White Deer Tarot

02/24/2026

For many days they had been traveling together. The path held many hardships, and the Journey was taking its toll on the two. They would support one another, provide reassurance, and at times just sit in silence with each other.

Hunter, sharing his enjoyment of the shade trees, would find now more comfort in those breaks from the trail, those moments of introspection while resting against the tree. A great deal of comfort resided in the fact that he was no longer alone.

Hunter asked, “what does this path mean for you?”

“I would think you would know this answer” replied My Lady.

“I know I am The Fool. I have a journey that I am to someday complete. I know this about me. But, in so many ways, we are one” replied the Fool.

“I feel this as much as you, Hunter. I know our oneness, not only in walking together, but a oneness of being.” My Lady paused for a moment then began speaking again. “The Hierophant sent me to greet you for a reason, Hunter.”

The Fool had suspected the answer, which he knew he was about to receive. He had thought of the situation and struggled with the implications.

“ I take it then, that your being at the temple of the Hierophant was not a matter of coincidence” the Fool stated.

“No” replied My Lady, “it was no coincidence. We all have our path in life, and the Hierophant thought this was the time for our paths to merge.”

“I am The Fool as you are The Fool” Hunter stated, equally as a statement and question.

My Lady stated, “You spent a great deal of your Journey with The Magician, and I with The High Priestess. The Magician’s power drives you. The insight and intuition of The High Priestess, finding the power of the stillness, empowers me. We complement each other.”

The two sat in silence, knowing that prior to this, each walked the path alone, met and learned from the teachers alone. Both were wondering how their being together will now affect their path and what may be encountered in the future. After a time both decided it was time again to resume their Journey.

Mountains gave way to rolling hills, now the land was flat, the horizon vast. The sun was setting, with hues of red, gold, blue, and purple painting the heavens. The two were restless and not yet wanting to end their walk. They continued to walk when they heard a voice from up the trail before them:

“It is best if night is given to sleep, as the darkness holds things we may not yet be ready to meet.”

The two drew closer and could see a handheld lamp near the opening of a small cave, barely bigger than an overhang.

“I was just getting ready to start a fire and cook supper” stated the stranger. “You are welcome to break bread if you like. The path will be awaiting you in the morn.”

The two sat down as the stranger began building a small fire. He was dressed in a grey hooded robe with a simple rope as a belt around his waist. At the same time the two noticed the long staff resting against the rock wall of the cave. The stranger, noticing this, began to chuckle.

“It is for walking, for directing, but I have also found it to be good company. Many paths we have walked together, and it listens very intently to my grumblings” the stranger said with a smile.

The two were more relieved, feeling truth in the man’s words, and there had been no hint of danger with this man.

“May I ask your name,” stated Hunter.

“Names are like leaves on a tree. These days, I am more of a Hermit, so, I suppose you could call me Hermit, young Hunter.”

Hunter and My Lady looked at each other, both knowing that they had not yet spoken their names. Hermit sensed their confusion.

“I have wandered many lands, and I have heard many stories. The latest of stories told by some of the teachers is that a young male and female Fool were now walking their path together. Hunter was the name of the male, but the female had not yet been given her name, not really.”

“My name is My Lady” she stated sharply. She then felt somewhat embarrassed that she reacted so.

“I meant no offense to you, young Fool. Your name is yet to be revealed. My Lady was a name in the moment, but the name you are meant to carry at this time carries more significance for you on this path,” stated the Hermit.

“What name then carries such significance”? asked My Lady.

The Hermit looked at her motionless, more of a gaze than a stare.

“You learned many lessons from the Hight Priestess as well as the Empress. The silvery moon hanging in the heavens speaks of one aspect of the divine feminine. The earth, growth, nurturing, reveals another aspect of the feminine, among many others. The name Hunter speaks to an aspect of the divine masculine. The name you are to carry at this time is Terra. Embrace the Mysteries of the High Priestess and the Empress, Terra. For the two of you are completing one of the three major phases of your journey, your soul’s journey. Many teachings will follow the three, but these three phases will shape you to become a Man and Woman of Power.”

The Hermit poked the fire with a stick, small embers shooting up overhead like small fireworks. “The rabbit appears to be ready” stated the Hermit.

The three ate, drank, and laughed about many of the things they had seen, but mostly at the many stories the Hermit told. After a time, it was mutually agreed upon, that it was bedtime. As everyone was stretched out for the evening the Hermit stated,
“Tomorrow let us speak of chariots.” With that he rolled over and immediately fell to sleep.

