I bought my first deck of tarot cards in my late teens. The mists of time have blurred the facts but I do know it was the Aquarian Tarot because I still have it in my possession. My star sign is Aquarius and that seemed a good enough reason to claim the deck as mine; even back then I didn’t feel an affinity to the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith deck but there weren’t as many decks to choose from as there are today. Next came the Tarot of a Moon Garden, which was first published in 1993, providing more clues for my tarot timeline. That deck has since been lost so on a whim I bought another copy last week. Leafing through the cards I’m immediately transported back to that 20-year-old art student sitting on my bedroom floor trying to Figure It All Out. It’s like slipping into that younger skin, remembering her confusions and questions, and the pain of my first big relationship ending.
More than twenty years later my passion for divination cards has only grown stronger. They are creative and illuminating companions to my journaling and a constant friend in harder times. Funnily enough, it’s never once occurred to me to do readings for others. My relationship with the cards is extremely personal but while some of my decks are very precious to me, I don’t believe the cards themselves have inherent magical powers — they are simply pieces of cardboard after all — but my decks are special like my old journals are special: familiar, worn and loved. I treasure them like I treasure my books — and buy as many, too :)
As you can probably tell, I’m not big with the crystal balls and fortune telling. For example, I wouldn’t use the cards to make a decision, I’d use them to help me uncover how I FEEL about a decision. For me it’s less about “what’s going to happen?” and more “what am I really feeling? What do I need right now?” The cards are like mirrors reflecting me back to myself, an inspiring collection of clues and prompts that help me connect to the wisdom inside and around me.
I’ve wanted to create a course that explores using the cards for our own creative and personal growth for some time so I’m thrilled to announce the arrival of the Daily Guidance class! Eventually I’ll have my own deck of cards you’ll be able to use with the lessons (can you imagine?) but for now we’ll make do with the extraordinary array of decks that are currently available… Prepare to get addicted, my friends.
There’s an old wives tale floating around that your first tarot deck should be gifted to you, which I think is hilarious, because a) you’ll probably be waiting for a long time and b) it’s much more meaningful to take the time to find a deck that really sings to your soul. I’ll be sharing lots of my favourite in the class — I’m a huge fan of independently produced decks — as well as breaking down the different types of cards and styles of art to help you find decks you’re excited to get to know.
For now, here are some recommendations for a potential first (or fifth!) deck:
TAROT
The Universal Waite — this modern version of the traditional Rider Waite Smith deck is easier on the eye, with softer colouring and lots more detail. As the majority of tarot books refer to this system it’s worth investing in a RWS deck (or clone, like the Anna K and Dreaming Way decks below) so you learn the basics — it will stand you in good stead.
The Anna K Tarot — this sweet deck gives super clear readings, by which I mean it’s easy to understand what the cards are saying! I love the whimsical figures and friendly vibe and found I could read with this deck straight out of the box. Great for beginners. (artist’s website)
Dreaming Way Tarot — modern and yet oddly nostalgic, this is another RWS clone that breathes life into the cards. I find the art exquisite and since cutting off the borders (I’ll talk about making your decks your own in class!) it’s fast becoming a favourite.
Dame Darcy Mermaid Tarot — never in a million years did I think I’d love this deck as much as I do. Quirky, unkempt, fun and utterly charming, this self-published deck gives the traditional RWS imagery a nautical-themed new spin. I simply adore it.
The Wild Unknown Tarot (above) — this is the deck I pull out most frequently and always find new ways to appreciate its simple beauty. Possibly not the best choice for your first deck as some of the cards might leave you scratching your head; on the other hand, if the art speaks loudly to you it will find its way into your heart. There’s a reason why it’s so popular! (UK stockist)
Shadowscapes Tarot — Stephanie Pui-Mun Law’s ethereal paintings take you into a new land, one filled with magical beings that have their own stories to tell. Gentle and intuition-enhancing, this deck loosely follow the RWS system and dreams up new fantastical ways to envision the cards. (artist’s website)
ORACLE CARDS
Mother Mary Oracle — this is such a nurturing deck of cards, it’s my favourite Alana Fairchild deck (and I have them all). Her words are as beautiful as the paintings on the cards themselves and I love to draw a single card when I’m looking for a word-hug.
Magdalene Oracle — this is a deeply feminine sultry oracle that always inspires me to dig deeper into my desires. You’ll often find one of these cards on my altar.
The Goddess Oracle — this beautiful deck showcases goddesses from cultures around the world. It’s supportive and illuminating with a sizeable guidebook filled with mythological meanings, interpretations, poems and rituals.
Earthbound Oracle — a new favourite that I like to read with alongside a tarot spread. So simple and clear, I love how they eloquently add another layer of insight to any cards I’ve pulled.
