The pursuit of harmony and personal insight often involves exploring various spiritual and divinatory tools. Among these, Tarot serves as a powerful medium for self-reflection and guidance. The Spiritsong Tarot, created by visionary artist Paulina Fae and published by US Games Systems Inc., offers a unique approach to this ancient practice. This deck distinguishes itself by merging two traditions of divination: the shamanic symbolism of animal spirit guides and the structural framework of the traditional 78-card Tarot system. By embodying the wisdom of 78 distinct animals, the Spiritsong Tarot provides a gentle yet profound method for navigating life's challenges and attaining one's greatest spiritual potential. This article explores the structure, symbolism, and practical application of the Spiritsong Tarot as a tool for holistic energy harmonization and personal growth.
The Philosophical Foundation of Spiritsong Tarot
The Spiritsong Tarot is designed as an entirely animal-based deck, a feature that renders it approachable and intuitive for readers of all experience levels. The deck’s philosophy rests on the concept of animals as spiritual helpers and mentors. According to the documentation, these animals are "connected to the portals of higher worlds" and are "forever open to providing their energy when called upon." This perspective transforms the act of reading the cards into a dialogue with divine guidance.
The creator, Paulina Fae, has carefully selected each animal based on Shamanic and Native American symbolism. The intent is to merge the "unique power" of each animal with classic Tarot practices. For instance, the Raven represents the Magician card because its attributes of "creation" parallel the traditional symbolism of the Magician. This method ensures that while the imagery is unconventional, the underlying meanings remain rooted in established Tarot traditions.
The deck’s artwork plays a crucial role in its energetic appeal. Described as "hand-drawn visionary artwork" using a soft and muted watercolor palette, the images are intended to capture the divine essence of the animals. This aesthetic approach moves away from the dramatic or sometimes frightening imagery found in other decks, focusing instead on highlighting potential ways forward. The Spiritsong Tarot is described as an "inspirational deck" that suggests how to move forward and take control of one's life, rather than merely reflecting on negative situations.
Structural Framework and Elemental Associations
To utilize the Spiritsong Tarot effectively, one must understand its structure, which mirrors the traditional Tarot system. The deck consists of 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana (22 cards) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards). The Minor Arcana is further divided into four suits, each associated with a specific element and represented by a unique natural symbol. This framework allows users familiar with traditional Tarot to transition easily, while offering fresh imagery for deeper intuitive connection.
The four suits and their associations are as follows:
- Acorns (Wands/Fire): Acorns symbolize growth, strength, and unlimited potential. In the context of the deck, they replace the traditional Wands and are tied to the energy of motivation and inspiration. The element associated with this suit is Fire.
- Feathers (Swords/Air): Feathers symbolize power, freedom, and celestial wisdom. They replace the traditional Swords and are tied to the energy of ideas and influence. The element associated with this suit is Air.
- Shells (Cups/Water): Seashells symbolize harmony, peace, and fertility. They replace the traditional Cups and are tied to the energy of emotions and imagination. The element associated with this suit is Water.
- Crystals (Pentacles/Earth): Quartz crystals symbolize manifestation, clarity, and abundance. They replace the traditional Pentacles (or coins) and are tied to the energy of livelihood and materialism. The element associated with this suit is Earth.
This re-imagining of suits encourages users to view traditional elemental energies through the lens of nature’s wisdom. For example, the "Feathers" suit (Air/Swords) emphasizes the power of thoughts and celestial wisdom, offering a higher perspective on conflict or mental challenges.
The Guidebook and Interpretive Support
A significant component of the Spiritsong Tarot package is the included 108-page guidebook. This resource is essential for bridging the gap between the animal imagery and traditional Tarot meanings. The guidebook is card-sized and signed by the artist when purchased directly from the creator.
