Guidebook COLETTE BARON-REID fH Wee HAY HOUSE, INC. Carlsbad, California * New York City London ¢ Sydney * Johannesburg Vancouver * New DelhiCopyright © 2017 by Colette Baron-Reid Published and distributed in the United States by: Hay House, Inc.: www.hayhouse.com’ * Published and distributed in Australia by: Hay House Australia Pty. Ltd.: www.hayhouse.com.au * Pub- lished and distributed in the United Kingdom by: Hay House UK, Ltd.: www.hayhouse.co.uk * Distributed in Canada by: Raincoast Books: www.raincoast.com * Published in India by: Hay House Publishers India: www.hayhouse.co.in All artwork is copyrighted by the artist and may not be reproduced by any means, electronic or otherwise, without first obtaining the permission of the artist. Interior design: Nick C. Welch Interior illustrations: Jena DellaGrottaglia All rights reserved. No part of this guidebook may be repro- duced by any mechanical, photographic, or electronic process, or in the form of a phonographic recording; nor may it be stored ina retrieval system, transmitted, or otherwise be copied for public or private use—other than for “fair use” as brief quotations embodied in articles and reviews without prior written permission of the publisher. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this guidebook for yourself, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions. Printed in ChinaOther Yay House Products by Colette Paron-Reid Books The Map: Finding the Magic and Meaning in the Story of Your Life Messages from Spirit: The Extraordinary Power of Oracles, Omens, and Signs Remembering the Future: The Path to Recovering Intuition Uncharted: The Journey through Uncertainty to Infinite Possibility Aupio PROGRAMS Journey Through the Chakras (music CD) Messages from Spirit: Exploring Your Connection to Divine Guidance (4-CD set and guidebook) Carp Decks The Enchanted Map Oracle Cards The Wisdom of Avalon Oracle Cards Wisdom of the Hidden Realms Oracle Cards Wisdom of the Oracle Divination Cards > All of the above are available at your local bookstore, or may be ordered from Hay House USA: www.hayhouse.com Hay House Australia: www.hayhouse.com.au Hay House UK: www.hayhouse.co.uk; Hay House India: www.hayhouse.co.inContentyo A Note from Colette to You How It Works The Cards The 22 Trumps The Four Elemental Suits Air Fire Water Earth Readings Things to Think About About the Artist About the Author 115 117 119HA Vote. from Colette toe. Vfow Welcome to my new oracle card deck, The Good Tarot\ This special tarot deck came to me as a calling from Spirit to co-create something spe- cial for you, a slightly different take on working with the traditional, or classical, tarot as a tool for divination and personal growth. As with all my original divination works, when that calling happens I feel that I’m being asked to do this creative “birthing” on behalf of some divine force beyond my intellectual comprehension. All my oracle decks come to me the same way. They appear first as an energy that shimmers on the outer corners of my awareness, then as a nudging from the invisible realms calling for me to bring them to life. I always say that oracles have their own personalities and their own manner of delivering messages and guidance influenced by theintention of the authors who create them and also by the spirit of the oracle itself. The structure of an oracle card deck, for example, may be a hybrid of multiple historic divination systems but synthesized to give it a specific voice and tone. In this case, I felt compelled to create this deck using a more traditional structure, but I designed it with a psychic architecture that is more modern and simple. In other words, The Good Tarot is grounded in its origins as a tra- ditional divination system that dates back hun- dreds of years, yet is also rooted in contemporary positive psychology. Its heart is in the expression of the highest good for all, and its pulse is in the universal laws of co-creation and manifestation. Therefore, this version of the tarot is all about goodness, birthing our awareness of our true selves, and expressing that in our lives. It’s about happiness, compassion, love, and finding our faith and living it regardless of temporary outer conditions. It supports the evolution of the soul and the fullest unfolding of life as expressed through the material realm. It especially speaks to the joyful potential that is inherent in the journey through chaos and disorder to divine viiiorder, a journey that offers infinite opportunities to co-create your best life. Although its messages are about positivity and how to find meaning and attain a positive result no matter what the flow of events, The Good Tarot doesn’t shy away from the truth of our sufferings. Instead, it gives us hope that no matter how many times we stumble, we never- theless find immense treasures as we discover our true natures as spiritual beings expressing ourselves through the art of living in the realm of form. My History with Tarot I’ve been a student and full-on enthusiast of the tarot for 40 years now and have used the cards as an intuitive divination tool as well as a traditional system for discovering what is pres- ent but unseen, or past but hidden in the realms of the unconscious. When I first started doing professional readings almost 30 years ago (Yep, I’m that old!), long before I began creating my own decks for use in my work as an intuitive and offering them to others, I used the tarot as my primary source of intuitive guidance.I’ve been inspired by the works of tarot scholars and experts such as Eden Gray, Rachel Pollack, and Mary Greer, and the classical works of the Order of the Golden Dawn (the late Dion Fortune being my most profound literary men- tor). I’ve also been influenced by many other mystical traditions of the ancient worlds. Why The Good Tarot Now? We're at a time of unprecedented change in the world, and I believe people are looking again at ancient oracles to receive personal guidance because they are not getting the answers and insights they need when they consult the usual sources of psychology and science. The material- ist viewpoint, which has long intimidated those seeking insights from the nonmaterial realm, is increasingly being called into question, and rightly so. We need to go beyond the limitations of the rational mind and access answers that are available to us in the realm of Spirit so we can thrive in spite of the chaos and shifting sands in the material world. The Good Tarot can light a torch in the darkness and confusion of the night so we can find shelter and home.I humbly offer you this oracle to add to your tarot collection, whether you are a beginner or expert. Although tarot experts can use this deck as they wish, I hope beginners will find this deck inviting and playful as well as insightful. You can use this oracle as I suggest or engage it in a more traditional manner. It is up to you and your intuition to decide how you will work with it. But regardless of how you interact with this system of divine dialogue, know that I created it with the intention of it being used to serve your highest good and the highest good for all. Let the energy of The Good Tarot light the way forward as you spiral inward on a journey of discovery and emerge from the center with deeper understanding of what you and Spirit can co-create together. Love, xiIntention Is Everything No two tarot decks are exactly the same, just as no two readers or readings are exactly the same. If you've worked with the tarot before, you might have noticed that certain decks feel different from others when you are doing a read- ing, and your interpretations of the messages can differ greatly when you use one deck rather than another. This deck was created to find solutions, choose directions, and gain understanding of any situation for the highest good of all, so work- ing with it may be an experience unlike any you have had before in doing a tarot reading. The purpose of The Good Tarot is to direct you, the questioner, to the best possible solution that will aid you in healing yourself and, consequently, the world. You will not find here cards that are “negative” or dire warnings meant to scare you. As you look at the images and read the words xiiiinterpreting the message of the card, you will not think about all the bad things that might hap- pen to you or dwell on loss, grief, resentment, anger, or worry. Instead, you will be gently and lovingly guided to experience the Light aspect of any message. The Good Tarot is about discovering true prosperity and authentic love. It’s about recog- nizing the many forms of truth and seeing the light that accompanies the shadow so you may help the light to increase its brilliance. This deck asks that you work with its core intention to find good in all things, in all experiences. The 78 cards are read as universal and arche- typal aspects of the human experience that each person encounters within herself, in the condi- tions of the outer world, or within an interaction with someone else. It supports you in discerning both the personal meaning of any message as well as its universal one, for you are always a part of something larger than yourself. You influence the All even as it influences you. Know that your self-healing benefits the whole. Understanding universal meanings of the cards can help you see how your own experiences fit into those we all share—every being and every creature. xivThe intention behind this deck is also to simplify the meanings of each card and their relationships to one another and provide you with various ways of using the cards that require your own intuition to guide you to your answers. Consequently, there are no lengthy passages explaining the cards’ meanings. Note that the text in the guidebook is minimal, as are the key words and phrases for you to ponder and apply to your life’s journey at the time of the reading. The verbal interpretations are written as affirmations in the first person—“I” language— to make the meanings more personal for you. So instead of a card’s explanation being something like, “You are at a crossroads and need to make a choice,” it will say, “I am at a crossroads and need to make a choice.” Affirmations help you to connect with the positive universal energies associated with each message. A decision at the crossroads doesn’t need to inspire fear; it can inspire optimism, excitement, and