Tarot Interview with Lucas Taylor of Brightleaf Tarot
It was such a treat interviewing Lucas Taylor for the latest episode of the Incandescent Tarot Podcast. Lucas is a tarot reader and collector @brightleaftarot and brings a distinctive and powerful intuitive style to his work with the cards, not to mention a vivacious and contagious energy! I had so much fun talking with him I couldn’t resist asking him some more tarot-specific questions which I’m sharing with you here today.
Photo: Lucas Taylor | @brightleaftarot
It was such a treat interviewing Lucas Taylor for the latest episode of the Incandescent Tarot Podcast. Lucas is a tarot reader and collector @brightleaftarot and brings a distinctive and powerful intuitive style to his work with the cards, not to mention a vivacious and contagious energy! I had so much fun talking with him I couldn’t resist asking him some more tarot-specific questions which I’m sharing with you here today.
Check out our conversation directly on Substack, Apple Podcasts, or wherever else you get your podcasts, and be sure to leave a rating and review if you enjoyed the episode! You can find Lucas online @brightleaftarot.
Photo & Reading by Lucas
Favorite Current Deck
I love all my children equally, but probably Spolia Tarot.
Tarot Pet-Peeve
Beautiful cards printed on terrible cardstock.
Favorite Card(s)
The Tower and The High Priestess
Trickiest/Least Favorite Card(s)
Hierophant, but mostly because I simply do not vibe with the majority of decks that use imagery of a Pope. I don't have a personal relationship with that imagery and I think it's a weird choice for how I interpret that card.
A Moment when Tarot Called You Out
Every time I try to avoid making a decision and try to make tarot decide for me. It's always like, nice try dumbass but you have to figure this out yourself.
Favorite Breakthrough with a Card
The Tower for sure. I think there is a lot of opportunity when this card comes up to let those structures fall around you without letting it devastate you, taking a breath, sorting through the rubble, Marie Kondo-ing the pieces and letting go of what doesn't serve you so that you can rebuild better and stronger to move forward in a really aligned way.
Your Reading Style in 3 Words
Intuitive, Accessible, Supportive
Check it Out: Robert Place on Tarot as a Spiritual Path
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about tarot and its many uses, particularly how to sum up my personal approach. As a tarot reader and teacher, I get asked this question a lot. And, as a spiritual seeker, my experience and outlook changes subtly over time.
One of the major shifts has been around the idea of spirituality. As a cynical child from a very secular family, I has an almost allergic response to the term. To me, spirituality meant flighty, irrational, and hopelessly outdated.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about tarot and its many uses, particularly how to sum up my personal approach. As a tarot reader and teacher, I get asked this question a lot. And, as a spiritual seeker, my experience and outlook changes subtly over time.
One of the major shifts has been around the idea of spirituality. As a cynical child from a very secular family, I has an almost allergic response to the term. To me, spirituality meant flighty, irrational, and hopelessly outdated.
As any of you who’ve been following my work likely know, I was living a huge contradiction: My orientation towards the world, at least privately, was deeply spiritual. I saw the world as a living place, practiced free-form rituals as a young child, and even though I’d never admit it, found deep insight in the tarot.
Perhaps because I didn’t grow up in a religious tradition, I was unaware of the natural, human pursuit of spiritual meaning. To have other people to talk to about these questions and experiences would be delightful! But like any isolated and underexposed child, I thought I was completely alone.
So imagine my surprise when I learned more about what spirituality actually is and found I was already doing it, loving it, and finditing it deeply meaningful!
Which brings us to this article I’d like to share. I shouldn’t be surprised that Robert Place would be the person to so perfectly articulate tarot’s connection to spiritual practice. A renowned and wonderfully reliable scholar of tarot and divination, Place distills these ideas expertly in this interview with Buddha Weekly. He touches on the differences between divination and fortune telling (a key point!) and how to use tarot as a spiritual path.
I particularly love this quote:
“It is better to ask about relationships with other people or about routine decisions that need to be made. You want the Tarot to tell you things that may be hard to hear, about how you are being self-centered or short sighted. And then you want the Higher Self to show you a better way to behave. As you practice this day-to-day and act on the advice, you are making better decisions and becoming more like your Higher Self. This process becomes a spiritual path.”
