I have been so busy lately that I have been remiss in getting posts up on this blog.  There are several that I have started, only to get derailed and they never get finished.   Which I hate, because I enjoy blogging about Tarot and doing reviews on books and decks.  So, I’m determined to remedy that.

I received the Golden Tarot by Kat Black, for Christmas (2011) and I am loving it.  For anyone not familiar with this deck, it is a collage from artwork of the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance.

Today’s draw is the Four of Cups, King of Wands, and Ten of Coins.  The first thing that I saw with this combo was, Dream it, Act on it, Get help with it.   A project that needs a support system, getting others involved in some way.   Aha!  There is a project in the works around here that will hopefully generate some extra income.  It’s been on the back burner for about a year, but still in a planning process.  Now seems to be the time to go onto the next step and start things in motion-to move on with the research that has been ongoing.   From the conception phase, (Four of Cups) add to that the motivation, talent, and skills, (King of Wands) and the need in getting everyone involved, (Ten of Coins).  The Ten of Coins shows several people who are busy with their separate tasks, but as a group they compliment each other.  This project needs to be a family endeavor.  Everyone involved participating and contributing where they can.

This looks terrific doesn’t it?  So I wondered, what (if anything) could hold it up?  What obstacles might pop up to throw a wrench into the works?  And turned over the Five of Wands.  Now the first thing I thought of was an inner struggle.  True, there has been a lot of discussion on the best direction(s) to take this project.  Only natural.  The biggest thing here though will be to avoid what I call the Too many Chiefs and  not enough Indians syndrome.  Respect, communication, cooperation, and negotiation are key to any project such as this.  Leave ego at the door.  Common sense, right?

Of the Five of Wands, Kat Black has this to say:  That which bends is less likely to break.  Forces may oppose you, and confusion and conflict arise.  You may need to compromise-calming an angry mob cannot always be done with reason. Take care to identify your true obstacles and opposition, and avoid battles that none shall benefit from.

Don’t sweat the little stuff.  If there must be a battle, pick it carefully and make sure its really necessary.

*images are from the Golden Tarot (2003) by Kat Black and U.S. Games Inc. and can be purchased here.  Get your copy today!

Author(s) / Richard & Jennifer ShadowFox

Illustrator / Richard ShadowFox

Publisher / Schiffer Publishing Ltd. 2010

ISBN / 978-0-7643-3487-0

The ShadowFox Tarot is a 78 card deck based on traditional Tarot imagery.  The images are in grayscale to help evoke intuitive interpretations.  The kit comes complete with a comprehensive 224 page companion book, Tarot – Book of Shadows, and covers a myriad of topics ranging from Astrology to Runes, Herbology, Gemstones, and Color Correspondences.   The cards are 3″ x 4.75″ of sturdy card stock with a gloss coating.  Each image is surrounded by a gray weave border, with this same pattern repeated on the backs.  They are reversible.  The suits include Wands-Fire, Swords-Air, Cups-Water, and Pentacles-Earth.  The court consists of Page, Knight, Queen, and King.  Strength is number 8, which makes Justice number 11.

 The companion book is a treasure trove of information, depending on how in depth you wish explore any particular card.  For instance, The Sun (19) shows correspondences for Alchemical Quality; Alchemical Symbol; Animal Energy; Area of the Body; Associated Illness; Astrological Correspondence; Astrological Quadruplicity; Attribute; Blood Type; Celtic Tree Month; Character Trait; Colors; Direction; Element; Elemental; Elemental King; Esoteric Title; Fundamental Force; Gematria Value, Gender; Hebrew Letter; Herb; Holy Creature; I-Ching; Keyword; Key Phrase; Lunar Phase; Magical Organ; Magical Phrase; Matter; Meanings: Upright and Reversed; Musical Mood; Musical Note; Mythological Creatures; Numerology; Path on the Tree of Life; Phase of Life; Physical Property; Plane; Plant; Playing Card Suit; Possibility; Possible Influence Cards; Psychological Function; Quality; regent; Royal Star; Runes; Sabbat; Season; Stone; Suit; Temperament; Tetragrammaton; Time of Day.

Keyword for the Sun is Happiness, Musical Mood is “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley, Time of day, noon.  The correspondences have been created and listed for each card in the deck.  To help navigate there is a Legend with definitions and illustrated charts that are easy to access and read.

