Interview with the Fantastical Creatures Tarot

(spread by FireRaven, Acelectic Tarot Forum, Spreads Thread)

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I’ve had this deck for awhile now and even used it in a Tarot course recently, which was a bit of a challenge since it doesn’t use what we might call “traditional” Tarot symbolism. Nevertheless, I do like the deck and I admire Lisa Hunt and D.J. Conway for creating the wonderful imagery and mythological connections.

The Interview

When I called the Fantastic Creatures office to request an interview, the receptionist put the TEN OF CUPS on the line.

“Well, we have a number of family commitments already on our calendar this week, and those are of primary importance,” said a female voice, “but let me see if we can fit you in.”

When the doorbell rang at the appointed time, I opened it and was startled to see a group of lovely young girls. It took a second, but I soon realized they were the nine Muses, companions of the Greek god Apollo. I was a bit embarrassed, and afraid I had not prepared enough refreshments. But the Muses didn’t look as though they would eat much, so I hoped for the best. I considered asking why the TEN of Cups would feature NINE muses, but I thought that would be rude, so I didn’t.

The Muses suggested that Calliope be the one to answer my questions on behalf of the deck, and I agreed. Once everyone had chosen a seat, we began the interview.

1. Tell me about yourself. What is your most important characteristic?
FOUR OF SWORDS (Vegetable Lamb)

I bring relaxation and rest and peace, an atmosphere in which you can contemplate and consider where you are and where you want to go. I provide a much needed respite from the everyday helter-skelter hubub of life, inviting you into a secluded garden where the playful presence of young lambs will soothe and delight you.

2. What are your strengths as a deck?
FIVE OF CUPS (Lorelei)

My greatest strength is that I can help you to deal with emotional issues and situations by taking the time to think through your feelings. I encourage you to question negative attitudes that may cause you stress or sorrow. I have no emotions myself, so I am able to offset any tendency you may have to let your feelings control your life.

3. What are your limits as a deck?
DEATH (Anansi)

I like to play games, and I will trick you if I can. If you are not careful, I may spin a web of illusion that can trap you into thinking your future is determined by Fate rather than your own actions and decisions. If you challenge me and demand the truth, I can be a catalyst that prompts you to make major changes and to cast aside illusions and delusions you harbor.

4. What do you bring to the table -- what are you here to teach me?
NINE OF SWORDS (Harpies)

I am here to teach you that if you break karmic laws, you will have to pay a price. Explore your past lives and settle karmic debts if you want to avoid dire consequences. Do not be lured by beauty, for it can hide evil and disease. Life’s most unpleasant lessons may benefit you more than you expect in the long term.

5. How can I best learn from and collaborate with you?
THREE OF CUPS (Hippocampus)

You can best learn from and collaborate with me by joining hands, as if with a friend, and by celebrating all that life may bring. I am here to show you your subconscious mind and to lead you to a place where you expect abundance. I can help you move out of your mental fog and liberate yourself from unproductive emotional conditions.

6. What is the potential outcome of our working relationship?
SEVEN OF CUPS (The Selkie)

Our working relationship will help you to assume different forms – especially at mental, emotional, and spiritual levels. Whereas now you may feel disappointed in the options available to you, working with me will help you see that there is more available to you than you realize.

I thanked the Muses for their time. After they were gone, I reflected on the abundance of Water in this reading. Five Water cards and two Air cards altogether: emotional and mental energies. It appears that these two areas will be particularly enhanced by working with this deck.