Thank you for sharing this part of your path, intertwining Tarot and love — and your beautiful poem. “ ... when her cup is placed to her lips/eternity flows through to her heart” — I could feel energy flowing through my body when I read this, and with a Queen so rich in compassion, we can embrace her “dark and mysterious ways”.
Reading your post has warmed my heart this morning, it was my mother’s 5th death day anniversary March 23rd — my mother was my Queen of Cups. 🥰
Tarot intrigues me and I have a couple of decks — I am very much a novice. I have a Guardian Angel Tarot deck that I use to tap into my Mother and a Faery Forest Oracle Deck that I use for clarification with John. Usually I ask a question and in the shuffle one usually jumps out. Sometimes I throw a confirmation card. A great tool to use with our intuition.
Thank you so much Simone for sharing your heartfelt reflections on the Queen of Cups. It’s especially meaningful to read them today, knowing that you honoured your mother’s death anniversary yesterday. The way you connect her spirit to the Queen of Cups feels so compassionate and profound - it truly moved me.
I’m so happy my poem resonated with you. It’s fascinating how so many of us seem to gravitate toward particular decks for different people and situations. For my big spreads, I always turn to the original Rider Waite deck because it aligns so well with the traditional archetypes. However, yesterday, for my Spring Equinox reading, I used Cathy McCelland's Star Tarot which felt fitting for the season's energies.
I noticed you mentioned using the Faery Forest deck for John, which is such a lovely connection. Tarot truly enhances our intuition and has profoundly shaped how I view the world. It offers an archetypal lens that helps me see things symbolically and intuitively, enriching my understanding of life.
Many thanks again for sharing your beautiful reply, subscribing and inspiring this tarot connection. 😊 🙏 💜
I love the poem, so will be looking to source your poetry collection 😊. I use the Rider Waite deck to tap into my expansive self. I have many decks that are just sitting there, sometimes my sister will ask me to pull a card from a particular deck, or one I am drawn to for her. She is intuitive herself, so we like to exchange and discuss messages we receive. Funny about the Faery deck - when I purchased it, i was drawn to it, though something in me was 'scared' of it. It sat for a couple of years collecting dust and then after John died, I was drawn to it again. Now I understand that initial feeling when I had purchased it, my subconscious self knowing that it was to become our deck. The artwork is stunning. The synchronicities always a WOW, so very grateful. Thank you 💜 🙏 . PS: I am my mother's daughter 🤣 💫
Aww, many thanks, Simone! I’ve left details of my second poetry collection in my reply to Jamie, but do shout out if I’ve missed anything. For reference, I used the original Rider Waite deck when writing my entire Poetry of the Tarot" series - I feel so deeply connected to it, and 'expansive self' is a perfect way to describe my own experience with it as well. Thank you for that.
Your connection to the decks and their stories is truly beautiful. It’s as if each one has its own unique journey, unfolding over time, much like the Faery deck finding its moment to resonate with you. Sharing these experiences with your sister must make them even more magickal, blending intuition and synchronicity in such a special way. The way you honour John when working with the Faery deck with its no doubt stunning artistry is deeply moving. I love that so much!
And “I am my mother’s daughter” - that made me smile! You carry such warmth and grace; it’s an ab-soul-ute joy to connect with you, Queen of Cups. 👸💜✨
I have ordered The Shepherd’s Daughter 😊. Yes, my sister is on her own journey, shared and very different - sibling relationship is something else again - she was estranged from our mother though that is not my story to tell other than she has had several, and is open to connections from and with our mother 🙏💜 - the energy is certainly shifting. We both share our mother’s sense of humour and that is medicinal as well as hysterical, we certainly needed it in caring for our father during his 10 years in care. Now l am laughing, this Queen of Cups, which l didn’t realise until I read your post 😊😂♓️🧚🏽♂️. An ab-soul-ute joy to connect with you too. Thank you. 🙏💜
Your words hold so much warmth and depth, Simone. Thank you for sharing this beautiful glimpse into your family’s journey and connections. It’s an ab-soul-ute joy to connect with you, Queen of Cups, and witness such heartfelt energy. Oh, and thanks so much for ordering my book. I hope you enjoy the poems! 🙏💜✨
Ah Deborah! As always a deeper dive into the shadows. Tarot. A Fool’s Journey!
Humans with no shadows maybe have lost the way to their souls? There are no shadows in the darkness. In the darkness we find our own light.
On my first Tarot pull ever I pulled Death. Scary! It led me to poetry in the end. Was that the beginning?
To arrive at the beginning or is it the end?
Both become like the other. No after or no before.
Twice born?
Whenever I do a pull now there are doors to see through. Mirrors. As in poetry. Silence in the spaces between words. Doors to soul. To quote Ana Blandiana an incredible Romanian poet I was gifted yesterday “I have never hunted for anything more than the shadows of words…..and words that have no shadows anymore have sold their souls…”
Thank you for a door into the shadows you marvellous Queen of Cups! “She who upholds her own soul”! 🙏❤️
Ah, Jamie, fellow poet on the Fool's winding path home, your words ripple like the Wheel, spinning shadows into light. The card of Death - a whisper of endings, yet birth’s quiet breath - a portal, not a finality, but poetry’s beckoning door.
