The Glastonbury Tarot is a distinctive deck that draws its essence from the rich tapestry of myths, history, and sacred geography associated with Glastonbury, England. Designed by Lisa Tenzin-Dolma, this deck serves as a visual and spiritual bridge, blending Arthurian legends, Pagan traditions, and Christian influences into a unified divinatory tool. The deck aims to encapsulate the unique energy of Glastonbury, a place often described as a melting pot of ideologies and a land where time moves differently. By grounding traditional tarot symbolism in the specific landscapes and historical figures of this region, the Glastonbury Tarot offers a pathway for users to connect with deep inner knowing. The illustrations are not merely artistic interpretations but are rooted in the actual terrain and inhabitants of Glastonbury, providing a realistic and immersive experience. This approach allows the cards to function both as a guide for divination and as an educational journey through the history and legends of a place that has long been a focal point for mystical traditions.
Understanding the Glastonbury Tarot Deck
The Glastonbury Tarot deck consists of 78 cards, adhering to the standard structure of tarot, with 22 major arcana and 56 minor arcana. The deck was created over a period of 20 months, with the artist often modeling the figures on friends and locals who embodied the archetypal messages of the cards. This lends a sense of authenticity and warmth to the imagery, moving away from idealized figures to portray people of various ages, genders, and shapes. The cards are characterized by bold, brilliant colors and measure 3 1/8" x 4 3/4". The back design features a non-reversible image of a sunrise over Glastonbury Tor, a prominent landmark in the area.
Suits and Symbolism
The minor arcana suits have been renamed to reflect the local lore and symbolism: * Staffs (Wands): Retains the traditional element of fire and action. * Chalices (Cups): Renamed to reflect the Arthurian-Christian tradition of the Holy Grail, which is strongly associated with Glastonbury. * Swords: Maintains the traditional association with conflict and intellect. * Vesicas (Pentacles): The suit of Vesicas replaces Pentacles. This name is derived from the Vesica Pisces, a geometric symbol that appears on the cover of Chalice Well, a sacred spring in Glastonbury. This connects the suit to the earth, material concerns, and the sacred geometry of the region.
The court cards follow the traditional structure of King, Queen, Knight, and Maid (Page).
The Companion Book
Each deck is accompanied by a 167-page book written by Lisa Tenzin-Dolma. This book is essential for understanding the deck's unique framework. It provides the stories behind each major arcana card, explains the imagery of all 78 cards, and offers divinatory meanings that blend traditional tarot interpretations with the specific Glastonbury correspondences. The book also includes practical spreads, such as the "Bird Spread," which is highly regarded by users of the deck.
The Major Arcana: Archetypes of Glastonbury
The major arcana in the Glastonbury Tarot follows the traditional sequence but substitutes the standard titles with names drawn from the history, myths, and legends of Glastonbury. These correspondences are carefully chosen to deepen the reader's understanding of the card's meaning while providing an education on Glastonbury itself.
| Traditional Name | Glastonbury Tarot Name | Associated Figure or Place |
|---|---|---|
| The Fool | Percival | The innocent knight raised in isolation. |
| The Magician | Merlin | The legendary wizard of Arthurian lore. |
| The High Priestess | Morgana | The powerful figure of magic and mystery. |
| The Empress | Guinevere | The queen and symbol of sovereignty. |
| The Emperor | Arthur | The legendary king and leader. |
| The Hierophant | Joseph of Arimathea | The figure who brought Christian traditions to Britain. |
| The Lovers | Creiddylad & Gwythyr | Figures from Welsh mythology. |
| The Chariot | Barge of Avalon | Represents the mystical Isle of Avalon. |
| Strength (card 11) | Gog & Magog | The ancient oak trees near Glastonbury Tor. |
| The Hermit | St. Collen | A hermit associated with the region. |
| Wheel of Fortune | Glastonbury Zodiac | The celestial pattern in the landscape. |
| Justice (card 8) | Arviragus | The Druid chieftain who allowed Joseph of Arimathea to settle. |
| The Hanged Man | Fisher King | A figure from Grail legend. |
| Death | Gwyn Ap Nudd | The lord of the Celtic underworld. |
| Temperance | Brigit | The Celtic goddess and saint. |
| The Devil | St. Dunstan | A historical figure associated with overcoming temptation. |
| The Tower | Tor | Representing Glastonbury Tor, a hill with a history of spiritual significance. |
| The Star | Bride's Mound | A sacred site associated with the goddess Bridget. |
| The Moon | Chalice Hill | A location connected to the sacred spring. |
| The Sun | Grail | The ultimate symbol of spiritual fulfillment. |
| Judgement | St. Michael | The archangel associated with sacred sites. |
| The World | Phoenix | A symbol of rebirth and transformation. |
Example: The Fool as Percival
In the Glastonbury Tarot, The Fool is represented by Percival. The source material explains that Percival was raised alone in the wild forest by his mother to protect him from the fate of his father and brothers, who were knights killed in battle. This upbringing left him innocent and unaware of the world's ways until his path crossed with passing knights. This narrative aligns with The Fool's traditional meaning of innocence, a new journey, and stepping into the unknown. The Glastonbury Tarot uses this specific myth to ground the archetype in a tangible story, making the card's meaning more accessible and resonant.
