Friday, July 24, 2020

Deck Review: The Light-Seer's Tarot by Chris-Anne



The Light-Seer’s Tarot

Chris-Anne

Hay House Publishing

$24.99

 

I haven’t bought too many new tarot decks recently, but in this case, these gorgeous cards just showed up on my doorstep thanks to my student Ashley. It is always an honor to receive a deck as a gift, and I’m exceptionally grateful.

 

The Light-Seer’s Tarot is a 78-card Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) style deck that makes many nods to the original imagery, but does not take that duty too seriously. In other words, if you’ve worked with RWS, you’ll see many familiar things, but it’s not even close to a clone. They are about the same size as a standard RWS deck.

 

This deck caught my eye immediately. The presentation is fantastic; it comes in a sturdy, alluring turquoise box with a guidebook. “Little white book” is far from the case here; it’s an excellent introduction for tarot beginners. It discusses the setup of the deck and gives an entry for each card, but it also provides some basic spreads and even discusses reversals.

 

Entries in the book have a “light seer” and a “shadow seer” description for each card. I really like that idea; it gives the reader a place to start in either direction, positive or negative. Each card also has an affirmation, which is honestly a great way to remember the cards. For example, on the Two of Wands, the affirmation is, “The world is filled with opportunities for adventure, and I welcome them into my life with planned action.” I’m all for a positive message that helps you remember the card.

 

I love the design on the back of the cards; it’s simple and powerful with muted colors and doesn’t distract from the images.

 

The images themselves provide a lot of depth for divination. There’s no scare factor here, though; many of the RWS images can seem too severe for readers, but there are none to be found anywhere in this deck. In a nod to equality, all races and genders are liberally mixed on the cards, and to my surprise and delight, there are more females on these cards than I have seen in a long time.

 

The Seven of Wands, for example, shows a woman in prayer pose seated cross-legged on a mat with the seven wands pointed in her direction. Behind her is a landscape of a hill scene inside a crystal ball. Unlike the RWS, the woman isn’t holding a wand and there’s no visible conflict. Is she defiant because she chooses not to engage others and continues to pray? Certainly, that’s one of the many ideas to consider.

 

I also liked the thematic development here. The Swords suit, for example, has birds on almost every card, a reminder of the element of air, of course. But on almost all of the Swords pips, there are ravens. The Eight of Swords is a great example; a woman looks in the mirror and in the reflected image, she sees four ravens tying her hands and blindfolding her. It’s a fantastic reminder of the idea that how we see ourselves does help determine our reality—are we really restricted, or is it just how we’re seeing it in our mind’s eye?

 

The Queen of Pentacles is one of the most beautiful images in the entire deck. A woman sits comfortably on a chair in the forest, a turquoise wrap covering her head with branches sticking out the sides. To me this was a nod to the Horned God. Her eyes are closed, and the turquoise eye shadow shows she’s resting or meditating, holding a large pentacle. I love the simple elegance of the design.

 

On the majors, the Wheel of Fortune jumped out at me. A woman is standing on top of the wheel, which is very similar to the RWS wheel in many ways but without the Hebrew letters this time around. The woman looks elated and is in a modified tree yoga pose, arms out to welcome whatever comes next. I loved the little reminder of the “luck” idea of the card in the pair of dice attached to a string around her neck.

 

The only negative I could really come up with was that the cards are a little slippery. That’s purely my personal taste; I always worry about the cards slipping out of my hand!

 

I’d highly recommend this deck for anyone who enjoys bright, positive decks with amazing colors and some subtle RWS imagery. I’d also say this is a great first deck for children, as there is almost no nudity in it and the images are so welcoming.  

 

To me this deck is like your favorite movie, book, or video game: The first time you experienced it was magical, but each repeat shows you something new. The small touches and nods to the RWS make the Light-Seer’s Tarot absolutely worth putting on your wish list, and I can’t wait to use it with clients!


The Wheel of FortuneQueen of Pentacles


Monday, July 6, 2020

Interview with Mars, Part 9




John: Mars, I can’t thank you enough for all of your time and your exceptionally, um, candid answers.


Mars: Sure, Mr. Flavorator. Got any more wings? I should be good after that…

 

John: [looks under table] I’ve got one more set left, Mars. Let me see…[picks it up] Barbeque ranch, I think? [hands it over]

 

Mars: Dude, you picked all my favorites today! How in the fuck did you do that? [opens container and begins eating a wing]

 

John: I always do research on anyone I’m going to interview, Mars, and those people I asked about you were very forthcoming.

 

Mars: Fuck yeah, dude! Well, let’s get it on! By the time people read this thing, I’ll be in Aries kickin’ ass and takin’ names!

 

John: There are those who call you a “dumb jock.” What do you say?

