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The reading began with the Haiku Deck, focusing on the perceptions of joy, where the heart (Anahata) and third eye (Ajna) chakras intersect. This initial draw emphasized the importance of collaboration and sharing knowledge, likening it to capillarity—the process of roots bringing water and nourishment up into a plant. The conversation quickly turned to the necessity of flowing knowledge, noting that water that does not flow becomes stagnant, and information must keep moving to be fresh. Following this, the hosts drew the Nine of Storms from Dean's deck, which was specifically noted as The nine of swords in the tarot deck. This card addresses processing the pain, suffering, and grief endured, reminding listeners that attention must be sharpened on the here and now. Crucially, the card advises not weathering adversity alone, urging the seeker to find new people or community to help contend with pain.
The reading then moved into the realm of pure instinct and feeling, drawing a card from The Bouquet deck focusing on Metal on Metal, which represents sensation, sensuality, and gut feelings. This segment stressed the need to trust one's gut and inner voice, particularly when dealing with trauma or adversity. The discussion introduced the powerful metaphor of handbells and sympathetic vibrations, suggesting that individuals should surround themselves with people who resonate with their natural frequencies, or literally, "look for the good vibes". To achieve this, the next card, the Ace of Flames, provided the necessary impetus, representing the first spark of the third chakra. This card serves as a powerful reminder that change and improvement require action, not merely pondering or feeling. This moment of ignition was compared to "activation energy," the initial spike needed for transformation, such as when two elements become a compound.
Finally, the hosts drew a Haiku card connecting expression (Vishuddha/Aqua/Air) with connection (Anahata/Heart/Wood). This card offered a caution: when speaking your truth, you may not receive 100% approval, but that does not mean the action taken is wrong. However, the card also warned against mistaking vile underpinnings for true heart expression, suggesting that if what you say would get you into "bad trouble," it is likely tainted. Overall, the spread underscored that the way we express ourselves is dependent on the connections we maintain. By choosing the right people and listening to the inner resonance of your bell, truth and community, coupled with the activation energy of action, can powerfully magnify healing and joy.

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The episode begins with a focus on Sahasura (crown chakra, purple ether) influenced by Vishuda (throat chakra, voice, air, aqua), drawing the profession "I profess that I know my voice matters and that it can help others". This leads to a discussion on the power of communication, channeling universal inspiration, and the idea of truth being scattered and refracted through individual context, much like light or the Aurora Borealis. The hosts emphasize that while authentic expression is crucial, one must remember that others will "intuit things into it" based on their own experiences, highlighting the potential for misunderstanding in written or non-verbal communication.

The conversation moves into the importance of stillness and reception, catalyzed by subsequent readings from the hosts' respective decks. Dean’s deck draws the Four of Storms from the Heart chakra, bearing the quote, "Even the wind lies still for a time". This card is specifically identified as the Four of Swords in the tarot. The hosts note the history of the swords suit and emotionality, particularly the Three of Swords, and suggest the Four of Storms reminds the speaker to return to peace after intense communication. Later, Dean pulls the Six of Flames (the third chakra), which corresponds to the Six of Wands in the tarot. This card encourages the speaker to "Feel the warmth of those who celebrate you", reminding listeners to accept positive affirmation and allow others to share energy back. A third card intersection (Muladara/I am with Crown/I know) uses the image of the obelisk, prompting reflection on how one can be the source of both physical message and spiritual inspiration simultaneously, like the wave-particle duality of light, and the need to own what is shared.

The final concluding card is drawn from the Projections deck, merging Vishuda (I say) with Ajuna (I see). The call to action is: "A little scandal is essential. Read a provocative book. Debate yourself aloud. Now discuss it with others". This wraps up the theme by urging listeners to embrace challenging, flavor-filled dialogue that pushes against their own ideas and those of others, ensuring they truly understand and can defend their beliefs. The hosts remind listeners that if they are operating in good faith, engaging in constructive dialogue is essential for learning.

