In our latest Tarot Interviews episode, we delved into a profound conversation with Cassandra Snow, an influential voice in inclusive tarot practice and author of "Queering the Tarot" and editor of "Tarot in Other Words." Our discussion explored the fascinating intersections between spirituality, identity, and personal healing through the lens of tarot.
The conversation began with drawing the Hermit card, which prompted reflections on self-awareness and spiritual guidance. Cassandra shared insights about their journey of accepting the role of spiritual guide and the importance of setting boundaries. They described various methods of self-reflection including journaling, therapy, and community discussions, emphasizing that processing doesn't always need to be internal. This multifaceted approach to reflection demonstrates how different tools can help break cycles and gain fresh perspectives, particularly important for neurodivergent individuals who may benefit from varied processing methods.
As we continued our card drawing, the Fool and Three of Wands appeared together, symbolizing new beginnings and horizon-expanding journeys. These cards perfectly mirrored Cassandra's geographical and spiritual migration from the restrictive Bible Belt to the more accepting Midwest. Cassandra described growing up in an environment where church attendance was assumed and street preaching was commonplace, creating an atmosphere where their emerging queer identity existed in tension with religious expectations. The profound dissonance between finding supportive spaces while navigating harmful religious contexts illuminated the complex relationship between community, faith, and authenticity.
Perhaps most moving was Cassandra's response to the Five of Cups card, which prompted discussion about processing grief and loss. They spoke about working with "darker deities" including Hecate and the Gorgons, finding in these relationships permission to fully experience difficult emotions. Cassandra emphasized that emotional maturity means "leaning into bad emotions" rather than suppressing them, and that spiritual practice should create space for processing grief authentically.
Throughout our conversation, Cassandra illuminated how their tarot practice evolved alongside their journey of queer identity formation. They described moving from seeking "forgiveness and salvation" within restrictive religious contexts to discovering spiritual practices that celebrated rather than merely tolerated their authentic self. This parallel evolution of spiritual practice and personal identity remains central to their work in making tarot accessible and relevant to LGBTQ+ individuals.
What emerged most powerfully from our discussion was Cassandra's emphasis on found family and community. Despite difficult experiences within religious contexts, they valued the emphasis on community that church provided, translating this into building chosen families and supportive networks within spiritual practice. Their work continues to create welcoming spaces for those who may have experienced rejection in traditional religious settings.
As our conversation concluded, we were left with powerful insights about the transformative potential of tarot as a tool for self-discovery, healing, and community building. Cassandra Snow's work reminds us that spiritual practices can be reclaimed and reimagined to celebrate rather than suppress authentic identity, offering pathways to healing for those navigating complex relationships with faith and self.