The guidebook provides the following for each of the 78 cards: * Card Name and Animal: Identifies the specific animal guide featured. * Keywords: Lists the keywords printed on the card itself for quick reference. * Card Messages: Provides the primary meaning and insight into how the animal relates to the card’s traditional significance. * Reversed Messages and Keywords: Offers guidance for interpreting the card when it appears in a reversed position.
The entries are concise but designed to provide enough information to get started, encouraging users to develop their intuitive connections. The guidebook also includes specific spreads for use with the deck, categorized into Tarot spreads and Oracle spreads.
Custom Spreads for Guidance
The Spiritsong Tarot includes six custom spreads, which are detailed in the guidebook. These spreads are designed to facilitate specific types of inquiry and energy reading.
Tarot Spreads: 1. The Spiritsong Single-card Reading: Used for general daily guidance or a specific question. 2. The Spiritsong Star Spread (6 cards): Likely used for a comprehensive overview of a situation, offering multiple angles of insight. 3. The Spiritsong Healing Spread (6 cards): Focused on identifying areas of energy blockage and offering paths to emotional or spiritual healing. 4. The Spiritsong Tree of Life Spread (10 cards): A more complex spread designed to explore deep-rooted issues and life pathways.
Oracle Spreads: 1. One Card Oracle Reading: A simple method for receiving a direct message or affirmation. 2. Spiritsong Three-card Oracle Reading: Used for understanding past, present, and future influences or situation, action, and outcome.
These spreads allow for flexibility in reading style, ranging from simple daily draws to in-depth explorations of life’s complexities.
Practical Application for Holistic Energy Harmonization
In the context of holistic energy balancing and personal growth, the Spiritsong Tarot serves as a mirror to the "true inner self." The documentation states that the animals offer their "courage as you endeavor to meet your goals." This makes the deck a valuable tool for individuals seeking to overcome obstacles and realize their "greatest spiritual power."
The deck’s emphasis on "remedies for any situation" aligns with the goals of holistic consulting. Rather than predicting a fixed future, the Spiritsong Tarot empowers the querent to find solutions. The animals act as mentors, providing the energy needed to attain one's potential. For example, if a querent is struggling with a decision, the imagery of the Raven (Magician) might suggest tapping into creative powers, while the appearance of a card from the Crystals suit might highlight the need to focus on material stability or manifestation.
The gentle nature of the deck makes it particularly suitable for meditation work. The "delicately detailed hand-drawn portraits" are designed to capture the divine essence of the animals, allowing users to connect with the healing energy of shamanic medicine. By meditating on a specific animal card, individuals can invite that specific energy into their lives—whether it is the growth of the Acorns or the harmony of the Shells.
Authenticity and Quality Considerations
When working with divinatory tools, the integrity of the physical object is paramount. The documentation provides a specific warning regarding the authenticity of the Spiritsong Tarot. There are pirated copies being distributed, which may lack the energetic purity and quality of the original.
To ensure one is working with an authentic deck, the following indicators are provided: * QR Codes: A "dead-giveaway" of a pirated copy is the presence of a QR code on the box or cards. * Booklet: The official deck includes a physical booklet. Pirated versions often omit this. * Publisher: The official deck is published by US Games Systems Inc. * Dimensions: The authentic cards measure 3x5 inches.
Using an authentic deck ensures that the user receives the intended energetic connection and the full support of the guidebook and high-quality card stock designed for ease of shuffling and durability.
Conclusion
The Spiritsong Tarot represents a harmonious blend of shamanic wisdom and traditional Tarot structure. By utilizing animal spirit guides as archetypes for the 78 cards, it offers a unique pathway for intuitive insight and spiritual growth. Its gentle, watercolor artwork and focus on positive forward movement make it a valuable tool for those seeking to navigate life’s challenges with grace and courage. Whether used for daily guidance, deep meditation, or complex spreads, the deck serves as a conduit for divine guidance, helping users to connect with their true inner self and attain their greatest potential. As with any spiritual practice, working with an authentic deck is essential for maintaining the integrity of the connection and the accuracy of the guidance received.