The Tarot Tarts

Tarot over Tea: #CoffeeHouseDecks

March 8th, 2023

Here are Stacy’s choices. What can I say, it was a tea sort of day; enjoyed a lightly steeped rhubarb oolong.

Well, today is the perfect day to get cozy in my neighborhood—it’s raining ice. There’s plenty to hate about these far north winters, but every time my spouse and I talk about moving somewhere “nicer” a little part of me freaks out, because at the end of the day, I actually love the snow and the ice. Just look at how beautiful it is!

It’s the perfect weather to hunker down with my cards, some tea (or coffee!) and write a post about this absolutely cozy and creative tag start by Amidst the Grey (original video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8Edc0CRz-I).

1. THE ESPRESSO SHOT: A deck that’s strong, punchy, and gets straight to the point.

Of all the “drinks”, I struggled with this one the most just because I really like hard-hitting decks with humor, so I got a lot of them. The tarot-tuber Lisa Papez suggested the Deviant Moon Tarot and I agree that it is a great choice, however I tend to personally take this deck very seriously and I don’t really think it “funny” as in a punchy sort of comedy. I DO think that Baba Studio’s The Fantastic Menagerie Tarot is quite hilarious, but it has more sharp wit than “punch” to me. Then I think of the Lubanko Tarot and the Lost Hollow Tarot–decks which really leans into the beauty and wisdom to be found in radical acceptance of the self–again, pretty serious even if they do have a wry sense of humor.

But then there’s the Runic Tarot—this Norse myth inspired deck by the same artist that did the Heaven and Earth Tarot (definitely a wimpy deck by comparison) throws itself all-in with the modern idea of the warrior-cult Viking. It goes 110% on every card. This deck does not take itself seriously at all and has absolutely zero chill about it. The Runic Tarot is an absolute wild ride from start to finish. It’s RWS, but on ‘roids; you want disappointment, you get devastating. You want pretty, you get super sexy. Deception? How about all-out violence. You wanna see things from a different point of view? How about a 180 upside down flip from skis while throwing an axe? This deck will sooner chop off your hand than hold it. It will tell you like it is but it will also make you chuckle in astonishment.

2. THE DRIP: A deck that’s simple, accessible, and gets the job done.

I have several RWS clones that could easily fit into here, like Fyodor Pavlov Tarot, OG RWS, or a really sensible deck like The Golden Wheel, but I chose the Dark Mansion Tarot (the 3rd standard edition). This is the deck I pick when I am unsure of what deck I want, or if I’m doing a generic reading with someone I don’t really know. It’s close enough to the RWS but still very different so it’s just the right amount of traditional without feeling stuffy. It’s not overly esoteric, but still symbol rich. It’s goth-cute, thematically consistent, non-offensive (though not diverse), it’s kind, it’s funny, and cheeky. People not familiar with Tarot seem to really love this deck, and I know it inside and out. It’s my safe bet.

3. THE POUROVER: A deck you need to take your time with, but totally worth the effort.

The obvious choice here is either an esoteric deck or a deck that has its own system, of which I have several of each of these. I chose neither! I chose the Oriens Tarot, a wonderful cosmic animal deck, which is the only Tarot deck that I read the companion book cover to cover. Even being an animal nerd, I really got introduced to the habits and nature of several creatures through this deck, and it’s such a unique animal deck that it is well worth the read (and the book is great!). It’s beautiful, balanced, and only as mysterious as you want it to be.

4. THE CAFE LATTE: A deck that’s well-received, and highly palatable.

So palatable its even cat approved!

I suspect that The Lightseer’s Tarot is often slotted into the Cafe Latte! This was THE deck everyone had to get just a few years ago. I eventually bent to the pressure as well and I’m not even mad about it. Almost everyone has at the very least seen this deck if they aren’t already in possession of it. Of course it is a very modern take on the Tarot. It’s an extremely relatable deck with many kinds of people being represented, so it’s a safe bet to use with someone you don’t exactly know all that well, and it’s an incredibly kind reader. The colors are beautiful and lush, and the images while RWS do not get bogged down in esoteric at all. Easy peasy reader.

5. THE CAPPUCCINO: A deck that’s classic, sophisticated, and maybe a bit fussy.

I was really tempted to put the special 4 edition of Baba Studio The Victorian Romance Tarot as The Mocha, because lets face it, it is SUPER extra. But at the same time, I think of all the Baba decks, the VRT is probably the “classic” Baba Barock deck. The art, especially for collage style of existing art, is incredibly sophisticated, and the readings it gives are sophisticated (if not a bit dramatic). And yes, it’s 100% fussy because it can be.

6. THE MOCHA: A deck that’s rich, indulgent, and a bit extra.

I was really torn between The Slavic Legends Tarot and Baba Studio The Mythical Creatures, and I *think* Lisa Papaz happened to choose the Mythical Creatures , and I must agree with her! This pip style deck is SO detailed and SO much, it’s ridiculous.

The pips are extravagant. The majors and court cards are just mind-blowingly much. You might think the backs are reversible–you’re wrong! Each side of this deck is different, if only in the ultra fine details.

The borders for the major, and the four minor groups are different. It shines and sparkles! This is also the most expensive deck I have in my collection, so it was kinda an easy justification to label it as an “indulgent” deck.

