deck your own.

To mark your deck, take a pencil and draw a thin line down its side. When you shuffle the deck, the line will disappear, but the energy will remain.

As you draw the line, send your energy into the deck, making it yours.

Next, mark your deck with your breath by blowing on it.

Finally, mark your deck with your chakras by holding the deck to your heart, your throat and your third eye.

If any of those steps feels unappealing to you, simply skip it. As long as you mark your deck with at least one of these techniques you have created the traditional energetic bond.

You are now ready to begin your study and practice with your new deck.

Remember that every time you shuffle your cards, every time you rap your cards on the table, and every time you place your cards in order, you are energetically cleansing your deck, and returning its energy to this original state of connection.

My Pre-Dedication

“I cleanse this sacred tool of its mundane origins and focus on the creative and spiritual energy by which it was created. I hold space for this tool that the person who will most benefit from its wisdom will make it their own. In creating a relationship with this deck, may that individual be given wisdom, knowledge, peace and healing.”

A Sample Deck Dedication

“I dedicate this deck to my use. I dedicate myself to the study of tarot, and the wisdom that I may gain. From this deck may I learn about matters both spiritual and mundane. With this deck may I receive guidance for my highest good, and for the highest good of those around me. With this deck may I serve to guide, help and heal others who seek me out for readings.”

Tarot Evolution

Tarot is constantly evolving and growing.

There are those who worry that the older, foundational traditions, symbolism and meanings will get lost over time in the shuffle.

There will always need to be people who preserve the ancient, as well as people who move an art form forward, pushing it to new limits.

Yesterday I had a conversation with someone about a particular tarot card. In a very learned tone, using the works of very early tarotists to back up his point, he gave an interpretation of the card that was completely different from any tradition I had ever heard.

He presented his concept to a group as if we were all behind the times for not knowing the concept. After some probing, it turns out that the concept is his own original idea, and so far, unpublished.

I think it is great that we explore new concepts in tarot. At the same time, I think presenting our own original work as a time-honored tradition is disingenuous.

I also think it is important to keep some connection to what has come before; the practices on which our traditions are built.

Many modern tarotists have brought a great deal of evolution to tarot, even in our lifetimes.

Eden Gray brought us the concept of “The Fool’s Journey,” and the idea that anyone could learn to operate a tarot deck.

Mary Greer and Rachel Pollack, in a very real way, evolved the practice of tarot reading into what it is today.

Ffiona Morgan, Karen Vogel, and Vicki Noble gave us the concept of feminist tarot, and, with it, the idea that the tarot archetypes could work with specific cultural themes.

Kris Waldherr and Lisa Hunt were amongst the artists that first took that concept further, in developing what I call “archetypal assignment” tarot decks.

The list goes on.

In more recent years, we have seen the advent of new, creative tarot tools, such as games, and decks of cards to be used to design dynamic tarot spreads.

The internet offers us all an equal platform for sharing our ideas and innovations.

We all have the opportunity to bring something to the table.

What will you bring?

Answers to your Questions about Tarot: Choosing a Beginner Deck

What deck is best for beginners?

That’s a question I hear a lot.

Some people will say that you have to choose a deck you feel “connected” with.  They might tell you to go to the New Age Shop or the Amazon website and chose the deck that “calls” to you.

I think that’s not very helpful advice.

Yes, it is true that, once you become a reader, some decks will sing in your hands and others will feel a little flat. It’s also true that you may not know which will be which until you have spent some time working with a deck to get a real feel for it.

It’s perfectly ok to buy a deck because you think it’s pretty, or because you feel “drawn to it.” But if your goal is to really learn how to read tarot, and work with tarot, and understand tarot, you might want to look beyond the pretty pictures and learn about the features that separate one tarot deck from other. Otherwise it’s a lot like buying a new stove because you liked the color, and not worrying about whether it is gas or electric, or has the number of burners you need, or will actually fit in your kitchen.

Tarot decks are collectible, and, except at the most rare levels, tarot decks are affordable. You can have as many lovely decks as you like.

