 The classic 1909 Smith-Waite Tarot is the standard across the English-speaking world, providing a depth of symbolism and alchemical knowledge. But in the current era, it comes up lacking in several ways: Eurocentric, idealized medieval scenery, one body type - not always relevant to our lives now. Enter the Modern Witch Tarot by Lisa Sterle. This deck is lovingly committed to the Smith-Waite canon, yet utterly fresh in its execution. The art style is strongly reminiscent of the 1909 deck, sometimes even faithfully recreating a scene. The important difference: the people depicted throughout the deck are outfitted for the 21st century. Mostly identified as women, they have a variety of styles and gender presentations, diverse shapes and sizes, and a range of skin tones. For those of us who have long waited to see ourselves reflected in Tarot, the Modern Witch Tarot deck is just one of many that now fit the bill. Artists of many ethnicities have created decks that embody their experiences; members of the LGBTQ+ community cover the spectrum of gender and orientation; many creators depict disabled and larger bodies as equal amongst all. Tarot celebrates the human experience - shouldn’t our decks celebrate every human? This week’s forecast is a four-card reading with very clear messages - let’s take a closer look. Our Forecast Two of Swords: This card typically represents a decision to be made, but is a bit different blended with the other cards we pulled. Here, the Two of Swords tells us we’re balancing on a razor’s edge. It’s a delicate situation, requiring us to apply logic and clarity while keeping sight of our empathy and compassion. You may find that this concern is focused around one particular person in your life. Someone needs your patience and support - but also your honesty and transparency. Do your best to facilitate understanding without allowing anyone to be harmed. Queen of Cups & Queen of Swords: These separate cards have much in common, particularly in the context of this reading. We can easily note that each Queen is “in her element” - Swords surrounded by symbols of Air, down to her sheer gown; Cups immersed in Water, with even her stone throne shaped like a wave. Considering that Queens are the creators in the Tarot, we can see how they relate to the cards on either side of them. The Queen of Swords knows that every blade has two edges, and often they cut both ways. She is not unkind, but her first focus is what is truthful and sensible. The Queen of Cups, meanwhile, is fully comfortable with emotions and empathy. Swords may need to strike blows for knowledge and openness, but Cups can be there to soften the blow. The truth may flow freely, and Water may also be like a mirror, reflecting the best path to move ahead. The Star: Completing our near-perfect circle, the Star has found peace and harmony after a challenging experience. With one foot in water and one on earth, her pitchers flow to nourish and refresh both. You’ve been through so much - and so say we all. The Star is a welcome presence in most any reading, promising as she does that blessings from the universe abound. The balance you needed has paid off, and despite the potential for trouble, you kept yourself together and found a well-earned respite. Follow the good advice you’ve received, and remember that if you haven’t yet arrived at the Star’s oasis, soon enough you will. Susan (aka the Dragonfly Charmer) is an Indigo Moons staff member and an intuitive reader with over 25 years of experience. She also teaches Tarot classes at the shop. Susan is proud to announce the launch of her Patreon, Dragonfly Academy, as of February 1. Visit her Linktree for all the other places you can find her.
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