Example: Strength as Gog and Magog
The Strength card (card 11) features Gog and Magog, two long-standing oak trees located near the base of Glastonbury Tor. By linking the concept of strength to these ancient, resilient trees, the deck connects the inner virtue of fortitude with the enduring power of nature and the specific landscape of Glastonbury. This correspondence helps the user visualize strength as something deeply rooted and weathered by time.
The Minor Arcana: Landscapes of Life
The minor arcana cards in the Glastonbury Tarot are unique in that they depict landscapes from the Glastonbury and Somerset area. While the suit symbols (Staffs, Chalices, Swords, Vesicas) are present, they are integrated into scenes that reflect the local environment. This approach connects everyday situations and challenges (the domain of the minor arcana) to the sacred energy of the land. For instance, a card from the suit of Chalices might show a scene near the Chalice Well, imbuing the emotional themes of the card with the healing and sacred feminine energy associated with that site. The accompanying book provides commentary on the symbols and images within these minor arcana scenes, offering guidance for readings.
Divinatory Practice with the Glastonbury Tarot
The Glastonbury Tarot is designed to be a tool for deep personal insight. The creator, Lisa Tenzin-Dolma, suggests that before interpreting the cards, one should sit quietly and observe what each image reveals personally. This practice encourages users to access their "land of deep inner knowing." The deck's power is said to come from its ability to ground the user in the present moment while connecting them to the timeless myths and energies of Glastonbury.
The Role of the Landscape
The energy of Glastonbury is a central theme. The region is described as having a "strong energy and luminous quality to the light." The deck acts as an anchor, helping to clarify and ground one's identity and purpose. The journey through the deck is presented as a metaphor for the universal human journey, focused through the specific lens of this sacred landscape. This makes the deck relevant not only to those who have visited Glastonbury but to anyone seeking to connect with the mystery and beauty that exists within.
The Bird Spread
Among the spreads included in the companion book, the Bird Spread is highlighted as a particularly valuable tool for divination. While the source material does not detail the layout of this spread, its mention indicates that the deck offers unique and innovative methods for reading, alongside more traditional spreads. This suggests a comprehensive system that encourages both structured interpretation and intuitive exploration.
Connecting with the Deck
For homeowners, business owners, and spiritual seekers, the Glastonbury Tarot offers a method for reflection and planning. The images, being based on real people and places, provide a tangible connection to the archetypal forces at play in one's life. The blending of different belief systems within the deck—the Pagan, Christian, and Arthurian—reflects a holistic approach to spirituality, suggesting that wisdom can be drawn from multiple traditions. This is particularly relevant for those interested in holistic living and energy harmonization, as the deck embodies the integration of diverse energies into a harmonious whole. The realistic portrayal of figures, not all of whom are "stunningly beautiful," offers a refreshing and grounded perspective, making the wisdom of the cards feel more accessible and applicable to everyday life.
Conclusion
The Glastonbury Tarot is more than a simple divination tool; it is a portal to the myths, history, and spiritual energy of one of England's most sacred sites. By weaving together Arthurian legends, Pagan traditions, and Christian narratives, it creates a rich, multi-layered system for introspection and guidance. The deck's strength lies in its deep connection to the physical landscape of Glastonbury, using real locations, historical figures, and local stories to illuminate the universal journey of the soul. Through its vibrant artwork, unique suit and major arcana names, and a comprehensive companion book, it provides a meaningful path for users to explore their inner worlds and connect with the timeless wisdom that resides within the land and the human heart.