I haven't bought a new Tarot deck since the 1990s, and my old cards are too big, too coated, too hard to shuffle. While I loved the galactic look and feel of this unnamed deck, I never really bonded with it, it never really called to me. I've thought of getting new decks over the years, but have never done it. After opening Rachel's True Heart INTUITIVE deck, I realize I've been waiting for Rachel's Tarot all this time.
First of all, let me say that I've known Rachel for [mumbles] years. That's a full disclosure, and to say I'm a little biased would probably be an understatement. However, having known her for awhile, I can say the cards reflect her heart, her spirit, her strength, and the insight she's given me as a friend over the years.
What do I love about the deck? The butterflies that I've come to associate with Rachel. The lovely illustrations by Stephanie Singleton based on Rachel's images of women and men of all varieties, reflecting an array of people (particularly the feminine); of African, indigenous, South American, and Nordic/European symbols woven together. The series of cards with eyes that look back on you, reflecting your mind's eye, opening up your chakra to receive the message. The beautiful soothing color scheme, the images that create thoughts of wood nymphs in their kingdoms, of peaceful endeavors, of fiery pursuits and justice, of using your own power of insight to reflect on deep truths that you know but need just a little help forming and bringing forth.
Rachel's essays written with the Major Arcana are spot on of her experiences as a Black actress fighting for her due in Hollywood, but also of her growth as a woman and human being. She speaks truth to power of the obstacles and challenges she's had to overcome, and of the immense resources of kindness and grit that she has exhibited along the way, all reflecting back on the Major Arcana and their meanings. Rachel has deeply researched, learned, and meditated on the art of the Tarot and her inner meaning of life, and she's worked incredibly hard on this beautiful gift of a deck culminating in the things she's learned.
Today I did a three card pull. I've been feeling really aggravated by the state of the world, and I pulled the Justice card, which was exactly on my mind at that time. Usually cards have the scales balanced on one side or the other, but I loved that Justice was balancing on an upturned sword, with the scales above her head in perfect balance. The Nine of Swords was in my immediate past. To say that I haven't been in a "spin-out" in low vibe mode (another thing I love... high and low vibes for cards instead of "good" or "bad" aspects), would be an understatement in this time of political malaise and social illness. But then the Six of Wands showed up, with its palm out, and bird gathering a nest of trinkets of luck and fortune. "I'm Queen of this nest" she seems to be saying, and "I bring you good fortune." The optimism of the card combined with the other two filled me with confidence and the power to know that whatever happens in the future, things will turn out well, because I rule my personal nest and success.
On a downside, I'll note that the cardstock could be coated a tad more, but as I work this deck in my hands, it's easily malleable, it doesn't fight me in the shuffle like my older deck, it feels like an extension of my hands and allows me to really get that good shuffle in while I'm focusing on my questions.
The word "INTUITIVE" in the title of this deck is apt. Its symbols are universal and deep, and for all people to see a little of themselves and the world around them, leading to a clarity that is really nice. Thanks, Rachel. Great work!