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 :)
What made me smile today: remembering that Mercury was in retrograde and that’s why there’s so much spinning backwards in my job today!
Pinned on Pinterest
Pinned the required pic!
Oh my… so much has made me smile this year. My husband has been cleared to go back to work (after getting hit by a car while walking and having a spinal fusion), getting to get our move to Montana back on track and spending time with wonderful friends. So grateful for my life!
Ok 6 for 6 ha ha.. I Instagram it too… of course starting following
Shared on Twitter!
Something that has made me smile has been tidying my home in a whirlwind, and then settling into the awe that it can be not only tidy, but gorgeous. Not in 3 years when we have a house of our own, not in 3 months when we have more money… today. I bought vibrant pink and purple flowers for the first time, and it’s ridiculous. I’m going mad decorating, it’s keeping me up at night.
Hi, I pinned the first image, beautiful giveaway.
It’s pinned!
Seeing the crescent moon and Orion in the night sky on a snowy evening, made me smile.
What has made me smile in 2016
Going with my daughter to a small wedding dress boutique in the Old City of Jaffe, Israel, the designer a young so talented women and staff that sew everything by hand, French laces, tiny beads, flowing skirt fabrics, and a fit as if a cloud was dropped on you. Being with my daughter, watching her face, her eyes, as she tried on her first wedding dresses, watching the anxiety just drain from her, as she saw how lovely she looks, even on just sample dresses not her size. Just taking it all in, being in this moment, this moment, each moment…there will never be another like it. Wedding planning can be so gruelling….but this is the fun!
things have been tough, but my partner reading to me from Anna Karenina while i soaked in a hot bath, stepping out of a terrible shift into the fluffiest snowflakes, and receiving an incredibly sweet & out-of-the-blue message from my mom…those were good smiles.
I pinned it <3
I pinned it!
I shared it on IG!
The weather has been really cold here in the Midlands but the beauty of the winter skies has blown me away and made me smile so often. Sunsets and sunrises so stunning you have to stop take a breath and marvel at their beauty, skies of the clearest bluest blue and bright sunshine that I love and that fill me with joy, oh and some cute pink candy floss clouds that remind me of the beach holidays with my beloved grandparents!! I would love a new pack of cards and to win a place on the course would be awesome Susannah! I have Facebooked the course.
I have facebooked it
Pinned! Can’t wait :)
My 2016 word is FREEDOM and what’s making me smile right NOW is how much I’m feeling the edge of bursting into true freedom of self-expression, financial liberation and personal sovereignty!
Facebooked effectively!
What made me smile today was watching the children at my children’s school enjoy the first snow.
My relationships! I had a bit of a tough start to the year but the beautiful people around me, especially my partner, never fail to make me smile ??
Discovering my word for 2016 really makes me smile: RADIANT!!
I Facebooked this link too, yay!!
Hi Susan! I’ve pinned, shared to google plus, and shared on Instagram. In the midst of a tough time I find myself smiling at gentle reminders that these rough patches are temporary. Last week at the grocery store, I was really craving an apple. Honeycrisp variety are my favorite and they’ve been gone from the shelves for months, so I didn’t even consider looking for one. I was browsing the assortment and way in the back saw a GIANT apple looking back at me. I pulled it out and it weighed a half pound and was a honeycrisp!! My face lit up! A true reminder that things work out and good things are coming.
My husband and I have put the wheels in motion to move on out to Seattle by mid-Spring, where we will feel much happier in our surroundings, and this makes me SO happy! :)
Tweeted!
Pinned!
In addition to IG and my earlier comment (mentioned above!), I’ve also tweeted it out now. :)
This class is so perfect. Two of my loves, tarot and art! Shared on Facebook. Thank you.
My word for 2016 is JOY and already it has made me happier and brings delight as I use it as a lens through which to view my days.
I”ve had a deck for about 25 years but haven’t really used it as I feel intimidated. This sounds like a cool approach to the cards. Just pinned.
Studying & making natural perfumes!
Walking up the steps of my home and seeing it filled with friends and family awaiting my arrival. The windows lit up in the winter night skies and feeling all the unconditional love beaming out fills my heart with such love and warmth–the gift of gratitude to begin 2016.
shared on Facebook! Would love to win as I’m a newbie looking to learn and practice more. and… Something that has already made me smile this year… the fact that we’ve had a lot of rain! :)
What has made me smile.. just today I *happened* to be in the grocery store just as they were doing an in-store knife demo and giving away a magic spiral cutting gadget that you can use on sweet potatoes. I walked away with a free spiraler and paring knife! One never knows what might happen when you leave the house on any given day. :D
I shared on Pinterest (@1soularchitect), instagram (therealsoularchitect) and FB (sara.d.thibault). Thank you for this magical offering!
My boys ages 15, 13 and 12 together in the kitchen making me pancakes from scratch made me smile. I would love to learn about reading cards for daily guidance.
Posted about this great workshop on Pinterest! Looking forward to it!
Shared this post about this great workshop on Facebook! Looking forward to learn for about reading cards for My Daily Guidance!
Tweeted it.
Posted on Instagram too.
Lovely giveaway Susannah! Posted on FB and on Pinterest!
What made me smile…I watched my three year old granddaughter making art after listening to a story. She was so involved and delighted in what she was doing. May she never loose that confidence and joy.
I’ve just started on the Unravelling 2016 workbook last night and have read through the Find Your Word emails. I’ve been rolling those around in my head. I’m not really a big planner in the sense of writing things down, but those spoke to me. I was coloring in the cover page of the workbook (because everything is better with color, right? ?) and found myself smiling.
