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 :)
I’m so excited about this giveaway, and this is actually the first time I’ve seen your website. I shared everything on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. Hope I win this!
What has made me smile so far in 2016? I am taking the time each day to find moments to be really happy about. Sometimes we are so involved in work or the anthem of our daily routine that we forget to really acknowledge some of the fleeting moments that will make us smile. One of them is my dogs face and the way he plays with me at every opportune moment :)
Something that has made me smile in 2016 – joining Free Cakes for Kids and using something I am quite good at to help make birthdays special for children who really need making a fuss of. (Wow, terrible grammar.)
When my 15-year-old niece, Natalie, decided to choose a Word for 2016 (along with her mother and me). She’s a wonderful artist…and student…and her Word for this year: “effort.” That made me smile!
I was away at a talk late one night and I came home to a sweet note from my daughter telling me she loves me and misses me and asking if I “could please snuggle her after my work”. It was just what I needed after a long day.
Shared on facebook ?
Now I have to figure out how to do the rest!
Oh Susannah, what a great opportunity! The ideas and creativity of my two little ones make me smile every day.
I pinned it! Your post on how to use the tarot made me smile! :)
2016 & I’m smiling because every day I notice something beautiful and still that makes me feel hopeful. Screensaver is one yours– “My life is filled with magic.” thank you!
Something that made me smile this year: On Sunday, my 9 month old baby girl clapped for the first time. It’s something so small and simple, but brought up so much emotion for me. The look of wonder on her face was pure joy.
My puppy dog snuggling in on the couch with me, the morning after I returned from an overnight business trip. She put her head in my lap and seemed “claim” me back, and that made me smile.
The sunrise has made me smile this year. They have been so beautiful and remind me every day that it is a chance for a clean slate.
Pinned it!
I’m smiling because every day I notice something beautiful and still that makes me feel hopeful. Screensaver is one yours– “My life is filled with magic.” thank you!
I’m smiling because every day I notice something beautiful and still that makes me feel hopeful. Screensaver is one yours– “My life is filled with magic.” thank you!
What has made me smile in 2016. Watching my son’s show choir dress rehearsal for the second season. Love watching him find his “thing”.
I’ve Retweeted and Facebooked xx
And tweeted!
Oh and so far in 2016 I’ve smiled about my new contact lenses. Next step laser eye surgery! !
My word for this year is Balance – so not only did getting your Love Letter today make me smile, but what you wrote was what I needed too.
Hi! I have not written you in a long time. I did an art card swap with you many years ago. I read your post today and had to share my tarot card experience. I had a long time ago. I re-found my deck and was giving my friends readings. One friend had worked long hours at both a now defunct video store and Walmart. His reading wouldn’t work. Then I had another really weird experience. I lost my cards in the house. So I went to the local bookstore in the mall to buy another pack. I was looking for them on the shelf but not finding any at all. Out of nowhere a strange young guy with long dark hair and a British accent asked me what I was looking for. He scared the crap out of me. I told him tarot cards because I couldn’t find mine. He simply stated “Maybe they don’t want you to find them.” When I turned around, he was gone! I looked all over the store for him. He couldn’t have possibly left that fast! One of the weirdest experiences of my life.
Smiling in 2016: Sunshine on my face after days and days of of gray weather.
Pinned the image to my Pinterest Self care board.
Thanks, Krista
Posted on instagram!
Tweeted
The word I chose for this year is “pause” and I smile every time it pops into my head. Whether I’m doing or teaching yoga, reading, cooking, eating, spending time with friends or my cats, or even reading my tarot cards. :) That gentle reminder to slow down and take care of myself is powerful.
Hey Susannah! You know? Is very very difficult to pick only one thing that has already made me smile this 2016. A little bit as you said in your post “love takes so many forms…”. Of course, I have smiled at common and immediate things. Moreover, though, I believe that the most small nuances can make us smile if we look them with proper eyes. In fact, one of the things that have made me smile the most has been looking at myself with “a different pair of glasses”. Looking at one’s flaws with a caring smile is one of the healthies and most loving things we can do for ourselves. Cheers to the little things!
