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 :)
Getting the design back for my upcoming book Get Through Your Divorce Without Losing Your Shit made me smile through this whole month, so far. ?
Yesterday driving home, crested a hill and laid out in front of me are the softly rolling hills of this bit of rural shropshire, and just in front of me was the darkest grey sky, so dark it seemed like twilight despite being early afternoon and cutting across the edge of it was the most magical rainbow, seeming all the brighter for the greyness of the sky it was glorious and seemed to be singing to me :) put a huge smile on my face and made me feel a teensy bit blessed for having seen it.
I would love a space in this class and a deck of cards another bonus. What a great opportunity!!! I love cards and have collected a few decks over the last year. However, I could definitely use a bit more guidance about using them.
Something that made me smile in 2016… my 2 year old hugging my very pregnant belly and saying “I love you, baby”. <3
Shared on Instagram!
For me, I smile each day at my high school students. Really, I laugh at them, but it’s ok, because they laugh at me. I enjoy my time with them. My daughter makes me laugh. Seeing the wind blow leaves in a dance makes me smile. Checking things off in my planner makes me smile. Just generally, I love life!
Pinned :)
Something that made me smile this year was a song I heard on my drive to work after our first snow storm. The lyrics included, “take it easy, slow down, don’t worry.” Since the music had a reggae beat made it even better, and my day got off to a great start in spite of the weather.
Shared on Instagram
My username is @the.wildrose.witch
Smile for 2016: seeing the amazingly beautiful, brave and inspiring vision boards my lovely workshop group made last Saturday – including mine :) . Smiley and inspiring!!
Shared on FB! :)
Something that made me smile was meeting my Spirit Animal! It was and is awesome!
Face booked and tweeted :)
Shared on Facebook too!
Pinned to Pintrest!
Love the idea of creative cards!
Hi Susannah,
Thanks for the great giveaway and also useful info on decks.
What has made me smile in 2016: waking up to see my little cat looking soooo much better after being sick and poorly the day before… #thebestfeeling :)
I’ve also shared and tagged you on instagram (username j1234smith)
Hugs
Jen x
I got caught in the rain. It was so wet the rain came through my hat and ran down by fringe. I had to laugh! It was a horrible grey day but there was still something to smile at.
Tweeted!
I pinned it
What does make me smile? Doing this becasue it”s kind dancing with the universe freely withoout fear. my word this year is BRAVE aH aH
Baby hugs make everything better!
So far this year I’ve made myself smile a lot! I’ve pushed myself to create more, do more and work more, and I’m so proud of myself! After taking a year to mentally heal, I really need a year to actually do things!
I shared on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Google+!
Already in 2016 I have made myself smile many times because I am proud of myself for actively living my 2016 word (HEAL). Starting with my body. So much green going in and what a difference in my mood already!
I smiled when I saw the card you pulled for the email “love letter” today, my first one – Balance is my word for 2016! :) and it is popping up everywhere I look.
Other things that have made me smile, in no particular order … my 5 yr old daughter’s comments every day, the smell of a fav perfume I forgot I had, planning lunch with a friend and thoughts of the future. 2016 is going to be a great year.
My kids and husband continue to make me smile everyday! The rainbow that arrived over the weekend in January also made me smile.
mimicking a crazy astrology reader’s laughter with my friend who is also an astrology reader like myself.
Kathy Crabbe
http://KathyCrabbe.com
Soul Reader & Artist
Image has been Facebooked (is that a verb?) I was thrilled to tag my dear friend who gave me my Wild Unknown tarot deck. I do hope she’ll dive into this class with me!
I don’t see a pin button on the first image so how do I pin it?
I just broke up with my boyfriend, at the begging I felt like going into a depression state but then I started meditating, using my crystals, doing art and stuff I knew I love but I just never did because “didn’t have time”.
Now, I start 2016 with a smile and a new me. A new me that makes me feel way more proud and happy with myself in every breath I take.
This situation took me to know more about myself. I bought my first tarot and I already feel like loving it, I became way more artistic and thankful with everything.
I don’t have one reason, but all of them, to smile :)
What has made me smile in 2016? My fiancee dancing around like a mad thing in the red-and-grey-striped union suit pajamas I gave him tops the list. Nothing like a man in all in one pajamas to make me laugh. Especially as he actually wears them to sleep in!
Today I woke up and smiled when I saw some snow on the ground and made a warm cup of coffee to start my day. Peace!
My smile for 2016 is that I am finally standing in the middle of this hot mess called Miriam and loving her quirkiness, her passion, her deep wells of love for those that are in her tribe.
I shared this on Facebook too…have friends that would love to win too.
Oh My! I am smiling ear to ear. I signed up for the course yesterday and was searching your site for some decks you recommend so I can at least have one starter deck when the class starts…and then this goodness in my inbox this morning! Thank you, Susannah!
:)
shared on Instagram!
@karenlovedme
my word of the year has already made me smile. THE ARRIVAL. (actually two words.)
Things that have made me smile this year…
The rainforest like view that I get to look out from my office with 10-15 little chickadees at a time clinging to the bird feeder outside.