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The episode's central theme, derived from a dice roll, is encapsulated in the profession: "I profess that I love learning especially from the wisdom of others". This message is linked to the Anahata (heart) chakra, influenced by the third eye (I see and I know), and underscores that learning is not a solitary endeavor. Dean associates love in this context with the element of wood, symbolizing exchange and interconnection, drawing parallels to how trees form communities and communicate.
The first card pulled for the reading is the Two of Storms, explicitly identified as "the two of swords in the tarot". This card, which Dean's system connects to the heart chakra and the element of air, carries the message: "Blown two different ways you seek direction". This imagery reinforces the idea that when faced with confusion or doubt, seeking wisdom from others can provide much-needed guidance. The hosts delve into the nature of control, highlighting that while many events are beyond individual influence, the choice lies in how one responds to them. They emphasize the importance of receptiveness to new information and finding "peace in the middle of joy and grief," rather than reacting immediately. In a practical discussion, Jack and Dean also extensively laud Obsidian, a local, scriptable database and notes archive, as an invaluable tool for creatives, for everything from character development in novel writing to managing complex information through customizable, color-coded hierarchies and powerful linking features.
The second card, from the sassy deck, advises: "You need a bubble bath. Don't argue with me. Run warm water. Dissolve crusty vibes". This card relates to the third eye (I see) and crown (I know) chakras, encouraging listeners to embrace mutability in their beliefs and shed "faulty notions and presumptions" to achieve deeper understanding. Jack interprets "crusty vibes" as rigid thinking, noting that while the brain's pathways become set with age, they can still be rewired through continuous learning. The third card pulled is the Four of Seeds, which is equivalent to "the four of pentacles, uh, four of coins in some people's versions of the tarot". This card signifies a "moment of fullness" but also cautions against hoarding, urging the sharing of excess resources like wealth, ideas, or time to foster community and ensure continued abundance. Finally, the fourth card, "I profess that I say contemplative words concerning my place in the universe," prompts reflection on one's purpose and responsibility, emphasizing that true enlightenment might come not from a "bigger cup" of knowledge, but from a "better elixir" of profound understanding.

The first card drawn is number five from the abstract deck, representing the intersection of Muladhara (I am) and Vishuddha (I say). This card, depicted as a millstone, signifies how one's sense of safety, security, and identity is impacted by communication, emphasizing the power of the physical self and voice to effect positive change, as encapsulated by the haiku "spoken millstones, crush injustice, lying rubble, pulverizing truth". The hosts discuss the importance of being mindful of one's words and intentions, highlighting the speaker as the active agent in creating change.
The conversation then delves into the complexities of intentions and ethical principles, noting that while intentions inform actions, results are what truly matter, and ethics often resides in a "gray in the middle" rather than absolute rules. They use examples from religious traditions, such as the detailed interpretations in the Talmud and Mishna, and workarounds for Sabbath laws (like "Shabbos elevators" or subtly prompting a "gentile friend" to turn off a light), to illustrate how rigid principles can lead to inconvenient or seemingly ridiculous situations, obscuring the original intent of reverence. The second card drawn is The Sentinel of Seeds, which is identified as the Knight of Pentacles in the Tarot. Its message, "Do the work that now needs doing," reinforces the theme of action and prompts listeners to evaluate if their "pillars" (principles) truly serve them now. This is further explored through anecdotes of a coach suspended for helping disadvantaged students and a teacher forging a signature to ensure a student received meals, highlighting the tension between principles, intentions, and the desire to do good in complex situations.
The third card revealed is number 15 from the "Projections of Joy" or the "sassy deck"), representing Manipura or the solar plexus, with the theme of "fire on fire" and "I do on I do". Its message, "Potluck your gratitude," focuses on giving versus sacrificing, receiving versus taking, and abundance versus scarcity, emphasizing collaboration and community over individual burden. Rituals are discussed as powerful tools for directing intention and aligning communities, but cautioned against being merely transactional or performed without full presence. The fourth card, number 11, Defend, is identified as the Justice card in the Tarot. It calls for defending one's actions by first acknowledging an inner "gut level" answer to whether an action was right, before attempting justifications. This leads to a discussion of "The Good Place" television show, which explores moral philosophy, point systems, and what it means to be a "good person" in a complex world. The final card, number 15 from "the professions" deck, reiterates the "fire on fire" theme with the profession, "I profess that I do everything from the intent of balance". This capstone emphasizes that balance, rather than perfection, should be the guiding intent, recognizing that life requires constant, vibrating effort and adaptation, much like a dancer maintaining balance or the body regulating homeostasis.