a sense of empowerment as you remember you are never alone, for Spirit is with you always. Everyone wants guidance during times of uncertainty, a light shining in the dark. The Good Tarot is a wonderful oracle that isespecially helpful when you feel lost, want con- firmation about a direction you're heading in, are concerned about the results of choices you've made, or seek greater understanding of your circumstances. This tarot deck is meant to help you get answers to your questions about your circumstances, choices, actions, and dynamic relationships with others. The manner in which you ask the questions is very important. Working with the Good Tarot You will notice right away how this deck dif- fers from other tarot decks. The messages are all written as affirmations in the “now.” For example, when you pull a card, the way it’s interpreted is as “IT am embodying this energy now,” rather than “You will experience this” or “You're being invited to experience this energy.” There is a subtle yet pro- found difference when you are doing a reading as an affirmation, accountable and responsible for the message. In a way youre being trained to integrate the energy personally and immediately now, rather than being told to do this. This deck was also created as a personal tool to do readings for yourself, so when interpreting xvithe cards on behalf of another person, you will need to change the language from “I” to “you.” The cards are read in the present tense and are meant to be interpreted as your journey through many “nows” to help you understand that the past was once a now, the present is now, and the future will be your now at that time. The more you work with the cards, the easier it gets as you achieve greater clarity and intuitive accuracy about your journey on the road of life. As well, it sets a precedent for you to work with time and what happens between the cards. Rather than seeing time as linear, as we've all been taught, you begin to see how experiences layer upon each other in cycles and spirals rather than straight lines. If you pull a card for the future—for example, the 2 of Water, which implies harmonious partnerships—but that card followed the Chariot, which talks about victory after a fall, the deeper experience of the reading lies between those two. What would you have to experience to make the cycle complete? The first card readies you to evolve into the theme of the next. Having experienced the first, you now move into the next version of yourself as you engage first the inner and then the outer world. xviiThis deck is also powerful in that it helps you recognize the power of choice and free will. We may not be able to change the conditions of the path we are on, but our experience of it can differ according to our reactions. Thus we have power to change for the better. When you do a card reading with The Good Tarot, the idea is to find an honest and true reflection of yourself in the cards, which reveal what you may not be able to see on your own, illuminate new choices, show you the results of previous ones, and guide you to make your way forward in a way that serves both you and the greater good. Change is easier to deal with when you face it and let the energy of transformation move through you. This deck was designed with that truth in mind—it is not about avoid- ing difficulty but about facing it with courage, strength, and unwavering unconditional love that flows from Spirit. Will the readings always be positive? Sometimes we need to experience things that are difficult in order to get to the positive. The Good Tarot will show you the way out of the tough spots and up to higher ground. Most importantly, allow the cards to speak to you. xviiiYes, use the guidebook, but use your intuition and your own inner guidance when learning the cards. Allow understanding to unfold within you organically and inform you naturally. Don’t be too rigid or “by the book” in your interpretation. Honor your individual wisdom from within as you open yourself to its messages. Stay fluid and curious, and listen to the still, small voice from inside that you can always rely upon. If you are a seasoned tarot reader and a traditionalist at heart, feel free to also use your favorite traditional spreads with this deck. The Good Tarot was created to be inclusive and to honor the traditional as well. Trust, and all will be well. xixThe Cards The 78 cards in The Good Tarot are divided into groups. There are 22 cards called Trumps (major arcana) that represent the bigger overar- ching themes that tell the story of the energies of the environment. These energies may be reflected in current physical conditions or events, or in the environment of the inner world (mental/ emotional/spiritual), or both. The themes will be made clear to help you understand the condi- tions you are experiencing. The other 56 cards are what is traditionally known as the minor arcana. They are divided into four suits, represented by four elements— Air (traditionally represented by Swords), Water (traditionally, Cups), Earth (traditionally, Pen- tacles), and Fire (traditionally, Wands). Each element has a court consisting of a Page, a Messenger (you'd know it as a knight in the traditional tarot decks), a Queen, and a King. The 16 Court Cards represent attitudes and states xxiof mind or awareness, such as encountering con- ditions with openness and a childlike wonder or innocence (the Page), or looking at them with confidence rooted in experience, mastery, skill, and wisdom acquired over time (the King). ‘The Court Cards can also represent people or aspects of a person's personality that are influencing the situation. Moreover, they can represent a stage in the evolution of the theme symbolized by the ele- ment of Air, Fire, Water, or Earth. Pages represent new beginnings and being ready for something, such as a change in condi- tions or energy influencing conditions. Messengers bear news of adventures and are catalysts for change. Messengers respond to situ- ations and the need for transformation. The Queens are connectors; they bring peo- ple together, and they embody a mature, vigor- ous response. They represent being fully present in the experience of their element. Kings are the doers of the Court. They are representatives of definitive actions, attitudes, and behavior—the fullness of how the element is expressed in a mature and essential way. They are able to step back and see the larger picture and then lead the way forward, giving you advice xxiion what to do and revealing what actions others are taking in a situation. In this deck, the Court cards only repre- sent people when you intend them to do so. When you do a reading and choose a court card to represent someone, Pages will be children of either sex, Messengers are young adults of either sex, Queens are adult women over 30, and Kings are adult men over 30. The cards do not have to be taken literally: a page might represent someone with strong childlike quali- ties such as playfulness, openness to new ideas, and guilelessness. The suits are representative of the twelve houses of the zodiac: the Suit of Air is Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius; the Suit of Water is Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio; the Suit of Fire is Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius; and finally, the Suit of Earth represents Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. Therefore, the Page of Water might represent a child who was born under the sign of Pisces, or it could represent a youthful and exuberant adult with the qualities of Pisces. Let your intu- ition guide you in the interpretation. The 40 numbered cards, Ace through Ten, represent current ‘and more immediate, tangible xxiiicircumstances or experiences. A reading that is mostly from these cards will be describing what you are faced with in a more concrete and detailed way, whereas a reading with a greater number of Trump cards speaks to a time of major themes playing out in your life. When there are more than two Court cards in a reading, it’s a sign to pay attention to the influence of other people’s choices on your sit- uation and your interactive and dynamic reactions and responses to them. The Numbers of the Good Tarot When you look at The Good Tarot numero- logically, you can get an even better sense of the energy associated with each card. Ace is the driving, primal, originating force of the element—think, “Everything I desire starts with me.” Two is the energy of collaboration or part- nership, with another person or with Spirit— think, “I am not alone in co-creating something new with the energy of this element.” Three is the force of expression, the way the element is revealing itself and communicates, and the beginning of community forming or xxivcoalescing around the element—think, “The fun of co-creation flourishes if I stay present, com- municate well, and work with others.” Four is the energy of laying foundations and the beginning of structure forming, guided by the energy of the element—think, “I see that it is all coming together in the world in accor- dance with what I set in motion.” Five is the force of change, innovation, and dynamics within a group, flexibility, and the potential for necessary chaos influenced by the element—think, “Change can be good. Explor- ing new options before regrouping can help me refine what I am co-creating and make it the best it can be.” Six is the energy of healing, nurturing, repairing, compassion, and regrouping after a chaotic shakeup or new and important informa- tion comes to light—think, “It is time to reassess, regroup, and learn from the changes experienced recently so that all can be healed and the air can’ be cleared before moving forward.” Seven is the energy of seeking wisdom and the force of decision-making that is associated with the element—think, “I am at a crossroads and need to choose wisely for the highest goodof all, including myself. I draw upon my wis- dom and experience, trusting that Spirit will help me in this process.” Eight is the energy of movement from one state to another, and, like its symbol of infinity, it represents evolution and continuity. It is also the confident application of wisdom or knowledge in the arena governed by the element—think, “I have come far and can trust myself in stepping forward onto new territory. The past no longer determines my future, for