Magic Touch Thai Massage is a traditional therapeutic massage technique rooted in ancient Thai healing methods. It is a form of bodywork that focuses on rejuvenating and balancing both the body and the mind. Thai massage originated over 2,500 years ago in Thailand and has been passed down through generations. It combines elements of acupressure, assisted yoga poses, and deep stretching to stimulate energy lines and promote the flow of vital energy throughout the body. The massage is performed on a mat on the floor, allowing the practitioner to use their hands, thumbs, elbows, and feet to apply pressure on specific points of the body. This pressure helps to release tension, improve blood circulation, and relieve pain and discomfort.
This pressure helps to release tension, improve blood circulation, and relieve pain and discomfort. Magic Touch Thai Massage is known for its unique combination of deep tissue massage and gentle stretching. The practitioner uses their body weight and leverage to apply various techniques, including kneading, rocking, and pressing, to target specific areas of tension and tightness.
Tarot and Oracle Decks Created For and By Black People
I don’t remember what prompted me to buy my first tarot deck but I’m pretty sure that I bought it from a New Age spiritual shop in Union Square about a decade ago. At the time, I could only find one tarot deck with imagery that spoke to the aesthetics and narratives of Black people and I’m pretty sure that it wasn’t created by someone Black. In the absence of an African-centered deck, I settled on Aleister Crowley’s Thoth deck because I found the symbolism and illustrations very intriguing. They were a fresh departure from the uber Eurocentric traditional decks such as Rider Waite.
For years the Toth deck has been my go to…that was until I hosted a tarot party at my house in February for Lunar New Year and my friend pulled out the absolutely gorgeous and mystifying Dust II Onyx deck. It literally took my breath away. Created by Courtney Alexander, the cards are not only luxe, they literally pull you into their ornate imagery and symbology that is a reflective of the ancient mysteries of Africa and its Diaspora. After using this deck, it reaffirmed the importance of not only connecting spiritually with Black iconography when working with tarot, but also the psychological energy that occurs when using a deck created by Black folk.
I had the privilege of meeting Courtney in person which made me love the deck, all the more. Not that I needed any additional reasons. Even after enrolling in a Master Tarot Course, I was hesitant to start offering readings. But soon after working with Dust II Onyx, I started offering my services to close family and friends who have all find my readings super on point. In the words of Ms. Cleo, call me now! (I kid…but I don’t).
While it’s hard for me to imagine another deck that would capture my heart like Dust II Onyx (and I promise this isn’t an ad…), I thought it would be useful to compile a list of all of the decks that I’ve come across that utilize African Diasporic imagery and were made by Black people. Like all things in life, representation does matter, even when getting readings, life advice and spiritual consultations.
And while there are several other decks that exist with Black imagery, they weren’t created by Black people. I own a few myself because what matters most is how you as a reader, connect with the cards. But the point of this post is to stress what better way to connect with cards than when the people in the cards look just like you. In the words of the late great Miss Cleo “the cards dem neva lie.”
Happy Reading! Pun definitely intended.
– Shantrelle P. Lewis
New Orleanian, Sango crowned Olorisa, Spiritualist, Conjurer, Re-tired Curator and Socio-cultural Entrepreneur. Follow me on IG at @beaucouphoodoo.
Tazama African Tarot is a wonderfully crafted collage art that embodies African ancestry through historical images. Every card has a vintage image of a real ancestor in African history, from both the African continent as well the African diaspora in the America’s and the Caribbean. Including the empress of Haiti, Masai warriors, Dahomey kingdom royalty just to name a few. The collage art was made by a young female collage artist from Nairobi in Kenya.
Black femme queer artist, Courtney Alexander, Dust II Onyx is a rich and magical deck that captivates its audience via highly ornate collages created by its maker. The imagery features a pan-African centered iconography that was thoroughly researched. The 78 card deck comes in two sizes – 3.5 x 5 inches and a Travel Edition that measures 2.75 x 4 inches. Black-owned.