7. THE CORTADO: A deck that’s balanced and objective.

The Ink Witch Tarot is an odd deck for sure. Each card feels like a complete, complex idea by itself without needing to reference any additional cards. Yet it gives you a feeling of unfinished-ness with the very simple line art style and the minimal coloring in sepia tones. Myth, real legends, and modern day humdrum of the selfie culture and the looming threat of nuclear war run tandem to beautiful miniature portraits of nature. This deck seems to ignore all attempts at being put in a box and follows its own rules. It reminds me of a sketchbook of human experiences. There is a heavy sense of justice and righteousness, honor, integrity and empathy that does not shy away from real life social problems. It really invites you to ask yourself “who am I in this picture? Where was I when I experienced this?” Both childlike and nostalgic and also mature and forward thinking, this deck is gentle but also confronting. This is a deck I reach for when I need hard honesty that I know will deliver it in a personal way.

8. THE CON PANNA: A deck that puts you in your place, but with a hint of sweetness.

Of all my decks, The Forhaxa Tarot is the Mom deck. Its emotions are LOUD, it comes on very strong with no question about how it feels in any given card. Villainy and self-serving behavior is clearly portrayed. There is no beating around the bush with the harsh cards, and there is little to question how the fairies feel in each card, the emotion being very evident. It can read as a very critical deck. BUT the optimistic cards are overflowing with hopefulness, and positivity. It’s an absolutely beautiful deck that inspires agency in taking your next steps.

9. THE CHAI LATTE: A deck that’s warm, cozy, and nurturing.

If the Forhaxa Tarot was the mom deck, the Witches Wisdom is the grandma deck. Or perhaps the fairy godmother deck. In any case, this Wiccan deck takes traditional RWS and turns it on its head. Each card, linked to mother nature, gives a snapshot into the fool’s journey back to their true self. Even the hard cards are but a part of the path to learning. It’s just as much about the journey as it is the destination. This deck is extremely kind, but with substance. The accompanying book is absolutely wonderful. This is a wise deck that can give light even to the darkest places.

10. THE MATCHA LATTE: A deck that’s an acquired taste, or a bit unconventional.

Like Expresso decks, I also tend to collect Matcha Latte decks! There is so many I could put into this category, but seeing as Matcha is associated with all things Japanese, I had to pick the Yokai Yochi Tarot. It would be a very difficult deck if you didn’t have some rudimentary grasp of Japanese culture and lore. It weird. It’s unconventional, and while it is an absolute blast to use in readings, it definitely takes a learning curve and is quite the acquired taste! It’s a very playful, mischievous, if kinda disturbing deck.

11. THE HOT CHOCOLATE: A deck that speaks to a younger version of yourself.

Being a child of the 90’s, the 90’s goth culture left quite the impression on me as a kid. When I saw the Bloody Tears Tarot on Kickstarter, it instantaneously transported me back into those earlier days when I’d admired as was slightly afraid of the goths! The art style feels very unrefined and is reminiscent of doodling with the three bic pens in my school notebooks. In a way, there’s adult themes that strike a chord with some dark “kids” movies I watched growing up (looking at you The Last Unicorn and The Secrets of NIMH). So moody! So dark! *snort*. Part of me never stopped loving the weird 90’s, and I just love the nostalgia I get with this deck.

12. THE ITALIAN SODA: A deck that’s fun, low-key, and not overly serious.

Because I am part of Tarot Deck Buyers Anonymous, and I keep falling off the wagon in their twelve step program, I only buy tarot decks these days with a ~*”reason”*~ for purchasing them. Is it ever a good reason…? I guess the first step is admitting there’s a problem.

However, I did not hesitate to slam that buy now button for the Bronze edition of The Seasonal Fox Tarot. I had no reason other than I love foxes, Japanese culture, seasons, anal structure systems, and Tarot. It is two very clever decks, and it feels like it was made for me. Every time I’ve used it, it makes me smile.

13. THE HERBAL TEA: A deck that takes things down a notch, or helps you unwind.

I almost didn’t buy The Smoke Ash & Ember Tarot. I really wanted the Oak Ash & Thorn, and had a serious case of FOMO and broke down and got the dragon deck too. But upon opening the box, I immediately felt drawn to TSA&E and have fallen in total love with these whimsical forest dragons! This deck is a rich, deep reader, but there isn’t anything forced at all in the art and its delivered oh so sweetly with cutesy dragons. The colors, while vibrant are still soft, the details are rich, and the expressions of the mythical reptiles are just wonderful. The art is very dream-like. This is the deck I use when I’ve had a hard day and just need a hug.

Phew! What a list! What are YOUR coffeehouse decks?
March 2023 Decks

March 2nd, 2023

Top: Seasonal Fox Tarot Day and Night Bronze editions. Bottom left to right: The Black Violet Tarot Deluxe Edition, Tarot Mucha, Baba Studio’s The Fantastic Menagerie Tarot

Ah March. Not really winter, definitely not spring, it is the month of slush and ice. Some years we get really lucky and have beautiful Marchs, but most years its a smattering of sun with a lot of drear. It’s the month I need some pep!

It was not hard picking decks for this month. I recently have received several Kickstarter decks along with some preordered decks, so I have a lot of newness to explore as far as cards go!

If you cannot tell by the opening picture, I like big decks and I cannot lie! Actually, this beauty is a recent acquirement, but a deck I’ve been longing to exist in the world—this is the Seasonal Fox Tarot, but it isn’t just a single tarot, its the Day and Night variations smashed together into one really-too-big-to-be-proper deck. Not only is there a “dark” and “light” variation of each card, but each card has an associated season (as do the minors), and can make panoramas. And, um, KITSUNE! There are so many little tiny details that went into making this not-your-everyday-RWS clone that I feel like this deck was made just for me. I’m totally obsessed with this double-deck and I’ll have to do a proper full on review by the end of the month.

