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 shared on Pinterest.
Something that has made me smile – taking the courage to take Sattva Yoga class for the first time. That is NURTURE (my word for the year). I have not done anything to NURTURE myself in two years and the feeling is wonderful.
pinned it.
shared on Facebook So many things have helped me smile and be happy this year; a friend calling after a long silence; another friend offering help when I needed some; and a big red-tailed hawk visiting this morning in the sunshine on fresh snow.
My daughter is 21 and lives in LA far away from the center of Virginia where I now reside. I miss her more than words can say. My heart breaks a little each time we speak, but my heart also gets a little more resilient at the same time. Letting go and letting my hand not clasp or grab anymore doesn’t happen all at once. It’s an on-going process that I’ll go through again and again. I gave my daughter the Wild Unknown deck this Holiday Season to encourage her to trust her inner voice, her intuition at an age where everyone’s opinion matters more than your own. I smiled when she told me she’s been using the deck. And she’s signed up for yoga classes and, unbelievably, has done her taxes for the last two years! So, I’m smiling that she’s navigating the harsh world pretty well this week. And will next week, I’m sure.
My dog, Bella is always full of life. She makes me smile every day :)
And I”ve pinned it to my board “Magic in the World.”
What a fabulous giveaway! Good luck to everyone.
My husband makes me smile every day, especially in the morning when coffee comes with a special song and dance just for me! :)
Happily pinned to Pinterest!!! This course seems to be coming into the world at the exact moment I need it!!! Thank you Susannah!
I put this on my Beautiful Ideas board. :)
Oops… here: https://www.pinterest.com/peacefulpro/beautiful-ideas/
Something that has already made me smile in 2016: A group of friends who has gathered together for the sole purpose of sharing our personal experiences in taking Brene Brown’s Living Brave Semester. I haven’t ever met these friends in real life, and one I’ve only met through this particular group, but I feel lucky to know them and work through the material with them in the coming months.
Oh, and the trailer for the movie being released this summer in the United States called The Secret Life of Pets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZ4WBlveGfw
What already made me smile in 2016 is you course, a beauty Silvester and DANCING??????
My daily Heart, which is full of love since the new year has started?????
Pinned!
Posted in Instagram. Excited for this course Susannah!
Sunsets have made me smile
I visited New Oreans, Louisanna last week. I learned that a friend I’ve known for over 35 years uses Tarot cards to reduce stress and learn more about what she is feeling. She helped me select a deck,but I have no idea what to do with them. I opened your email and … It must be fate!!
Thank you!
Feeling my little one kicking around inside my belly makes me smile every day! :)
Finally there is ice around not rain!
I’ve been feeling called to the woods and wild places even though I’m a city dweller and recently found The Wildwood Tarot, which makes me smile and feel adventurous every time I open it. I pinned on Pinterest. Love your graphics!
This is wonderful, thank you so much for the chance! I’ve shared on Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter. :-)
Something that’s made me smile in 2016…talking with my closest friend about possibly travelling together again. We went to England, France, and Italy together last year, and we’re both desperate to get back to London in particular, but I didn’t know if it would happen. We were talking about it the other day, and even just talking about it makes my heart surge and brings a huge smile to my face.
Finding your site (love it) and signing up for Photo Meditations and Daily Guidance. Can’t stop smiling and can’t wait for them to start.
This is wonderful! Thank you! I love to smile a lot because I am a happy person. Seeing the diamond twinkles in the fresh snow, when my cat snuggles with me, dinner with some friends I haven’t seen in months, really satisfied clients… just to name a few…
I pinned it.
posted on Facebook too!
This made me smile – a class of Minnesota first graders sending cheer to Vikings kicker Blair Walsh after his missed kick lost his team the playoff game. Nothing better than first graders! This was part of a program that teaches kids to learn about empathy.
A hike in the foothills of an old volcano new years day on Oahu, heart is still full.
Time spent with my darling grand daughter, makes my day no matter what.
A few stitches a day on my next project with a lovely cup of freshly brewed coffee.
2016 is the year of the smile!
Hi Susannah,
I love Tarot Cards. ^-^ (recently bought a deck again!)
Pinned your post on Pinterest.
Love,
Kati
Not sure my comment posted. What made me smile is a class where I painted in the style of Jean Basquiat. I learned a lot. I love the cards featured and added to my Pinterest too.
I am smiling because a student brought a toy to school today (which I normally don’t condone) that ended up being one of the coolest things I’ve seen. It’s a balancing bird. And he could balance it on his nose.
your photos always make me smile, but i especially smiled at the ones of your soulmate puppy from your recent trip. i’m sharing everywhere :)
This post makes me smile as do the synchronicities that dance into my life everyday ;) since I have decided to invite them and acknowledge them in 2016.
Putting me feet in the ocean in January made me smile. It’s usually freezing this time of year but this winter has been different. Maybe I’ll try for the polar plunge next year…lol
Things that made me smile: The beautiful sunset over the mountains and discovering my word for 2016.
