I spent a year and a day creating 'The Tarot of the Sidhe'. Each image is the result of direct inspiration,
with no sketches, references or planning. Like a form of automatic painting, the ink would go down on paper
first, and then the flowing watercolours, with no break until the image was complete. Quite often the final
image was surprisingly different from the initial idea, and would change even as I drew and painted!
The otherworld is constantly shifting and fluid and I tried to capture that in my work.
'The Tarot of the Sidhe' is absolutely the deck for you if you are looking for a powerful Faerie based
deck, within the traditional tarot structure. The images of the cards are based on images received in spiritual
communication with the people of the Sidhe, (pronounced 'Shee' the Gaelic word for the Faery race), and
unlike many other decks on the subject can act as a gateway in order to receive personal guidance from Sidhe
beings. Each of the cards of the Major Arcana feature a symbol called 'The Great Glyph of the Sidhe', which
was discovered by the well known author John Matthews and is used with his full permission and encouragement!
This glyph acts as a portal, enhancing communication during a reading, but also creating a powerful tool for
meditation, visualisation and shamanic journeying.
The deck is very different in style compared to other Faery-inspired tarots or oracle decks. The vivid and expressive
nature of the colours reflects the true nature of the Otherworld- dreamlike and fluid, yet vibrant and alive. Also one
of the most significant qualities of this deck for its subject matter is that these are not the small and gossamer Faeries
of the bottom of the Victorian garden. They are tall, strong and powerful, as is the true nature of their race. The Sidhe
are the 'Lordly Ones', the dwellers of the hollow hills, descended from the great Tuatha de Danaanof Irish legend, they
once walked the Earth as we do, and loved to look upon the sun, moon and stars. Retreating from humanity's domination
of the world,they have become distant from us, yet we are still connected by the vast web of the Universe and the Otherworlds.
There are other decks available which give wonderful portrayals of Faeries from folklore. That, however, is not the basis
for this deck. This deck is not about the past, but rather the truth in the present and building relations for the future and
strengthening the bridge between our worlds. By using this deck, a whole world will start to reveal itself to those who come
to it with an open heart and genuine intentions.
Although the term used to refer to them and the many myths about them are predominantly Celtic, they exist universally, and
people from any location or culture can work with them and benefit from their wisdom. They are keen to work with us to help
make positive changes to ourselves and the world around us. Many people who have used the Glyph in shamanic journeying and
meditation have been moved to teach others how to use it, and this tarot is one way that the work has manifested.
Those that have seen the deck have been amazed by the feel of truth about it, and both John Matthews and Brian Froud,
exceptional authorities, were astounded by the images. They both remarked that there was little doubt that they were the result
of true communication.
Although the deck is a traditional 78 cards structure, the symbolism is not a clone or shadow of any existing system. It is an
intuitive interpretation, designed to communicate directly with the soul and the subconscious. It gives very deep, very profound,
and very insightful readings.
The suits have been renamed, also as a result of the intuitive process. This is in keeping with the theme of the deck, and provides
a new perspective on traditional tarot:
Wands have become Warriors, for the spirit of fire, determination, and direction of energy. They are the root of creativity and
the power of will to make a mark.They show us that will can conquer all, and that we all hold the spark of the divine within.
The Dreamers replace the traditional swords suit in representing the element of Air, and the realm of thoughts, intellect and dreams.
They rule over clear vision and the power of the mind. The Dreamers show us that we all have the power to make our dreams,
or nightmares, a reality.
Makers replace the traditional suit of Pentacles in representing the element of Earth and the material realm. They rule over health
and matters of career. The Makers teach us that we reap what we sow, and that hard work and sustained effort bring great rewards.
Dancers replace the traditional suit of cups in representing the element of water, and the realms of emotions and relationships.
They are the root of our true feelings and expression. The Dancers teach us to always be true to our heart and express ourselves.
It is my belief that the images and renaming of the suits will aid any reader, experienced or novice, to gain new understanding and
insight into tarot. The novice will be able to determine meaning from the images without the need for prior knowledge of existing
symbolism. For example, how is an absolute beginner to associate a sword with air, and hence with the mental realm? The designation
'Dreamer' speaks more directly. To an experienced reader, it gives the opportunity to evolve in new directions, and see a fresh
light shed on a well known subject.
I think this deck has enormous appeal to many people; those looking for an intuitive deck, with a more expressive style; spiritual
seekers looking for a tool for meditation and journeying; those who wish to make contact with the Faerie race, and are dissatisfied
with other decks; collectors; those who appreciate the artwork; and readers looking for a deck that will take them deeper and
give no-nonsense answers.
Each of the images of the Major Arcana feature the glyph in some form, though sometimes it is hidden, or too small to see.
The cards are designed to act as a link between our world and the world of the Sidhe, through use in meditation and/or ritual,
as well as an efficient tool for divination. It was also my aim to take a fresh look at the tarot system, to convey the meaning of
the cards in a way that, though rich in symbolism, could communicate directly with the viewer without necessarily the need for
extensive prior knowledge of traditional symbolism. This way of working seemed to me to be more in keeping with an Aquarian
ethos of magick. The colours, expressions, forms and energies of the cards, I hope, speak for themselves.
