The Archetypal Tarot Podcast

Visionary Woman Tarot

Host Cyndera Quackenbush sits down with artist and tarot reader, and creator of the Visionary Woman Tarot, Kristine Gorman. What unfolds is an intimate, wide-ranging conversation about intuition, healing, grief, and the courage it takes to live and create outside the norm.

To see card images and video of this interview (releasing 12/22/25), head over to https://archetypalstories.substack.com/

Kristine shares the soulful origins of the Visionary Woman Tarot, a deck born not from trends or themes, but from decades of lived experience, channeling, and uncompromising honesty. She introduces her unforgettable metaphor of the “healer equation,” a process of humility, self-work, contribution, and learning how to receive. Within this equation is the “rinse cycle” we all must pass through to dismantle conditioning, trauma, and what Kristine candidly calls the fuckery.

Listeners are invited behind the scenes of Kristine’s creative process, where each tarot card begins as a full-scale oil painting on wood, guided by intuition, spirit allies, and personal reckoning. Cyndera and Kristine explore how tarot can be both structure and freedom: a grounding tool for intuitive minds, a language for truth-tellers, and a way to build confidence in one’s own inner voice.

The episode also honors lineage and community. Christine reflects on her formative relationship with legendary tarot scholar Rachel Pollack, whom she calls her “tarot midwife,” and discusses the importance of knowing whose shoulders we stand on, while still forging our own path. From real women and animal guides woven into the cards, to collaboration over competition in the tarot world, this conversation celebrates inclusivity, mentorship, and shared magic.

Woven throughout is a tender acknowledgment of grief and love, as Kristine speaks openly about the loss of her husband of 25 years, and how art and tarot have offered focus, meaning, and survival through profound change.

This episode is for anyone drawn to tarot as a living, breathing practice—one that helps us tell the truth, trust ourselves, and transform pain into purpose.

You can purchase the Visionary Woman Tarot from your local bookstore or directly from the Publisher, Weiser Books.

Kristine Gorman is an overall badass professional tarot reader, artist, and writer, usually wearing overalls. A unique talent, she hosted her own FM radio show for over eight years, throwing tarot cards for folks calling in, which you can find on Apple Podcasts under “The Visionary Woman Tarot Radio Show.” Kristine has presented at many national symposiums and conferences, such as BATS (San Francisco Bay Area Tarot Symposium), NWTS (Northwest Tarot Symposium), TIDE (The International Divination Event), and StaarCon. Kristine continues to paint, write, read for her clients, and collaborate on tarot projects with magical friends. She lives in Lambertville, New Jersey. Follow her on Instagram @visionarywomantarot.

Tarot Disassembled

What happens when you take the tarot apart—piece by piece—to see what it’s really made of? In this lively and thought-provoking conversation, host Cyndera Quackenbush sits down with artist, author, and tarot creator Jennifer Cooper Steidley to explore her innovative deck, Tarot Disassembled, and its companion guidebook.

Born from an unexpected moment of inspiration (watching her young son take apart a sandwich!), Jennifer began to imagine what it would mean to “disassemble” the tarot—to pull apart its imagery and look closely at the symbols that make up each archetype. The result is a bold, colorful, and refreshingly playful deck that invites readers to reconnect with tarot through the pure language of symbolism.

 

Together, Cyndera and Jennifer dive into:
✨ The origin story behind Tarot Disassembled and its Kickstarter beginnings
✨ How removing human figures opens the door to a more universal, bias-free tarot experience
✨ The joy of rediscovering details hidden in the Rider-Waite-Smith imagery (yes—even the tiny eagle on the Fool’s satchel!)
✨ How “disassembling” tarot mirrors our own life process—taking things apart to understand, re-evaluate, and rebuild
✨ Ways to use this deck in tandem with traditional ones to deepen intuition and symbolic literacy

Their conversation unfolds like a creative workshop and a spiritual reflection all at once—touching on archetypes, imagination, and the art of seeing with fresh eyes. Cyndera connects the process to her own Story Through Stone deck, where ancient stone imagery becomes a mirror for intuition.

