Discovering the Arcana in Alaska

How a university used bookstore and a chance encounter ignited my passion for all things Tarot.

In the heart of Alaska during my university years, amidst the quiet solitude that blankets the vast, Last Frontier, my life took a turn toward the mystical. As a college student over two decades ago, my days were spent among stacks of used books in a quaint bookstore, a place that felt more like a sanctuary of forgotten tales than a mere shop. It was here, under the soft hum of rather loud fluorescent lights, that a seemingly mundane encounter would lead me to discover a passion that has since become an integral part of my being.

On a quiet afternoon, while I was busy organizing and pricing books behind the counter, a woman made her way up the stairs to our used book section. Carrying a box of books she no longer needed, she walked confidently through to my area, a common journey for those looking to find new homes for old stories. She reached the counter where I stood and placed a well-worn, dusty cardboard box in front of me, ready to see if any of her books could join the collection on our shelves.

“Can you take anything to resell here?” she inquired, her voice laced with a hint of urgency.

Before I could muster more than a robotic reply, she vanished among the aisles, leaving me with the box that would alter the course of my life.

As I delved into the contents, my hands brushed against a myriad of well-worn books on history, fiction and spirituality from the past. Suddenly, I felt an inexplicable pull towards an object nestled within the depths of the box. Like extracting a deeply buried treasure from its hiding place, I carefully pulled out what would soon become my first personal deck of Tarot cards - the Spiral Tarot - from the tightly packed contents of the box. As I opened the almost pristine case, I immediately felt a deep connection to the cards, adorned with imagery that was complex but very cool.

Without hesitation, I knew these cards were not meant for the shelves but for my own personal journey.

Emboldened by my newfound treasure, I embarked on a journey of discovery and introspection with the Tarot. Reading for close friends quickly blossomed into sessions with acquaintances, neighbors, and even strangers who were drawn to the mystique of the Tarot. Each reading was a conversation into the unknown, with the cards serving as a guide through the emotional and spiritual moments of those seeking answers.

During readings, my visceral reactions can be incredibly strong as I connect to certain cards from the deck. I can feel waves of sadness, anger, and inspiration flow through me as if channeling the energies around me. These powerful, raw emotions have served as a guide, directing the readings to reveal some home truths that have deeply resonated with the people connecting with Tarot over time.

To this day, the Spiral Tarot remains a faithful companion on my journey. The connection I share with these cards is a testament to the power of intuition and the profound impact that a moment of serendipity can have on our lives. They taught me that to truly connect with the Tarot, one must first connect with the emotions that the cards evoke.

And if anyone asks me about how to read the Tarot, I tell them this first—You have to feel the cards before you can read them. So many times, the feelings can guide you to messages before the logical side kicks in.

Reflective Questions

💬 What insights or clarity has the Tarot brought into your life?

💬 Have you uncovered any patterns or beliefs that were holding you back?

💬 How has the Tarot strengthened your intuition or spiritual abilities?

💬 In what ways has Tarot nurtured your empathy and compassion?