Cups, discs, wands and swords: Tarot and 'divination' in Connecticut

By Katie Pellico,

Published June 1, 2023 at 7:30 AM EDT

A close of of a Tarot reader handing tarot cards for her client to pick. On the table you see some card decks and tea cups. — Tea & Tarot owner Heather Wright Fitzgerald talks with *Seasoned* host Chef Plum about the connection between tarot cards, herbs and wellness. Heather reads tarot cards for her clients and creates custom tea blends based on her readings. Tea & Tarot is located in Madison, CT.

A Pew survey from 2018 estimated 13% of adults consult tarot card readers, astrologers or "fortune-tellers." But more recent market research shows sales for tarot card decks and psychic services are growing.

This hour, we explore the art of divination and "card-pulling" in Connecticut.

Hear from professional tarot reader Afton Jacobs-Williams, AKA Monty's Tarot Child. Plus, Chelsea Granger is a multidisciplinary artist who co-created Dirt Gems, a plant-themed oracle deck.

Chelsea Granger is a North Guilford-based artist who co-created "Dirt Gems," a plant-themed oracle deck.

RELATED: Seasoned visited Tea & Tarot in Madison. Listen here...

But first, hear more about the origins of tarot or "tarrochi." We preview some of the research going on at the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, home to some of the oldest existing tarot cards.

GUESTS:

Timothy Young: Curator, Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library
Afton Williams-Jacobs: Monty's Tarot Child; Tarot Reader, Tea & Tarot
Chelsea Granger: Multidisciplinary Artist; Co-Creator, Dirt Gems Plant Oracle Card Deck & Guidebook

Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode!