The Tarot Podcast with T. Susan Chang

The Tarot Podcast has TWO different interviews! with two different deck creators this week. Here in Episode 36, we chat with Robert Place, the creator of the best-selling Alchemical Tarot. Bob drew the Alchemical Tarot in the style of 17th century alchemical engravings, and it became an instant favorite in the tarot community on publication in 1995. Along with Bob’s books, this deck is a crash course in Western esotericism, and we had a lot of fun talking about the wondrous synchronicities that accompanied his creation of this deck. On Patreon, we have a written interview with Catrin Welz-Stein, the creator of the Tarot of Mystical Moments, a stunning and surreal woman-centered deck. At the end, there’s a one-card reading from me. You can check it out by visiting  patreon.com/thetarotpodcast and signing up to support the show. (Thank you!) Featured in the show art this week: The King of Coins, 5 of Wands and Lady of Cups (equivalent to the Page of Cups in RWS-based decks) from the Alchemical Tarot. Robert M. Place is the designer and illustrator of over twenty Tarot and oracle decks: including the internationally acclaimed and award-winning Alchemical Tarot, The Angels Tarot, The Marziano Tarot, the award-winning The Tarot of the Saints, The Buddha Tarot, The Vampire Tarot, The Tarot of the Sevenfold Mystery, The Tarot of the Alchemical Magnum Opus, The Alchemical Tarot of Marseille, The Hermes Playing Card Oracle, An Ukiyo-e Lenormand (based on Japanese culture), The Raziel Tarot and The Burning Serpent Oracle (for both of which he collaborated with Tarot diva Rachel Pollack). His newest work, The First Occult Tarot, is a deck and book based on the descriptions written in 1781 by the Comte de Mellet, the first occult author to describe a Tarot deck. He is the author of The Tarot: History, Symbolism, and Divination, which Booklist has said, “may be the best book ever written on that deck of cards decorated with mysterious images called the Tarot.” He is the author of Astrology and Divination, Magic and Alchemy, Shamanism, Alchemy and the Tarot, and The Tarot, Magic, Alchemy, Hermeticism, and Neoplatonism.   Pick up a copy of the Alchemical Tarot Check out Bob’s website The Tarot: History, Symbolism, and Divination [book] The Tarot, Magic, Alchemy, Hermeticism, and Neoplatonism [book] ________________________________________________ Become a Tarot Podcast member! Shop for cool stuff made by your host! Watch the episode on YouTube!   😊 And...don't forget to like, rate, subscribe, and share!! 😊

Like a spring-loaded arrow, the 8 of Wands speeds through the world’s networks and pathways to land at your doorstep! The fast-talking (and morally ambiguous) 8 of Wands is known also as the Lord of Swiftness; when you draw it, look out for the following themes: Mail/packages Travel (esp. by air)/ being ready to go SURPRISE! Storms/electricity Acceleration/going viral Bright ideas/news Mercurial phenomena For my brief intro to decans, see episode 06: https://youtu.be/Z3cAUavJBjQ To share your stories about the 9 of Wands for the next Tarot in Real Life segment - please join as a Patreon supporter of the Tarot Podcast! You can also write in to the show at thetarotpodcast.com/about, using the contact form at the bottom of the page. Shop for 8 of Wands talisman tags and keychains! (& other cool stuff made by your host!)  Grab your copy of 36 Secrets: A Decanic Journey through the Minor Arcana of the Tarot! Become a Tarot Podcast member!  Sign up for readings and explore books and classes! Continue your tarot journey with The Living Tarot book and/or The Living Tarot online class (discount for class available if you purchase the book!) 😊 And...don't forget to like, rate, subscribe, and share!! 😊

As tarot readers, we specialize in divination—but what about magic?  Magic and divination are two sides of the same coin—but in this week’s episode we bring them together. How we can use the symbolic language of tarot to create a magic spell? Spoiler alert: it’s easier than you think. My guest is Judika Illes, who has written so many books devoted to magic spells, spirits, and witchcraft. My favorite is the best-selling Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells, which is off my bookshelf more often than it’s on it, that’s how much I use it. Judika is also a teacher, a reader, an editor, and a practitioner of the very arts she writes about. So gather up your witchy herbs, give your cards a shuffle, and settle in as we search for answers to the question: Can I Use Tarot in a Magic Spell? Judika Illes is a lifelong lover, student, and practitioner of the magical arts. She is the author of numerous books devoted to magic spells, spirits, witchcraft, and saints, including the best-sellers Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells and Encyclopedia of Spirits, as well as the creator of two card decks: Magic Spells Oracle and Protection Spells. Her other books include Pure Magic: A Complete Course in Spellcasting, Encyclopedia of Witchcraft, Witches: A Compendium, and Daily Magic, a perpetual calendar of spells, rituals, and feasts. A certified aromatherapist, Judika has been a professional tarot card reader since 1988.  She teaches about spell-casting and other topics in the US and internationally, live and virtually. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJudikaIlles Instagram: @judikailles Books mentioned in the episode: Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells Pure Magic _________________________________ Become a Tarot Podcast member! patreon.com/thetarotpodcast Shop for Tarot Podcast MERCH! & cool stuff made by your host! etsy.com/shop/tarotista Sign up for readings and explore books and classes! thetarotpodcast.com

