Secrets of Paradise Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Card Deck Review: Secrets of Paradise Tarot - Inspired by Caribbean & Latin American Culture& Mysticism. By Leticia Ferrer-Rivera. Illustrated by Laura Bello. Boxed set of 81 cards and Guidebook. Published by Hay House. Date Jan 2023 UK : £22

“May the oceans bring blessings, abundance, and healing to all who inhabit the Planet Earth.”

Sample: Madre Tierra - About this card - This title replaces The World in traditional decks, and depicts the Ceiba Tree (the sacred tree of the Maya) from Puerto Rico. Animals from Africa, Spain, Uruguay, and Puerto Rico appear in this card, under the Sun and Moon. Card Meaning: This card appears when a person needs to evaluate their position in relation to the rest of the world. Is this person in an eternal night under the moon or burning under the baking Sun? Or are they as grounded, centred and strong as the sacred Ceiba Tree? This card is also a representation of power and shows how much influence someone has over their circumstances. It highlights knowledge and education. We must always learn from situations, and not only be interested in what we can easily master. This card might also show a deep love of nature and a person’s deep caring for the planet. This card honours all wildlife and animals. 

Three additional cards included in this specialised deck. The deck is designed to bring an alignment to the culture and spirituality of Latin America and Caribbean. Work in ritual or with the phases of the moon. It is suggested that cards are cleansed, blessed, and consecrated. A commencement prayer is provided, and a closing prayer is also given, both can be adapted for personal use. Reversal meanings are given in the text. 

Some of the Major Arcana have new titles, El Bobo, La Bruja, The Goddess, The God, Wisdom, The Wheel of the Year, Justicia, Discipline, Temptations, La Luna, Guey, Coexist, Healing, Madre Tierra, The Universe. The Minor Arcana family are matriarchal: Princess, Dame, Queen and King. The suits are Cups, Swords, Pentacles and Wands. Only one spread suggested: The 123, 567 ‘Salsa’ with 7 cards. 

Excellent card stock. I like the celebration emphasis of this deck very much. I enjoyed being introduced and working with Sacred Taino deities. I was interested in the specialisation and concept. 

Novel, quirky, colourful, unusual! Leticia Ferrer-Rivera is also a dance teacher and performer. The deck’s illustrator is Laura Bello from Uruguay, a freelance artist and scenographer (creator of scenery). 

Review by Wendy Stokes. https://wendystokes.co.uk