deck

Tarot Talks: Apophenia Tarot – The Chariot

The Chariot.
Photo credit: Phoenix Rose
This comes from the Apophenia Tarot by Steven Archer. The deck’s stark imagery is captivating, in my opinion.
When I was gifted the deck I did not know much about Archer. The deck had no guide book and on his website the artist said there would never be a book. I admire his brazen honesty. Archer stated that he only created the deck because his fans kept pushing for it, that he himself is an artist and not into tarot at all. The cards are a fan bit and nothing more. The title, apophenia, makes so much sense given his statement. As someone who has read tarot for half of my life I can see how, as an artist, Archer did a great job with this deck. I feel artists have a way of channeling things and end up with something they didn’t know they knew.
One card in particular struck me. The Chariot. Pictured is JFK, the First Lady is not with him, but the Lincoln Continental, the grassy knoll, and arrows imply his assassination. What does this have to do with the traditional image and symbolism of The Chariot?
I began my search on the now defunct Aeclectic Tarot forum to glean an ounce of insight into this deck. I was not surprised to see many complimenting the artistry, however I was shocked that this deck is a deal-breaker for some readers because of the Chariot card.
Some could not find the correlation between JFK and the Chariot meanwhile others found it in poor taste. A few non-Americans were not fazed because their patriotism lays elsewhere. Some even went so far as to say they would never buy this deck, would not even want to be read using this deck because of the Chariot card. Some were truly offended.
As a Canadian, I am well aware of JFK’s impact and lasting reputation, however I feel no offense to his image being used; I just want to know how I can correlate the seemingly unrelated symbolism. 
First things first, the traditional meaning of the Chariot. This card is about victory and success, not the dumb-luck kind, the kind that comes of hard work and perseverance. Having an almost aggressive attitude towards achieving goals. Being a bit self-involved. This card can relate to the military and leadership. This card is about making decisions between obedience and rebellion. Indicates travel and movement. Balance between masculine and feminine, as above and so below, to achieve success. It also has an adolescent energy about it; the part of the Fool’s journey where he’s gaining sight of his ability, honing skills, and striving towards mastery.
Photo credit: Google images
Now let’s take a gander at John F. Kennedy. He experienced much illness throughout his short life (perseverance for success against the odds). He was the US’s youngest elected president (adolescent to mastery energy). He climbed the so-called ladder to success through his school career, had a stint in journalism before getting right into politics, served in the Navy (perseverance to achieve goals). He has great leadership skills; was a lieutenant in the Navy (leadership and military energy). As a president he had his share of scandals, think Marilyn Monroe, he also made decisions that were not favorable to other politicians and powers-that-be (self-invloved, as well as rebellious, and tough decision making energy here).
I can really see how JFK ties in. Now I’m looking at it like how can he not be on this card, it’s too appropriate. The arrows threw me. As previously stated, I figure they imply his assassination. 
Or does it? Let’s look at arrow symbolism. Arrows symbolism speed, travel, movement, and swift action, which aligns with The Chariot. Arrows signify thoughts and nothing moves faster than a thought. They also indicate piercing the outer layer to get to the heart of the matter. In the card the arrows are shown piercing the outer layer. This goes with the energy of decisions, making choices that may change our current situation, or at the very least change our perspective on our current situation. In Christianity arrows are also related to the hunt, lightning, and divination.
Arrows can also be a sign of love when considering Cupid’s arrows. Could this point to JFK being known as a ladies man? His known and unknown adultery? Another aspect I see with these arrows of love is the romanticizing of him as a president. The historian, Carl M. Brauer, in 2002 said that the public’s “fascination with the assassination may indicate a psychological denial of Kennedy’s death, a mass wish … to undo it.”