This 78-card full color deck boasts of celebrating Rootworks both past and present. Deep diving into the archetypes and personality that have reigned and been deified in Hoodoo culture, the Hoodoo tarot is great for hoodooists, conjurers, root workers and practitioners of New Orleans rooted Voodoo. The deck was created by Tayannah Lee McQuillar who is also the author of Rootwork: Using the Folk Magick of Black America for Love, Money and Success .
The Afro Tarot
Afrofuturist artist Jessica Lofton aka Jessi Jumanji, uses several mediums and layered images that span the ages, to create a 78 card deck that interweaves Afro-surrealist imagery with the traditional meanings of the Rider Waite deck. It also comes with its own mini guide book and sturdy box for storage. Black-owned.
Designed by Lolu, the “78 Card Tarot Deck venerating the various spiritual practices throughout the African Diaspora on rose-petal finish black cards with gold foil and silver ink.” Those who have reviewed it describe the luxe feel of the cards. It’s definitely at the top of my lists of decks to buy next.
Kaleidadope Tarot: A Dope Tarot
Influenced by the Twilight Zone, Krystal Banner’s Kaleidoscope deck, with its straightforward illustrations, was definitely created with 21st century imagery in mind. I’d go so far as to say that the deck would be appealing to many millennials for its minimalist nature and holographic edges. The official website also boasts that the cards are reiki-infused.
Shrine of the Black Medusa Tarot
Created by non-binary artist/writer Casey Rocheteau, The Shrine of the Black Medusa Tarot uses collage to “celebrate Black culture, queer magic, and hoodoo divination.” According to Rocheteau’s website, the deck is named for the legend of the African witch turned monster, Medusa, and celebrates “the pantheon of monsters within each of us, knowing that Medusa was more metaphor than monster and that Perseus was a buster.” Shrine of the Black Medusa follows the Thoth tradition. You can buy the deck here.
Afro Goddess Tarot Arcanas
This deck was created by a Black woman specifically for the use of Black women. The 79-card jumbo deck has illustrations of Afrocentric Black warrior goddesses. The first edition is sold out but you can pre-order the latest edition on Andrea Furtick’s site.
ORACLE DECKS
UPDATED As of 7.16.20 – The TRUTH Decks
Created by twin sisters, the TRUTH Decks are two very pretty, colorful oracle decks that will help you gain insight and clarity into your everyday affairs. The 2nd Edition Truth Deck Oracle Cards articulates modern archetypal prompts such as: Ask for Help, Envious, Heal Money Issues, Repeating the Past and Soul Journey. The Reconciliation edition, is another colorful deck that packs lots of POP. Its suggested uses are love & relationship readings, questions about connecting with your higher self, understanding money blockages, healing messages for reconnecting with family members, and insight on repairing friendships. Both of these decks would be perfect for any millennial who isn’t committed to studying the science of tarot but could use a little spirit guide help to bring light to navigating the rough terrain that is life and most certainly 2020.
UPDATED As of 5.28.20 – The Black Gold Lenormand
A few weeks after I initially posted this article, someone sent me the link to Tea’s IG Account. I went to the page, of clearly fell in LOVE (so Gemini/Libra rising of me…I know) and of course backed the Kickstarter Campaign at the wholesale level because why buy one deck when you can buy five? It’s only the second Black-created Lenormand deck that I’ve come across. It’s US African-American centered, in terms of its folklore, archetypes, and iconography. Highly influenced by her elders and ancestors, the deck is an homage to Black American indigenous spiritual traditions. Conceived and created by Tea, the 36 card deck of beautifully designed black, white and gold cards comes with an 82-page saddle-stitched guidebook. There’s even an option to buy a deck and gift another. Given the fact that it costs about the same as some of these other decks on their own, why not pay it forward? After all, the Ancestors bless, those who look out for their kinfolk.
My best friend, who just so happens to be Akan by heritage, introduced me to this oracle deck. I loved the use of Twi words and Akan Adinkra symbols and their pronunciations. The 44 card deck is minimalist as color and design goes – the cards are white, gold and black.
