In this divination I utilize the Odyssean Tarot, a deck based on the stories and figures of Greek Mythology, to explore inquiries submitted from members of the Artemisian. Through out the readings, I draw upon mythic symbolism and narratives to amplify the traditional tarot meanings for insight and guidance.
Reading #1
Question: I’m in a life transition between working as a self-employed person and retiring. I’ve been scaling back my work slowly; full retirement would mean selling my business. I’d like to be free to travel more , but don’t have enough in savings or retirement not to work part time. I’m not sure how to proceed. What can the cards say about my situation?
Card drawn: The Fool - Odysseus -
Reading #2
Question: How do I connect back to the creative flow that once served me so abundantly?
Card drawn: The Devil - Prometheus -
Reading #3
Question: Every time I approach an important project I find myself hesitating, delaying, or avoiding. How do I approach resolving this so I can finally make progress?
Card drawn: 5 of Wave - Demeter -
Join the conversation:
What do you think of the cards drawn? How would you relate the classic tarot themes to the mythic figures and their stories?
Discussion about this episode
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This came up because I did a post on my Wildlanders Substack about Artemis... This reading is really relevant to me at the moment as is the Greek mythic link.... Thank you.
Wonderful to hear you found your way via the link to Artemis. Is she an important mythic figure for you?
Hi Alyssa, Well I did come across her because she linked with my guest Wildlander last month but, as with all stories I choose, there always seems to be resonance with my own life. There was something here about exploring ways to set my own boundaries balancing fierceness with gentleness in expressing them too...
I don't know this deck and I'm just learning the tarot but at first glance, I'm really impressed with the mythological images that came up for the questions. The Fool/Odysseus seems quite significant. Possibly a representation of new adventure, setting out into the unknown, and possibly to question whether there is a willingness to risk the unknown.
I'm not sure what the 5 of wave represents but it seems to me that Persephone in this situation could be about the difficult wait and right timing.
Just some initial thoughts. Beautiful deck!
I was struck by The Fool/Odysseus draw as well. It's always fascinating when a card fits the situation and inquiry so well.
The 5 of Wave is equivalent to the 5 of Cups (in the Rider Waite Smith it is depicted as a shrouded figure in a black cloak with 3 cups spilled over and 2 still standing). I think the difficulty of waiting and right timing is correct, there's something important to the process of the loss that needs to be experienced before moving on.
They are beautiful images, aren't they? It's what drew me to the deck!
The guide book references her trials with the suitors, the long wait for Odysseus, her cunning with navigating the difficulty of his absence, the hardship experienced. I think the connection is mostly aligned with this extended process of navigating difficult waters (for her it was at home vs Odysseus at sea).
Ah, that is an interesting perspective. When I consider the classic tarot depiction as if it were a dream, I think that we could relate to all of the figures - the more active ferryman navigating the waters or the individuals being boated along. The 4 of Swords would emphasize more clearly a need for rest, withdrawal, stasis.
You’re welcome!