The Motherpeace Tarot (familiarly known as “you know, the round deck” in the tarot community) is a foundational document of the modern tarot era. First self-published in 1981, the Motherpeace revolutionized the world of tarot decks. Its creators, Vicki Noble and Karen Vogel, set out to dismantle the patriarchal underpinnings of traditional tarot with cards that honored indigenous, pre-historic, and matriarchal cultures. In today’s conversation, Motherpeace’s creators share a glimpse of the psychic foment of 1970’s Berkeley, California. They tell the story of how two feminist academics found the Goddess, and sought to express and uphold her presence by changing the practice of divination from the ground up. In the reading we did at the end of the show, we drew the "Shaman of Wands" (equivalent to the King of Wands in Rider Waite Smith-type decks). Here is the image, for your reference.   Pick up a copy of the Motherpeace Tarot:  motherpeace.com   ________________________________________________   Become a Tarot Podcast member! com/thetarotpodcast Shop for Tarot Podcast MERCH! & cool stuff made by your host! etsy.com/shop/tarotista Sign up for readings and explore books and classes! thetarotpodcast.com 😊 And...don't forget to like, rate, subscribe, and share!! 😊      😊 And...don't forget to like, rate, subscribe, and share!! 😊 Vicki Noble is a feminist healer and wisdom teacher, co-creator of Motherpeace and author of numerous books, including Shakti Woman and The Double Goddess. For decades she has traveled and taught internationally; her books are translated and published in various languages. Retired from teaching as a graduate professor in two Women’s Spirituality Masters Programs in California, she teaches regularly in Europe. At home she works as a professional astrologer and healer, adapting Tibetan Buddhist Dakini practices for her Goddess students and holding private intensives in Santa Cruz, California. Karen Vogel, co-creator of Motherpeace, is widely known as as a tarot reader, teacher and writer as well as an extraordinary artist. She is the author of The Motherpeace Tarot Guidebook (1995), the novel Coyote Tails (2007), and the essays “Love of the Goddess” (Foremothers of the Womens Spirituality Movement ed. Miriam Robbins Dexter and Vicki Noble 2015) and “Female Shamanism, Goddess Cultures, and Psychedelics” (ReVision, winter 2003). The worldwide success of the Motherpeace Deck (currently over 500,000 in print) has afforded her the time to develop as an artist and sculptor of wood and stone as well as continue her exploration of the intermountain and far west. She has a degree in anthropology and a background in women’s studies, art and shamanism.    

In this episode, we examine how the 7 of Wands shows up in the lives of regular folks—like you and me. The 7 of Wands explodes onto the scene with the individualistic quest energy we will come to associate with Sevens. Challenging and courageous, the 7 of Wands is known as the Lord of Valor. When you draw it, look out for the following themes: Courage/Standing Up for Yourself Perseverance Exertion/Exercise Hardship/Fighting Horses! or Going places Inspiration Literal 7’s/Counting to 7 For my brief intro to decans, see episode 06: 2 of Wands + intro to decans. To share your stories about the 8 of Wands for the next Tarot in Real Life segment - please join as a Patreon supporter of the Tarot Podcast! You can also write in to the show at thetarotpodcast.com/about, using the contact form at the bottom of the page.  ________________________________ Become a Tarot Podcast member! patreon.com/thetarotpodcast Shop for Tarot Podcast MERCH! & cool stuff made by your host! etsy.com/shop/tarotista Sign up for readings and explore books and classes! thetarotpodcast.com Continue your tarot journey with The Living Tarot book and/or The Living Tarot online class (discount for class available if you purchase the book!)

