Pamela Coleman Smith:The Untold Story by Greer, O’Connor, Parsons

Pamela Coleman Smith - The Untold Story

Today, I share the tapestry of a biography, a long hidden revelation titled Pamela Coleman Smith: The Untold Story, where prose and poetry waltz hand in hand, orchestrated by the soulful words of Mary Greer, Elizabeth Foley O’Connor, and Melinda Boyd Parsons.

As I read this comprehensive volume, I found myself whisked away to the sepia-tinted days of the early 1900s, an epoch tinged with artistic fervor and societal metamorphosis. The biography, akin to a spellbinding sonnet, paints the canvas of time with vibrant strokes, breathing life into Pamela's existence. The poetic biography of her life is a feast to savor slowly.

This narrative deftly unravels the tapestry of Pamela's talents, revealing her not merely as the artist behind the iconic Rider-Waite Tarot deck but as a poet, a playwright — a luminary of the arts. The artist’s art unfurl like tendrils, delicately tracing her journey through Bohemian enclaves, entwined with the shadows also present in Smith’s life. The authors wide ranging narrative is comprehensive while also being academically rich.

Within these pages, the biography unearths Pamela's spiritual world - a dance between mysticism and the esoteric. The author’s guide us through the labyrinth of Pamela’s soul's exploration, unveiling the symbiotic embrace between her spiritual sojourns and the kaleidoscopic symbolism that dances through her tarot canvases as well as her rich and varied other works of art.

Pamela emerges not only as an artist but as a phoenix, resilient against the tempests of a male-dominated artistic sea. Her struggles, a poignant melody, resonate through the narrative, echoing the spirit of a woman who dared to carve constellations in the night sky.

The author’s, interlace the narrative with epistolary sonnets, love letters from time, whispers of Pamela's soul painted onto the parchment of time. These artist works, woven like threads of gossamer, draw us into an intimate pas de deux with the enigmatic artist.

And what is a lyrical odyssey without a visual sonnet? The biography, a gallery of dreams, presents a myriad of visuals — a kaleidoscope of Pamela's artistry. Her illustrations, like verses in an ancient manuscript, unfold before our eyes, inviting us to revel in the intricacies of her creativity.

In summation, Pamela Coleman Smith: The Untold Story is not just a biography; it is a sonnet of ages, a melodic exploration of creativity, spirituality, and the uncharted seas of a woman's soul. So, adorn yourself in the cloak of anticipation, brew a cup of moonlit tea, and let the enchanting artistry of Pamela Coleman Smith fill your senses. This is a poetic journey whispered through the pages of time — an artists mapped journey - awaiting your eager steps.

Biography Work
I plan to write poetic pieces while reflecting on Coleman Smith’s life after reading this book and examining her art work. There are many creative ways to come to this work. One exercise might be to pick a tarot card and write prose or poetics - what this card brings to the surface for you. Try not to measure your writing in any way. Simply - write from a place of curious exploration. The influence of her art in The Tarot is immeasurable as a body of deep influence. Utilizing The Tarot in Biography work is a life long journey filled with rich imagery and inner reflections. Have you found resonance with The Tarot or Pamela Coleman Smith’s life body of work?

Mary K Greer’s Blog

Black History Poetry Oracle by Kristen Radden

This is The Black History Poetry Oracle by Kristen Radden. She has a short video on YouTube about this oracle deck. You can find more of her work here. Kristen shares many creative ways of working. You might enjoy checking out her offerings!

Black History Poetry Oracle by Kristen Radden

Here are some suggestions for working with The Black History Oracle. I often just use the mini cards like this. I randomly spread them out on a table. I move them around in a sort of swishing way - mixing them up. I then - pull cards and place them together and write a poem or tell a story. These images evoke many emotions - thoughts - feelings as they move around on the table. On a particular day we are drawn to particular images. Take that as a sign that you will work with this story in this moment. Trust that the images will evoke something deeper inside you. Record your words in a journal. You can also collect the poetic words you write in a book. Over time you will develop a nice collection that you have formed from this particular oracle deck. Find the meaning of words that you have written through the connections made in working with this deck. This is all a part of self-discovery. I highly recommend purchasing this downloadable deck for a small donation of 5$. I store mine in a drawstring bag for convenience.

Reflective Exploration:

• Draw a card from The Black History Poetry Oracle and reflect on the figure or event it represents. Write a poem that captures the essence of their story and impact.

1. Intersectionality in Verse:

   • Select two cards from the oracle, each representing different aspects. Explore the intersectionality of these themes in a poem, highlighting the interconnectedness of various narratives.

2. Empowerment Poem:

   • Choose a card that symbolizes resilience or empowerment. Write a poem inspired by the strength and courage displayed by the person depicted on the card.

3. Time Travel Poem:

   • Pick a card and imagine yourself transported to the historical moment it represents. Write a poem that captures your experience as an observer or participant in that significant period of Black history.

4. Symbolism and Metaphor:

   • Explore the symbolism present on a chosen card. Write a poem using metaphor and symbolism to convey the deeper meanings and emotions associated with the human figure present on the card.

5. Dialogue with the Past:

   • Engage in a poetic conversation with the human figure on the card. Write a dialogue that explores their thoughts, challenges, and triumphs, bringing their voice to life in a contemporary context.

6. Collaborative Poetry:

   • Invite others to join you in drawing cards from The Black History Poetry Oracle. Each person can write a poem based on their drawn card, and then collectively create a collaborative poem that weaves together different perspectives.

7. Narrative Expansion:

   • Take a card and research further into the historical context it represents. Expand on the narrative by incorporating additional details and perspectives into your poem.

8. Haiku History:

   • Challenge yourself to distill the essence of a historical figure or event into a series of haikus. Use the brevity of the form to capture the significance and emotion of the subject.

9. Visual Poetry:

   • Use the visual elements on a card as inspiration for a visual poem. Create a poetic composition that incorporates text and imagery to convey the story and emotions associated with the depicted history.

Remember to approach these prompts with an open mind and a willingness to explore the rich tapestry of Black history through the lens of poetry.

Black History Poetry Oracle by Kristen Radden

“I seek”