The Faulkner Tarot represents a significant evolution in the practice of Tarot reading, specifically designed to bridge the gap between traditional esoteric symbolism and contemporary lived experience. Created by Rhiannon Faulkner in 2009, this deck distinguishes itself through a unique artistic medium: black and white photography. Unlike traditional decks that rely on painted illustrations of archaic scenes, the Faulkner Tarot utilizes images of everyday life to convey the meanings of the cards. The deck is a 78-card modern deck that captures Tarot meanings through relatable visuals, featuring photographs of the artist's husband and five children. This approach aims to demystify Tarot, transforming it from a potentially intimidating practice into a accessible tool for modern counseling and self-help.
The fundamental philosophy driving the Faulkner Tarot is the normalization of Tarot as a positive guidance system. Historically, Tarot has been associated with imagery that many find frightening—swords piercing backs, figures jumping from burning towers, or ominous figures sitting on strange thrones. The Faulkner Tarot deliberately removes these traditional "scary" images. By replacing them with scenes from modern life—office stresses, relationship joys, and financial struggles—the deck allows users to relate the cards' energies directly to their own situations. This modernization is not merely aesthetic; it is a shift in intent. The creator emphasizes that the Tarot should be viewed as a form of modern counseling, a tool for self-help that can be utilized in all life situations.
Furthermore, the deck is designed to be accessible to a wide audience. It is marketed as perfect for both beginners and experienced readers alike. A companion workbook is available to guide users through the meanings of the 78 cards. Additionally, a specific guide titled "How To Read The Faulkner Tarot" provides an illustrated breakdown, with a page dedicated to each card to aid in understanding how to read for oneself or others. The availability of training courses, approved by the creator, further underscores the deck's commitment to structured learning and professional application.
The Philosophy of Modern Tarot Practice
The core objective of the Faulkner Tarot is to reshape the public perception of Tarot reading. For many years, the idea of consulting a Tarot reader conjured images of a mysterious, perhaps ominous figure with a "scary looking pack of cards." This perception often caused fear or hesitation. The Faulkner Tarot seeks to dispel this fear by proving that, when used correctly, Tarot is a benevolent instrument.
Tarot as a Spiritual Tool
The deck is framed as a method to receive messages from spirit. For individuals who may not yet feel they can directly communicate with guides, the cards serve as a prompt. They help the user articulate what they are seeing or feeling, allowing the guidance of the spirit to come through. This positions the Tarot not as a fortune-telling device, but as a bridge to inner wisdom and spiritual insight.
The Role of Intention
A critical component of the practice, as highlighted in the source material, is the intention of the reader. To be a professional and accurate reader, one must work with "love and light" at all times. The ritual of lighting a candle and saying a prayer before a reading is suggested to ask for true guidance. This spiritual hygiene ensures that the reading is conducted with positive energy and the highest good in mind.
The "Non-Scary" Approach
The Faulkner Tarot adopts a strictly positive guidance framework. The creator explicitly states a refusal to use reverse meanings (upside-down cards) in readings. The rationale is that reverse meanings often convey negative or scary interpretations. By eliminating them, the deck maintains a focus on positive guidance, even when predicting "negative situations and times of hardship." The philosophy is to look at every life situation from a positive viewpoint, offering hope and promise rather than fear. This modern approach allows the Tarot to be a tool for empowerment rather than anxiety.
Understanding the Structure of the Faulkner Tarot
To utilize the Faulkner Tarot effectively, one must understand the standard structure of a Tarot deck, which consists of 78 cards divided into two main sections: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Faulkner Tarot adheres to this structure but interprets it through its unique photographic lens.
The Major Arcana
The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards. These cards represent life's karmic and spiritual lessons. They depict the various stages an individual encounters while searching for greater meaning and understanding. In the context of the Faulkner Tarot, these cards capture profound spiritual shifts using images of everyday life, making the "karmic lessons" feel immediate and relevant to the modern user. They hold deeply meaningful lessons on a soul level, guiding the querent through major life transitions.
The Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards that reflect the trials and tribulations experienced on a daily basis. These cards highlight the practical aspects of life and refer to current issues that have a temporary or minor influence. The Faulkner deck uses relatable photography to illustrate these daily situations, helping the user identify the energies at play in their routine.
The Four Suits
Within the Minor Arcana, the 56 cards are organized into four suits, similar to a standard deck of playing cards, but with specific Tarot meanings: * Cups: Typically associated with emotions, relationships, and intuition. * Pentacles: Often related to material matters, finances, work, and the physical world. * Swords: Connected to the intellect, challenges, conflict, and communication. * Wands: Usually representing energy, inspiration, ambition, and action.