Hunter and Terra looked at each other in confusion but given the path it was accepted as nothing beyond their norm.

The light of the rising sun began to illuminate the cave. The Hermit was already packing up his belongings readying himself for the trail.

“What is the significance of the chariots you spoke of last night” asked Hunter.

“Many things can be learned from your surroundings and common place activities taken for granted. Charioteer practice typically occurs in the morning in the next town. If we hurry, we can make it” stated Hermit.

The sounds of horses and loud voices giving directions could be heard. Drawing closer to the town there was a large field where practice had already begun. The three sat down and watched. At one point all chariots withdrew to the edge of the field save one that sat in the center of the field motionless. Suddenly the scream of one syllable cut through the cool crisp morning air. The horses sprang forward drawing the chariot at an incredible speed. With the slightest movement of the reigns the horses responded by making a turn that seemed impossible for any chariot to safely navigate. Lightning fast acceleration, dead stop in one swift pull of the reigns, the power expertly wielded by the charioteer with seemingly little effort. Following this display the other chariots came back into the clearing to practice. None could match the skill of their teacher. Horses bucking, going different directions, chariots being dragged and tipped over.

The Hermit asked, “What was the difference between the teacher and the students?”

Hunter replied, “The students did not appear to have any understanding of how to control the horses”

“There did not seem to be control, but there also did not seem to be confidence” stated Terra.

“Both are correct answers,” the Hermit replied. “The students were unable to unite the power of the horses as one force. They were unable to bring this force under control and direct it to meet the desired outcome by the charioteer. Their emotions were not in order, their focus was not in order, and their mission was sabotaged by their lack of discipline. Mastery is through practice and suffering. The charioteer must gain control of their own power, direct it in accord to their will to achieve their goal. The charioteer is a leader and director of power. The charioteer must be aware of the subtleties of the moment and act with only the amount of power needed. The charioteer must gain control of self before external control can be attained. The teacher is mastery forged through discipline.”

The three sat for some time watching the instruction and improvements being made on the field. After a while it was time for them to part ways.

“It was an honor meeting the two of you,” the Hermit stated.

“The honor was ours, Hermit,” said Terra.

“What are you to do now, Hermit?” asked Hunter.

“I may take a stroll through the night, holding my lantern, and see if there are any in the darkness seeking light during their journeys. Maybe in the process, they will begin to hold their own lanterns,” the Hermit stated. The Hermit then added, “Remember, the Path of Power is not an easy one. One must suffer to learn. Be as the Master Charioteer. As we are, so our world is.”

With that they parted ways, but each knowing they would be seeing one another again.

02/21/2026

Hello all you beautiful people. I will be starting a YouTube channel. I plan to not only post videos but also go live! Yay

02/19/2026

The Hierophant’s instructions, given to me by my guide, were still nagging at me. I find myself thinking about the teachers I have met, the wisdom imparted, and my growth. With each teacher I find myself growing more in understanding, but the questions seem to now outweigh what I have learned. I must admit, it is nice to find solace sitting in the shade of a tree, back resting against the trunk, feeling the energy of the tree: rising from the earth to the heavens, and then retuning back down to the earth. Allowing myself to experience and participate with the tree in this, always brought peace to my mind, and stillness within my being. It is during these times that the struggles of this journey can be laid aside, at least for a short time.

As I continued walking, for some hours now, changing landscapes and smells lured me into a sense of oneness. The walls, the categories, all of these fall away. The thought that I am no better nor worse than anything surrounding me would have been something I would not have even taken the time to consider.
Ahead of me I heard voices, as I grew closer, they were voices of celebration and laughter. As I came to the top of the hill I was able to look down into a valley aglow with a spectrum of colors. Tents, banners, clothing, all sang a song of celebration together. Feeling the need for company and some laughter, I walked down into the valley, into the heart of celebration.

Standing there, surrounded by the joy of these people, the sounds of drums and flutes in the air, stirred something within me. Among all of these people I did not know, not a stranger did I meet. From behind me I heard a female’s voice, “Knock, knock,…may I come in”? I knew this voice, and knew that question. I smiled, turning around to see the smile of my previous guide. There was no forgetting the smile, the laughter, and the power of her gaze.
“Imagine the two of us seeing each other again, and so soon at that” she said with a smile.

“Yes, this is definitely unexpected, but I’m beginning to enjoy the unexpected a great deal now” I replied with a smile.

“I was thinking about this since you left our temple. I only know you as Fool, and you only know me as Guide,” the woman stated.

“Since my stepping off the cliff, I can recall no name. Not from injury, not from anything I can recall, the name just isn’t there anymore” replied The Fool.