I am fearlessly going forth, with Spirit at my side. I am truly ready for change.” Nine is the energy of global awareness, co-creativity in action, and the relationship between your power and that of Spirit and of others who share in the co-creation of the outer world, a co-creative process that is governed by the element. Think, “On all sides, Spirit accom- panies me, and I walk between the pillars of what I must accept and what I can co-create, knowing that I am never alone and I am there for others as others are there for me.” Ten is the energy of completion and firm endings of cycles, and manifestation of the ele- ment in undeniable, observable ways. Think, “I xxviam experiencing the concrete results. The clouds have broken, the evolution is complete, and I can move on to the next experience.” xxvii0 Fool—Enthusiasm I know that a spiritual approach rarely appears logical and sometimes even seems impractical. However, when this card appears, I can take a risk and trust that with faith, anything is possible! The invisible realms will reveal each step along the way. I am meant to experience this regardless of where I travel. This is a time when I’m learning that lama spiritual being having a human experience.1 Magician—Alchemy When I am in alignment with Spirits will, miracles are possible. When I see this card, Im reminded that my will and skill alone will yield limited results. When I remember my partnership with Spirit, all is well. Im required to explore my commitment to this co-creative alchemical rela- tionship and see the results manifest beautifully. Through me, Spirit works magic.Z High Priestess—Mystery Some things are not meant to be known intel- lectually but are meant to be experienced through intuition. This card reminds me to trust that I have access to higher wisdom and knowing when I tune in and trust my vibes. This is the time when mys- teries will be revealed and I can grow as a result.er te 3 Empress— Fertility This is a wonderful time to give birth to new ideas and experiences. Nourishment is assured as I step into a new version of myself. My life is rich and ripe with possibility that I can manifest and create. 1am a powerful co-creator, and life loves me right now! My world is brimming with potential and infinite possibility that will manifest for the highest good.(raza ) Empersr—Huthorily Following the rules right now is exactly what I should be doing. People in authority come to my aid and give me good advice when I ask for it. I can have the strong confidence that this card suggests. Dealings with institutions like banks, governments, or schools are also highlighted at this time.When this card appears, it reminds me to be committed to a spiritual practice to ensure a con- scious contact to my higher power. When I have a daily practice of prayer and meditation steeped in gratitude and committed to being a co-creator, life works out in wondrous ways. Rituals are in my highest good at this time. Exchanging vows is also highlighted.Love—Oneness In all of life, there is only the illusion of sepa- ration. In fact, we are all reflections of one another. When I make choices, I tend to see things as either/ or. What if every choice I make is about an experi- ence, a sharing, and an exploring? When I choose to see the unity in all things, magic abounds. Love is all around me, Spirit loves me unconditionally, and I can give and receive abundant love.7 Chariot-Yielory Everything I have worked for, including the obstacles I have faced and overcome, is now part of this time of victory. I have learned to see all aspects of my life as essential to my growth. I have fallen but now I am risen again to live freely and truth- fully, fearlessly and skillfully.Stength—Gndurance I can go the distance and know that everything occurs in divine appropriate timing. I have courage as I manifest miracles. When I allow Spirit to work through me, I am strong enough to move mountains and overcome any obstacle, inside or out! 10Plermit-Time out Sometimes it’s necessary to take time out for regrouping and introspection. This is a temporary experience but one necessary for my growth. When I step back, retreat, regroup, and renew, I have a clear perspective on everything in my life. 1110 Fortunes Vheel— I am in awe to experience many meaning- ful coincidences that prove to me that Spirit has my back! These lucky breaks, and moments when things just turn out perfectly, show how we've all connected. My gamble will pay off when I trust my co-creative partnership with Spirit. My destiny is obvious to me now. 1211 SesticeKarma The law of cause and effect is in play now as I see elements in my life balance out. What goes around comes around. I’m now seeing evidence of this law in the conditions of my world. 1312 Hanged Man—Surrender Sacrifice and surrender are necessary at times like this. Nothing in life is free, nor does everything happen according to my timetable. When this card appears, Im reminded that a delay is in my best interest, that until all the elements are in place Im meant to surrender to the greater will, for the high- est good of all. Time for me to let go of my attach- ment to how I thought things had to be. I am called to surrender and wait to see how things to play out. 1413 Transformation—Change Nothing remains the same, and I need to accept that life evolves through cycles of birth, death, and rebirth. Now is a time of transition as things are changing from one form to another. I need to allow this to happen for the highest good. I am called to let go the old so I can welcome the new.Patience—Mederation This card reminds me that patience will bring me into recognition of and alignment to my pur- pose. All my needs are met even though I may not see it yet in the outer, visible world. The angels are looking out for me. Moderation in all things is required right now. 16The material world is my playground, but I need to be careful not to be attached to outcomes. This is a warning to me to watch for excess and to know what's not healthy for me. When this card shows up, it’s a sign that I am focused on the mate- rial realm and need to be aware of any excess or addictive behavior: my own or that of others. 17Tower—Suurprises Things happen really fast when this card shows up in a reading. Its appearance could portend a total paradigm shift or a sudden upheaval that takes something away in order for something better to take its place. It could be that I've had an epiph- any. Whatever it is, this card tells me unexpected events will be very interesting and offer opportuni- ties for positive transformation if I remain present with my eyes open.iy Star—Inspitalion I am hopeful and inspired by life right now, and everything that is happening points to a renewed sense of encouragement. After all the changes I have experienced, Im starting to recog- nize the hope that comes with new beginnings.MeonD 18 Meor—IJUusion I may not see the workings of Spirit in the invisible realms, but I know there is great activ- ity “behind the scenes.” It’s important to trust the mystery and remember that the material realm is an illusion. Current conditions are not necessarily a reflection of the truth of what’ really going on in the present. Great opportunities lie in the shadows, awaiting the perfect time for illumination. 2019 Sun—Hbundance At this time, everything is possible and every- thing I need to know is illuminated. Projects come to fruition, relationships flourish, and my growth is assured. This is a time of plenty. It’s important that I share this abundance with others. I am deeply grateful. 21Purpose I have everything I need right now to move for- ward with purpose. Im being called into a deeper and more authentic relationship with myself, with my Higher Power, and with others. I am here for a reason. Im required to step forward into my true self, expressing that through my actions. I need to trust that my life has a purpose, that | am “enough,” and that within me is a divine blueprint that has meaning for myself and others. 2221 Wald-Perspective Im being called to shift my perspective on my life now. When I remember I am first and foremost an immortal soul, experiencing life as a human being, I have no fear. I can see clearly that Iam a powerful co-creator in a divine partnership with Spirit. Aligning myself with Spirit, remain- ing unattached to outcomes, I am a conduit for miracles. 23Hu—Mind: As you think so shall you be” In traditional tarot, this suit is called Swords and is the suit where the most conflict, ten- sion, chaos, and destructive energy seem to be represented. In The Good Tarot, we relate the suit of Air to the way we think, the results of that thinking, and where our thoughts could lead us. Therefore, in this deck, the Air suit rep- resents the mind, our thoughts, our attitudes, and our subconscious. We're asked to remember that our thoughts are like powerful seeds. Whar seeds will we plant? What thoughts will we rehearse? What perspective do we take for the highest good of all? If we are intelligent creatures, how best can we use our minds to align with the highest good and the best outcome? How can we find value in our suffering as we shift from reactive and 27victimized to be response-able? Can we find free- dom through radical acceptance and the right use of reason and intellect? That answer is yes if youre willing to allow the Suit of Air to reveal the deep truths of your mind. Here are the cards that make up the Suit of Air, their simple meanings, and their core ques- tions and affirmations. 28Page of Au New ideas, a theory not yet proven, curiosity, new focus “This calls for greater investigation, as we've only scratched the surface.” “T don't really know.” “That’s interesting!” “If I explore this way of thinking, what can I learn?” 29Obie co: Messenger of Hu— Opinions informed by experience, adherence to dogma, allegiance to a way of thinking or act- ing, a learned response, subconscious program- ming, and swift reactions or responses ‘T need to broaden my perspective.” “‘T am reacting to a situation from my past. I have to think about whether I want to do things the old way or respond differently this time.” ‘T can adapt a new way of thinking and behaving.” “If 1 am swift and move quickly, ensuring my actions are for the highest good, positive outcomes are assured.” 