Hello good people. I missed writing for you! Hope you all are well these days. Strange times.
Back in July we talked about fears people have with tarot imagery. Tarot imagery is based on legends, our lives, and the subconscious. Tarot themes can be about real events, but we don’t have to be led around by worry.
As a remedy for tarot anxiety, simply take a look at the oodles of non-traditional decks out there such as The Lover’s Tarot and The Goddess Tarot. As promised, I’m introducing you to a fascinating high priestess of creativity, Kris Waldherr.
Kris Waldherr is an award-winning artist, author and card deck creator. She’s also a mother and a traveller. I’ve used her inspiring multicultural decks for years. It’s my pleasure to talk with her this week.
Here is my Mini View:
SR: What got you started with tarot?
KW: I saw my first tarot deck as a small child, which was owned by an older cousin whom I regarded as infinitely sophisticated and glamorous. I had no idea what the cards were about, but I felt drawn to the art and the mystery. Later in college, I learned to read from the Palladini Aquarian Tarot deck; I studied art with David Palladini at the School of Visual Arts, which was an interesting experience.
SR: What are your favorite symbols in tarot and why?
KW: Believe it or not, I love swords. I think the suit of swords
gets a bad rap, thanks to the intense imagery of the Rider-Waite Tarot. (Ten of Swords, anyone?) Maybe it’s a midlife thing, but whenever swords appear in a reading, I see them as an invitation to take charge of a situation and literally cut out the crap—there’s no longer any time to waste. In the major arcana, these days I especially identify with the Empress, now that I have a garden of my own. Related: I also love the Nine of Pentacles.
SR: How do you feel women can benefit from studying tarot?
KW: I think *anyone* can benefit from studying the tarot. It teaches a person to trust their inner voice, which often knows more than our left-brain oriented society is willing to acknowledge. However, for women especially, learning to read tarot can be valuable. It encourages us to keep our own counsel, instead of ceding our authority to others, and helps us to view our lives in a more detached manner. That written, there’s no substitute for consulting professionals when it comes to legal or medical situation—and this goes for anyone, not just women.
Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us, Kris. What an honor to be able to continue the tarot discussion. I can’t wait to do more posts about oracles.
Discussion: Is the goddess thing just for women? What is the deal with gender roles in tarot? Do they matter?
Waldherr writes in the workbook for the Goddess Tarot, “Goddesses aren’t the only women with myths of their own. Our lives all bear a story unlike anyone else’s: as rich and individual as any divinity, as full of amazing wonders and surprises, disappointments and joys.” The divine feminine (goddess energy) is about celebrating nature and natural healing, and non-violence.
Men are also tuned into the “feminine” goddess energy and have the ability to nurture as lovers, brothers, fathers, and husbands. Male symbolism projects caring combined with virility, as well as spirituality.
Journal prompt: Find an “esoteric” non-traditional tarot deck and work with it. How do you see yourself as the protagonist (starting with The Fool card, the archetype of innocence) in the tarot journey?
2) Write about goddess energy. Do you relate to it? Why or why not? Which goddess do you feel represents you?
Art and images protected. Copyright © Kris Waldherr, all rights reserved
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PS: I’ve read all the arguments about capitalizing the word “tarot.” I’ve decided not to capitalize it from here on. Yes when citing a noun/specific deck, but no in general discussion. :0 Please don’t give up on me.
Treat Yourself to a Journaling Adventure 