More juicy goodness found in The Book of Shadows:  A section on the Celtic Cross spread that we see appearing time and again in most Tarot related material, comes this time with a very detailed discussion and example for each position and practical usage.  A brief history of the Tarot;  A section of frequently asked questions; Herbs and Fragrances; Gemstones; Color correspondences; and a list of recommended reading.  All of this, and more, bundled in a “signature” Schiffer storage box with magnetic close lid and ribbon hinges.

The images are poignant in their simplicity.  The Six of Swords conveys a feeling of a quiet, resigned journey;  The Empress – unconditional love, and the Page of Wands – the need to venture out.

The Five of Pentacles – physical and mental impoverishment; The Devil – hurtful associations; King of Cups – a kind and trusted friend.

These are just a few examples of the card images and the information that can be found in the companion book.  Yes, there is quite a lot packed into this kit, but it is arranged and written in a manner that is easy to understand and use.  Any level of experience can benefit from using this deck, and with all added correspondences, there is room for your knowledge to grow and expand with use.  The book itself  is stand alone and would make a very nice addition to any Tarot library.

ShadowFox Tarot.com is the official site, be sure to check there for information on this and any upcoming projects from Richard & Jennifer ShadowFox.

Author/Illustrator – Jennifer Galasso

Publisher – U.S. Games Systems, Inc. 2011

ISBN -13:  978-1-57281-702-9

ISBN -10:  1-57281-702-X

Fantasy artist Jennifer Galasso renders traditional tarot symbolism in a unique style with ethereal faerie imagery and a vibrant color scheme inspired by the four seasons and the four elements.  The Crystal Visions deck includes an Unknown Card for gazing  into the future, or exploring issues with deeper insight. 

If you like fantasy art, (and who doesn’t?) this deck is a must have for all Tarot deck collectors and readers.  It’s beautifully illustrated, full of symbology, and  evocative.  Based on the traditional structure of the RWS (Rider-Waite-Smith) system of a 78 card deck, you will find the familiar names of the Major Arcana, the Court, and the suits: Wands, Cups, Pentacles, Swords.  Included is an added bonus, The Unknown Card.

LWB-The figure in the card beckons the querent to take a look into her crystal ball, however the image in the ball is cloudy and unclear.  With time, patience, and introspection, the picture will soon be revealed. 

It can signify something from the past that one may not fully understand, or something that will happen soon.  An answer that’s not yet meant to be revealed.  

Images of Crystal balls, another interest for Jennifer, appear in many of the cards throughout the deck.

The Unknown Card is the only card that does not include a reversed meaning.

The cards are of quality card stock with a slick finish which allow them to shuffle easily.  Of a typical U.S. Games size, 2.75″ x 4.75″ and comes with a 59 page little-white-book, where you will find the Celtic Cross spread with instructions.  Strength is no. Eight and Justice Eleven.  The images are clear in their detail and of sufficient size to see them clearly, and surrounded by a narrow white border.  The backs are reversible with a large opalescent sphere in the center which is surrounded by a filigree of rose vines and gems.  A pentacle rests in each corner, while a chalice sits in the center at top and bottom.

The four suits are represented here and the deck uses the following symbols representative of  each as follows:

Cups – different phases of the moon, enchanted coves, water lilies, and dragonflies.

Swords – birds, in particular, ravens, butterflies, and winged and armored characters, and roses.

Pentacles – earth spirits, dryads, lush and fruitful trees and plants, wildlife, crystals and gems.

Wands – candles, sprites, dragons, lions, unicorns, horses, crystal balls, and snapdragons.

An example of these symbols as shown in the Aces.

The courts are made up of Page, Knight, Queen and King.

A beautiful deck as you can see, that would be appropriate for beginners to more advanced readers.  I believe I will be spending many delighted hours now and in the future, working with this deck.  I’m sure clients will find it as pleasing, if not more so, as I do.  If you happen to be on the fence about purchasing this deck, I would recommend it for either yourself or as a gift.  It’s a win-win!

Be sure to visit the official website of Crystal Visions Tarot where you can see images of the complete deck, and find out what new projects Jennifer Galasso might be up to.

In the meantime, Happy Tarot’ing and may your journey be an enchanted one.

As promised, here is the “Spreading the Joy” spread that is included in the lwb for use with the Joie de Vivre Tarot.

Card 0 asks, “What is joy to me?” It seeks to help the querent discover some aspect in their life they may not be paying attention to.

