The Dreamkeepers Tarot
The Dreamkeepers Tarot took mixed media artist, Liz Huston, 12 years to create. It’s an RWS inspired deck but the distinctly feminine theme which sees the Queens heading the Court means some cards reflect a different view point. However, even though the deck is slanted towards the Sacred Feminine, it still honours the role of the Divine Masculine. Thus the deck maintains a sense of balance and ensures everyone can truly see themselves mirrored in the cards.
The Dreamkeepers Tarot Cards
From my first flip through I was captivated by the muted colour palette. I found it soothing. The deck combines acrylics, oils and watercolours with digital elements to create a seamless whole that manages to be both powerful and nurturing. It is reminiscent of the Tarot of Mystical Moments in art style and philosophy and yet The Dreamkeepers Tarot has a more surrealist feel. However, unlike the Surrealist Tarot, it doesn’t overwhelm you with busy imagery. Therefore, it’s initial messages are clear.
Take the King and Queen of Pentacles pictured above. The cards suggest that he owns his domain whereas she embodies it. Liz Huston writes of the Queens, ‘She is the symbol of an empowered feminine spirit who is receptive, sensitive and trusting of the inner voice.’ She goes on to say the Queen, ‘leads with compassionate wisdom and in consideration of all life.’ This clearly emanates from the Queen of Pentacles.
Some images in The Dreamkeepers Tarot I would describe as hauntingly beautiful. All are rich in subtle detail. Take the Four of Swords pictured above. This card speaks to me of healing on multiple levels through balance. Her position and the reflection suggest balancing our inner and outer world. The carvings of the air, earth, fire and water symbols on the trees remind of the need to ensure all elements are taken into consideration when trying to achieve this connection. Seeing the Divine Masculine and the Divine Feminine formed within the night sky adds further weight to the idea.
Being open to the intuitive messages we receive and being at peace with that aspect of ourselves is also indicated. The raven holds the woman’s halo – a symbol of her wholeness – for when she is ready. For me the drapes are there to allow her to shut herself off from distraction if necessary. All in all, this is a brilliantly conceived and executed depiction of the Four of Swords which is perfectly in keeping with the deck’s philosophy.
The Four of Wands pictured above is another of my favourite cards. I look at the card and feel such a sense of connection. It feels like such a magical and organic coming together and something anyone would want to be a part of. And, the Ace of Wands is so much more powerful than a hand reaching out holding a wand. It asks, ‘What are you going to create with all that you have at your disposal?’ The message is clear. Rather than waiting for something to be handed to you, you are the key. The yang energy of Wands has always suggested this but here there is no confusion.
I could write about so many of these cards but I’ll desist. Albeit I do have to say that the XIV Temperance card is another master stroke. As a lover of jigsaw puzzles, this card really speaks to me. I permanently have one on the go on our dining table. As I sit there with either my husband or my daughter when she comes to visit, conversation ebbs and flows as we work together to turn 1000 scattered pieces into a cohesive whole. The heart centred between the male and female figures is indicative of the necessary approach.
Liz Huston’s explanation in the book encapsulates my experience. ‘Temperance is an invitation into the hope of what is possible when we bring down our walls and welcome each other to the table. this is the space in which true teamwork and partnership begins and lives its life. This is the force that brings us together, whether that be across differences or in the name of common interests.’ The jigsaw represents the meaning perfectly.
Some of the Major Arcana have been renamed to align more closely with the feel of the deck. I The Magician is now I The Creatrix; X The Wheel is X The Fates; and unsurprisingly XII The Hanged Man is XII Hanged Woman. The Suits are Swords, Cups, Wands and Pentacles with Pages, Knights, Kings and Queens making up the Court.
The cards have a satin finish and are printed on decent card stock. They measure 7 x 12cm and whilst I find them a little slippery and a tad stiff they are still fairly easy to work with. My deck is still very new so I’m sure over time they will “soften up”.
The Dreamkeepers Tarot Book
The 179 paged guide book is comprehensive and nicely presented. It’s full of great information for beginners and is an inspiring and encouraging accompaniment to this wonderful deck. The preface shares aspects of Liz Huston’s journey during the creation of this deck which explains the healing capabilities of this The Dreamkeepers Tarot. It is the perfect embodiment of the creator’s journey.
A lot of work has gone into this book. It is both well-written and interesting to read. The card descriptions often include a relevant quote or a very brief story to capture the essence of the card meaning. For example, the Three of Pentacles shares a story about when John F Kennedy was touring NASA. When he asked a janitor what his job was, the janitor is said to have replied, ‘I’m helping to send a man to the moon,’ In this Huston reminds us ‘that when we have a strong vision and find purpose in it we are encouraged to act at our highest levels.’ Furthermore, every contribution is valuable. It pays to remember that.
Another great couple of lines in the book refer to III The Empress. ‘She teaches us that the remedy of scarcity is not abundance; it is in having enough … She is here to remind us of the bliss that is available right now, in this moment.’ This really struck a chord with me.
As did separating out the court cards and referring to them as Court Mentors. In reading this, they came to life in a new way for me. In this deck I look at them differently as a result and now I wonder if that will impact how I see them in other decks. I work with decks every day so I’ll know soon enough. I do like to work with each deck in its own way though. Otherwise I don’t see the point, apart from just collecting art work, in having multiple decks.
Anyhow, back to the book. The card meaning section includes a black and white image. Unfortunately many of the finer details are lost in the reproduction. However, there is a detailed explanation of the card imagery to ensure that important elements aren’t overlooked. By including explanations of the relevance of each aspect to the card meaning, the details showcase the thought that went into each card’s creation. Plus, they open up further avenues to explore.
For example I didn’t know that Magnolias are such ancient blossoms. They are one of the first flowering plants to appear on Earth. They are featured on XVI The Tower. The magnolias symbolise that we have the power to endure and show that each small detail has something to add. If you look back XVI The Tower pictured earlier alongside XIV Temperance you will see she is clutching them to her heart.
A divinatory message and keywords for both upright and reversed presentations are also included. Therefore beginners can quickly access any information they need.
Spreads
The book includes six spreads:
- A Card a Day
- This or That (2 cards)
- Choosing Between Two Paths (12 cards)
- Path of the Heart (7 cards)
- Simplified Relationship Spread (5 cards)
- The Mirror of Relationship Spread (11 cards)
I thoroughly enjoyed working through the spreads. My favourite is definitely the Choosing Between Two Paths Spread. This deck is empowering. It encourages you to follow your own compass and to navigate your life based on who you are rather than feeling enslaved by some false pious notion of purity. This is your life to be lived on your own terms.
If you’re willing to take the steps and be open to new ways of thinking about, and viewing yourself and your roles, this deck can support you to live your life in accordance with who you are and your own values. I know that’s a big claim but I feel any deck that works so powerfully to encourage you to see yourself through a new lens has the power to do this. Albeit it is up to us to act on what we discover.
I wouldn’t normally recommend a deck that strays from the RWS for beginners but the guidebook makes it accessible for all so in this case I’d make an exception.
Publishing Details
Deck Creator:
Liz Huston
Pictured Version:
Published by US Games in 2020