Photo credit: CNN archive 
The Chariot is a card of self-discovery, and in the reversed position it’s about overcoming obstacles to achieve success, but at what cost? The reversal indicates riding for a fall; overconfidence, rash in actions, car troubles, problems on the road, delays, easily deflected from your course. I would say Kennedy had one hell of a set back during his travels to Dallas on that tragic day. The reversal speaks of the conflicts and opposing views. JFK had very much opposing views when compared to other prominent political powers. He scrapped Eisenhower’s methods in the White House. He did not allow the false flags that the Chief of Staffs wanted to play out on American soil to win favor in the war on Cuba. Among many other things which link to the meanings of the Chariot.
The more I read about JFK the more I can see the relation to The Chariot. This isn’t even touching on the conspiracies that surround him and his assassination. However, the arrows could suggest the theory of more than one shooter. The two hidden arrows might point to the unknown, and questionable, information surrounding his untimely death. 
Photo credit: Google images
Kennedy in his role of president and all he went through to get there is absolutely in line with Chariot energy. Archer could have chosen JFK speaking at a podium, or the inauguration with Kennedy’s famous line, “ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” However, Archer chose not the moments of leadership or critical decision-making, instead he chose to show the result of those actions. 
As I stare at the image of Kennedy’s missing hair and gaunt complexion I wonder if this a zombie, JFK persevering even in death. His decisions in life, his actions and behaviours live on, despite all he was up against. His spirit pushes forth and 56 years after his passing his story is captivating, the more I learn the more I want to know. He was a man who promoted world peace in the midst of wars. This is the spirit of the Chariot, perseverance, making decisions and taking actions, even if others disagree, pushing forth in the face of adversity. Haters gonna hate.
Alternatively, this points to understanding there are consequences to our actions. Whether positive or negative, we take action and we get results. When we make rash decisions or act in haste we may wind up taking some hits. Should we let that stop us? Probably not. We should recoup and regroup, change course if necessary. Keeping with the self-discovery energy of the Chariot, only we can be responsible for ourselves and our path in life. We could be asking ourselves not what others can do for us, but what we can do for ourselves.
Brightest Blessings,
Phoenix Rose
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Connect on social media:
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Recommendations and resources:

Learn more about Steven Archer here:
http://www.egolikeness.com
Buy the deck here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1935738267/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_smhvCbBHKTSG7

https://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=250261

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_F._Kennedy

Mary K. Greer’s Complete Book of Tarot Reversals
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1567182852/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_urhvCbFM9ZJAB

Oracle: Deck Interviews – The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck

Today’s blog will be showcasing The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck by Kim Krans.  This is a beautifully illustrated oracle deck.  On the surface the meanings behind the cards are simplistic, however these simple reflections to ask oneself can have you diving quite deep into yourself.
New Deck Interview
…5……6…
……4……
…3……2…
……1…….

1. Tell me more about yourself; What is your most important characteristic?
**Hummingbird**
Positive, Enthusiastic, Spiritually Resourceful
Inside the tiny hummingbird resides in endless well of energy and positivity. The hummingbird’s secret is that it has learned where to gather nectar, and it returns to these sources daily for nourishment and rejuvenation. The secret elixir springs from many sources, but usually involves nature, creativity, and exploring spirituality. Follow the way of the hummingbird and you cannot go wrong. Every drop of life becomes sweet, every moment worth savouring.

2. What are your strengths as a deck?
**Bee**
Earnest, Hardworking, Democratic
The Bee personality is a delight to be around, especially when there’s a team project on the horizon. Bees love to work steadily and thoughtfully until the final task is complete. They are sensitive creatures, aware of many subtleties at once. Since they’re artists at heart, they usually add creative details to the overall vision. For the most part they have bustling, joyous personalities… until they’re too tired from all the work… then they gripe. And then sting.

3. What are your limits as a deck?
**Owl**
Abundance, Clairvoyant, Treasures
The owl is a mysterious and otherworldly creature found in folklore from East to West. The white owl in this particular deck is the companion of the Goddess Lakshmi and represents wealth, beauty, and good fortune. When the owl card appears it’s an omen that a boon or treasure is on the way, either in spiritual or material form. With owl wisdom on your side, you’ll “see” and “know” exactly what to do with this boon… how it can further serve your dharma and bring abundance to the world. Trust that the wellspring of treasures is infinite.