When you are just starting out learning tarot, though, I suggest that you ignore the conventional wisdom that says “Just buy the one you feel drawn to,” and instead, actually learn enough about tarot to make an educated decision and purchase a deck with which you can learn.

Many people divide tarot decks into “beginner decks” and “not-for-beginner decks.” Typically “not-for-beginner-decks” stray from standard symbols, images and interpretations. Some tarot decks really are “their own thing.” Some examples of decks I would put in this category include “Animals Divine Tarot,” “Tarot of Transformation,” Doreen Virtue’s “Angel Tarot,” “Voyager Tarot,” and, to some extent, “Motherpeace Tarot.”

I think if you really want to start with a non-standard deck like this, you can. To do this, you need to study the book that is written for the deck, and learn the deck as its own system.

You may find value in a standard beginner tarot class even if your deck is very different from the other students’ as long as the instructor is willing to work with you and as long as you are willing to do the extra work to learn your deck’s special system.

The downside of this method is that you will miss some basic understanding of tarot archetypes and traditions, and won’t easily be able to transition to another deck without learning that system.

There are arguably three standard tarot traditions. Most tarot decks are either a clone one of these, or are inspired by one, or a combination of these.

The three traditions are Waite, Crowley and Marseilles. Each has their own value. Some tarotists will say that one traditions is more “true,” or more powerful than another. To me, each tradition is valid.

Here is where, if you feel drawn to one tradition over the others, you might let yourself be intuitively guided.   Just make sure that you also intellectually understand the challenges and advantages of each possible system.

There are many who would argue that the Waite images are the clearest, easiest to learn, and easiest to understand. Another advantage of the Waite system is there are so many decks to choose from, including different editions of the Waite deck itself (Universal, Radiant, Smith Commemorative, etc.) as well as the Waite “clones,” including Hanson Roberts, Robin Wood, Morgan Greer and many others. Within the confines of the Waite tradition, the new reader does have the opportunity to choose the deck that feels most appealing.

The Crowley Harris Thoth deck is lovely. Many people find its images more evocative and powerful than Waite’s, and many people resonate with the Crowley keywords.

Some decks, such as “Sun and Moon Tarot,” honor aspects of both Crowley and Waite traditions.

A Marseilles style tarot will not have illustrated pip cards. People who prefer Marseilles decks enjoy the intuitive freedom that comes when we work with patterns, symbols and numbers rather than pictures of people doing things.

Some Marseilles-type decks have some small illustrations on the pips, along with the suit icons figured prominently in the proper number. Examples of this would be “Dali Universal Tarot” and “Royal Thai Tarot.”

Another type of deck to consider, especially if you prefer the Waite tradition, is a beginner deck with full interpretations printed on the cards themselves. Example of this are “Quick and Easy Tarot” and “Tell Me Tarot.”

I am not always a fan of this type of deck, for two reasons.

I think the printed interpretations can limit our understanding of the cards, and our ability to reach past standard interpretations to reading-specific interpretations.

I also worry that having the meanings written on the cards might discourage the memorization process.

That being said, I have seen struggling students suddenly develop a strong understanding of the cards from using these sorts of decks.

If you think you would benefit from such a deck, go for it. Just make sure you get a grown-up deck before you start reading in public, and don't get lazy about developing your own relationship with each card!

Once you understand a little bit about the types of tarot decks available to you, it will be easy to choose the right learning deck for you!

Enjoy the video, and if you have questions about tarot, please email me!

Christiana Answers a Question about Choosing a Beginner Tarot Deck

Video of Christiana Answers a Question about Choosing a Beginner Tarot Deck

Answers to your Questions about Tarot: Tarot Journaling and Deck Choices

Steve (Prince Le Normand) sent me some questions that he has been struggling with in his own tarot practice.  He write, in part:

How important do you think it is to keep a note of all of your personal readings? I enjoy writing my blog but have tried over and over and over to keep a paper journal without success. Do you have any tips at doing so? Is it something you have done or do yourself?

How important is it to stick with just one deck? Do you think that chopping and changing either helps or hinders our potential as a reader?