My family has already made me smile in 2016. It’s hard not to feel blessed with 3 healthy kiddos age 7 and age 2 (x2, twin toddlers, oh my!) … I’m opening up to more positive, amazing experiences this year, maybe a place in your class is one of those!
hi Susannah, the thing that made me laugh in 2016 is that I’ve found my word at the beginning of January… only yesterday I’ve tried to import the magnitude of this word in my life, this morning I’ve also finally chose my muse .. do you want to know one thing? my word for 2016 is LOVE, my muse is you, (I’ve also 2 other muse but for the creativity is definitively you :* ) and just now I’ve received your newsletter… this is amazing! the conspiracy of the Universe is so amazing…
I have two words for 2016; inspired and connected, so every day I try to think of things I can do in my day to feel inspired or connected (or both). On Monday (always such a gloomy day), I did something that made me feel both of those things AND made me smile – I tried a new dance class – 5 Rhythms – it was completely wacky; terrifying, intense, amazing, bonkers, uplifting… people were just letting themselves go to music, complete strangers, under the influence of life. One lady in particular was very animated, shaking her head around and dancing like a lady-possessed. She made me smile, a giggle that burst into a chuckle. And I felt connected, and inspired…
Tweeted!
And pinned…
Something that made me smile was spending a rainy Pacific Northwest day with a friend for her birthday. We had tarot readings (yay!), bought crystals and ate huge burritos. Big smiles.
and pinned!! :)
My new grand baby makes me smile! I have pinned this & posted it on Facebook. Love what you do! Thanks!!
Pinned on Pinterest
This is perhaps an odd thing to smile about, but it made me smile because of the back-and-forth expression of trust between strangers. I had a deep, awkward, painful conversation with one of my favorite baristas yesterday. We talked about the awful shit going on in both our lives, and even though we don’t even know each other’s last names we were so authentic and trusting with each other. I love it when people aren’t afraid to be wide open that way.
Something that has made me smile this year — rediscovering my love creating art. Allowing myself to approach it with curiosity instead of judgment so that I can just enjoy the process.
I smiled at a stunning crescent moon on my walk the other night.
The magic of new fallen snow, discovering hair frost in the woodland, biting into a piece of chestnut chocolate cake…
The Cheshire Cat moon night before last made me smile – and the thought that everyone on earth would see the same moon that I was looking at made me smile even bigger
It made me smile when, on Xmas day, my 9year old ‘step’ grandson suddenly asked if he could bring his best friend to visit us and when asked why, he answered simply ‘because he would love it here as much as I do’. I was so touched and knew then that we had made a sweet success of integrating this beautiful child into our chaotic and ramshackle family.
It would be amazing to be blessed enough to be a winner. Thank you Susannah.
Hi Susannah ! I just ‘pin’ the image with the link on pinterest !
Thank you for this generous and exquisite offering. My heart is bursting with joy imagining this sacred journey and being guided by new oracle wisdom. So much gratitude to and for you, Susannah. Love you. xo
I have shared this on FB.
So far, 2016 has been all about smiles! When I made a beautiful page on my website all by myself, when I joined a group of soul centered entrepreneurial women, when I repeat my daily affirmations, when my first ever Oracle Deck arrived from Australia (Connected and Free). 2016 is my year of expansion!
What an amazing giveaway! Wooo-hoo! Spending New Years Day on Mt. Washington in a snowy wonderland made me smile for hours.
Something that made me smile – actually laughed as well – the antics that Jeff on our local TVstation shares, with what he found on the internet each day. Some are just hilarious.
Hi Susannah! I’m so looking forward to your course :) This year is already looking to be one for the books and I couldn’t be more excited. One of the challenges I’ve set for myself in 2016 is actually to ‘smile upon waking’. Every morning instead of cursing at the sound of the alarm (comme habitude) I open my eyes, stretch out my arms, smile and say “It’s a beautiful day!” – even if it may not feel like it right upon waking ;) I’ve determined that if I start my day off with positive intentions I will be more inclined to continue on that path throughout the day (simple physics, really). So I’m at 14 morning smiles today :D
p.s. I’ve pinned, ‘grammed, ‘booked, and tweeted as per requested!
