Gaian Tarot Reviews & Interviews

(Read comments from many people here.)

Tarot Connection Podcast with Leisa Refalo (December 2006):

Features an interview with Joanna about the Gaian Tarot, a four-card Gaian layout by James Wells and an audio review of the Gaian Tarot by Bonnie Cehovet. Also a great talk on the Tarot Knights by Ginny Hunt.

SageWoman Magazine Review by Cristina Eisenberg (Spring 2005):

“I first ‘met’ PanGaia columnist Joanna Powell Colbert on an Internet e-mail group for a Cornell University conservation project. We exchanged a few messages privately and discovered that we shared a deep spiritual affinity for the natural world. In the years since, we’ve each found our treasure by following our spiritual paths: I’ve matured as a nature writer and have become a wildlife biologist and editor, while she’s moved to a green jewel of an island in the Pacific Northwest, where she married her beloved, deepened her connection to the Earth, and created the lovely and powerful Gaian Tarot. An artist and writer known internationally for her Goddess portraits and mythic art, her naturalist skills are as strong as her artistic ability.

Everything about this deck is an expression of Colbert’s passion and reverence for the earth, from the gossamer gold pouch that holds the cards to the small packet of purification herbs (sage, sweetgrass, cedar, and lavender) that comes with them to the blessings in the booklet that accompanies this deck. A manifestation of Colbert’s eclectic, earth-centered Goddess spirituality, the Gaian Tarot celebrates the living Earth and those who seek to live in harmony with Her. Her naturalist skill can be seen throughout this deck, in the herbs she’s chosen to symbolize the energy of each card, in the animals who accompany the principal figures, and in the profound richness of the landscapes she depicts. Inspired by creativity and passion, informed by meticulous observation of the natural world, these images manifest an ideal world in which humans and wild animals peacefully coexist with one another and with the Earth. Not content to rely on mythic history alone, Colbert’s evocative illustrations address each animal’s natural history, thus bringing Crow, Coyote, Raven, and other creatures to life for us as spiritual teachers and guides.

Colbert’s cards embody the timeless spiritual principles of the Tarot, as seen through Gaian eyes. Her deck is a work in progress, the twenty-two images of the Major Arcana now finished and the Minor Arcana about to be produced. The women’s spirituality movement, mentors and friends within the Pagan community, and nearly fifteen years of teaching classes on the Goddess, Tarot, and Gaianism inspired her rendition of the Major Arcana. Her chosen art form is one she calls ‘colored pencil paintings,’ a time-intensive medium that involves patiently applying many layers of pigment to the paper. The results are well worth it, as evidenced by the clarity and richness of the Gaian Tarot’s multi-cultural imagery. Each original image measures approximately 12"x18" and is available as a high quality, limited edition print at www.GaianTarot.com.

I connected powerfully to this deck from the moment I slid the over-sized cards out of their pouch and inhaled that earthy, magical fragrance that emanated from the packet of herbs that came with them. I blessed the cards and slept with them under my pillow on a full moon night. The three-card reading I did the next morning was one of the most insightful I’ve had in years, my past, present, and future lucidly depicted by those cards.

Both contemporary and mythic, the Gaian Tarot embodies our Gaian attempt to live in grace in the modern world — with one foot firmly planted in the otherworld of primeval wildness and overgrown paths through the woods. Additionally, this deck helps us to connect more deeply with the Earth by showing us things that are all too often unseen or overlooked. Colbert intends these cards and their images to ‘help create a culture of strong and gentle women and men, working together to create a beautiful, peaceful, and just planet.’ Her luminous deck will help you manifest this Gaian dream.”

PanGaia Magazine Review by Elizabeth Barrette (Spring 2005):

“Joanna Powell Colbert has done artwork and writing in the field of nature spirituality for many years. The Gaian Tarot is a masterpiece, one of the highlights of her career. It’s also still a work in progress. This edition presents the Major Arcana, complete unto itself; the Minor Arcana are in development currently.

