Deck Review-The Awakening Tarot: An Elemental Approach by Monica Bodirsky

Deck Review

The Awakening Tarot: An Elemental Approach

By Monica Bodirsky

Publisher: Red Feather Mind Body Spirit

78 Card Tarot Deck, 287 Page Full Color Guidebook, in a sturdy, magnetically closed box

Release Date: March 28th, 2024

The Awakening Tarot: An Elemental Approach is a strangely beautiful deck that takes Tarot to its wild foundations in nature and daily life. The artwork is a bit macabre and fit for those who like the strange, quirky and different. The difference in artwork, card names and symbolism doesn’t subtract from the readability of the deck, either; instead, I would argue that it adds to it, at least for me, it did. I’ve been reading Tarot since I became a Witch/Sorcerer/Magickal Person, whatever you want to call me, and sometimes decks do too much, to the point where it’s overwhelming and the cards lose their original meaning or significance. While I often appreciate the inclusion of alchemical symbols for the elements, planets and zodiac signs, the art itself at times in other decks is taken to a level of detail that’s unnecessary to me. The Elemental Tarot is the inversion of this trend, instead offer simplicity as its’ greatest strength.

I don’t believe this deck is for everyone, but for those who prefer simpler art to depict an event, emotion, energy, etc., these cards might just be for you. Even moreso if you appreciate different artwork and interpretations of the Tarot cards; the beauty of this deck is that to those who know the Tarot more in depth will draw their own conclusions off of the cards, because while they’re different, they’re not that different. So whether you’re a beginner or advanced in Tarot, this deck could be a great addition to your collection. The guidebook also covers the author’s (who is also the artist) description and interpretation of each card, including “shadow” meanings, key words, upright and reversed meanings, as well as reflection questions.

I chose this deck out of mere curiosity and what I got was beyond my expectations! I personally find the artwork intriguing, and it takes me to an animistic frame of mind, allowing me to discern the messages nature has for me, and how it could relate to my reading. The deck itself is printed on sturdy, high quality cardstock, and is enclosed in a smaller box, that then fits into the larger magnetically sealed box, with the guidebook fitting on top, and the lid closing over top of it. The packaging is appealing, and of high-quality as well. I truly have no critiques of this deck; I have found it to be accurate as a divinatory tool, and it has helped me ground in the coming season of growth and renewal, and allowed me to connect to my animistic roots once more. I truly enjoyed reviewing this deck; I give it a 5/5 Pentagram rating!

Monica Bodirsky is a professional artist, author, advisor and chartered herbalist. As a divination specialist and follower of the shadow path, her work promotes self-growth and development, empowerment and transformative ways of working with unacknowledged spiritual and creative energies. She is the founder and programmer of WITCHFest North Arts and Culture Festival.

 

***

Author Bio:

The Modern Merlin has been a Polytheist and Animist Pagan, Witch, Sorcerer, Poison Witch, Wizard, Druid, Mystic, Ceremonial Magician, Occultist, Shaman, Seer and Soothsayer for over 15 years, venerating and casting magick with deities and spirits from many cultures, including those from Ancient Greece, Rome, Norse & Germanic, Celtic, Slavic, Egyptian, Sumerian, as well as many Faeries, Nymphs, Dryads, Ancestors and other nature and land spirits and spirits of place, even Saints, Angels and Demons! He is a Priest of Hecate, Diana, Hades, Lilith and Persephone, among others. He has experience in the Left and Right Hand Paths, working with both hands as needed. He currently practices Necromancy and Deathwalking, as well as Traditional Witchcraft, Druidry, Hellenism, Ceremonial Magick and Occultism, incorporating all of them into a cohesive practice, with some shamanic touches. He studies and practices Astrology as well as Tarot and other forms of divination such as Runes, Palmistry and Ogham. He has also been investigating the paranormal for over 10 years and has a keen interest in researching various mythologies, cosmologies and folklore from around the world. He is the Co-Editor of PaganPages.Org and the author of multiple columns, including The Modern Merlin’s Corner, Entheogens for the New Gen, Stellium, and Scary, Strange and Mythical Encounters. He also has a personal blog where he shares Astrological, Pagan, and other magickal wisdom for free! He gives readings and other spiritual services on his Facebook Page, The Modern Merlin, as well other free informational posts for everyone to see!