Because this is actually TWO decks I’m using as one giant deck (that’s awkwardly shuffle-able), I pulled TWO cards—and I pulled two night cards at that! The first, the four of swords, tells me that I need to let the mind take a break! Appropriate that we see the Inari statue standing stoically in the snow, but still given the winter bib! I can see this four of swords at night speaking to letting the racing mind rest, as in stop over thinking things. Then the second card is the two of wands. Can we just have a moment to appreciate the wands are SUMIE brushes??? The brushes remain unused, and the fox stares out into the Milkyway. Now is a time to consider the possibilities of your projects and passions! Time to get your feet wet and just try things out!

Another new deck that made it just in time to be part of my monthly decks (I feel I jumped into the deep end choosing three new decks to try to learn in the same month), is the stunning The Black Violet Tarot. This is the PERFECT March deck—its the only true black and white deck I own, and its by far the most minimal. It’s both stark but references some profound motherly sort of creativity—much like the stark March here that only gives glimpses of spring. I can tell just from using this deck a few times that this will be a deck that I grow with. I really love how calm this deck reads, and how the simple shapes lead the eye around the card.

I pulled the Knight of Wands from The Black Violet Tarot. What an interesting Knight of Wands! The rider wears a helmet, yet she does not have a lance but a witch’s wand! This Knight of Wands seems to be saying “Do not worry if your path seems unorthodox, if you’ve done your due diligence, there’s nothing to stop you from charging forward!”

And, because spring is supposedly around the corner, I had to choose my quintessential spring deck, which is the once outrageously popular Tarot Mucha. This extremely feminine deck, while not exclusively portraying feminine figures like The Black Violet, is everything the simplistic Black Violet is not; chintz, floral patterns, grandmas dishes, a riot of pastels and a general Art Nouveau–muchness. I’ve had this deck a long time and it’s a really easy RWS reader with a strange tongue-in-cheek sort of humor that will be much needed in the days of snow ahead.

Here I pulled the Seven of Wands—while I usually think of this card as a defensive card, this variation seems to be a rather successfully defended hill! The man looks skyward to the rising or setting sun with no noticeable signs of harm to him. Perhaps this card is leaning more towards the idea that you have what it takes to defend your hill, rather than the notion imminent defense is needed. You got what it takes!

And finally, the bright and snappy Fantastic Menagerie Tarot. While Baba Studio’s has designed many iconic decks, this one is perhaps the most unique; the artists took historic French cartoon drawings (that were pretty politically charged at that) and slotted a collage of them into the tarot system. This deck is clever, funny, and frankly, kinda mean. I definitely consider it a “darker” reader deck, but wrapped up in pretty spring colors and shiny foil. There’s a reason that this is such a divisive deck!

It seems that the Queen of Wands is following me around this month as well! You are high-spirited, imaginative, shine brightly and are charismatic. If you can use wisdom and are compassionate (and are not self-obsessed) you will garner friends that will help you reach your goals. There are not enough hours in the day for you. It is better following your own heart than what convention tells you to do.

Well, quite the wand energy this month! Lots of opportunity for creativity to flourish! And a good time to stop getting hung up in my own head!
Deck Review: Tarot Nova

February 28th, 2023

or Running House Press “Tarot” mini deck. Review by Stacy

Is this even Tarot?

Acquired 2011. There are two versions, one with ultra mini folded accordion cards and a large book, and this semi mini version with a (admittedly really tough) tuck box, a LWB, and an absolutely useless paper foldout spread.

Overall: 5/10 Well, yes, this IS Tarot, despite first glance! This was my first deck of Tarot cards. My mother bought these for herself from Barns & Nobel to play a fortuneteller during a Halloween Party. I ended up “inheriting” them (i.e. saved from the landfill) when she was done. I didn’t “understand” the cards at the time and after flipping through them maybe a dozen times, they ended up collecting dust on my bookshelf for several years. Now with some Tarot under my belt I find this quite a cheeky little deck.

Size comparison to a standard tarot deck.

This works well as a very compact traveling deck since I cannot bring myself to purchase another mini version of a deck I’d otherwise want in full size. It does its job. While it’s my “first” deck and I’m not going to get rid of it, I also don’t reach for it in my normal daily readings and sentimentality keeps it on my bookshelf.

At first this deck comes off as childish, but the more you work with it, the more mature and clever you realize it is. Much in the way fairy tales are “meant” for children, the themes can be quite dark. It has a sort of “comic strip” feeling to it as you read from one card to the next, like a medieval stain glass comic, with some Punch and Judy feel. There’s also quite a bit of myth/story lore embedded in the images.

I always think of the Redwall book series when I use it, though I cannot say why. Would I buy this deck again? Probably not. Am I going to get rid of it? Ungh…

I appreciate the suits being organized by color. Also, you can see how there are typical RWS imagery in some cards (like the VIII of Pentacles and IX of Cups) but then the VIII of wands is a ship’s helm and the King of Swords is referencing Aesop’s fable the Fox and the Grapes . This deck is all over the place.

Card Quality: 2/5 The compact size, more of a square than rectangle, is really pleasant to use and the card stock is very durable. And that’s kinda where it ends—these things STICK to one another and shuffling is incredibly difficult. BUT they are fairly waterproof because of the heavy, weird coating, so there’s that. This does loan itself well for jumpers so I don’t have to sit around waiting for cards to appear.

You can see here some cards are very RWS reminiscent (like Temperance and The Tower) and others are completely doing their own thing (The Fool and The Star)

Readability: 2.5/5 I’m a bit on the fence. The deck seems to use some Thoth and some Rider-Waite interpretations, and other cards are just totally “Eh…?” But, on the other hand, the major and minor divisions are color coded on the corners so it actually is pretty easy to see at first glance what “corners” your issue is coming from, which is awesome.

