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
The Magician — Seattle waterfront
The Priestess — Mary’s Grotto @ Holy Names
The Empress — Woodland Park Rose Garden
The Emperor — Bellevue Botanical Garden
Ways to connect when moving to Seattle
The Hierophant — The art of Seattle University
The Lovers — Streissguth Garden
Nature as a pandemic salve to the soul
Chariot — The monorail
Adjustment/Justice — The water tower at Volunteer Park
Hermit — Deep forested parks like Ravenna Park
Seattle in Winter — outdoor things to do
Wheel of Fortune — Pike Place Market
Strength / Lust — Jack and John Block Parks
The best things to do in West Seattle, including Alki Beach
The hanged one — The main Seattle Public Library
Death/Rebirth — low tide in the Salish Sea
Salish Sea day trip from Seattle
Art/Temperance– Ballard Locks
The Devil — Street Art
The Tower
The best view of the Seattle skyline
The Star — The Space Needle as seen through the Black Sun sculpture at Volunteer Park
Moon — Moon Bridge at Kubota Park
Japanese inspired gardens in the Seattle area
Sun — Seattle P-Patch gardens
Aeon — Interlaken Park
Seattle outdoor things to do in Summer
The Universe — A ferry on the Salish Sea
Everything you need to know to take the Washington State Ferries