…And on Facebook !
Something that’s made me smile this year is getting a belated awesome thoughtful Christmas gift from a friend of a beautiful amethyst bracelet.
I’ve pinned it! xo (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/124412008433948271/)
Pinned it ?
2016 has been bountiful already – filled with deep friendship and love! My favorite moment so far was leading my usual Monday night yoga class and having one of my best friends surprise me by not only showing up, but bringing two of her close friends. I felt so filled with gratitude and humility throughout the practice!
!
Ooh, I’m enrolled on the photography course but I was so drawn to this too. And this fab competition has made me smile. As well as every time the word Alchemy crosses my path, as it is my word for 2016. :-)
When I looked out the window this morning it was snowing and everywhere looked beautiful. That and the look on my sons face when he saw the snow made me smile.
My little boys make me smile and laugh every day!
Pinned by pausingbliss !! :-)
Something that has made me smile is seeing my best friends face on skype after 5 months. She is in Australia and I live in Denmark. Just picking up where we left off was beautiful and the peace we give each other through all the ups and downs of life are priceless :)
I tweeted about your giveaway! (Fantastic by the way)
Posted on Instagram
Skyping with my family has already made me smile. Seeing so much of them over xmas made me so grateful for the tech that helps me miss them less the rest of the year; I love how I can play games with my nephew & watch my sister-in-law’s pregnant belly grow even though I live 200 miles away.
Beautiful! xx
I love Spirituality. I love reading my cards. I was so happy when there was a place for it in the Unravelling the year 2016. Your work inspires me to keep on growing. Thank you
https://twitter.com/Kaalyn90/status/687682439586557952
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005091229267&pnref=story
In 2016, I am absolutely smiling because on Jan. 2nd I was present for the birth of my godchild. Sweet little Michael has brought me such joy already and my love for his mother, my soul sister, was transformed by witnessing her incredible journey. This is such a generous giveaway! Thank you for the offering, I’ll share everywhere else now!
and posted on my Instagram @bauerspann
Something that has made me smile in 2016:
(thinking about how to narrow it down to a ‘something’ is making me smile right now!)
waking up on the first day of the new year (according to the calendar) with my best friend, the love of my life, in the same house, in the same city, and knowing that this is what life is for me, for now.
opening my eyes each morning to see the sign on my wall “I plan on living forever – so far, so good”
my four-legged family of three cats.
So far the thing that makes me smile most in 2016 is a roaring fire in my fireplace. Thanks for the chance Susan!
Something that has made me smile so far this year? My kids finding renewed interest in cross country skiing!
I’ve shared the post on FB, Twitter, Instagram and pinned on Pinterest :)
And tweeted – twice. : )
I also posted it on instagram :)
Shared on Instagram and Facebook, sister. Blessings as you share this grace in the world.
I’ve tweeted! (@laurenburkitt)
Instagram, Pinterest, & Facebook…Check!
My word for 2016 is Journey. One of the reasons for that word is that I’m moving into a new home tomorrow – and I want to focus on enjoying all the pieces and parts of the journey along the way to that new home! The process has been a bit crazy, as I think it is for everyone but yesterday there was a HUGE road block thrown in my way through no fault of my own. I’m moving into a new community and the road block required some assistance from some folks in that community. These folks turned to me – currently a total stranger – and were so incredibly warm and welcoming and wonderfully helpful. That made me smile so much – and help me affirm that I’ve made the right choice.
Something that has made me smile in 2016 – is listening to my 4-year-old process new information. His questions. His face as he ponders. This has made me smile so many times this year already. 4 is a great age, and I want to be present for it.
Shared on Pinterest as well!
I met my first doula baby of 2016 this past weekend. Birth always makes me smile.
Instagrammed @thepapergoddess
I’ve shared on Facebook!
