Dear Collective,
For February’s Tarot Reading for the Collective, I am using the beautiful Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert. I was introduced to this deck at The Readers Studio Tarot Conference NYC in 2015. I attended a discussion called ‘Cross-Cultural Tarot’, led by the luminous Heatherleigh Navarre of the Boston Tea Room. Ms Navarre referenced this deck as one that embraces inclusivity at its heart, breaking away from the standard white-heteronormative-ableist imagery found in so many tarot decks. The Gaian Tarot was out of print at that time so I was unable to satisfy my curiosity straight away, but I jumped on it when it was rereleased.
With most of the models for the archetypes being either close companions or friends of friends of the artist, there is a beautiful familiarity to the images that invites me in to look more closely.
If you like these tarot cards you might be interested to know that Joanna Powell Colbert is currently creating a tarot deck with Latisha Guthrie – The Herbcrafter’s Tarot – to be released very soon. To find out more go here and/or follow them on Instagram @herbcrafterstarot
This month’s questions are:
When is community strongest?
How do we choose the best way forward?
What do we need to store carefully for later use?
How can we stay open even when we are broken?
Let’s begin!
When is community strongest?
The Magician
Community is strongest when we are willing to invite in all the stories of our combined histories, in particular those that were damaged by imperialism and colonialism. When we remember what was here before it was stolen, misunderstood and mistreated, we can strengthen our humanity and come closer to changing the ongoing patterns of destruction. When we are willing to share and learn, it’s a sign that we are confident enough in ourselves to know humility and reverence, where appropriate.
How do we choose the best way forward?
Five of Water
Choose the best way forward by reflecting on what was lost, and making a commitment to ourselves to not get distracted by over-the-top positivity… to just sit and be real. To be honest about what has been lost and what we could lose if we don’t take action or speak up. Try not to wallow in misery, but also know that sorrow existing doesn’t have to be a frightening thing: it forms a part of our life story, and we are wiser for it.
What do we need to store carefully for later use?
Explorer of Water
Store the sense of adventure and the promise of moving onto bigger dreams – those moments when everything comes into alignment and we are riding free with enthusiasm and verve. Perhaps we don’t have the energy for that right now? Or if you find that you do personally have a lot of energy, gauge yourself carefully so that you don’t overdo it.
To be able to concentrate when we are moving at speed, we need to avoid anything that is not the main task. Powerful explorations may need to be stored away for later – right now we need to slow down and scrutinise the details. Read the room, and see what needs to be observed.
How can we stay open even when we are broken?
Six of Earth
Stay open by maintaining attention to the day-to-day activities. In the mundane moments there are connections that hold much weight, even in a passing exchange. If the days at the moment see you more alone than in company, then it’s about finding the act of balance within yourself – you give to yourself what you can muster and you let go of what you are willing to relinquish. Big acts don’t have to happen to create the changes that are necessary. Although the slower path can at times be frustrating, this more considered movement can break open new possibilities.
© Sarah Barry ~ Tarot Readings with Psychic Sarah 2019
This Tarot Reading for the Collective was done with the Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert. You can find out more about this beautiful tarot deck at www.gaiansoul.com/shop/gaian-tarot/
If you want a more personalised reading, go here to make an appointment. To find out more about how I work go to sarahthepsychic.com/about/ and sarahthepsychic.com/faq/
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Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert