Even the most night-souled and moon worshipping amongst us sometimes just need to soak in the SUN and open to the gifts of warmth and light. In these last hours of late summer, step into the golden glow with this special episode of the Archetypal Tarot Podcast. Host Cyndera Quackenbush welcomes illustrator and mental healthcare worker Shannon Christie, whose radiant affirmation deck Sun-Steeped invites us to bring the warmth of golden hours into our daily lives.

In their conversation, Shannon shares the unlikely path that led her from a 90s video game to her lifelong love of tarot and card decks, the inspiration she found on sunlit hikes during the pandemic, and how affirmations can act as both gentle companions and bold invitations to growth. Together, they explore how the Sun-Steeped deck balances encouragement with challenge, offering phrases that feel less like lofty pronouncements and more like wise words from a trusted friend.

Shannon also opens up about her journey as an artist—shifting from intricate laser-cut line work to the playful, light-filled illustrations of the deck—and her evolving creative life as part of Portland’s Haven PDX art collective, where murals, stages, and even castle-like studios are coming to life.

Whether you’re curious about using affirmations, hungry for artistic inspiration, or simply looking for a dose of sunshine to carry with you, this episode is a bright reminder that strength, warmth, and possibility have been within you all along.

Shannon Christie is an illustrator and mental health care worker living in Portland, Oregon. Born in Southern California and transplanted to the Pacific Northwest as a child, she attended the University of Oregon where she majored in psychology and minored in music and studio art. She received a master of science applied psychology from Sacred Heart University.

Some cards from the deck:

This episode of the Archetypal Tarot Podcast welcomes back podcast co-founder Julienne Givot with her divine inspiration sparked from “Our Lady of Bees.”

What is asked of us as we encounter the world’s issues today? How can we feel that what we are doing is enough? These questions are addressed and answered with the immaculate symbolism of bees, the honeycomb, and the divine feminine presence inherent in all of us. What begins as a light-hearted tribute to the humble honey-maker unfolds into a deep meditation on community resilience, mental health, and sacred activism.

Julienne introduces us to Our Lady of the Bees—a spiritual embodiment of compassion, guidance, and collective strength. With humor, reverence, and a few irresistible puns, these soul sisters explore how bees can be a symbol of hope and healing in chaotic times. They speak to the urgency of swarming together in joyful resistance, the wisdom of the hive, and the radical act of choosing love over hate—even in the face of oppression.

(favorite line to come from this episode - “Don’t boo people, buoy them up!”)

This episode offers balm for weary spirits, a prayer for interconnectedness, and a gentle but fierce call to community. Whether you’re a mystic, a mother, an activist, or simply someone yearning for sweetness in a bitter world—this episode is for you.

Come for the puns, stay for the prophecy 🐝✨

For more details on how to receive your prayer card and donate to the GofundMe supporting families in need in the Gaza strip, visit Julienne’s Free Range Priestess page dedicated to Our Lady of the Bees.

For the video version and commercial-free listening, become a paid supporter on the Archetypal Stories Substack.

To close out Pride Month, this vibrant episode celebrates queer voices in tarot through the lens of Tarot in Other Words, a newly released anthology edited (and contributed to) by Cassandra Snow. In this intimate conversation, Cassandra shares the behind-the-scenes journey of curating this one-of-a-kind collection featuring personal, poetic, and powerful essays by leading queer tarot writers.

This luminous episode offers a heartfelt exploration into queer tarot wisdom:

✨ How tarot offers radical personal agency and transformation—especially for queer people navigating oppressive systems

Plus, hear about Cyndera’s own intergenerational stone oracle deck, Story Through Stone and how imagery—whether ancient mineral or punk dystopian—can crack open new ways of seeing and being.

About Cassandra Snow:

Cassandra Snow is an author of Tarot & Occult books, full-time Tarot reader and creative witch about town. Their latest book project is Tarot in Other Words, out now! This book is an essay anthology on queer tarot topics that Snow curated, edited and contributed to. You can learn more about them at cassandra-snow.com, on Instagram, BlueSky or Threads at mx.cassandra.snow or on their patreon at patreon.com/cassandrasnow

Happy New Moon in Gemini!

The Archetypal Tarot Podcast welcomes guest Laura Carbone, a Berlin-based musician, psychic medium, tarot reader and sound healer with Sicilian-German roots.

In this soulful and illuminating conversation, Laura and Cyndera dive deep into the emotional landscapes we all carry—grief, repression, and the sacred work of reclaiming the voice. With a sampling of Laura’s healing sound work, this podcast explores the power of embodiment, the archetype of the Wounded Healer, and what it means to give your gifts consciously to the world. There’s tenderness, connection, and a magical thread that even links the conversation back to Cyndera’s home town of Joshua Tree—a place of spirit and renewal (it’s also the location that the host recorded this episode)!

