The Archetypal Tarot Podcast

A special reunion and a curious question: Can cats give tarot readings? Cyndera welcomes back Julienne Givot, former creator and host of the Archetypal Tarot Podcast, for a heartfelt and spirited conversation about the extraordinary, soul-deep bonds we share with our animal companions. What wisdom do our animals bring into our lives, and what might they teach us about intuition, connection, and the mysteries of love? Through the experience of caring for a beloved animal facing serious illness, Cyndera and Julienne venture into the archetypal territory of devotion, anticipatory grief, compassion, and the sacredness of interspecies relationships. This is a conversation for those who understand that animals are not simply pets, but often beloved family members and spiritual companions on the road of life. The conversation concludes with a delightful twist: an Extraordinary Tarot Reading Cat Fundraiser, inviting us to consider the mysterious ways animals might participate in our relationship with the tarot. After all, who says cats don’t have something to tell us?

What if death could teach you how to live more fully? What if the tiger on your card today is nudging you to stop accepting less than you’re worth? This week on the Archetypal Tarot podcast, host Cyndera Quackenbush welcomes back the brilliant Cat Pierce, creator of The Wandering Star Tarot, to unveil her brand-new deck, The Omen Oracle. Cat reveals why an “omen” isn’t something to fear, but a gentle nudge from the universe, and what it was like to leave the structure of tarot behind and chart her own path. Step inside the deck’s four enchanting realms: The Animals: Cyndera pulls the Tiger and finds a little fierceness she didn’t know she needed. Discover how animals follow their instincts without second-guessing, and how we can borrow their power. The Plants: Chamomile, mint, roses: Cat explains why plants are quiet teachers, and how a cup of tea can become a meditation. The Archetypes: Meet the Death Whisperer, the card Cat placed first on purpose, and the Shadow Keeper, who invites you to embrace the parts of yourself you’ve been hiding. Hint: that’s where your power lives. Visio Divina: An ancient practice of gazing into the eyes of a figure in art, and what might gaze back. Cat Pierce is a singer, songwriter, painter, self-proclaimed psychonaut, and spiritual evolution enthusiast. Raised in Alabama by hippie parents who instilled in her a deep love for all things creative, she is best known for her music as one half of the sister band The Pierces, and has toured the world with Coldplay, Lissie, Adam Green, and Albert Hammond Jr. She has also performed with Emmylou Harris and Elton John. Her work has earned two top ten albums in England, one of which reached Gold status. A gifted visual artist as well, Cat created the artwork for Thirteen Tales of Love & Revenge, The Pierces’ cult-hit record. Her love of drawing, writing, and spiritual development inspired her first tarot deck, The Wandering Star Tarot. In 2022, she turned her creative eye to a new venture, launching OMEN, a non-toxic beauty line. In 2026, she released her second deck, The Omen Oracle, a collection of animal, plant, archetype, and Visio Divina cards that invites readers to find guidance in the signs around them.

In this episode of the Archetypal Tarot Podcast, Cyndera interviews Cherry Parra, author of The Left Hand Path of Tarot, for a provocative and soulful conversation about tarot as a tool of radical self-knowledge, creative defiance, and spiritual sovereignty. Cherry reclaims the “left-hand path” from cliché and controversy, redefining it not as rebellion for rebellion’s sake, but as the path of the outsider, the adversary, the visionary. Moving beyond traditional witchcraft and pagan frameworks, she shares how her solitary, closed practice centers empowerment, personal experience, and the courage to explore what lies beyond sanctioned spirituality. Together, Cyndera and Cherry explore: Tarot as a living storytelling device—an oracle of layered metaphor and myth The power of “intuitive glimmers,” those suspended moments when insight strikes like lightning Artists and visionaries as sacred outsiders who challenge, reshape, and reimagine culture Healing not as erasure of wounds, but as transformation How tarot helps us navigate chaotic times by focusing on what is ours to tend, here and now The conversation also weaves through the concept of duende, drawn from the work of Federico García Lorca. Duende is a dark, electric current of artistic presence that can turn a reading into revelation. Grounded, fierce, and deeply reflective, this episode is an invitation to embrace your edges, honor your difference, and claim your agency through the cards. Cherry Parra is a Mexican left-hand path witch residing in Mexico. She majored in Hispanic literature and has an innate and inherited connection to occult practices. Parra’s magic stems from a matriarchal lineage of healers: her great-grandmother was a witch, a curandera (traditional folk healer) from Oaxaca in southern Mexico, who people in the community would turn to when they needed healing in matters of the body and spirit. Cherry’s life mission is to shine a light on the uncomfortable truths most people like to ignore. The shadows are her second home and greatest teachers. Cherry lives and maintains a closed spiritual practice in Mexico from where she reads tarot for a select international clientele that includes artists, creatives, and visionaries.

