Beginnings

  "King, did you hear that? The hands of a healer, I say."

Return of the King - J.R.R. Tolkein

Altar and Angel Cards

In the early 70s, my friend and for a time hubby Michael introduced me to Tarot Cards via the Classic Rider-Waite Tarot deck, and though I didn't really like the art, I was intrigued. I'd read of them, of course .... He was quite cautious about whom he let handle that deck, and also didn't quite resonate with them. He also introduced me to the I Ching, and to Astrology. Though he doesn't often do readings these days, he is a very gifted intuitive. 

When the beautiful Crowley Thoth Tarot deck with illustrations by Lady Frieda Harris came out, we stretched our meager budget to purchase it! And though I loved the images, and the way it weaves with Astrology, it still wasn't 'my deck.' 

Sometime in the 80s, I was browsing at a bookstore and discovered the Medicine Woman Tarot - packaged in a 'tobacco bag,' with Carol Bridges uncolored illustrations - brown lines on cream cardstock - THAT was my deck! I quickly grasped the Key Phrases, and used it with Joy. Sometime in the 90s I gifted it to someone who seemed to need it, and later got the coloured deck, which I had for awhile before passing it on as well! 

Over the years I've had other decks - Angels from the Transformation Game came early (and the game later on!) Fairies, Jamie Sam's Medicine and Spirit cards, Mother Peace Tarot , the Gaian Tarot  with its wonderful PNW images... a little deck with magical art of Sulamith Wolfing -- 

At one point my daughter asked, "How many decks does one person need??" .... and a month or so later,  gave me a couple of decks she found at a nearby GoodWill!! (Archangels and Life Purpose decks) 

My current favorite deck, the Rainbow Earth Tarot, was created by my friend Margaret Duperly, whilst living at Breitenbush Hot Springs. Margaret's images are inspired by her upbringing in Jamaica, and our Cascade Mountain home. It took Margret 9 years to complete the illustrations, and several more to finish the guidebook.  She self published a limited run, so it's not likely available these days. 

When I began working with Intentional Creativity, one of my favorite practices and offerings became creating my own cards, first 'Soul Compass Cards, and later other cards for various purposes. Working on watercolor or mixed media paper, these are a quick and fulfilling practice! 

There are so many possibilities with these personal cards and decks: choosing favorite quotes, guidelines (like the Reiki or Breema principles) cards centered on ideas or dreams, allies, one word prompts ... one friend told me she's created, "Well over 100 card decks, mainly for insight and personal process." (WOW!!) 

I have been intrigued with Kyle Gray's work for awhile, and recently ordered his Gateway of Light Activation Oracle deck, which came this week. I'm looking forward to doing readings using this deck combined with some of my others, and offering readings to others. Stay tuned!

Do you have favorite decks? Or curious about a shift in directions? Let me know in the comments below!