TAROT with SIVANI MATA

A traditional tarot deck consists of 78 cards: 22 Major Arcana that honour archetypal energies and seeds of life initiations; and the Minor Arcana which feature four elemental suits (similar to an average playing deck). We can trace early tarot decks back to the early 1400s in Italy, however, many believe they have their origin in Ancient Kemet (Egypt) and are linked to Djehuty (Greek name: Thoth), the Ibis-headed Neteru (God/Force of Nature). Over the centuries there have been many, many different versions created, each artist bringing their own creative flavour to the traditional structure.

I was gifted my first tarot deck (the Aleister Crowley Thoth Tarot, painted by Frieda Harris) by my Godmother Anna when I was six years-old. Inspired by the vivid worlds each card offered a window into, I quickly began making up stories and reading for my family and friends. The cards then danced throughout my life with different levels of focus until 2017 when I first acquired the Motherpeace Tarot, a circular feminist matrifocal deck created by Vicki Nobel and Karen Vogel in the late 1970s. There was something about this deck that wove into my being with deeper familiarity and ease than any other. Partially because of the diversity of humanity honoured in the people depicted and partially because of my deep devotion for and research around the Sacred Feminine, which is at the core of these cards. Some months later, I met and went on retreat with Vicki Noble. I made an active commitment to my relationship with the cards, pulling at least one card everyday for what started as a year and a day, and has continued until now. Throughout this time I began exploring larger spreads and informally reading for my friends with the Motherpeace, before doing some more focussed mentoring with Vicki over the course of five months, and eventually beginning my journey reading for the public.

Photo of the Motherpeace Moon card

Photos: Vicki Noble and Sivani Mata Francis in Ireland looking at Sivani Mata's Faces of the Feminine oracle (unpublished) 2018

TESTIMONIALS

“Sivani is a deeply warm, intuitive and attentive tarot reader. She has access to wide knowledge and understanding which she brings into her readings, offering different perspectives and access points into what the cards show. I keep coming back to the last reading she did for me as a grounding guide through challenging times. You will be in very safe and caring hands with Sivani.” — Lucia

“Sivani’s reading was not only incredibly insightful and detailed but also full of kindhearted humour. It gave me a lot of interesting avenues to explore and reflect on for the coming year. I really loved her open and personal approach and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend a reading, even if you are completely new to tarot.” — Logan Fyn

“Sivani recently gave an amazing tarot reading for me. The themes that came up were really relevant and I got some great insights. Sivani's presence was warm and compassionate - I felt safe and supported. Her style was unique and highly intuitive, with a very personal touch. I could sense a deep wisdom within her that radiates throughout her being. I highly recommend her services to anyone looking for spiritual guidance.” – Treyu

I have had two Motherpeace Tarot card readings with Sivani and have found both of them to be immensely helpful. From the opening intentional lighting of a candle and bringing focus and awareness to the sacred space, to her gentle questioning, reflections and interpretations woven in with such an extensive knowledge of archetypal stories and symbols, and their possible meanings. I have genuinely been blown away by the depth of the container, care and information of and around the cards themselves. And running through it all a sense of simplicity and clarity.." — Kirsteen