The Shining Tribe Tarot: Awakening the Universal Spirit

by Rachel Pollack

For The Shining Tribe Tarot, a reprinted and slightly remodeled deck of tarot cards, Rachel Pollack changed the name from its original title Shining Woman to Shining Tribe because so many readers wrongly assumed that it was a deck designed for women. In fact, it is a deck for everyone, drawing heavily on nature-based, ancient symbols from around the world. Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles have been changed to Trees, Rivers, Birds, and Stones. Some of the cards contain Jewish Kabbalist symbols, such as the Four and Nine of Rivers, and others display images from Native American rock art (Five of Stones) or ancient Chinese art (Two of Birds). Although she departed from the familiar images, and her artwork is more primitive than refined, Pollack did follow the traditional Tarot structure with 78 cards in two the Major Arcana (which she calls the "map of the soul's journey from birth to enlightenment") and the Minor Arcana (the "kaleidoscope of human experience in all its varied forms"). What makes this package stand out is Pollack's wise and poetic interpretations of each card (approximately two pages of discussion per card). In the Four of Birds, she explains, "We see a woman wearing a bird mask who has climbed a mountain to seek an encounter with Spirits. Despite her dedication, she must stop to rest." Many of us diligently work hard to attain self-knowledge or enlightenment, notes Pollack. Ironically, "the card promises truth and healing for those moments when we stop struggling." In the rear of the book, she outlines a variety of readings, such as three-card spreads that illuminate "Spiritual History, Spiritual Gift, and Spiritual Challenge." She also suggests novel ways to work with tarot cards that involve carrying specific cards with you or incorporating them into altars. --Gail Hudson

Genres: Tarot

331 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Rachel Grace Pollack was an American science fiction author, comic book writer, and expert on divinatory tarot. Pollack was a great influence on the women's spirituality movement.

Reviews

[Jesica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be something of a tarot apostate, but this is (practically) the only tarot book I use. Sure, I turn to some others for cross referencing purposes and inspiration, but this is the one. For one reason alone - the spiritual guidance provided is impeccable. There are no knights and dungeons and hat have you. The symbolism is timeless and drawn from nature - the suits are trees, rivers, stones and birds.
When I use this book and deck for my clients, I feel I am able to bypass their general concerns and speak straight to their heart. The cards reflect the timelessness of the human journey. Rachel Pollack is an exceedingly wise woman and this book/deck is remarkable.
Could not recommend it more highly for anyone looking for guidance on a spiritual journey.

[C.J. Prince]

An expansion of The Shining Woman Tarot. Rachel's insights and art work.