Welcome back to Everyday Tarot! Season 16 is devoted to queer deities, and today, we turn to Achilles—the near-invincible hero of the Iliad, son of a sea goddess, warrior of Troy.

What we explore in this episode:

• The myth of Achilles

• Achilles as a queer archetype

• Tarot cards resonant with Achilles: The Chariot, The Strength, The Lovers, 9 of Pentacles

The Myth of Achilles

Achilles, son of the sea goddess Thetis and the mortal king Peleus, was destined for both greatness and tragedy. To protect him, his mother dipped him into the River Styx—rendering him invulnerable everywhere except the heel she held. Famed as the mightiest warrior of the Trojan War, Achilles’ power was matched only by his heart’s depth. His love for Patroclus, his closest companion and confidant, revealed a tenderness beneath the armor. When Patroclus was slain in battle, Achilles’ grief consumed him, leading to both vengeance and his own downfall by a fatal arrow to his heel.

Achilles as a Queer ArchetypeAchilles’ story is one of tenderness wrapped in valor, love beneath armor. Ancient poets described his relationship with Patroclus as closer than blood—each half of the other’s soul. To queer readers, this love defied the rigid masculine ideals of its time, showing that vulnerability and affection could coexist with power.

Achilles & TarotAchilles’ myth echoes through tarot in cards of will, courage, and the cost of love. These cards reveal Achilles’ duality: the hero driven by destiny and the human shaped by love.

• The Chariot - determination, drive, and pursuit of destiny

• Strength - courage balanced with compassion

• The Lovers - the sacred bond between equals that challenges fate

• Nine of Pentacles - hard-won confidence, self-reliance

If you haven't listened to my other seasons yet, go check them out!

💭 Today's Tarot Pull:

From Norse Goddess Rune Oracle by Rebecca Joy Stark and illustrated by Sharon McLeod, I pulled the Syn Boundaries, Defense, Denial

Protection isn’t only shields and spears—it’s clear no’s, closed doors, and fierce devotion to what and whom you love. Justice begins at your own gate.

Reflective prompts on this card:

• Where do I need a decisive no to protect my capacity?

• What does “loving defense” look like in my relationships?

• Which cause or person am I called to champion right now?

Ways to Connect & Support:

• Spooky Halloween! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab my Queer Coven Spooky 6-card spread here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Check out my episode of Kayla Moore’s Connected Pleasure podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Living by the Body, Dreaming of Land, and Weaving the Future⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Kayla here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Be Our Guest! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fill out my form to Be a Guest on my Podcast!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Check out my recent New Moon Collective Tarot Reading⁠⁠
• Learn how to create your own Tarot Cards with collage!  No art skills? No worries! Get my workshop including the hour- long recording with my step by step method, examples of the tarot cards I’ve created, journaling questions, and PDF to walk you through it for just $33.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Click here to purchase now!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Tarot for Transformation Workshops kick off starting January 2026. We will deep dive the first 12 of the Major Arcana to Discover Our Best Selves and Create a Life Worth Living.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get more information⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Book a Consultation: I’m a sex & relationships therapist and coach working virtually from my home office. Let’s see if we’re a fit:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ camilleasaunders.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with your thoughts, questions, and more