New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
While Llewellyn's Classic Tarot has my name on the cover, I did not so much design this project as direct it. Llewellyn wanted a deck that was designed to be faithful to the traditional tarot images, symbols, and meanings recognizable to most modern tarot readers and students. Creating a faithful yet new expression of timeless tarot imagery is quite a challenge. Eugene Smith (the artist) and I had to discover a distinct voice within the structure of traditional tarot, one that represented Llewellyn rather than myself or Eugene. This was not an easy task. In writing the book, I wrote not as myself but as the voice of Llewellyn. The approach is still accessible, clear, and easy to ...
As readers, heck, as humans, we are often asked for clarification about a situation. This technique and spread can help provide that clarification, if there is more than one person involved. In addition, it is meant to aid in understanding the other person (or people) involved so that the querent can develop the best plan to improve the situation or help progress a goal. You'll need two decks for this. Specifically, you'll need two sets of Court cards. Divide your deck into three piles: Major Arcana, Court cards, and the rest of the Minor Arcana. Ask your querent to break down the situation and the people involved. As an example, let's say there is an issue at work, involving the ...
Cats are a popular theme for tarot and oracle decks, and for good reason. For centuries cats have been associated with religion, spirituality, and mysticism. Today, cats are much loved, as companions and as symbols of independence and a lack of concern for the opinions of others. We fancy that this spirit is born of an inner confidence that knows exactly what it wants and the best ways to achieve while maintaining a sense of nobility. In many ways, cats are metaphoric role models. While there are many cat-themed tarot and oracle decks available, each one exploring various facets of these complex creatures, all are different and have something to offer. However, here we are showcasing the ...
Wondering if you should create your own tarot spreads is rather like asking yourself if you should cook your own meals. Isn't it easier to eat out at yummy restaurants, depend on friends, or heat up frozen dinners? No! Eating out is expensive, your friends will get annoyed with you, and frozen food is … eesh, unexciting. Cooking teaches you more about food than you could ever learn by just eating alone. Cooking reveals texture, taste, combination, timing, planning, and, most importantly, how and what you like. Cooking makes you a better eater. The same truth applies to tarot: creating spreads will make you a better reader. You could find a spread in a book that might suit your ...
