The Herbal Tarot is a unique divination system that merges the traditional framework of the Rider-Waite deck with the healing properties of medicinal herbs. Designed under the direction of herbalist Michael Tierra and artist Candice Cantin, this deck serves as a tool for studying the psycho-physical energy of plants. By assigning a specific medicinal herb to each card based on intuition, astrological values, and energetic correspondences, the Herbal Tarot provides a symbolic material manifestation to accompany specific divinations. This integration encourages communication with the subconscious, leveraging the power of tarot imagery alongside the tangible wisdom of herbalism.
The deck consists of 78 cards and generally follows the assignments of the Rider-Waite system. However, it introduces distinct variations in naming and symbolism to align with its herbal focus. For instance, the Wheel of Fortune is referred to as the Medicine Wheel, the Hanged Man as the Suspended Person, and the Devil as Pan. These alterations reflect the deck's deeper connection to natural cycles and spiritual archetypes. The creators intended the deck to be a comprehensive system for those willing to study its intricacies, offering insights into health, relationships, and spiritual growth through the lens of botanical medicine.
Origins and Creator Expertise
The Herbal Tarot was first released in the United States in 1988. The project was a collaboration between Michael Tierra, a certified acupuncturist, herbalist, naturopath, and spiritual counselor, and Candice Cantin, an herbalist, holistic counselor, and teacher of the herbal path. Tierra brought extensive practical knowledge to the project, having studied herbal traditions in China, India, and with Native Americans. He created medicines based on wild herbs, shrubs, and tree bark before combining this knowledge with a magical approach to create the tarot system.
Candice Cantin contributed her artistic skills and herbal expertise, drawing the vibrantly colored deck. Her background includes the study of Ayurvedic, Chinese, European, and Native American traditions of herbal healing. The collaboration resulted in a deck that is visually reminiscent of the Rider-Waite style but distinguished by bright shades and simple drawings that place plants in the foreground. In 1997, Michael Tierra published an accompanying book to aid in the interpretation of the Arcana, acknowledging that the Herbal Tarot is a complex system that requires the study of additional literature to fully unlock its potential.
Deck Structure and Symbolism
The Herbal Tarot adheres to the English school of tarot, featuring 78 cards with Strength positioned at number 8. While the suits and court cards remain largely the same as traditional decks, the Major Arcana contain specific herbal and symbolic additions. Each card is assigned an individual medicinal herb, and the imagery is designed to encode secret messages through the depiction of flowers and berries.
The suits correspond to specific physiological systems and herbal actions: * Wands: Herbs affecting the heart and blood circulation. * Swords: Substances influencing the respiratory organs and nervous system. * Cups: Tonics and aphrodisiacs. * Coins (Pentacles): Plants that normalize digestion.
The card backs feature a symmetrical design of rosemary sprigs. Each card includes a colored frame and a lower block containing the card name and numerical designation. The names of specific flowers and shrubs are written directly on the Arcana. The symbolism is rich; for example, the Sun card features red thin rays and corresponds to Angelica, a herb used to stimulate menstruation and warm the blood. The Moon card includes a lizard and a crab, symbolizing base manifestations of personality, apathy, and an unwillingness to let go of the past, with black backgrounds representing the unconscious.
Interpretation and Divination Methodology
Interpretation of the Herbal Tarot can be approached through traditional Rider-Waite meanings or by utilizing Michael Tierra’s herbal associations. The deck is designed to function as a medical reference book, particularly in health spreads, where it can show predispositions to existing diseases and suggest directions for treatment. However, the creators emphasize that the deck should be used as a guide and not a replacement for professional medical advice.
The deck supports the use of reversed cards, utilizing a "plus-minus" principle where each card has both positive and negative aspects. For instance, the upright Six of Cups signifies children's openness and the ability to enjoy life, while the reversed position indicates carelessness and infantilism. The deck is considered universal, suitable for everyday questions as well as spiritual ones. For spiritual inquiries, the Major Arcana alone may be used, while specific suits can be deployed for more mundane aspects of life.
Herbal Correspondences by Suit
The specific herbal assignments provided in the source data highlight the deck's focus on physical health and energetic balance. The following table summarizes the physiological systems addressed by each suit:
| Suit | Physiological Focus | Herbal Action |
|---|---|---|
| Wands | Heart and Blood Circulation | Stimulating, warming, circulatory support |
| Swords | Respiratory Organs and Nervous System | Calming, clearing, respiratory aid |
| Cups | General Tonics and Aphrodisiacs | Emotional balancing, vitality |
| Coins (Pentacles) | Digestive System | Normalizing, grounding, digestive aid |
Practical Applications for Holistic Living
The Herbal Tarot is described as a powerful magical tool that, when used correctly, can heal the body and spirit. It is particularly suited for health spreads, offering insights into physical well-being and herbal remedies. The deck also illuminates relationship dynamics by revealing archetypes and approaches to connecting with others. For personal growth, it helps individuals find their path and work on mistakes.
The complexity of the deck requires a commitment to study, including the accompanying book and literature on medicinal plants. The "secret messages" encoded in the imagery are said to reveal themselves only to those ready to dive deeply into Tierra's world. While the deck references classic plots from the Waite tradition, the non-standard approach makes it both interesting and somewhat inaccessible to casual users.
Conclusion
The Herbal Tarot represents a distinct fusion of divination and herbal medicine. Created by Michael Tierra and Candice Cantin, it offers a specialized tool for exploring psycho-physical energies through the symbolism of 78 cards. By linking specific herbs to the suits and Major Arcana, the deck provides a unique method for health divination and spiritual insight. It serves as a bridge between the material world of botanical remedies and the esoteric realm of tarot, requiring study and intuition to master its full potential.