In the silken hush of shadows, the Hermit’s lantern burns bright, guiding us inward, where silence births the Moon’s reflection. The beginning and the end entwine, Lovers in an eternal dance - twice born, through mirrored truths and veils that part like air.
May every Tarot pull be the Star’s shimmer upon your soul, and may your shadows never fade, but glow with unsold words. For in shadowed depths lies the Sun’s promise, Jamie - light reborn. This Queen of Cups salutes you, Keeper of the Soul’s watery depths. 🌙❤️
Love it! Thou of silver tongue spinning gold in the shadows. The lovers entwine in the dance of light and dark to reveal. Joining words to worlds that knew eachother in another life. A promise to always be whole. Breathing into a body in a soul. Keep writing you poetic queen. We need you! I will get that tarot book! Bless you Deborah 🙏❤️
Hahaha! Let's not forget even Queens must have their "Fool-ish" days and swap their crown for the Jester's hat! It's how the light and shadow are balanced (ask Dorothy (my alter ego!) Poet's eh?! It's all too much fun for free. A thousand blessings and then a thousand more! 🙏❤️
Very interesting and inspiring to read about your journey with the Tarot, Deborah! I have only dabbled a little, but was inspired to do a reading for the coming year at the end of December, and so far it’s been quite interesting to see how it aligns with what moves in my life. My deck is Pagan Tarot by Gina M Pace and it’s quite a gentle deck, I feel, that doesn’t include reverse readings. So it’s probably quite a good starter’s one. I also love the artwork. The Hermit speaks to me. My card for this month is the 9 of Cups.
Thank you for sharing your Tarot journey with us, Sarah. It's a joy to connect over Tarot! The Pagan Tarot sounds like such a gentle and beautiful deck. The artwork is so important, isn't it? It’s what draws me to a deck in the first place. Ah, being a slow-living, introverted soul, I relate deeply to the Hermit card, with their wisdom and introspection. “Turn within,” the card says to me often. And as for the 9 of Cups being your card for March, I can't help but note how it's a card of emotional fulfilment and contentment. So it’s lovely to see how Tarot, and perhaps even Substack, is currently bringing so many meaningful insights into your life, this month.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Deborah! Yes, I definitely feel like finding Substack has played into how I'm feeling the last couple of months and the cards I have drawn as well. The booklet accompanying the Pagan Tarot deck says, amongst other things, of the 9 of Cups that I can have whatever I want, I just have to decide what that is. Which is indeed a great bounty. And something I've been trying to focus more on this month. Deciding what's most important to me. In terms of Substack and writing here, that's definitely finding community and inspiration. I used to get so frustrated on social media when I didn't get likes and followers, but I feel I can let that go here. Write what I want to share. And just be.
Whenever I think of the Nine of Cups, Sarah, it always brings to mind 'wishes,' and like you, I often reflect on what I truly want. For me, the answer has always been about connecting with kindred spirits. I'm not seeking a large group, just a small, meaningful circle of like-minded souls. If you've read my 'Like Button' post, you'll know I value words over numbers. So yes, write what feels true to you and simply be. As a recovering people-pleaser, I'm slowly learning to embrace being a happy self-pleaser! It's wonderful to be on the same page as you.
For me it was the Star. I was studying it trying to make sense of a reading for a friend. I had what can only be described as a psychedelic experience. Everything began to flow. I was lying on top of my bed holding 78 ways seeing and everything was flowing through me. I had a similar experience, not as vivid with the moon. Seeing clearly through it. These are my cards. Further on the hanged man came haunt me in a lovely pointy way. That is another story that needs time to tell. I studied the cards over the Covid lock down period with mentalist and professional reader called Luke Jermay. A friend and I wrote a song containing half of the major arcana. I carry a set of majors with me everywhere. I also own maybe half a dozen different sets
Thank you so much Charles for sharing your connection to the beautiful Star and the enigmatic Moon. The Hanged Man seems to have brought you lessons in such a uniquely “pointy” way, and it’s wonderful that you keep the Majors close, carrying their symbolic energy with you. Wow, writing a song with half the Major Arcana must have been an incredibly creative and meaningful endeavour! I’d love to hear it if it’s available online?
Your reply reminded me of my own journey with Tarot and my “Poetry of the Tarot” series. I had planned to dedicate 22 weeks to the Majors, one card at a time - it felt like a calling. But when I reached the Hanged Man, life intervened as I literally fell down a rabbit hole, broke my ankle, and learned first-hand the card’s lesson of pausing and surrendering. Its message continues to resonate deeply with me whenever they pop up in a reading.
Lovely, Deborah! Thank you for sharing. Your poem is rich with feeling, you Seer, you!! I love that.
My first Tarot deck was the Crystal Visions Tarot. The Page of Swords is the embodiment of a student and friend that I lost a few years ago, so using that one most feels like honoring her, she carries me and is with me through them. Having resonated with a book, I also purchased the Dark Goddesses oracle deck and I love that one - I connected with it instantly. I have others, but those are the two that I adore. XO
Danielle, thank you for your lovely feedback and heartfelt reflections. It’s incredibly moving to hear that the Page of Swords embodies your beloved friend. What a beautiful way to keep her spirit close. The Dark Goddesses oracle deck sounds fascinating too - there’s something almost magical about finding a deck you connect with so deeply, like it was waiting for you.