Playing Board Games with my husband and my 3 year old son. I’m trying to think of ways to be more playful and present. This is a favorite and has made me smile and giggle so much already.
I pinned your post as well <3
something that has made me smile in 2016: the rain! i live in SF and we’ve had such little amount of rain until the past few weeks. the sound of it on the roofs when i’m inside and the feeling of it on my face makes me so happy.
Oh, and I just pinned the post!
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/227361481166699932/
Sorry – now also posted on G+ and Facebook.
Thank you for this opportunity <3
I am so excited for this course, so I’ll be signing up regardless. But how lovely would it be to win! I’ve got a gorgeous deck of The Wild Unknown Tarot that I’d love to use more often and actually know what I’m doing! Something that has made me smile already in 2016 is my commitment to immersing myself in more of this type of thing. The things that ground me and make me stronger.
I’ve shared on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for the chance to win!!
Waking up in the morning on my first trip to Belize and seeing the ocean with a delicious coffee in hand.
Sitting inside watching the snow fall and drinking a warm cup of tea made me smile.
Walking my dog in the sunshine today after days of rainy, grey days made me smile! So intrigued by the decks of cards and how you have integrated them into your life.
We got a new Australian Labradoodle puppy before Christmas and he bring such joy and laughter into our every day – lots of smiles all around!
Added to Instagram!
Waking up after a night of rain, seeing the blue sky and feeling cool breeze through my window. Feeling my cat curled up in front of me and his paw stretched to my arm, while one dog was curled up by my back & the other behind my knees, snoring.
That made me smile.
Added to Facebook – and my daughter’s too, in error, but hey, it’s getting the word out to the 20-year-old crowd :)
Posted on Pinterest!
Added to Twitter – both accounts :)
Pinned! :-)
Having a late lunch with friends put a smile on my face…and ultimately a lot of laughter!
I shared on Twitter.
Posted on Facebook! :-)
I shared on Facebook.
I pinned this on Pinterest.
Posted on Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/198158452332553066/
And here it is:
my word is MIRACLES
yes, I declared it and I’m trying to own it for this year (even though i seem to not be able to ‘own’ a word – but I think you know what I mean)
The growing maturity in my 16 year old daughter has made me smile this year.
Shared on facebook.
And now I’m crossing my fingers and toes! This class sounds fun, and those cards look gorgeous!
My husband made me smile today when he combed his mustache and beard to stick out horizontally. Such a funny look!
Pinned it! And your Unravelling 2016 workbook already made me smile in 2016!
Time with our sweet nieces always, *always* makes me smile! :)
One thing that has already made my smile in 2016 is my husband. This year, we both started working from home and it has been really lovely being able to spend the extra time together.
Pinned! :)
PINNED!!! *^^*
SO many things have made me smile already… One in particular was that I went to my first youtube meetup in Miami last Saturday.ALL of the people whom I met were AMAZING and such divine people. I still feel like I’m radiating from the experience~
So, what made me laugh too far this year:
I made myself laugh out loud – yesterday!
I’m just getting over a yucky head cold – feeling like my head was filled with cotton candy – all soft and kinda hollow, could not hear people talking to me and feels like I was semi-deaf, not able to focus for more than 2 seconds, and so on.
So yesterday, I feel semi un-cotton candies, and looked at the website I’m set up – and had to laugh really hard. I made the darn thing life, send out notifications to run the announcement eblast – and then actually stopped to look at the home page and finding that I had just dropped in random snippets and made up some testimonials as placeholders – and guess what, those were all still there. And yes, I though that was really funny. I know, I have crooked sense of humor – hahaha. (yes, it was for a client, yes, it’s all fixed by now, and yes, we all had a great laugh)
Honestly, I was just glad I found my humor back, ’cause (I know you feel the same – I just read the love letter and blog post, so I know you’re trying the selfcare thing) after laying around for a few days feeling like life was a fever dream I have come back to myself and the creativity is slowly emerging again.
OK, so this is surely a longer comment than I intended – well, I admit, I’ve been working on my writing, and these days I seem to have a lot more to say then I ever though.
Just one additional thought: I actually was gifted my first deck: Thoth – I was 16 – it was given to me as Mirror of the Self, and I have always seen it that way. Over the years, however, I had pushed this love aside, it became a closed door thing, and eventually went behind the locked doors of my subcontious and just got really dusty and moldy there in the shadows. I’m just (thanks to you actually) rediscovering my penchant for cards this year.
Spending time with our precious Grandaughter after the holiday break creates lots of laughter and smiles.
one thing that made me smile was cracking open my book manuscript again – feels good to be digging in again and proud of what I’ve written. [also, that Wild Unknown deck is just gorgeous!]
and a little FB post as well =)
https://www.facebook.com/susanne.rector
One thing that has made me smile in 2016 is my nephew. He cracks me up every day with the things that come out of his mouth!
Coming home to my baby dogs always puts a smile on my face!
2016 Started with sharing New Years Day With Both Sides of Our Family that put a smile on my face — Fingers Crossed — So Enjoy Your Courses, Susannah … This one seems so interesting …Happy New Year!