Vintage Wisdom Oracle — there’s a quietness to this deck I find very soothing. The artwork is gorgeous (how a deck looks is as important as how it reads to me) — I love this one especially. Definitely one to add to your collection.
Soul Cards — this deck doesn’t have any words or even interpretations in the booklet. Instead, you meditate on the image to find your own meaning. Excellent journaling material and deeply intuitive, I’ve had some profound readings with this deck.
The giveaway
To celebrate the launch of the new class I have six decks up for grabs — The Wild Unknown Tarot, The Shadowscapes Tarot, The Dame Darcy Mermaid Tarot, The Mother Mary Oracle, The Magdalene Oracle and a set of Soulcards.
There will be 12 winners in total — 6 peeps get a deck of cards and a place in class PLUS! another six peeps will also get a place in class.
** If you win and you’ve already enrolled in class I will send you a refund! **
I’m happy to mail the decks anywhere in the world, so this giveaway is open to all.
How to play
You can enter up to five times in the following ways:
1. Leave a comment on this post sharing something that has already made you smile in 2016
2. Pinterest: Pin the first image below with a link to this post (then leave a comment saying you’ve pinned it)
3. Instagram: Share the second image below including a link to my IG profile @SusannahConway and the hashtag #dailyguidancecourse (then leave a comment saying you’ve shared the pic)
4. Facebook: Share this post on Facebook (then leave a comment saying you’ve Facebooked it)
5. Twitter or Google+: Tweet/share this post with your peeps (then leave a comment saying you’ve tweeted/shared the post)
Comments will close on Friday January 22nd at 11pm GMT comments are now closed and I’ll contact the 12 winners on Saturday 23rd (please make sure you type your email address carefully when leaving a comment)
Good luck and thanks for helping me spread the word about Daily Guidance! xo
* UPDATE: All the winners have now been notified :)
TO SHARE ON PINTEREST:
TO SHARE ON INSTAGRAM:
TO SHARE WHEREVER YOU LIKE :)
Hi Susannah!
What has already made me smile in 2016?
Doing yoga makes me smile; your beautiful pictures make me smile…
My 3 year old grand daughter, who already has an affinity for books. Sometimes, it’s either smile or walk away, but loving life.
My daughter turned one this week and seeing her smile on every challenge she masters makes me smile.
Pinned
Hi Susanna,
What has already made me smile? I have very funny friends. Every time we get together I laugh and laugh. So good for the soul <3
Pinned <3
Posted on Instagram :)
Posted on Twitter :)
Watching my newly adopted dog running around our backyard playing with a walnut, tossing it into the air, all by herself, made me smile. She was rescued from a remote reserve up north, and was living outside in the woods.
Shared on Facebook <3
Really looking forward to the course!
Something that made me smile: good conversations with good friends. :)
I tweeted it!
My newborn baby niece has made me smile many times!
Working with my personal trainer at the gym has made me smile and sweat big time.
Something that made me smile in 2016: I have twin boys, and one of them is an old soul. Wise beyond his years. Every time I have to meet with his teachers (typical conferences, never bad stuff), they proceed to tell me different stories he’s told them, funny things he’s said and how much they adore him and his sweet, caring and funny nature. Just this week I had another one of those meetings. And, I’ve been planning to gift a deck to my best friend since birth, so if I win, she will get her very first deck specially gifted to her.
2016 has already been *amazing* for me as I’ve finally determined (after years of confusion and anxiety) what to do when I have an “empty nest” as my homeschool mothering days come to an end this year. I will create a line of beautiful hand towels, market bags and mini-quilts as a cottage industry from my home to sell both locally and online (I have my domain name, yay, sweetwaterfiberart.com). I’ve just found you from Leonie Dawson’s Shining Life/Biz Facebook group and I love your style (both artistic and literary) and see that I have much that I can learn from you as I begin to live my life for my Self! I’ve always been captivated by Tarot cards and am eager to discover what’s behind the Mystery! Will be posting the images you provided as suggested to enter your contest because I’d love to receive my first deck as a gift and I’d like to learn how to use them from YOU! The Wild Unknown ones are especially appealing to me. Thank you for reaching out, Susannah!
Once again in awe of you
I’d like to learn something new-
I tweeted and I instagrammed
in hopes I’ll hold cards in my hand-
I laced my skates and hit the ice
it made me smile, peaceful, nice ??
Heart Emoji appaently equals ?? Oops!
Amazing looking course! Inspired by your courses this year the thing to make me smile has been my first ever vision board for 2016 xx
Today is my due date with our first child. The idea of meeting our daughter makes me smile.
Something that made me smile in 2016 is the rain we’ve been having here in California…we’ve been in a several year drought…I had almost forgotten how sweet the air smells after it rains, how clean and refreshed everything becomes, and how the hills look with green shoots of grass peeking out. Big smiles!