I’ve felt that with my original Rider Waite and Cathy McClelland’s Star Tarot decks. My partner has the same bond with her Robin Wood and Wildwood decks. We don’t share those four with each other either - it feels personal - but we’re happy to share the others. Funny, isn’t it? Do you tend to share your decks, or do you keep them just for yourself? I'm curious card slinger! XO
Oh wonderful, Jamie, thank you! Here’s a link to my dedicated book page on my website: https://theliberatedsheep.com/books/.. Have a read of the blurbs and explore the reviews shared there. Firstly, see if my books are 'your cup of tea' so to speak. My entire ‘Poetry of the Tarot’ series is included in my second collection, "The Shepherd's Daughter".
Secondly, clicking on the title will take you straight to the Blurb Bookstore. Once you get there (if you get this far) in the top right hand corner there's a flag, if you hover over it you'll get to select your country and the currency on the page will change accordingly.
Apparently, Blurb deliver to 70 countries and I have several Canadians friends who have brought my books over the years. Unfortunately, their P&P is pricey! I guess it's how they make their $$$. Do look out for offers though, there's usually a banner at the top of the page. Still, I'm ab-soul-utely thrilled that you're even asking me! 🙏🙏 📚 ❤️
Undoubtedly, Tarot cards are among the most fascinating, mysterious, and exciting achievements ever. I would like to learn how to read these magical cards. Once, around the mid-'80s, I attended a party where a woman (whom I remember as Shambala, a follower of Bhagavan!) drew them one after another for another guest and explained their meanings to her. Since I didn't know German, my girlfriend at the time translated for me into English. After reading your excellent post, I feel even more eager to learn about it. Thank you so much, dear Deborah, especially for your insightful and lovely poem.
Aladin, thank you for sharing your magickal experience with Tarot. It’s wonderful how moments like these stay with us and spark curiosity even decades later. I’m so happy to hear that my post and poem have inspired you to explore the world of Tarot further. It’s a beautiful, archetypal, intuitive journey, and I hope it brings you insight, connection and joy as you delve into each card's mystery. Joyfully, there are countless decks today. Twenty years ago I brought myself the original Rider Waite cards and have been working with them ever since. They're like old friends to me, much like yourself. Sending love and light. 🙏❤️
Hello Deborah. I read your beautiful post when it first appeared but it is only now that I am sitting at my computer and responding after re-reading it. And I have taken out my "Meditations on the Tarot ~ A Journey into Christian Hermeticism by Anonymous". From the foreword:These meditations on the Major Arcana of the Tarot are Letters addressed to the Unknown Friend. Well, I don't want to write the whole thing out ... it is a large book, 660 pages or so, one over which I've pored over many years. It's a very precious book.
The other that I've taken out from bookshelf Is The Ancient Egyptian Tarot - Clive Barrett. I will attempt a reading for myself just now. I have used it in the past ... am no expert.
May your pen and your soul continue to create, and be nourishing to you and all who read you.
Oh Susan, I’m ab-soul-utely thrilled you’ve joined Substack! Hello and welcome, my lovely friend. I’m delighted to have gently nudged you in the direction of the Tarot - it’s such a fascinating journey to embark upon. Wow, 660 pages! The book you're reading sounds like a true treasure Tarot trove of wisdom. If you enjoy looking through a Jungian lens, I can highly recommend Rose Gwain's: 'Discovering Your Self Through the Tarot: A Jungian Guide to Archetypes and Personality'. Enjoy your spread today! I've just had a little mooch around our book shelves and realised we don’t have any Egyptian decks. How lucky you are to own one - I’ve always been captivated by all things Ancient Egyptian.
For a simple reading, you could try asking a question and pulling a single card. The three-card spread is also a classic spread, offering insights into past, present, and future of the issue at hand. My personal favourite is the five-card spread, focusing on past, present, hidden influences, advice and outcome. And for something more in-depth, I often turn to the Celtic Cross - it’s perfect for detailed readings.
Well, now that all my favourite readers are on Substack, I think I’ll continue posting my work here and reserve my blog page on my website for book news and special events. Love and light, your poet friend!
Thank you for saying about eg one card .. or 2 or 3 or the 5 card. I did a 4 card spread yesterday .. altogether very interesting and I'll have to put my thinking cap on and digest it all ...
one of the cards (2nd one) was The Hermit ... the first one King of Cups ... Pluto is out and about and I'm having to look lively ... Pluto as we know, Lord of the Underground, is interalia ruthless. The sermon today was on Ruth of the OT. The opposite of ruthless ... plus there was communion, in little cups ... King of Cups and your Queen of Cups ...
Have a beautiful Sunday and Happy Mother's Day. Love Susan
Hmm, thank you for sharing yesterday's spread and reflections! Like dreams, I'm always interested in hearing about others' readings too. It’s incredible how the cards, Pluto and even this morning's sermon on Ruth have woven themselves into such a meaningful, meaningful and synchronistic narrative for you.
As I reflect on my Mother's Day post today about Deborah, biblical and my name, I can see a beautiful alignment between Ruth's devotion and Deborah's strength, with both women embodying profound qualities of leadership, love and resilience. Wishing you a beautiful Sunday, filled with love and light.