A dinner I made of Porkchops and spiced apples, first time I’ve had pork chops since I lived at my parents house!
Good conversation and exciting brainstorming with a good friend over the phone.
Coffee and coconut milk.
A sweet client who brought back a children’s book for my kiddos from her Hawaii trip.
My new warm fuzzy blanket and a book <3
Hi Susannah,
What a lovely and generous giveaway. My daughters always make me smile. Today I found an old notebook in which one of my daughter’s had written some poetry – she was about 8 at the time – it was lovely to read and I couldn’t help smiling at her confident style (she’s 21 now and still confident).
Janet x
Such a sweet offering! A few things that have already made me smile in 2016
1. I have surprised myself with my own productivity and accomplishments.
2. So many twinkly lights and trees and flowers and model trains at Longwood Gardens.
3. Morning rainbows. I capture little spots of rainbows in my house every morning–they shine through my front door–and they have been in spectacular form on the sunnier, clearer January mornings.
4. Your lovely newsletter in my email.
Your images have Pinned, Tweeted, Facebooked and Instagramed…Love the decks
Shared on Facebook!
i tweeted about the giveaway! :)
Twinkly lights, candles, rays of sunshine and white flowers have made me smile already this year. And a kick ass Tarot reading I did for myself as part of my 2016 goals :)
my word is MOVE – as in move my home? – as in move my body – to name a few. I start my first kickboxing class tonight – I am SO excited to MOVE!
Shared on facebook!
The sound and feel of the snow last night as it fell and landed on my upturned face…magical.
Shared on Facebook, Instagram, and Google+!
Spending New Years Eve out with friends celebrating the beginning of a new adventure – that made me smile – because most of the time I’m asleep on the couch before the ball drops!! This time, I was excited to have fun plans with friends in a new city!
My word for the year is BOYFRIEND. It brought a smile to my face especially on 01/10/16 when I met the man of my dreams. Wow!
Ooooh after all I said…this is just too exciting not to enter! The thing that made me most smile (and tears of joy) in 2016 was my Dad blowing out the candles on his 87th birthday on Jan 10th and then cutting it up very haphazardly (well, more like hacked!). We never thought we’d have this birthday with him, he’s defied all odds after his stroke so it was a massive blessing. Every extra moment is!
My word this year is ‘Sparkle’ and already I am seeing this manifest around me…starting with an amazing pair of sparkly shoes that jumped out at me the other day by ‘chance’…they make me smile every time I look down:)
I pinned it! My Instagram username is tovels :-)
it never ceases to amaze me how my barrio in madrid city centre is more village-y than the village I come from ever was: chats in the street, a milk-and-egg shop across the road with an “account” to be paid off whenever, the hairdresser’s, a million bars and restaurants, the guys at the butcher’s who are always more than willing to take spare cakes off my hands…the list is endless. It is a little lovely kind community that reminds me that human kindness is not dead. huge smiles every day. Happy New Year!!
Filling out my graduation application after first embarking 10 years ago on the journey through grad school = huge smile!!! Oh, and my girls make me smile every day : )
What has made me smile this year?
A very special 8 year old girl… you see, she and I have a very similar story. We both lost our mothers at around the same age. She lost hers only a year ago, and I, 25 years ago. I met her father, interestingly enough, at a widow conference… because yes, I am widowed too. Fast forward about 8 months, and I moved from Texas to Ohio to take a chance not only to love this new wonderful man, but also to love his daughter. My own dad never remarried, and I want his daughter to grow up knowing what it means to keep on loving. Every single day, she gives my pains a new purpose. She is filled with joy, she loves me beyond words, with such an open heart. She is my joy, and my biggest, deepest smile.
I also shared this on my Instagram and on Pinterest!
One thing that made me smile so far this year is how thoughtful my partner has been since I started working longer hours.
Shared on Facebook xx
I shared on Facebook.
Already made me smile?: my one week of doing “dollar drops”…I write affirming messages on a dollar bill (on a post-it) and drop / leave the dollar somewhere. It made a HUGE difference in my prosperity energy! OMG!! We must give to receive and be so open and grateful …. it has been a great 2016 so far!! xoxo
I pinned on Pinterest, tweeted, retweeted, and posted on Instagram.
The intricate workings of life and the universe amaze me and make me smile…
Just last night I was using a workbook to set course for this year’s goals and one of the activities was to use tarot or other oracle cards for each month of the coming year. I hadn’t used my tarot cards in almost a year and it was fun activity and each gorgeous card revealing unexpected insights. Perhaps more interestingly, I had drawn three of the same cards from last year’s reading and even had the same card for the same month in both years. This led me to think about tarot cards and look at other decks after the reading last night.
Then, I open my inbox today to find Susannah’s post on tarot cards, her course and giveaway.
THAT has made me smile in 2016. (And if that is the kind of magical synchronicity 2016 holds, I’m ready for all of it.)
Facebook’d :)
Shared on Facebook. Thank you so much for your generous offering?
