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 :)
Hanging out with my son & cooking with him makes me smile.
My biggest smile this year so far came dancing with my daughters to our favorite music and really feeling the love that was tangible in the air, surrounding us.
Pinned! <3
Pinned!
Pinned ?
Instagrammed!
That is a heart not a ?
Pinned
Posted on FB. Thank you!
The innocent love of a two year old has made me smile this 2016. My family and our blessings always make me smile. Softly falling snow is making me smile. New opportunities are making me smile. An opportunity to enter this draw is making me smile! Thank you. I’ll submit separate entries for Pinterest, Instagram, FB, and Twitter as that’s how I read your instructions <3
Instagrammed
I shared *your* FB post on my FB page (not sure of any other way to do so directly from this post). Thanks for the additional chance to win!!!
PS. I love the Soul Cards. I have both the first and second decks!
Pinned to Pinterest on my board for ecourses! Thanks for the additional chance to win!!!
Instagram done. Thanks for the additional chance to win!!!
Tweeted! Or rather, retweeted your tweet. Thanks for the additional chance to win!!!
Posted on Facebook, Instagram and tweeted as well.
Thanks for all your offerings Susannah would so love to do any of your courses but the exchange rate on the Aussie dollar just makes it too expensive at the moment.
I received my Lumina Tarot deck and its been wonderful. It’s helped me so much this year already
I must say, I’m smiling that this course is happening. xxO
I just started doing new moon circles with my girl friends. these would so fun to use for them!!
Thank you for this offer Susannah! As my entry, I’ll share something that made me smile: As of Jan 1, I have re-committed to a daily meditation practice. I’m proud to say that I have not missed a day (a small miracle for me!). Frequently in these meditations, I see images of white bird wings or white feathers. This afternoon, I went for a long walk and had a little conversation with the Universe, asking for guidance, and a clear sign as to whether or not I am on the right path. I looked up, and in an otherwise cloudless sky, there was one huge white cloud, very definitely in the shape of a feather.
Thanks for this lovely opportunity…Something that has made me smile this year has been the time spent with my nieces and nephews. They never cease to do something or say something that just brightens any day!
Shared on Pinterest! Thanks again!
One thing that’s made me smile is beginning to use Oracle Cards! I started with the Unravelling workbook and began doing it weekly at the start of the year as well. So fun and interesting to think about. Thanks for sparking that!
What has already made me smile in 2016? I became an Auntie, not once but twice!! My brother and his wife had their first little girl on New Year’s Day (no less!!) and my little sister had her first baby one week ago today. Both been trying for many years and having to deal with some pretty horrible stuff to get there. My parents are now grandparents (very late in the game), so lots of JOY already for the start of the year.
The crescent moon in the clear (and very cold) sky, when we get it has been making me smile this month.
I’ve pinned the first image.
And I’ve posted to Facebook
Synronicities and cleaning out the pantry have made me smile so far in 2016. I hope I win the mermaid deck! XOXO
And Facebooked it. Pick me for the mermaid deck and course! Please! <3
I am truly inspired by all that you do! Your photography makes me smile. Thank you.
Shared on Pinterest
PINNED!
On Instagram. (@beacon_bonfire)
Shared on Pinterest… ***Thank you***
What has already made me smile this year is the realization that I don’t have to be perfect. And what I create doesn’t have to be either. It isn’t my job to control the outcome. It is my job to give it all I’ve got and move on. Thank you for this opportunity, dearest Susannah!
Pinned! :)
And tweeted. Thank you for the chances! I very recently bought The Wild Unknown. Some guidance in its use and/or a more beginner-friendly deck would be great.
Tweeted!
And now it’s on Facebook! Best luck to everyone! And thank you again, Susannah!
I bought my first deck. There were so many different types but I was drawn to one in particular and when I got home and opened it there was a peacock on the front of the book that came with the deck, and peacocks were featured throughout the book. I love peacocks and they hold a special meaning for me. I found this amusing as there were no peacocks on the box!!
The deck I picked, I believe picked me
So far this year, I have managed to spend a lot of time with my mom which has made me smile inside and out. I missed getting to take time with her since her job and my schooling has been in the way. Hopefully I will be able to connect with my friends and family this year and continue this trend. I posted on facebook, instagram, twitter, and pinterest.
Actively living my word for 2016 – and the pride that comes from keeping the promises you make to yourself – has made me smile this year. :)
Instagrammed! (With a Crema filter…)
Pinned!
I have smiled as a result of all the wonderful experiences which have been happening so far in 2016! And the cards are telling there are more to come! Shared post on Facebook and Instagram!
I got my first set of tarot cards (the unicorn tarot) on vacation at the beach when I was 14. I still have and use them! Something that made me smile was finding Pride & Prejudice on Netflix. Posted to IG, Twitter, FB, Pinned and G+.