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The reading begins with Deck Number 3, "The Intersections," card number 30, representing Vishuda (throat chakra - I say) intersecting with the third eye (I see). This card prompts a reflection on how one's intellect influences communication, serving as a reminder that personal perception, while invaluable, is not the sole perspective. They recall an earlier reading featuring "the first sewing, the Ace of Seeds," emphasizing grounding. The discussion expands on the dangers of self-talk and "echo chambers" within oneself, where unhelpful messages can become noise and degrade clarity. This leads to an inward focus, encouraging listeners to examine their spiritual landscape and beliefs to ensure their expressions align with their true selves, performing a "reality check" on their internal and external reflections.
The hosts delve deeper into the cyclical nature of beliefs, suggesting an opportunity to let go of old ideas that no longer serve one's growth, likening it to a "sundown" cycle. They connect this evolution of thought to scientific understandings, including quantum mechanics, the observer effect (illustrated humorously with a cat anecdote), and recent breakthroughs in creating matter from energy, underscoring how belief and action can physically shape the brain and reality. The conversation transitions to the second card, The Seeker of Seeds, which is the Page of Pentacles in the Tarot and represents the root chakra. This card symbolizes curiosity, wonder, and the preparation stage of planting, emphasizing patience and the understanding that initial sprouts are not the full plant; success or failure cannot be immediately judged. It also highlights the importance of recognizing and working within limitations, much like understanding soil composition for gardening, to foster boundless creativity within given boundaries.
The final two cards expand on interpersonal and personal responsibility. Projections of Joy (Deck Number 1), card number 23, illustrates the Heart (I love) influenced by Air/Aqua (I say), with the message to "see both sides of the board, play yourself at chess, listen as much as you speak, let people disagree". This encourages honest self-assessment and empathy, contrasting with debate as "winning". The hosts discuss the importance of listening as much as speaking, even to oneself, to mature and understand reactions, citing cognitive behavioral therapy and systemic biases (like racism) as examples. They explore the concept of "tainted" perspectives, particularly from privileged viewpoints, and the necessity of owning one's fallibility and allowing for change and forgiveness rather than engaging in "performative purity tests". The discussion references Wicked as an example of sympathetic antagonists and the experience of being "othered". The final cards drawn are The Creator, a major archon in Dean's deck, equated to the Empress in Tarot, representing the third chakra's ability to shape what one imagines with responsibility and purpose. Alongside this, The Source of Waves, the Queen of Cups in Tarot, signifies being the authentic source of one's emotions, leading to freedom from guilt through acknowledgment and self-understanding. The episode concludes with a powerful message about shaping oneself and one's expression, owning one's context, and using one's creative "fire to light lights, not to burn forests".

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Welcome to Show Me Your Deck, episode 46, titled "Go Stop Go: Finding peace in stillness and action," where hosts Dean Sage and Jack Kervin explore the intersections of oracles and chakras. This episode features special guest Kaelan Strouse, an influencer and author, who shares the journey behind his original oracle deck. Kaelan's deck, which became the topic of his third book, features 48 spiritual lessons he consistently revisits, evolving from an initial idea of deities to broader spiritual messages. His creative process was deeply personal, even unfolding while visiting his father during his last months, adding a card about reclaiming one's power, making it 48 cards from an initial 47.
The episode delves into a powerful reading using a combination of the hosts' and guest's decks, beginning with Dean's "sassy deck" where a tetrahedron and 50-sided dice determine card pulls. The first card pulled is card 40, "Prioritize your polish," representing the intersection of the third eye (blue) and solar plexus (yellow) chakras, signifying a blend of insight and action – "I see with I do". This card emphasizes refining one's expertise, creating inviolable sessions, and eliminating distractions. Kaelan then pulls his card, "Enjoy simplicity," which beautifully contrasts, advocating for quiet, stillness, and removing clutter to allow answers to reveal themselves. The reading continues with Dean pulling the 10 of Seeds, explicitly noted as a Tarot reference, tied to the root chakra, symbolizing completeness, generational impact, and the idea that "Your seeds given to others will grow for generations". This prompts a discussion on karma and the lasting effects of actions. Kaelan's next card, "Let your body move you," highlights somatic wisdom and learning through both stillness and motion, celebrating the inherent intelligence of our physical forms. The final card pulled is Dean's "Step to it, honey. You thought enough now. Define the milestones. Start walking last Monday," a clear call to action after contemplation, with inverse colors (yellow on blue) of the first card.
Throughout the discussion, a central theme emerges about the dynamic balance between stillness and action, emphasizing that both are crucial for effectiveness, not just productivity. The hosts and Kaelan challenge the societal pressures of constant busyness and the capitalist idea of "productivity," suggesting that true fulfillment comes from acting with peace and clarity rather than obligation. Kaelan particularly highlights his deck's universal approach to spirituality, deliberately avoiding terms tied to any single tradition to make spiritual truths accessible to everyone, emphasizing that wisdom can be accessed through personal experience without gatekeepers or appropriation. The episode concludes with the profound insight that wisdom and right action arise from integrating all aspects of oneself – mind, body, and spirit – in a beautiful, complex whole. You can find more information about the hosts and guest at their respective websites.

