The Mythic Tarot deck presents a unique synthesis of traditional Tarot symbolism with the rich narratives of Greek mythology, offering a profound tool for introspection and guidance. Developed by Liz Greene and Juliet Sharman-Burke, this deck utilizes the psychological depth of Jungian archetypes combined with the timeless resonance of ancient myths to illuminate the human experience. Unlike standard Tarot decks that may rely on abstract imagery, the Mythic Tarot grounds its interpretations in specific stories—such as the journey of Jason and the Argonauts or the love of Eros and Psyche—making the cards accessible and deeply evocative for modern seekers.
This approach transforms the Tarot from a mere divination tool into a springboard for psychological exploration. By connecting the 22 Major Arcana to figures like Dionysus, Hermes, and Pythia, the deck invites users to view their personal challenges and triumphs through the lens of universal patterns. The accompanying literature emphasizes that Tarot is a matter of bringing individual knowledge and intuition to the relationship between cards in a spread, rather than adhering to rigid, prescriptive meanings. This philosophy aligns with holistic practices that prioritize personal agency and inner wisdom, fostering a journey of self-discovery that mirrors the "Hero's Journey" described by Joseph Campbell.
The Major Arcana: A Journey Through Greek Mythology
The Major Arcana in the Mythic Tarot consists of 22 cards, each representing a distinct stage of psychological and spiritual development. These cards are not merely symbolic; they depict specific moments in Greek myths that mirror the trials and transformations of human life. The deck is designed to be visually intuitive, with artwork that is detailed and evocative, often described as having a storybook quality that engages the viewer's imagination. While the deck maintains a connection to the traditional Rider-Waite system, it stands apart by weaving mythological narratives into the fabric of Tarot interpretation, allowing for a richer, more layered understanding of the cards.
The Fool: Dionysus
The journey begins with The Fool, associated with the Greek god Dionysus. This card depicts a figure in royal clothing standing at the precipice of a cliff, representing the moment before a leap into the unknown. Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility, embodies the energy of new beginnings and the willingness to take risks. The imagery includes an eagle, representing Zeus, watching over the Fool, suggesting a protective divine presence even in moments of recklessness. In readings, The Fool signifies fresh starts and the potential inherent in stepping into the unknown. However, its reversed position warns of excessive recklessness and the need for caution.
The Magician: Hermes
Following The Fool, The Magician is represented by Hermes, the Greek god of fortune, wealth, and luck. The card shows a bearded figure standing behind a table set with the four elemental tools: a cup (water), a pentacle (earth), a sword (air), and a wand (fire). This arrangement signifies the Magician's ability to harness the elements and manifest desires through internal power. Upright, the card suggests inspiration, action, and the utilization of one's talents. When reversed, it warns of poor planning, wasted efforts, and a blockage of creative energy.
The High Priestess: Pythia
The High Priestess is linked to Pythia, the Oracle of Delphi. This card is rich with symbols and metaphors, representing the subconscious mind, intuition, and hidden knowledge. Pythia served as the conduit for Apollo’s wisdom, and her presence on the card emphasizes the importance of listening to one's inner voice and trusting intuitive insights. The High Priestess invites the seeker to look beyond the surface and access the deeper truths that lie within.
The Empress: Demeter
The Empress is embodied by Demeter, the goddess of harvest and fertility. She represents abundance, nurturing, and the creative forces of nature. The card typically depicts Demeter in a setting of growth and plenty, symbolizing the fruition of ideas and the beauty of the natural world. In readings, The Empress signifies creativity, fertility, and the nurturing of projects or relationships. It is a card of abundance and the celebration of life's cycles.
The Emperor: Zeus
Associated with Zeus, the king of the Greek gods, The Emperor represents authority, structure, and control. Zeus sits on his throne, embodying the establishment of order and the enforcement of laws. This card signifies the need for discipline and leadership in one's life. It suggests that structure and stability are necessary for long-term success, but it also warns against the abuse of power or excessive rigidity.
The Hierophant: Chiron
The Hierophant is represented by Chiron, the wise centaur who served as a teacher to many Greek heroes. This card symbolizes the transmission of knowledge, tradition, and spiritual guidance. Chiron represents the bridge between the earthly and the divine, offering wisdom and mentorship. The Hierophant suggests the importance of seeking guidance from established systems or teachers, while also reminding the seeker to question tradition when necessary.
