The Medicine Woman Tarot, created by artist Carol Bridges, represents a unique fusion of divination and holistic healing, drawing inspiration from Native American aesthetics and the profound connection to Mother Earth. Unlike traditional Tarot systems, this deck is designed not merely for intellectual inquiry but as a guide that speaks to the body, emotions, and spirit. It serves as a tool for personal awakening, encouraging users to engage deeply with the imagery and symbolism to restore balance within themselves and their surroundings. The deck emphasizes the restoration of the feminine healing aspect, a necessary force for correcting imbalances in society and the individual, regardless of gender. It operates on the principle that the user is a "Creator of [their] own reality," walking the "Medicine Path" to achieve this state of self-awareness and manifestation.
This comprehensive guide explores the structure, symbolism, and holistic applications of the Medicine Woman Tarot, aligning its principles with the pursuit of harmony and balance in living spaces and personal growth.
The Philosophy of the Medicine Woman Tarot
The Medicine Woman Tarot is rooted in the concept of "Medicine," defined in the Native American sense as a healing force that corrects imbalance. The deck is specifically intended to assist in restoring balance within society and individuals by bringing the feminine healing aspect into realization. It honors Mother Earth and respects all beings, embodied and in spirit, guiding users through the seasons and the powers they provide.
The deck is described as a "being" with which the user must become friends. It requires engagement beyond simple query and answer; users are encouraged to write about it, speak to it, and express emotions such as crying or laughing with the characters depicted. These characters represent roles one plays, people in one's life, archetypal forces, and medicine helpers, all rooted in the same path of life, the laws of manifestation, the biochemical interaction of cells, and the evolution of humanity.
The imagery is characterized by positive pastel visuals and Native American fashion, inspiring living in balance with nature. The deck comprises 78 cards, divided into 21 Major Arcana and 57 Minor Arcana (referred to as "fifty-fit" in the source text). It features 78 positive images depicting feminine strength in both men and women.
Structure of the Deck
Understanding the structure of the Medicine Woman Tarot is essential for utilizing it as a tool for holistic guidance. The deck follows the traditional Tarot structure but with distinct naming conventions that reflect its earth-centric and indigenous inspiration.
Major Arcana
The Major Arcana consists of 21 cards that represent significant life themes and spiritual lessons. In the Medicine Woman Tarot, these cards are named: * Seed * Resources * Seeker * Bounty * Command * Peacemaker * Ecstasy * Warrior * Healing * Guide * Harvest * Balance * Vision * Sunset * Blend * Trickster * Pierced Shield * Grandfathers * Grandmothers * Rebirth * Discernment * Dancer
These titles suggest a journey through the cycles of life, from conception (Seed) to harvest and renewal (Rebirth), emphasizing the natural order and the spiritual evolution of the user.
Minor Arcana and Suits
The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits, each representing a specific aspect of daily life and energy flow: * Pipes (Wands): Corresponds to the element of Fire, representing action, inspiration, and will. * Bowls (Cups): Corresponds to the element of Water, representing emotions, relationships, and intuition. * Arrows (Swords): Corresponds to the element of Air, representing intellect, conflict, and clarity. * Stones (Pentacles/Coins): Corresponds to the element of Earth, representing material stability, health, and the physical realm.
Each suit contains ten numbered cards (Ace through Ten) and four Court Cards: * Exemplar: Corresponds to the King, representing mastery and authority. * Lodge: Corresponds to the Queen, representing nurturing and internalization. * Totem: Corresponds to the Knight, representing action and movement. * Apprentice: Corresponds to the Page, representing potential and new beginnings.
Holistic Integration and the Laws of Manifestation
The Medicine Woman Tarot is described as a system that mirrors the nervous system, which receives, integrates, and transmits knowledge. The consciousness goes through these same three stages to accomplish major life changes. This biological analogy suggests that the Tarot is not just a mystical tool but one that operates on a "biochemical interaction of cells."
The source material states that humans have been "programmed by DNA in every cell to spiral onward." However, as awareness increases through the use of the deck, the user can "take over the job of programming yourself." This transition leads to the state of becoming a "Goddess"—a Creator of one's own reality. This concept aligns with the "laws of manifestation," suggesting that the deck is a practical tool for conscious creation.
The Medicine Path
The journey of using the deck is called the "Medicine Path." It is a path of personal awakening available through "The Medicine Woman Inner Guidebook" by Carol Bridges. The path is described as an "in-depth course of study." The guidebook and the deck are intended to work together to facilitate this awakening.