Good luck everyone!
Pinned it!
Tweeted it! Thanks for the multiple chances to enter!
this Monday and Tuesday I woke up at sunrise and the sky was glorious, with a radiant sun, I took a photo of the sky both days, and half an hour or so later everything was clouded and raining. made me smile the serendipitous moments of sunrise I witness before the weather change. made me feel blessed :)
I have to smile every time I draw pentacles from the cards, they are on my butt to get things done and be practical this month!
Thank you so much for this wonderful giveaway — this is just what I wanted! Like you, I have never felt a real ‘connection’ with the original Tarot decks and so I was hesitant in picking one up but I gotta say I fell in love with the Wild Unknown deck the moment I saw it! I would love to win one as my first deck ever! :) 2016 has already been so beautiful (my word this year is BEAUTY) but the best part is welcoming a newborn puppy into my life! It has been such a joy watching him grow every day and be the drama king that he is (crying whenever we pet him). He makes all of us smile :)
Pinned it! :D
This is the most incredible opportunity (both the course and the giveaway). You continue to inspire me in so many ways.
I am jumping off into the unknown with a big move in a week and a half – making it happen is making me smile. Following my intuition and my joy …..
pinned it: pinterest.com/anawonders/the-daily-guidance
retweeted your tweet and also tweeted with a different picture: https://twitter.com/anashanti
shared on Instagram: @anasofiaeugenio
Pinned :)
shared on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ana.eugenio/posts/10201340692435811
thank you so much for this awesome giveaway and I really, really hope I’m one of the winners :)
Purchasing Radical Self Love book by Gala Darling has already made me smile this year.
pinned this as well
I lost my husband only one month ago (he was only 43) who bravely fought pancreatic cancer for nearly 2 years. It’s been the most challenging time in my/our life. We have two little one’s, a 9 and 11 year old and they have been so brave throughout. So proud of them. Last Sunday they surprised me with a candle lit bath (they must have got all the candles in the house!), a tub spilling out with bubbles, my book and ice cold sparkling water by the side with relaxing spa music playing on the ipad. It smelt & felt divine and being such a lovely, caring and thoughtful gesture, it gave me the biggest smile in a long time!
Pinned and Facebooked!
I have a question though Susannah, I am away on holiday for 3 weeks from 3rd Feb – can I know in advance what I will need to take with me please?
It is 8am and I have just ordered, thanks to your suggestions, the Magdalene Orecle cards. a big reason to smile :) What a great way to start the day!
Love the idea of learning more about the cards.
This post made me smile!!
Have also pinned it :)
Thing that has made me smile – A mommy guinea fowl has honoured us by bringing her (late in the season) brood of four teeny chicks to eat seed in our garden every day, too precious!
Pinned:)! Also because the pic was wonderful!
Aaand retweeted as well!
Now, as for what made me smile already in 2016… watching Star Wars with my family and enjoying everyone’s reaction when the BIG SPOILER happened XD!
I planted some seeds and they are growing up into strong plants. Every time I see them I smile.
What a lovely post. I really like your view on how to use the cards!
My illustrator friend made me happy last week when she told me she was asked to draw a book for a big publishing house, and she could use her own idea! This is going to be her breakthrough year and she deserves it sooo much.
Hmm, it’s been a rough week in 2016 so far. But I smiled watching a video of Iman and David Bowie on the Rosie O’Donnell show back in 1997 or 98. Or, I smiled quite a bit when my 7yr old to us that “Take the Money and Run” by Steve Miller was not okay. Because “that’s not okay, you should really *walk* in and politely ask for the money, and share with your friends”. Haha.
I would love to win. Something that has made me smile in 2016 is the kindness I have been shown by friends and family. I was very sick and missed all of Christmas, but my friends and family saved bits and pieces and we have been doing unique celebrations. Thank you for this opportunity.
Shared on Facebook and Instagram!
So inspiring and generous you are! Would love to be in your class! Have done most of your courses already and love them all. Each is unique. To have the cards would be the apotheosis!
Thank you lovely!
(already in Instagram and Pinterest) In Pinterest I chose “Art” as folder (I though about yoga, photography, etc) but finally stayed with Art because you master may arts at the same time: https://fr.pinterest.com/pin/19703317097661533/)
XX
Is there a difference between Tarot and Oracle cards? I’ve always wondered that. Anyways, I am an Acquarian too, and can perfectly relate to what you have written in your latest newsletter! :) Take care and get well soon!