As you will see in the video, I believe that every tarot reader also needs to be a tarot writer. The ways in which we do this can vary greatly.

In terms of deck choices, I personally make a case for comparative tarot study. I like to work with a lot of decks because it helps me understand the energy of each card more fully.

Enjoy the video. If you have a question about tarot, please email me.

Christiana Answers Questions about Journals and Decks

Video of Christiana Answers Questions about Journals and Decks

My First Internet Tarot Deck Trade

There are a lot of tarot resources on the internet. There are tarot community websites, review sites and groups on social media sites.

I have friends who participate in a lot of online tarot activities. I am so busy creating my own online tarot stuff- webinars, webcasts and videos – that I don’t have time for a lot else.

I do like to peruse the Facebook tarot groups and participate in conversations when I can. Yesterday I happened to be strolling through one of my favorites, Tarotholics Anonymous, and noticed someone was looking for a copy of a deck of which I have multiple new copies, and wanting to trade a deck I happen to want.

Long story short, I now have a new friend, an unused deck of mine is about a get a new home and I am about to receive a deck I have been wanting for a while. It’s not an out of print deck so I could have just ordered it online, but this is so much more fun.

I often forget to think about tarot as a hobby. For me it is my profession and my spiritual path, but it is a darn good hobby as well.

There are a lot of hobbies that have trading as a component. Apparently tarot is one of them.

Isn’t it amazing that after almost thirty years of working with tarot I have discovered a new aspect of tarot?

A Letter to New Tarot Readers

Dear Friend,

I am so excited that you now have a tarot deck! Perhaps you are returning to tarot after a long absence. Perhaps this is your very first deck. In either case I want to welcome you to what I know will be a wonderful journey.

As you begin this journey I want to offer you some thoughts.

There are a wealth of tarot books, classes, decks and websites available to you. Enjoy the ones you like and don't worry about the ones you don't like. There is a tarot deck, a tarot class and a tarot style for every taste. Don't be confused by conflicting interpretations and traditions. Choose the interpretations that work best for you. Follow the traditions that make sense to you.

Don't be intimidated by the vast amount of information there is to learn. Even from day one tarot will make a difference in your life. You will learn a great deal over time, but don't make a chore of it unless you want to.

Also, don't be intimated by other readers. Most experienced readers are really great down-to-earth people who are ready to welcome you, teach you and even learn from you. But once in a while you'll find a pompous know-it-all. Don't respond to arrogance, and don't believe that you need to deal with obnoxious people in order to learn tarot.

Don't let the cards scare you. Tarot should never be about fear. If you get a card that seems negative, talk with your tarot friends about what it might mean. You may be surprised by the insight you receive.

When you ask questions of the cards, make sure to phrase the questions in a way that will give the cards room to be helpful. And, make sure you interpret the cards in the context of the question.

Remember that tarot is a book of spiritual wisdom. As you learn to interpret each card make sure you also learn the spiritual lesson of the card. Your understanding of these cards, their meanings and their lessons will change and grow over time. The ability for tarot to assist in your spiritual growth will remain constant.

There is no one best use of the cards. Some people read for others, some read only for themselves. Some people like to discuss the cards in classes and groups. Some people like to create tarot art. Others collect tarot decks. Still others use the cards for study, magick, meditation or to inspire creativity. Tarot can fit into your life anywhere you want it to.

Be spiritual about tarot, not superstitious. Tarot can help you understand yourself, your life, your path and your connection to Higher Power. Many people are misinformed about tarot - don't listen to their ignorance.

And finally, have fun!

Does the Deck Make a Difference?

Does which tarot deck you use make a difference in the reading? The answer is deceptively simple. The answer is only if it does.

Many readers talk about their decks having particular "power." Can seventy-eight pieces of cardboard have power? Yes and no.

The symbols on the cards have power. The history of the cards has power. The archetypes have power.

But the real power to do the reading comes from the reader.

If a reader feels more comfortable with a particular deck then that deck will have more power for the reader.

If a reader connects more clearly with a particular deck than that deck will produce better readings.