In this episode, Deborah Stewart and Joseph Lee  from This Jungian Life return to the Tarot Podcast to talk about the commonly misunderstood Jungian concept of the archetype.  What are they? and what do  they have to do with tarot—if anything?  Thinking about archetypes is notoriously tricky, but your intrepid hosts give it their best shot, peering into the depths  of depth psychology…and hunting for a glimpse of the cards. Deborah Stewart is a Jungian analyst, Gestalt therapist, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker who migrates between Cape Cod and Sarasota, Florida. She is a member of the Philadelphia Association of Jungian Analysts and the Inter-Regional Society of Jungian Analysts. She also is a graduate of the Westchester Institute for Training in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis. Joseph R. Lee is a Jungian Analyst who co-hosts the podcast This Jungian Life and co-created Dream School, an online program that teaches dream interpretation. He lectures widely on the Western Mystery Tradition and Hermetic Qabalah. His teaching and clinical work are informed by almost five decades of research and practice with Tarot and other symbolic systems. This Jungian Life [podcast]: Three Jungian analysts discuss myth, mental health and life Dream School: An online self-paced course in dream interpretation Dream Wise: Unlocking the Meaning of Your Dreams[book] Become a Tarot Podcast member! patreon.com/thetarotpodcast Shop for Tarot Podcast MERCH! & cool stuff made by your host! etsy.com/shop/tarotista Sign up for readings and explore books and classes! thetarotpodcast.com 😊 And...don't forget to like, rate, subscribe, and share!! 😊

Want a super-simple spread that will tell you one unexpected and interesting thing! about your 2026? Well, here you go!  Forget about the Celtic Cross, forget about the “Wheel of the Year”—with just two cards, tarot can offer you a relevant and specific scene from the year ahead, tailored just for you. If you’ve enjoyed this spread and would like to learn how to design your own simple spreads, check out my book, The Living Tarot, available wherever books are sold.  Or, consider The Living Tarot online class (discount for class available if you purchase the book – just message me.) If you try the New Year’s Spread, let me know how it works out! Write to me on the Tarot Podcast Discord server (if you’re a Patreon member - to sign up and support the podcast, visit patreon.com/thetarotpodcast). Or you can reach me through the contact form at thetarotpodcast.com. Here’s the 2026 Decan Reference Chart for you to consult when you do this spread!   Become a Tarot Podcast member! patreon.com/thetarotpodcast Shop for Tarot Podcast MERCH! & cool stuff made by your host! etsy.com/shop/tarotista Sign up for readings and explore books and classes! thetarotpodcast.com Continue your tarot journey with The Living Tarot book and/or The Living Tarot online class (discount for class available if you purchase the book!) 😊 And...don't forget to like, rate, subscribe, and share!! 😊

Indie tarot artist Jamie Sawyer has created many decks, of which my favorite is today’s showcase: the Out of Hand Tarot.  Drawn (mostly) from a first-person perspective and packed with sly references to the Rider Waite Smith tarot, Out of Hand invites you to step into the cards and experience those familiar archetypal presences in a 21st-century setting. Jamie’s decks have limited print runs and sell out quickly, but she has made this one available again through the modern magic of print-on-demand! And be sure to check out this week’s video bonus content for patrons, where you can watch a time-lapse video of one of Jamie’s cards evolving from start to finish: patreon.com/thetarotpodcast. Jamie Sawyer is an artist who enjoys exploring the many ways that creativity weaves through the tapestry of life. From a career in tattooing that has spanned over 2 decades to learning the Tarot and its lessons via illustrating the art and archetypes, Jamie has developed a unique artistic style. A self-proclaimed “creatrix with a busy mind and a lack of vices,” Jamie has self-published over 10 divination decks (including tarot, oracle and Lenormand). She also is known for her miniature handmade heirloom resin and wood “Tarot Tiles,” a tactile way to experience some of her creations. Her preferred method of connecting with the Tarot is through layered readings using the many creative divination tools she makes.   Where to find Jamie: Explore Jamie’s website! https://www.jamiesawyer336.com Buy decks at Jamie’s print-on-demand shop! https://www.makeplayingcards.com/sell/jamiesawyer336 Support Jamie on Patreon! https://www.creativedivination.com IG: @jamiesawyer336 YouTube: @Jamiesawyer336 Substack: https://jamiesawyer.substack.com   ✯ MORE TAROT GIFT IDEAS for the holidays! ✯ ✯ TSC’s Etsy shop ✯  etsy.com/shop/tarotista  Arcana Cases elemental and zodiacal perfumes custom perfumes based on your sun, moon, and rising! 8 of Wands talisman key chains and luggage tags 9 of Swords blankets Tarot Podcast merch! ✯ Gift certificates for readings and classes ✯ www.tsusanchang.com/shop ✯ The Tarot Podcast memberships & gift memberships ✯ www.patreon.com/thetarotpodcast ✯ The Living Tarot Online Class ✯ www.tsusanchang.com/class ✯ Readings with TSC ✯ www.tsusanchang.com/readings ✯ TSC books ✯ Dreaming the Decans (hc/pb): www.lulu.com/shop/t-susan-chang/dreaming-the-decans/hardcover/product-v8kqed2.html 36 Secrets (hc/pb): https://www.lulu.com/shop/t-susan-chang/36-secrets/paperback/product-zzrd79 The Living Tarot: https://www.amazon.com/Living-Tarot-Connecting-Everyday-Readings/dp/0738772259 Tarot Correspondences: https://www.amazon.com/Tarot-Correspondences-Ancient-Secrets-Everyday/dp/0738755125 Tarot Deciphered: https://www.amazon.com/Tarot-Deciphered-Decoding-Esoteric-Symbolism/dp/0738764477 😊 And...don't forget to like, rate, subscribe, and share!! 😊

