The Sufi Tarot

Deck creator Ayeda Husain writes, ‘The Sufi Tarot is my way of bringing together two traditions that I love,’ and I believe she’s done an incredible job. This transformative deck views, interprets, and envisions each card through a Sufi lens and I find the two go together really well. The approach promotes the contemplative aspect of the tarot that many of us connect with.

The Sufi Tarot Deck

The cards remind me of the Ancestral Path Tarot but that may be more a personal connection. Although the oversized, (9 x 12.5cm), thick, matt cardstock and the borderless images might have something to do with it. Even though I didn’t know much about it, from the first time I saw The Sufi Tarot I was drawn to both the idea and the artwork.

When I conducted my deck interview the message, “I want to ground you in a sense of joy and personal freedom. Have faith in your ability to balance both sides of yourself, embrace both, connect with both. This was followed later by, “I want to help you express yourself as who you are, just as I am an expression of my creator.” Through Ayeda’s vision this deck encapsulates, and thus strengthens, the message. She has done tarot her way.

The Sufi Tarot is a healing deck. It opens the heart and mind and encourages a connection between the two. Most of all I would say this is a very balanced deck. Nothing is all good, nor all bad. To be honest this applies to any decent deck. However, what this deck does better than many is that it doesn’t overly sway you one way or the other into thinking ‘oh that’s a “good” card, or that’s a “bad” card’.

The best way to explain this is through examples. Take the Two of Cups pictured above. This is one of my favourite versions of this card because it suggests longevity in the connection. It’s just beautiful. However, what I love about this representation is that the book asks you to ‘examine your ability to give and receive love.’ In the “Contemplations” section it asks two questions: ‘How safe do I feel opening my heart?’ and ‘How well do I guard the hearts of those who make themselves vulnerable to me?’ To experience the connection this couple shares takes work. Awareness, understanding, consideration and a willingness to be vulnerable are necessary. Love is more than butterflies and the initial attraction. This card reminds us of what actually makes a “soul mate connection” rather than suggesting it implies one.

In the Nine of Swords, also pictured above, we see the ‘power of the mind’ and are told,

‘The Sufi path is one of unlearning, one in which we learn to let go of limiting thoughts and impressions, unknotting the knots we have tied in our hearts and minds. Whether fear, guilt, or a troubling memory, you do not need to dwell or remain in it. The Sufi approach is to feel it, to understand it, and to then move through it. As Rumi says, “The balm is in the pain.”

So yes it is still about anxiety and sleepless nights. But it is also about leaning into the thoughts that are creating the overwhelm in order to work through them. I feel linking the cards with the Sufi approach makes them feel as if they are tied to something bigger. I guess they are. It feels that they give me something to hold on to, something that energises and encourages me to go further, that I find comforting.

The message is clear. It’s not about trying to hurry or to force my way through anything. Rather than trying to bury, overcome, ignore, or move past the anger, hurt, frustration etc that negative experiences can cause, this deck reminds me of what I know intellectually but can struggle with emotionally. What is this situation trying to show me, teach me, get me to do? What did this event precipitate?

As another example, the Five of Staffs, also pictured above, gives a clear representation of the idea of the positive aspects of the card. Energy, drive, being willing to put in the effort to achieve an intended aim and facing healthy challenges are easily recognisable when exemplified by a polo match. Yet, it is not difficult to recognise the potential pitfalls when these motivations are taken too far. This is a great portrayal.

Finally, when I look at the Seven of Cups, pictured above, I see that she has so much and yet she doesn’t appear grateful. Or maybe she feels she doesn’t have enough and wants more. Either way she doesn’t look content. Far from it. But she’s floating in space so is anything grounded in reality? Is there any basis to her fear of not having enough or her fear of losing what she has or even her possible confusion over what to choose? But these cards aren’t about her; they’re about us. Are our own hopes and fears about the things we think we need to be happy causing us pain and confusion? Do we really want what we tell ourselves we want or need? The guide book, which explains the Sufi approach to each situation, doesn’t allow us to externalise what appears on the cards.

Now, whilst I find this deck provides clear messages, for those not familiar with the tarot, there may be quite a steep learning curve. If you’re not familiar with the Major Arcana numbering, the name changes can make utilising existing tarot knowledge difficult. Nevertheless, for the most part the imagery makes the associations fairly apparent. For example 7 Waali, (pictured earlier), is quite clearly VII The Chariot. However, trying to return to beginner’s mind and remember how overwhelming trying to learn everything was I don’t think 14 Sabr and 20 Mizaan are nearly as obvious. The book provides both the renaming and the traditional nomination though which can help to negate any confusion. And as a set of majors, to say I’m impressed by the representations is an understatement.