The Lovers: Eros and Psyche
The Lovers card depicts the myth of Eros and Psyche, a story of love, trials, and eventual union. The card shows the two figures standing beneath a protective angel, symbolizing the divine nature of true love. This card represents harmonious relationships, alignment in love, and choices made from the heart. However, the reversed position can indicate self-love that borders on isolation, disharmony, or imbalance within relationships.
The Chariot: Phaeton
The Chariot is associated with Phaeton, the son of Helios, who attempted to drive the sun chariot across the sky. This card represents the struggle to control opposing forces and the determination to achieve a goal. Phaeton’s story warns of the dangers of hubris and the need for balanced control. In readings, The Chariot signifies victory through discipline and the harnessing of conflicting energies.
Strength: Hercules and the Nemean Lion
Strength is embodied by Hercules and his battle with the Nemean Lion. This card represents the courage to face primal fears and the inner strength required to overcome obstacles. The imagery highlights the triumph of will over brute force, suggesting that true strength lies in compassion and perseverance. It encourages the seeker to confront challenges with grace and determination.
The Hermit: Prometheus
The Hermit is represented by Prometheus, the Titan who brought fire to humanity. This card symbolizes the search for truth, wisdom, and enlightenment. Prometheus’s isolation and sacrifice for the greater good reflect the Hermit’s journey into the darkness to find the light. It suggests a period of introspection and the sharing of inner wisdom with others.
The Wheel of Fortune: Atropos
The Wheel of Fortune is linked to Atropos, one of the three Fates who cuts the thread of life. This card represents the cycles of life, destiny, and the inevitability of change. It reminds the seeker that life is constantly turning, bringing both opportunities and challenges. The Wheel signifies that one must embrace change and understand that fortune is fluid.
Justice: Astraea
Justice is represented by Astraea, the goddess of justice who left the earth when humanity became corrupt. This card signifies fairness, truth, and the law of cause and effect. Astraea’s presence emphasizes the importance of integrity and making decisions based on truth. It suggests that balance will eventually be restored through just actions.
The Hanged Man: Prometheus (Bound)
The Hanged Man is another aspect of Prometheus, this time bound to the rock as punishment for his theft of fire. This card represents sacrifice, surrender, and seeing the world from a new perspective. It suggests that letting go of control and accepting a period of suspension can lead to profound insights and spiritual growth.
Death: Hades and Persephone
Death is depicted by the myth of Hades and Persephone, representing the inevitable transformation and the end of a cycle. This card does not signify physical death but rather profound change and the shedding of the old to make way for the new. It speaks to the necessity of letting go and embracing the unknown.
Temperance: Iris
Temperance is represented by Iris, the messenger of the gods who blends the elements of air and water. This card symbolizes balance, moderation, and the harmonious blending of opposites. Iris’s ability to move between realms reflects the need for adaptability and finding a middle path in life.
The Devil: Pan
The Devil is embodied by Pan, the god of the wild, shepherds, and flocks. This card represents primal instincts, materialism, and bondage to lower desires. Pan’s presence reminds the seeker of the shadow side of human nature and the need to confront fears and addictions to achieve freedom.
The Tower: The Fall of Icarus
The Tower is associated with the tragic flight of Icarus, who fell from the sky when he flew too close to the sun. This card represents sudden upheaval, the collapse of false structures, and the destruction of ego. It warns against arrogance and the ignoring of natural limits, suggesting that sometimes destruction is necessary for rebuilding.
The Star: Aquarius
The Star is linked to Aquarius, the water-bearer who pours forth the waters of knowledge and healing. This card represents hope, inspiration, and spiritual renewal. It suggests a time of healing and the alignment with one’s higher purpose, offering guidance and clarity after a period of turmoil.
The Moon: Artemis
The Moon is represented by Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and the moon. This card symbolizes the subconscious, illusions, and the hidden aspects of the self. Artemis’s connection to the night and the wild reflects the need to navigate through uncertainty and trust one’s intuition amidst confusion.