Check out the interview here and share your thoughts in the comments below. How do you view tarot’s connection with spiritual practice? What has your personal experience been?
The Best Way to Read Tarot is as Your True Self
Someone once asked me at a dinner party if I acted differently when I read tarot for clients.
It took a minute for that to sink in. Differently? How?
I quickly realized that this lovely person, a math teacher, was wondering if I put on an act for my readings. You know, the classic turban and crystal ball schtick.
I could only laugh.
Photo by Anna Carson-Dewitt
Someone once asked me at a dinner party if I acted differently when I read tarot for clients.
It took a minute for that to sink in. Differently? How?
I quickly realized that this lovely person, a math teacher, was wondering if I put on an act for my readings. You know, the classic turban and crystal ball schtick.
I could only laugh.
For those who know my personally, I do not fit the outdated stereotype of a tarot reader, fortune-teller, or psychic - at all. I’m effusive, warm, curious, and open. And I can’t read tarot any other way.
What’s more, in my many years reading and teaching tarot, I’ve found that people give the best and most insightful readings when doing them from a place of deep authenticity.
Think of it this way: could you recite a poem more comfortably using your own voice or with a theatrical stage accent?
Oftentimes, we assume we have to change or edit our personalities when trying something new. But doing so only makes things more awkward. It just doesn’t flow when you’re trying to be something you’re not, and tarot is an intuitive art that works best when we’re tapping into our personal power.
So, what is it about you that’s unique? How do you talk when you get excited about something or are speaking a deep truth?
This is different for everyone which I find infinitely beautiful. You may be more poetic, serious, goofy, scientific, or mystical. The world needs tarot readers of all stripes, so celebrate your unique perspective.
And, another fun secret: when getting readings from other pro readers, one thing is resoundingly clear - they all read as themselves, too. Each reader has a unique voice, outlook, and style. Embracing it will only make your readings better. Neglecting it will just feel awkward.
I’ve been told by many new clients that they’ve never had a reading like mine before. I love tarot so much and find each set of cards to be such an adventure that I often make exclamations when I turn them over. Like, “Ooh, this is fascinating!” or “There’s so much magic happening in your life right now!” You could say I have no chill when it comes to tarot.
If I were to try to tamp this down in the interest of appearing more serious or mystical, my clients would miss out on a huge part of my talents as a reader. I see each reading as a unique and fascinating adventure and expressing that only amplifies my insights.
Whatever facet of your reading style makes you feel alive, engaged, and deliciously you, keep at it.
It’s an intrinsic part of your tarot magic, and something to celebrate. Plus, it makes your readings all the more powerful, energetic, and intuitive.
Try This: Thrift Store Tarot
I've been reading a wonderful book by Robert Moss called Sidewalk Oracles: Playing with Signs, Symbols, and Synchronicities in Everyday Life. In it, Moss explores the ways in which we can engage with the world to find meaning, spiritual guidance, and richness. It's a theme that obviously resonates with me, both as a tarot reader and a seeker. Indeed, there are many similarities between Moss' approach and tarot. We use the cards to identify patterns and symbols in our lives. Why not extend this gaze outwards?
Photo by Charisse Kenion on Unsplash
I've been reading a wonderful book by Robert Moss called Sidewalk Oracles: Playing with Signs, Symbols, and Synchronicities in Everyday Life. In it, Moss explores the ways in which we can engage with the world to find meaning, spiritual guidance, and richness. It's a theme that obviously resonates with me, both as a tarot reader and a seeker. Indeed, there are many similarities between Moss' approach and tarot. We use the cards to identify patterns and symbols in our lives. Why not extend this gaze outwards?
I was delighted to find out that Moss is also a fan of the tarot. Early in the book he introduces the idea of "Sidewalk Tarot," the practice of posing a question or theme to the world and seeing what signs come your way. I've been practicing this frequently and have been enjoying the expansive curiosity it brings to my awareness. Now I'm seeing things I'd never notice before, paying attention to the sights, sounds, and snippets of conversation that flow around me.