So far this year, my son’s sense of humor made me smile the biggest.
fun! I hosted my first goddess circle and when I pulled out my pack of goddess cards for women to explore the energy in the room shifted. The excitement and joy was palpable. That definitely made me smile! Blessings to you.
This has been a tough year emotionally (yes, already) and I am trying to figure out how to get through the darkness. Then last night walking to the train from work I noticed that it wasn’t completely dark, the sun had not fully set. It totally made me smile. :)
Pinned!
Susannah: My tarot journey and connections to you have made me smile for a long time. You recommended my first and favorite deck. You connected me to Helen Jacobs, The Little Sage, and to Barbara Moore. But, my biggest smile came in 2016, when I saw that you visited Providence, RI, my hometown.
Hi Susannah!
My closest friends made me smile. We met for a dinner and we laughed a lot!
The winter sun here today made me smile. I love winter sun, so much better than rain! xx
My 5 month old son makes me smile more than I ever have before in my life, every single day. But seeing him sit for the first time and trying (and loving!) his first taste of solid food have brought out my biggest smiles so far this year.
Pinned!
My 5 month old son makes me smile more than I ever have before, every single day! But seeing him sit up by himself for the first time, and trying (and loving!) his first taste of solid food, have brought out my biggest smiles so far this year.
(sorry if this is a double post, my first disappeared)
seeing the look of love on my boyfriend’s face each time he sees me makes me smile
Mmmm….. watching a hawk yesterday made me smile.
And I posted on Pinterest. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/196680708705430964/
Posted on twitter!
I returned home to my beloved New Zealand after a 3 week trip (with some hard emotional stuff to work through) and it made me smile to know I was returning to a place I finally feel is HOME as it hasn’t always been that way; I finally belong!
Thanks Susannah – have shared on Facebook too X
Pinned!!
And smiling as I look forward to this new course in February!
What a fantastic giveaway! The thing that made me smile massively today in fact, is that yesterday I was feeling a bit low and asked the universe to send me flowers, and today a friend gave me a glorious bunch of daffodils. Didn’t realise my manifesting skills were that good! They are beside me as I type and the colour and scent and the surprise gift-ness makes me so happy. :)
And Pinned! :)
My husband bringing me a treat and hot soup when I was sick. His little actions make me love him more.
Ohhh how cool!! Thanks Susannah, I’m in to WIN! Deciding that this is the year I leap over the obstacles I’ve created in my life and invite in magic + miracles, is making me smile.
I want to fly. I want to play. I want to live life my way.
Fantastic giveaway, Susannah – very generous :)
Listening to ‘Heroes’ after hearing about Bowie made me smile yesterday. A bitter-sweet smile, but still a smile.
Pinned this post! :)
Shared on Twitter.
That Wild unknown deck has been on my wishlist forever… :)
We went to the beach yesterday. And eventhough it was freezing cold and we almost blew out of our coats; our little Abby ( our 4 year old miniature bulleterrier) bouced around as if she was having the best time ever.
Seeing her happiness made me smile =)
Seeing how the sunrise casts beautiful colors on the snow in my backyard has made me smile.
Thank you for the lovely giveaway.
It makes me smile to know how similar we are. I love that I found you.
Oh how beautiful!
What has made me smile in 2016: my kids imitating cartoon dialogues and my cat, who is as cuddly as she is moody and grumpy lol
Tweeted this too!
Oh I’ve shared the image on my divine feminine board on pinterest, here: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/197665871123784902/
Pinned it =)
facebooked it as well =)
Something that’s made me smile — starting off the year with a lot of quiet time to myself. Such a relief after a super busy holiday season! I welcome any time I’m able to draw within and shift into hermit mode.
Pinned
My cats always make me smile. My oldest will be 15 this year and I’m so grateful she’s still with me.
Shared this on Instagram!
The possibilities ahead this year.
So many things have made me smile already in 2016 – how to choose just one? Okay – birthday dinner with my son and his wife – lots of silliness, good food and laughter.
Hearing the news today that a family members cancer treatment has been successful, made me smile! Pinned and shared on facebook and instagram.
2016.. there have been quite a few smiling moments already and its only day 14!
The 1st one that came to mind was the simple smile.. watching my two boys Mr13 and Mr2 enjoy the new bouncy (trampoline) that Mr 2 received for his birthday yesturday. It could also be the smile that came while putting the bouncy together and Mr 13 was busy laughing at my “will you please just bloody well just get in there” face !! Hahaha
Watching my kids becoming adults is amazing but watching them still play and be silly still makes me smile.
