Step 0 Pattern Recognition:
What do you notice? How many life cycle cards (Child, Explorer, Guardian and Elder) are there? How many of each suit is present? They are labeled “of Earth” etc. in this Tarot deck. Are there any cards from the Major Arcana present? Which of the four elements (air, earth, fire, and water) are present? Which elements are absent? What colors and hues are in the spread? What do the colors tell you about the spread? These are provided as a jumping off point for you. Keep notes about everything as you interpret Tarot spreads.
First, let’s count the cards’ elements. Starting with the most influential, four Fire-aligned cards. Obviously there is the 2 of Fire and the Child of Fire. Where are the other two cards? The Major Arcana cards are associated with Fire as well so that includes The Sun and The Emperor (Fun fact: The Emperor was named “The Builder” by the creator, but my version of the deck didn’t get that memo.). We have two Earth cards; the Ace and the Elder of Earth. There are two cards associated with Air–the Guardian and Ace of Air. There is only one Water card, the Guardian of Water.
Triads, groups of three cards, is another way to look for patterns. There are two types of triads present. The first three cards make the triple element triad Earth-Water-Air: Above all else, trust those emotions as they will be the strongest guide and may resolve problems the fastest in this situation. The next three cards form the double element triad Fire-Fire-Earth: A call to action combined with sensibility and realism to keep things real. Finally, the Tarot cards in positions seven through nine belong to another triple element triad of Air-Water-Fire: Work needs to happen, but it is five o’clock somewhere, right?
Top Left: Ace of Earth, 2 of Fire, Guardian of Air, The Sun, The Emperor, Elder of Earth, Ace of Air, Guardian of Water, and Child of Fire
This spread is read from left to right, top to bottom starting with the Ace of Earth and ending with Child of Fire. What does the Gaian Tarot have to say for itself? Let’s find out!
1. Tell me about yourself. What is your most important characteristic?
Ace of Earth
Keywords: Starting Point, Potential, Conception
Elemental Alignment: Earth
“I am strong and graceful. I can lead you into the Tarot mysteries as well; as that is my gift. I point the way to the unseen.”
2. What are your strengths as a deck?
2 of Fire
Keywords: Attraction, Polarity, Choice
Elemental Alignment: Fire
“‘Can you feel the love tonight?’ Corny lyrics aside, I am passionate! I am fiery. I offer this attractively smoking hot challenge to you. Will it warm your inner desire or burn out that desire?”
3. What are your limits as a deck?
Guardian of Air
Keywords: Creativity, Fulfillment, Productivity
Elemental Alignment: Air
“I call it exactly as I see it. I am very direct and my piercing gaze makes others uncomfortable. I have zero tolerance for excuses, untruths, and distractions. If you can accept that, I will show you how to speak succinctly and truthfully. I have no fear of others’ judgement or opinions and neither should you.”
4. What do you bring to the table—what are you here to teach me?
The Sun
Keywords: Radiance, Illumination, Consciousness
Elemental Alignment: Fire
“Have you accepted your radiant joy yet? Because, dear Genevieve, that i what I bring! I am vitality and life. ‘Shine on, you crazy diamond!’ Get out there and create some happiness, already!”
5. How can I best learn from and collaborate with you?
The Emperor (The Builder)
Keywords: Culture, Rationality, Structure
Elemental Alignment: Fire
“Embrace your authority! Know yourself. What sort of builder are you? What sort of builder do you want to be? Lead by doing and creating. What are you creating, by the way? You know, creating things is a delicate art. One misplaced stone and the entire building collapses. That is a lot of responsibility.”
6. What is one thing you want to ask of me?
Elder of Earth
Keywords: Wisdom, Counsel, Leading by Example
Elemental Alignment: Earth
“Some cards in this deck can be quite weighty. I ask you to take the longer view of situations. I am happy to transform wool into yarn. Yes I said transform. All transformation is magick; try to remember that. What are you transforming? Have you found a way to be self-sufficient yet? My task is not glamorous, but it is mine and I am content to do it.”
7. What do you expect me to bring to the table—what can I teach you?
Ace of Air
Keywords: Elemental Energy, Opportunity, Beginning
Elemental Alignment: Air
“I see you have met my cousin, the Ace of Earth, already. I expect you to innovate a lot when using me. Try everything once. I will help carry those ideas far and wide. Now is the time to fly! The winds of change are calling, can you hear them?”
8. Using only three words, how would you describe yourself?
Guardian of Water
Keywords: Nurturing, Community, Preservation
Elemental Alignment: Water
“Compassion, Intuitive, Cleansing.”
9. What is the potential outcome of our working relationship?
Child of Fire
Keywords: Learning, Wondering, Exploring
Elemental Alignment: Fire
“I have ability to bring laughter into your life. My enthusiasm for taking chances is quite contagious. Let’s be best exploring buddies. Let’s take some chances together!”
The Gaian Tarot is light-heated and playful, yet is also capable, thanks to the Guardians and Elders of each elemental suit, of being responsible and serious. This deck is perfect for the people person Tarot reader. It is the most conversational of any deck Ihave interviewed thus far. It combines a fresh outlook with a conscientious attitude about life. What do you think? Would you hire this Tarot deck? Why or why not?
Blessings to You!
Genevieve Ragana
What is the New Deck Interview spread, or NDI?
Curious about other NDIs and how they compare? Read about what the Gilded Tarot, The Wildwood Tarot, and The Steampunk Tarot had to say in their New Deck Interviews.
The Gaian Tarot review has two parts: part 1, and part 2, which talk more about the deck itself.
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Tags: 2 of fire, ace of air, ace of earth, child of fire, elder of earth, Gaian Tarot, guardian of air, guardian of water, New Deck Interview spread, the emperor, the sun, two of fire