Many thanks Kristi! Yes, a relationship, indeed! And following last night’s ‘foolish’ dream which took place in a café, I feel gently nudged by the Tarot and the Dream Maker today to share another poem.
I've collected so many different decks. Only the ones that resonated with me, and have dove in to creating my own deck. A slow endeavor. I've also started writing a series, about the journey....starting with The Fool. Fictional of course, my comfort zone.
This is written so beautifully, your heart right here on the page, lyrical & poetic. Like an embrace....from an old friend.
Wow, Maryellen, creating your own deck is such an incredible undertaking! I had a feeling you had a strong connection with Tarot. Whether it’s through writing stories, poems, or journaling, journeying through the Major Arcana truly feels like a rite of passage, doesn’t it? I’m so excited to hear you’re on that path and can’t wait to learn more about your project when you’re ready to share. It’s clear you’re pouring your heart and soul into this, and it’s truly inspiring.
When I decided on my own format - four verses, with the third exploring the card’s reversed position - it all started to flow naturally. I’m even thinking of sharing my first poem, The Fool, as an example for others who might want inspiration. Keep going with your rich, alchemical journey - it’s a deeply rewarding process, and every moment is worth it. I really believe we need the Tarot and other divination tools now, today, more than ever.
Thanks so much Maryellen, for all your encouragement! 🙌 And on that note, following last night's little dream, I felt a gentle nudge to share more tarot 'fool-ishness' today. I hope you enjoy. 'The Fool' was my first step on what turned out to be an incredible journey with the Majors.
Deborah, what a beautiful, beautiful reading! Such a lovely story of how you found Tarot—and how Tarot found you. Those ladies are truly an inspiration.
As Simone mentioned this post warmed her heart, it did as well for me, my mother was also my Queen of Cups. She was Persephone-like—the most talented, kind, and mysterious soul. I still think of her daily, especially on March 29th, which will mark 29 years since she journeyed into the underworld.
I’m so happy to have found Tarot 4-5 years ago through my friend, who is also a psychoanalyst and works with dreams. A few years ago, I wasn’t ready to explore intuition—I was living in reason, stoic and rational, a textbook Gemini ruled by Mercury, wanting to understand exactly how and why. Then it hit me. After reading more of Marie-Louise von Franz’s books, Jung, meditating, having more and more active solitude moments in sitting still, and buying myself a deck that I absolutely adore, I started working with it whenever I felt called.
I still have a draft about Tarot, and I’m waiting for the right time to send it into the world. I have a mystical Tarot deck, and VIII—Strength—is one of the most recurrent cards in my clarification sessions.
Oh, Katerina, I’m delighted that you enjoyed this post! It's wonderful to know how the Tarot has woven itself into your life, allowing you to honour your beloved 'Queen of Cups' mother, and to explore intuition and self-discovery. Your description of her as Persephone-like is so evocative, capturing a profound sense of mystery and spirit. What an inspiring way to remember her presence.
Re your mothers death anniversary and it being 29 years this year, I couldn’t help but notice the synchronicity and how the number 29 symbolises transformation, spiritual growth, and the delicate dance of endings and beginnings. A quick search brought up this page which you may find interesting: https://www.numerologistpro.com/numerology-numbers/numerology-number-29-meaning/
Hearing how you shifted from a place of reason and rationality to embracing intuition is inspiring - what a journey! The VIII, Strength card showing up frequently feels so fitting, as it mirrors the inner strength and clarity you’ve cultivated through this experience. I look forward to reading your Tarot draft one day, knowing it will carry your energy and insight beautifully when that time comes.
And speaking of synchronicities, your mention of the Strength card brought such a heart smile, as it appeared yesterday in the advice position of my own five-card spread. The outcome card was Justice - a wonderful alignment that feels so harmonious with everything you’ve shared here. Thank you so much for this beautiful connection. 💜✨
I so enjoyed reading of your gradually deepening relationship with both the cards and your partner. The path gradually leading right to your own unfolding moment. Just over a year ago I was deeply moved by the poem "Seven of Pentacles" by Marge Piercy. Your lovely words made me reflect on that and bring it up to read again. Thank you.
"Connections are made slowly, sometimes they grow underground."
Thank you so much Susan for your kind and thoughtful words and for mentioning Marge's evocative poem. I dashed off and have just read the entirety of her remarkable poem, and brought these rich, profound and knowing lines back to share with you. I adore the poem, most especially her deeply resonant concluding verse:
"Live as if you liked yourself, and it may happen:
reach out, keep reaching out, keep bringing in.
This is how we are going to live for a long time: not always,
for every gardener knows that after the digging, after
the planting,
after the long season of tending and growth, the harvest comes."
I resonate so deeply with this, as it reflects the gradual connection I’ve built with the Tarot over the years. Thank you for sharing this with me. Considering all that has unfolded in the past two days of your life, your ability to 'keep reaching out, keep bringing in' fills my heart with even greater joy. Sending you love and blessings.
Hi Deborah,
Thank you for sharing this part of your path, intertwining Tarot and love — and your beautiful poem. “ ... when her cup is placed to her lips/eternity flows through to her heart” — I could feel energy flowing through my body when I read this, and with a Queen so rich in compassion, we can embrace her “dark and mysterious ways”.