The back design is arguably the best part of this deck—its SO charming!

Art: 4/5 I actually have learned to really like this folksy art style. The images are very simple with bright colors, and the backs are GORGEOUS! Some of the more non-traditional images are delightful to sit with and see where your intuition takes you, other cards I simply just don’t “get.” I will admit that I’m really fond of the backs of these cards!

The delightfully violent V of Swords and the odd Emperor.

Favorite Card: I really like the five of swords with this one!

Least Favorite Card: IV The Emperor–does anyone know why he’s a boot??? Can someone help me out here?

Season: Late Summer, Early Fall (got that old time harvest folksy vibe going for it!)

Boxes it Checks: Folk Art, Fairy Tale, Odd, Mini, Charming, Travel

Similar Decks: The Kawaii Tarot, Trungles the Very Little Tarot (which if I had the choice I’d get this one instead)
Deck Review: Shadowscapes Tarot

February 24th, 2023

Review by Stacy

Visiting the Realm of the Fae

Gifted to me 2018, and after a Tarot card vandal (see above) destroyed several cards (one aptly chosen) gifted again 2020.

Overall: 8/10 Awesome sauce. This is my only deck I’ve needed to replace due to wear and tear (so far). I used this deck until the edges frayed. The cat chewed through the devil of my first deck and maimed several cards so I acquired a second one (dearest husband gifted both to me! It’s a special deck for sure!)

Being my “first love” deck maybe I’m a little bias. Dreamy, ethereal, but dark enough to not feel fluffy. A bit aloof in that Tolkien elven sort of way, it never feels too personal when things are a bit overcast.

Maybe I was lucky (or unlucky) that the Shadowscapes Tarot is the first deck I learned Tarot from for almost a year before exploring other decks. In a way, starting out with a semi-nontraditional RWS helped me learn how to really sit with an image and think, rather than learning the route RWS meaning. My friend who started reading Tarot about four years before me used this deck almost exclusively and I came to love it when handling it with her.

This version is standard tarot size, with unobtrusive silver borders. Like everyone else on the face of the planet I would happily throw egregious amounts of money for a copy of the deck if the cards were borderless, bigger, with the most amazing cardstock in the world because they are absolutely works of art, each one filled with a unique story and symbolism to the point your eyes cannot even see it! (Spoiler alert: I did discovered the Czech version! Review coming soon.)

I’ve seen others say that Shadowscapes is not beginner friendly and I disagree—there’s so much to work with that piecing together a story for one card, let alone a set of cards, is very easy, not to mention easy on the eyes. It’s just takes time. The accompanying big guide book is great. If you’re easily overwhelmed visually, then yes, perhaps choose another deck.

Starting with such a symbol-rich deck I now heavily rely on a muchness of symbols and pictures and storytelling to put together a cohesive spread in most decks I pick up. It’s the simpler decks that tend to challenge me!

Abused cards—wear, tear, puncture wounds.

Card quality: 2/5 Eh, kinda works. The cards need to be bigger. They’re really prone to bending and being damaged so if you really like this one, spring for an extra set to replace cards as needed (or hunt down the Czech version).

Just LOOK at all the minute detail! I think this two of swords is hands down my absolute favorite–just look at all those things going on around that defensive figure! This classically stagnant card just breaths life here. And check out this mysterious unmasked yet still masked moon; there’s fungus fairies I’ve never even seen until I enlarged this photo on my computer!

Readability: 5/5 I challenge someone to find a modern, RWS fantasy deck with more individual symbolism chalked into each individual card, even the minor non-court cards. It can feel overwhelming (and difficult to see if you don’t have perfect vision) until you really sit with the card and stare at all the details and then…it just clicks. Definitely not a slap-n-dash sort of reader! While this definitely follows the RWS system, many of the cards have a different (albeit related) take, so IF you rely on RWS imagery this might be a good deck to start breaking out of that box.

Dreamy, ethereal, but not fluffy, I would not call this a particularly “earthy” deck though the nature element is very present. It’s a gentle reader without being suffocating in positivity. All the creatures feel very “perfect” and a bit aloof. Heavy in symbolism, and despite having fantastical creatures in a dream like world, the art does feel relatable to the real world.

The spreads this deck creates is just a feast for the eyes! If you need a deck you want to spend time just ogling this is an excellent candidate.

Law does fantastic job at capturing body shape, movement, and angles which give life to otherwise traditionally stagnant cards, with one notable exception–the six of wands. This also being my least favorite card, felt like the one card that the artist did not feel any inspiration towards. The figure of the man holds the laurel crown out at a weird, unnatural angel. The artist obviously doesn’t have good feelings towards the card either because the world is a muted, muddied battlefield of green/grey/brown against the otherwise brilliant suite of wands. After learning from several other decks, I do have to admit, I do not have such a bleak view of the six of wands.

Art: 4/5 So the art itself is stunning BUT I do want to acknowledge that all the bodies are more or less the same and there is little representation of people of color (outside of one brown woman and a few Asian peoples) in here. I don’t see any indication of LGBTQ+ or gender nonconforming representation either. I feel some of the masculine cards (like five of swords) DO feel more feminine than they could have been portrayed. I did feel the need for a diverse deck and have looked elsewhere to fill that void.

There’s a maturity about Shadowscapes that for fantasy art is a relief. I love me some fae, but I hate how some artists make female fairies “slutty/hyper sexual” for no good reason and this deck doesn’t even come close to that sort of feeling, though there is some tasteful and sensible nudity: the seven of pentacles comes to mind but unless you were looking for nipples, you might mistaken the nymphs tattoos for a shirt. Also strength is naked too, but that makes sense to me because vulnerability is part of inner strength. Five of Pentacles shows exposed breast, which makes sense for the card.

