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 :)
Instagram entry completed!
Also shared on twitter!!
Pinned on pinterest!!
And last but not least shared on Facebook!
Oh, Susannah, this message and all of your rich new course offerings are making me smile! Also, seeing the same street artist’s work pop up in different cities around India as I travel from north to south… It’s like hide and seek!
love the mention of the smile. of late i have been asking students in my classes to introduce themselves as follows…telling their name, where they are from and what made them smile this morning. it leads to marvellous storytelling and much smiling around the room and is such a brilliant “ice breaker” (not really the word i am looking for)…things loosen up and warm up and begin to sprout and off we go. all of which makes me smile just thinking about it
Oh this is intriguing. I’ve always been drawn to tarot and I had a deck in my teens, but I never really dug in and explored their true potential. I’d love to join you in class.
Something that has made me smile already this year is that my dog Dutch loves green juice! Now on to reposting and tweeting your mazing images for the course!
Things that have made me smile so far in 2016: the beauty of fresh fallen snow; the exhilaration of skiing under the bluest sky the alps can muster; returning to Copenhagen; cuddling with my beloved; meeting a tough deadline with the knowledge of a job well done.
I have tweeted, shared on my FB business page, Pined on Pintrest, and also posted on Instagram.
My nephew and niece (4 and a half and just over a year old) already made me smile in 2016. I had not seen them in a while. as they live in japan but now the whole family moved back to Germany. I love getting to see them more, playing with them, seeing how they discover the world, etc.
I’m really excited about the class. Already signed up! My word for 2016 is “Serenity” and one of the things I want to do is find out about different practices to me centred and calm in everyday life.
I like that!
I am smiling at the abundance of energy in this comment section! Thank you Susannah for a chance at trying my luck with this :) loves to you xo
Pinned on 1/15/16.
Thank you!
Something that has made me smile….my husband’s laugh.
I would love to be so lucky to win a spot on this and the gorgeous cards, I have finished my four and half year degree the last day of uni is tomorrow alas i am too sick with chest infection to go but pleased i have done it with all the challenges that came with it,
Happily pinned it just now to my “Take Note” board ( pinterest.com/seeritz ) !
Thanks!
And what made me smile already this year is skateboarding for the first time at 34 years old!
shared on facebook
Shared on pinterest
You made me smile, I want to believe that nothing happens at random, and having found this blog and her author was a great serendipity for me. Thanks
I realized recently that David Bowie and my middle son so resemble one another that I could probably get away with claiming that my son is Bowie’s love child. :) This made me very happy.
Susannah, I am so excited about this class! I’m sharing your giveaway on Facebook and Pinterest as well. xo
Many things have made me smile so far, but recently watching my little one ran after birds on a beach with the sun setting in the back… it can’t get better than this, but somehow it always does, and you just pray to God that you remember each of those moments, so that you can keep on smiling!
Thank you for the chance!
p.s: pinned as well
Life has made me smile. Even through the sorrow and pain that we may suffer, there is still so much more. The vibrancy with which we are infused with and surrounded by can uplift our spirits if we but let it. I am in the process of learning how to release the negative and embrace the joy around me. :-)
my daughters and i all received coloring books for christmas. they’re teenagers, by the way, but we all sat together at the dining room table over their winter break and colored together. it was so soothing and so much fun. we all had smiles on our faces. (=
Last night was fun with my daughter and grandchildren as we took turns playing a new singing bowl and practised dowsing with a pendulum. My six year old granddaughter loved the pendulum. She also loves writing in her journal.
I pinned it! Thank you!
My garden always makes me smile! I love watching the fat bumblebees buzz around from flower to flower.
to be able to count my blessings makes me smile every day I wake up to a new day. Lovely cards specially the one with artwork of Shiloh Sophia. I am sharing this on all my social media Fb instagramnTwitter
My smile for 2016 is the same as it has been since 12/27/2009. My son Sam makes me smile, laugh and fills my heart every day.
I’d love a set of soul guidance cards along with the class – what cool gifts & things to learn about!
I’ve shared on Pinterest!
Made me smile in 2016: Clearing out clutter (old) and making room for NEW!
Happiness is walking outside to take it all in. The sun peaking out from the clouds to illuminate the snowy mountains in a pink and gloriously hazy way. The surprisingly, underwhelming sound the pair of eagles make as they patrol the waterfront, causing pigeons to take flight and ducks and grebes to take shelter in the hidden spots of the marina. My handsome little dog finding stories through his nose. My husband holding my hand during our walk. There is much happiness, if we look. The cards look beautiful. I have been drawn to cards, but with little guidance I have shied away from delving in. This will be an impetus!
What made me smile was the realisation that I thought I was the only person to use the cards in this personal way rather than for divination. It prompted me to think that it’s probably time to open up a bit and find a community!
I shared on Facebook!
I spent last evening with my sister and my niece. We went shopping, out for dinner and then to see Phantom of the Opera – lots of fun and definitely made me smile.
Pinned and Facebooked as well.
Love the idea of this class.
Visiting with my son who I see only 4 or 5 times a year makes me smile. I am with him now with a big smile on my face. Thanks for the opportunity to win a spot in this class. Peace, Ronda
So many things have made me smile already this year. The most precious is, of course, my sweet children.
Thank you for this giveaway!
My birthday was on the 3rd of January and this year was especially meaningful, as I turned the age of 18. I wanted to do something memorable so I invited 7 good friends of mine over to my house for dinner. Being able to cook for them and serve them in my house was such an honor that you can be sure I was all smiles that evening.