In today’s episode, we plunge into the world of the image with artomancer Laetitia Barbier!  When we enter into a tarot reading, we look at the pictures on the cards in a particular way. And when we enter a gallery or museum, we look at the paintings hanging on the walls in another way. How are these two ways of looking different? Do they need to be? Can looking at art teach you to read tarot? Or to put it the other way: Can reading tarot teach you to look at art?  Could museums really be portals to a spirit dimension, in disguise?!  So. Many. Questions! Laetitia has long haunted the unfathomable intersection of art and magic, so who better to ask? Our conversation opened many doors for me – and I look forward to hearing what you think.   French-born Laetitia Barbier is an independent scholar, as well as a professional tarot reader and teacher. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Art History from La Sorbonne University Paris in 2009. Laetitia has worked with Morbid Anatomy from 2012 to 2024 as a programming director, head librarian, and occasional curator. Her book Tarot and Divination Cards: A Visual Archive was published in 2021 with a foreword by Rachel Pollack. Along with her friend Lou Benesch, she’s the co-creator the Camena Tarot. As a writer and scholar, she has the privilege of collaborating with the iconic French maître-cartier Grimaud, notably on the exquisite re-release of their 1930s Tarot de Marseille and Belline Oracle. Laetitia has lectured, taught and read cards for various cultural institutions, such as Greenwood Cemetery, Artyard,  Fotografiska NY, the College of Psychic Studies in London or the New York Public Library. She lives in Brooklyn, New York. Check out Tarot and Divination Cards: A Visual Archive https://www.amazon.com/Tarot-Divination-Cards-Visual-Archive/dp/1419756370 Explore Laetitia’s events, readings, and classes: https://laetitiacartomancy.com Join Laetitia’s Patreon community https://www.laetitiacartomancy.com/patreon ✯ TAROT GIFT IDEAS for the holidays! ✯ ✯ TSC’s Etsy shop ✯  https://etsy.com/shop/tarotista  Arcana Cases elemental and zodiacal perfumes custom perfumes based on your sun, moon, and rising! 8 of Wands talisman key chains and luggage tags 9 of Swords blankets Tarot Podcast merch! ✯ Gift certificates for readings and classes ✯ www.tsusanchang.com/shop ✯ The Tarot Podcast memberships and gift memberships ✯ www.patreon.com/thetarotpodcast ✯ The Living Tarot Online Class ✯ www.tsusanchang.com/class ✯ Readings with TSC ✯ www.tsusanchang.com/readings ✯ TSC books ✯ Dreaming the Decans (hc/pb): www.lulu.com/shop/t-susan-chang/dreaming-the-decans/hardcover/product-v8kqed2.html 36 Secrets (hc/pb): https://www.lulu.com/shop/t-susan-chang/36-secrets/paperback/product-zzrd79 The Living Tarot: https://www.amazon.com/Living-Tarot-Connecting-Everyday-Readings/dp/0738772259 Tarot Correspondences: https://www.amazon.com/Tarot-Correspondences-Ancient-Secrets-Everyday/dp/0738755125 Tarot Deciphered: https://www.amazon.com/Tarot-Deciphered-Decoding-Esoteric-Symbolism/dp/0738764477 😊 And...don't forget to like, rate, subscribe, and share!! 😊