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"Show Me Your Deck" episode 45, titled "True Pleasure: Speak your truth, free from guilt, grounded in you," opens with hosts Dean Sage and Jack Hervin exploring the intersections of oracles and chakras using their original decks. The first card pulled is from the "sassy deck" (Projections of Joy, Part 14), representing the Svadhisthana (orange metal) and Muladhara (red earth) chakras. This card presents the query: "an orgasm usually helps distinguish sin and pleasure define pleasures role evaluate shame's influence". The hosts discuss the double entendre of the word "deck" and how the card encourages visualizing pleasure and shame distinctly, especially when grounded enough through the root chakra to enjoy "orgasmically living," which can extend beyond sex to activities like food or art. They highlight how Western culture often makes pleasure a "naughty word," with shame applied not just to sex but also to food, sleep, or "unacceptable" forms of reading like manga versus "serious literature". The conversation then shifts to the "ecstatic state of creation," with Dean sharing a personal experience of staying in bed to let ideas percolate, challenging the societal pressure to be "productive" early in the day and the concept of "sloth" as a sin. This segues into the idea of internal vibrations and sympathetic resonance found in creativity.
The second card drawn is from Jack's deck: "The six of storms," described as the six of swords in the tarot, symbolizing being "Swept away by the storm, you are washed free". This card is connected to the heart chakra and represents movement and liberation, suggesting that storms, while devastating, can clear away what is no longer needed, leading to freedom, even if accompanied by grief. The hosts discuss the importance of learning lessons from these "storms" and rebuilding differently, distinguishing between unpredictable events like tornadoes and predictable ones like floods where people rebuild in the same vulnerable spots. This idea ties back to the first card's theme of finding freedom and safety in enjoying oneself by letting go of guilt (bad action) and shame (being something wrong), which are often perpetuated by external forces, including religion. They caution that while seeking pleasure is vital, unhealthy pursuit can lead to addictions, and true happiness isn't constant bliss but rather peace, calm, and balance, or simply being content and realizing "you're exactly where you're supposed to be right now". An alternative card that almost emerged, "The source of flames" (the queen of wands in the tarot), reinforces the message that personal power and the ability to create are internal, akin to Dorothy's realization that "the magic lay within her the whole time". Dean and Jack then explore generational differences in learning, with Dean suggesting suffering can be a necessary part of the path, while Jack argues that wisdom can be shared to avoid pain, ultimately affirming that personal power is an internal resource that no one can steal.
Finally, the third card, from the "Intersections" deck (The Bouquet of Flowers, No. 26), brings the reading to a close. It connects the Anahata (heart) and Muladhara (root) chakras, symbolized by "I love and I am". This card emphasizes how one's sense of identity, safety, and security profoundly affects their connections with others. The hosts conclude that when individuals embrace their instincts, act authentically, and speak their truth without shame, they naturally attract a community or network of people who resonate with their genuine self, making connections feel natural. Dean shares his experience of creating a small community around his writing and Dean Sage persona, noting how "speaking truth... brought me truthful people" despite some "inconvenient" truths and pushback. This overall reading is framed as an answer to shame and guilt, showing how "joy and empowerment can hold hands" to navigate life. The episode concludes by inviting listeners to explore their Patreon, YouTube channel, books, and decks for a deeper engagement with these concepts.

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Today's log line, "Play the rest: Be as you are, in silence, ready for action," sets the stage for a deeply introspective reading focused on self-awareness and authentic being. The reading begins with Deck 4's 49th card, "Ozone Thunder, Hush, Electric Tension, Listen, Cascading Rain, Learn," which highlights the importance of introspection, quieting oneself to sense transformative insights, and constantly learning about strengths and weaknesses, much like the onset of a summer shower. This emphasis on personal context and internal resonance prepares listeners to discover what is important for themselves.
The reading continues with the Celestial card (number 0 in Dean's deck), which is identified as the Fool in the Tarot, representing a journey of being and becoming. This card underscores the idea that one is "new again, ready to be and to become," emphasizing that the celestial's journey through the chakras is deeply personalized and not tied to any single chakra. The conversation highlights that the Celestial's true purpose is to be, not to perform, drawing parallels between structured orchestral music and free-flowing jazz to illustrate the balance between prescription and improvisation in life. This theme is reinforced by Deck 4's first card, "Stars, dust, Salt, earth, clay. Me, life's face, birthing diamonds," a root chakra card reminding us that we are the "stuff of eternity" and must remain grounded in our physical being even while approaching the infinite. The Sage card (number 5), representing the throat chakra, reveals the powerful truth: "The hardest truth to admit is that you need help," emphasizing communal learning, the value of both harmony and dissonance, and the critical role of silence and internal reflection in the journey of self-discovery. The phrase "playing the rest" is used to describe the quiet, non-verbal moments of introspection crucial for true understanding.
Finally, the Bouquet of Flowers card (Deck 3, number 40), representing the third eye influenced by fire, serves as a powerful call to action. After the deep introspection and self-awareness gained from the previous cards, listeners are encouraged to utilize their understanding and ignite their "fire into the world". This card emphasizes that insights and realizations, while valuable, are incomplete without subsequent choices and actions in the world. The hosts stress the importance of not just having deep thoughts or experiences, but of examining these truths within one's own context and seeking community feedback to avoid falling into unexamined traps or perpetuating narrow perspectives. Ultimately, the reading encourages small, consistent actions that contribute to positive change, aligning perfectly with the episode's log line: to embrace one's present, cultivate silence, and be ready to act on resonant truths.