By the end, listeners are reminded that tarot—like life itself—is an ongoing process of discovery: a dance between taking things apart and bringing them beautifully back together.

 

Artist and tarot creator Jennifer Steidley has always been fluent in the language of symbols. With a background in graphic design and a deep love of intuitive storytelling, she brings a playful, insightful touch to her creations—including her innovative deck, Tarot Disassembled. Learn more at jennifersteidley.com/

Mindscapes Tarot: Interview with John A. Rice

Step right up dear traveler! Jump into the shoes of an ancient ship’s stowaway and discover the landscapes of the Tarot firsthand with a visionary lens!

 

In this episode of the Archetypal Tarot Podcast, host Cyndera Quackenbush welcomes artist and deck creator John A. Rice to discuss his 5-year visionary creation, the Mindscapes Tarot. Unlike traditional decks that spotlight human figures, the Mindscapes Tarot invites us into vast, symbolic landscapes—vivid oil pastel paintings that immerse the reader in color, place, and atmosphere.

John shares how this extraordinary project began during the pandemic, when visions of celestial skies and archetypal terrains appeared to him almost fully formed. Over five years, he translated these inner landscapes into hand-drawn paintings, borders, lettering, and even unique sigils—imbuing each card with the soulful touch of lived time and experience.

 

From the High Priestess’s veiled mysteries to the evolving vistas of the Minor Arcana, the deck invites readers to step through “little windows” into magical worlds. John and Cyndera talk about art as theater, tarot as travel, and how storytelling transforms symbols into living portals. John also teases new projects—from ghost stories on autumn leaves to a fresh Lenormand deck and fairy-tale illustrations.

This conversation is a journey into art, symbolism, and the ways tarot can become a living landscape for personal and collective transformation.

 

John A. Rice is an award-winning actor, writer, and artist specializing in oil pastels. As one of the few artists working in this medium, his work has sold in more than 35 countries worldwide. He runs his art shop, J.A.R. Studio, NYC, out of his workspace in Astoria, NY.

A skilled Tarot reader, John drew upon this background to create the popular Mindscapes Tarot, featuring his signature landscape style (Hay House/Penguin Random House). Additionally, his hauntingly beautiful illustrated A Christmas Carol and October Shadows: Classic Ghost Stories of Halloween are now available as a collectible editions (Abbeville Press). His unique immersive exhibit Beyond Words, created in collaboration with psychic mediums from historic Lily Dale, is currently exhibiting.

 

Intuitive Manifestation: Interview with Brigit Esselmont

In this episode of The Archetypal Tarot Podcast, host Cyndera Quackenbush sits with Brigit Esselmont to dive deep into "intuitive manifesting." Brigit, a leading expert in tarot and personal transformation, shares insights from her newly released book Intuitive Manifesting: Align with Your Inner Wisdom and Attract Your Dream Life. She explains how manifesting goes beyond the surface-level pursuit of goals and dives into a powerful co-creative partnership with the universe. By tapping into the wisdom of tarot and other intuitive tools, Brigit reveals how we can manifest more meaningfully, authentically, and in alignment with our true desires. Whether you're seeking clarity in your desires or looking to build a deeper connection with your intuition, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on creating the life you truly want. Tune in for an inspiring chat about blending psychology, spirituality, and tarot to manifest your dreams.

The Mystic Storyteller: Interview with Amanda Hughes

I truly believe everyone has something unique to offer the Tarot world. If you’re a writer or artist or wise wanderer YOU have a unique perspective that will enrich this community. You can offer yet another bridge to self-understanding and inner illumination that no one else can.

It has been my great joy to sit with and press “record” on over 100 conversations with wisdom seekers of the world.

And then I met Mandy.

 

When I had a chance to review Mystic Storyteller: A Writer’s Guide to Using the Tarot for Creative Inspiration, I had a moment to myself where I said, “THIS is the book I wish I could have written!”

