My favorite places in Seattle through the lens of the Major Arcana of tarot

September 1, 2021 by Matthew

The Salish Sea flows in and out of the waters around Seattle twice every day, infusing life in a cycle that goes back to time immemorial. I’ve lived here now for ten years and the Emerald City is secure within my being. I’ve written quite a number of articles on the area — mostly focusing on the colors and textures of the many green spaces — but never in a manner that clearly connects Seattle with my spirituality.

Yesterday I finished a year-long spirituality class that helped me work closer to finding a connection to myself through Mother Earth. The teachings each Thursday were presented in a beautiful flow that followed the Major Arcana of the Tarot. Tarot cards conjure up many different images to different people, but to me, they are a daily tool to help in meditation and reflection on my life.

Initially, when I started this site I wanted to write more about how the Tarot integrates with travel. I even have a few articles on the topic: Tarot cards and travel, The Sun card and Mt. Rainier, and an early piece on My own private Trevie Fountain. Although I kept up the daily practice of using the cards to help me grow in my writing, the specific articles tapered off.

There are 22 major archetypes experienced throughout humanity, regardless of global location or specific life circumstances. Each offers a specific principle, law, or teaching that aids in self-discovery both internally and externally. I feel inspired to share with you my experience working with the Major Arcana of the Tarot — through the lens of Seattle, my beloved home.

Each of the photos below represents one of the 22 “steps” in self-discovery. All are very special places to me and can provide you with the crucial elements of what the soul of Seattle means to me. I’ve also linked articles that include the featured location.

The Holy Fool — “Boots-n-hat” at Oxbow Park

Boots and hat park in Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle reveals giant cowboy boots painted various shades of blue. This photo represents the Fool in the Major Arcana of the tarot.

The Magician — Seattle waterfront

The waterfront of Downtown Seattle represents the Magician in the Major Arcana of the tarot.

The Priestess — Mary’s Grotto @ Holy Names

A stature of Mary adorns this grotto at All Saints school in Seattle. The fresh snow fills in amongst square shaped bricks.

The Empress — Woodland Park Rose Garden

Seattle botanical gardens

A rose opens up her petals to the world while the Woodland Park Rose Garden blooms in the distance.

The Emperor — Bellevue Botanical Garden

Ways to connect when moving to Seattle

Bellevue Botanical garden represents the Emperor in the Major Arcana of the tarot. Here a dragonfly sits perched atop a flower opening up.

The Hierophant — The art of Seattle University

The art of Seattle University

The Chapel of St. Ignatius on the campus of Seattle University offers a unique architecture with a variety of geometrical shapes towering over a rectangular reflection pool.

The Lovers — Streissguth Garden

Nature as a pandemic salve to the soul

Hollyhocks shine in the midday sun at Streissguth Gardens in Seattle.

Chariot — The monorail

The Seattle Monorail travels between Downtown Seattle and Seattle Center.

Adjustment/Justice — The water tower at Volunteer Park

The water tower at Volunteer Park in Seattle represents the adjustment Archetype of the tarot. Here the round building made from brick can be seen from the viewpoint of the entrance looking up.

Hermit — Deep forested parks like Ravenna Park

Seattle in Winter — outdoor things to do

This view of a Winter forest, with bare trees in Ravenna Park in Seattle represents the Hermit in the tarot

Wheel of Fortune — Pike Place Market

View of Pike Place Market in Seattle under Winter light. The red neon letters say Market Center and the large clock shows almost 3PM.

Strength / Lust — Jack and John Block Parks

The best things to do in West Seattle, including Alki Beach

This view from Jack Block park in West Seattle shows waves crashing on a beach just beyond the industrial zone in Seattle.

The hanged one — The main Seattle Public Library

The interesting geometric shapes of the Seattle Public Library is iconic and represents the Hanged Man in the Major Arcana of the tarot.

Death/Rebirth — low tide in the Salish Sea

Salish Sea day trip from Seattle

The symbol for Death and Rebirth in Seattle is the low tide of the Salish Sea. Here the tide is all the way out, revealing the flowing patterns of the bare sand.

Art/Temperance– Ballard Locks

The Ballard Locks in Seattle offer the integration story between fresh and salt water. Here, the huge metal doors remain closed keeping the water separated. There are various colors of green between the algae on the doors and the rich green water below.

The Devil — Street Art

Art of Seattle C.H.O.P.

This shot shows a blanket on a doorstep of a building with street art that says, "We can be heroes just for one day."

The Tower

The best view of the Seattle skyline

Smith Tower in Seattle rises up around other larger buildings, but this angle makes it seem like the early 1900's structure is the biggest.

The Star — The Space Needle as seen through the Black Sun sculpture at Volunteer Park

The tiny Space Needle can be seen through the center of the Black Sun sculpture in Volunteer Park in Seattle.

Moon — Moon Bridge at Kubota Park

Japanese inspired gardens in the Seattle area

A bright red moon bridge startles a pond in beautiful Kubota Garden in South Seattle. This shot represents the Moon card in the Major Arcana of the tarot.

Sun — Seattle P-Patch gardens

Seattle P-Patch photo gallery

A bright yellow dahlia shines with specks of red flowing through while the green foliage is slightly out of focus. This picture represents the Sun archetype of the tarot and was taken at a community garden in Seattle.

Aeon — Interlaken Park

Seattle outdoor things to do in Summer

The sun shines through a thick forest mixed with fir trees and maple that are changing colors to fall.

The Universe — A ferry on the Salish Sea

Everything you need to know to take the Washington State Ferries

A Washington State Ferry crosses the Salish Sea, as seen from another ferry with a green railing. The sun is setting over the Olympic Mountain range.