The Earth cards in Imaginosophy: Beyond Tarot are linked to Pentagrams in the traditional Tarot, and each one has a green mandala. These stories arise out of the myths of Ireland, specifically the Ulster Cycle or Ulaid. These ancient stories center around the court of the great King Conchobar son of Nessa and the hero Cuchulain. These tales are all set in 1BC, when fierce women fought alongside men, and the Faery realm was still accessible. They invite us to consider our relationships with the planet, the nature of true abundance, and the wisdom of our bodies. This is the ancient Irish family.

The Air cards are linked to the Swords of traditional Tarot. Each card in this suit is yellow, the color of confusion, mind, and/or joy. They tend to be cards to challenge us. The stories related to this suit are all Arthurian legend, arising out of 5th century Britain up until 11th century France. Although Arthur may have been a Roman soldier, the quest for the Grail here refers to Self-Knowing and the obstacles we face when trying to discover the Authentic Self. This is the Arthurian family.

The Water cards are linked to the Cups of the traditional Tarot. The cards are blue and each one is about the feeling side of the heart. We all know that matters of the heart can lead us into blissful union or the depths of despair, and sometimes both. The stories related to this suit are from a blend of the romantic Old French and British Grail traditions from the 8th and 14th centuries. They include the first person to discover the Holy Grail, a visionary woman named Dindraine who opened the gates to Sarras, or Heaven. This is the Grail Family.

The Fire cards are linked to Spears in the traditional Tarot. These cards are red and have to do with creativity, passion, and spiritual strength. They invite us to challenge what we think is true and to ask again. They invite us to discard or burn away layers of egoic programming to discover the truth of our authentic selves. The stories arise out of a series of 11th and 12th century Welsh tales known as the Mabinogion. This is the ancient Welsh family.

The Spirit cards are our creation or co-creation with the Sidhe, also known as the Tuatha de Dannan. They are colorful and linked to the realms of the Irish Faery Folk, who invite us to dream between worlds. This is the family of the pre-Christian beings of Ireland known as the Tuatha de Danann. They are also called the Tribe of Danu, and all of these magical deities possessed supernatural powers. They brought special gifts with them to Ireland, including four treasures or jewels of Ireland. The first was the Stone of Fal or Lia Fáil, known as the Stone of Destiny or Speaking Stone. The second was Nuada’s Sword of Light, which was impossible to defeat. The third was the Dagda’s Cauldron, which never ran out of food. The fourth was Lugh’s Spear, the dreaded weapon which would spontaneously burst into flame. These four hallows appear throughout the Imaginosophy artwork.

All the Mage cards are masters of their element. Their symbol is lightning, and they all can be considered deities that awaken and inspire. The energy behind them is that of unity, for concord is what makes an individual and a community strong.