Tarot Emblemata: Interview with Nitasia Roland

Tarot and the Psychology of Soul

Host Cyndera Quackenbush welcomes author and tarot scholar Mariana Louis for a profound exploration of tarot, Jungian psychology, archetypes, synchronicity, and the lifelong journey of self-discovery. Centered around Mariana’s book, Tarot and the Psychology of the Soul: Exploring the Archetypal Mirrors of the Psyche, the conversation dives into the ways tarot can function not simply as divination but as a mirror to encounter the deepest layers of the self. Mariana shares her unexpected path from aspiring musical theater performer to scholar of Western intellectual traditions after discovering Carl Jung’s The Undiscovered Self in her grandfather’s attic. Soon after, a transformative tarot reading revealed to her the uncanny overlap between Jungian archetypes and the symbolic language of tarot, setting her on a years-long quest to understand how these systems intersect and how they can be used as tools for personal transformation. Together, Cyndera and Mariana explore some of the most fascinating ideas in Jungian thought, including individuation, synchronicity, the collective unconscious, projection, the shadow, anima and animus, and the mysterious “psychoid” realm where psyche and matter appear to meaningfully intertwine. Rather than treating tarot as a rigid fortune-telling device, Mariana presents it as an invitation into dialogue with the unconscious. Warm, thoughtful, and deeply inspiring, this episode is a celebration of tarot as a tool for soul-making. Whether you are new to Jungian concepts or a longtime tarot practitioner seeking greater depth, this conversation bridges intellect and intuition, mystery and meaning, psychology and spirit. Mariana Louis is a contemporary tarot scholar, teacher, and author known for her work exploring the psycho-spiritual and Jungian dimensions of tarot. A former musical theater performer, she now teaches tarot through the lens of archetypes, depth psychology, and individuation, and serves as faculty at the Jung Archademy. Through her platform Persephone’s Sister [https://persephonessister.com/], her writing, and the podcast Soror Mystica [https://www.sorormysticapodcast.com/], Mariana has guided countless students in tarot, shadow work, witchcraft, and the archetypal Feminine. Based in Queens, she lives with her husband, two cats, and an ever-growing collection of books.

Have a Good Day (On Purpose)

In this deeply affirming episode of the Archetypal Tarot Podcast, two Geminis (Alethea Crimmins [https://iamalethea.com/] and Cyndera Quackenbush) have a conversation that begins with a simple correction of pronunciation and unfolds into a profound exploration of boundaries, self-worth, identity, and healing. Alethea shares the heart behind her wildly uplifting affirmation deck, Have a Good Day on Purpose [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/803451/have-a-good-day-on-purpose-by-alethea-crimmins/], a collection of bold, humorous, and emotionally resonant cards designed not just to inspire, but to help people truly receive kindness and encouragement for themselves. Together, Cyndera and Alethea explore the tension between humility and self-love, the struggles of people-pleasing, mom guilt, chronic overthinking, and the lifelong challenge of choosing oneself without shame. Alethea opens up candidly about living with depression, bipolar disorder, and ADHD, revealing how the deck was born from her own need for compassion and support during difficult times. Rather than waiting for someone else to become her cheerleader, she became that voice for herself and then for thousands of others. The conversation dives into why affirmations often fail to “stick,” and how Alethea’s unique format (pairing empowering declarations with deeply personal, conversational pep talks) creates a bridge between the mind and the heart. Filled with laughter, emotional honesty, and unforgettable one-liners, this episode is both a soul-level conversation and a reminder that self-worth is not something granted by others, but something we learn to claim for ourselves.

Your Life IS the Manifestation

In this inspiring episode of the Archetypal Tarot Podcast, host Cyndera Quackenbush welcomes author, speaker and creator Jason A. Benefield, the visionary behind the Essence Illuminations Oracle Cards [https://www.jasonabenefield.com/illumination-cards]. What begins as a conversation about an oracle deck quickly unfolds into a profound exploration of healing, self-belief, spiritual empowerment, and the limitless potential within every human being. Jason shares the deeply personal origins of the deck, created during the pandemic as an extension of his book The Essential Pain and Peace of Life [https://www.jasonabenefield.com/general-7]. The cards are made even more meaningful through the inclusion of artwork painted by his late mother, whose presence and creativity continue to live through the project.   Photo by Christina C. [https://voyagela.com/interview/meet-jason-benefield-of-jab-unlimited-productions-llc/] Throughout the conversation, Jason opens up about his lifelong spiritual search and how personal struggles led him toward a deeper relationship with God, self-awareness, and ultimately becoming a spiritual practitioner. His vulnerability becomes one of the episode’s greatest gifts, especially as he speaks about redefining identity, trusting intuition, and embracing authenticity in a world that often pressures people to conform. Listeners will discover the philosophy at the heart of the deck: “Commodity.” Jason’s transformative concept reminds us that each person is inherently valuable and important. He breaks the word into three powerful stages: * Comm – Communication with inner wisdom through prayer, meditation, and reflection * Mod – Modification and transformation based on that inner guidance * Ity – Embodiment of one’s highest and truest self This episode is ultimately an invitation: to believe in yourself more deeply, to honor your journey, and to recognize that your life itself is a sacred expression of possibility. Memorable Quotes from the Conversation * “Your journey is a testament to your authenticity.” * “Your might grows with every step you take.” * “You are the living manifestation of your dreams.”   Jason Adeniyi Ojudun Benefield is a licensed Spiritual Practitioner, speaker, published author, stage actor, and singer-songwriter who wears many hats with purpose and passion. Nearly 25 years ago, after delivering his first sermon, Jason recognized the depth of his connection to Source Energy (what many call God, the Universe, or simply the Source). He believes this greater energy dwells within all people and calls each person to evolve into their highest self. Through discovering and nurturing this spiritual connection in his own life, Jason experienced profound transformation and clarity, inspiring him to dedicate his work to helping others do the same. Jason is committed to guiding individuals toward embracing their inner energy, purpose, and peace through one-on-one support, intimate group settings, or speaking engagements. His work is rooted in the belief that nothing is ever truly lost or missing in the Universe; rather, it is waiting to be rediscovered. For those who feel disconnected, uncertain, or longing for something more, Jason offers compassionate guidance on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. Walking alongside others as they reconnect with their truth and inner power is not just his calling, it is his life’s work. jasonabenefield.com [https://www.jasonabenefield.com/]