Card 1 asks, “Where do I find joy the easiest?” This is to remind the querent that joy exists every day if you only know where to look.

Card 2 asks, “Where must I work to find joy?”  We all have to focus on digging joy out from under the rocks at times.

Card 3 asks, “What do I allow to block my joy?”  This is the card that forces us to face how we stand in our own way as we try to achieve joy.

Card 4 asks, Who should I watch to learn more about finding joy?”  Here is where we can find our joy mentor, someone or something to teach us how to find joy by emulation.

Card 5 asks, “What joy is the Universe gifting to me at this time?”  This is the Universe picking something up and handing it to you.  You just have to reach out.  Accept it for the gift that it is.

My cards for this spread:

The Nine of Cups expresses what “Joy” is to me.

The Queen of Swords expresses where I find Joy the easiest.  (seems odd at first glance)

The Three of Swords expresses where I must work to find joy.  (hmmm)

The Page of Swords  expresses what I allow to block my joy.  (Interesting that the only swords in the spread are exactly opposite each other)

The Three of Wands expresses what or who needs to be watched to learn more about finding joy.

And The Sun is the gift from the Universe.

Who couldn’t do with a little more Joy in their world?  Where do you find your “Joy”?

*Images and the spread are from the Joie de Vivre Tarot by Paulina Cassidy and U.S. Games Inc.

Author/Illustrator – Paulina Cassidy

Publisher/Copyright 2011 – U.S. Games Inc.

ISBN – 13:  978-1-57281-662-6

ISBN – 10:  1-57281-662-7

Introduction:  French for “joy of living”, the Joie de Vivre tarot deck is designed to access the child-like energy in each one of us to help stimulate, enhance, and inspire joy in our own lives.  The living beings in the Joie de Vivre realm that inhabit this deck are all sentient souls of love who want nothing  but the best for those who take a journey through their world.  They will help you tap into intuition and connect to divine source.  Joie de Vivre Tarot will help awaken a response from deep within your heart, mind, and spirit.   

If you are not familiar with Paulina Cassidy’s work, be sure to treat yourself and follow the link above to visit her website.  And, if you are familiar, be sure to visit there too and see the new projects available now and in the near future.

Technical stuff:  The Joie de Vivre Tarot is an enchanting 78 card deck which includes a 59 page lwb (little white book) with description, meanings for upright and reversed cards, and keywords for each.  The court consists of Page, Knight, Queen, and King, and the suits are Wands, Cups, Swords, and Coins.  The cards are printed on quality card stock with a glossy finish and measure 2.75 x 4.75.  The deck and booklet fit snugly in their cardboard box.  The backs are in gradient yellows with a winding vine and are reversible.

One of the things I liked most about this deck, is that the inhabitants agreed to share their names with us.  Let’s meet a few of them now, shall we?

Hurling downward from her tower of illusion, Discordia is rescued by butterflies, manifestations of her self-empowerment.

Queen Sumptuous, the Queen of Coins, sits beneath an arch of branches, nurturing a coin in her arms.

Toil struggles to collect more wands than she may be able to handle at once.

Draped in a celestial cape, Vagabond finds five candles glowing in the dark woods.

Breaking through the clouds, Spirit thinks his way through all situations, remaining undaunted by setbacks.

King Dynamo, the dynamic King of Wands, is highly respected for his charisma and intuitive leadership qualities.

Containing the life force that gives birth to all creation, the Empress, Blossom, wears a nest of eggs on her head.

A pair of owls named Ally and Kin celebrate the establishment of their union.

Running across the land with a bundle of stolen swords in his arms, Tom Foolery darts away with five stolen swords.

I hope you have enjoyed meeting a few of the inhabitants that live in and bring to life the Joie de Vivre world.  I know they have thoroughly enjoyed meeting you.  How do I know?  Why, because they told me!

Oh! I almost forgot.  There is a 6 card original spread also included and entitled, Spreading the Joy.  It looks to be great fun and I can’t wait to give it a go!  I’ll post it later for interested folks to try for themselves.

In closing, I wish to thank all of the inhabitants of Joie de Vevre, for sharing with us their wisdom, understanding, and trust.  But, most of all, for sharing with us, their Joy of Living.

Don’t have your own copy yet?  Follow this link to get yours today or just in time for Christmas.

Today’s draw is from the Joie de Vivre Tarot (Joy of Living) by Paulina Cassidy and U.S. Games Inc.  