On this spellbinding episode of the Archetypal Tarot Podcast, host Cyndera Quackenbush sits down with author and professor Enid Baxter Ryce for a mesmerizing journey through the hidden history of magic, language, and humanity itself. Together, they explore Enid’s captivating new book, Ancient Spells and Incantations: Echoes of Magic Through the Ages and Across Cultures, a collection of ancient blessings, curses, healing charms, and spoken rituals gathered from manuscripts spanning centuries and civilizations. From Roman curse tablets to sacred healing prayers, from incantation bowls used to trap spirits to the secret preservation of indigenous magical practices by the very people who sought to erase them, this conversation reveals how deeply human our longing for protection, love, healing, and transformation has always been. Enid and Cyndera dive into the magical power of words themselves: why poetry, prayer, storytelling, and even cursive writing have long been intertwined with spellcraft. They discuss the emotional resonance of ancient incantations, the art of translation across time and culture, and the enduring mystery of words like “abracadabra,” whose origins may point toward the profound idea that we create reality through speech. The episode also touches on tarot, visual symbolism, herbal wisdom, mysticism, language, and the strange beauty of discovering that people thousands of years ago struggled with the same heartbreaks, envies, hopes, and desires we do today. Thought provoking, poetic, and deeply enchanting, this interview is an invitation to remember that magic has always lived in the stories we tell, the words we speak, and the meanings we weave into the world. Enid Baxter Ryce is a writer, artist, and filmmaker who has exhibited at museums internationally, including the National Gallery of Art, the Getty, and the Arnolfini. A descendant of three Salem witches, she comes from a long family history of natural magic practice. Enid has an MFA in visual arts and studied at Cooper Union, Yale University, and Claremont Graduate University. She won the Elizabeth Kray Prize from the Society for American Poets when she graduated from Cooper Union. Enid is currently working on the Getty Foundation Art x Science Initiative project “From the Ground Up: Nurturing Diversity in Hostile Environments,” a forward-looking ethnobotanical study undertaken as the basis of a forthcoming exhibition and an accompanying publication at Armory Center for the Arts. She is the community engagement director and a curator for the Philip Glass Center for Art, Science, and the Environment. Her latest film, War and the Weather, featuring the music of Philip Glass, premiered at the National Gallery of Art Theater in Washington, DC. Enid’s work has been reviewed in The New York Times, Artforum, ArtReview, the Los Angeles Times, and many other publications.

Host Cyndera Quackenbush welcomes author and tarot scholar Mariana Louis for a profound exploration of tarot, Jungian psychology, archetypes, synchronicity, and the lifelong journey of self-discovery. Centered around Mariana’s book, Tarot and the Psychology of the Soul: Exploring the Archetypal Mirrors of the Psyche, the conversation dives into the ways tarot can function not simply as divination but as a mirror to encounter the deepest layers of the self. Mariana shares her unexpected path from aspiring musical theater performer to scholar of Western intellectual traditions after discovering Carl Jung’s The Undiscovered Self in her grandfather’s attic. Soon after, a transformative tarot reading revealed to her the uncanny overlap between Jungian archetypes and the symbolic language of tarot, setting her on a years-long quest to understand how these systems intersect and how they can be used as tools for personal transformation. Together, Cyndera and Mariana explore some of the most fascinating ideas in Jungian thought, including individuation, synchronicity, the collective unconscious, projection, the shadow, anima and animus, and the mysterious “psychoid” realm where psyche and matter appear to meaningfully intertwine. Rather than treating tarot as a rigid fortune-telling device, Mariana presents it as an invitation into dialogue with the unconscious. Warm, thoughtful, and deeply inspiring, this episode is a celebration of tarot as a tool for soul-making. Whether you are new to Jungian concepts or a longtime tarot practitioner seeking greater depth, this conversation bridges intellect and intuition, mystery and meaning, psychology and spirit. Mariana Louis is a contemporary tarot scholar, teacher, and author known for her work exploring the psycho-spiritual and Jungian dimensions of tarot. A former musical theater performer, she now teaches tarot through the lens of archetypes, depth psychology, and individuation, and serves as faculty at the Jung Archademy. Through her platform Persephone’s Sister, her writing, and the podcast Soror Mystica, Mariana has guided countless students in tarot, shadow work, witchcraft, and the archetypal Feminine. Based in Queens, she lives with her husband, two cats, and an ever-growing collection of books.

