As part of my participation in Ethony's 31 Days of Tarot, I'm exploring - and divulging - my top (aka most-favored) Tarot decks from 2016.On the left: Universal Waite Tarot deck by Arthur Edward Waite with drawings by Pamela Colman Smith (recolored by Mary Hanson-Roberts).On the right: Shadowscapes Tarot deck by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law (text by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law and Barbara Moore).

Universal Waite Tarot

The cards I used to "hate" have become my go-to cards in the Tarot tradition. These truth-tellers were once unwelcome in my home after revealing a truth I wasn't expecting and wasn't accepting.That the truth they revealed came to pass cemented their demise in my world, 22.5 years ago.Today, I welcome their truth. I know that when I need something straight-up and unmistakable, the Universal Waite version of the Rider-Waite deck is where it's at.This version is, for me, superior to the original Rider-Waite because of the depth of color. In that depth I find the finer details leap off the cards and grab my attention as necessary. I love that.

Shadowscapes Tarot

This deliciously delicate and feminine deck belies its innate earthiness and groundedness. It's just so pretty; so feminine.The feel of these cards in my hands is completely different from that of the Universal Waite, even though the intentions and meanings of the cards are in alignment.The energy that comes with the cards (just heard "dances with the cards"; beautiful!) is super light; deeply elemental. I have the sense that the fairies call up a gathering of their peers for readings with this deck.What's not to love about an elemental gathering for a Tarot reading?It's remarkable to me that Tarot decks - and oracle decks, for that matter - can harness such diverse energies. It makes my work a whole lot more interesting, and it's already interesting to begin with. :-)Lucky me. 💝