The challenging cards in this deck are pretty gentle, perhaps the most difficult being the Three of Swords.

Every card is welcoming and gentle and genteel, there’s few critical, mean, or scary card in the deck: three of swords is an impaled swan, and the eight of swords is a distressed trapped swan, but these come off as more dark metaphors that actual violence inducing. Death is a Phoenix, and the tower is clearly an act of nature on a sturdy (wooden) artifice of nature so you don’t have to shoulder the blame for “building a weak foundation” as the Tower seems to be interpreted these days. My favorite card, the five of swords is by far the most “violent” imo, since that angel is clearly swooping down to kick ass and take names, ask questions later.

The book gives both interpretive positive/negative readings of the artwork without the concreteness of reversals–but honestly I use reversals (with intuitive interpretations) in this deck because the back loans itself well and the artwork plays along quite easily.

Favorite card: 5 of Swords If that’s not the most bad ass avenging elf angel I’ve ever seen I’ll eat my shoes. I know this is supposed to be a “bad” card, but I’m never upset to see this one.

Least Favorite Card: 6 of Wands—I don’t like the awkward arm of the man and it feels very ominous with that pea soup colored background and post-war battlefield-like scene. I feel like the warning that this is a temporal success is a little…too challenging.

Card the deck identifies me as: The deck has decided that the Queen of Cups represents me in my normal, creative self, though I have to admit that I don’t particularly resonate with her, but I do feel a connection with the action she is doing (lol!). Conversely, when I am being naughty, this deck will spit out the Knight of Wands and be saucy for a few days.

Season: Spring (so ethereal! much ephemeral!)

Boxes it checks: Fae, Elf, Ethereal, Dreamy, Fantasy, Romantic, Aloof, Detail Oriented, Love Readings

Similar Decks: There aren’t any decks that capture the ethereal nature of the art, but other fairy decks that I personally think are along this vein are The Tarot of the Hidden Realm, Tarot of the Sidhe, Circle of Life Tarot, The Lost Forest Deck, The Children of Litha Tarot, Lisa Hunt’s The Fairytale Tarot, Superlunaris Tarot (the color pallet really reminds me of the Shadowscapes)

P.S. our artist has been in the middle of making a WONDROUS Oracle deck for several years and I hope it comes out before I die!
The Arrow of Love! an original ship-tastic draw designed by Valerie and Stacy

February 21st, 2023

If you hang out on this blog for any amount if time, you will learn that Val and I take our Tarot very seriously. We would never revert back to our pre-teen giggly selves and never ever ask any dumb, stupid or insipid questions.

Enter this beauty! This Cupid’s arrow which pairs up two individuals (or hey, more if you want to add additional fletching at the top), and lays out their romantic path! Perfect for your secret ship, crush, D&D characters, you name it.

1. Person 1

2. Person 2 (add additional persons as needed)

3. Foundation of the relationship

4. Spark of the relationship

5. Choice that must be made

6. Death of the relationship

7. Life of the relationship

8. Tip 😉

Stacy’s Draw

Fyodor Pavlov Tarot, mass market

1 Person 1 (Page of Cups) considers their art their LIFE! They are here to live for the experience! They are looking for a muse.

2. Person 2 (Two of Cups) wishes to meet others and establish relationships–they are people persons and wish to find connection.

3. The foundation of their relationship (Ace of Pentacles) is one of similar entrepreneurial pursuits. Their worldly goals can further each other and are complimentary.

4. Their spark (Queen of Pentacles) is they are both extremely giving persons, willing to help others by sharing their resources. They are fertile individuals ready to make the most of what they have.

5. Ooooohh! They will have to choose (Nine of Pentacles) a life style of comfort and means, or accepting their love as it is! XD!

6. The death of the relationship (King of Swords) is relying too heavily on logic, being too black and white, letting one’s ego get too big, one insisting on being the top dog, not remembering your emotional side (seeing as person 1 and person 2 are both cup cards).

7. What brings this relationship to life (XI Justice) is seeking fairness and balance. Doing the right thing because it’s the right thing to do rather than based off expectations. Being brave and seeing the truth of matters.

8. Tip: (Eight of Pentacles) Making something beautiful takes time and practice. Use your hands, be crafty. Manual labor may be required ;-).

Full disclosure, I “draw” cards from the deck by choosing jumpers, and usually only single jumpers at that. I am astonished at how pentacles heavy this draw became! This couple clearly is really rooted into the earthy material world and may be business partners, even though they themselves are rather emotional people.

What does your ship-tastic draw look like?
Valentine’s Day Draw

February 14th, 2023
Here’s a big ol’ Love Draw! Feel free to word this as it suits your situation! For example, you an ask “How to keep alight an old flame?” or “How to alight an old flame” or “How to stomp out an old flame?”
1. What self-love can I practice?
2. What toxic love should I be rid of?
3. What or whose unrequited love lingers in my life?
4. How to keep alight an old flame?
5. How can I help fulfill another’s love?
6. What will help my fantasy come true?
7. What sudden Cupid’s arrow of infatuation will strike me?
8. What new love (person or otherwise) is entering my life?
9. How can I nurture true love (person, yourself, hobby)?
10. How can I invite more love in my life?
Stacy’s Draw

The Victorian Romantic Tarot, 4 edition standard. Also used the 4 edition special large.

1 What self-love can I practice?

Ace of Pentacles: Be your own entrepreneur! Take a financial opportunity and run with it!

