Welcome to The Tarot Project

A Julie & Julia-style project…with Tarot Cards

The Tarot Project

If you remember the movie Julie and Julia, starring Amy Adams and Meryll Streep (or the original blog it’s based on), the premise is that writer Julie Powell cooks her way through Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking one day at a time.  My goal here is something similar.  

About a week before my birthday, I decided to buy a tarot deck on a whim.  I’m not overly superstitious and I consider myself spiritual more than religious.  I was searching for some kind of grounding exercise that would also be fun and didn’t take itself too seriously. 

I went to a local shop that sells tarot cards.  I believe in signs and that there is magic out there for everyone, but that’s about as far as my mysticism goes.  I felt a bit awkward and unsure walking into the space, situated above a bustling enclave of retail stores and a food court. Thankfully, I was immediately greeted by a charismatic employee, who explained how to select my first tarot deck. She told me to choose the cards that called to me *and* that I could find a story and symbolism within. I had the preconceived notion that I would choose an Art Deco- style deck. But, I kept going back to a deck splashed with vivid colors, stunning imagery and lots of symbolism. I took that as my sign, made my purchase and headed home both invigorated and totally confused on what my plan was with these cards. 

I waited until the evening of my birthday to pull my first tarot card, knowing next to nothing about tarot beyond the rudimentary basics. I struggled through interpreting it and don’t even recall what the card was.  But, I do remember it was spot- on for where I was at that moment in time.  

It’s been a few months since my birthday, and I’ve dabbled here and there with my cards, sometimes pulling one, other times pulling three.  But, I haven’t maintained a consistent schedule.  I don’t really know detailed spreads, but I understand the basics. 

So, what’s my goal?

I want to spend a year learning the tarot. The history, spreads, the card meanings, all of it. I plan to pull 2-3 cards (more when it feels right) and document my reflections over the course of a week.

I’ll post every Monday and include a “reader” card for anyone who wants a fun, quick and easy guiding contemplation for the week ahead (and for those who just want a little glimmer of light to kick off the work week).

I can’t promise I’ll do it perfectly, but my hope is to share my adventure as someone new to tarot and who is learning as I go. If you are interested in coming along for the ride, I would love it.

A little about me…

I once had to take a “strengths finder” survey for a job and was not surprised that learner and connectedness were among my top five. I’ve always loved exploring places with history or finding hodgepodge shops full of treasures and antiques. I’m fascinated by the stories of those who have come before us and think relics of past lives connect us all. I think this project dances around that same concept of connection, history and learning each others’ stories.

I went to school for journalism and worked for a teeny tiny newspaper publication after a brief stint in London, just because. I’ve had a few careers since then, including teaching for more than a decade (I think middle school is the best age group to teach, despite popular opinion). But, I’ve always missed my writing. So, here I am.

I call Atlanta home and live here with my husband, sensational stepson and two senior dogs.

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The Beginning:

The Cards:

To kick things off, let’s talk about the cards. It was shared with me that those who are beginning their tarot journey often start with the classic Rider-Waite deck. While I considered that deck, it struck a chord that the cards should reveal a story. So, I “tested” several decks – I’m nothing if not thorough. 

And, I like to do my research. I pored over deck after deck, deciding if I could decipher a story or meaning behind an individual card and then checking myself against the actual card meaning that was listed in the cute little book that often accompanies each deck (things I didn’t know until I had my hands on them and why I recommend searching for a deck in person instead of online…she says like she is already an expert). 

What I discovered was that I was closest to the mark and felt the most connected with The Field Tarot, an exquisite deck designed by Hannah Elizabeth Fofana. I felt like I understood these cards and they understood me. They were not the cards I expected to choose, but if the cards choose you, this deck captivated my heart. 

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The Very First Card:

Since I’m beginning a new, vulnerable, unfamiliar and frankly out-of-my-comfort-zone project, it seems only fitting to choose a card to set the tone for this experiment. So, without further ado, here’s the first card to blaze the trail for The Tarot Project:

Initial Thoughts & Interpretation:

• I notice the phases of the moon and a white wolf that gazes at them from a distance.

• Do the phases of the moon signify passage of time?

• Wolves represent mystery, protection (I think?)

• This project might take me in places that are unexpected, but I need to stay dedicated. It might change along the way - like the phases of the moon - but I need to see it through.

Card Meaning By the Book (paraphrased): This card represents a need to invest time and focus on learning a new skill. My favorite part “take this as a sign of encouragement to move from proficiency to mastery and to hone your skills and knowledge”

Core Message/My Takeaway: “If you’re waiting for a sign, this is it. Do it. It will be amazing.” Those words resonate deeply with me. Some context: I was in Florida debating whether or not to follow my heart and move to Atlanta. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to take that leap. This was also when I worked at a newspaper and my co-worker, who became a close friend, and she and I would read Post Secret’s Sunday Secrets. It became a Monday morning ritual that we would start the day reading people’s innermost and personal thoughts and secrets. Some were poignent, others were scandalous and others still were hopeful and uplifting. That particular day, I had said aloud, “I just wish I had a sign.” (one of the many times I’ve said something out loud and been almost immediately granted what I needed). The point to this story is that this particular tarot card brought me right back to that moment, almost 16 years ago, when I was unsure of my footing and direction and I took a leap of faith. That is exactly how I feel now. This project is definitely out of my comfort zone. It feels vulnerable and a little scary. But, I think I got the answer I needed in the moment I needed it. So, here I am, doing it and hoping it will be amazing.

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