Prayers in the Medicine Woman Tarot

When I first encountered The Medicine Woman Tarot. I passed it by because I know nothing about Native American cultures. How could I use a deck whose imagery I wouldn't recognize or understand? 

People have cited this deck as an example of cultural appropriation. The artist describes the deck as an attempt to envision a "new reality of tribal ways based on native awareness of the land and drawing wisdom from many sacred traditions." 

With some hesitation, I ordered the book and deck last summer because I was attracted to the title, which suggests healing and empowerment. Although I'm not much moved by the deck's artwork, I can see why the guidebook is loved and recommended.

The Two of Stones fromMedicine Woman Tarot

The book alternately captivates and repels me. Sometimes the words sound like New Age dreck, sometimes they seem more profound.

The fertile ground of nature surrounds me,
 
     waiting with her gifts for me to notice...

What can I offer the world that will bring
  
      my earthly reward and soothe my soul... 

What can I do for the land around me? 


What can I do for my people? 


As I chose a direction and begin to work,

      the road to prosperity is cleared.

There is a flaky, NewAge ring to it, but there are deeper ideas, too:

• Acknowledging and developing your gifts can put you on your right path.  
• Seeking satisfaction is okay.  
• The most fulfilling use of your gifts is being of service to the land and other people.  
• The world is (sometimes) benevolent.

Two of Pentacles from
the Rider-Waite-Smith

So there is a contemplative aspect to the companion book. But are the cards really a tarot deck?

At first glance, Carol Bridges' Two of Stones (see above) seems entirely divorced from traditional tarot imagery and meaning. However, I eventually found some commonalities for the corresponding cards in the Rider-Waite-Smith and the Gaian Tarot.

The Two of Pentacles in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck indicates imbalance and struggle, divided attention, an attempt to do too much, and failed multi-tasking; those things aren't seen in the Medicine Woman Tarot. However, the lemniscate and ocean waves in the RWS image also suggest going with the flow and focusing on the task immediately before you, not letting your ego interfere with the flow of the moment. The two coins suggest a choice. You don't have to do everything at once; each moment has its appropriate action. And, remember to dance even when the seas are stormy.

Two of Earth from
The Gaian Tarot

The description of the Two of Earth in the Gaian Tarot guidebook conveys a similar message. Joanna Powell Colbert wrote this affirmation for the image:

I stay centered in the midst of many

demands on my time and attention.

All three cards suggest choosing a path, being flexible, and remaining centered while doing your work. The parent with two children may find joy in caring for them no matter the struggle.

If you are interested, I'd suggest getting the Medicine Woman Tarot Guidebook regardless of what deck you use.