It's also inspired me to adapt Moss' idea to one of my favorite pass-times: thrifting. Since my college days I've spent days perusing the racks and shelves of all sorts of thrifty places: swap shops, antique stores, and the bevy of secondhand shops in Durham (including the incredibly named "Everything But Grannie's Panties.")
I find browsing for treasures uniquely calming. I can relax into myself and satisfy that primordial hunter-gatherer instinct. Instead of mammoths, I'm looking for bakelite jewelry, vintage dresses, and all manners of delightful doo-dads. Or scary/delightful doo-dads: I have a huge soft spot for demonic-looking ceramic animals like this bluebird sugar dish. What can I say, I'm a woman of many interests.
And now I can add "mystical insights" to my wishlist. I decided to try out Moss' technique in a thrift shop because, if you think about it, what place is more chock-full of symbols? You have the meanings of all manner of figurines, the associations that come from different eras, memories awakened by poufy-sleeved dresses from the 80s, and words upon words in stacks of books.
The rules are simple. Post a question or set an intention like "what do I need to know about ____" or "show me insight into _____" before you enter the store. Let yourself get swept into the meditative task of browsing. Don't try to force associations or observations. Think of this as shuffling the tarot deck. Wander around a while, touch some blouses, and flip through some books.
Once in this relaxed state, notice what you're drawn to and don't overthink it. Whatever item or memory or insight sticks out the most is the most important. Jot these down in a notebook, snap a photo, or commit them to memory.
After you've left the store, take a moment to journal about your experience. What messages might these observations or items be telling you? Let them percolate and see what you discover!
How to Shuffle Tarot Cards
It's where all readings start: with a nice shuffle. But how do you do it? This part of reading is so fundamental it often goes unmentioned. And add some tricky elements unique to tarot like the fear of doing it wrong or difficulty maneuvering the larger-than-normal deck and you have a topic that definitely deserves some more attention!
It's where all readings start: with a nice shuffle. But how do you do it? This part of reading is so fundamental it often goes unmentioned. And add some tricky elements unique to tarot like the fear of doing it wrong or difficulty maneuvering the larger-than-normal deck and you have a topic that definitely deserves some more attention!
Below I'll go into some techniques for shuffling your deck, but before I do I'd like to focus on the "why" behind shuffling the cards. At its most simple, shuffling is an act that bonds you to the deck and infuses your energy into the reading. By handling the cards we step into their space, allowing the conversation between the tarot cards and the tarot reader to begin.
Shuffling is a special time to contemplate your question or topic, interact physically, emotionally, and spiritually (if that's part of your beliefs) with the cards. I like to use this moment to officially begin my readings, being mindful as I shift from everyday life into the world of tarot through this simple and powerful ritual.
With that being said, let's get to the mechanics! There are many ways to shuffle the cards and, in my opinion, no wrong way to shuffle the deck. We all have our own techniques and methods. I've seen many styles from reading at events (I like to have my clients handle the deck themselves) ranging from gentle rearranging to vigorous pile-making. One client at an event called "Goth Prom" was very forceful, slamming each pile down with a bang after they shuffled. (Unsurprisingly, this was not a favorite approach of mine!)
Experiment with these approaches or invent your own. You'll know what feels best to you. And a quick note: it's completely normal to be slightly awkward at first. Most tarot decks are larger than a standard deck of playing cards. It takes practice to wield them gracefully.
As for disrespecting the cards? We all forge our own special relationships with tarot. It all comes down to intent. Reading tarot with a cavalier, rude attitude? That's disrespectful. Approaching it as a helpful and special tool? You're fine, even if you manage to drop your deck all over the floor, as I've done many times throughout my time as a reader. If your intentions are good, you're golden.
And now for all you need to know about shuffling your tarot cards...
4 Ways to Shuffle Tarot Cards
- The Classic: You know this one. It's the ye-olde shuffle where you divide the deck in two and flick the piles downward so they interweave. You can get fancy and do a complete bridge shuffle here if you'd like. It can take a while to get a hang with this method when using tarot decks, but it's a lovely go-to for quickly integrating the cards.
