Feminist Tarot Unlocked its Mystery

It surprised me the other day to realize that I’ve never written deck and book review on the Motherpeace.  Most Tarotists have a special deck. Typically it’s one that carried them into the magical field of tarot initially.  This is a deck they have studied intensely.  One that may have introduced them to the joy, challenge and synchronicity of reading for others. This tarot deck unlocked its mystery to them perhaps even in a spiritually gratifying way.

A Magic Tool that Sang my Soul Song

Just after I turned 30, I found myself studying the Motherpeace while developing a serious daily Yoga practice and regularly attending seminars and lectures on the writings of C. G. Jung.   The Motherpeace feminist tarot abounded with depictions of characters in Yoga positions and references to Jungian psychology.  I felt as though I had found a magic tool that sung a song to which my soul already knew the chorus to and one that seemed to extend its tentacles into so many other spiritual aspects of my life.  I was so fortunate to discover this Tarot at the time I did that I’m convinced there was a lot more to it than simple coincidence.  I suspect I’m not the only tarotist to claim that about their first tarot deck!

With its focus on the Goddess and matriarchy the Motherpeace was a novelty upon its release more than 30 years ago.  I fervently hope Vicki Noble realizes what reverberating change she undoubtedly had upon the psyches of women who embraced tarot at that time.  Because the feminist teachings were couched in a Tarot format many women were attracted to the work for its enticement of play and pleasure and garnered incredible consciousness raising almost surrendipitously.

The cards are round facilitating a greater variety of options in interpretation.  Square cards can only be placed upright or reversed but round cards can be used like a dial – if it’s turned down too low, the energy is slow and perhaps even blocked.  If the “dial” points to the right, the energy of the card may be overbearing or in some situations extreme.

A Feminist Foundation

Vicki Noble altered the names of the cards to reflect a more eco/femininist foundation. For example, The Hermit is the Crone and the Hanged Man is the Hanged One.  It is in her feminist perspective of the card’s meaning, however where Vicki Noble’s genius shines.  The Emperor is patriarchy (I continue to interpret the Emperor from this perspective), and the Hierophant is the traditional religious leader who oppresses feminine values and her unique spiritual voice (this too lives on in my interpretation of the Hierophant).  The court cards reflect everyday family positions such as Son, Daughter, and Mother. The Shaman who was always the head of the tribe, represents what was previously called, King.   Vicki Noble references these “court cards” from a much deeper, ancient and matriarchal interpretation of the energy.

The artwork by Karen Vogel is childlike, colourful and positive. When observing the Motherpeace images, my Tarot students would often comment on how delightfully engaging and uplifting the imagery was to work with compared with some of the darker imagery seen in the more classic decks.  Vicki’s interpretative work also guides the Tarotist to read in a positive and constructive fashion.  This deck supports empowerment to women, fosters feelings of personal agency and respect for a feminist perspective.

For Feminist Tarotists

For those teaching a Goddess course or workshop, this set should be on their reading list. For those feminist Tarotists who feel a disconnect to the traditional tarot and wish to explore an alternative approach, you will find this work thought provoking and stimulating.  It’s not easy, simple or superficial however, and I’d advise you to be prepared to dedicate many hours to learning this deck well. In 2013, Motherpeace celebrated its 30th anniversary and continues to sell thousands of copies every year.  I am confident that like anything that is true, progressive, and authentic, it will continue to flourish for another thirty.