Shining Tribe Tarot – Journey into the Living Language of Symbols
The Shining Tribe Tarot is more than just a deck; it is a gateway to a primal, cross-cultural spirituality. Originally created by the legendary Rachel Pollack, this deck invites you to join a "tribe" of visionaries and seekers who use tarot as a map for the soul. The visual style is raw, evocative, and deeply rooted in the history of human consciousness, moving away from standard medieval imagery to embrace something more universal, ancient, and deeply personal. This revised edition brings a new vibrance to one of the most respected decks in the modern tarot canon.
About this Deck
The essence of the Shining Tribe Tarot lies in its ability to bridge the gap between traditional divination and shamanic exploration. Rachel Pollack reimagined the tarot not as a fixed set of rules, but as a living language. The "vibe" of the deck is earth-centered and tribal, yet intellectually sophisticated. It encourages the reader to move beyond memorized meanings and instead enter a state of "visionary reading," where the cards act as mirrors for the inner self and the natural world.
Symbolism and Themes
Inspired by Neolithic cave art, Aboriginal traditions, Kabbalah, and Jungian psychology, Pollack replaced the traditional suits with four primary natural elements to reflect a deeper connection to the Earth’s rhythms:
Stones (Pentacles) – Representing material strength, the body, and the earth.
Rivers (Cups) – Representing the flow of emotions, intuition, and the element of water.
Trees (Wands) – Representing creative growth, passion, and the element of fire.
Birds (Swords) – Representing the intellect, communication, and the element of air.
This system emphasizes that we are part of a "Shining Tribe" of all living things, where every symbol—from a prehistoric bird to a sacred stone—carries a message of spiritual evolution and awakening.
The Creators
Rachel Pollack
Rachel Pollack (1945–2023) was a titan in the world of tarot and is widely considered one of the most influential scholars of the modern era. As the author of the seminal Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom, she spent decades teaching how tarot can be used as a tool for psychology and spiritual growth. The Shining Tribe Tarot stands as her most personal and visionary work, reflecting her life's devotion to the mysteries of the cards.
Practical Use
This deck is ideal for deep meditative work, daily reflection, or complex readings concerning one's spiritual path. It excels in professional readings for clients looking for psychological depth rather than simple fortune-telling. Because of its unique suit names and prehistoric art style, it encourages the reader to tell a story rather than recite a definition.
"To truly connect with the Shining Tribe, do not just look at the cards—step into them. Imagine the sound of the Rivers or the flight of the Birds to unlock the wisdom already residing within you."
Features
- Number of cards: 83 cards (78 traditional + 5 new additional cards)
- Language: English
- ISBN: 9781578637652
- Publisher: Weiser Books
- Weight: 680 grams
- Dimensions: 152 x 229 mm
- Included: Fully revised, full-color expanded companion book
Expert FAQ
What makes the "Shining Tribe" system different from a standard Rider-Waite-Smith deck?
While it retains the 78-card structure, it replaces medieval European imagery with universal, ancient symbols like cave art and natural elements. It also includes five additional cards created by Pollack to further expand the deck's spiritual vocabulary.
Is this deck suitable for beginners?
Yes, though it is different from traditional decks, the included full-color guidebook is exceptionally detailed. It provides a clear bridge between traditional tarot meanings and Pollack’s unique elemental system, making it accessible for anyone with an intuitive spark.
What is the significance of the five new cards in this edition?
These cards were added to deepen the deck's narrative. They offer further nuance to the journey of the "tribe," providing more specific archetypal energy for personal transformation and modern spiritual challenges.
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