 

Mars: First of all, fuck them for sayin’ it that way. Thinkin’ is not my specialty, but what I do, I do it well. You want to fight? You don’t go to Jupiter, or the Old Man, or that pipsqueak Pluto. You come to me. When you’re up against it and your life is on the line, I’m your guy. If that makes me a dumb jock, well…at that point who needs a fuckin’ committee?

 

John: But for many people, their lives aren’t on the line and yet you still have a powerful influence over us. What do you say to those people who would say you’re a bully?

 

Mars: Get to know me before you judge me! I can help you more than you know.

 

John: How?

 

Mars: You have choices every day. You work with me, you get to know me, and I can show you how to handle conflict. Yeah, not every fight is one for your life, but you’d be surprised how often I turn up in places that you thought would be more…what’s the word I want, egghead?

 

John: “Civilized”, maybe?

 

Mars: [points at John and wing sauce flings onto John’s shirt] Dude, you got it in one! [looks at John’s shirt] Shit, dude, sorry about that.

 

John: [picks up hand wipe and rips it open] No worries, Mars. [dabs at shirt]

 

Mars: Anyway, conflict isn’t always about bashin’ in someone’s face. Sometimes people want you to think they’re nice and they act mean. When they are, you have to stick up for yourself. I can help you do that without getting physical if you understand how I work. And if it does get physical, well…then I can help you end the fight quickly, so you don’t get your ass kicked too bad.

 

John: What about what you were saying earlier about goals?

 

Mars: If you want something, I’m your guy. Venus can tell you what or who you want, but she can do that from her couch without lifting a finger. I’m the one who has to go get it, and I will if you want it badly enough. And when you’re getting laid, you can thank me…I’ll even wait for the fuckin’ gratitude until after you’re done!

 

John: That would probably be best. [closes iPad] Thanks for your time, Mars. You can take the rest of those with you. Anything else you want to leave us with?

 

Mars: Get your asses of the couch, good people, and get the shit done. Talk is fuckin’ cheap! Do your gym time. I don’t give a tenth of a fuck about anyone else but you. You’ve got a personal special operations team at your disposal, so don’t make me spend my life in the fuckin’ ready room! I want to be the warrior you call on. SO GET. IT. DONE. ALL I DO IS WIN WIN WIN NO MATTER WHAT!

Sunday, July 5, 2020

Interview with Mars, Part 8




John: I want to make sure we hit everything, Mars, and you’ve got a big retrograde coming up soon!


Mars: Damn right I do! [pause] What’s next on the FLAVORATOR?

 

John: I am impressed and scared at the number of wings you have put away today, Mars. Is this some sort of record?

 

Mars: Dude, not even close. I once did 300 chicken nuggets!

 

John: At one…time?

 

Mars: FUCK YEAH! I was hurting the next day though!

 

John: [mouth drops open] No need to explain any further, Mars. I’ve seen you polish off 80 wings just today.

 

Mars: So, you didn’t answer my question, egghead. what’s next?

 

John: [checks out container] Looks like…garlic parmesan? I think?  [hands over container]

 

Mars: Another fuckin’ classic! [rips open container] So yeah, I’ve got a retrograde coming.

 

John: Before we get there, we need to step back. People don’t know how fast you move through the signs.

 

Mars: I’m not that fast, but I make up for it in PURE STAMINA!

 

John: Right. [consults iPad] Mercury told me that you move through a sign in about six weeks. Does that sound right?

 

Mars: Yup. The Brainiac would know for sure! I can’t even keep up with him. And Lady Moon? Forget it! That bitch is faster than all of us!

 

John: That would mean that about every two years you return to the same place it was when a person was born.

 

Mars: Yup, if you count the retrograde.

 

John: Just one retrograde during that time?

 

Mars: Yeah, I don’t like to take too much time off, you know?

 

John: [consults iPad] Mercury said it’s 9.48% of the time.

 

Mars: Dude, I don’t do math. If the smooth-talking little motherfucker said that’s what it is, who am I to say it isn’t?

 

John: Fair point, Mars. [pause] We were saying earlier that this entire retrograde will be in Aries for you. What are you normally like during a retrograde? Does your behavior change?

 

Mars: [pause] Yeah, sorta. I’m just not my usual self. I feel, well, more like I think Venus feels most of the time.

 

John: Meaning…?

 

Mars: Meaning if shit doesn’t get done during my retrograde, I’m not as concerned. Less get up and go, more couch. I love to get shit done, but during the nearly three months I’m retrograde, I’m lazier. Don’t bother starting somethin’ new during that time. Not worth it!

 

John: Yup. She told me she feels like work is a four-letter word.