4. What do you bring to the table; What are you here to teach me?
**Unicorn **
Reconnecting to higher wisdom or divinity
It’s difficult to see, hear, or think of a unicorn without immediately questioning if it’s real. Did they ever exist? Perhaps long, long ago? The Mind answers, “maybe…” or “it could be…” or “no way.” This very contemplation explains our relationship with divinity, and encapsulates our wavering belief in the Unicorn. We wonder what Divinity is. We wonder where our intuition comes from and if we can really trust it. We think about a higher power and our mind hesitates between yes, no, and maybe. Is it male or female? Does it have a name? Is it just a feeling? The Unicorn card appears and “wakes us up” to curiosity about the higher self and the Divine. It is a card of questioning, exploring, and contemplating the inexplicable. The mind’s eye knows there is something beyond our day-to-day lives, a deeper dimension to our experiences. The mind’s eye reaches and reaches and reaches out to grasp something more. You are the unicorn, and you have begun your quest for answers.
The unicorn and the sixth chakra
It’s no surprise the subtle essence of the Unicorn card resides at the third eye, the exact place from which the unicorn’s horn extends. This center is called the ajna chakra, or “command center.” The ancient yogis believed it to be responsible for intellect, intuition, and deepest wisdom. Some say our two eyes see the past and present, while this third eye peers into the future.

5. How can I best learn and collaborate with you?
**Whale**
Desire to delve deeper, Profound peace, Ancient wisdom
The whale represents profound emotional health and stability. Whale personalities are not afraid of emotional expression or traversing difficult terrain, as they have overcome many challenges in their lives. These experiences have enriched them, giving them stability, strength, and a depth that is rare. Whale energy is usually linked to the feminine forces of compassion and communication. We can depend on whale personalities when all else seems lost, and trust them to be the beacon in our darkest hour.

6. What is the potential outcome of our working relationship?
**Cosmic Egg**
Completion, Harmony, the infinite within the finite
The cosmic egg is the final card in the journey of the Animal Spirit deck, and it represents the unfolding of cosmic consciousness. This state emerges after we have tread the path for quite some time, and through self-effort and grace we experience self-realization. A sense of contentment and oneness spontaneously arises within us, and the veils of our self-limiting beliefs are lifted. When the essence of the cosmic egg has not been activated, we may feel as if we will never “get there,” or that we travel alone, disconnected from others. Even if our encounter with this card is brief, appearing as a momentary glimmer or flash of interconnectedness, it’s potent energy stays with us. It’s through the power of this card that we are reminded  of the cosmic contract written at the beginning – we hold on to life, and life hold on to us. The journey is complete, but it does not end.
The cosmic egg in the seventh chakra
The subtle essence of the cosmic egg resides at the crown chakra at the top of the head call the sahasrara. One of the aims of yoga and meditation practice is to channel energy from the base of the spine upward towards sahasrara. Each of the six lower chakras plays an important role along this journey, and once the final epicenter of consciousness is activated it is said to radiate the light of a million suns.

Overview:  This deck will provide a creative new perspective on things.  This deck is best suited for someone who is interested in doing work involved with spiritual and personal growth.  It is limited in the sense that it is not going to provide the insight for you, but rather guide you to find it within yourself.  This deck is designed to give you something to think about, to reflect on, to question within yourself.  Gently nudging you to your true path.  This deck will provide an opportunity to explore emotions that one may not have considered, or have been willfully repressed; essential to aiding in spiritual and personal growth.

Photo credit: Echoside Phoenix Rose 2018


Brightest Blessings,
Phoenix Rose
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Connect on social media:
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Tarot: Deck Interviews – Tranquil Willows Tarot

It’s been almost a year since focusing on the blog.  In my tarot studies whenever I get a new deck I always do an interview spread.  It just dawned on me I should post them to the blog.  Over the next few weeks / months / whenever I have time I will be uploading the interviews.