In this deeply affirming episode of the Archetypal Tarot Podcast, two Geminis (Alethea Crimmins and Cyndera Quackenbush) have a conversation that begins with a simple correction of pronunciation and unfolds into a profound exploration of boundaries, self-worth, identity, and healing. Alethea shares the heart behind her wildly uplifting affirmation deck, Have a Good Day on Purpose, a collection of bold, humorous, and emotionally resonant cards designed not just to inspire, but to help people truly receive kindness and encouragement for themselves. Together, Cyndera and Alethea explore the tension between humility and self-love, the struggles of people-pleasing, mom guilt, chronic overthinking, and the lifelong challenge of choosing oneself without shame. Alethea opens up candidly about living with depression, bipolar disorder, and ADHD, revealing how the deck was born from her own need for compassion and support during difficult times. Rather than waiting for someone else to become her cheerleader, she became that voice for herself and then for thousands of others. The conversation dives into why affirmations often fail to “stick,” and how Alethea’s unique format (pairing empowering declarations with deeply personal, conversational pep talks) creates a bridge between the mind and the heart. Filled with laughter, emotional honesty, and unforgettable one-liners, this episode is both a soul-level conversation and a reminder that self-worth is not something granted by others, but something we learn to claim for ourselves.

In this inspiring episode of the Archetypal Tarot Podcast, host Cyndera Quackenbush welcomes author, speaker and creator Jason A. Benefield, the visionary behind the Essence Illuminations Oracle Cards. What begins as a conversation about an oracle deck quickly unfolds into a profound exploration of healing, self-belief, spiritual empowerment, and the limitless potential within every human being. Jason shares the deeply personal origins of the deck, created during the pandemic as an extension of his book The Essential Pain and Peace of Life. The cards are made even more meaningful through the inclusion of artwork painted by his late mother, whose presence and creativity continue to live through the project.   Photo by Christina C. Throughout the conversation, Jason opens up about his lifelong spiritual search and how personal struggles led him toward a deeper relationship with God, self-awareness, and ultimately becoming a spiritual practitioner. His vulnerability becomes one of the episode’s greatest gifts, especially as he speaks about redefining identity, trusting intuition, and embracing authenticity in a world that often pressures people to conform. Listeners will discover the philosophy at the heart of the deck: “Commodity.” Jason’s transformative concept reminds us that each person is inherently valuable and important. He breaks the word into three powerful stages: Comm – Communication with inner wisdom through prayer, meditation, and reflection Mod – Modification and transformation based on that inner guidance Ity – Embodiment of one’s highest and truest self This episode is ultimately an invitation: to believe in yourself more deeply, to honor your journey, and to recognize that your life itself is a sacred expression of possibility. Memorable Quotes from the Conversation “Your journey is a testament to your authenticity.” “Your might grows with every step you take.” “You are the living manifestation of your dreams.”   Jason Adeniyi Ojudun Benefield is a licensed Spiritual Practitioner, speaker, published author, stage actor, and singer-songwriter who wears many hats with purpose and passion. Nearly 25 years ago, after delivering his first sermon, Jason recognized the depth of his connection to Source Energy (what many call God, the Universe, or simply the Source). He believes this greater energy dwells within all people and calls each person to evolve into their highest self. Through discovering and nurturing this spiritual connection in his own life, Jason experienced profound transformation and clarity, inspiring him to dedicate his work to helping others do the same. Jason is committed to guiding individuals toward embracing their inner energy, purpose, and peace through one-on-one support, intimate group settings, or speaking engagements. His work is rooted in the belief that nothing is ever truly lost or missing in the Universe; rather, it is waiting to be rediscovered. For those who feel disconnected, uncertain, or longing for something more, Jason offers compassionate guidance on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. Walking alongside others as they reconnect with their truth and inner power is not just his calling, it is his life’s work. jasonabenefield.com  