2 What toxic love should I be rid of?

The Magician: Be rid of the romantic idea that working late and working yourself to death is going to lead to success (can we just talk about that creepy skeleton leering at the magician?!? This is what happen when you pull all-nighters!).

3 What or whose unrequited love lingers in my life?

Two of Pentacles: There is a person who loves you only when you perform–they only love what you can do for them, and only love an imagined version of you rather than the authentic you! They command, you respond.

4 How to keep alight an old flame?

Nine of Swords: Get out of your comfort zone! Take a risk, go out on a limb, try something you’ve never done before!

5 How can I help fulfill another’s love?

Six of Pentacles: Help another by being generous–see things for how they really are and give the resources you have a plenty.

6 What will help my fantasy come true?

The High Priestess: Follow your dreams! Trust your gut and intuition. Remember Beauty is as Beauty does. Be an active player in your life. Embrace your femininity.

7 What sudden Cupid’s arrow of infatuation will strike me?

Eight of Wands: The need for speed! The desire to move and act. A partner in action. A partnership of the man and beast.

8 What new love (person or otherwise) is entering my life?

The Knight of Pentacles: What a wonderfully puzzling card! I feel like there’s many ways to read this–a steadfast, knight in shining armor who will protect me, a steady eddy, a person of underrated skill, someone who is indifferent to me, OR a person I save who I am indifferent to that lavishes their affections onto me.

9 How can I nurture true love (person, yourself, hobby)?

Five of Cups: Accept your loss, process grief and move on. I love in this card how the woman is clearly moving past the fallen cups. Only then will you have space to nurture true love.

10 How can I invite more love in my life?

4 of Pentacles: Be willing to wait and save your resources for those special moments–do some “house cleaning” and get rid of the unnecessary people and things in your life. Keep what matters and allow it to grow!

And then for fun, I drew one card from the large edition of this deck asking for advice:

Ah! The Magician makes a second appearance! I’d say that this is reiterating that while some aspects of The Magician I could and should discard, the general spark and individuality of The Magician should be preserved! Be your best self!
Imbolc Draw, created by Valerie

February 13th, 2023

There’s plenty of sites out there that explore the various pagan and related festivals of Imbolc. For me, it means that the worst and darkest of winter is over (supposedly!). While it’s too covered in snow to start thinking of planting here, I do get out and “garden” in the sense I trim our fruit bearing plants and the roses. In the home, it’s the time to take down any remaining holiday decorations and do a serious deep clean of my pantry and refrigerator.

Le Tarot de Marseille-Waite and Slavic Legends Tarot special edition

Of all the celebrations in February, I personally really enjoy the French festival Valerie introduced me to which, on Candlemas or Fête de la Chandeleur, they have crepes! While I don’t go to the mass, I 100% am on board with Crepe Day!

Imbolc: In the Belly of the Mother, by Valerie

1. How does this winters’ blank slate invite me to start afresh?

2. Which seed should I prioritize under the grow light?

3. How should I help it grow?

4. Which seed should not be discarded?

5. How to gently nourish it?

6. Message from Brigid

Stacy’s Draw

I’m using Le Tarot de Marseille-Waite seeing as it has such a good growing spring vibe, along with The Nameless One Oracle

1. How does this winters’ blank slate invite me to start afresh?

6 de Coupes: You should embrace the child-like spirit, good fond memories, and an innocence in the belief of human good. Don’t take things so seriously, take the time to notice and enjoy life (stop to smell the flowers, for crying out loud!)

2. Which seed should I prioritize under the grow light?

IV L’Empereur: The authority! It’s time to be the emperor of your life–you’re the boss, make yourself rules to follow and practice discipline to find your success. Take the wheel, baby!

3. How should I help it grow?

Valet des Epees: Follow new ideas to see where they go! Slack that thirst for knowledge by finding out for yourself. Again, be disciplined, but don’t be rigid–sometimes you are meant to follow this side tangent. Be enthusiastic in following your curiosity. Nurture the mind.

4. Which seed should not be discarded?

10 de Epees: The pain and defeat of your past should not be ignored nor attempted to be forgotten.

5. How to gently nourish it?

4 de Batons: Celebrating your current successes, even if small, will help heal the past pain and wounds.

6. Message from Brigid: XXII The Poised and Patient Ones (Reversed)

Affirmation: I am poised and patient.

Especially when you are impatient, fearful and angry is patience required. Nothing worth having or doing happens suddenly or quickly. Wounds take time to heal, wrongs take time to right. Take a breath, do one thing at a time.

This draw seems on-point with my healing journey. You need to embrace the good things, be your own boss and leader, heal the old pains and be patient with yourself.
February 2023 Decks

January 31st, 2023

Stacy’s Decks

I will openly admit that while I don’t make a *big* deal about it, I really like celebrating Valentines Day, and I like to imagine February as being the “romance” month. Part of it is February here at least is cold, grumpy, and generally hung over from January so any excuse to make it better I’m on board with. I have a real romantic streak in me that goes out of it’s way to try and find excuses to make things more lovey-dovey for lack of a better word.

So no surprise, I wanted to bring out some of the most romantic decks I got!

First, we typically don’t see any signs of spring here for another month or two. The quirky Le Tarot de Marseille-Waite by Emmanuelle Iger and Alice Laverty has such a bright, happy spring tones that really soothes the soul. This French mass market deck, as implied by the name, is a hybrid of Marseille majors and RWS minors. It’s imagery is set in Europe, high-medieval era, and is just a wonderfully Hollywood romanticized (see the Medieval Europe Tarot for a not-so-romanticized version). So chivalric, much quaint, very wow. This deck gave me the Reine des epees (Queen of Swords). I guess despite my imagining that all’s going to be fru-fru, I’m going to have to be a discerning bad ass and cut the shit out of my life. ;cries;

Next, we are really still in some short, dark days, and I wanted to put to use my much beloved The Nameless One tarot and oracle deck. This underrated, sigil including masterpiece from Xia Hunt has such wonderful gothic-romance vibes. It’s beautiful, it’s lush, it’s dark. What more can you ask for?!?