“Perhaps I could call you Seeker, Student, Traveler…no, no. Today, you are Hunter!” she stated with excitement.

“So then”, I replied, “by what name shall I call you, My Lady?”

Smiling, but with a gaze that changed, now deeper, soul searching, she stated, “My Lady is the name I choose.”

My Lady took my hand and walked with me to the center of the encampment. There were men stacking massive amounts of wood for a fire.

“Things are being readied for tonight,” she spoke.

“What is taking place this evening”, I asked.

“We will be celebrating life, love, growth” she replied in a reverent tone.

We walked around and discussed things of no great import, yet I found myself hanging to her every word. Night fell and small campfires began to dot the surrounding land like stars in the night sky. In the center of the camp the great bonfire was lit. The flames seemed to reach up to the stars.

“Come, Hunter, let’s walk to the fire.” She took my hand and we slowly walked side by side.

The smell from the fires was almost trance inducing. I felt taken away from my life and placed in a new world, a world of excitement, passion, joy. My Lady looked at me, and a knowing smile crossed her face. She began speaking,

“Hunter, the experience of the greater Mysteries of life are not just lessons taught. We have to experience some things for ourselves, for not all of the Mysteries can be found in a book.”

People began dancing around the great fire, skipping, twirling, laughing, celebrating. At one point during the dance, clothing began to be taken off. I must admit I was shocked by this. My Lady began laughing. She looked at me after a time, placing her arms around me. She could sense my level of discomfort.

“Hunter, life is beautiful, our bodies are beautiful. They shed clothing to honor their true state, unadorned. There is innocence and passion dancing about the fire. There is no shame.”

Those words resonated within my being. I looked again upon the fire and dancers and saw the beauty she saw. I began to experience a higher truth of what had always been no more than of the mundane.

“Tonight, Hunter, we are celebrating life,…we are celebrating pleasure.”

She took my hand and led me to the great fire. She laughed as she taught me to dance. As we danced, the warmth of the fire beside us, the voices singing, instruments playing, laughter and joy all around, it became more and more intoxicating.

“Man and woman” she spoke in my ear, “are meant to be together and share one another.”

The more we danced the more I began to see the truth of this night. Life in its simplest form: to love and enjoy the ecstasy, the transcendence of self. This night was filled with spirit. The driving, procreative force, as the beating drums, and the high-pitched cries of the flute, drifting through the air. We danced, we loved, we were one.

With sunrise came the realization that the night which transformed me so was now passed. Beside me, My Lady was stirring to wakefulness.

“Hunter, Fool,” she asked quietly, “Shall we begin walking our path together?"

“Together,” I whispered in reply. “Together.”