The Sun: Apollo
The Sun is embodied by Apollo, the god of light, truth, and prophecy. This card represents clarity, success, and vitality. Apollo’s presence signifies the dispelling of shadows and the joy of enlightenment. It suggests a time of positivity and the realization of one’s potential.
Judgement: The Judgment of Paris
Judgement is depicted by the Judgment of Paris, where the prince of Troy must choose the fairest goddess. This card represents awakening, evaluation, and the making of significant choices that affect one’s destiny. It suggests a moment of reckoning and the call to rise to a higher level of consciousness.
The World: Dionysus (Reborn)
The World card completes the cycle, often associated with the rebirth or dual nature of Dionysus. It represents completion, integration, and the successful conclusion of a journey. This card signifies wholeness and the harmonious blending of all aspects of the self, readying the seeker for a new cycle of growth.
The Four Suits: Myths of the Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana in the Mythic Tarot is divided into four suits, each tied to a specific Greek myth. This structure provides a narrative context for the events of daily life, linking personal experiences to grand stories of heroism, love, and survival.
Cups: The Love of Eros and Psyche
The suit of Cups is associated with the myth of Eros and Psyche, focusing on themes of love, relationships, and emotional depth. The cards in this suit explore the complexities of the heart, from the initial spark of attraction to the trials that test the strength of a bond. They encourage the seeker to navigate emotional waters with openness and vulnerability.
Wands: The Adventures of Jason and the Argonauts
The suit of Wands corresponds to the adventures of Jason and the Argonauts, representing energy, action, and creativity. These cards reflect the spirit of exploration, the pursuit of goals, and the challenges encountered along the way. They inspire the seeker to harness their passion and drive to achieve their quests.
Swords: The Tribulations of Orestes and the House of Atreus
The suit of Swords is linked to the tragic story of Orestes and the House of Atreus, focusing on conflict, thought, and adversity. These cards depict the mental struggles and battles that arise from decisions and fate. They serve as a reminder of the consequences of actions and the need for clarity and justice.
Pentacles: The Resourcefulness of Daedalus against the Minotaur
The suit of Pentacles is connected to the myth of Daedalus and the Minotaur, emphasizing resourcefulness, material security, and the tangible aspects of life. Daedalus’s clever escape from the labyrinth symbolizes the use of skills and practical wisdom to overcome obstacles and build a stable foundation.
Integrating Mythic Tarot into Holistic Practices
The Mythic Tarot serves as a powerful tool for those interested in holistic energy harmonization and personal growth. By engaging with these archetypal stories, individuals can gain insights into their own life patterns and psychological states. The deck’s emphasis on intuition aligns with the principles of energy balancing, where the focus is on aligning one’s internal vibrations with the external environment.
For homeowners and business owners, the cards can offer reflective guidance on decision-making and relationship dynamics. The narrative approach of the Mythic Tarot makes complex psychological concepts accessible, allowing users to reflect on their current situations and potential paths forward. This aligns with the broader goals of holistic living: fostering self-awareness, encouraging balanced living, and promoting spiritual well-being.
The accompanying book to the deck is described as thorough and informative, providing not only the mythological story depicted on each card but also the inner meaning and divinatory interpretation. This layered approach supports the seeker in developing a deep, personal connection to the cards, enhancing their intuitive abilities and providing reliable guidance for their life journey.
Conclusion
The Mythic Tarot offers a unique and profound pathway to understanding the self through the lens of Greek mythology and Jungian psychology. By weaving the archetypal patterns of the Major and Minor Arcana with the rich tapestry of ancient myths, it provides a tool that is both intellectually stimulating and spiritually resonant. This deck encourages users to embark on their own "Hero's Journey," using the cards as mirrors to reflect their inner world and guides to navigate the complexities of life.
Whether used for personal introspection, relationship insight, or spiritual growth, the Mythic Tarot stands out for its depth, artistic beauty, and psychological soundness. It invites a collaborative process between the seeker and the cards, where intuition and mythological wisdom combine to illuminate the path forward. For those seeking a deeper connection to universal truths and a greater understanding of their own psychological landscape, the Mythic Tarot remains a timeless and invaluable resource.