I drew the Queen of Cups from this one–so maybe there’s some hope yet for the idealized February! This queen of cups is rather cold, but she has Cancer in her crown, reminding us to embody the best of this zodiac by being the caregiver to ourselves and others–to be a devoted and emotionally stable partner. To practice empathy and trust our intuition. I tend to see the Queen of Swords and the Queen of Cups as opposite sides of the same coin.

Of course I had to include The Victorian Romantic Tarot by Baba Studio. There’s little point in me even explaining this one. This deck gave me the Four of Cups, which is probably my favorite four of cups ever (my god, the poor man’s expression!). I’ll have many options, but I won’t like any of them. What I have isn’t perfect, and I’ll turn my nose up to it in dissatisfaction (omg!). I’m going to keep searching.

And finally, I wanted to bust out and use the mass market edition of Fyodor Pavlov’s Tarot. I have the indi version, but the mass market is so beautiful I want an excuse to use it! It’s perfect for the month of romance with all its various expressions of love. That, and it’s just saucy as all get out.

This deck gave me the Queen of Wands! Three queens??? This queen is a total bad ass as well, focused on her goals, the boss, a lady that knows what she wants and how to get it (thank goodness, because apparently I don’t), and she has a little magic luck on her side too.

And for an oracle deck, I wanted to use Xia Hunt’s companion oracle to The Nameless One tarot. I drew the card XV called The Victor’s Blade, with the tl:dr of “I rise victorious; I overcome all hindrances and defeat all opponents.” This is a very Machiavellian card that feels like a hybrid of the Six of Wands and the Five of Swords. It’s the ‘do anything to win’ card, the ends justify the means, but it also means standing up and defending that which is meaningful or precious to you.

Phew! Well, taken all together, I’d say this month requires me to wear many hats of my feminine persona, none of which necessarily fulfill me, but together get the necessary job done!

What decks are you going to use in February?
January 2023 Decks

January 30th, 2023

Stacy’s Decks

January is probably the toughest month for me. It is not that it is particularly more dark than December (December and February here are really miserably dark months) but it historically becomes bitterly cold. It gets so cold that I don’t want to be outdoors, and I suffer when I cannot be outside.

I find it is natural when you’re trapped inside swaddled in sweaters to end up spending quite a bit of time doing retrospective thinking, and planning. To stave off some of the seriousness that is involved with this rumination, I usually indulge in reading a fantasy book or two, the likes of which I used to read as a kid. This month I wanted to actively focus on treating the inner child with kindness. It’s been a rough couple years and said inner child has been neglected, and boy oh boy can tarot help with that journey.

To that end, I think I picked a set of decks to use for this month that are actually perfect, and I must say that the month’s reading is also right on point! I set the intention to be kind and loving to my child-self and the cards did not disappoint in our first read!

January decks starting from the upper left clockwise: the Monsoon Tarot (Kickstarter edition), Tarot of the Abyss, The Brady Tarot (second edition), Tarot of the Divine, center The Drifting Moon Tarot (Kickstarter majors edition). Reading cloth is from The Tarot of Sorts Kickstarter.

The first deck is the new Kickstarter release of the Monsoon Tarot by Woh Studios. This is certainly a dark horse deck, and I was really on the fence backing it, but man-oh-man am I glad I did! This sweet yet eerily surreal deck seems to take on the premise of what would the world look like if there was a great flood. It’s very loosely based on RWS but really has its own internal workings and is a stellar emotional reader. I haven’t had it long, but I’ve been using it quite a bit already and I really like how gentle, yet stern and serious it’s artwork is. There is an uncanny depth to this deck that I just love. It has a pale, pastel sort of coloration that seems to be very dream-like. For January’s fruition, this deck gave me the Six of Air (Swords) where a little girl that is floating helplessly on her bed finds a cheerful rabbit family–finally you have found safety.

The second deck is Tarot of the Abyss. I bought this deck last year because it immediately spoke to my inner child. I’ve actually found myself avoiding it because it really stirs my emotions, but now is the time! The deck agrees with me because it gave me the stunning spiritual metamorphoses XX Awakening card for January’s Inspiration, and that really warms my heart.

The third deck is the Brady Tarot–an animal deck of wood cut beauty, it’s hard not to fall head over heels all the details and inspiring images and homage to nature and wild life. I must admit though that I find this deck very challenging since it does not sugar coat the harsh realities of life. I can wax on about this deck, but the art speaks for itself. As a child, I loved (and lets be real, I still do!) all that is the natural world and this deck invokes that sense of wonder. For my monthly obstacle I got the Three of Feathers/Vantage (Wands). The leopard is planning its next move. Yes, already we’ve been struggling to see ahead and plan for our next five, ten years!

And, as I planned from the very get go of monthly decks, the fourth deck I’ll be working with is the famous Yoshi Yoshitani’s Tarot of the Divine. All children love stories and I’ve always loved telling and writing a good yarn! The colors are wonderful and images so clear yet thought provoking, and I love relearning or learning for the first time new tales from other cultures. Perfect for the cold days of January. For ingenuity of the month, I drew XXI The World–the world awaits and you have everything you need to figure it out. This fun world card also suggests partnership–I can share my adventures with my husband and loved ones!