Truthfully, Mandy’s got the creds to speak thoroughly on tarot and writing. She has written over a dozen literary works and even has a couple pen names under her belt!

Well, if you can’t beat ‘em, join em! And we do just that here on Substack in our latest Archetypal Tarot Podcast.

I cannot even begin to describe how much this book offers writers, creatives and tarot enthusiasts alike. This book is CHOCK-FULL of guidance as Mandy takes you by the hand, weaving in her personal experience with the timeless wisdom of the tarot. If you’re like me, you might for the first time feel capable of writing that first great American novel!

Her book covers:

• Enhancing creativity.

• Strengthening writer’s intuition.

• Inspiring ideas and composition.

• Improving storytelling proficiency through building confidence and encouraging authenticity of voice and style.

• Nurturing rich character- and world-building practices.

• Elevating plot and scene development skills.

• Troubleshooting writer’s block.

• Supporting self-discovery and wellness routines.

• Mapping out a memoir.

The companion deck, illustrated by Roz Kazaz, is inspired by Rider-Waite-Smith but incorporates the modern visages and true diversity that reflect our world. Playfully, writing paraphernalia populates the tools of the tarot characters:

 

 

Mandy’s fundraising campaign reached full support since we recorded this podcast. If you would like updates on the book’s release, join Mandy’s mailing list here: https://www.haintbluecreative.com/books/mystic-storyteller

Archetypes of the Election

In this episode of the Archetypal Tarot Podcast, hosts Julienne Givot and Cyndera Quackenbush dive deep into the archetypes surrounding the current political landscape.

This podcast begins with an exploration of how the ancient Greek legend of Cassandra’s gift of foresight—and the accompanying curse of being disbelieved—resonates with recent political challenges. Julienne shares her own "Cassandra moments," reflecting on alarming agendas such as Project 2025, while emphasizing the need for collective action and community in the face of rising authoritarianism. With insights into the dynamics of modern democracy and the importance of staying engaged, this episode is not just a discussion but a rallying call for listeners to remain vigilant and connected.

Tune in for an enlightening conversation that blends mythology, politics, and the power of collective heroism!

Have you registered to vote? You can check that out in just 30 seconds here:

https://www.vote.org/am-i-registered-to-vote/

The Rosebud Tarot: Interview with Amanda Lee Stilwell & Diana Rose Harper

This podcast celebrates the beautiful blooming of the Rosebud Tarot, now available from Weiser Books! Cyndera interviews artist Amanda Lee Stilwell and writer/diviner Diana Rose Harper.

This deck depicts the glories of roses in their many forms along with vintage photographs collaged with sensuous altar imagery. Each card interpretation is introduced with an individualized poem that opens and expands the image translation (this podcast features Diana reading her poem from “The Star”). Tarot titles and suits are creatively re-imagined, busting old tarot restrictions to make both a queer and BIPOC-friendly deck.

In addition to deep discussions on process and collaboration details, this podcast also unveils powerful gardening magic such as intentional tools and the use of rose stems as protective wards.

After witnessing this playful deck and its creators, prepare to have your perspective of roses - and tarot - transformed.

Melissa Townsend: A Talk on Tarot & the Sutras

Cyndera welcomes Melissa Townsend - artist, psychic and card creator - to her home in Suisun, California. Over tea, the two discuss the deep process of working with the philosophies of Putanjali through the creation of art work inspired by the yoga sutras. Townsend has dedicated a painting of her personal process to EVERY yoga sutra (Books 1-4). The work of the sutras and the art of Tarot are compared and contrasted. The vital nature of doing such deep artistic work in the age of AI is revealed. 

Melissa's work can be purchased through her website at https://melissa-townsend.com

Melissa's Bio: 

Melissa Townsend is an Artist, Author, Psychic & Astrologer, and  lives in San Francisco with her husband and son. 