The deck works with the user on "many levels," including: * Archetypal forces * Medicine helpers * The path of life * The laws of manifestation * The biochemical interaction of cells * The evolution of humanity * Daily encounters
This multi-layered approach allows the deck to provide insights that range from the mundane to the deeply spiritual, helping users navigate their daily lives while pursuing higher consciousness.
Practical Application: Using the Deck for Guidance
The Medicine Woman Tarot is intended for Tarot readings. The source material provides instructions as a "quick reference guide" for these readings. While the specific spread layouts are not detailed in the provided chunks, the methodology implies a deep, interactive relationship with the cards.
To use the deck effectively, one must: 1. Become Friends with the Deck: Engage with it emotionally and spiritually. 2. Speak and Write: Vocalize or journal about the cards to unlock their messages. 3. Identify Archetypes: Recognize the characters as aspects of oneself, people in one's life, or external forces. 4. Apply to Daily Life: Use the insights to navigate daily encounters and material interactions.
The deck is designed to work with the user's increasing awareness to correct imbalances. It is a tool for those seeking to restore the feminine aspect within, which is currently needed for balance in society.
Connecting Tarot Principles to Holistic Living
While the provided source data focuses specifically on the Medicine Woman Tarot, the principles it espouses—balance, connection to nature, self-creation, and healing—resonate deeply with the holistic approach to living promoted by Vastu Shastra and other energy-balancing practices.
Balance and Harmony
The core objective of the Medicine Woman Tarot is to restore balance. This mirrors the fundamental goal of Vastu Shastra, which seeks to harmonize the individual with their built environment. Just as the Tarot identifies forces that are "out of balance," Vastu analysis identifies spatial imbalances that affect health, prosperity, and relationships.
The Feminine Aspect and Space
The emphasis on the "feminine healing aspect" in the deck can be viewed through the lens of spatial energy. In Vastu, the South-West corner (Nairutti) is associated with the Earth element and stability, often linked to the feminine principle of nurturing and stability. The "Lodge" (Queen) card in the Tarot, representing nurturing and internalization, aligns with the energy required to maintain a harmonious home environment.
Manifestation and Environment
The Tarot's teaching that one becomes a "Creator of [their] own reality" through the "laws of manifestation" is a spiritual concept that has practical implications in spatial planning. A clutter-free, well-organized, and energetically balanced space supports the mental clarity and positive vibration necessary for effective manifestation. The "Stones" suit (Pentacles) specifically deals with the material world and physical stability, echoing the domain of Vastu corrections related to wealth and health.
The Biochemical Interaction and Energy Flow
The mention of "biochemical interaction of cells" in the context of the Tarot suggests that the energy of the cards affects the physical body. Similarly, Vastu Shastra operates on the premise that directional energies impact the biological and psychological well-being of the occupants. Aligning one's living space with the natural laws of the universe (Vastu) supports the physical and energetic body, just as the Tarot supports the emotional and spiritual body.
Summary of the Medicine Woman Tarot Components
To provide a clear reference for those interested in this deck, the following table summarizes the key components based on the source data.
| Component Category | Specific Elements | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Major Arcana | 21 Cards | Themes include Seed, Resources, Seeker, Bounty, Command, Peacemaker, Ecstasy, Warrior, Healing, Guide, Harvest, Balance, Vision, Sunset, Blend, Trickster, Pierced Shield, Grandfathers, Grandmothers, Rebirth, Discernment, Dancer. |
| Minor Arcana Suits | 4 Suits | Pipes (Wands): Action/Will Bowls (Cups): Emotions/Relationships Arrows (Swords): Intellect/Conflict Stones (Pentacles): Material/Health |
| Court Cards | 4 Ranks per Suit | Exemplar: King (Mastery) Lodge: Queen (Nurturing) Totem: Knight (Action) Apprentice: Page (Potential) |
| Numbered Cards | Ace to Ten | Ten cards per suit representing the progression of the suit's theme. |
| Deck Philosophy | Holistic Healing | Focus on Mother Earth, Native American inspiration, restoring the feminine aspect, and becoming a conscious creator of reality. |
Conclusion
The Medicine Woman Tarot offers a distinct and profound approach to divination, serving as a bridge between the intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions of existence. It is a tool of "Medicine" intended to heal and restore balance by awakening the user to their creative power and connection to the natural world. By engaging with the 21 Major Arcana and 57 Minor Arcana—structured through the suits of Pipes, Bowls, Arrows, and Stones—individuals can navigate the laws of manifestation and the complexities of daily life. The deck invites a deep, personal relationship, encouraging users to walk the Medicine Path toward becoming conscious creators of their reality, embodying the strength and healing of the feminine principle.