Archetypes for a Thriving Earth

In this illuminating episode of the Archetypal Tarot Podcast, host Cyndera Quackenbush sits down with sustainability pioneer Jaimie Cloud, founder of the Cloud Institute for Sustainability Education [https://cloudinstitute.org/], to explore how our ways of thinking shape the future of life on Earth. At the center of the conversation is Cloud’s lifelong journey: sparked by an experimental global education program in her youth and deepened through decades of observing planetary trends. Her new book, Response-Able: How to Live Well Over Time On Planet Earth [https://www.jaimiepcloud.com/], is not just a call to action but a guide to transforming how we think, teach, and lead in an increasingly complex world. Rather than focusing solely on environmental problems, Cloud introduces a powerful framework around mental models that are both unsustainable and sustainable. These are recurring patterns of thought—archetypal in nature—that unconsciously drive destructive behaviors, even when people have access to clear feedback. Through examples like the “Fish Game [https://cloudinstitute.org/fish-game]” simulation, she reveals a startling truth: people consistently make the same unsustainable choices, not from ignorance, but from deeply ingrained beliefs. Throughout the episode, Cyndera weaves in tarot archetypes to mirror these mindsets, bridging intuitive symbolism with systems thinking. Together, they explore how patterns like “maximizing gains for self,” “control,” and “everything is substitutable” distort our understanding of interconnected systems. Jaimie gently dismantles these assumptions, emphasizing that true sustainability arises from interdependence, collaboration, and respect for natural limits. A key insight emerges: sustainability is about alignment with how life actually works. Healthy systems thrive on diversity, mutual benefit, and dynamic balance. Attempts to dominate, control, or endlessly extract from these systems inevitably lead to collapse. Yet the tone remains deeply hopeful. Jaimie insists that the current trajectory is not inevitable. Because humans created these conditions, we also have the power to change them. The first, and most essential, step is a shift in thinking. The tarot imagery encapsulating each mindset will be revealed in a video version of the podcast available to subscribers at archetypalstories.substack.com/ [https://archetypalstories.substack.com/]

Tarot Emblemata: Interview with Nitasia Roland

Step into a world where knights, mottos, mythic beasts, and phoenixes rise again—and discover how Renaissance symbolism can illuminate your readings in entirely new ways with Tarot Emblemata: Decoding Magical Symbolism [https://redwheelweiser.com/book/tarot-emblemata-9781578638963/?srsltid=AfmBOopFxcetMEWQyhQUjOE8NTdPK6BYDSneSsDiV77aCEKvAjMPIXdm]. On this episode of the Archetypal Tarot Podcast, Host Cyndera welcomes artist and deck creator Nitasia Roland for an enchanting conversation about (one of her) latest decks. Drawing from 16th-century French and Italian emblem books—particularly the 1551 collection curated by Claude Paradin—Rowland reimagines Renaissance “devices” (symbolic images paired with mottos) as a fully realized tarot system. These historic emblems, originally engraved by Bernard Salomon, explored themes of love, war, faith, philosophy, politics, and morality during the height of the Renaissance. Now, centuries later, they re-emerge as living archetypes. The conversation also explores the Renaissance world that birthed these emblems—a time of religious upheaval, artistic revolution, and humanist revival—and reflects on what this symbolic medicine offers us today. As Roland beautifully suggests, reviving these images is almost a calling: a way of bringing buried wisdom back into contemporary consciousness. In this episode, you’ll discover: * How a chance encounter with occult-flavored emblem art sparked the creation of the deck * The fascinating structure of traditional emblems—pictura (image), inscriptio (motto), and subscriptio (commentary)—and how they translate seamlessly into tarot * Why these 500-year-old images feel uncannily aligned with modern archetypes * The alchemical and esoteric currents flowing beneath the artwork (such as the powerful phoenix symbolism of rebirth and transformation) * The creative journey from black-and-gold indie edition to lush, colorized reimagining Roland shares her passion for pairing poetic language with evocative imagery, creating cards that speak directly to intuition—often without needing to consult the guidebook. The result is a deck that feels at once ancient and immediate, scholarly and mystical. Whether you’re drawn to tarot as an intuitive art, a historical system, or a symbolic language of transformation, this episode offers rich insight into how past and present intertwine through archetype and image.