According to its creator Lolu, the Okana Oracle Deck is a “luxuriously printed 25 Card Oracle Deck on rose-petal finish black cards with gold foil. For use in working through our shadow selves and doing the work to make sure our true nature isn’t the catalyst for stagnation. Also used for re-establishing a path of communication between one and their ancestors, to answer the tough questions with the voice of a loving but honest elder.”
Created by Jessi Jumanji, I’ve never seen anything African-centered like the Flora and Fauna of Africa Deck. The 3.5×5 inch deck features over 100 different species of plant species and spirit animals. Each card delivers a message and affirmation. Example: The Okapi states “Embrace all aspects of you. Your uniqueness is your power. Let your spirit guide you.”
An Afrocentric modernized spin on the famed 1840 Marie Anne Lenormand deck, the Goddess Oracle Deck includes 37 cards, a 50-page guide book and a velvet protection bag. Although I personally use the traditional Lenormand deck when I want some very straightforward answers to dilemmas, I’ll give this deck a try. And if you decide to pick it up – beware of the mice in your life.
I just happened upon this deck. Created by the same sister who created the Hoodoo deck, Sibyls Oraculum: Oracle of the Black Doves of Africa enlightens its readers about the legendary Libyan Sibyls, African prophetesses of the classical world. Although she was Eurocentricized historically, Tayannah Lee McQuillar repositions her more accurately as the African prophetess who presided over the Zeus oracle temple in the Siwa Oasis. Here’s a slideshow I found detailing the hidden history of the Ancient African prophetesses in classical Europe.
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We’ve personally tried this ethereal tarot deck and love how whimsical and elegant the illustrations are. Each card features detailed illustrations and for those still learning, you can refer to the mini booklet that’ll break down the meaning of the symbols and describes the difference between major and minor arcanum.
One of the key principles of Thai massage is the concept of "Sen" or energy lines. It is believed that there are 10 major energy lines running through the body, similar to the meridians in traditional Chinese medicine. By applying pressure along these energy lines, the practitioner can restore the balance and flow of vital energy, promoting overall well-being. The benefits of Magic Touch Thai Massage are numerous. It can help to reduce stress, relieve muscle tension and pain, improve flexibility and range of motion, and boost energy levels. It is also known to enhance mental clarity, promote relaxation, and create a deep sense of tranquility. Magic Touch Thai Massage is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you are experiencing chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply looking to relax and rejuvenate, this ancient healing art can provide you with a unique and transformative experience. In conclusion, Magic Touch Thai Massage is a traditional therapeutic massage technique that focuses on restoring balance and promoting overall well-being. With its combination of acupressure, assisted yoga poses, and deep stretching, it offers a unique and transformative experience for both the body and mind. Whether you are seeking relaxation or relief from chronic pain, this ancient healing art can provide you with magic touch..
Reviews for "Experience the Magic of Thai Massage for Pain Relief"
- Mary Smith - 1 out of 5 stars - I had a terrible experience at Magic Touch Thai Massage. The massage therapist was extremely rough and did not listen to my requests for a lighter touch. I left the session feeling sore and bruised rather than relaxed. The ambiance of the place was also not very inviting, with loud music playing in the background and a strong smell of cleaning products. Overall, I would not recommend this spa to anyone looking for a calming and rejuvenating massage experience.
- John Doe - 2 out of 5 stars - I was disappointed with my visit to Magic Touch Thai Massage. The massage therapist seemed inexperienced and unsure of what she was doing. The pressure she applied was inconsistent and at times even painful. The lack of professionalism was evident from the unorganized reception area to the unclean towels in the massage room. I left feeling unsatisfied and regretting my decision to try this spa.
- Emily Johnson - 1 out of 5 stars - Magic Touch Thai Massage was a complete waste of my time and money. The massage therapist seemed more interested in chatting with her colleague than providing a proper massage. She barely applied any pressure and seemed to be going through the motions without any intention of actually helping me relax. The overall atmosphere was also quite noisy and far from the peaceful ambiance I was expecting. I will definitely not be returning to this spa in the future.