This week I’m going to start with my newest deck: Tranquil Willows by Rowan Saille and Tranquility Fearn

New Deck Interview
…5……6…
……4……
…3……2…
……1…….

1. Tell me more about yourself; What is your most important characteristic?
**The World – Capturing the essence of allness. This deck has its unique world. Can be used in many ways.

2. What are your strengths as a deck?
**5 of Wands – Fairness, seeing both sides of conflict. Helping in making decisions. Learning to work with rather than against.

3. What are your limits as a deck?
**4 of Discs – Relating this to the decluttering aspect, the workbook may be cluttered with too much options. Putting things in boxes. Traditional for better or worse.

4. What do you bring to the table; What are you here to teach me?
**2 of Wands – Pondering knowledge, making plans, having a trusted advisor. Helping to strategize internally. Bringing inner power back into balance.

5. How can I best learn and collaborate with you?
**2 of Swords – Balance, easing the mind. The deck seems to insist on meditation and inner journeys to find solutions.

6. What is the potential outcome of our working relationship?
**Warrior of Wands – Assisting in moving forward, especially when feeling vulnerable. Opening of heart and self. Moving with the flow,  discovering where life can take you.

My impression/overview:  Working with this deck can be a positive endeavor. It has a unique view from it’s triangular world. It is traditional to RWS, though the author of the booklet (Luna Blancas) is inspired by several decks to bring together insights into this one.  This is the cluttered aspect that, while it’s good to have differing view points, can become information overload.  I love the triangular shape of the cards.  Along with the cards pulled in this spread it gives the feeling that when I need to make a decision between A and B it may offer a C solution that I wouldn’t have otherwise considered.  The messages seem gentle enough, which falls in line with the “tranquil” part of the name. I don’t think this will be the deck to give me brutally honest answers, but will rather lead me in the direction to find those brutally honest answers within.
Photo credit: Echoside Phoenix Rose 2018
Brightest Blessings,
Phoenix Rose
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Tarot Talks: Choosing a Deck

A conversation happened recently where a good friend was asking about the concept of how tarot decks have to be given to you, that you shouldn’t buy one for yourself. He threw out his deck based on this information he was told. While this old wives tale has a mysterious allure to it, almost a romanticism that somehow makes a deck more special, it is still just an old wives tale. There is an adage to “the deck must be given” and it’s “or stolen.” I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m not becoming a thief to acquire a deck, not in today’s day and age when they are so readily available!

Our fore-mothers, the old wives that made up all these tales, I do not wish to discredit them. There are still nuggets of truths that are valid today, though some things just no longer hold truth, and we need to use discernment in the now-moment.

I have been given decks that I absolutely adore. My first deck, Rider-Waite-Smith, was given to me. I did my best to use and connect with it. However, I didn’t really connect with it. I struggled with reading from it. I had it for a few years before I decided that I want a new deck. I was also gifted Mythic Tarot within this time, and it was without a book, I was lost with this deck and rarely ever touched it.

One day I found the Essential Tarot, a deck by Hansen-Roberts, and bought it on the spot from a local bookstore. I LOVED the artistry on the cards. Beautiful work. It is based on the RWS system, so I was familiar with it, but these pictures *popped* for me. I also enjoyed the accompanying little white book that came with it.  I used these cards with great success for the next decade.

I have since moved on from using the Hansen-Roberts deck. I picked up the RWS deck again and use it with much more success than I ever have. I have over two dozen decks now, half given and half I purchased by myself for myself. The ones I tend to connect with the best are ones I have been able to pick myself. This isn’t a truth across the board. I have picked decks that have ended up being a flop. I have also been given decks that have worked fabulously.

My point here: you do not have to be given a deck – or steal a deck – in order for it to “work” or for it to be “real.”

The skill to read comes from the reader, not from the cards. The cards are merely a tool to unlock your intuition. In this day and age with all the different artistry, and even pop-culture based decks, I would say choose a deck you feel you will connect with. It will be much easier to learn from if you enjoy the tools you are using.

Brightest Blessings,
Phoenix Rose
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