The Somatic Tarot - tarot through bodily sensation instead of interpretation
Most tarot decks offer a visual story with figures that tell you something. This deck does the opposite. It shows abstract forms, elements and symbols, and lets meaning arise in what your body feels when you look at them.
The Somatic Tarot is designed by Abigail Rose Clarke, a somatic educator who developed this system during the early months of the coronavirus pandemic as a tool for self-care. Her focus lies on breaking patterns by recognising the body as a source of wisdom, not as a byproduct of thought.
What you see on the cards
No kings, knights or queens. The traditional suits are replaced by the four elements: Earth, Water, Air and Fire. The court cards are now called Heroes, Luminaries, Origins and Creators, roles that focus on action and origin rather than hierarchy.
The imagery is abstract, built from geometric shapes, textures and blocks of colour. There is room to form your own associations without a human face steering you in a particular direction. The cards have gold foil edges and bilingual titles in English and Spanish.
How you work with this
This deck asks you to slow down. Instead of immediately analysing what a card means, you look at the card and notice what happens in your body. Warmth, tension, a tingle, a sudden space in your breathing. That is the first message.
The deck is accessible for beginners who do not want to be bound by fixed meanings, but works just as well for experienced readers accustomed to intuitive work. The included full-colour guidebook explains the philosophy behind the system and offers entry points for each card, without overshadowing your own experience.
Draw a card and place it in front of you. Keep your attention on your breath and notice where in your body you feel something shift. That sensation is your way into the card.
About Abigail Rose Clarke
Abigail Rose Clarke works as a somatic educator and author. She started designing this deck in the early months of 2020 as a way to create softness and inner space during a time of isolation. Her background in bodywork and transformation forms the core of the system.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78
- Language on cards: English and Spanish
- Guidebook language: English
- Finish: Gold foil edges, glossy coating
- Cardstock: Sturdy quality cardstock
- Packaging: Deluxe storage box with elemental prayer on the back
- Designer: Abigail Rose Clarke
Questions we often get
Do I need experience with bodywork to use this deck?
No. All you need is the willingness to pause and notice what you feel. The cards will guide you there.
How does this deck differ from a classic Rider-Waite deck?
The biggest differences are the absence of human figures, the replacement of suits with elements, and the focus on bodily sensation rather than symbolic interpretation. The structure of 78 cards remains the same.