She has been a practitioner of Yoga for over 35 years, and studied Sanskrit for over 15 years, now teaching the language to others. Melissa has also translated the Yoga Sutras, and has been creating paintings inspired by them since 2011. The paintings, translations, and commentary of the Yoga Sutras, Book One and Book Two, have been published in full-color, soft-bound books and as Meditation Cards. 

You can also find Melissa on YouTube videos on Astrology and the Tarot. She has created a couple Tarot Decks including The Subtle Tarot. 

The unifying force behind all of Melissa's work lie the age-old questions, the ones that push us onto the spiritual path, “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?” All of this is a way to engage with each other, as we all ask and try to answer those questions.

 

 

 

The Weiser Interview: A Rider-Waite-Smith Deck for Everyone

The Rider-Waite-Smith deck has been known as the preeminent Tarot deck that first illustrated the entire Minor Arcana along with a re-imagining of the Major Arcana that has influenced hundreds of deck on the market today. This podcast interviews Weiser author and editor Judika Illes and researcher/artist/designer Kathryn Sky-Peck about their recently released Weiser Tarot that features Pamela "Pixie" Colman Smith's original line art with freshly watercolor painted cards. The Weiser Tarot presents a fresh face that embraces figures on a varying spectrum of skin tone and gender orientation. The creators' process with this landmark deck inspires all of us to come to this antiquated deck with fresh eyes and to "examine each card one by one, prior to considering the interpretations of others." The 78 pieces of art, originally drawn by Smith, "open our intuition and imagination to explore our hearts and minds" (Illes 2022).

More about Judika Illes:

Born in New York City, Judika Illes is a lifelong lover, student, and practitioner of the magickal arts. She is the author of numerous books devoted to magic spells, witchcraft, saints, spirits, and the paranormal including the best-selling Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells and Encyclopedia of Spirits. Her other books include Pure Magic: A Complete Course in Spellcasting, Magic When You Need It, Encyclopedia of Witchcraft, and Daily Magic, a perpetual calendar of spells, rituals, and feasts. Judika is also the curator of two books of occult fiction. Someday she will publish some occult fiction of her own. Judika is a certified aromatherapist and has been a professional tarot card reader since 1988. Judika has worked as an editor for Weiser Books since 2015. Before that, she worked for The Witches’ Almanac.  She teaches about spell-casting and other topics in the US, internationally, and virtually. Her website is under construction, but Judika is easily found on-line at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJudikaIlles  Instagram: @judikailles and Twitter: @JudikaIlles

More about Kathryn Sky-Peck:

Kathryn Sky-Peck has been a life-long student of the esoteric arts. Currently Creative Director at Red Wheel/Weiser, she has been with Weiser books off and on since 1981 when she first began working with the publisher. She is an award-winning poet, a fine artist, and—when the grace of youth allowed it—a modern dancer. She sees all these art forms interconnected, finding color and movement in words and music in poetry. She has been the sole proprietor of Sky Peck Design for the last 27 years, where she maintains a select group of clients, most notably The Witches Almanac and Ibis Press. In her role as book development director at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, she authored Who Has Seen the Wind? and The Poet’s Delay, both compilations of poetry based on the museum’s art collection. She loves the anonymity of being in the background, from where she’s had the honor to work with, support, and learn from some of the occult world’s best-known authors. Not on social media, she lives at the edge of a New England wood with her cat Milo.

Twist Your Fate: Interview with Theresa Reed

The Tarot Lady, Theresa Reed, visits the Archetypal Tarot Podcast with tips on intuition and the power of free will. We discuss her book on Astrology and Tarot and how to overcome fears of "bad" charts or cards.

This episode begins with Theresa's own story - how she was in a slump with her career and was surprised to get a reading that she would one day run her own business. She has now been a successful tarot reader for over 30 years and author of many publications. This interview and book details how most of us need to "twist our fate" to best understand ourselves, bring our gifts to the world and thrive even when challenges in our charts arise. If you're curious or drawn to better utilizing tarot and astrology to guide your decision-making The Tarot Lady is the wise sister you've always wanted to listen to!

For video of this special interview, become a subscriber at archtypalstories.substack.com!