Shared on Twitter
Shared on Facebook :-)
I went to see a dear friend that I hadn’t seen in a decade. Too long. It was as if no time had passed between us. Made me smile
All of my kids in the same house :)
Shared on twitter!
Shared on Pinterest
My memory-impaired father makes me smile. He’s coming into this quirky sense of humor as his memory fails. Odd but fun!
On Boxing Day we had terrible floods at the shop where I work in Hebden Bridge, but the amazing souls who came to our aid and supported us in helping us to reopen made me smile! There are so many awesome people out there. :)
Weeee! I’ve just posted images and links to Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter!
Shared on Pinterest
Shared this on Instagram ^^ I began learning how to read tarot cards last Sunday (Jan10) and have read 9 people so far. It has been such a humbling experience and has put a smile on my face unlike any other. Thank you for sharing your positive vibes with us :)
Shared on Twitter
Susannah, this was really meaningful for me:
“As you can probably tell, I’m not big with the crystal balls and fortune telling. For example, I wouldn’t use the cards to make a decision, I’d use them to help me uncover how I FEEL about a decision. For me it’s less about “what’s going to happen?” and more “what am I really feeling? What do I need right now?” The cards are like mirrors reflecting me back to myself, an inspiring collection of clues and prompts that help me connect to the wisdom inside and around me.”
I have loved angel and oracle cards for decades, but I couldn’t really embrace tarot. THAT is amazing, the idea that you can use tarot that way. I am now open where I wasn’t before, which is pretty damned cool. Thank you. I consider myself a “superfeeler,” so girl, you used THE word, in all caps, no less, that was going to really speak to me (“FEEL”).
Thanks for your authenticity. You make me smile.
In 2016, so much has made me smile. Right now, my sleeping cat is making me smile. He’s so freaking cute!
Love to you,
Alice
Pinned to Pinterest! Thanks for the inspiration to start an oracle board. :)
Facebooked!
What an exciting announcement…..love using cards, and cannot wait for the class! Shared on G+ and FB.
What a wonderful giveaway! What has made me smile in 2016? Small things: hugging my husband, playing with my fur babies, fresh flowers, a new delicious green roiboos Chai tea, the vanilla scent of my moisturiser, a thin sliver of moon in a starry sky, a pantone pink & serenity dawn…and more…
P.S. I tweeted about the course/giveaway.
Recommitting to my yoga practice has made me smile this year, and I can not wait for your course! I think it took me about three seconds to sign up after seeing your email in my inbox.
I am completely new to tarot and oracle decks and just browsing has me smiling and greatly anticipating your course! ?
Shared on Instagram
Shared on FB, too!
Something that has made me smile: Falling deeper in trust with myself <3 And my dogs. :)
Also, tweeted: https://twitter.com/AbbieMood/status/687674748923322369
My 2 year old makes me smile on a regular basis. Right noe he is really into singing — he’s a big fan of both the Avett Brothers and Hozier, and sings (as best as he can mimic the sounds of those lyrics) so earnestly…. melts my heart!
Shared on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/251849804140047823/
Going on a bookstore tour this week in search of companions for my days of vacation made me smile. Enjoyed wondering oruund all those books and letting the right ones find me !
I entered 2016 already smiling thanks to december reflactions! Love from Argentina!
And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/BAhr5GDN_lM
And on Facebook: facebook.com/alayamorning
(Can you tell I’d like to win? )
Thank you for this giveaway!
Susannah, I’m sure that you’ll cover this (and so much more!) in the class, but would you suggest ordering the guidebook along with the Wild Unknown deck? I’m interested in purchasing that deck and I’d love to have it here by the time class begins. Thank you! <3
What has made me smile? Face time with family on a regular basis. Being able to see the great nephews act silly is my favourite.
Pinned!
Pinned! And my comment – something that has already made me smile in 2016… on a really cold morning here in Maine, on my way into work, I was walking behind a man walking his dog, and his dog was wearing little booties and looked like the happiest dog in the world. :)
My kids have made me smile.
My daughter both starting her moon cycle and asking for her first deck made me smile this week. :)
Pinned!
I would love a place in this class and a physical deck! thanks for the chance.
I enrolled at University and started classes this week! That definitely made me smile. I’m very excited to continue my learning and development in a subject I love! And thank you for such an amazing giveaway!! <3
My students made me smile today by telling me jokes. Really weird jokes. :-)
Oh, I’d love to have a place at your course! (And perhaps the mermaid tarot? ;-))
Pinned! <3
What has made me smile so far this year is patience with myself and others. Everyone is always in such a mad rush that they are relieved when you say: it’s ok, take your time. I had this happen recently at my fave Chinese takeaway when they were behind on orders. It’s the only time I’ve ever seen the woman who works there smile.
Instagrammed and hashtagged#