Pinned it onto “Word of the year 2016 board” :)) many thanks!
hi hon! You all you need are the tarot and oracle decks you want to play with during the course (even just one is fine) and a journal x
I regret getting rid of my tarot deck, about ten years ago now – on the one hand I loved the cards, their symbolism and just looking at them, but also felt silly owning them because as you say they don’t hold magical powers. Now I realise that doesn’t matter, it’s how they made me feel that was important and I shouldn’t have doubted myself.
I have shared via facebook & this is something that has made me smile so far this year; my 4 year old son and his beautiful soul. In the last 2 weeks he has randomly come to me and said, “Mummy, I saved you my last biscuit”, “Mummy you can share my apple if you want”, “Mummy this is the last of my chocolate and I want you to have it”. It has been so random and has made me smile so much and at the same time has warmed my heart to the point it feels like it could explode. His caring, generosity and compassion is far beyond his years and I couldn’t be prouder.
Shared on Instagram, many thanks!
It was my birthday yesterday and my husband sent me flowers. The man delivering them wished me a happy birthday and then he proceeded to give me a Zulu blessing saying that “though you grow older you must always stand straight, holding your stick, and never allow life to cause you to stoop”. His kindness and friendliness made me smile and I was so grateful that he had taken the time to share his wisdom with me. And not only that, now I know what my word is for 2016. It is “kindness”.
Sunshine on a frosty morning made me smile this morning.
Pinned it! I think it is really nice that you give so many options to participate!
Hi Susannah, is an emotion beautiful participate! Among the things that made me smile these days is certainly the time when 11 year old daughter Elisa hugged the little girl of four years in which I am the babysitter and also the time when my two oldest sons (19 and 15 years) have played together after a long time.
Ok dokie, tweeted, Facebooked, Pinterested and Instagramed! Hooray!!!
Pinned it! :-)
Several things have made me smile this year……. the great conversations that I have with my husband, watching my youngest son blossom into a wonderful and caring young man, and the excitement that I’m feeling about all that is to come in 2016! I’ve been on a spiritual quest these last couple of years and the universe has provided me with many blessings. This would be the icing on top!! Much love and gratitude!!!
Today I am smiling as I’ve woken up to a beautiful, crisp, icy, blue sky day, I’m relaxing in bed and then going to see the Sea!
As I have been suffering from bad health this year, my dog Domino has made me smile and made me be in the moment. Seeing him bound and jump over logs in the forest and digging for roots, looking at the squirrels race to the nearest tree. His joy when he meets another dog and of course because the sun has been very rare in Scotland, seeing the sun whilst walking him has brought me so much joy. Much love…
Share on facebook and google+! Urrà! :-)
https://www.facebook.com/cristina.rudi/posts/10203818133932837
https://plus.google.com/u/0/106934501137268898687/posts/RV4Uq77DD8D
Many love for you!
Watching the kingfisher at my local park made me smile! And yesterday’s sunset was lovely, too.
Can’t wait for this to begin!
Posted on Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter!
One of the things that made me smile this year was talking to my 21 year old niece on her birthday. She is a wonderful young woman – in truth, I smile every time I think of her! I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to watch her grow.
Pinned
Shared to Facebook,Pinterest…
Shared on Instagram – thanks for the extra chances to win!
Facebooked it. Can you tell I really hope to win?
Thanks for all you do Susannah
Thank you Susannah for this exciting stir of events in early 2016.
I have pinned & insta’d
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/519391769505842573/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BAjqa1twH_s/?taken-by=myyogamoves
I am smiling heaps in 2016. My 1 yr old wobbler son is helping me clean and sweep the kitchen everyday. when he wakes he wobbles straight for the broom and even makes a sweeping sound with his tongue and teeth :) so heart melting and uplifting to have this simple joy in my life while I heal my health and learn to dowse! yes. i am connecting with my spirit guide in 2016. we are official. i just need to learn their name to formalise our relationship.
(this is the first time i’ve said this to anyone! i feel like i’m sort of ‘coming out’! )
i await the results of your compo with a definite sense of childlike excitement .
Thank you lovely Susannah for this! So much that makes me smile and opens my heart for love everyday! Today I’m smiling for a wonderful and flourishing friendship, for the support I have from other lightworkers around the world and how we are able to help each other to raise and for the overflowing love from my two little daughters. So grateful for my life!
This year is the first year I have started without my mom. It’s not been all that easy to smile, if I am honest. But there are 2 things/people in my life who never stop making me smile. The oldest just turned 8 and the youngest about to be 6 – they make me smile everyday!
Something that has made me smile in 2016:
Seeing my 9.5 month old baby boy walking by himself for the very first time last Sunday made me smile. And this whole week, I’ve been smiling every time I see him take little steps, all by himself. It’s made me realise what a truly magical human skill it is to be able to walk.
I’ve just retweeted your tweet too :)
Thank you Susannah, I love your work!