Although we’ve had a mild winter, when it finally did snow, like a child, my double doodle romped and played and rolled in the snow… Made me laugh and smile although he’s good at that
2016 made me smile many ways already thanks to the find your word email course. I totally loved it and my word is ENJOY. From that moment whatever I do is made with a huge smile I totally love it ! Thank you for this generous giveaway !!
This post made me smile! ? As does the wagging tail of my foster pup. Thank you for the chance to win! The class sounds amazing.
Pinned ! on pinterest
Shared on Instagram ?
Thank you. Im Pinning and sharing on my Media Pixel Facebook Page, and on Twitter @media_pixels. The Daily Guidance Course sounds amazing! Many thanks for your work, words and inspirations!
Just finishing Unraveling the Year Ahead 2016 and smiling at the possibilities ahead. Thanks so much Susannah.
My 15 month old son makes me smile everyday!!
My word for the year is confidence, something I really need help with. It’s hard for me to stay on any one task, as I always think, “Maybe I’d be better at this…”. But everyday, I get help from an unusual source: My little calico cat! Each day she tells when it’s to get up, time to go out to my studio, time for tea, time to come back in the house, and when it’s time to go to bed (where she snuggles up to me and purrs to me until I am sleeping soundly).
She makes me smile everyday, bless her little heart.
Tweeted !
Shared in Pinterest…my favourite social media platform.
Reading everyone’s entry in what has already made them smile in 2016 made me smile while I finally heed my body’s advice to rest. <3. Thanks for the love you bring to this online community, susannah!
At the moment, when Life is throwing me huge challenges, the little things make me smile! The beauty of nature and the innocence of children x
Can’t wait to learn more about the cards…this is something I’ve wanted to do for a while, how timely:))
When I asked the Universe to show me where to go/what to do next, my next thing to capture my attention was an email for a job position that was perfect for my skill set and desires. I smile at how well things lined up so quickly and easily.
Share on Facebook with joy !!!
Today my 17-year-old son, who lives in London with his dad, called me because he wanted a recipe for a pasta dish that I make. That’s never happened before and it made my heart smile ?
Shared on Instagram: @dallindoll
My word for 2016 is Embrace, a reminder to make every single day special with those I love. Things that make me smile have been my daily walk, usually with my partner, another round of simplifying, and painting my first picture.
I love learning about all the different decks from you!
Hello lovely. A moment that has already made me smile in 2016: one of my EAL at school loving the language of The Gruffalo so much that she kept repeating purple prickles and knobbly knees over and over, giggling in the process at the deliciousness of her words. I have pinned on Pinterest, reposted on Instagram, posted on Facebook and Twitter. Sending an auntie hug?
Pinned pic to pinterest.
Hello lovely. A moment that has already made me smile in 2016: one of my EAL children at school loving the language of The Gruffalo so much that she kept repeating purple prickles and knobbly knees over and over, giggling in the process at the deliciousness of her words. I have pinned on Pinterest, reposted on Instagram, posted on Facebook and Twitter. Sending an auntie hug?
Something that made me smile so far was walking into my cafe and being flooded with the knowing that we are all one. Whoosh! It was so beautiful.
Thank you for the chance to win! Entered on IG & Pinterest – I’m at @rae_ritchie_ on both.
Pinned it :)
My friend recommended the book “Women Who Run with Wolves” and it is making me smile, as so much of it resonates with how I approach life
Something that has made me smile in 2016 – the joy on my daughter’s face when she received her acceptance letter to university this week. Where does the time go? :-)
the sight of my dog havana who is preparing to leave her body soon. she is my animal spirit guide, my demon.
Something that made me smile: I’ve been sending out my novels to agents and it has been one rejection after another. Last night a very important agent in NYC responded (she requested the whole manuscript) with a long, heartfelt email praising the book and lamenting the shitty market for good books like mine. It was a genuine, human response and I felt so validated and happy, even though it wasn’t a ‘yes’. It was enough to know the book was worthy and had touched her, motivating her to write such a long email to me. Very rare! I’m learning to accept the small victories.
Pinned @phoenixrising7 ??
Spending some quality time with my daughter last weekend brought me many smiles! What a gorgeous class and generous giveaway!!
p.s. Shared on FB & Pinterest, too <3
The thing that made me smile in 2016 was receiving the note in my inbox that said registration was open for “Daily Guidance”. This is going to be a great way to start my 2016!
My 2 boys (ages 2 and 4) make me smile everyday!
(And hey, I’m excited you’ll be having another nephew!
All that little boy energy is such a joy!!)
!!! RAIN !!!
Waking up to the sweet soulful sound of rain soaking the dry bones of Mother Earth had this Californian smiling, BIG.
Crossing my t’s, pinning my Pins all in the name of the holy oracles. ??
Loving the concept of this class offering.
Aho
I work in a supermarket and today a little boy was walking past the doors to our warehouse which happened to be open. As he looked in he shouted very excitedly “Mummy look! It’s where they make all the food!” Bless. :)
also sharing on Facebook
Thank you
Thanks for the wonderful stuff you put out into the world! My word for 2016 *keeps* making me smile — it’s PUEDO, “I can” in Spanish. Thank you for helping me find it! ?
Shared tweet @tracieranger x