In this episode, we examine how the 6 of Wands shows up in the lives of ordinary humans like you and me. With our first 6, the suit of Wands finds its purpose in life and starts to shine with the glow of empowerment! which is why it’s called the Lord of Victory.  When you draw it, look out for the following themes: Pride/Accomplishments Favorable Health Outcomes Good News/Generous Acts Fame/Recognition/Winning Horses! or Going places Literal/Visual Rhymes To share your stories about the 7 of Wands for the next Tarot in Real Life segment - please join as a Patreon supporter of the Tarot Podcast! You can also write in to the show at thetarotpodcast.com/about, using the contact form at the bottom of the page. ✯✯✯ TAROT GIFT IDEAS for the holidays! ✯✯✯ ✯ TSC’s Etsy shop ✯  etsy.com/shop/tarotista  Arcana Cases elemental and zodiacal perfumes custom perfumes based on your sun, moon, and rising! 8 of Wands talisman key chains and luggage tags 9 of Swords blankets Tarot Podcast merch! ✯ Gift certificates for readings and classes ✯ www.tsusanchang.com/shop ✯ The Tarot Podcast memberships and gift memberships ✯ patreon.com/thetarotpodcast ✯ The Living Tarot online class ✯ tsusanchang.com/class ✯ readings with TSC ✯ www.tsusanchang.com/readings ✯ TSC books ✯ Dreaming the Decans (hc/pb): www.lulu.com/shop/t-susan-chang/dreaming-the-decans/hardcover/product-v8kqed2.html 36 Secrets (hc/pb): https://www.lulu.com/shop/t-susan-chang/36-secrets/paperback/product-zzrd79 The Living Tarot: https://www.amazon.com/Living-Tarot-Connecting-Everyday-Readings/dp/0738772259 Tarot Correspondences: https://www.amazon.com/Tarot-Correspondences-Ancient-Secrets-Everyday/dp/0738755125 Tarot Deciphered: https://www.amazon.com/Tarot-Deciphered-Decoding-Esoteric-Symbolism/dp/0738764477

It’s in everybody’s stereotype of the fortune-teller – the dimly lit boudoir, the crystal ball, the embroidered cushions, and on the storefront, a great big sign that says, “PSYCHIC.” But do you really need to be psychic to read the cards? And what does it mean to be psychic, anyway? In this week’s episode, we look for answers with one of today’s leading voices in all things psychic: Mat Auryn, author of Psychic Witch, The Psychic Art of Tarot and other titles. For many years, Mat read tarot on what you’d have to call the frontline of psychic engagement: Salem, Massachusetts in the month of October. In our conversation, you’ll learn a bit about what it’s like to be a psychic practitioner—and how you can access your own special abilities to become a better tarot reader.   Mat Auryn is an influential author and teacher in occultism and witchcraft. His books Psychic Witch, Mastering Magick, and The Psychic Art of Tarot offer practical insights into psychic and magickal practices. He also co-authored Pisces Witch with Ivo Dominguez, Jr. Mat’s work draws from various spiritual and magickal traditions he’s studied and trained in, aiming to synthesize them in accessible and practical ways. Beyond writing, Mat worked for many years as a professional psychic and tarot reader in Salem, Massachusetts, as well as his own private practice. He is on the faculty at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, and co-hosts THE CIRCLE IS podCAST with actress Rachel True. Residing in California’s Bay Area, he co-owns Datura Trading Co. and Modern Witch University. You can find out more information about Mat on his website at www.Auryn.com Read Mat’s best-selling Psychic Witch Check out The Psychic Art of Tarot THE CIRCLE IS podCAST   ✯✯✯ TAROT GIFT IDEAS for the holidays! ✯✯✯  ✯ TSC’s Etsy shop ✯  www.etsy.com/shop/tarotista  Arcana Cases elemental and zodiacal perfumes custom perfumes based on your sun, moon, and rising! 8 of Wands talisman key chains and luggage tags 9 of Swords blankets Tarot Podcast merch! ✯ Gift certificates for readings and classes ✯ www.tsusanchang.com/shop ✯ The Tarot Podcast memberships and gift memberships ✯ www.patreon.com/thetarotpodcast ✯ The Living Tarot online class ✯ www.tsusanchang.com/class ✯ readings with TSC ✯ www.tsusanchang.com/readings ✯ TSC books ✯ Dreaming the Decans (hc/pb): www.lulu.com/shop/t-susan-chang/dreaming-the-decans/hardcover/product-v8kqed2.html 36 Secrets (hc/pb): https://www.lulu.com/shop/t-susan-chang/36-secrets/paperback/product-zzrd79 The Living Tarot: https://www.amazon.com/Living-Tarot-Connecting-Everyday-Readings/dp/0738772259 Tarot Correspondences: https://www.amazon.com/Tarot-Correspondences-Ancient-Secrets-Everyday/dp/0738755125 Tarot Deciphered: https://www.amazon.com/Tarot-Deciphered-Decoding-Esoteric-Symbolism/dp/0738764477  

