As I’m writing this, the first copies of the Unifying Consciousness Tarot, beautifully published by Red Feather MBS, are shipping out to their new homes. The creation of this deck has been a true Tarot Fool’s Journey, filled with luck, love, and unexpected twists and turns. The journey, and the story, of the Unifying Consciousness Tarot started with an All-Seeing Eye.
Many years ago, I was living in Toronto, pursuing a master’s degree. Every day, I walked back and forth between my university and home, weighed down by books and thoughts. I loved that walk because it took me through Kensington Market, a neighborhood of vintage clothing stores, galleries, graffiti, luscious fruit and vegetable stands, and street food. The market was a blast of life, noise, and color before I sat down to my textbooks and computer for the rest of the day.
One day, while meandering through the market, I was stopped in my tracks by an All-Seeing Eye. It was hanging above a gallery, this large painting of an eye, floating in the cosmos over windows that were bright and alive with artwork. Everything seemed to be moving, swaying, and calling me over. That eye saw me; it activated an awareness in my soul. Amid daily stress, frustration, noise, and worry, it whispered that magic was still all around me. This was my first connection with Orbital Arts Gallery. Leo Scopacasa, the founder of the gallery, became a friend, and much later, we created the Unifying Consciousness Tarot together.
The motif of the all-seeing eye, a symbol of divine knowledge and insight, became an integral part of our Tarot deck. Tarot readers are seers, or at least we strive to be. We look deeply into our cards, seeking wisdom, spiritual insights, and practical solutions that will help us to live well. With our third eye open, we trust in our intuition, higher selves, and the divine to guide us to what we need to see.
The all-seeing eye gazes at you from the cover of the Unifying Consciousness Tarot’s box and guidebook cover, promising you mystical experiences, clear vision, and playful wisdom. The cross guard on the hilt of the UCT’s Swords is an all-seeing eye that cultivates sharp clarity of mind. The Major Arcana card we created, Activation, numbered 22, features the same eye that floats over Orbital Arts Gallery.
Let’s talk about our Arcana 22: Activation. I love the traditional Waite-Smith Tarot. It was important to me to stay close to its structure and symbolism when we created the UCT while expressing the energy of these familiar and beloved archetypes in surprising, healing, and uplifting ways. We didn’t take adding a card lightly; somehow, we knew our deck needed it.
The Activation card, which comes at the end of the Major Arcana, represents a significant milestone in your journey. It signifies that even after the success, freedom, and culmination of the World card, there is still more for you. You’ll start your Fool’s journey again, but you’ll carry with you all the wisdom you gained on this circuit through the cards. In fact, you will activate your wisdom, knowledge, and experience and use them well rather than allowing those insights to fade and drift away.
On the card, the All-Seeing eye floats in the pool of infinite wisdom, compassion, and love that we all come from and return to. It remembers everything, activates your soul memory, and shows you the way forward. The Unifying Consciousness of Love sees you, and Source welcomes you back home.
Activation incorporates another key UCT motif – the Blue Rose. The Blue Rose appears when you’ve gone beyond the known world. This blossom doesn’t exist in nature, only in the realm of spirit and imagination. It symbolizes the attainment of the impossible, the existence of the improbable, and lets you know that anything that you can envision is now possible for you.
On Activation, the Blue Rose is held by the Dodecahedron, the shape of the universe, the element of Aether or spirit, confirming that harmony underlies all things. It’s a state to which we can all aspire and achieve.
When you work with the UCT and the Activation card appears for you, you’re on the verge of profound spiritual awakening and understanding. You’ve attained a deep knowing that we’re all connected, that we all come from and return to the same divine source. Now it’s time to activate that wisdom and let it be the force that informs your experiences going forward.
With all that you’ve dreamed, felt, and experienced during your journey through life and the Major Arcana, things are different. Now, it’s crystal clear that everything comes back to love. Love is the force that unifies us; it’s the unifying consciousness that we all share. As you explore the UCT, you’ll find that love is at the heart of every card, guiding you toward self-discovery and growth.
VISUALIZATION:
Before taking the cards out of the box and pulling your Card of the Day or starting your reading, give yourself a moment to center yourself, open your all-seeing eye, and connect with the universe.
Hold the box in your hand at an easy arm’s length. Perhaps support your arm on your leg or place your hand on your knee to make it feel more comfortable. Looking at the image on the top of the box, let your gaze rest softly on open eye filled with blue roses.
Take a moment to relax your body. Breathe deeply, and feel the earth supporting you.
In your peripheral vision, notice the pattern of the Flower of Life that also appears on the box. You’ll feel its vibration gently, and you may hear its chime.
Focus your gaze on the pupil of the eye. Let your awareness flow into the black center, a vortex of possibilities. Imagine that you’re inside that space, surrounded by a blue glow and cradled in soft rose petals. Breathe comfortably and begin to feel what it’s like to be here. Does your body feel light or grounded? Does the air feel warm or cool? Stay in this safe, inviting space for as long as you like.
You may become aware of the presence of a loving, uplifting energy or consciousness around you. If so, ask a question using your inner voice. Any question is right. Don’t worry if it isn’t fully formed, you’ll be understood.
Answers can arrive in many ways, as an inner voice, feeling, image, or a strong knowing. You’ll understand that it’s what you need to be aware of in this moment and that more will be revealed in time. You also receive a wave of all-encompassing love energy and feel it flow through you. Take a moment to resonate with it and allow your own vibration to match that vibration of love.
Welcome to the Unifying Consciousness Tarot. You’re ready for this journey. Shuffle your cards and start exploring.