#bridgette egan

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The Magician. Art by Bridgette Egan, from the Delta Enduring Tarot.

The magician stands at her kitchen stove, manifesting the magic of gumbo from the odds and ends in the refrigerator. She creates something from nothing. Her magic feeds her own strength. It warms the bellies of those she loves. She has mastered the skills and recipes of those that have come long before, and wields her power over the kitchen with confidence and grace. The four elements are present, and she commands them all.  Her wisdom and talents extend far outside this small domain, but it is sitting at the table while she cooks that her devotees are privy to ask her personal sage advice. Upright, this card speaks to your own inner power, your skills, your ability to manifest your desires. You have the tools, and now is the time to use them. The Magician portends success and fulfillment in your endeavors, but such success will require your focus and ability to bring together everything you need to see your dreams realized. Don’t lose that drive and optimism!

Reversed: Even the best ingredients won’t cover up a burnt roux. Lose your focus for one minute, and that gumbo can turn on you. Reserved, this card suggests that your skills are not being put to their best uses, or that you are not living up to your true potential. Your mastery may not be utilized at all, or worse, may be working toward a negative goal. Beware of manipulation, untrustworthiness, and coercion.

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Ace of Oysters. Art by Bridgette Egan, from the Delta Enduring Tarot.

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The Empress. Art by Bridgette Egan, from the Delta Enduring Tarot.

The Empress Crawmaid sits on her throne of dirt. The swamp is hers to protect, to nurture, to defend with lethal force if necessary. She has captured the light of fireflies in her staff, telling of her ability to see into the darkness of the unseen. She is alluring, her eyes inviting, but she is no yielding maiden. Her sensual exterior hides a much deeper power that should not be tested, lest one risk a muddy grave. Upright, this card encourages the reader to step into the role as a nurturer. Though this card is identified by the empress of the swamp, its meaning is not masculine nor feminine, but empathetic. It invites you to take the time to reach out to those struggling in your life. Examine your relationship with the children in your life. Nurture your sensual side. Seek out and create beauty. Taste good food. Buy that new vibrator. Treat yourself to a new creative medium and express yourself in a new and exciting way.

Reversed: Crawmaid is a force of nature, a nurturing and enduring queen of her domain. But like most people, she too has her own insecurities and fears of lonely nights in the swamp. Reversed, this card may suggest that your nurturing spirit may be leading you into unhappiness. You may be caring so much for others that you are neglecting your own feelings. You may not feel that you are being heard or appreciated in a relationship. Perhaps it’s time to take a step back and reexamine your own needs and boundaries. You’re strong, beautiful, and capable. Don’t forget that.

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The Chariot. Art by Bridgette Egan, from the Delta Enduring Tarot.

A pick up truck can take you anywhere you heart desires, and the determination to go there often has its sweet rewards. The watermelon is traditionally a symbol of work and desire, and the chariot is, unironically, all about drive. You are going to get things done if you can stay focused and get the wheels in motion. Your chariot needs a confident and decisive driver, and now is the time to express what you need from others to accomplish your own and mutual goals. Things are in motion, and it is up to you to steer your way toward success! Upright, the chariot can also symbolize a journey or road trip coming up. Time to take those melons to market.

Reversed: Reversed, this card reflects the fact that you may be letting someone else drive. Perhaps it seems your life is out of control. Maybe your voice isn’t being heard. How can you get the wheels back on the road? Inverted, the Chariot may also reflect too much drive, which can also turn into aggression. Be careful. You want to succeed, but not hurt others in the process.

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Back of Card. Art by Bridgette Egan, from the Delta Enduring Tarot. 

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The Emperor. Art by Bridgette Egan, from the Delta Enduring Tarot.

The Emperor Gatorman, adorned with his crown of straw, sits on his log in the dark of the swamp. He is the oldest creature there that he has met, and has seen many battles, won through the toughness of his skin and the sharpness of his fangs. He rules the swamp as he always has, though he still feels slighted when Crawmaid refuses to give him the time of day. Upright, the Emperor represents structure and stability, the domination of mind over emotion to fulfill a goal. He is a leader, and as such, expects results. How those in power make you feel about yourself, and the work you do. Are you the one in control? Perhaps it is time to examine if your leadership is accomplishing your goals.  Do you need to step up your organizational skills? Do you need to communicate more? Gatorman also sits with his back to the viewer, casting a reproachful glance over his shoulder. He feels he deserves praise for using his power for what he thinks is good. Such strength and fortitude can lead to a sense of entitlement. Crawmaid doesn’t owe Gatorman anything. This card encourages you to examine your relationship with toxic masculinity in your life. The emperor is the symbol of the patriarchy, and all the challenges that come with dismantling it. Does this card refer to someone in your life, or your own behaviors that you’ve been ignoring? It might be time to really ask yourself some difficult questions.  

Reversed: Removed from his restraint and control, Gatorman can be abusive, his fangs turned on those he says he loves. In the reverse position, this card should prompt you to look at those people in power in your life, and whether those relationships are causing you harm. This can come from a parent or a partner, your boss, or the leader of your community group. If you feel helpless in a situation, now is the time to reach out for help. A tyrant cannot be overthrown by a single person. It is its own strength to come to that realization and do what you need to maintain autonomy and well-being for yourself.

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Harm Reduction. Art by Bridgette Egan, from the Delta Enduring Tarot.

In the moments after an unintentional overdose, two companions embrace, the spent vile of naloxone on the coffee table. There is no judgement nor anger, only understanding. There was always a risk this could happen, but safety measures were put in place with trust and compassion.  The loss of a life has been prevented. Harm Reduction sits in the place once traditionally occupied by Temperance, a card reflecting the need to finding balance. While achieving balance in a person’s life is a worthwhile pursuit, it puts the emphasis on the individual to make that happen, demanding in some ways to simply overcome the great hurdles in one’s life to find inner peace. This telling ignores the roles communities, families, and partners have in helping achieve that balance. Like the traditional Temperance card, Harm reduction suggests that you have a long term vision of your goals, and you are working on achieving your aims while not harming others. Staying on the right path, however, means asking for directions at times, and knowing when you or a fellow traveller needs help. This card introduces the idea that creating a life filled with balance and moderation is something not only to foster in oneself but in others as well.

Reversed: Reversed, a vulnerable person must face their challenges alone in hiding and in shame, a situation which can become tragic. In the reverse position, the Harm Reduction card reflects a time in your life may be out of balance. You may need help to find that inner peace, but your own fear, shame, or anxiety may be holding you back from reaching out. Likewise, your biases may be guiding you toward harmful action (or inaction) toward others who may need your compassion. Are you living dangerously? What changes do you need to make to reduce the harm in your own life? In others?

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Two of Oysters. Art by Bridgette Egan, from the Delta Enduring Tarot.