30Queen of SHr— Setting healthy boundaries, strong self-esteem, calculated and shrewd decisions, clear commu- nication, well organized, a wordsmith “I have clarity of purpose.” “My intentions are in alignment with my understanding.” “There is always a strategy in the game called life.” “Can I let go of false truths and be rigorously honest with myself and others?” 31Intellectual authority, reason over instinct, intellect over passion, successful negotiation, rules, laws “Truth is everything.” “T think before I act.” ‘T work the universal laws with clear intention.” “Do I see how the foundations of the past affect the present and future?” 32OR ae Hee of Ala— Destiny and fate, the law of karma, powerful forces of transformation at work, synchronicity Meaningful coincidences and forces beyond my human control are operating in my life now for the highest good! Things are happening now with great velocity. I can expect quick results that will lead me forward with excellent information. 332 of fla— Stalemate, uncertainty, considering options Time to take a break to consider my options and think about things. There is no need to rush forward. The perfect answer for the highest good will come to me if I take my time and remain in a peaceful state of mind. 343 of Aa— Silver linings, natural departures, “Rejection is God’s protection” A third party helps me to see the truth of this situation. What is truly mine can never be with- held from me. Rejection is Spirit's protection. It’s in my best interest to let go and allow for something better to take its place. It is my highest good to see the truth regardless of my temporary discomfort. This too shall pass. 35+ of Aa— Healing, meditation, rest, recuperation Its time to rest my mind and allow peace to take the place of busyness or boredom. The mind needs quiet to think and find clarity. If I allow my mind to rest, I will have greater clarity and my mind will be sharper. This is the time for a break. I need to take care of myself. 36Tension, conflict Conflict is a good way to see my motives and intentions. I can use this experience to grow into a more authentic version of myself. It’s not import- ant to win. It’s important to have integrity. Other people have different ways of thinking and may not always be in agreement with me. I open to this opportunity to live and let live. 376 of Hu— Rite of passage, a necessary change in thinking to gain greater wisdom However turbulent the waters at the moment, I trust that if I create calm within, my outer con- ditions will soon be calm too. I am conditioned to expect troubles ahead, but I have shifted my aware- ness and know that I can choose to believe that step- ping into the unknown will bring me to what I truly desire. I am in a transition to something better. 38? of Hu— Independence, nonconformity, living life on one’s own terms without people pleasing Now is the time for me to live life on my own terms, so I must find the courage to reject confor- mity. Listening to my yearning for independence is key to breaking free of groupthink and attending to my own needs. Diplomacy with others can help me to be true to my call to do what I know I must do for myself, 398 of Au— Release from denial, seeing things as they are, clarity With Spirit at my side encouraging me, I open my eyes to see things as they really are. To be dis- illusioned is to free myself from illusions that keep me from the growth and healing I deserve, so I bid good-bye to illusions that have clouded my vision. Honesty gives me strength and courage to face whatever I have to face. 409 of fa— Shifting negative self-talk to selfcompassion, from fear to possibility, a call to faith With a gentle, mellifluous voice, I tell myself that I will be okay, that I am okay, and that any fear is merely false evidence appearing as real. I for- give myself because I know I am a human trying the best I can and need only call on Spirit to remember that I can and will do better as new possibilities begin to gather on my horizon. 4170 of HAa— Graceful endings and hopeful beginnings meet, a point of epiphany, an end to old ways of thinking It's all up from here as I bless the ending, grate- ful for the lessons I have learned that can free me from patterns that no longer serve me. I allow my circumstances to end with grace as I know some- thing better can appear at any time. I am thankful that from now on, I can respond differently to any challenging situation. HK 42In traditional tarot, this suit is called Wands and is the suit of transformation, creativity, ini- tiative, and regeneration. In The Good Tarot, we relate the suit of Fire to the way we act, the results of our actions, and where our intentions could lead us if we act in accordance with them. Therefore, in this deck, the Fire suit rep- resents our passions, ambitions, and motivations turned to action. We're asked to remember that we are powerful co-creators and need to act in accordance with our deepest intentions for the highest good of all. 43What actions will we take? What inspires and motivates us? What can we do for the high- est good of all? If we are creative beings, how best can we align with our Higher Power and use our connec- tion to Spirit to co-create what serves the highest good and leads to the best outcome? How best can we use our passions to ignite positive, pur- poseful action and illuminate the way forward? Can we steward our power wisely? That answer is yes if you're willing to allow the Suit of Fire to reveal your co-creative partnership with Spirit. Here are the cards that make up the Suit of Fire, their simple meanings, and their core ques- tions and affirmations. 44Page of Fire— Enthusiastic action, adventurousness, venturing forth, beginning a project, acting on a new idea ‘I am free to venture forth, for co-creating a life true to my desire is my right.” ‘I am finding my purpose as I take the first step into something new.” “My ideas have value. I dream boldly!” 45Oi ioe Messenger of Fire Determination for a new adventure, innovation, independent creative action, spirited, headstrong “T have an unstoppable spirit and can co-create all that I desire.” “Surrounded by Spirit, illumined by the wis- dom that rises up within me, I set forth on a path to innovate.” ‘T trust in my vision and act accordingly, remaining true to what I most value and desire, which can manifest in many forms.” 46Queen of Fie Creative collaborations, soul connections, passion inspired by Spirit, artist “Lam capable of strong friendships that inspire me and encourage me to express myself in my own way.” ‘I co-create with others, dedicated to a vision of achieving the highest good of all.” “How might I join in the dance of co-creation, letting Spirit flow through me and inspire me to express my passions?” 47Ring of Fire— Spiritual influencer, creative inspired leadership “When I am aligned with Spirit, I am a pow- erful leader who inspires others.” “My mastery benefits others as I teach them, directly at times, and indirectly at others, modeling what they might aspire to.” “How can I be confident in my own abilities and vision without becoming rigid or closed off to new ideas?” 48Hee of Fire— Spirit-powered action, inspired transformation, access to co-creative power When I feel my connection to Spirit, I see unlimited potential for transformation. There is no reason to fear because I am supported fully in imagining something new and daring to make it happen. This is a time to dream big. I can be bold and free because Spirit inspires me to turn my dreams into reality. 492 of Fire— Creative planning for the future, mapping progress, trusting in the unknown, Spirit-inspired ambition Whenever I can't see how my dreams will coalesce into form, I can trust in the process of co-creation and engage more deeply in the process of envisioning something new. I have already started to make progress, and soon my passion will attract the perfect situation for me. The light of Spirit helps me to see my way and feel the Universe aligning to bring me what I need. 508 of Fiue— Expansion of opportunities, the fullness of creativity, achievement I am on the right path toward my success. I have an abundance of opportunities before me. I need to trust myself, for I can make good choices Jor myself and co-create situations and relationships that are in harmony with my heart’ desire. 51+. of Fite— A new creative phase, celebration, pleasure and harmony in relationships Dancers have partners, singers have musicians helping them create sweet music, and I find oth- ers who are in sync with me and my desires. It’s a time for celebrating friendship and all that others bring to my life, a time for revelry and relishing the pleasures of being in good company. Making magic together with others is the focus at this time. 52I of Fire Creative brainstorming, unity in diversity, honoring differences I have the freedom to explore the ideas that seem the most far-fetched. What seems crazy today proves tomorrow to be brilliant. Like a child will- ing to stretch her imagination when a new play- mate comes into the garden, I open to new people and new ideas, intrigued by what is novel and unfamiliar. This is a time for what is counterintui- tive, for appreciating the ideas from out in left field and what they might offer. 536 of Fire— Stepping into the limelight, being an enlightened influencer I generously model my transformation so that others might be inspired. I put my light atop a hill so it can shine forth, helping others to find their way. I remain aware of shadows and people who have trouble basking in the warm light of higher awareness. I bless them but do not dim my own beacon. It’s a time to renew my trust that I am contributing to the highest good of all in my own unique way. 54F of Fire— ersonal best, goin e distance, P I best the dist perseverance, nonconformity Im unstoppable. My passion pushes obstacles aside as I engage in sustained effort. I know how to bend but I don't compromise on what's most important to me. If others aren't happy with the course I am on, I don’t have to let their concerns affect me. I release the temptation to resist chal- lenges, and I trust that I can make things happen as I live life on my own terms. Inspired solutions present themselves. 