 

Mars: Well, the last time I checked it has four fuckin’ letters: W-O-R-K. And they all call ME the dumb jock? [snorts]

 

John: [shudders] But earlier you said by being in Aries so long, you’ll give people the opportunity to push forward.

 

Mars: Yeah, man. I move into Aries in the next few days, so folks need to fuckin’ get on it ASAP; in September I go retro and I’m there until almost Thanksgiving. Thankfully I’ll be back home for the Holiday Party!

 

John: So, if I can summarize…

 

Mars: We don’t have any workout machines here, dumbass! Get to the gym to do that shit!

 

John: [facepalm] What I meant to say is that people should avoid starting stuff between early September and like, mid-November?

 

Mars: [shrugs] Huh. I guess so. My retrograde is not a happy time, man. Being on the road for that long really takes a toll on me, and I have to do two-a-day workouts to burn off all the takeout food once I get back.

Saturday, July 4, 2020

Interview with Mars, Part 7



John: What about Mars in Libra? What can you say there?

 

Mars: Not much TO say, man. I call ‘em “the linebacker in a tutu”!

 

John: That’s an interesting turn of phrase!

 

Mars: Damn straight. When I’m in Libra, I’m so not like myself. It’s like I don’t want to fight at all.

 

John: Well, Libra is a sign of harmony. Conflict is, as you would say, not that sign’s jam.

 

Mars: Fuck no. And honestly even if you tell them go fight somebody, they don’t wanna do it. “Linebacker in a tutu!” It’s that kum-ba-yah, let’s fuckin’ sit around the campfire and talk about your feelings sort of bullshit. Drives me NUTS!

 

John: I think I understand now. Libra is a sign of conflict avoidance, Mars. Of course you’re not comfortable there.

 

Mars: [points at John] I know you egghead types! You’re gonna ask me to describe it!


John: That would be awesome, Mars.  


Mars: [points to his head and smiles] If you’ve ever worn a piece of clothing that is too tight or looks stupid on you because someone else asked you to, that’s Mars in Libra. You don’t want to fight so you put it on. Fuckin’ stupid but it happens.

 

John: Great that you said that, because it shows how uncomfortable you are in Libra.


Mars: You could say the same thing in Taurus. When I’m stuck in one of those two signs, it’s like wearin’ one of those protective cups on your scrot so your nuts don’t get smashed playin’ sports…

 

John: Right…I think I get it…

 

Mars: …but the jock strap is too tight or the cup’s too small and you want to take the fucker off…

 

John: Ummmm no need to go on, Mars…

 

Mars: And then you’re adjusting it but there’s no fuckin’ point because it doesn’t help and everyone’s looking at you ‘cause you’re touchin’ your nads anyway! AMIRITE?!?!?

 

[pause]

 

John: I certainly understand. At the same time, I sense that your explanation, while filled with incredibly vivid locker room imagery, will not make its way into an astrology book anytime soon.

 

Mars: You’re writing a book?

 

John: No, Mars, I’m not writing a book…it was just an expression.

 

Mars: You authoring Mercury fuck! DUDE…if you write a BOOK, that shit needs to be in there, man!

 

John: If I ever decide to write an astrology book, Mars, I promise I’ll think about it.

 

Mars: Damn right you will!

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Interview with Mars, Part 6



John: So we know where you’re strongest…

 

Mars: You know the drill, dude? What is next on the FLAVORATOR?

 

John: [looks at next container of wings] It’s smeared but I think it says…Carolina something? Something Carolina? [hands over the container]

 

Mars: FUCK YEAH! That would be CAROLINA REAPER! [rips open container and bites into a wing] AWWWW YEAH! That is some FIRE!

 

John: True to form, you are much braver than I am! [consults iPad] Tell me about what signs you struggle in.

 

Mars: [snarls] Cancer! Hard to get any traction there.

 

John: [nods] Why?

 

Mars: Have you ever been threatened by a crab? Doubt it!

 

John: I’ve never felt threatened by a goat, either…

 

Mars: [laughs] OK man, true story, true story! Obvs I’ve never felt it from a goat. But Cancer wants comfort, not conflict. Unless it involves someone else bothering a family member or a close friend, and THEN I can kick ass and take names. All bets are off if you fuck with the family!

 

John: I believe I’ve heard that someplace. But what about the claws?

 

Mars: [chuckles] Well the claws are more for survival on the crab than attack. That’s why they have that outer shell. They want to play defense and skitter away…I don’t play that game! Running is NOT my jam; I embrace the fight!

 

John: Yes, I’d heard that Mars in Cancer folks tend to use your energy as a last resort, even when it comes to sticking up for themselves.

 

Mars: Yup. Not gettin’ far with the crab at all, dude.

 

John: [consults iPad] So if my math is right, there are two signs left we have to discuss.