Each card draws its inspiration from Gaia, the living planet that gives us life. Joanna lives on an island, on the West Coast, and her art incorporates the many plants, animals, and other aspects of nature that she encounters. Some cards, like The Lovers use fairly traditional imagery. Others branch out more, adding Gaian motifs to the classic ones: The Gardener (The Empress) lounges among lush fruits and flowers instead of sitting on a throne; Lightning (The Tower) strikes a tree instead of a turret. Some cards are unique to this deck, and these are among the most striking examples: The Magician is a ritual drummer; The Canoe (The Chariot) features not only a man powering his own vehicle, but a pair of black-and-white orcas instead of one white animal and one black; Death is a complex and literal scene of a skeletal heron in a rotted boat, surrounded by flowers; Bindweed (The Devil) uses invasive species to illustrate a life horribly out of balance; and The Star shows a woman cupping starlight in her hands, above a sacred pool. Gaia, the World sums up the whole theme: a proud Grandmother, haloed by the sun, cradling Mother Earth in her arms, framed by animals and plants.

These pictures are vibrant, dynamic creations whose elements are assembled with painstaking care. Take the time to study them. As you’ll see in the booklet, other people have already remarked on the symbolism of creatures, colors, composition, and other aspects. Consider keeping a notebook of your thoughts as to personal meanings you find in these images.

Why would you want a Tarot deck with only the Major Arcana, not the Minors? First, this is simply a gorgeous collectors’ item; it is ideal for fans of Colbert’s artwork, and its composition will make it stand out even if you have several dozen other decks, as I do. Second, many people like to do readings with only the Majors. If you do, then it’s a nuisance to sort those out from a full deck; here they are, all ready to go. Reading with the Majors allows you to see the big picture, without letting everyday details (which the Minor Arcana reveal) obscure the view. For this purpose, use small layouts like the 3-Card Spread, rather than large ones like the Celtic Cross. The Major Arcana also function splendidly as themes for daily meditation, if you like to draw a card each morning. Of course, you may want to acquire the full version of The Gaian Tarot when it becomes available a year or two later; but for now, this edition stands on its own. Most highly recommended.”

ATA “Tarot Reflections” Review by Valerie Sim (December 2004):

“Most of my friends in Tarot know that I seldom review, or even purchase, the run of the mill Majors-only deck. I am not breaking any personal rule here — in no way is this is a run of the mill deck. This is a gorgeous pagan Tarot that I have had the privilege of watching come into being. . . If I commented on my favorite cards I would mention well over half the deck, so I am going to limit myself pointedly to just a few that I find to be especially remarkable. . . ”

Read the rest of the review in the American Tarot Association’s ezine, Tarot Reflections.

Aeclectic Tarot Review by Bonnie Cehovet (November 2004):

“I followed this deck from the first time that I heard of it — and each card that was posted was breathtaking, filled with a sense of all that Gaia can be, as well as a full dose of the mystical Tarot at its very best. I was on pins and needles waiting for it to show up in my mail box — and when it did, I ran to the house to open it with a sense of excitement that has not been present for a very long time. . .”

Read the rest of the review on Aeclectic Tarot.

Tarot Passages Review by Diane Wilkes (November 2004):

“There used to be commercials for Manischevitz Wine that claimed, ‘You don't have to be Jewish to enjoy Manischevitz,’ or something like that. Or maybe I’m having hallucinations? Be that as it may, you don't have to be Pagan to enjoy the Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert, but . . . oy — it doesn’t hurt. Seriously, no matter what your spiritual path is, this is one gorgeous deck. But it is seriously steeped in earth-centered lore and symbolism, and is, in my opinion, hands down the best tarot for Pagans around. . .”

Read the rest of the review on Tarot Passages.

Crystal Gate Interview with Bonnie Cehovet (November 2004):

“Look closely at each card, and see the levels of meaning that come shining through. Each level supports another, and all are crafted to work together. These are voices of harmony — which, if paid attention to, will bring harmony to those that honor and respect them. I am not forgetting the Goddesses, for they play a very important part in this deck. Their voices, and their energy, come through in harmony with the voices and energy of their respective allies. . . I have babbled on enough — it is time to let Joanna, who has graciously agreed to talk to us, tell her story.”

Read the rest of the review on The Crystal Gate.

LeoBird Interview with Patick Lawlor (December 2004):

“LB: You live on a small island. What’s it like?
JPC: I think everyone who lives here has the consciousness of knowing it’s a very special place. We are privileged and blessed to be able to live here.  Our spirits are nourished by the natural world every time we walk out the door.  I don’t know anyone who doesn’t feel that way, even when they don’t agree on politics, religion or anything else. . . Living here has all the pleasures and challenges of small town living — both a strong sense of community, and a rumor mill that never quits. . . .”

Read the rest of the review on LeoB ird Magazine: Science, Art & the Passionate Life.