558 of Fire Gathering momentum, celebrating swift changes, travel, transformation Momentum is building as the power of Spirit serves to power this transformation. I am traveling to new territories and I am eager to experience all that these lands have to offer. I have arrived at my destination and now the adventure of discovery is energizing me. 569D of Fire— Caution, uncertainty, reevaluating circumstances I need to stop, wait, and look around me before proceeding further. My sense of uncertainty is my inner wisdom telling me to bring illumination to my situation, to allow insights to arise and guide me before I take my next step. Questioning is good! I will look carefully to see ifa different path may be right for me at this point. 5770 of Fire— Burning away, releasing the excess, endings clear way for beginnings I may be overcommitted and have taken on too many burdens. In this moment, I do the work of decluttering my life. All that I release will take new form and serve the greater whole, but I no longer need to hold on to it simply because it once seemed to have value for me. I thank it for what it did for me, but say good-bye to the emotions, relationships, and situations that I realize do not belong in my life anymore. Se oe 58VaterMleart: In traditional tarot, this suit is called Cups and is associated with emotion and relationships. In The Good Tarot, we relate the suit of Water to the way we feel and how those feelings influence our behavior and our relationships. Therefore, in this deck, the Water suit rep- resents the heart, our emotions, and how they affect our dynamics with others. How do our emotions influence the way our energy flows into the world? How do they color our perceptions as we respond to and interact with one another and the events of our lives? The appearance of a Water card reminds us that our initial enthusiasm may now be joined by deeper, hidden emotions that come up to the surface for processing so we can use the power of love to propel us through transformation. It is our birthright to experience intimacy and to enjoy well-being, healing, and unconditional love. 59me Page of Water— Open-heartedness, childlike innocence and curiosity, beginning of intimacy and relation- ships, playfulness, cheerful optimism “I open my heart fully, allowing myself to feel childlike wonder and innocence.” ‘All adventures lead me where I need to go. Love awaits!” “Life is a delightful dance, and I am here to frolic and play. I am ready with a big smile, and I have on my dancing shoes.” 60Messenger of Water— Romantic attraction, chivalry, admiration, seeing the best in others, heightened emotional awareness, a call to fall in love with yourself “I need to look for the best in others and honor it even when it seems a challenge to do so.” “My attractions stem from self-love and a knowledge that I am a part of all love, which takes many forms, each exquisite in its own way.” ‘I can have what I desire. There is no need for jealousy, anger, resentment, or fear when I am love and love flows into me powerfully.” 61Queen of Water— Compassion, emotional security, generosity, self-love and self-care, healer “I am comfortable in my own skin. I love, cherish, and nurture myself.” “l am the best friend to myself. My relation- ships with others reflect my security in knowing I am always worthy of love and respect.” “T heal myself so I can be the change I want to see in the world and so my compassion can inspire others.” 62Rng of Vater— Generous, diplomatic, fair, gentle, a good listener, nonjudgmental peacemaker, mediator ‘I honor and respect all beings, including myself, and see the commonalities we share and the Spirit that is in all of us.” ‘I listen to other voices and blend them with my own wisdom before settling on an opinion, making a decision, or taking an action.” ‘T gently and lovingly lead others away from fear and divisiveness and into harmonious collaboration.” 63Ace of Water— Unconditional love, overflowing abundance, the fertility of love I am filled with love from Spirit and joyously let it flow out to others, where it fertilizes the seeds of co-creation. Love gives me hope, shining brilliant light on all the possibilities available to me. I am optimistic about bringing dreams into being. Spirit always informs me and guides me, allowing me to illumine the darkest of places. 642 of Water— Harmonious partnership, loving and lasting relationship, heart connection between two souls I partner with one who is in harmony with me. Together, we explore what is and might be, know- ing we are there for each other. Two hearts beat as one as we take turns replenishing and encouraging the other. I have someone who can bring out the best in me, and I can do the same for another soul, for we are all expressions of divine love. 653 of Water— Celebration, enjoying community, sharing, exuberance, team spirit, common goal, friendship Joy and excitement flow among all those gath- ered. I embrace being a part of something larger than myself. It’s a time to delight in the camara- derie as I experience the greater whole that is my community or team. We buoy each other and play together as we co-create. We are friends, family, and companions, sharing our experiences. It is a time to remember we must accept each other as we are, with both shadow and light within. 66+ of Vater— Dreaming and introspection, contemplation, trusting in the abundance of opportunities A lull in the action offers a chance for me to dream even bigger than before. Whenever plans turn out not to have come to fruition as expected, I feel secure knowing that even greater things may await me. The universe conspires on my behalf, and disappointment and sadness will wash through me if I simply let them flow. I trust that Spirit has many ways of responding to my desires, and what I seek can take a variety of forms. I have faith in perfect timing and divine order. 67d of Wate ) 5 of Water— Releasing grief, allowing sadness to rise and fall, forgiveness, the ebb and flow of emotion I feel the fullness of my emotions as they wash through me. The ebb and flow are part of life, and I am present in my feelings today. I fully forgive myself and others and let go of any emotions that were holding me back from acknowledging the truth. I deserve the freedom that comes when I release what is no longer working for me. I make amends to those I may have harmed when emo- tion was coloring my perceptions. I surrender any resentments to the divine, knowing they can be transformed into miracles. Fearless inventories lead to liberation. 686 of Water— Nostalgia, sweet memories, old flames, yearning for the security of the good old days If I am being triggered to remember the past, I can enjoy the warm memories but must recognize they are ephemeral. Emotion can color my recall and distort my understanding of what is happening today. I acknowledge and heal old wounds. I can experience security today, enveloped in the arms of divine love. There is no need to return to the illusion of a golden era of yore because I can begin co-creating a better reality right now. Authentic healing and joyfulness will be mine if I stop rekin- dling the emotions of the past. 697 of Vater— Imagination, fantasy, artistic endeavors, co-creative abilities unleashed Now is the time to tune in to the infinite pos- sibilities that exist and begin to play with them. Everything begins in the world of imagination, and I seize the opportunity to dream. I allow my intuition and desire to blend in an alchemical way, forming something new. Castles in the air can become castles on the ground when I release rigidity, bend the rules, and remain flexible and open. Lim- itations and boundaries give way to manifestation. Spirit never doubts the power of possibility, and neither will I! 703 of Water— Journey of discovery, letting go and seeking a deeper meaning and greater authenticity, beyond superficiality All that glitters isn’t gold, and I know that I always deserve authentic riches, the gold that fills me with joy, abundance, and understanding. I fearlessly pause to reexamine where I have been, where I am, and where I might go. Now I con- sciously choose the path that is right for me instead of the one that seems likely to draw me onto it—or the one I feel I ought to walk. I am true to my heart. I've come as far as I can, and I leave by the 71wayside the last vestiges of illusion, the last bits of fear and shame. I will no longer hold on to what isn’t right for me. 72oD of VWater— Dreams come true, wishes fulfilled, completion, enjoyment, contentment, achievement of desire It is right to say no to what isn’t right for me, and now is my time to experience wishes fulfilled, the sweet harvest that came about from seeds I planted. I drink in the aroma of successful endeavor, take pride in my hard work and achieve- ment, and savor the satisfaction of a job well done. I deserve to pause and acknowledge all I co-created, and I do it joyfully. 73Serenity, peace, good fortune, well-being All is well with the world and with me. Well-being is my natural state. Everything I need comes to me easily and effortlessly. I feel joy and express it to others as I look around and see all the love that we share. I take pleasure in all I have accomplished. Whatever attention I receive or don’t receive, I am serene, for I know full well what it took for me to get where I am. I celebrate myself and all who traveled the road with me and feel grateful to Spirit for being my companion always. A 74Garth_Condilions: In traditional tarot, this suit is called Pen- tacles and is associated with material wealth and manifestation in the world of form. In The Good Tarot, the suit of Earth has the same associations, but we also connect it to the other three suits and how our mental, spir- itual, creative, and emotional experiences have produced tangible results. Therefore, in this deck, the Earth suit represents an observable truth—namely, that everything we think, feel, believe, and create will eventually manifest in the world of form. What we experience in this realm is the result of choices we made in the past, whether we made them consciously or unconsciously. If you do what you did, you get what you got. So how do we steward our creations when they coalesce in the world of form, producing material results? If our finances, relationships, 73or situations are not what we would have hoped they would be, we must admit that we played a role in co-creating them, and we can use that co-creative power to start bringing about some- thing different if we so choose. 