78 Acts of Liberation

Tarot to Transform Our World

By: Lane Smith MA MSW, Maria Minnis - foreword

Narrated by: Lane Smith MA MSW

A guide to reading Tarot as a spark for community engagement and social change

“A beacon of insight and action.”—Nyasha Williams, author of Black Tarot and I Affirm Me

The cards in the Tarot deck offer seventy-eight invitations for change―not only in our inner life, but beyond. Lane Smith invites us to read each card with an eye toward the collective—how we can contribute to liberation in the world.

Smith shares, “Behind every story about Tarot—and about the world—are power relationships which are often invisible.” 78 Acts of Liberation examines the structure, history, and components of Tarot through the lens of power, helping us better understand power dynamics in our life and in society.

After a brief history that highlights often-ignored aspects of Tarot’s past, Smith guides us through each card with reflections about clarifying our values and putting them into action. The cards are organized numerologically so that each number corresponds to a type of action, from Ones as Acts of Initiation to Tens as Acts of Generation. Every individual card offers questions for personal reflection and social consideration. Each Major Arcana card is illustrated with an example from a social movement—from the Indigenous Water Protectors to #MeToo—that illuminates how we can put the power of these timeless archetypes into action today. Every Minor Arcana card is linked to a practical and actionable term to know or skill to practice. 78 Acts of Liberation helps us explore:

• What our core values are, and how we can put them into action

• How we can be socially engaged, whatever our life circumstance—whether it’s through what we teach our children or through collective action and protest

• How to sustain ourselves over time and through challenge

As Smith explains, “Truth alone will not set us free. We have to act on it.” This guide offers inspiration for action—action that can feel joyful, hopeful, freeing, and empowering.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Lane Smith (P)2024 Sounds True

Critic reviews

“This book is potent, smart, and ridiculously readable. It serves to reminds us that Tarot is political, not only in terms of what is platformed, published, and discussed, but also in terms of how the cards offer medicine for collective healing. Lane Smith weaves the energies of the cards seamlessly together with key figures, events, and movements of resistance, connecting the reader with a time line of activism to appreciate and learn from. The many opportunities for reflection have led me to define the nature of my own activism more, giving me clarity on what I’m capable of and where my strengths lie. Lane Smith welcomes all cardslingers of conscience to not only feel the cards but decisively act on them, for the good of all.”—Kelly-Ann Maddox, author of Rebel Witch and Witch in Darkness

“78 Acts of Liberation is a book that I, a Tarot enthusiast and personal reader, have longed for. We are in charge of our destinies, and the Earth (and stars) are demanding more from us—how do we utilize the planetary materials we have, such as Tarot, to lead us toward revolution? This book is all about how the Tower falls. An important guide to existing more authentically with the world.”—Fariha Róisín, author of How to Cure a Ghost and Who Is Wellness For?

“78 Acts of Liberation is hugely informative, inspiring, and crucial, bringing the transformative power of Tarot to the realm of collective human struggle. A powerful addition to Tarot literature.”—Michelle Tea, author of Modern Tarot

a brand new way of viewing Tarot

A well researched history of tarot and a brilliant discussion of tarot as it pertains to the 21st century.