- Spreading and Regrouping: This method looks nice and evocative. Fan out your cards on the table any way you like. I sometimes do an "S" pattern purely for aesthetics. Why not be fancy about it? Gather up your pile again, making sure to recombine in a different pattern.
- Pile-Style: Divide your deck into a series of small piles. Have fun putting them back together in a different order, either as they are or by shuffling pairs together until the whole deck is integrated.
- Handheld Shuffle: This method is as simple as dividing out segments of the cards in your hands and placing them back in the deck at a different spot. You can really get in the zone while doing this and it's a comforting technique to use when you'd like to meditatively handle the cards before your readings.
I hope this post has been helpful for your tarot-shuffling needs. Remember, finding your own style is an integral part of your tarot journey. Play with these methods and allow yourself to settled into what feels natural. And don't forget to share your method, too!
What about you? What techniques do you use in your practice? What else would you like to know about shuffling the cards? Share in the comments below.
Do I Need Permission to Read Tarot?
What is it about tarot that makes people shy?
Well, there's the mystery. The poetic images seem both familiar and foreign. What messages are they hiding? What do they mean? And how can one lean about them?
There's also the mysticism. Tarot comes with a lot of history, lore, and superstition that, depending on who you ask, means everything or nothing. Are the cards a tool of the devil? An inscrutable magical system only understandable after years of study and an elaborate initiation? Both?
No wonder tarot can seem overwhelming to new learners.
While I've yet to encounter any wild tarot initiation ceremonies or tarot-related demons, I have encountered lots of anxiety around getting tarot "right," especially from people just starting out.
It's interesting how when we want to learn something new we throw out a lot of obstacles for ourselves. For example, getting caught up with the sheer number of cards - it's too much to memorize! I'll just buy that deck I've had my eye on later...
This is especially true for things we're deepy interested in or areas that reflect a part of ourselves we may be afraid to express. Tarot gets at all these tender spots. As a system it excels in teaching us more about ourselves and encouraging spritual expression. Unfortunately, these aren't always valued by our culture and often it's easier to push our curiosity for the cards aside, directing our focus to more "serious" matters.
I think that's a shame.
I always tell anyone I read for that if they have even the slightest interest they should pick up a deck for themselves and get to know it. Whether you're going to be reading professionally or simply drawing a card a day for personal inspiration, the tarot has so much to offer each and every one of us. You can even buy a deck and ignore it! When the time's right, I bet you'll start shuffling through it.
So if you're looking for permission or some sort of calling, I'm happy to give it to you. Here it is, nice and official: you have my enthusiastic support and permission to embark on the study of the tarot. You are blessed in your jouney wherever it may take you and you are absolutely qualified to add the wisdom of your interpretations to the practice of tarot. We need you. Welcome!
And as for the calling, if you're reading this you've probably already heard it within yourself.
Now get out there and snag yourself your first tarot deck.
And if you have any questions don't hesitate to reach out. I love to help people along their tarot journeys in any capacity, whether it's through a class, card meanings, this blog, individul mentorship, or a simple email. I'd love to hear from you.
Lovely Links & Happenings
A glimpse into my fall equinox ritual. Cards from the Wild Unknown Tarot
What a week its been.
Fall begain on Thursday during the equinox, when the day is the same length as the night. What a beautiful way to signify the beginning of autumn. In addition to buying an excessive amount of pumpkins, I performed a centering tarot ritual (pictured above) to celebrate the change in season.
The latest bout of killings by police officers has been weighing heavily on me as it should. I decided to get in-depth with the three of swords, a dark card if there ever was on, and investigate the importance of acknowledging and feeling our grief and holding space for the grief of others. I decided to put this post in Tarot for Self-Care because I truly believe that caring for the self extends to caring for our communities and fellow human beings. We cannot flourish if we limit our love and care to the individual level.
Some especially eloquent articles that moved me on this topic are this piece by John Metta about the prejudices lurking in our culture and this stirring op-ed about the systematic injustice in Charlotte. Please take the time to read them and let me know what you think.