76Page of Garth— Commitment to prosperity, first signs of tangible success, undeniable evidence that hard work will pay off, dreams grounded in reality, start of a new project “Everything starts with a plan, and I am beginning to see results generate prosperity.” ‘I am a doer, and I get to make my own decisions.” “I have the ability to attract what I need.” 771, ator at Hard-working, proceeding with integrity, perseverance and grit, prudent and careful efforts, thoroughness, industriousness, stamina, dedication ‘T am in the flow, committed to co-creating with Spirit effectively and efficiently.” ‘I do my best and never leave a job half done.” ‘T am dedicated and determined, knowing my efforts will pay off.” 78Queen of Garth— Practical and grounded, trustworthy, earthy, resourceful, a gardener who tends to what has been planted ‘I am committed, down-to-earth, and clear about my goals.” ‘T am honest as I work with others to keep it real and be true to what we are doing and the challenges before us.” ‘T use all my resources wisely, whether they are finances, opportunities, or people willing to help me in my endeavors.” 79Kg of Garth Enterprising, philanthropy, ability to attract abundant wealth, magnanimous, conscious manifesting, a reliable leader ‘T have trust and faith in the invisible and know it will manifest in the realm of form the way I need it to.” “Opportunity can be found anywhere and everywhere. Because I am competent and commit- ted, I am ready for abundance to manifest now in the world of conditions, in a form that is aligned with my highest good.” ‘I manifest all that I desire, consciously aware of the need to stay focused and grounded in the everyday work required.” 80Ace of Garth Prosperity in its purest form, concrete results in the physical world, abundance made manifest I recognize the many forms of abundance and plenty, and I align myself with success. I can generate gold from the resources I have at my fin- gertips. I make an impact. The essence of prosper- ity is taking form in the material world. 812 of Garth— Pleasurable work, adaptability, balance between work and play My efforts bring me joy. Play and work are not separate, because what I am doing is actually fun. If conditions change, I can switch gears eas- ily. I am fully present in the excitement of creativ- ity and am eager to experience the surprises that occur when seeds I have planted take root, sprout, and develop in unexpected ways. This is a time for flexibility and trust in how the universe will shape what is coming into being. One way or another, my dreams manifest in the material world. 82Teamwork, building on solid foundations, group efforts, dedicated collaboration What I am building is grounded in a solid foundation, so I know I can trust that it will not slip away suddenly. I am joined by others in coordinated efforts to bring forth what we have chosen to co-create. The architecture of my dreams is becoming tangible, taking shape before me, and I share my joy and pride with my partners and supporters. Teachers and students, we are all learning, growing, and building collaboratively. 83Ownership, the beauty of divine order, trusting in a solid foundation Even if I feel shaken up and am unable to understand why things happen as they do, I know for certain that divine order manifests in all aspects of my life. What I have built rests on a solid foundation so there is no need to fear. While it is true that nothing is permanent in the mate- rial world, I find security in the existence of a divine plan. Spirit is always there to remind me that I am exactly where I am meant to be for my highest good and the highest good of all, and that I always have abundance available to me. 84& of Garth— Alternative forms of abundance, the illusion of lack, overlooked treasures All is not as it seems, so this is a time to look again. A change in perception can bring into focus the results I sought, just in a different form than expected. I am called to move away from poverty consciousness and open my eyes to treasures before me that are suddenly illumined. The illusion of wealth gives way to true abundance. There is no need to fear that the rug will be pulled out from under me. What we draw attention to grows, so I count my blessings and realize I have far more 85than I thought. I have come far in my quest for building up what I need, and even more opportu- nities for experiencing abundance await. 866 of Garth— Unexpected resources, happy surprises, generosity What I have sent forth in love comes back to me many times over, as the generosity of oth- ers becomes apparent and unexpected resources show up. The universe is exhibiting its generosity, reminding me that the world is full of pleasant surprises. Inside the pretty package is tangible aid, a gift from Spirit. Just when I was beginning to doubt, I am reminded of the treasures I am enti- tled to receive that show up at my door. What will I unwrap today? 87¥ of Garth— Opening to a new strategy, being at a crossroads, a decision to be made As I reflect on my progress to date and see where I stand, I contemplate whether I want to continue singing the same song or change my tune. Iam always free to go back to and reimagine what I might co-create. If what I manifested does not serve me as I thought it might, I don’t have to be afraid to admit it is no longer for me. Whatever I choose to do, I am not afraid to start over, for I feel assured that Spirit will always support my highest good. 88Apprenticeship, gaining knowledge, learning and employing a new craft or skill Even masters of their craft have more to learn, and I eagerly embrace the opportunity to go deeper, develop a greater understanding, and find new ways to apply what I know. I acknowledge all I have learned and accomplished, the skills I have developed, and the goals I have reached. Now is the time to find new ways to apply what I know, to enhance my expertise. My beginner's awkward- ness has melted away, and I know what I am doing now. I have the confidence to become more intimate with the work in all areas of my life. 89Disciplined self-reliance, reliable resources, restraint and self-control, the final stone placed in the foundation I know I can rely on myself and Spirit. There are many tools at my disposal, and I use my resources wisely, solidifying the foundation of my security in the material world. I am diligent and disciplined, focused on completing the work I began long ago. I stick to my program, trusting that the plan is unfolding before me exactly as Spirit intended. 9010 of Garth— Affluence, material abundance, mastery, financial security, inherited wealth and knowledge Iam now able to step back and observe the results of what I built through my dedication and hard work. I claim ownership of the castles I built that have taken form in the material world. I have achieved mastery and inherited treasures of knowledge and experience thanks to all I have been through. I smile appreciatively at my run of good fortune. OR 91Readings Like traditional tarot decks, The Good Tarot can be used for multiple-card spreads, but my intention is that this oracle be engaged in simple one- and three-card readings (depend- ing on your question). I recommend a one-card reading if you are feeling confused or lost and wondering what is happening that you are not seeing. When you need clarity, it’s best to dis- cover and embody the energy of the truth that you encounter during a one-card reading. The card you draw will provide insights on what is going on behind the scenes of the situation you are in. If you need more information because you are still lacking clarity, you can then draw a second card to shed more light on the message. A three-card reading might be better when your question is about a situation that is evolv- ing, because it will help you understand the flow of energy. The first card you draw represents where you are now and what energy is affecting 93the situation. The second represents what is coming in to influence the situation, and the third represents the energy that will come into the situation if you continue along the same path you are on. Just like with the one-card reading, if you would like to deepen your understanding of the message, you can follow the reading with a one-card reading for clarity. Whenever you do a reading, listen to your intuition. If some of the words associated with the card do not resonate for you, pay attention to the ones that do. Sometimes only a sentence jumps out, or a few words. Trust that experience and contemplate how and what the words repre- sent to you. The readings are in the first person: “I.” If you decide to do a past-present-future spread, you will need to rephrase the interpretation of the card, altering the tense of the verb—for example, saying, “I was in this place and having this experi- ence”—then using the present tense (as written in this guide), and finishing up with the third card by saying, “If I keep moving forward in this way, I will be experiencing . . .” What I am describing is different from other ways of doing readings as my intention is to have you own and embody the 94energy of each card in your own way. The cards then no longer describe conditions and outer events that have, are, or will be happening, but rather your experience of them does. You become more and more aware of being a co-creator and not a passive bystander in your life. Keep it simple when you first begin working with this deck, as the deeper, more personal com- plexities will become apparent as you integrate the message in the affirmation. Sometimes the reading takes a few days to ring the bell of truth within you as more evidence becomes clear to support the information you get from the reading. In The Good Tarot, the direction the card is facing when you draw it from the deck doesn’t matter. Traditionally, reversals (a card that appears upside down) represent warnings or challenges. One of my friends says that every time she does a tarot reading and a card appears upside down, her instinctive thought is, Oh crap! Naturally, we prefer not to face challenges or be warned about potential prob- lems, especially if it appears that a reading is implying this via “absolute determinism.” How many people freak out when they see the sword cards—or the Devil and Death cards? The tarot 95was created in Europe in the 15th century, a time of tremendous conflict, betrayal, and fear, all of which can be reflected in traditional tarot decks. My intention is to help you see that in all