I lost my mother when I was very young. When a friend of mine was sharing how her mother made her cookies for Christmas, I made a simple comment about how I wish I could experience such a thing. Yesterday, I received a box of cookies that her mother made for me. That touched my heart, and it made me smile.
I tweeted, shared on Instagram, Facebook shared, and I pinned on Pinterest.
My word for 2016 is Vibrancy! It was so fun to start your unraveling workbook and choose a word to help guide me in the coming months. Something that made me smile already this year is my weekly family dinner night with my close friends. It’s a great chance for me to reconnect with loved ones and at the same time with myself.
What made me smile? The letter I received from a high school friend. In it she revealed that she has been fighting breast cancer for the past nine months and wanted to thank me for being so open about my own cancer journey. She said my posts inspired her to stay positive and were a comfort to her. I cannot tell you how much her letter meant to me, to know that sharing my own journey had aided her this way.
I have posted on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and twitter! So happy to pass along the news of your new course! xx
and tweeted from @bauerspann as well. Hope the odds are in my favor! :)
Something that made me smile in 2016: Looking straight up into the falling snow on Tuesday evening, feeling the snow on my face, feeling my heart beating.
I’ve decided to go back to school and will be attacking the books and classes this winter. I’m smiling, because the timing is right and I can see a goal and have the insight to follow through.
Pinned on Pinterest! I love that I have two of the decks! I have The Wild Unknown…lol, it’s the coolest deck to come out in a long time. But, I was thrilled to see you have Shadowscapes! I bought it last year and love how ethereal it feels. I am taking your Inside Story e-course and love it. I want to go back and watch it again. It’s really great, Susannah. Really, truly, love everything you do. Thanks for the chance to win a deck and a spot in the course!
my partner has the nicest smile and it always makes me smile in return
plus, shared all the ways
I am getting over some post-surgical complications that happened a few months ago. Coming out of being very ill, I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support I received from family, friends and co-workers. I have come into 2016 with “gratitude” being my word and focus. What really makes me smile is thinking about my love and gratitude for all the wonderfulness that exists in my life. I also smile when I express my gratitude to others and see how much my gratitude lifts them up :)
I’m too add for all these instructions! Cindi, just send me the damn cards!!
I smiled when I saw your post that the Aquarian deck was your first. It was my first, too! I still have it; it is now three and half decades old!
My word for the year is “connect”–I had lunch with a colleague today whom I always enjoy talking with, but had never reached out and invited her to do something. So much fun!
Susannah, something that has made me smile is spending my day with my family. My father and siblings came to visit after not seeing them in two years. Yes, it was sad to say goodbye again, but I’m sooo grateful for having them here.
I LOVE this! I want, want, want (as in am dying for!) The Wild Unknown. I am on the fence about purchasing it….. Budget and all that! I also don’t know enough about Tarot to justify it. I bought my first (and only!) deck when I was 22 and just starting to identify with a more mystical influence in my Christianity. 10 years later (ahhhh!) I’m still living the life! Thanks for offering this!
My 19 year old cat remembering me after moved back to the US from Scotland is one of the best things ever!
I’ve pinned this post.
I shared on Pinterest!
Something that made me smile… watching my cats zoom all over the house because its too cold for them to go outside and romp. Birds visiting the birdfeeder and the woodpecker that hangs upside down because he doesn’t fit on the feeder bar. Walking out of work last night to find the moon hanging in front of me, a beautiful white slice in a dark blue velvet sky. Yummy hot chocolate as a special treat.
Pinned!
Made me smile……..definitely time spent with my soul sister (or adopted sister as I call her). We are not related but there’s a deep connection that we’ve found. Friends like that are the ones worth keeping.
I’m so curious about the oracle card course! Thank you so much for the opportunity to win a spot ( and maybe even a deck!). I just moved over the ocean from the US to Germany right after New Year’s, and what made me smile was the first thing that arrived in my mailbox in our new (and still empty) apartment: a late birthday package for me from a good friend of mine. That greeting from a friend in our still unfamiliar surroundings felt so good!