Prompted by Cyndera to share her story, Laura speaks of her journey through music - from singing in her parents' garden to punk rock stages across Europe, and ultimately into the sacred realm of sound healing and intuitive voice work. She recounts the transformative power of rage expressed through punk, the healing magic of crystal bowls, and her mystical connection to animals, tarot, the womb space, and ancestral memory. Through Laura’s story, we are invited to meet our own voice as a sacred instrument of healing, to confront inherited silence, and to gift our truth back to the world—consciously and courageously.

In this episode:

Whether you’re on your own healing journey or simply curious about the voice as a portal to transformation, this episode offers inspiration, presence, and a sense of deep listening.

You can connect with Laura through her website for information on her tarot card readings, workshops, vocal mentoring and more.

For a commercial-free experience and access to the video, become a subscriber on Substack: https://archetypalstories.substack.com/

In this soulful and engaging episode, the Archetypal Tarot Podcast welcomes guest Kaity Craven about her “Moonflower Moments” practice with card readings. She invites us into the magical world of intuitive card reading — a journey that’s equal parts playful, profound, and occasionally butt-kicking (in the best way). With decks at the ready and intuition in the driver’s seat, Kaity, a card and nature-rhythm reader, shows how each card becomes a doorway into deeper questions, unexpected answers, and moments of powerful self-discovery.

What I love about Kaity’s reading style is that it just FLOWS as she trusts her intuition. She is also unafraid to use MULTIPLE card decks, allowing for a diversity of interpretation. Nature’s symbolism is frequent in her readings, and I love how she utilizes the Story Through Stone Reflection Card deck!

This episode reveals Kaity’s reading style IN ACTION while she gives me a live card reading! Budding and experienced card readers will benefit from observing her trust, style and flow — and you’ll definitely want to grab your own deck and play along.

Kaity shares how the process is less about having all the answers and more about being a big YES to whatever arises — drawing another card, chasing a curiosity, or exploring a feeling until the “well” feels fully drawn. Whether it’s joy, mystery, or a spiritual gut-check, the cards are there to meet you where you are and take you further than you expected.

Craving more of Kaity? You can watch her frequent and amazing Youtube videos by becoming a subscriber to Moonflower Moments.

I highly recommend a reading with Kaity, she can read over Zoom or phone at reasonable rates. You book her by reaching out to her via her Instagram account.

Want to see the cards Kaity uses in this podcast’s card reading? Become a paid subscriber on my Substack and gain access to the video version next week!

On this captivating episode of the Archetypal Tarot Podcast, host Cyndera engages in an intimate conversation with Romani guests Paulina Stevens and Jezmina Von Thiele. Together, they explore the powerful intersection of Romani heritage and the world of tarot, discussing their bold decision to publicly identify as fortune tellers—a choice that invites both recognition and backlash. Amidst the complexities of their journey, Paulina and Jezmina reveal how their activism intertwines with their practice, confronting racism and the challenges of reclaiming their cultural narrative. This is a profound discussion on identity, resilience, and the transformative power of embracing one's roots in the face of adversity. Tune in for an eye-opening, thought-provoking conversation that challenges conventional perspectives and celebrates the strength of Romani women in the mystical arts.

For video and ad-free listening, support this podcast by becoming a paid subscriber at https://archetypalstories.substack.com/

https://www.romanistanpodcast.com/romanistan-festival-neworleans

You can follow them on Instagram @romanistanpodcast

In this thought-provoking episode of the Archetypal Tarot Podcast, hosts Julienne and Cyndera dive deep into the current climate of social and political upheaval, exploring how archetypes like the victim, warrior, and the strength of community can guide us through these chaotic times.

Julienne Givot, original co-founder and Archetypal Tarot Podcast host, returns to discuss the pervasive victim archetype in modern culture, its disempowered and empowered expressions, and the healing potential that comes from confronting and transcending our wounds. The conversation expands to broader societal dynamics, including the push-pull of victim and perpetrator energies in politics, the struggles of moving beyond the pendulum swing, and the need for a collective, rather than a singular, hero to navigate crises.

Julienne and Cyndera explore how the Tarot can offer wisdom, including how archetypes like the strength card, the hermit, and the eight of swords reflect the emotional landscapes many are navigating today. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about building community, finding personal strength, and creating joy amidst chaos.

Stay connected with Julienne! Her amazing art and service offerings can be found at:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/freerangepriestess/

and

https://revjulienne.com/

In this episode of The Archetypal Tarot Podcast, host Cyndera Quackenbush sits with Brigit Esselmont to dive deep into "intuitive manifesting." Brigit, a leading expert in tarot and personal transformation, shares insights from her newly released book Intuitive Manifesting: Align with Your Inner Wisdom and Attract Your Dream Life. She explains how manifesting goes beyond the surface-level pursuit of goals and dives into a powerful co-creative partnership with the universe. By tapping into the wisdom of tarot and other intuitive tools, Brigit reveals how we can manifest more meaningfully, authentically, and in alignment with our true desires. Whether you're seeking clarity in your desires or looking to build a deeper connection with your intuition, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on creating the life you truly want. Tune in for an inspiring chat about blending psychology, spirituality, and tarot to manifest your dreams.