 

Mars: [frowns] Not a fan of either of them. So let’s get it done!

 

John: I think it’s interesting that both of these signs are Venus-ruled.

 

Mars: So I gotta say, that bitch is HAWT. H-A-W-T. Don’t tell anyone but I’ve even let her spend the night a few times! She’s my girl.

 

John: I assume we’re talking about Venus?

 

Mars: No. The fuckin’ Moon! OF COURSE Venus, dick for brains!

 

John: But Taurus and Libra…

 

Mars: Both are a pain in my ass! Neither one really want to work. Taurus is too busy sitting on the couch, eating bonbons and shit like that. Getting motivated in that sign is a bitch. But I will say this: Get them started and then get the fuck out of the way!

 

John: So, you’re not motivated in Taurus or you are? Which is it?

 

Mars: Dude, get off my jock! I am GETTING THERE!

 

John: [eyeroll] My apologies. Go on. [gestures]

 

Mars: It takes a lot to GET me moving in Taurus, but when I do get moving there’s no stopping me. Hard to stop a moving Bull! Especially if there’s cake involved! But don’t tell Venus I said that!

 

John: You can count on my discretion. So a bull at rest tends to stay at rest, but a bull in motion tends to stay in motion?

 

Mars: There you go again, egghead! ENGLISH PLEASE!

 

John: Right. [thinks for a moment] A bull will run you the fuck over if you try to slow it down, AMIRITE?

 

Mars: See? How fucking hard was THAT?

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Interview with Mars, Part 5




Mars: So what’s next?

 

John: I’d like to talk about what signs…

 

Mars: No, dude! What is the next set of wings you bought?

 

John: [Looks at the scrawl on the container] Barbecue ranch? That’s what it looks like. [hands over container]

 

Mars: Fuck yeah dude! [rips open container] And do you have something to drink?

 

John: [hands Mars a 64-ounce Thermos] Here you go.

 

Mars: Dude you rock! [take a drink] So what were you sayin’?

 

John: I’d like to talk about what signs you work the best in for my readers.

 

Mars: Oh yeah! ARIES ALL DAY BABY! That’s my best one ever.

 

John: Right, we got that part.

 

Mars: Who’s that woman you mentor who you call “Daughter of Mars”?

 

John: As a matter of fact, I do have a mentee with that nickname. She’s quite a fan of yours. Her name is Ren.

 

Mars: I love that bitch!  She really jives with the signs that I rule, both of them!

 

John: Well, we’ve only talked about Aries so far. What’s the other one?

 

Mars: When I’m in Scorpio, I’m also totally bangin’!

 

John: Now hold on…isn’t Pluto the ruler of Scorpio?

 

Mars: There’s a fuckin’ story there! Scorpio used to be mine back in the day. Then you fuckin’ eggheads discovered Pluto back in like 19 fuckity-fuck...

 

John: 1931 actually.

 

Mars: What the fuck ever! Anyway, these modern astrology eggheads gave him to Pluto, without even fuckin’ asking me! Dicks. Totally fucked me over.

 

John: Academics aside, how do you behave when you’re in Scorpio?

 

Mars: Dude, I rock the house in Scorpio, but I’m less up front. More subtle and shit. I’m not so much rip your face off but I’m more of a slash your tires when you’re not looking type of thing. I’m more cool and calm about it, and I wait for my shot instead of the fuckin’ frontal assault. It’s more like ninja style, more strategery and hit and run. Scary but still way fuckin’ cool, dude. You’re a Scorpio sun, so you feel me.


John: [smirks] I do indeed feel you, Mars.

 

Mars: And for the boot-knockin’ Mars in Scorpio is amazing. Mars in Aries may be a quick burst but Mars in Scorpio? Those fuckers can go all night like fuckin’ lumberjacks, man. SERIOUSLY!

 

John: [chuckles] Seriously. So you rule those two signs. I’ve told my readers about the exaltation, another excellent placement for a planet. Which sign does that job for you?

 

Mars: I know it sounds weird, but Capricorn! I know…that’s a sign that doesn’t seem like me, but I gotta tell you, those bastards can really make shit happen over the long haul.

 

John: How do they do that?

 

Mars: Cappie is something that I’m not: An organized planner and not a scrappy grunt! Mars in Aries will win you a battle, but Mars in Capricorn will win the whole fuckin’ WAR!

 

John: The whole war?

 

Mars: You’re doing it again, dude! You seriously need a hearing aid. [smile] Anyway, Capricorn wins the battle before they fight. Some guy name Sunny said something about that back in the day, amirite?

 

John: [consults iPad] I think you’re talking about Sun Tzu’s “Art of War”: “Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.”

 

Mars: Yeah, that’s EXACTLY what I was thinking! So yeah…when I’m in Capricorn I thrive!