“Oh no!  Some of my cards ended up upside down! What does that mean?!” In this week’s Try This at Home! segment, we’re having a look at one of the most common matters of debate among tarot readers: how to interpret reversed cards. There are many schools of thought on how to handle reversals, so I’ve put together a brief guide so you can choose what makes sense to you. If you’ve enjoyed this summary and would love more answers to all your tarot “starter questions,” check out my book, The Living Tarot, available wherever books are sold.  Or, consider The Living Tarot online class (discount for class available if you purchase the book – just email me.) And if you already use reversals, I’d love to hear your take on how you interpret them! Write to me on the Tarot Podcast Discord server (if you’re a Patreon member - to sign up and support the podcast, visit patreon.com/thetarotpodcast). Or you can reach me through the contact form at thetarotpodcast.com. Become a Tarot Podcast member! patreon.com/thetarotpodcast Shop for Tarot Podcast MERCH! & cool stuff made by your host! etsy.com/shop/tarotista Sign up for readings and explore books and classes! thetarotpodcast.com Continue your tarot journey with The Living Tarot book and/or The Living Tarot online class (discount for class available if you purchase the book!) 😊 And...don't forget to like, rate, subscribe, and share!! 😊

Interpreting dreams and interpreting tarot have a lot in common, so in this episode the hosts of This Jungian Life and I join forces to interpret a dream—one that contains actual tarot imagery!  The dream took place in 2020, but it’s not a pandemic dream. It’s personal dream, but also timeless and universal, and a great example of how tarot and dream symbol systems can interact with one another. If you’d like to learn some practical ways of using tarot in dreamwork, be sure to check out our Patreon bonus content this week, where I talk about how you can bring your cards into the dream world and vice versa. Deborah Stewart is a Jungian analyst, Gestalt therapist, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker who migrates between Cape Cod and Sarasota, Florida. She is a member of the Philadelphia Association of Jungian Analysts and the Inter-Regional Society of Jungian Analysts. She also is a graduate of the Westchester Institute for Training in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis. She is a member of the podcast This Jungian Life, co-author of Dream Wise, and co-creator of Dream School, a self-paced online course in dream interpretation. Joseph R. Lee is a Jungian Analyst who co-hosts This Jungian Life and co-created Dream School. He lectures widely on the Western Mystery Tradition and Hermetic Qabalah. His teaching and clinical work are informed by almost five decades of research and practice with Tarot and other symbolic systems. This Jungian Life [podcast]: Three Jungian analysts discuss myth, mental health and life Dream School: An online self-paced course in dream interpretation Dream Wise: Unlocking the Meaning of Your Dreams [book] Dreaming the Decans: TSC’s compendium of dream images and decan spells (paper/hardback) _____________________________ Become a Tarot Podcast member! patreon.com/thetarotpodcast Shop for Tarot Podcast MERCH! & cool stuff made by your host! etsy.com/shop/tarotista Sign up for readings and explore books and classes! thetarotpodcast.com 😊 And...don't forget to like, rate, subscribe, and share!! 😊

There is no shortage of spooky, surreal, spine-tingly decks on the shelves of the world’s metaphysical shops: the joyous Santa Muerte Tarot, the Zombie Tarot, the Welcome to Night Vale Tarot and countless others. But in this week’s 5 Questions episode, we spend some time with what is in my opinion one of the great “stick season” decks of all time: the Deviant Moon Tarot. The look of the deck is singular, springing from creator Patrick Valenza’s lifelong relationship with tarot. Deviant Moon marries the grotesque with the sumptuous, the steampunk with the byzantine—you can almost hear a Danny Elfman soundtrack playing in the background when you shuffle the cards. The Deviant Moon’s citizen spirits captured my imagination the first time I saw them, and I bet you’ll feel the same. Patrick Valenza is an American artist and publisher best known for The Deviant Moon Tarot, published by U. S. Games Systems Inc. Through his studio, Deviant Moon Inc., he creates original tarot and oracle decks recognized for their surreal imagery and handcrafted detail. His work blends folklore, symbolism, and dreamlike narratives, earning him a devoted international audience in the world of contemporary tarot art. Pick up a copy of the Deviant Moon deck: Check out the Deviant Moon companion book: Deviant Moon on Instagram Patrick’s Facebook fan page:  ________________________________________________ Become a Tarot Podcast member! patreon.com/thetarotpodcast Shop for Tarot Podcast MERCH! & cool stuff made by your host! etsy.com/shop/tarotista Sign up for readings and explore books and classes! thetarotpodcast.com 😊 And...don't forget to like, rate, subscribe, and share!! 😊