The Major Arcana nominations are as follows:

0	Salik	The Fool
1	Alchemist	The Magician
2	Murshida	The High Priestess
3	Shahbanu	The Empress
4	Sultan	The Emperor
5	Pir	The Hierophant
6	Aashiqan	The Lovers
7	Waali	The Chariot
8	Quwwat	Strength
9	Dervish	The Hermit
10	Charkhe Falak	Wheel of Fortune
11	Adal	Justice
12	Taslim	The Hanged Man
13	Maut	Death
14	Sabr	Temperance
15	Nafs	The Devil
16	Minaar	The Tower
17	Sitara	The Star
18	Qamar	The Moon
19	Shams	The Sun
20	Mizaan	Judgement
21	Duniya	The World

I am concerned that in my trying to pronounce these words though that I am way off the mark and so while in my head I read them as written, I still think about them through the names I know. I feel in some way this is wrong but pretending to know these words when I don’t and acting as if I am familiar with their deeper meaning because they appear on my tarot cards feels disingenuous and inappropriate. I’m curious about other’s thoughts on this. I haven’t seen anything about it to date so maybe it’s just me.

Anyhow, moving on, the suits are Staffs, Cups, Swords and Coins and the Court, (examples pictured below) are Daughter, Son, Malika and Shah.

The Daughter and Son of Staffs are amongst my favourite representations of these cards across all my decks. Each of the Shah (Kings) are contained within a border, like a portrait, albeit part of the image intentionally escapes the frame. The Malika (Queens) for all suits are beautiful and expressive and apart from the Malika of Staffs, all are seated in front of a doorway. This in itself adds another dimension and suggests a difference between them.

My final comments about the physical aspect of the deck are these. The matt card stock, which I love the look of, makes it difficult to easily flip through the deck when trying to locate a particular card. In fact I find it quite tedious. This is also the case when trying to fan the cards. Also, as mentioned previously, it is a large deck so some may find it hard to get their hands around when shuffling. I find it okay to overhand shuffle but the thick card stock means riffle and bridge shuffling feels like a hand workout. But, the cards are amazing, their backs are beautiful, and they are well packaged in a sturdy two part box with a comprehensive book, so, I see past these issues.

The Sufi Tarot Book

This card sized book helps to connect Sufism philosophy with the tarot and I feel it adds so much to the deck. There’s no “filler” material in its 174 pages. It’s a wonderful reference full of insightful explanations and continuous encouragement to open your heart and seek answers from within.

Following a succinct introduction explaining why Ayeda Husain believes tarot and Sufism combines so well she briefly suggests ways to use the deck before moving on to the card explanations. Both the Major and Minor Arcana are given the same attention. I appreciate when creators take the time and effort to do this. It makes the book feel more complete and shows each card in the deck has a role to play in order to create a cohesive whole. But I won’t get into that here.

The card names are followed by a series of keywords and phrases for both upright and reversed presentations. Next is an explanation covering what the image depicts, including why and how these are relevant to both tarot and Sufism. Then, another paragraph which begins, ‘When this card appears for you’ connects you with the card on a more personal level. A section titled “Contemplations” raises two questions to consider in regards to the card which could easily be used for journal prompts as well. The card meaning then concludes with an affirmation section. My coverage of the book may be minimal in comparison to others but that is in no way a reflection of the value to be found in within its pages. I feel I will use it as a tool in its own right.

Spreads

There are three spreads included:

One card
Three card
The Sufi Tarot Five-pointed Star Spread (6 cards)

The message The Sufi Tarot presents throughout is simple. In line with Sufi teachings, go within and examine your own thoughts, actions, and behaviours in order to connect with yourself and therefore others on a deeper, more intimate level. This is replicated in the easy to use and understand ‘Sufi Tarot Five-pointed Star Spread’ that has ‘Heart: The heartfelt answer, solution, or way to proceed forward from your heart-space’ at its core.

Even though it can definitely be used to work with others, for me, The Sufi Tarot is a very personal deck. I can see it becoming an integral part of my journaling practice. Because of the Major Arcana nominations, I don’t know if I would say it is a beginner’s deck. However, I do believe the book offers plenty of support for everyone regardless of where they’re at on their tarot journey if they are drawn to the approach The Sufi Tarot takes. I cannot imagine anyone who is attracted to this deck being disappointed with it. It is exactly as it claims to be – a tool that can help you to ‘transform your life with Ancient Sufi Wisdom’.