Has Anyone Worked with the Relative Tarot?

[RunningWild]

By Carrie Paris.

 

Just the tarot deck, not the oracle that one could purchase before it became mass marketed.

 

The Relative Tarot

 

If so, how do you like it?  A friend recently pointed it out to me and I find it appealing but I want to know how others found working with it.

 

I didn't look to see if it was on the list of inclusive decks but it might be good for that.  It comes with three Lovers cards, each depicting a different relationship aspect.

[Raggydoll]

I haven’t worked with it. It reminds me a bit of the stretch tarot, but I will be honest - something about this deck doesn’t sit well with me. I think it’s the type of photographs used. I do know it’s tricky to find antique photos of everyday people in public domain (which is what I assume they have done), especially if you’re looking for non-caucasians. And the depictions, when seen through a modern day lens, tend to have problematic racial stereotypes and a lot of exotification. That looks indeed to be the case here. And from what I can see, the Caucasians look like they are playing dress up or auditioning for a theater role.
 

Personally, I wouldn’t be able to use this deck in the way it’s intended. I’ve seen pictures of many of my ancestors and they look nothing like what you see there. I can’t speak for other people but I’d be very reluctant to use it in readings for others.
 

Also, what if you pull cards that depict someone who realistically can’t be your ancestor? I just picture a scenario when people starts to say “but it’s probably my guide. It seems as if I have First Nation guides. Or I was a First Nation individual in a past life. Maybe a shaman.”. And that in itself is a minefield when it comes to privilege. 
 

ETA: I took the time to look more closely at the images and I came to realize that Carrie has included Sitting Bull as well as Harriet Tubman on her court cards. I’m a bit speechless, especially after the way she’s depicted Harriet - clenching a coin as the Queen of Pentacles. I really do not understand why she would do that. 

Edited April 8, 2022 by Raggydoll

[gregory]

Never saw it before, but I just looked.  That's one I shall not use. It looked basically like another ooh let's cash in on native stuffs. And use royalty free stock images to save work and money. Also I think the idea of "using tarot to find your ancestral blueprint " is too new age tacky even for me. Now but me, I can't be here much just now anyway!

[RunningWild]

I'm not trying to be rude here, just focused.  I asked "Has anyone worked with the Relative Tarot.  And if so, how do you like it?"

 

I can appreciate that someone may not find it appealing for any variety of reasons including, but not limited to, some sense of cultural appropriation or misappropriation, but that wasn't the question.  The creator of the deck worked on it a long time and took in suggestions and received feedback for the deck via some FB group.  A member of same is the friend that pointed out the deck to me and hence the question I've asked.

 

Thank you for your comments.

[gregory]

Well, sorry to offend, but that would have been my answer if I had had it in my hand.  I know Carrie Paris has a following, and I know fans will often give positive comments. But I still agree with myself that I could never work with it.

[Raggydoll]

@RunningWild The reason why I replied is because you brought up the list of inclusive decks and you said this deck might be good for that. The thread with inclusive decks is one that I created and am managing. So I looked at the deck and gave my thoughts on it.