Other thought-provoking and inspiring internet happenings:
Loved this interview at Little Red Tarot with Courtney Alexander, artist and creator of the Dust II Onyx: A Melanated Tarot Deck. Take a peek at this gorgeous deck and support it via kickstarter. I'm especially in love with her Empress card.
I lost myself in these beautiful photographs of specimens from museum and national park collections by Leah Sobsey.
A new study suggests pigeons can recognize words! Another reason they're the most misunderstood bird and one of my favorite animals.
Sand looks absolutely beautiful close-up.
Lovely Links & Happenings
Hello lovely readers! How has your week been? It's been a bit of a wild zone over here. We now have a third dog in the house - a majestic Siberian husky who we're watching for a friend. It has been quite a hoot leaving my study to see these three faces:
Gina, everything you say is fascinating! Oh, no you're just holding some food.
This week I delved into the rich realm of The Empress with my first installment of Tarot for Self-Care. I'm so stoked about this series and had so much fun writing this week's piece.
I also got carried away and made a fragrance inspired by The Empress. A little backstory: my hobby (and part of my former job) is making natural perfume. I keep all my absolutes and essential oils on my desk, and sometimes I glance over and... make just a quick bottle of something new.
For the curious, this batch featured hibiscus tincture, honey absolute, mimosa, and pink graprefruit essential oil. Definitely a keeper in my book!
I've also been working on some super secret freebies you'll be seeing more of soon, so stay tuned...
Some more things that I found delightful this week:
Came across the gorgeous Circo Tarot - looks like another beautiful deck to add to the wishlist!
Wish this Horror Tarot was still available for halloween.
Really loved this animation of an interview with David Lynch about the origin of great ideas.
And my favorite topic, food: I haven't been able to stop devouring Pan con Tomate this week. Hard to imagine anything better than bread, tomato, and olive oil.
How about you? What has tickled your fancy lately?
What to Expect from an Email Reading
Cards from the Tarocchi di Donne Tarot
I get a lot of surprised faces when I tell people I offer tarot readings by email.
Maybe it’s because the word “email” isn't so evocative. And maybe it's because many people don't realize that a helpful tarot reading is so easily accessible.
Of course, I Iove imagining people picturing me crouched over a crystal ball wearing hoop earrings. But that's hardly the only way to experience tarot. (Though don't get me wrong - I love a good pair of hoops.)Email readings are just as intimate, effective, and insightful as tarot face-to-face.
In fact, they’re one of my favorite ways to read tarot for other people. Here's why:
1. Connection
You don’t need to be sitting across the table from a reader to have your cards read. And you’d be surprised at how strong the connection between reader and seeker can be via email. Writing allows me to easily shed assumptions and distractions to focus on the heart of your question. I get to connect with the intention and meaning behind your phrasing in a way that feels just as powerful as a face-to-face reading.
2. Clarity
You don't have to worry about digesting and keeping up with everything I'm saying. All the ins and outs of the cards are laid out on the page so you can read and revisit them later.
3. Focus
Email readings allow me to connect directly with your question or topic. After meditating on your question and shuffling the cards, I am free to let my intuition do the work and create your reading. To learn more about my behind the scenes process click here.
4. Presentation
Have you ever taken thorough notes only to look back at them and have no clue what you've written down? In an email reading, I do all the recording and organizing for you. Your reading will come in a beautiful pdf (if I do say so myself) that's easy to follow.
5. Resource
You now have a lovely pdf of your reading to refer to. Go back and look at the card to help guide you forward, check back on the areas that spoke to you, and keep track of your progress.
6. Flexibility
Struggling to find the time to schedule a face to face reading? Looking for quick insight? You can order an email reading at any time without the hassle of making an appointment. Simply send off your question and get a reading within days.
7. Options
Email readings can be quick bursts of inspiration or in-depth explorations. You get to decide just how much tarot you need. Since I like to use tarot for the big and little things in life, I offer readings that range from quick 1 card takes (Sneak Peek) to deluxe 10 page readings (Heart of the Matter.)