Steampunk Tarot

This month the Steampunk Tarot by Barbara Moore has rolled into my growing collection of Tarot decks.  If you are unfamiliar with Steampunk, think Wild, Wild West starring Will Smith.  Here the Victorian era combines with the future with a distinctly Victorian perspective.  Goth discovers brown.  Still confused?  Google it.  Steampunk is a highly visual genre.  

There is a military energy in many of
the cards, but the deck still manages
to retain an air of romance.

The Steampunk Tarot is brilliantly illustrated by Aly Fell.  The images are charming and compelling, remaining both true to the genre & to traditional Tarot symbolism.  The Pages and Knights are female in all of the suits, except for the Knight of Pentacles, who cuts a dashing figure as a mature soldier.  Very few animals appear in the deck.  Of all the court cards, only the Queen of Wands is mounted.  The Chariot is pulled by mechanical beasts that have no equine resemblance whatsoever.  Here and there a hawk, a dog or a horse can be seen, but other than these there is little relating to Nature to be found. 

The images range from whimsical to powerful.  This is a deck that illicits deep feelings and stirs the emotions.   It would take some practice for me to be able to read well with it, but I think that it has a great deal of potential to be an amazing divinitory tool for many readers.  This deck would appeal to younger clients more so than older people who may not be familiar with the genre.   Pairing the deck to the client is an essential consideration for readers and Steampunk's wilder, more rebellious nature would strengthen the connection with youth well.  

The World and The Hermit
Powerful images that invoke strong feelings make this deck interesting.

There is a somewhat military flavour to some of the cards.  At times a war-like energy tends to seep through, but it somehow manages to retain a romantic and soft side in spite of the gleaming metal and roaring engines.  

The companion book is nicely illuminated with decorative corners on each page.  There is a brief explanation of Steampunk, an introduction to Tarot basics, a comprehensive section with the meaning for each card and the obligatory section with options for spreads that can be used in readings.  What is different about this book is that pip cards for each suit are presented numerically, but there is a separate section just for the court cards.  Pages, Knights, Queens and Kings are defined first as a position in the hierarchy and then individually.  I love that!   

The High Priestess is a whimsical image.
She dares you to take a chance!

Altogether a pleasing deck.  I'm very happy to have added it to my collection.  I doubt that I will use it much for readings, but I will certainly enjoy looking at the gorgeous artwork and reading the author's interpretations.  

Imbolc

That's a funny word!  What does it mean?

Imbolc is the third Sabbat in the Wheel of the Year, falling roughly in the middle between Yule (Winter Solstice) and Ostara (Spring Equinox).  Also known as Candlemas or Brigit's Day, Imbolc is a reminder that the Dark Season of Winter is beginning to give way to Spring.  The Goddess, Brigit presides over this day.  She is a Goddess of fertility as well as healing, poetry and smithcraft.  Through her, we are blessed with the promise of renewed life as the sun grows stronger and the cold recedes.

In the Tarot, Brigit's qualities can be found throughout both the major and minor arcana.  Perhaps she is best represented by The Empress, in whom we see so many symbols of creativity, fertility and the power of nature.  The Empress is proudly feminine, embracing all aspects of womanhood without shame or fear.  She accepts her personal power and uses it to nurture and protect.

Today, we are invited to work joyously with the power of Nature to bring forth new ideas. Plant the seeds of future prosperity.  Whether that is starting a new project or planning and preparing your garden for the coming growing season, look at this time as the beginning of a new cycle.

Imbolc is also a time to let go.  Cleaning out the old and making room for the new is featured today.  What no longer serves you?  Get rid of it!  Be it old grudges or clothes that no longer fit, it's time to empty the closets.

A great way to celebrate Imbolc is to divest yourself of something that is cluttering your life - spiritually, emotionally, mentally or physically.  Do it ritually!  Do it with purpose!  Find one thing - just one! - today that you can let go of.  If it can be recycled or re-purposed, of course, recycle or re-purpose it.  If it's something intangible, like a regret, a grudge or guilt, find a way to let it go.  A simple ritual is to write it down on a piece of paper and then burn the paper.  While it's burning, ask Spirit to transmute the negative energy into something more positive.  Then bury the ashes or scatter them to the wind.  It needn't be elaborate.

Smudging yourself and your home is another way that you can celebrate Imbolc.  Or get out your broom or besom and sweep away negativity.  If it's not too cold outside, open windows and let some fresh air in.

If your thoughts are turning to Spring Cleaning, then let them turn fully!   Lighten and brighten your life any way you can today.

Blessed be!

Ps  If you are wondering how to pronounce Imbolc, there are several variations, none of which I have ever been able to clarify definitively.  I pronounce it: EE-mulk.    I have also heard it pronounced Im-bolg, IM-bullug or IM-bulk - both with a EE sound or a short i as in interesting.  It might be easier to just call it Brigit's Day!