The names drawn for these lovely decks were:
Tarot of the Divine: Laura S. Reading
Hoodoo Tarot: Maria's Blog
Modern Witch: Melisa G
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The deep grey has come to my village now. Low cloud, snow on the hills, mist on the water. We will wade through this bleakness for the next three months, until February begins to fade. It’s the price of living in a beautiful valley, surrounded by mountains. We forget during the year. Through the extraordinarily hot, dry summers, the lush springs and handsome autumns. But November reminds us. Winter here is little but grey. Unless you can get up the mountain, above the clouds into the sunlight, you need to find ways to weather the dark. Stacks of blankets and books. A fire. A stocked bar. Good snacks. And a host of friends (or a therapist) on speed dial. All are helpful.
The darktide offers much time, and the perfect ambiance, for introspection. It is the dark moon phase in earnest. We examine our depths. We call our power back to ourselves, cut cords, bump up wards, and might perhaps need to slap away a few pests that we've allowed to circle too closely. (This is, of course, work that we do all the calendar long, but it is especially suited for the shadowy phases of the year.) It is also the perfect time for prophesying. For looking ahead, and observing portents. The Omen Days, occuring around the darkest days in December, are an excellent example of this.
This next giveaway is meant to offer you some tools to look behind the curtain. Hopefully, the messages you receive will foretell of a bright future. We could use a happier 2021, for certain.
This year I've found three tarot decks that have moved me in significant ways, and so I picked up a copy for you as well. They offer fairytales and magic. Black history, and BIPOC representation. Multiple cultures, and figures in all shapes and sizes. Let's take a look...
I'm completely enchanted with Tarot of the Divine. I was worried the art would be a bit too...soft...and the characters might lean toward quaint, but Yoshi has created substantial scenes and depth of feeling with her images. There were a few cards that touched me profoundly as I first flipped through the deck - one in particular made me gasp aloud. If I had any complaint at all with these cards it is that the cardstock is a little lighter than I would like (both in colour on the edges/frames, and in the weight). I know these aren't the cards I'm going to reach for in a rush. I wash my hands and shuffle them carefully when I pull them out. They are exceptionally fun to read with, in any case.
Next up is The Hoodoo Tarot by author Tayannah Lee McQuillar and artist Katelan V. Foisy. This striking deck captured my attention the first time I saw it. I'm going to be honest - it is still in its box because I'm navigating some of my feelings about working with it as a white person with no Black or Indigenous heritage. This is entirely my own issue. Katelan Foisy is, from what I can determine from her online information, a white-presenting woman of Romani heritage, so this is certainly not a deck that speaks of being off-limits to people outside of the Black community.
"Celebrating the complex American Rootwork tradition, The Hoodoo Tarot integrates esoteric and botanical knowledge from Hoodoo with the divination system of the Tarot. Structured like a traditional Tarot deck, each of the 78 cards features full-color paintings by magical-realist artist Katelan Foisy and elegantly interprets the classical Tarot imagery through depictions of legendary rootworkers past and present as well as important Hoodoo symbolism.
In the accompanying guidebook, Tayannah Lee McQuillar provides a history of Hoodoo and its complex heritage, including its roots in multiple African and Indigenous American ethnic groups as well as its European influences. She explores the traditional forms of divination used by rootworkers, including cartomancy, explaining how pairing the Tarot with Hoodoo is a natural fit. For each card in the Major Arcana and the four suits of the Minor Arcana (sticks, baskets, needles, and knives), McQuillar provides an in-depth card meaning that draws on both Tarot and Hoodoo tradition. She shares the history of the rootworker or symbol featured, any associated magical plants, a related scriptural quote, and guidance and advice based on the card’s meaning. She also offers instructions on card spreads and shares sample card readings.
Offering a divination system rooted in the Indigenous and African experience in North America, The Hoodoo Tarot provides a hands-on way to honor and explore the magic of Hoodoo for personal growth and spiritual inspiration."
Lastly, we have the effervescent and delightful Modern Witch Tarot by Lisa Sterle. This deck takes the traditional symbolism of the Waite-Smith system and brings it into the modern era. The vibrant figures are all female or non-gender-specific, and of varying shapes and shades. The gorgeously inclusive art is a treat to behold!
* This giveaway (or "sweepstakes") is open to all residents of Canada, (exluding Quebec residents) the USA, Great Britain, Europe, South America, who are 18 years of age or older. This giveaway is void where prohitibited by law. Please be aware of the contest/sweepstakes laws in your area.
* Canadian residents will be subject to a skill testing question before being able to claim their prize (this is standard law in Canada). The skill testing question will be in a form similar to: 1 + 2 - 1 =
* This giveaway is not for profit and no purchase is necessary to enter.
* This giveaway is sponsored/administrated solely by this blog/blog author and is not affilitated with or sponsored by Blogger, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any other entity, nor can they be held liable.
* By leaving a comment intending to enter into the draw for the giveaway (or "sweepstakes") you are knowingly agreeing to these rules/conditions.
I have chosen all the books/cards featured this month myself. I have not been paid to feature a book, nor have I been asked to advertise for anyone. This giveaway is not endorsed or sponsored by anyone other than Rue and Hyssop.