Reading your post has warmed my heart this morning, it was my mother’s 5th death day anniversary March 23rd — my mother was my Queen of Cups. 🥰
Tarot intrigues me and I have a couple of decks — I am very much a novice. I have a Guardian Angel Tarot deck that I use to tap into my Mother and a Faery Forest Oracle Deck that I use for clarification with John. Usually I ask a question and in the shuffle one usually jumps out. Sometimes I throw a confirmation card. A great tool to use with our intuition.
I have subscribed to your website.
😊 🙏 💜
Thank you so much Simone for sharing your heartfelt reflections on the Queen of Cups. It’s especially meaningful to read them today, knowing that you honoured your mother’s death anniversary yesterday. The way you connect her spirit to the Queen of Cups feels so compassionate and profound - it truly moved me.
I’m so happy my poem resonated with you. It’s fascinating how so many of us seem to gravitate toward particular decks for different people and situations. For my big spreads, I always turn to the original Rider Waite deck because it aligns so well with the traditional archetypes. However, yesterday, for my Spring Equinox reading, I used Cathy McCelland's Star Tarot which felt fitting for the season's energies.
I noticed you mentioned using the Faery Forest deck for John, which is such a lovely connection. Tarot truly enhances our intuition and has profoundly shaped how I view the world. It offers an archetypal lens that helps me see things symbolically and intuitively, enriching my understanding of life.
Many thanks again for sharing your beautiful reply, subscribing and inspiring this tarot connection. 😊 🙏 💜
I love the poem, so will be looking to source your poetry collection 😊. I use the Rider Waite deck to tap into my expansive self. I have many decks that are just sitting there, sometimes my sister will ask me to pull a card from a particular deck, or one I am drawn to for her. She is intuitive herself, so we like to exchange and discuss messages we receive. Funny about the Faery deck - when I purchased it, i was drawn to it, though something in me was 'scared' of it. It sat for a couple of years collecting dust and then after John died, I was drawn to it again. Now I understand that initial feeling when I had purchased it, my subconscious self knowing that it was to become our deck. The artwork is stunning. The synchronicities always a WOW, so very grateful. Thank you 💜 🙏 . PS: I am my mother's daughter 🤣 💫
Aww, many thanks, Simone! I’ve left details of my second poetry collection in my reply to Jamie, but do shout out if I’ve missed anything. For reference, I used the original Rider Waite deck when writing my entire Poetry of the Tarot" series - I feel so deeply connected to it, and 'expansive self' is a perfect way to describe my own experience with it as well. Thank you for that.
Your connection to the decks and their stories is truly beautiful. It’s as if each one has its own unique journey, unfolding over time, much like the Faery deck finding its moment to resonate with you. Sharing these experiences with your sister must make them even more magickal, blending intuition and synchronicity in such a special way. The way you honour John when working with the Faery deck with its no doubt stunning artistry is deeply moving. I love that so much!
And “I am my mother’s daughter” - that made me smile! You carry such warmth and grace; it’s an ab-soul-ute joy to connect with you, Queen of Cups. 👸💜✨
I have ordered The Shepherd’s Daughter 😊. Yes, my sister is on her own journey, shared and very different - sibling relationship is something else again - she was estranged from our mother though that is not my story to tell other than she has had several, and is open to connections from and with our mother 🙏💜 - the energy is certainly shifting. We both share our mother’s sense of humour and that is medicinal as well as hysterical, we certainly needed it in caring for our father during his 10 years in care. Now l am laughing, this Queen of Cups, which l didn’t realise until I read your post 😊😂♓️🧚🏽♂️. An ab-soul-ute joy to connect with you too. Thank you. 🙏💜
Your words hold so much warmth and depth, Simone. Thank you for sharing this beautiful glimpse into your family’s journey and connections. It’s an ab-soul-ute joy to connect with you, Queen of Cups, and witness such heartfelt energy. Oh, and thanks so much for ordering my book. I hope you enjoy the poems! 🙏💜✨
🙏😊💜
Ah Deborah! As always a deeper dive into the shadows. Tarot. A Fool’s Journey!
Humans with no shadows maybe have lost the way to their souls? There are no shadows in the darkness. In the darkness we find our own light.
On my first Tarot pull ever I pulled Death. Scary! It led me to poetry in the end. Was that the beginning?
To arrive at the beginning or is it the end?
Both become like the other. No after or no before.
Twice born?
Whenever I do a pull now there are doors to see through. Mirrors. As in poetry. Silence in the spaces between words. Doors to soul. To quote Ana Blandiana an incredible Romanian poet I was gifted yesterday “I have never hunted for anything more than the shadows of words…..and words that have no shadows anymore have sold their souls…”
Thank you for a door into the shadows you marvellous Queen of Cups! “She who upholds her own soul”! 🙏❤️
Ah, Jamie, fellow poet on the Fool's winding path home, your words ripple like the Wheel, spinning shadows into light. The card of Death - a whisper of endings, yet birth’s quiet breath - a portal, not a finality, but poetry’s beckoning door.
In the silken hush of shadows, the Hermit’s lantern burns bright, guiding us inward, where silence births the Moon’s reflection. The beginning and the end entwine, Lovers in an eternal dance - twice born, through mirrored truths and veils that part like air.