While shuffling for my daily draw I was also reading posts on my facebook which prompted today’s question.  “How best to handle nastiness that is intended as an obstacle to hurt and halt another.”   If you happen to be in the Tarot Community you will know what I am referring to.  But, this not only applies to this particular situation, but anytime we encounter this type of dark energy.

Well the Ace of Wands gave some great advice on its own as the cotd, but for further insight let’s take a look at all three drawn.

Ace of Wands: Creativity, beginnings, energy, direction, intuition.  In pursuit of happiness – is the phrase that came to mind when I pulled this card.

lwb – “Setting forth confidently, Spark holds a flaming star of life force within. Her sunlight wand glows with radiant light. Prowess, her lion companion, is a guide as she takes on a challenging task. Spark and Prowess forge ahead with a roar of energy.”

Death:  Transformation, transition, rebirth, change, inevitability.

lwb – Metamorphosis embarks on a voyage into the unknown. Riding a bat named Destiny, they soar through an inter-dimensional tunnel toward the star of rebirth.  Her blood-red flower loses its petals along the way, an indication of the shedding of the physical. 

Three of Coins:  Progress, success, perseverance, teamwork, planning.

lwb – Harmony shines as Soma, Pneuma, and Psyche combine their concentrated creative energies. Focused  and committed, their cooperation delivers healthy progress and quality workmanship. The shimmering golden coins are the fruits of their work.

And so, in the pursuit of happiness, stay true to your path and yourself.  Allow your inner light to shine forth and the dark will be held at bay.  Know too that you do not travel this path alone.  We know that when we face an obstacle that even in triumph in overcoming, we are changed.  Changed in ways that may not be apparent at first, but in time will be revealed.  As with most change, it’s inevitable and usually for the best.  Once the transformation has taken place, this is where your perseverance will pay off.  You may find your alliances have changed, or just grown stronger, or both.   Trusted teamwork is essential.  Lean on and rely on your team, who are along to support you and each other.

The Empress (renamed, The Gardener) from the Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert, is by far my favorite representation of  the third card in the Major Arcana.  She glows with good health and life, surrounded by fertile fields, lushness, and beauty.  Sensuality, Creativity, Abundance, Fertility, Growth, Nurturing, Appreciating Beauty, and Mother Nature, are just some of the keywords associated with this archetype.

 

Throughout history people have identified motherhood with nature, so that the term ‘Great Mother’ for the earth itself appears all over the world, and even today we speak vaguely of Mother Nature.  ~Rachel Pollack, on The Empress (Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom)

Most Empress cards you encounter are laden with symbolism.  In this post we will look at several and explore some of the symbolism depicted and their meanings.  For instance, Joanna lists 19 different symbolic items and their significance, just for this card alone.  Some are more obvious than others-The basket of produce, fields ready for harvest:  Abundance, prosperity. Dolphin (necklace):  From the Greco-Roman delphinos, from the Greek root delphus, meaning womb.   Increased creativity, fertility.  Emblem of Aphrodite.

In the Robin Wood version, a spinning wheel has been added, but much of the same symbolism is still present in the expected birth and the shield on the tree above her head.  The sun and moon empress sits on a crescent moon, which represents female cycles, instincts, emotions, dreams, imagination and creativity, and female principles.  The Hebrew character Dalet is the symbol of a door, and represents a passage.  This seems to replace the stream or river, which can be seen as a passage through various worlds.  The Crystal Visions Empress stands with one foot planted firmly on land and the other dips into the river of life.  The pomegranate tree she stands beneath, is another feminine symbol of fertility and her scepter shows the power of the Triple Goddess.  (Maiden – Mother – Crone)

Here again we see a shield, but each have a different symbol. The New Palladini has the symbol of Venus, as does the shield in The Llewellyn Empress, two Swans reminiscent of a heart shape.  All three are wearing crowns, but only the New Palladini version shows the 12 stars which represent the 12 signs of the zodiac, twelve months of the year and in Revelation, Chapter 12, “on her head a crown of twelve stars, she was with child” describes the Holy Mother.  You see this reference also in the RWS Empress.  The Old English version seems a bit barren in comparison to some of the others-see an interesting note (below) discussing the eagle on the shield.