Each suit contains 10 numbered cards (Ace through Ten) that represent various situations and progression within that specific area of life.
The Tarot Court Cards
Within the Minor Arcana, there are also 16 Tarot Court Cards. These cards represent different personality characteristics. They can indicate people in the querent's life or aspects of the querent's own personality that they may choose to express or acknowledge at any given time.
The Faulkner Tarot in Practice: Reading and Interpretation
Reading the Faulkner Tarot involves a blend of understanding standard Tarot meanings and interpreting the specific visual language of the deck. The goal is to provide a reading that is accurate yet framed positively.
The Reading Process
The source material suggests a specific approach to conducting a reading: 1. Preparation: The reader should light a candle and say a prayer, asking for true guidance. This sets a sacred and safe space for the reading. 2. Card Pulling: When interpreting a spread, the reader looks for connections between the images and the querent's life. For example, if a card depicting a "large black island in the middle of the water" appears, the reader interprets this in the context of the querent's situation, such as a new job offer that might not be as good as it seems. 3. Layering Information: The practice involves pulling additional cards to clarify the situation. For instance, if a card suggests a potential negative, following it with "The Star" card (the wish card) indicates that the situation will resolve positively, turning the guidance into one of hope.
Interpreting the Imagery
Because the deck uses "real life" images, the interpretation relies on recognizing the emotional resonance of the photograph. A picture of a stressed office environment immediately connects to work-related stress, while a photo of a happy couple connects to relationship joy. This direct visual language removes the need for the querent to memorize complex esoteric symbols, making the reading process more intuitive and immediate.
Positive Guidance Only
The Faulkner method emphasizes that while hardship can be predicted, the focus must always remain on the positive view of the situation. The reader acts as a counselor, providing hope and promise. The removal of reverse meanings simplifies the reading process and ensures that the querent leaves the session feeling empowered rather than fearful. This aligns with the deck's mission to change the perception of Tarot from a "dark and misunderstood tool" to a recognized form of modern counseling.
Training and Certification
For those interested in mastering this specific deck, there is a structured path to becoming a proficient reader. The creator, Rhiannon Faulkner, has established a certification process to ensure that readers are trained in the correct methodology of the deck.
The Training Course
An approved training course for the Faulkner Tarot is available, running for 12 weeks. This course is designed to be a "magical" and sometimes emotional journey through the Tarot. It helps students relate their own life experiences to each of the 78 cards. The course can be conducted worldwide via digital communication platforms, making it accessible to a global audience.
Certification
Upon completion of the 12-week course, students receive a certificate directly from Rhiannon Faulkner herself. This certification validates the student's ability to read the Faulkner Tarot according to the creator's standards. The course covers both the classic Black & White deck and the Color Faulkner Tarot deck, offering a comprehensive education in the system.
The Role of Tarot in Holistic Well-being
While the provided sources focus specifically on the Faulkner Tarot, the application of Tarot fits within the broader context of holistic energy balancing and spiritual well-being. The deck serves as a mirror to the soul and a key to inner wisdom. Every spiritual lesson one meets in life can be found in the seventy-eight cards.
Self-Help and Counseling
The primary utility of the Faulkner Tarot is as a self-help tool. By providing a visual language for internal states and external situations, it allows individuals to gain clarity on their path. It acts as a "storybook of our life," helping to navigate the narrative of personal growth, relationship dynamics, and career decisions.
Connection to Spirit
For spiritual seekers, the deck offers a tangible method to connect with higher guidance. It serves as a conduit for messages from spirit, helping users to "hear" or "see" their guides through the imagery of the cards. This connection supports a holistic approach to life, where decisions are informed not just by logic, but by intuitive and spiritual insight.
Conclusion
The Faulkner Tarot stands as a testament to the evolution of ancient practices to meet modern needs. By replacing archaic, often frightening imagery with photographs of everyday life, Rhiannon Faulkner has created a deck that is accessible, relatable, and fundamentally positive. It strips away the mystery and fear often associated with Tarot, replacing it with a framework of counseling, self-help, and spiritual guidance.
The deck maintains the structural integrity of traditional Tarot—encompassing the Major Arcana, Minor Arcana, Suits, and Court Cards—while revolutionizing the visual language. It enforces a practice of positive intention, rejecting reverse meanings to focus on hope and constructive advice. Whether used by beginners seeking to understand their life's narrative or by experienced readers looking for a modern tool, the Faulkner Tarot offers a unique pathway to inner wisdom. It transforms the cards from a source of anxiety into a beacon of light, proving that the ancient art of Tarot can indeed be a modern form of guidance for the 21st century.