In this episode, we examine how the 5 of Wands shows up in the lives of ordinary humans like you and me. As we progress through the suit of wands, the 5 of Wands heats things up with a restless, roiling, fractious energy that just gets under your skin. When you draw it, look out for the following themes: Emotional strife Striving and challenges Sports/playing around Debates or differences of opinion Counting to 5 Literal and visual equivalents Heat (hot weather and cooking!) To learn a 5 of Wands magic spell you can do at home -  and share your stories about the 6 of Wands for the next Tarot in Real Life segment - please join as a Patreon supporter of the Tarot Podcast! You can also write in to the show at thetarotpodcast.com/about, using the contact form at the bottom of the page. Become a Tarot Podcast member! https://patreon.com/thetarotpodcast Shop for Tarot Podcast merch & cool stuff made by your host! https://etsy.com/shop/tarotista Sign up for readings and explore books and classes! https://thetarotpodcast.com Check out 36 Secrets: A Decanic Journey through the Minor Arcana of the Tarot: https://www.amazon.com/36-Secrets-Decanic-Journey-through/dp/1716325099 Learn your correspondences with Tarot Correspondences! https://www.amazon.com/Tarot-Correspondences-Ancient-Secrets-Everyday/dp/0738755125 😊 And...don't forget to like, rate, subscribe, and share!! 😊

In today’s “Ask an Expert” episode, we bring back the legendary (and hilarious!) Lon Milo DuQuette to explore the Thoth deck—probably the second most influential tarot deck in the English-speaking world. This rather dark, very beautiful deck created by Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris has had a lasting global influence - especially for those who are magically inclined. While the Thoth deck’s influence on modern tarot iconography may not be as pronounced as the Rider Waite Smith’s, you can absolutely find decks that are based explicitly and exclusively on Thoth. If you’d like to see some examples, you can check out this week’s bonus content on Patreon by becoming a supporting member of the Tarot Podcast community. Author of 20 critically acclaimed books (translated in twelve languages) on Magick and the occult, Lon Milo DuQuette is one of the most respected and entertaining writers and lecturers in the field of the Western Mystery Traditions. He is also gifted singer songwriter and former Epic Records recording artist whose music continues to inspire and provoke. Since 1975 he has served as a national and international governing officer of Ordo Templi Orientis, one of the most influential magical societies of the 20th and 21st centuries. DuQuette hosts a daily show on his Facebook and YouTube channels, and occasionally appears on television, radio, and internet programs as a guest expert on subjects involving the occult. He lives in Sacramento, California with Constance, his high-school sweet-heart and wife of fifty-seven years.   Lon’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lon.duquette Lon’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@lonmilo Understanding Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot: https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Aleister-Crowleys-Thoth-Tarot/dp/1578632765 The definitive guide to the Thoth Tarot! _________________ Become a Tarot Podcast member! https://patreon.com/thetarotpodcast Shop for cool stuff made by your host! https://etsy.com/shop/tarotista Sign up for readings and explore books and classes! https://thetarotpodcast.com Check out 36 Secrets: A Decanic Journey through the Minor Arcana of the Tarot, my book on the 36 decans and the minor cards. https://www.amazon.com/36-Secrets-Decanic-Journey-through/dp/1716325099 Check out Fortune’s Wheelhouse: My previous tarot podcast, co-hosted with Mel Meleen, comparing esoteric symbolism in the Rider Waite Smith and Thoth decks. https://fortuneswheelhouse.podbean.com 😊 And...don't forget to like, rate, subscribe, and share!! 😊

In today’s “Ask an Expert” episode, we bring back the one and only Mary K. Greer to answer a very important question for all of us who love the cards, and that is: What is the Rider Waite Smith Tarot? Even if you don’t own a Rider Waite Smith deck, you’ve almost certainly seen one. When you Google any tarot card, it’s likely the first image that will come up in your search is going to be the Rider Waite Smith image. How did the RWS come to dominate the world of tarot? Mary Greer, as always, has the answers. Mary K. Greer is an independent tarot scholar, author and teacher who is known worldwide for her innovative teaching techniques.  She lives in northern California, but you can find her at https://marykgreer.com and on Facebook. Become a Tarot Podcast member! patreon.com/thetarotpodcast Shop for cool stuff made by your host! etsy.com/shop/tarotista Sign up for readings and explore books and classes! thetarotpodcast.com 😊 And...don't forget to like, rate, subscribe, and share!! 😊