The Empress seems to have had a rather uneventful five centuries. Waite and the other occultists are responsible for the starry crown, the emblem of Venus, the waterfall, and the vegetation and wildlife. In historical decks, the Empress sits on a throne, almost always holding a shield or orb in one hand and a scepter in the other. The shield typically bears an eagle, the heraldic emblem of the   Holy Roman Empire. The Empress Adelaide, beautified by the Catholic Church, seems a likely historical person this card may allude to. ~Wikipedia

Wheat is a common theme seen throughout many Empress cards.  As I understand it, it is symbolic of the Greek Goddess Demeter (among others) who ruled over plant life.  Demeter is also the symbol of mother hood and its absolute devotion, in her willingness to stop the world rather than losing her daughter to Death.  Well, what Mother wouldn’t, given a choice?

Lastly, we take a look at  The Lady,  Druid Craft Tarot,   Opening to Love, Trust and Abundance.  The Lady encourages you to open to love and to trust.  However hard life may have been, the blessings of the Goddess and of Nature are all around you, and all you need to do is accept them graciously, and begin to live your life with passion and purpose.   Open yourself to the fertile nurturing power of the Goddess.

The Empress, in all her forms seemed a very appropriate card for this week of Thanksgiving.  Now, we come full circle back to the Gaian Tarot where Joanna leaves us with this affirmation:  I give thanks for the abundance and prosperity in my life.  Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Tarot’ing!

An Empress Reading; by Rachel Pollack from Tarot Wisdom.

1. What is my passion?
2. How have I expressed it?
3. How can I express it more fully?
4. What blocks me?
5. What frees me?
6. What do I nurture?
7. What does it ask of me?
8. What does it give me?
9. How can I bring together my passion and my nurturance?

Today’s draw is from the beautiful Tarot of Dreams.  The Palace of Wands; Page of Wands; the Fool.   The Palace cards were added to the Standard edition and represent places.   “In a reading, the Palace cards indicate the energies of the suit expressed as an environment.” *

Well it didn’t take me long to figure this one out.  Some of you may know that I watch 3 of my grandchildren while their parents are working.  The one and two yr. olds, (cousins) were happy to see each other and then promptly began screeching at each other and fighting over everything.  If you have never experienced baby-jabber arguing then you won’t  know how funny it can be.  That is until someone loses an eye. (no actual eyes were lost)  They begin by pointing little fingers and raising their voices.  A stamp of the foot accelerates the tension and the next thing you know someone is getting shoved, kicked, or smacked.   I don’t know how many times I needed to separate those two and try to distract them with other toys and activities, but the next thing I knew it was as if someone had hit the rewind/replay button…again.  I expect this a couple times throughout the day, but it was constant this morning.

And where does this leave me in all this?  Why, playing the Fool of course.  LOL  I’m happy to report that after lunch things calmed down a good bit with the 1yro taking a nap and the 2yro resting on the couch with no one to argue with.  The 5yro will be arriving shortly from school.  Hopefully the calmer atmosphere continues through the evening.  Or, that just might be “foolish” thinking.

*Tarot of Dreams Standard Edition, text by Lee Bursten, illustrated by Ciro Marchetti.

Today’s draw comes from Tarot of a Moon Garden, with the Nine of Staffs as the cotd.  There are several ways to interpret this card depending on many variables, but for today it was about looking for failure and disappointment because, all good things must come to an end.   A cynical outlook like that will suck any and all happiness and enjoyment out of any of the good things life has to offer.  If we expect gloom and doom all the time, that’s exactly what we get.

The contentment in the Ten of Cups, the deserved recognition in the Six of Staffs, are both real and deserved.   We can be our own worst critics, but, we shouldn’t judge ourselves too harshly or unrealistically.

 It’s counter productive and unhealthy to go looking for trouble all the time. Negativity and cynicism only breed more of the same and makes the old saying, “Don’t go looking for trouble, because you just mind find it”, all too true. Not to mention deepening your frown lines by worrying over something that may never happen anyway. Enjoy each and every piece of happiness that comes your way, whatever form it may take, and stop waiting for the other shoe to drop.

*images are from Tarot of Moon Garden, illustrated by Karen Marie Sweikhardt, text by Laura E. Clarkson and published by U.S. Games In.

Check out my audio review of Tarot Outside the Box (Valerie Sim) with Donnaleigh de LaRose on her Blog Talk Radio show, Beyond Worlds – Your Tarot Tribe, educational pod-casts.  Just click on the BTR player below to listen.