If you did not notice by the cover alone, The Devil series carries elements of Tarot. The act of understanding Tarot is fascinating, the history even more so.  

Divination is a strange idea to many, conjuring images of witches, wizards, and all sorts of fantastical beings. Britannica defines the word as “the practice of determining the hidden significance or cause of events, sometimes foretelling the future, by various natural, psychological, and other techniques.” Miriam-Webster gives “the art or practice that seeks to foresee or foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge usually by the interpretation of omens or by the aid of supernatural powers.” The difference in the descriptions tells of the views between Britain and the United States toward the act. 

I had heard of Tarot when a friend first showed me her cards and did a reading for me. It was fun, and my curious mind began to see each reading as a puzzle to be solved. It helped that I also believe that much of our human brains go unused and that we all can be a bit psychic in one way or another.

My friend gifted me my first Tarot deck, and I took the time to learn the cards’ core meanings on the Fool’s Journey. I frequently pull cards to see their messages, and my intuition about the cards has strengthened over time. However, I do not believe in living my life by Tarot. It’s more loose advice, reminding me to be mindful of myself and how I feel. This was helpful after my ruptured brain aneurysm when I struggled to accept that I wasn’t the same as before and had to find a new normal that suited the new me. Tarot helped me heal in a way I was not expecting. It also gave me the idea for the book series, and it’s been a joy to uncover a part of myself with them.

Whether you believe in the supernatural or anything esoteric, it does not matter to me. You should do what feels right in your heart and head. Look at everything with wide eyes and an open mind. The universe has proven that there is more out there than we will ever understand in our lifetime. The best anyone can do is not to limit what they are willing to see, believe, and learn.

*Seventy-eight Degrees of Wisdom by Rachel Pollack is an excellent read for anyone wanting a deeper dive into the cards.