Getting to travel back to my home country and see my family made me smile a lot. Feeling excited to keep working on my book makes me smile too.
I have a couple of beautiful decks of Oracle cards but feel a bit like I’m wasting them so it’d be great to be able to try the course and see what new ways to use them I can discover.
Thank you already for making me excited about making plans!
(Shared on my Instagram @retro_jet_girl)
Every day it makes me smile to have my kitty snuggle eith me.
Yay! Posted on FB! Took me a while since I’m somewhat tech impaired! Lol
Hi Susannah!
Thanks for the opportunity to you giveaway
It’s posted on my pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/soulcreation/online-workshops/
I am so looking forward to this course – so that makes me smile. But my nephew was born today – i can’t smile more!
My shadowscapes tarot already makes me smile! But oddly enough, today it was getting through the mediation for my divorce.
Pinned it!
Pinned it!
I have been looking for a way to learn about Tarot and would love the opportunity to be in this class! Something that has made me smile in 2016 has been the reminder yet again that though I may still be trying to win money lotteries, I won the family and friends lotteries long ago and continue to win them every day. Very grateful. :-)
Pinned, Facebooked, Tweeted and Instagrammed. Love it! Thank you so much for the inspiration to come!
Oh, I’ve only just seen this! I will try to figure out how to repost the picture to instagram. I don’t know how to do that. I will also post to facebook and twitter.
Tweeted, and facebooked.
What has made me smile this year? My mum and dad. And finally being able to use periscope. I get homesick for England, and when I couldn’t sleep, I found a periscope broadcast by a London policeman, as he walked around one part of the city. If I hadn’t also been hungry at the time, I think it would have helped me to drift off to sleep.
There’s been a lot, that has brought a smile to my face, this year. Thank you for making me think of them all again. Most have to do with just being in the moment, and enjoying it. I loved seeing our grandson fall in love with his ‘Papaw’. He kept calling his name and climbing up on his lap. I could feel the love and joy coming from husband. It is a memorable moment. And still makes me smile.
I pinned it and facebooked it!
Having my word of the year already influencing me in magical ways and since shared the unraveling guide with so many getting to hear about their words for the year and being inspired and knowing their hearts better.
What has made me smile this year is that we are having a mild winter! The lack of snow has been a major stress reducer.
Watching my grandchildren and daughter playing and laughing on the giant swan I gave them for Xmas in the waters at Tipplers in Qld.
We have helped my dog Tilly lose a lot of weight after we adopted her last year. Seeing her moving and feeling better makes me smile everyday.
Facebooked it!
Tweeted it!!
Put it on my facebook…yay looks so fun
My grandbabies antics have made me smile this year!
Shared this post on Google Plus!
Pinned the pic with a link on Pinterest!
I shared this link on FB!
Something that made me smile this year: Pema Chodron.
Pinned it!!
Oh I love this idea – it made me smile. AND I’ve just pinned your image too.
My nephew’s smiles makes me smile.
Just Facebook-ed it!!! So excited!!!!
Instagrammed and posted to Facebook, too!
Shared on facebook
Shared on Instagram (@xolabajola)
At the end of 2015, I got overwhelmed with an adverse reaction from medication so what’s making me smile in 2016 is seeing and feeling my health coming back to me. I’m excited to get back to the goals I’d set for myself, connecting with tarot being one of them.
Pinned your photo
What’s made me smile in 2016 is the sheer possibilities that can be had in this new year.
Pinned too!
The fact that you came up with this class definitely made me smile!! sometimes I feel I’m the only one that loves oracles and tarot cards that much!!… It feels good to know I’m not alone and also It feels good to know I fit your tribe perfectly!! hehe
I pinned it!! <3 To my card deck wish list board
I facebooked it!!
What’s made me smile? Waking up and seeing snow in the mountain tops yesterday. Coming out of the woods and gazing at the brecon beacons capped with snow against a stunningly bright blue sky.
Shared for you xx
Something that had made me smile in 2016 is telling my friends about my gift
My husband and I are celebrating our 17th wedding anniversary this week-end. That’s making me smile! Thoughts of this course are also making me smile!
Pinned to my board on Eclectic Spirituality
Shared on Facebook!
Tweeted it too!
Posted it on Instagram, too!
what a great giveaway… thanks susanna… i just pinned it, shared it on instagram and facebook :-)
what made me smile… many things, just this morning our cat who acted like a a child seeing snow for the first time…
Pinned, tweeted, G+, facebooked and IG shared :)
My 2016 smile is bittersweet. The David Bowie news broke on my birthday. I was pretty glum most of the day. Until I read about Blackstar, his swansong album and watched his Lazarus video. This talented, amazing human being left us such a gift. And that made me smile.
What’s been making me smile recently is getting to do these handwritten one card Tarot readings and dropping them in the mail. It’s so tactile.
And have pinned it.
Thank you for offering this give away. I became enamored with Tarot as an adolescent but haven’t picked up a deck since college.
Something that has made me smile in 2016 is that my birthday (39) is on Sunday. My four year old daughter and my husband piked out 2 bottles of wine and no less than 8 cupcakes for me, because my daughter couldn’t decide between flavors/wine bottles. :)
My lovely niece of 4 years old made me smile at January 1st already. She’s such a caracter with a will of her own. Happier with a slice of bellpepper than a cookie.
Pinned to my balance board
Hello – I have pinned it!