aspects of life, you can find solutions and positive lessons. To predict suffering without offering a solution for easing that pain is, to me, a grave disservice and, well, not at all what I believe I should be doing. It’s important to know that when the tarot is used to predict the future, there is only a probable or potential outcome because the future is perceived from a specific vantage point in time. Draw a card on a different day and the path of probability may have shifted dramati- cally. When you are conscious and aware, and committed to that awareness, you recognize that the future is forever changing. You also see that the key to experiencing greater happiness and well-being is to emphasize the evolution of experience and personal growth rather than avoiding potential suffering—or denying it. So rather than generating fear, dread, or resis- tance, these cards are designed to empower you and make you feel courageous and optimistic, to help you rehearse and reinforce a new way 96of being co-creative so you can respond rather than react to life. I have written the text expla- nations without including specific meanings for reversals and ensured that the cards previously known as the “ones to be feared and avoided” (as my friend always felt about them) can now be seen in a better light. In fact, as I sat down to write this section on The Good Tarot, I decided to do a one- card reading to answer my question, “What do I need to know about this card deck and how it’s meant to be used? Tell me something that I can’t see right now, that could help me make it the best it can be.” I was a little con- cerned about not including interpretations of reversals and whether the new way of using the first person in the descriptions would really work. I’m always looking for ways to improve and experiment with oracles. Would this tarot deck support my decidedly different approach, or would I be guided to shift it back to a more traditional system? As I do with every reading, I cleared my mind, shuffled the deck, and allowed my intu- ition to direct me in drawing a card. I drew: 977 of Air Independence, nonconformity, living life on one’s own terms without people pleasing Now is the time for me to live life on my own terms, so I must find the courage to reject conformity. Listening to my yearning for independence is key to breaking free of groupthink and attending to my own needs. Diplomacy with others can help me to be true to my call to do what I know I must do for myself, The Good Tarot is most definitely noncon- formist! I felt reassured that I had made the right decision in not distinguishing reversed cards from upright ones. My intention was to focus on the light, and there was no need to tweak it to be like all the other decks out there. To receive more guidance and further clar- ity, | drew another card: 98Messenger of Fire Determination for a new adventure, innovation, independent creative action, spirited, headstrong ‘I have an unstoppable spirit and can co-create all that I desire.” “Surrounded by Spirit, illumined by the wisdom that rises up within me, I set forth on a path to innovate.” “T trust in my vision and act according- ly, remaining true to what I most value and desire, which can manifest in many forms.” In essence, this card was telling me, “Go for it! Remove any doubt—this deck should be dif- ferent from all the rest.” Then I did a one-card reading with The Good Tarot for a client of mine, Lucy, who was facing a situation at her child’s elementary school. Lucy had explained that a problem her daughter had experienced the year before had come up again, and already, her daughter’s new teacher did not seem to be taking the situation as seriously as Lucy was. Should Lucy go over the teacher’s head and seek help from the school’s new principal, who had just started his job? The 99old principal had not been helpful in the past when Lucy’s daughter had experienced problems. She had lost trust in the teachers, the old princi- pal, and the school and now was very upset that the problem had come up again and the teacher didn’t seem to be taking it seriously enough. Who would be most sympathetic to her plight and most helpful? She was afraid of making mat- ters worse by choosing the wrong person to go to, and going over the teacher’s head, but she was also afraid that the past would repeat itself. The card drawn was: Emperor Authority Following the rules right now is exactly what I should be doing. People in author- ity come to my aid and give me good ad- vice when I ask for it. I can have the strong confidence that this card suggests. Dealings with institutions like banks, governments, or schools are also highlighted at this time. 100Intuitively, Lucy and I both understood that the change in authority and structure was good— that she could approach any of the authority figures and, unlike in the past, they would oper- ate as a team. I explained that while her trust had been betrayed before, the Emperor in the present indicates that an authoritative structure is built on proper foundations, with checks and balances that ensure it serves the highest good. That doesn’t mean the system will always work perfectly smoothly and efficiently. It does mean that trust in authority is warranted at this time (in fact, the Emperor often represents banks, schools, and government institutions). The mes- sage was that if you trust, all will work out for the highest good. Lucy needed to listen to her intuition when choosing the person to approach next and trust that it would all work out even if she upset someone at the school. Lucy chose to go to the principal and recognized that she was entitled to feel assured that the person at the top was aware of the situation and eager to solve it. The teacher didn’t take offense, and the problem was solved to Lucy and her daughter’s satisfaction. 101Another client, Selma, wanted to know about a new project she was going to take on: a series of videos to post on social media to build up interest in her business. Her heart was calling her to do the series, but she was nervous about the time and money she was going to have to put into writing the scripts, doing the production and post-production work, and so on. She called me after anxiously cancelling the video shoot because she felt she wasn’t ready to get started. Selma said she was self-conscious about how she would appear on camera because of her age and worried that the videos wouldn't translate to new business opportunities and increased financial abundance. Here she had finally made a decision to take a risk with her business and at the last minute was getting cold feet. We did a three-card reading: Present situation: Temptation Coming into being: 2 of Air Continuing on this path: 9 of Water In the present, Selma was dealing with the energy of Temptation: 102Temptation Attachment The material world is my playground, but I need to be careful not to be attached to outcomes. This is a warning to me to watch for excess and to know what's not healthy for me. When this card shows up, it’s a sign that 1 am focused on the material realm and need to be aware of any excess or addictive behav- ior: my own or that of others. Selma said that what resonated for her in the description of the card was “the material world is my playground but I need to not be attached to outcomes.” She wanted to have fun with the videos but didn’t want to be obsessive. She had a longstanding fear of financial ruin, and she could see how her worries about not receiving a financial payoff for doing the project were rooted in that old fear. “I need to have fun with this and take the risk,” she said. And if she did that, she would next be deal- ing with the energy of the 2 of Air: 1032 of Air Stalemate, uncertainty, considering options Time to take a break to consider my options and think about things. There is no need to rush forward. The perfect answer for the highest good will come to me if I take my time and remain in a peaceful state of mind. Uncertainty isn’t always a bad thing. Selma needed to stop feeling pressured to rush into doing the videos right away. She realized that if she was going to have fun with them, she needed to breathe a bit and take her time getting ready for them: getting her hair and makeup done, rehearsing, and so on. Her attachment to getting it all done quickly so the investment could start generating profits had blinded her to her need to take her time to ensure she would feel confident and even playful shooting the videos. And if she followed the guidance of her intuition and The Good Tarot, Selma would then experience the energy of the 9 of Water. 1049 of Water Dreams come true, wishes fulfilled, completion, enjoyment, contentment, achievement of desire It is right to say no to what isn’t right for me, and now is my time to experience wishes fulfilled, the sweet harvest that came about from seeds I planted. I drink in the aroma of successful endeavor, take pride in my hard work and achievement, and savor the satisfaction of a job well done. I deserve to pause and acknowledge all I co-created, and I do it joyfully. Selma would experience a sweet harvest as a result of the seeds she planted, but she had to stop being overwhelmed by all the “what ifs?” that were swirling about in her head in the pres- ent. The Good Tarot made clear that she was on the right path but needed to take her time and lighten up so she could enjoy the process of creating her videos. The financial payoff to her investment would come in time. Many of you will want to use The Good Tarot for guidance when making decisions about relationships and friendships. Hal asked me to 105do a reading for him about a friendship that he had recently ended after lending his old friend money, only to get excuse after excuse for why the friend couldn't return even some of the money as an act of good faith. When Hal found out his friend had bought a new car before repaying even a penny of his debt, Hal angrily sent his friend a text saying he was ending the friendship. Now he was considering a lawsuit. Angry as he was, he was also upset because he had valued the friendship for years and couldn't believe it had ended over money. Should he teach his friend a lesson by calling a lawyer to try to get the money back? His three cards were the High Priestess, Patience, and the 8 of Air. High Priestess Mystery Some things are not meant to be known intellectually but are meant to be experi- enced through intuition. This card reminds me to trust that I have access to higher wis- dom and knowing when I tune in and trust my vibes. This is the time when mysteries will be revealed and I can grow as a result. 