In this illuminating episode of the Archetypal Tarot Podcast, host Cyndera Quackenbush sits down with sustainability pioneer Jaimie Cloud, founder of the Cloud Institute for Sustainability Education, to explore how our ways of thinking shape the future of life on Earth. At the center of the conversation is Cloud’s lifelong journey: sparked by an experimental global education program in her youth and deepened through decades of observing planetary trends. Her new book, Response-Able: How to Live Well Over Time On Planet Earth, is not just a call to action but a guide to transforming how we think, teach, and lead in an increasingly complex world. Rather than focusing solely on environmental problems, Cloud introduces a powerful framework around mental models that are both unsustainable and sustainable. These are recurring patterns of thought—archetypal in nature—that unconsciously drive destructive behaviors, even when people have access to clear feedback. Through examples like the “Fish Game” simulation, she reveals a startling truth: people consistently make the same unsustainable choices, not from ignorance, but from deeply ingrained beliefs. Throughout the episode, Cyndera weaves in tarot archetypes to mirror these mindsets, bridging intuitive symbolism with systems thinking. Together, they explore how patterns like “maximizing gains for self,” “control,” and “everything is substitutable” distort our understanding of interconnected systems. Jaimie gently dismantles these assumptions, emphasizing that true sustainability arises from interdependence, collaboration, and respect for natural limits. A key insight emerges: sustainability is about alignment with how life actually works. Healthy systems thrive on diversity, mutual benefit, and dynamic balance. Attempts to dominate, control, or endlessly extract from these systems inevitably lead to collapse. Yet the tone remains deeply hopeful. Jaimie insists that the current trajectory is not inevitable. Because humans created these conditions, we also have the power to change them. The first, and most essential, step is a shift in thinking. The tarot imagery encapsulating each mindset will be revealed in a video version of the podcast available to subscribers at archetypalstories.substack.com/

Step into a world where knights, mottos, mythic beasts, and phoenixes rise again—and discover how Renaissance symbolism can illuminate your readings in entirely new ways with Tarot Emblemata: Decoding Magical Symbolism. On this episode of the Archetypal Tarot Podcast, Host Cyndera welcomes artist and deck creator Nitasia Roland for an enchanting conversation about (one of her) latest decks. Drawing from 16th-century French and Italian emblem books—particularly the 1551 collection curated by Claude Paradin—Rowland reimagines Renaissance “devices” (symbolic images paired with mottos) as a fully realized tarot system. These historic emblems, originally engraved by Bernard Salomon, explored themes of love, war, faith, philosophy, politics, and morality during the height of the Renaissance. Now, centuries later, they re-emerge as living archetypes. The conversation also explores the Renaissance world that birthed these emblems—a time of religious upheaval, artistic revolution, and humanist revival—and reflects on what this symbolic medicine offers us today. As Roland beautifully suggests, reviving these images is almost a calling: a way of bringing buried wisdom back into contemporary consciousness. In this episode, you’ll discover: How a chance encounter with occult-flavored emblem art sparked the creation of the deck The fascinating structure of traditional emblems—pictura (image), inscriptio (motto), and subscriptio (commentary)—and how they translate seamlessly into tarot Why these 500-year-old images feel uncannily aligned with modern archetypes The alchemical and esoteric currents flowing beneath the artwork (such as the powerful phoenix symbolism of rebirth and transformation) The creative journey from black-and-gold indie edition to lush, colorized reimagining Roland shares her passion for pairing poetic language with evocative imagery, creating cards that speak directly to intuition—often without needing to consult the guidebook. The result is a deck that feels at once ancient and immediate, scholarly and mystical. Whether you’re drawn to tarot as an intuitive art, a historical system, or a symbolic language of transformation, this episode offers rich insight into how past and present intertwine through archetype and image.

In this illuminating return episode, host Cyndera Quackenbush welcomes back acclaimed astrologer and oracle creator Vicki Iskandar, author of the Chinese Five Elements Oracle, for a powerful deep dive into the 2026 Lunar New Year: the Year of the Fire Horse. Building on the subtle, behind-the-scenes revelations of the Wood Snake year, Vicki explains why 2026 marks a dramatic energetic shift—from hidden negotiations and inner reinvention to bold visibility, truth-telling, and action. The Fire Horse, she reveals, is the most yang and most active of all 60 pillars in Chinese astrology, bringing intensity, momentum, and undeniable clarity. There is nowhere to hide—and that’s the point. Together, Cyndera and Vicki explore: Why the Fire Horse acts like the sun, illuminating everything at once How suppressed truths, passions, and ambitions finally demand expression What this high-energy year means for introverts, creatives, and spiritual seekers How to balance overwhelming yang energy with grounding, rest, and strategy The significance of 2026 as a Peach Blossom Year, amplifying love, attraction, and visibility Which zodiac signs feel the year most strongly—including the challenges and milestones of an opposing year Protective remedies, secret friends, and practical tools for navigating intensity with grace Vicki also shares insights from her Five Elements framework, celebrity archetypes, and her newly released Chinese astrology daily calendar, offering listeners concrete ways to work with the energy instead of being burned by it. If you’re sensing that 2026 is a turning point—personally, collectively, or creatively—this conversation will help you understand why, and how to meet the Fire Horse year with courage, consciousness, and purpose. Right now on Vicki’s featured Facebook post you can read a forecast for each animal sign: https://www.facebook.com/5elementsoracle/