Finally, in addition, I’ll be using the majors tarot The Drifting Moon (from a recent Kickstarter) as a supplement deck–the sweet story book images seem to really fit the feeling of the rest of the decks.

What decks are you using this month?

PS also, my tarot challenge of the month is I am going to read ONLY upright cards! I want to try it! Maybe I’ll continue a while with uprights only, we’ll see how the month goes.
Lunar New Year, Year of the Rabbit Tarot Draw

January 28th, 2023

While traditional Chinese new years fortunes and the 12 (year) animal zodiac correspondences aren’t exactly related to tarot, we can still have plenty of fun doing a lunar new year reading! This year, we are in the year of the rabbit!

Rabbits are no stranger in the tarot world, nor is the imagery of rabbits and the moon.

Right to left, The Oriens Tarot, Star Spinner Tarot, Oak, Ash & Thorn Tarot

Ever heard of the man in the moon? Well, in many eastern myths there’s a rabbit in the moon (can you see the bunny in the dark lunar maria?)! Of course, if you own a yard that is frequented by rabbits, you will also be well aware that most of their antics happen at night, when the moon is out. I know my local bunnies have disco parties under the full moon!

Draw suggestions: Lay out the draw in a circle. Like a clock, place the first card on the one o’clock space position, second card in two o’clock, etc.

1. Productivity: Rabbits are notoriously fertile creatures and their species’ success relies on their shot gun approach to reproduction–ask yourself, How will I be wildly productive this year?

2. Creativity: Along similar lines, how can you channel creativity this year? Rabbits are clever creatures and owe much of their success to solving problems creatively.

3. Concerns of the Family: Rabbits have large families, what is a concern your family will face this year?

4. Concerns of the Home: Rabbits burrow and can create complex warrens to live in with or without their families. What should I pay attention to in my physical home space?

5. Health: Rabbits rely on a healthy diet and regular exercise to be their best bunny self. What can I be mindful of regarding my eating and exercise?

6. Goals: Rabbits are fast little critters! What will speed me towards my goals this year?

7. Self Improvement: There’s many a story out there about the quick, clever rabbit who became arrogant about his speed and ends up losing the race to someone much slower! What is something that I’m arrogant about that I should be careful not to over look?

8. Introducing Novelty: Rabbits have fast, ever-growing teeth! They constantly need to be chewing them to wear them down. What is something new that I can “cut my teeth on” this year?

9. Conflict: Rabbits are masters of Freeze and Flight in dangerous situations–what is a situation that would be best to run away from?

10. Releasing Old Energy: On the flip-side, rabbits can run away without reason as a type of escapism that prolongs the inevitable. What am I doing that is practicing unnecessary escapism? (For example, I scroll through my phone rather than take care of a responsibility)

11. Social Habits: Rabbits are incredible social creatures–what is something I can do to liven up my social life?

12. Live in the Moment: Here’s our “full rabbit moon”–rabbits live short lives, but they certainly know how to live it up! What can you do to let your hair down and have some fun and live in the moment?

Stacy’s Draw

The Star Spinner Tarot, by Trungles

While I didn’t have the perfect deck for this draw (but Val sure does!), I wanted a deck with a bit of mythic flare and sensibility with a good dose of celebratory bright colors to perk up the stint of grey we’ve been having, and what better deck than the Star Spinner?

1.Productivity: 7 of Chalices I can be productive by choosing projects that speak to my heart, and eliminate the others.

2. Creativity: VI The Lovers Channel creativity with love! Do what you love, with the ones you love.

3. Concerns of the Family: 7 of Coins Its time for your family to consider long term investments. You need to plan how and when and where to do this. “Cultivate resources responsibility” says Trungles. Be prepared for the moment you need to take action.

4. Concerns of the Home: Knight of Wands Your physical home is your oyster! Have fun, show personality, be bold!

5. Health: Page of Chalices Remember kindness towards yourself–you’re body is always changing and growing. Approach change with curiosity! Also, if you take care of your dogs’ physical needs, that will take care of yourself as well.

6. Goals: 10 of Chalices Self love and general emotional wholeness and wellness and balance will speed you to your goal. People experience success and happy endings differently, there is no single road map.

7. Self Improvement: 4 of Chalices You are determined to do it all on your own! It’s okay to take the low handing fruit and enjoy what you have every once and a while. Be aware of moving goal posts–take the time to celebrate the little victories so you’re not disappointed in your seeming lack of accomplishments.

8. Introducing Novelty: 0 The Fool Try being completely new student at something! It’s time to free yourself of imagined outcomes.

9. Conflict: Ace of Wands Run away from taking on any more passion-projects! You have enough to do on your plate.

10. Releasing Old Energy: XII The Hanged Man I practice escapism by saying something is not my problem when perhaps I should take action! Be more discerning on what is and is not my problem.

11. Social Habits: 9 of Chalices To improve my social life don’t be afraid to take center stage every now and then. Enjoy the fruits of your journey, dance for fun!

12. Live in the Moment: X The Wheel of Fate To enjoy and live in the moment, just accept things as they come and go! It’s okay that there are ups and downs.

And for fun, I did my typical end of a reading draw where I take the top card of the deck as an answer to Where am I coming from? and the bottom of the deck card to Where am I going?

Where are you coming from? Queen of Wands

Where are you going? 10 of Pentacles

I’m going from a young, vivacious woman with a big cat frolicking outside in a field of sun flowers, to an old man with a dog inside a house, looking at a big fucking castle! Just kidding! I’m going from a state of meeting challenges with determination and passion, and being a high achiever to being satisfied and content with my work and their results. I’m living in abundance and stability.