Rachel Pollack

Rachel Pollack

Rachel Pollack (1945-2023) was a highly influential author, tarot expert, and transgender activist. She wrote 41 books, including notable works such as Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom, often referred to as the "Bible of Tarot," and her award-winning novels Unquenchable Fire and Godmother Night.

Pollack's most renowned tarot creation is the Shining Tribe Tarot, initially known as the Shining Woman Tarot. This deck is celebrated for its rich symbolism drawn from diverse cultural and spiritual traditions, including Neolithic rock art, Native American and African shamanism, Aboriginal art, the Kabbalah, and Jungian psychology. The deck is designed to guide users on a sacred journey of self-discovery, emphasizing the connection between ancient divinatory practices and modern spiritual exploration.

Beyond her work in tarot, Pollack made significant contributions to the science fiction and fantasy genres and was a trailblazer in the transgender community. She taught creative writing at Goddard College and conducted seminars and workshops on tarot and psychic development globally.