On top of that, my friends knew that I have been growing succulents so they went and bought me the cutest little cactus. What was hilarious was the next thing they pulled out, which was a huge bag of cactus soil to go with it! All the while they were sheepishly apologizing, trying to explain that they couldn’t find any stores that sold smaller amounts of soil! That gave me a good laugh as well :)
It was a night unlike any other and a night that I will never forget..
I recently painted my mantra for the year onto my office wall in giant letters in pink paint, just so that I wouldn’t forget to ‘BE BRAVE’. Seeing it this morning made me smile :)
Something that has made me smile this year is my dog. Hes my first ever and he is so sweet and so loving, he makes me laugh and smile every day! I’ve also pinned your image to my pinterest! Thank you :)
This sounds amazing! You have highlighted some really beautiful decks! Something that made me smile thus far is that I’m back in school! It feels great!
Oh! I pinned it also!
I decided that my friends would probably enjoy this too so added it to Facebook as well! Thanks for the opportunity!
I have recently started using Tarot cards, I have used oracle cards in the past but I find that Tarot feels like there is a deeper connection waiting to be unveiled. Really excited for the course!
I spent New Year’s Day at the beach with a wonderful person who I adore. It was affirming, calming, and felt warm (although it was not warm). I am blessed to have these experiences.
Something that made me smile: my grinning partner and small pup tumbling into my office bed with me this morning while I was working.
I also shared the image on IG: tagged and hashtagged. :)
X
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What has made me smile in 2016? The Love Letters that I receive via email make me smile every time I see one in my in-box. Thank you for this wonderful, digital gift Susannah!
The first winter snow,seeing the birds at the feeder made me smile. That and returning home after a stint in hospital over the holidays.
Also shared on Pinterest and Instgram now :-)
Also shared on Instagram and Pinterest now :-)
Biking to work every day puts a smile on my face, even when the air is gross and I have to wear a respirator.
Also shared on Instagram and Pinterest now
something that made me smile: my daughters reading together
I shared on Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/pin/135882113735885139/
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.
My boyfriend made me smile by taking picture from one of our recent trips and making a huge framed version of it. Probably the sweetest thing ever for a random Wednesday.
Winning would make me smile|
My biggest 2016 smile so far, my cousin’s daughter sent me a hand drawn thank you card, we love to craft together when I visit her Grandmother.
Going for a drive in the sunshine with my other half has made me smile (we’ve had some very dreary days here & I suffer with SAD) also just thinking about this course and admitting my deck addition makes me smile!!
Also shared on Facebook :)
Oops & Pinterest (first time I have actually uploaded to Pinterest and easier than I thought!!)
It makes me smile that my mom has surpassed the amount of time given to her by her oncologist in Winter of 2014, and she is doing well. No sign of cancer.
Something that has made me smile is reading your book and being inspired to take pictures again! Thank you for this gift.
Also shared on Facebook.
Have just shared on Instagram! x
Shared on Twitter!
I pinned on Pinterest! :)
Shared on Pinterest!
What’s made me smile this week is painting wings!
Have tweeted as well :) x
Shared on IG
Shared on FB!
Something that made me smile: belly laughs with a friend over a bottle of Prosecco.
I posted on Pinterest!
Pinned with love:)
Tweeted the link to this post!
Hi. I have been feeding all the birds for a few years now but I cater to the mourning doves because I love them so much. As I was putting out feed the other morning one flew onto the table as I was putting out the food. She didn’t fly away, just looked at me and kept eating. That made me smile and the fact that 13 are now regular visitors, only eight last year.
This sounds like a fun deck and a Great class. Thanks for the opportunity,
Shared on IG too!
My three year old made me smile this morning…he said ‘you can’t cut my fingernails, how will I get my itchies?” lol!
I pinned it :))))
Thank you so much for the giveaway dear Susannah! One thing, or should I say person, that has made me smile for the past 5 years (today!) is my youngest daughter Elodie. She has soooo much joy and radiance to her. She is my little sunshine – I am so blessed.
Love to you…
Weeks of nonstop rain and I am still smiling. Normally I’d be grousing but after a four year drought here in California, I am so appreciative.
Shared on FB too!
Shared on instagram as well! Thanks for the opportunity!
Shared on instagram and pin interest and facebook
what a lovely blog – I am a first time visitor and will definitely return.
What has made me smile – that is a hard one…but the most recent. My daughter went back to school this week, which meant moving back to the city. It has been so delightful having her home over the holidays and I have missed her tremendously. Last night I just picked up my phone to send her a little good-night text, when my phone rang – she called to hear my voice because she missed me! so blessed!
I shared the course/page on FB as well.
I smiled when I figured out my “word” for 2016!
Oh my goodness how wonderful would this be to win a spot and cards, yum yum.
What made me smile so far, inviting friends over for dinner, we had such a great time, we ended up dancing in the living room… Was so much fun and yes I laughed alot.
I Pinned it :)
I Facebook it :) on a lovely page of mine called Cultivate Divine Love
I tweeted it :)
I pinned to Pinterest :)
I pinned on Pinterest
This really caught my attention! Lots of interesting things along this line has presented themselves to me as of late which has put a silly grin on my face so far this year, so I jumped right in and executed 1-4 on your list today and plan to do #5 before your cut off. I would love to be included in this big giveaway. It would be so great to learn more about this and use it as a guidance tool along the lines of how you use your cards. Anything that expands energy, awareness and intuition is worth pursuing in my book.
amylynn on FB
furbelowsforfoundlings on IG and Pinterest
Love your classes Susannah, looking forward to this one with much anticipation!
OMG sorry I posted I pinned it twice… my computer was not showing my posts. So Sorry
However I did shared on google +
Shared on Facebook.
Pinned it!