Drawing from her Southern roots and a lifelong love for music, Stacey introduces us to a deck that channels the essence of four foundational American music genres—Blues, Jazz, Rock & Roll, and Country—into each suit, bringing a fresh, soulful energy to the cards. Stacey and Cyndera’s conversation is visited by brilliant song clips from a few of the cards (there is a Spotify playlist to go with entire deck).
Stacey takes us behind the scenes of her creative process, where Southern history, family legacies, and her rich musical heritage converge to form a tarot deck unlike any other. From the deep, heart-wrenching blues of the Mississippi Delta to the rebellious energy of rock and roll, Rhythm & Soul Tarot brings a musical cadence to tarot readings, pairing each card with a song that resonates with its energy. Stacey even introduces two new Major Arcana cards, Rhythm and Soul, which embody spiritual depth and cultural significance (these cards are optional depending on how traditionally you approach tarot).
But this episode is more than just about the artistry of a tarot deck—it’s a reflection on the power of music, culture, and spirituality to heal and transform. As we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded that the fight for justice in the American South is deeply tied to both personal and collective stories of resistance and resilience. Born in the heart of the South, King’s vision of justice was shaped by the region’s painful history—one marked by racial oppression, segregation, and systemic inequality—but also by a powerful spirit of resistance, unity, and transformation.
King's call for a "beloved community" wasn’t just an abstract ideal. It was a vision born out of the complexities and contradictions of Southern history—where the struggle for justice was intertwined with music, culture, and a shared desire for a better, more equitable future. The same spirit of resistance that fueled the civil rights marches, the sit-ins, and the fight for voting rights also echoes in the music that shaped the South—blues, jazz, and rock all carried messages of freedom, defiance, and hope.
In this context, justice becomes more than just a legal or political term. It’s about confronting the painful truths of the South’s legacy of racial violence and inequality, while moving toward a future where dignity and opportunity are not just ideals, but lived realities for all. King’s vision of justice was never about simply dismantling oppressive systems—it was about building bridges of understanding, compassion, and love. He knew that true justice could only be achieved through nonviolent resistance and a collective commitment to reconciliation, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
As we reflect on King's work and vision on this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we honor not only his legacy but the ongoing journey toward justice in the South and across the nation. Whether through music, tarot, or the power of community, we are reminded that justice is not a destination—it is a journey that requires each of us to confront our past, challenge the present, and envision a future where equality and love reign.
Join us for this heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation, where tarot, music, and history come together to inspire us to continue the fight for justice—because the path toward a beloved community begins with us, together.
You can purchase this extraordinary deck from La Panthère Studio directly (Stacey is also the founder of this publishing company!)
About StaceyStacey is the writer and artist behind The Southern Gothic Oracle, the deck that launched La Panthère Studio. She is a former design instructor and children’s book illustrator, and is a frequent speaker on topics of design and art-making.
Visit her website at lapantherestudio.com/