The Shaman Tarot deck, created by Sabina Espinet, offers a unique fusion of traditional tarot structure and shamanic wisdom. Published by Lo Scarabeo, this 78-card deck is designed to explore the shamanic journey and various spiritual aspects through the familiar context of tarot. While it adheres to the standard structure of 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana cards, the deck re-envisions the tarot experience by replacing traditional suit names with shamanic symbols: drum, bow, skull, and stone. The deck features fully illustrated, colorful, and appealing cards with reversible backs. Identification of the cards relies on a system of numbers and symbols rather than titles, as no names appear on the card faces. The accompanying booklet provides the essential context, revealing that both the Major and Minor Arcana, as well as the court cards, have been renamed to reflect the shamanic perspective.
Despite this re-envisioning, the deck retains the essence of the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) system, allowing those familiar with traditional tarot to find recognizable imagery and structures beneath the shamanistic surface. For example, the card corresponding to Strength is titled "Power" and numbered VIII, while the card corresponding to Justice is titled "Punishment" and numbered XI. The deck is intended to be a powerful tool for divination and self-discovery, with each card carrying specific meanings that can vary depending on the context and the reader's intuition. It encourages users to connect with shamanic energies and access higher guidance for profound and meaningful insights.
The Shaman Card: Symbolism and Interpretation
A central figure within this deck is The Shaman card, which stands in a position opposite to The Seer on the individual rotating shaft inside The Wheel. This card regulates the element of Air, which is associated with energy and the knowledge of magic—forces that defy human reason. The Shaman card enlightens questions regarding the inner universe and other worlds, highlighting a unique ability to communicate intimately with every stage of conscious life on Earth. This connection is deeply sensory; The Shaman feels the depth and joy of whales singing, experiences goosebumps from the howl of a Timber wolf, and resonates with the echoes of mountains and the laughter of waterfalls.
The card represents the intentional use of magic and a profound understanding of the natural world. The Shaman studies the habits of wildlife, understands weather signs to predict harvests, and distinguishes medicinal plants from poisonous mushrooms. He is capable of traveling through the night by observing the dance ritual of magical creatures living in the night sky. The most important responsibility of The Shaman is to appease the gods and the guardians of the Totem tree, facilitating a sympathetic and revered exchange of sacred ancient memories of life. This card signifies a state of emotional and spiritual readiness to receive real change for the benefit of the community. Its function is to regulate and apply wisdom from another world to reality. Keywords and extensions associated with The Shaman include the wild man of the deep forest, Merlin, the master, the alchemist, the ancient memories of wild animals, travelers through the worlds, rituals, and the responsibilities that a healer must adhere to.
Key Interpretations of Major Arcana Cards
The Shaman Tarot deck assigns specific meanings to the Major Arcana cards, blending traditional tarot symbolism with shamanic themes. These cards serve as guides for significant life events and spiritual lessons.
- The Fool: This card is seen as the embodiment of new beginnings and fresh starts. It represents innocence, spontaneity, and the willingness to take risks. The Fool encourages embracing one's inner child and trusting in the journey ahead, even when it appears uncertain or unconventional.
- The High Priestess: A card of intuition and inner wisdom, The High Priestess symbolizes the deep connection between the conscious and unconscious mind. It encourages listening to one's inner voice and trusting instincts, reminding the seeker to tap into the spiritual knowledge that lies within.
- Strength: Representing inner strength, courage, and resilience, this card symbolizes the ability to overcome challenges and face fears head-on. It teaches the importance of finding balance and harmony within oneself, reminding that true strength originates from within.
- Death: Often misunderstood, this card actually represents transformation and new beginnings. It signifies the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. The Death card encourages letting go of what no longer serves and embracing change, even if it feels uncomfortable or uncertain.
- The World: This is a powerful card of completion, wholeness, and fulfillment. It symbolizes the achievement of goals and the realization of dreams.
Practices for Enhancing Readings and Connection
In shamanic tarot reading, intuition and a personal connection with the deck are vital for accurate interpretation. Intuition allows the reader to tap into deeper meanings and messages beyond literal interpretations. To enhance this connection, various rituals and practices are employed to establish a strong energetic foundation and connect with the spiritual realm.
- Cleansing and Purification: A common practice is to cleanse and purify the tarot cards before a reading. This prepares the deck for clear communication.
- Deepening the Bond: A shaman can strengthen their bond with the deck and deepen their understanding of the messages it conveys through meditation, holding the cards, or even sleeping with them.
- Contemplation and Alignment: When reading, one should consider how the symbols and images on a card align with current circumstances. It is important to pay attention to any emotions or insights that arise during this contemplation.
- Seeking Guidance: For further clarity, a reader may draw additional cards. This can be a single card for more insight or a larger spread to explore different aspects of a situation. Each card adds a layer of meaning, painting a more complete picture.
Reading Shaman Tarot cards is a personal and subjective practice. Trusting one's inner wisdom and allowing intuition to guide the interpretation of messages is essential. With practice and a genuine connection to the spiritual realm, the Shaman Tarot can serve as a profound tool for self-reflection, guidance, spiritual growth, and the development of intuition. It can be incorporated into sacred rituals and ceremonies to enhance its power and facilitate a deeper connection with nature, animal spirits, and elemental energies.