May every Tarot pull be the Star’s shimmer upon your soul, and may your shadows never fade, but glow with unsold words. For in shadowed depths lies the Sun’s promise, Jamie - light reborn. This Queen of Cups salutes you, Keeper of the Soul’s watery depths. 🌙❤️
Love it! Thou of silver tongue spinning gold in the shadows. The lovers entwine in the dance of light and dark to reveal. Joining words to worlds that knew eachother in another life. A promise to always be whole. Breathing into a body in a soul. Keep writing you poetic queen. We need you! I will get that tarot book! Bless you Deborah 🙏❤️
Hahaha! Let's not forget even Queens must have their "Fool-ish" days and swap their crown for the Jester's hat! It's how the light and shadow are balanced (ask Dorothy (my alter ego!) Poet's eh?! It's all too much fun for free. A thousand blessings and then a thousand more! 🙏❤️
Definitely! We need to play in those words too! ❤️
❤️❤️❤️
Very interesting and inspiring to read about your journey with the Tarot, Deborah! I have only dabbled a little, but was inspired to do a reading for the coming year at the end of December, and so far it’s been quite interesting to see how it aligns with what moves in my life. My deck is Pagan Tarot by Gina M Pace and it’s quite a gentle deck, I feel, that doesn’t include reverse readings. So it’s probably quite a good starter’s one. I also love the artwork. The Hermit speaks to me. My card for this month is the 9 of Cups.
Thank you for sharing your Tarot journey with us, Sarah. It's a joy to connect over Tarot! The Pagan Tarot sounds like such a gentle and beautiful deck. The artwork is so important, isn't it? It’s what draws me to a deck in the first place. Ah, being a slow-living, introverted soul, I relate deeply to the Hermit card, with their wisdom and introspection. “Turn within,” the card says to me often. And as for the 9 of Cups being your card for March, I can't help but note how it's a card of emotional fulfilment and contentment. So it’s lovely to see how Tarot, and perhaps even Substack, is currently bringing so many meaningful insights into your life, this month.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Deborah! Yes, I definitely feel like finding Substack has played into how I'm feeling the last couple of months and the cards I have drawn as well. The booklet accompanying the Pagan Tarot deck says, amongst other things, of the 9 of Cups that I can have whatever I want, I just have to decide what that is. Which is indeed a great bounty. And something I've been trying to focus more on this month. Deciding what's most important to me. In terms of Substack and writing here, that's definitely finding community and inspiration. I used to get so frustrated on social media when I didn't get likes and followers, but I feel I can let that go here. Write what I want to share. And just be.
Whenever I think of the Nine of Cups, Sarah, it always brings to mind 'wishes,' and like you, I often reflect on what I truly want. For me, the answer has always been about connecting with kindred spirits. I'm not seeking a large group, just a small, meaningful circle of like-minded souls. If you've read my 'Like Button' post, you'll know I value words over numbers. So yes, write what feels true to you and simply be. As a recovering people-pleaser, I'm slowly learning to embrace being a happy self-pleaser! It's wonderful to be on the same page as you.
For me it was the Star. I was studying it trying to make sense of a reading for a friend. I had what can only be described as a psychedelic experience. Everything began to flow. I was lying on top of my bed holding 78 ways seeing and everything was flowing through me. I had a similar experience, not as vivid with the moon. Seeing clearly through it. These are my cards. Further on the hanged man came haunt me in a lovely pointy way. That is another story that needs time to tell. I studied the cards over the Covid lock down period with mentalist and professional reader called Luke Jermay. A friend and I wrote a song containing half of the major arcana. I carry a set of majors with me everywhere. I also own maybe half a dozen different sets
Thank you so much Charles for sharing your connection to the beautiful Star and the enigmatic Moon. The Hanged Man seems to have brought you lessons in such a uniquely “pointy” way, and it’s wonderful that you keep the Majors close, carrying their symbolic energy with you. Wow, writing a song with half the Major Arcana must have been an incredibly creative and meaningful endeavour! I’d love to hear it if it’s available online?
Your reply reminded me of my own journey with Tarot and my “Poetry of the Tarot” series. I had planned to dedicate 22 weeks to the Majors, one card at a time - it felt like a calling. But when I reached the Hanged Man, life intervened as I literally fell down a rabbit hole, broke my ankle, and learned first-hand the card’s lesson of pausing and surrendering. Its message continues to resonate deeply with me whenever they pop up in a reading.
Lovely, Deborah! Thank you for sharing. Your poem is rich with feeling, you Seer, you!! I love that.
My first Tarot deck was the Crystal Visions Tarot. The Page of Swords is the embodiment of a student and friend that I lost a few years ago, so using that one most feels like honoring her, she carries me and is with me through them. Having resonated with a book, I also purchased the Dark Goddesses oracle deck and I love that one - I connected with it instantly. I have others, but those are the two that I adore. XO
Danielle, thank you for your lovely feedback and heartfelt reflections. It’s incredibly moving to hear that the Page of Swords embodies your beloved friend. What a beautiful way to keep her spirit close. The Dark Goddesses oracle deck sounds fascinating too - there’s something almost magical about finding a deck you connect with so deeply, like it was waiting for you.
