Review: Dark Goddess Tarot
By Lucy Diggons
From an early age, I was drawn to the myths and legends of gods and goddesses from around the globe. I wanted to know them all, particularly the stories of strong female figures. I was a jumbled mess of insecurities, but when I read about Artemis, The Lady of the Lake, The Dakini, Gaia — they became my superheroes. So, as soon as I saw the Dark Goddess Tarot, I knew it would resonate with me.
I am naturally drawn to the shadow self, the darkness within, the things we find disturbing yet beautiful. Dark Goddess Tarot invokes a longing to understand troubled times. From the introduction: “Not to deny pain or celebrate it, but to look at it with honesty, address it with honor, and then do something about it," which pretty much sums up my relationship with Tarot in general.
Each of the 78 cards in this deck depicts a different goddess from cultures in every region of the world. It is faithful to the traditional Smith-Rider-Waite deck, using the four suits and the Major Arcana, though the court cards have been redefined to represent strong, fearsome figures: Amazon (Page), Siren (Knight), Witch (Queen), and Hag (King). In that sense, every card in the deck has serious Queen energy.
In terms of packaging, the box is sturdy with a magnetic closure that produces that soft, satisfying click when you return the cards to their home. The cards themselves are printed on smooth card stock edged with gold. The companion book is fully illustrated with detailed descriptions.
The descriptions for each card include a brief history of the heralded goddess, along with practical applications, advice, and actionable tasks proffered like sage advice from the goddess herself. Each goddess featured in this set invokes not only the elemental powers, but also more “traditional” or widely recognized card meanings.
I've found that in order to attune myself to each Goddess, I typically pull a stand-alone card for a lighting rod insight into my shadow self. Or I’ll pull a card to accompany a larger reading with a different deck to illuminate the spread more clearly.
“Each card I pull encourages me to do my own research, to further deepen my connection with the goddess spirit so I can carry her within me.”
The goddesses' individual stories all share a common thread, as do so many religions and faiths across the world. These are divine female figures, many of them once human, who experience tremendous grief, loss, longing, and joy. They persevere through immeasurable hardship. They stand shamelessly just as they are, in touch with the power they possess as a result of all they've survived.
Ten of Earth - Ala
In a recent reading, I said one word to the Dark Goddess deck — the name of a dear friend who recently passed. I didn’t have a specific question. I was wrapped in mourning and was open to receiving whatever the Dark Goddess would provide as a demonstration of my grief. I pulled Ten of Earth — Ala, also known as Ana, the goddess of the ground for the Igbo people of Nigeria.
For the Igbo, all ground is holy ground because it is all Ala. She is there at the beginning of life, and she is there at the end. She takes the souls of the dead into her own womb. Her message is simple: "Kin and Kind, Living and Dead, All Are Part of One Another.” Ala asks me to put my hands on the bare earth and feel what is all around me — the past and the future, the dead and the unborn. I sobbed with relief. I thanked the Dark Goddess for letting me know that my friend is well cared for — safe and snug in Ala’s womb.
© Dark Goddess Tarot
The Magician - Isis
In writing this review, I asked the Dark Goddess Tarot what she would like me to share with others, what message would she like me to highlight in sharing about this deck. Wouldn’t you know it, I pulled The Magician, or Isis, the first card in the Fool’s journey through the Major Arcana.
Isis, the Goddess of Magic — wife, mother, queen, protector, healer of the living, and helper to the deceased. She encourages me to invoke power and uncover the secrets of the Sun. She reminds me to share my words and experiences with others, to see what needs changing, and step up with all the tools in my arsenal.
I can use my elemental alchemy to overcome the obstacles before me, which suddenly no longer appear as obstacles, but opportunities. Isis asks me to sing OUT, with arms wide open to receive. After meditating on The Magician’s message, I drew on Isis’s strength and started to write this review.
Thanks for the push, Dear Isis.
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Lucy Diggons
Lucy Diggons is an urban witch based in Houston. Her full-time work supports veterans, and her free time is dedicated to plants, book clubs, Korean TV dramas, and her two beloved pets, Au Jus and Fafi. Lucy is an iconic Cancer and avid birdwatcher.