2016 has so much to smile about already! My Mom`s delicious home-made masala khichadi made with brown & black rice and french beans! Most nourishing ayurvedic meal I`ve had in a long time. Peek-a-booing squirrels in the intense cold weather in Toronto! Postcard from a friend in Chicago :) Reconnecting with my cousin Zainab after 8 eight years! (she made an unexpected last minute trip to visit Canada during the holidays). My sister and I baking banana bread together after a long time made me dance with joy!
Pinned !!!
Flickr & Instagrammed !!!
Ooh this one also made me smile….the satisfaction of completing the Find Your Word new year`s intention-setting meditation. My TWO theme words for 2016: TEND! & TRUST!
This class sounds very intriguing! Posted to Pinterest and will Instagram as well. Looking forward to seeing your own deck design.
Toes! the little tiny toes of 3 year olds doing yoga made me smile today. Yes!
Ok I have Pinned, Tweeted, Facebooked and Instagrammed! As for what has made me smile so far this year… well, I decided not to choose a word for the year. I just wasn’t feeling it. But then a word chose ME: magic. It was funny – I got up to watch the sunrise on new year’s day on the beach. It was totally abandoned – and quite windy and cloudy. But I went anyway – I saw it as symbolic of starting the year fresh. And after sitting on the sand for a few moments, slowly waking up, I noticed a necklace hanging on a wooden post nearby. It was a single piece of rose quartz on a black cord (my engagement ring is made of rose quartz and this is a stone that has always resonated with me). At first I was reluctant to take it, but I felt like it was a gift to me, for the new year, from the universe. It was so odd, out of the whole beach, the whole spot I could have chosen to sit down… there I sat, there was the necklace. Later I pulled some oracle cards for guidance (because I felt guilty taking the necklace – in case someone was looking for it) and the cards assured me that it was ok to trust my intuition and that the necklace was a gift for me. It was a strange and magical start to the new year, and I’ve worn the necklace everyday since, and will continue to wear it for the year as a reminder to trust my intuition. So, a very long-winded way of saying, this magical beginning to the year lead me to discover that ‘magic’ is my guiding word for 2016. And that has made me smile every time I think about it! So this course will work so perfectly with my creation of more magic in 2016. I’ve already bought a spot in the course, but would love to win a set of these gorgeous cards. Either way, I’m super excited to bring a little more magic into my life this year with this course!
This is so beautiful + fun, Susannah. The sun has made me smile already, so often, this year: the peachy morning glow and the afternoon gold. I pinned the pic to Pinterest. xo S
Starting an online art course has made me smile, both the stuff ups and the things that go well… Creativity is always rewarding! :)
Seeing a class on how to use Tarot cards for journaling! I’ve been wanting to know more about that for some time. I’m excited!!
Posted to FB … Too! Thanks for this offering, and a chance to win — missed out on landing the billion dollar powerball ticket :(
landing a spot in this course surely would be the next best thing … woo hoo!!
Making the decision to “train myself” to slow down and be sure to make time for “me” in 2016 makes me smile.
Pinned :)
instagram :)
although my account is private
we haven’t seen much of 2016 yet, but I have high hopes. What has made me smile, how life has set up the unexpected so that I can figure out just how dedicated I am to my goal! Like you I have goals and dreams for 2016 and while I have not been sick I have had events step in and postpone the starting of these projects! I know that I have plenty of time, but I am anxious to get started! What makes me smile life and it’s twists and turns. I have resolved to enjoy the ride while trying to move forward towards my goals.
Loving myself more has me smiling in 2016. It is still a work in progress but I can look at myself and say “I love you. You’re valuable” for the first time in…maybe forever. Good start to the year. (PS I found your year end workbook for the first time this year and have really enjoyed working through it. It has helped me figure out more of what I want from this year and how to go about it. Thank you!)
My puppy Eloise
My four year-old daughter singing along to Roses by The Chainsmokers while coloring Elsa and Anna. And being there to witness it all on a lazy Thursday afternoon.
Shared on Facebook!
Pinned it :)
Pinned!
What made me smile deep within my heart already in 2016 is to see how open my heart can be at times (ongoing work from last years word, open..) and how in response even challenging situations provide fantastic opportunities to be love not fear…. With an open heart people around me shine, and together we shine brighter.
Instagrammed!
Having my greeting cards for sale at 2 different shops, just in time for Valentine’s Day!
xoxo
Those cards are GORGEOUS. Thank you for sharing them. Should I not be so lucky as to win, I may have to splurge on one of those decks (fingers crossed!).
Hmmm…what has made me happy? Reconnecting with a friend and signing up for a couple of workshops that are going to push my dream further. Thank you for asking!
I have pinned, shared on Instagram, Facebook and Google+.
The thing that has made me smile so far this year is finding acupuncturist who I can have good spiritual discussions with. And if he has no one after me he always goes overtime but doesn’t charge me any extra.
Beautiful gifts!
Pinned
My husband and my pup make me smile daily – multiple times. And so does making room for self-care. Thank you so much!