106The High Priestess represents mystery. Hal admitted that his friend had always been “cagey,” keeping secrets and even fibbing here and there. He could never quite connect the dots and figure out what sorts of secrets his friend was hiding but didn’t listen to that inner voice that said, “All is not as it seems.” We looked at the next card: Patience. Patience Moderation This card reminds me that patience will bring me into recognition of and alignment to my purpose. All my needs are met even though I may not see it yet in the outer, visible world. The angels are looking out for me. Modera- tion in all things is required right now. I reminded Hal that Trumps represent major archetypal forces. The themes here were prominent ones in Hal’s life. Hal admitted that patience was not his strong suit. He needed to learn the lessons of alignment with purpose and moderation in his responses. The message of Patience was that Hal needed to own up to 107ignoring that small inner voice that had been telling him for years that his old friend was up to something and couldn't be trusted. He should put down the phone, forget about the lawyer, and just be patient, waiting for his next move to become clear. The third card was the 8 of Air: 8 of Air Release from denial, seeing things as they are, clarity With Spirit at my side encouraging me, I open my eyes to see things as they really are. To be disillusioned is to free myself from illu- sions that keep me from the growth and heal- ing I deserve, so I bid good-bye to illusions that have clouded my vision. Honesty gives me strength and courage to face whatever I have to face. The message, again, was to be patient, gentle, and moderate instead of taking action to avenge the betrayal, so that karma could play out. Hal’s challenge was to bid good-bye to illusions, give up the anger, and look at the 108friendship with clear eyes. It was time for him to say no to the dysfunctional friendship and his need to please others by giving them whatever they asked for even when his gut was telling him not to. Hal had to learn a new way to express love: as compassion. He could be compassionate toward his friend, who clearly had a lot of issues going on (and a lot lawsuits against him, Hal said—another sign about his friend’s character that Hal had overlooked over the years). When we are compassionate, we can love someone from a distance without getting too close. Hal decided his best course was not to call or talk to his friend again. Compassion doesn’t mean letting yourself be taken advantage of! The friendship was over and his job was to let it go without being angry at himself for the choices he had made. We all need to be patient with our- selves and practice self-compassion when we are dealing with our issues. Peggy was another client struggling with a decision to be made about a relationship— in this case, she wanted to know if she should rekindle an old flame. Robert and Peggy had been together many years before, in an on-again, off-again relationship that she finally broke off 109after he had cheated on her. He ended up mar- rying the woman, which broke Peggy’s heart, but now Robert was single again. Peggy had heard through friends that he had initiated a divorce after his wife had cheated on him—talk about karmic payback! Now he was telling friends he had been a fool, that he should have stayed with Peggy and worked it out. Peggy still loved Robert and admitted that while she probably shouldn't try to start up a relationship with him again, she was feeling romantic and hoped The Good Tarot would tell her to call him and renew their relationship. I told her she needed to let go of that intention and open up to the message, whatever it was. She drew three cards: Justice, 10 of Air, and 2 of Earth. Justice Karma The law of cause and effect is in play now as I see elements in my life balance out. What goes around comes around. I’m now seeing evidence of this law in the conditions of my world. 110Peggy laughed when she saw the Justice card. Robert was paying the price demanded by the law of cause and effect. Peggy had grown a lot over the years and wasn’t the same, naive, eager-to-please-at-all-costs young woman she had been. So should she return to Robert, now that he had learned his lesson and experienced the karma created by his past actions? 10 of Air Graceful endings and hopeful beginnings meet, a point of epiphany, an end to old ways of thinking It’s all up from here as I bless the end- ing, grateful for the lessons I have learned that can free me from patterns that no longer serve me. I allow my circumstances to end with grace as I know something better can appear at any time. I am thankful that from now on, I can respond differently to any chal- lenging situation. The 10 of Air is a card of completion: grace- ful endings and hopeful beginnings. Peggy admitted she was not feeling hopeful about 111starting up the relationship again; it was more that she was a little lonely and enjoying the idea of having someone who had jilted her express that he still found her attractive. Part of the temptation to call Robert came from her desire to prove she was right all along—he missed out on what a wonderful partner she was. However, that chapter in her life had been completed. Peggy laughed. “Okay, so I was right. But I need to let it be.” 2 of Earth Pleasurable work, adaptability, balance between work and play My efforts bring me joy. Play and work are not separate, because what I am doing is actually fun. If conditions change, I can switch gears easily. I am fully present in the excitement of creativity and am eager to experience the surprises that occur when seeds I have planted take root, sprout, and develop in unexpected ways. This is a time for flexibility and trust in how the universe will shape what is coming into being. One way or another, my dreams manifest in the material world. 112The 2 of Earth represents play and work at balance, and twos always represent partnerships— in this case, in the material world (on Earth). By letting the old die away and the new come into being, Peggy was setting herself up for a better, more balanced relationship in the future. “My next relationship is going to be a lot more fun and a lot less work,” she said. Exactly. She was attractive and self-aware and ready to love. Now was the time to close one door so another could open. 113Things to The way this deck came about was from a strong inspiration to do things differently in a decidedly non-conformist way. It takes time to get to know a new way of working with a deck when you might be used to doing it the traditional way. My background with the tarot is traditional, although my focus up until now has been to create original oracles and divi- nation systems. | have always been drawn to experiment with the tarot in a way that could be useful and meaningful psychologically and spir- icually and that could take it out of the realm of fortune-telling. I don’t believe in absolute deter- minism, only in probabilities and potentials, and so this tarot was created with a strong desire to support our curiosity about how we create reality and how we evolve as individuals when we are 115inspired to create a new world or need to find a way out of the old one. If you want to use this deck in the way you already know, you can do that too. Traditional tarot spreads and intentions will work with this deck. It will be up to you how you choose to use it. Just give it a try. Even though imagining time differently and being accountable for your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs may seem a bit daunting, the truth is it’s how you claim your power. And you have lots of it! Just know this deck was created in service to you with huge love and blessings! Love, 116Hout the ftist Jena DellaGrottaglia is a native New Yorker who now lives in Los Angeles with her husband, soul mate, and best friend, Daniel. She also has an affinity for animals, as her adopted four cats would attest to wholeheartedly. She is a self-taught artist who believes in being eclectic and unique in her styles, hoping to always evolve and create new and wondrous art. Her influences range from Michael Parkes and Gil Bruvel to the amazing Terese Nielsen and many more. This is the fifth deck Jena has illustrated for Colette Baron-Reid. She hopes you enjoy the art she has created for these cards and that it moves you in some way. E-mail: autumnsgoddess@aol.com Website: autumnsgoddess.com Twitter: @autumnsgoddess 117Message from the SAutist I would like to take this moment to dedicate my artwork to an angel who exuded goodness, balance, and true untainted spirituality. A light of hope, love, and joy. The love of my son Stephen's life. All this art that was created from my soul, that I put my heart into and that is meant to send a positive message, is dedicated to the late Christina Grimmie. Your inspiration, message, and song live forever in us. Your physical presence is so missed in our house and our lives. 118About the futher Colette Baron-Reid is the author of Uncharted, Remembering the Future, Messages from Spirit, and The Map, published in 27 languages, as well as The Wisdom of Avalon, Wisdom of the Hidden Realms, and The Enchanted Map oracle card decks. She is also an internationally acclaimed intuition expert, host of the TV show Messages from Spirit, keynote speaker, recording artist, and entrepreneur. Colette is known for her laser-sharp intuitive insights—she brings audiences to laughter and tears, whether they're packed auditoriums or private clients across 29 countries. She is CEO and founder of The Invi- sion Lab, offering advisory services for select influ- encers and education for coaches in her trademarked energy psychology process, The Invision Process’. Originally from Toronto, Colette splits her time between the U.S. and Canada with her husband, Marc, and three fluffy Pomeranians. When she’s not writing books and teaching global audiences, she’s riding her Harley along the seacoast. Yes, you read that right. Website: www.colettebaronreid.com. 119We hope you enjoyed this Hay House Lifestyles guidebook. 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