In this week’s Try This at Home! segment, we are diving straight to the heart of the most personal subject tarot cards and tarot readers ever see:  relationships.  We’ll explore what we can and can’t find out, what’s a healthy way to go about asking about that crush, and what you can do once you find out. I don’t need cards to tell me that you’re going to be trying the Relationship Spread really soon.  When you do, let me know how it goes! You can write to me on the Tarot Podcast Discord server (if you’re a Patreon member - to sign up and support the podcast, visit patreon.com/thetarotpodcast). Or you can reach me through the contact form at thetarotpodcast.com. Become a Tarot Podcast member! patreon.com/thetarotpodcast Shop for Tarot Podcast MERCH! & cool stuff made by your host! etsy.com/shop/tarotista Sign up for readings and explore books and classes! thetarotpodcast.com Continue your tarot journey with exercises like the ones in this episode! with The Living Tarot book and/or The Living Tarot online class (discount for class available if you purchase the book!) Learn your correspondences with Tarot Correspondences! 😊 And...don't forget to like, rate, subscribe, and share!! 😊

There are countless points of intersection between the art of tarot and the practice of Jungian psychology. In this week’s show we welcome two of the hosts of the podcast This Jungian Life, which is essential listening for anyone who is interested in the psychological dimension of dreams, myths and archetypes, and how they play out in our ordinary lives. Deborah Stewart is a Jungian analyst and Gestalt therapist based in Cape Cod and Sarasota, Florida. Joseph Lee is a Jungian analyst based in Virginia, and he also lectures widely on the Western mystery tradition. Along with their colleague Lisa Marchiano, they’ve been co-hosting This Jungian Life since 2018. Deb and Joseph joined host T. Susan recently to explore several topics where tarot and Jungian psychology meet. In the first of our conversations, we talk about Jung’s concept of synchronicity, and how a tarot reading may—or may not!—be a synchronistic phenomenon.   Deborah Stewart is a Jungian analyst, Gestalt therapist, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker who migrates between Cape Cod and Sarasota, Florida. She is a member of the Philadelphia Association of Jungian Analysts and the Inter-Regional Society of Jungian Analysts. She also is a graduate of the Westchester Institute for Training in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis. She is a member of the popular podcast, This Jungian Life, co-author of Dream Wise: Unlocking the Meaning of Your Dreams, and co-creator of Dream School, a self-paced online course in dream interpretation.   Joseph R. Lee is a Jungian Analyst who co-hosts the podcast This Jungian Life and co-created Dream School, an online program that teaches dream interpretation. He lectures widely on the Western Mystery Tradition and Hermetic Qabalah. His teaching and clinical work are informed by almost five decades of research and practice with Tarot and other symbolic systems. This Jungian Life [podcast]: Three Jungian analysts discuss myth, mental health and life Dream School: An online self-paced course in dream interpretation Dream Wise: Unlocking the Meaning of Your Dreams [book] ________________________________________________ Become a Tarot Podcast member! patreon.com/thetarotpodcast Shop for Tarot Podcast MERCH! & cool stuff made by your host! etsy.com/shop/tarotista Sign up for readings and explore books and classes! thetarotpodcast.com 😊 And...don't forget to like, rate, subscribe, and share!! 😊

n this week’s 5 Questions episode, we’re speaking with the inimitable Benebell Wen about her Spirit Keeper’s Tarot, which came out in three different editions (the First edition, the Vitruvian edition, and the Revelation editions) between 2018 and 2021. The “SKT” has become an integral part of many readers’ practices, and I thought it would be fascinating to get a closer look at the inner workings of this rich and complex deck and its creator. Although the Spirit Keepers Tarot is currently out of print, it is an open edition, so we can look forward to another printing at some p oint in the future. In the meantime, if you just can’t wait and are up for investing in a durable non-card version, the excellent tarot artist Jamie Sawyer has tarot tiles of the SKT, which she produces as a collaboration with Benebell, In addition to the Spirit Keeper's Tarot, Benebell is the author of three books: Holistic Tarot (2015), The Tao of Craft (2016), and I Ching, The Oracle (2023). She is currently at work on the Grand Etteilla Tarot of Thoth-Hermes.                      benebellwen.com youtube.com/BenebellWen instagram.com/bellwen   Become a Tarot Podcast member! patreon.com/thetarotpodcast Shop for Tarot Podcast MERCH! & cool stuff made by your host! etsy.com/shop/tarotista Sign up for readings and explore books and classes! thetarotpodcast.com 😊 And...don't forget to like, rate, subscribe, and share!! 😊