Drawing from her Southern roots and a lifelong love for music, Stacey introduces us to a deck that channels the essence of four foundational American music genres—Blues, Jazz, Rock & Roll, and Country—into each suit, bringing a fresh, soulful energy to the cards. Stacey and Cyndera’s conversation is visited by brilliant song clips from a few of the cards (there is a Spotify playlist to go with entire deck).

Stacey takes us behind the scenes of her creative process, where Southern history, family legacies, and her rich musical heritage converge to form a tarot deck unlike any other. From the deep, heart-wrenching blues of the Mississippi Delta to the rebellious energy of rock and roll, Rhythm & Soul Tarot brings a musical cadence to tarot readings, pairing each card with a song that resonates with its energy. Stacey even introduces two new Major Arcana cards, Rhythm and Soul, which embody spiritual depth and cultural significance (these cards are optional depending on how traditionally you approach tarot).

But this episode is more than just about the artistry of a tarot deck—it’s a reflection on the power of music, culture, and spirituality to heal and transform. As we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded that the fight for justice in the American South is deeply tied to both personal and collective stories of resistance and resilience. Born in the heart of the South, King’s vision of justice was shaped by the region’s painful history—one marked by racial oppression, segregation, and systemic inequality—but also by a powerful spirit of resistance, unity, and transformation.

King's call for a "beloved community" wasn’t just an abstract ideal. It was a vision born out of the complexities and contradictions of Southern history—where the struggle for justice was intertwined with music, culture, and a shared desire for a better, more equitable future. The same spirit of resistance that fueled the civil rights marches, the sit-ins, and the fight for voting rights also echoes in the music that shaped the South—blues, jazz, and rock all carried messages of freedom, defiance, and hope.

In this context, justice becomes more than just a legal or political term. It’s about confronting the painful truths of the South’s legacy of racial violence and inequality, while moving toward a future where dignity and opportunity are not just ideals, but lived realities for all. King’s vision of justice was never about simply dismantling oppressive systems—it was about building bridges of understanding, compassion, and love. He knew that true justice could only be achieved through nonviolent resistance and a collective commitment to reconciliation, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

As we reflect on King's work and vision on this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we honor not only his legacy but the ongoing journey toward justice in the South and across the nation. Whether through music, tarot, or the power of community, we are reminded that justice is not a destination—it is a journey that requires each of us to confront our past, challenge the present, and envision a future where equality and love reign.

Join us for this heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation, where tarot, music, and history come together to inspire us to continue the fight for justice—because the path toward a beloved community begins with us, together.

You can purchase this extraordinary deck from La Panthère Studio directly (Stacey is also the founder of this publishing company!)

Stacey is the writer and artist behind The Southern Gothic Oracle, the deck that launched La Panthère Studio. She is a former design instructor and children’s book illustrator, and is a frequent speaker on topics of design and art-making.

Visit her website at lapantherestudio.com/

In this engaging episode of the Archetypal Tarot Podcast, we meet Rachel White, a multifaceted creator who has bridged various spiritual practices. Rachel shares insights about her Totem Tarot deck, which reimagines traditional tarot archetypes with mythological figures as varied as Odin, Venus and Coyote. Rachel - who has a bit of the trickster humour herself - is lively, informed and wise. She gives the world a modern shamanistic approach that can navigate corporate conversations right along with the complexities of the inner realm.

This conversation, with Archetypal Tarot Podcast host Cyndera Quackenbush, delves into Rachel’s multifaceted journey, from her 23 years in the corporate world to embracing shamanism and herbalism full-time. Rachel discusses her herbalism practices, including creating flower essences and integrating them into her latest oracle deck, The Totem Flower Essence Deck, which merges plant medicine with archetypal wisdom.

This episode explores how tarot, herbalism, and plant allies can guide self-reflection and manifestation, offering listeners a unique blend of mysticism, practical wisdom, and personal growth. Enjoy and check out Rachel’s links below!

Bio:

Known as “The Skeptical Shaman”, Rachel White is making waves as an unusual spiritual practitioner. Blending more than 20 years of corporate experience with a deep knowledge of the World of Woo, Rachel’s fresh, pragmatic and inherently practical take on spiritual and personal development is a hit among the “spiritually homeless.” Rachel is the host of The Skeptical Shaman podcast, the Owner of TOTEM Readings—her Austin, TX-based spiritual practice-- the author and publisher of the TOTEM Tarot Deck and the TOTEM Flower Essence Deck, and the purveyor of TOTEM Flower Essences on her TOTEMReadingsATX Etsy Shop. She is also the author of the TOTEM Readings Substack, an engaging community that challenges preconceived notions of what it means to “be spiritual.” Rachel works with clients in-person and remotely, offering one-on-one psychic services and tailored Spiritual Transformation Coaching and Business of Woo Mentoring programs.

Important Links:

Rachel’s Instagram || TOTEM Readings Website || The Skeptical Shaman Podcast || Rachel’s Etsy Shop