02/15/2026

The Fool walked down the path, a gentle breeze blowing against his face. The Fool sat down beneath a tree, taking a break from his long walk, sitting in the shade. He found himself drawn into a sense of peace from the sound of rustling leaves above him. Looking around The Fool noticed fruit lying on the ground around him. The Fool gave a silent thanks for the food provided.
The Fool reflected on this path, a path that had led him to practices and Mysteries that burrowed deep into his inner being. The Fool no longer reflected upon his past. The Fool felt no longing for what was before. There was a greater appreciation for life now. Often The Fool found thought replaced with the experience of the moment. A peace never before experienced slowly began to make itself more known in his daily travels.
After a time, The Fool, rested and fed, was ready to continue his journey. Soon he began to hear voices off in the distance. As he drew closer, he could see a gathering of people at a large structure. This structure, unlike the others, was more ornate in nature. Statues of various figures could be seen around the building and as part of its architecture.
The sweet smell of incense drifted through the air. Music was being played and voices lifted in song could be heard. Upon drawing closer, a large number of people could be seen, similar in dress and movement. The situation seemed to be one of ritual, but a group ritual, not as had been taught to him by The Magician. Before the structure, sitting on a large chair on a raised platform, sat a man dressed in fine robes and a large crown resting upon his head.
The Fool stood in the crowd for some time, watching and listening to the words of guidance from this man. The Fool knew, as this man was unlike the others in dress and mannerism, that he must be the Hierophant of which The Emperor spoke.
A woman approached The Fool to his left. “Fool, we have been awaiting you. The Emperor sent word to us of your travels and time of learning”. Her voice was comforting, but her gaze, eyes of power that have looked far and seen much.
“If you will walk with me, we will go to the temple and prepare you for your meeting with The Hierophant”.
Looking about him he stated, “all of this is so new to me. I have never seen such a gathering of people for such a purpose as this”.
“Today is a Holy day of celebration, and a very propitious day in your travels. Come, let’s make ready” she said in a very excited, yet hurried voice.
Almost at a run, we arrived at a doorway to the temple. As I entered, the smell of incense hung in the air, and the flickering lights of the surrounding candles made the chamber glow with a golden hue. I was given a ritual bath, which in itself was a blessing after some days on the road. I was anointed with oils and given loosely fitting clothing of the purist white to wear. I could feel the shift in my consciousness. I had stepped out of the mundane and entered a world of the spiritual, the ritualized.
There was a knock on the door. “Fool, may I enter”? This was the voice of my guide who had brought me to this place.
“Yes” I replied, “I am clothed now”.
Entering the chamber she announced, “The Hierophant has now completed his daily duties and is ready to meet with you”. I must admit that I was nervous. This setting, these practices, all foreign to me. None the less, the hunger to know more greatly outweighed any insecurities my mind could generate. Walking toward the door with her, another level of understanding was to present itself.
“I am ready” I stated in a voice as steady as I could make it in the moment.
I was led to a great wooden door, ornate, artistic depictions of events long past. My guide knocked on the door, which was met with the granting of admission. Upon entering my guide bowed slightly to The Hierophant, who returned a slight bow. I followed suit.
“Come, sit Fool, join me for a time. Let us discuss your adventures”. The Hierophant seemed to be a kind person, radiating an energy of love and authority. Though nervous, I truly felt welcomed.
“I am not sure where to start” I stated. “There have been so many things I have encountered and experienced, so many things that I never knew were possible”.
“It sounds as if this has truly been a Journey of great import for you”
I began to discuss my disillusionment, stepping off the precipice, and encountering and learning from the Magician, High Priestess, Empress, and Emperor. I detailed the many things I learned, as if I were a small child returning home from summer camp with all the tales of adventure bursting forth fueled by excitement. I am sure I was aglow during the discussion. The smile upon The Hierophant’s face grew more noticeable and chuckles grew more commonplace as the stories continued. I suddenly stopped, and apologized, as my reason here was not to talk of myself.
“Apologies are unnecessary here, seeker of adventures! It is good for me to know these things, to understand where you are on your quest”. He spoke with the greatest of reassurance.
The Hierophant noticed my glance at his crown and the grandeur of it. “I suppose this is as good of a starting point as any may be”. The Hierophant took off his crown and held it in his lap. He then began speaking again, this time more deliberate in his wording and authority of being.
“This symbolizes the Three Tier reign. The first is representative of our Source of Being, that greater One from which all originates. The second level represents the earthly administration of the one who wears this, and the uppermost speaks of being the spokesperson of The Source of All Things”. The Hierophant went on to say, “These are also the Three stages of enlightenment: the sequential learning of the foundation, integrating the Mysteries, and then the rise to illumination”.
“So the rituals that I saw upon arriving, the clothing, the idea of Holy Days, these are all part of what you are describing” I asked.
“Very much so” he replied. “Bringing everyone together at the same starting point helps to ensure that all will progress in a manner which will speak to spiritual evolution, not confusion”.
“But my path, my experiences, they did not come to me in this manner. Does this mean that the path I am walking is wrong” I asked.
“Certainly not, Fool” he exclaimed. “Your path is that of the Fool’s Journey”. Yours is of the initiation by the archetypes of which I teach to others. You have been called to the Path of Power, to which few are called. Those receiving the call learned in a like manner as you yourself are currently”.
The Hierophant was silent for some time, seemingly knowing that I needed time to process what had just been spoken.
“Fool, I symbolize the seeking of the Sacred. In cultures far removed from one another, some in total isolation from others, there exists, has always existed, the inner desire to connect to that something greater than ourselves. There is an innate burning to connect to the Divine. All religions began at some point with, at least a fleeting awareness, that something beyond their mundane existence was present. As humanity evolves, our ability to grasp the higher teachings evolve”.
The two of us sat for sometime following this conversation discussing random topics and theories, and commenting on the warmth of the fire in the fireplace. There was no hurry to end our discussion. I think possibly that we each found peace and excitement, in some way, in the path of the other.
At night’s end, The Hierophant imparted one more teaching.

