The Journey of a Lifetime: From Discovery to Legacy

Sometimes, the most meaningful journeys begin with unexpected turns. For me, it started with a borrowed pair of ski boots and led to a lifelong relationship with tarot—a journey of discovery, creation, and ultimately, legacy.

The Discovery of Tarot: The story of how I discovered tarot was quite unintentional. I had lent a pair of ski boots to a neighbor, which she failed to return despite repeated reminders. Frustrated, I eventually went to retrieve them myself, only to find them missing. Instead, in a pile of abandoned items, I found a deck of Rider Waite Smith tarot cards. They seemed neglected, left behind, and just waiting for someone to claim them. That night, back at my place, I pored over each card and devoured the accompanying booklet, captivated by the symbols and meanings that had been used for centuries to reveal the deeper truths of life.

Deepening the Connection: My fascination quickly grew into a passion. Within days, I acquired my first tarot book, 1973 Mastering The Tarot: Basic Lessons in an Ancient Mystic Art by Eden Gray, from the local bookstore. This book would be the first of many guides on my tarot journey, each page a step deeper into the mystic art.

Crafting a Home for the Cards: As an art student with a love for pottery, I found another way to channel my passion for tarot. I crafted a ceramic box in one of my college classes, meticulously carving each zodiac sign and a diagonal basketweave pattern around the edges. The lid featured the Wheel of Fortune, accented with a blue glaze that settled in the carvings. Despite the reversed 'R', it was a labor of love, a proud testament to my journey.

A New Chapter: Life has a way of reshaping our journeys. About a year ago, I moved to a long-term care facility. Amidst this significant change, my physical connection to tarot became challenging. Concerns for the safety of my treasured deck—especially the ceramic box—in a shared space led me to a poignant decision. I chose to pass on my tarot deck and ceramic box to my niece, who has been with me since the start of my ALS diagnosis, and the rest of my collection, including books and other tarot cards, to my brother. In their hands, I knew these items would continue to be cherished and respected.

The tarot cards that once guided me now find a new home, continuing their legacy of insight and guidance. As these cards journey on, they carry with them stories of discovery, creativity, and love—woven into their very fibers.

Have you ever discovered something unexpectedly that changed your life? Or perhaps you’ve passed on something special to someone dear? Share your stories of unexpected discoveries and meaningful legacies in the comments below. Let's connect through the shared tapestry of our journeys.