I’ve felt that with my original Rider Waite and Cathy McClelland’s Star Tarot decks. My partner has the same bond with her Robin Wood and Wildwood decks. We don’t share those four with each other either - it feels personal - but we’re happy to share the others. Funny, isn’t it? Do you tend to share your decks, or do you keep them just for yourself? I'm curious card slinger! XO
Deborah…where can a poetry loving Canadian purchase your books? 🙏🙏 📚 ❤️
Oh wonderful, Jamie, thank you! Here’s a link to my dedicated book page on my website: https://theliberatedsheep.com/books/.. Have a read of the blurbs and explore the reviews shared there. Firstly, see if my books are 'your cup of tea' so to speak. My entire ‘Poetry of the Tarot’ series is included in my second collection, "The Shepherd's Daughter".
Secondly, clicking on the title will take you straight to the Blurb Bookstore. Once you get there (if you get this far) in the top right hand corner there's a flag, if you hover over it you'll get to select your country and the currency on the page will change accordingly.
Apparently, Blurb deliver to 70 countries and I have several Canadians friends who have brought my books over the years. Unfortunately, their P&P is pricey! I guess it's how they make their $$$. Do look out for offers though, there's usually a banner at the top of the page. Still, I'm ab-soul-utely thrilled that you're even asking me! 🙏🙏 📚 ❤️
Undoubtedly, Tarot cards are among the most fascinating, mysterious, and exciting achievements ever. I would like to learn how to read these magical cards. Once, around the mid-'80s, I attended a party where a woman (whom I remember as Shambala, a follower of Bhagavan!) drew them one after another for another guest and explained their meanings to her. Since I didn't know German, my girlfriend at the time translated for me into English. After reading your excellent post, I feel even more eager to learn about it. Thank you so much, dear Deborah, especially for your insightful and lovely poem.
Sending love. 🤗🙏❤️🌹
Aladin, thank you for sharing your magickal experience with Tarot. It’s wonderful how moments like these stay with us and spark curiosity even decades later. I’m so happy to hear that my post and poem have inspired you to explore the world of Tarot further. It’s a beautiful, archetypal, intuitive journey, and I hope it brings you insight, connection and joy as you delve into each card's mystery. Joyfully, there are countless decks today. Twenty years ago I brought myself the original Rider Waite cards and have been working with them ever since. They're like old friends to me, much like yourself. Sending love and light. 🙏❤️
Hello Deborah. I read your beautiful post when it first appeared but it is only now that I am sitting at my computer and responding after re-reading it. And I have taken out my "Meditations on the Tarot ~ A Journey into Christian Hermeticism by Anonymous". From the foreword:These meditations on the Major Arcana of the Tarot are Letters addressed to the Unknown Friend. Well, I don't want to write the whole thing out ... it is a large book, 660 pages or so, one over which I've pored over many years. It's a very precious book.
The other that I've taken out from bookshelf Is The Ancient Egyptian Tarot - Clive Barrett. I will attempt a reading for myself just now. I have used it in the past ... am no expert.
May your pen and your soul continue to create, and be nourishing to you and all who read you.
With love, Susan
Oh Susan, I’m ab-soul-utely thrilled you’ve joined Substack! Hello and welcome, my lovely friend. I’m delighted to have gently nudged you in the direction of the Tarot - it’s such a fascinating journey to embark upon. Wow, 660 pages! The book you're reading sounds like a true treasure Tarot trove of wisdom. If you enjoy looking through a Jungian lens, I can highly recommend Rose Gwain's: 'Discovering Your Self Through the Tarot: A Jungian Guide to Archetypes and Personality'. Enjoy your spread today! I've just had a little mooch around our book shelves and realised we don’t have any Egyptian decks. How lucky you are to own one - I’ve always been captivated by all things Ancient Egyptian.
For a simple reading, you could try asking a question and pulling a single card. The three-card spread is also a classic spread, offering insights into past, present, and future of the issue at hand. My personal favourite is the five-card spread, focusing on past, present, hidden influences, advice and outcome. And for something more in-depth, I often turn to the Celtic Cross - it’s perfect for detailed readings.
Well, now that all my favourite readers are on Substack, I think I’ll continue posting my work here and reserve my blog page on my website for book news and special events. Love and light, your poet friend!
Thank you for saying about eg one card .. or 2 or 3 or the 5 card. I did a 4 card spread yesterday .. altogether very interesting and I'll have to put my thinking cap on and digest it all ...
one of the cards (2nd one) was The Hermit ... the first one King of Cups ... Pluto is out and about and I'm having to look lively ... Pluto as we know, Lord of the Underground, is interalia ruthless. The sermon today was on Ruth of the OT. The opposite of ruthless ... plus there was communion, in little cups ... King of Cups and your Queen of Cups ...
Have a beautiful Sunday and Happy Mother's Day. Love Susan
Hmm, thank you for sharing yesterday's spread and reflections! Like dreams, I'm always interested in hearing about others' readings too. It’s incredible how the cards, Pluto and even this morning's sermon on Ruth have woven themselves into such a meaningful, meaningful and synchronistic narrative for you.
As I reflect on my Mother's Day post today about Deborah, biblical and my name, I can see a beautiful alignment between Ruth's devotion and Deborah's strength, with both women embodying profound qualities of leadership, love and resilience. Wishing you a beautiful Sunday, filled with love and light.
I love your description of connecting with the Tarot, forming a relationship with the cards, and gaining deeper insights.