Often our clients are amazed by what is revealed in a tarot reading. The secret is that we readers are constantly amazed as well. The accuracy of the cards is astounding, even when we see it every day.

But some of us find some decks easier to work with than others.

The truth is this. Sometimes the cards come up in such a way that the message is clear and without dispute. Sometimes the cards are more nebulous and require more effort to interpret. It is the times when the cards seem unclear that our comfort level with the deck really matters.

Sometimes it feels that some decks speak to us more clearly than others. Some readers really see it this way because this is how it feels. I think the truth is more about resonance between the deck and the reader rather than some inherent power within a particular deck.

When looking at other products we might say one power tool is more useful than another. One brand of make-up may be higher quality than another. With tarot it is hard to gauge quality in that same way. We can look at the quality of the art, or an artist's ability to describe an archetype, but neither of these assures readability.

When it comes to tarot reading it is all about the preference of the reader and the skill of the reader. All tarot decks are powerful and useful. It’s up to each reader to find the ones that work best for them.

Tarot Reading with Multiple Decks

Linda, a friend, student and fellow Tarot Topics blogger emailed me recently and asked me to write a bit about the technique of using more than one tarot deck in a reading.

Like many readers, I have a lot of decks. I am not a serious collector, but as with anything you really love, my collection has grown organically.

Sometimes I really enjoy using more than one deck in a reading. I don't do it all the time, only when I feel inspired to do it, or am doing a reading that really requires it.

There are lots of ways to incorporate more than one deck in a reading, and lots of reasons to do it. I'll share a few here.

Why would you want to use more than one deck in a reading? I think there are a lot of reasons. First, there are many traditions and styles of tarot decks. Some readers feel that different decks carry different energies, and speak differently to them. Perhaps consulting different decks on the same issue is like consulting a panel of experts rather than an individual expert.

On the other hand, if you use more than one deck, there is always the chance of having the same card come up twice. That could be a very strong statement.

There are also aesthetic reasons for using more than one deck. Using multiple decks could help a reader create their own style. Involving more color and more art in a reading could make the reading a more exciting, engaging and creative experience.

Sometimes we have decks that just seem to fit well for a particular use. The Lover's Path Tarot might be good for questions about relationships, for instance. I have a deck (Tarot of Transformation) that I affectionately refer to as "The Big Guns." For me, this beautiful deck is too big in both size and energy to use for a full reading. However, when my client and I just can't figure out the truth using a more conventional deck in a conventional spread, I bring out the Big Guns and have the client pull just three of these amazing cards. The answer usually presents itself clearly.

If you are a person who works with decks from more than one tradition, say both Crowley and Waite, it might be fun to blend the wisdom of both in a single reading. On the other hand, there are some popular tarot themes, such as dragons, angels or goddesses, where there exists more than one deck with the same theme. What might it be like to do a reading with both Kris Waldherr's Goddess Tarot and Lo Scarabeo's Universal Goddess Tarot?

There are as many ways to incorporate multiple decks into a reading as your imagination allows. You might do an opening spread with one deck, and smaller spreads to answer specific questions with different decks. You might do a larger spread with one deck, and pull clarifying cards with another deck, placing each clarifier next to the card it is clarifying. You might do one clarifier for each card in the spread, or clarify only the cards about which you have questions.

You can do an opening spread with one deck, and dialogue with a second deck to go deeper, or answer specific questions. You might have a number of decks on your table, and allow a client to pick cards from the decks of their choice to answer individual questions.

There are many tarot traditions. It is good to learn, honor and practice those traditions. But tarot is nothing if not a tool of creativity. When the originators of the traditions we honor today lived, US Games, Llewellyn and other card publishers didn't exist. Ciro Marchetti, Robert Place and Lisa Hunt hadn't been born.

We shouldn't hold ourselves only to the practices developed by those who came before us. We, as the tarotists of today, must learn from the tarotists of yesterday. But we also have the freedom to use the new tools and technologies available to us now, and develop new practices.

Reading with multiple decks is a wide-open field for us to explore, using our own inspiration, ideas and intuition. Be creative and have fun!