“Fool, there must be sacrifice in order to learn. You are the lamb. The blood shed is your continued study and your determination in the face of adversity. To walk the Path of Power is to accept fear, learn from the fear, and move beyond it. Fear can aid you, yet it can also paralyze you”. The Hierophant made one final statement. “I am the Gatekeeper. I assist you in walking through the gate toward higher teachings, but the opening gate reveals the inner you. I prepare the seeker, I guide the seeker, and when ready, I will unlock the door through which all must walk. The Inner Journey is the beginning of their Journey, Fool, the rest was preparation”.
With that we bid each other goodnight. Upon waking in the morning the conversation of the previous night was clear and powerful. As I readied myself to walk out the door to continue the journey down the path, my guide came to me handing me a piece of paper, and with a kiss on the cheek wished me a safe journey. When unfolding the paper the words written thereon were cryptic: with an open heart walk your path, when meeting the same, the teaching of your next stage will be experienced. Walk in Love, Traveler.

02/10/2026

The Fool continued down the path, lush greenery all about. Thoughts of the many things he has encountered swirling about in his head. The Fool begins to think about life before stepping off the precipice. Things were simple. Everyday life wasn’t questioned, nothing beyond that which could be seen by your eyes existed. But now, but now things are different. The Fool questions all. The Fool himself has experienced forces that shape the universe around him. The Fool has experienced the Mysteries of The Magician and the High Priestess. The lessons of life, death, and rebirth were learned. From The Great Mother, Empress, sitting at her feet, The Fool learned things that he never before dreamt.
As he walked, The Fool began to notice the greenery surrounding him becoming more sparce. The further he walked the more barren and harder the landscape became. Soon mountains of bare stone could be seen in the distance. The Fool noticed that this path led directly to a large structure, likened to a castle. The same grey stone of the mountains made up this castle, intimidating in nature, ageless as the mountain from which the stones themselves were hewn. The great door which towered above him began to slowly open as he approached.
“Fool, traveler in strange lands, you may enter”. The voice was loud, echoing throughout the hall with authority and will.
“I am The Emperor; I am he whom you seek. You have encountered much on your journey, you have learned much on your journey, now let us sit and discuss a life many fail to live”.
The Emperor stood from his throne, carved of the same grey stone of the castle and formidable mountains outside. He motioned for me to sit at the great table in the hall. The Emperor wore armor beneath his robes, as if he were ready for battle at a moments notice. His aura was one of authority, discipline shaped by adversity, a character as sure and strong as the surrounding stone.
“Fool, I am the page, the elemental suit first exercised. I am the Knight, actively moving forward in accord with my elemental nature. I am the King ruling with the authority given by my element, four tools I have held, four powers I have governed. But today, we will discuss other things, for the elements in the mundane life are lessons later to be learned by you”.
Question upon question began to arise in my mind. Page, Knight, King, acting in accordance to an elemental nature? The Emperor looked at me, a smile forming from the stoic face.
“I am The Emperor, I am The Father. I am the Masculine Principle, and the Patriarch. My rule is one often seen as cold and uncaring, but this is far removed from the truth. Many depend upon my rule. I look upon things not emotionally driven. Clarity of sight, understanding actions have consequences, and order, the needed aspects of the ruler”.
The Emperor paused, looking down at the floor, a moment of uncomfortable stillness dwelled in the hall. The Emperor looked up, looking directly into my eyes, and began speaking again.
“Wisdom, determination, action, initiative. Necessary qualities of a ruler. The Empress and myself, the feminine and masculine, both dwell within each person equally. One may seem more dominate in the lives of others, but both dwell within. Structure, order, and rule within times of turmoil are necessary. I am not distant nor unfeeling. I have the task of maintaining order and thus safety for those who depend upon my dedication to this cause. I protect and defend”. The Emperor took a long breath and made a short yet powerful statement:
“Fool, traveler, you are called to a life of balance. In the magick and mystery of The Magician and The High Priestess you will walk your path. With the balanced power of The Empress and myself, you will approach all dealings with others and the world around you. By doing such, you will walk your path in power. Many fail to do so. I hope you will succeed where many others did not”.
The words were powerful. An obligation to be not only be an individual of power, but also one of service to others was assigned. A sense of honor, yet a heaviness of great responsibility, dwelled within me.
“Now Fool, you are beginning to feel the weight of one who is to be a good ruler. I have faith that you will succeed. I want you to now seek counsel with The Hierophant. See how The High Priestess is made known to the masses and see how institutions affect humanity you are called to serve. Merry meet, Fool”.

02/09/2026

Hello Everyone! I gave my website a bit of a facelift, so I invite you to take a look and I hope you enjoy!

The site is www.white-deer-tarot.com
You can also utilize the QR code below:

Have a great evening!
James

10/31/2025

A Blessed Samhain to you All!

10/31/2025