Many thanks Kristi! Yes, a relationship, indeed! And following last night’s ‘foolish’ dream which took place in a café, I feel gently nudged by the Tarot and the Dream Maker today to share another poem.
I'm heading over to read now!
Many thanks Kristi! 🙏❤️
I've collected so many different decks. Only the ones that resonated with me, and have dove in to creating my own deck. A slow endeavor. I've also started writing a series, about the journey....starting with The Fool. Fictional of course, my comfort zone.
This is written so beautifully, your heart right here on the page, lyrical & poetic. Like an embrace....from an old friend.
Wow, Maryellen, creating your own deck is such an incredible undertaking! I had a feeling you had a strong connection with Tarot. Whether it’s through writing stories, poems, or journaling, journeying through the Major Arcana truly feels like a rite of passage, doesn’t it? I’m so excited to hear you’re on that path and can’t wait to learn more about your project when you’re ready to share. It’s clear you’re pouring your heart and soul into this, and it’s truly inspiring.
When I decided on my own format - four verses, with the third exploring the card’s reversed position - it all started to flow naturally. I’m even thinking of sharing my first poem, The Fool, as an example for others who might want inspiration. Keep going with your rich, alchemical journey - it’s a deeply rewarding process, and every moment is worth it. I really believe we need the Tarot and other divination tools now, today, more than ever.
I would love for you to share more of your work here 🙌 Reading different perspectives helps us refine our own, I think.
Thanks so much Maryellen, for all your encouragement! 🙌 And on that note, following last night's little dream, I felt a gentle nudge to share more tarot 'fool-ishness' today. I hope you enjoy. 'The Fool' was my first step on what turned out to be an incredible journey with the Majors.
Deborah, what a beautiful, beautiful reading! Such a lovely story of how you found Tarot—and how Tarot found you. Those ladies are truly an inspiration.
As Simone mentioned this post warmed her heart, it did as well for me, my mother was also my Queen of Cups. She was Persephone-like—the most talented, kind, and mysterious soul. I still think of her daily, especially on March 29th, which will mark 29 years since she journeyed into the underworld.
I’m so happy to have found Tarot 4-5 years ago through my friend, who is also a psychoanalyst and works with dreams. A few years ago, I wasn’t ready to explore intuition—I was living in reason, stoic and rational, a textbook Gemini ruled by Mercury, wanting to understand exactly how and why. Then it hit me. After reading more of Marie-Louise von Franz’s books, Jung, meditating, having more and more active solitude moments in sitting still, and buying myself a deck that I absolutely adore, I started working with it whenever I felt called.
I still have a draft about Tarot, and I’m waiting for the right time to send it into the world. I have a mystical Tarot deck, and VIII—Strength—is one of the most recurrent cards in my clarification sessions.
Oh, Katerina, I’m delighted that you enjoyed this post! It's wonderful to know how the Tarot has woven itself into your life, allowing you to honour your beloved 'Queen of Cups' mother, and to explore intuition and self-discovery. Your description of her as Persephone-like is so evocative, capturing a profound sense of mystery and spirit. What an inspiring way to remember her presence.
Re your mothers death anniversary and it being 29 years this year, I couldn’t help but notice the synchronicity and how the number 29 symbolises transformation, spiritual growth, and the delicate dance of endings and beginnings. A quick search brought up this page which you may find interesting: https://www.numerologistpro.com/numerology-numbers/numerology-number-29-meaning/
Hearing how you shifted from a place of reason and rationality to embracing intuition is inspiring - what a journey! The VIII, Strength card showing up frequently feels so fitting, as it mirrors the inner strength and clarity you’ve cultivated through this experience. I look forward to reading your Tarot draft one day, knowing it will carry your energy and insight beautifully when that time comes.
And speaking of synchronicities, your mention of the Strength card brought such a heart smile, as it appeared yesterday in the advice position of my own five-card spread. The outcome card was Justice - a wonderful alignment that feels so harmonious with everything you’ve shared here. Thank you so much for this beautiful connection. 💜✨
I so enjoyed reading of your gradually deepening relationship with both the cards and your partner. The path gradually leading right to your own unfolding moment. Just over a year ago I was deeply moved by the poem "Seven of Pentacles" by Marge Piercy. Your lovely words made me reflect on that and bring it up to read again. Thank you.
"Connections are made slowly, sometimes they grow underground."
Thank you so much Susan for your kind and thoughtful words and for mentioning Marge's evocative poem. I dashed off and have just read the entirety of her remarkable poem, and brought these rich, profound and knowing lines back to share with you. I adore the poem, most especially her deeply resonant concluding verse:
"Live as if you liked yourself, and it may happen:
reach out, keep reaching out, keep bringing in.
This is how we are going to live for a long time: not always,
for every gardener knows that after the digging, after
the planting,
after the long season of tending and growth, the harvest comes."
I resonate so deeply with this, as it reflects the gradual connection I’ve built with the Tarot over the years. Thank you for sharing this with me. Considering all that has unfolded in the past two days of your life, your ability to 'keep reaching out, keep bringing in' fills my heart with even greater joy. Sending you love and blessings.
Soul, multilingual.
Signs, archetypes, Tarot spreads.
Translations welcome.
Beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing the lens of your soul, Marisol.