Shayfer James Picks His 10 Favourite Tarot Cards

As an artist, Shayfer James (who we’ve previously featured) comes across as supremely authentic, and it’s one of the chief values he strives to impart on his audience. The New York singer-songwriter released his brand new studio album, Summoning, on June 13th. The record was written in a very focused environment. Rather than contend with distractions, James decided to sequester himself away to write and record. He relocated to the oceanside of New Brunswick, where he could find the peace and quiet necessary to write songs. It also happened to be wintertime, which created even more tranquillity around him.

James didn’t know what the album would sound like or what it would be focused on, but he got to a point where he knew he had something to say. That’s when he picked up and left for Cape Tormentine, New Brunswick, where he spent four weeks writing. He wanted to be alone with the beauty of nature around him. James ended up really enjoying his surroundings, and he was able to take those positive vibes and inject them into his songs. The same dark humour and vulnerability evident on his acclaimed Counterfeit Arcade album are again present on Summoning.

James joins us today for a Top 10 list, sharing with us his ten favourite Tarot cards and how they are associated with ten of his songs.

With a note on his use of Tarot cards, Shayfer states:

“I use Tarot as a creative tool for personal growth and analysis. In reality, there are no inherently BAD readings or pulls. It’s all about perspective and curiosity. Asking yourself the right questions and recognizing your own patterns and assumptions. For me, it is more or less logic work through a mystically interesting lens.”

1. THE SUN

“This is one of the most positive cards you can pull. Remind yourself that often on the hardest days, you are standing in your own light.”

Song: “Make a Wish”

2. TEMPERANCE

“A reminder to try and harmonize yourself with things that might feel extreme. Balance can be obtained in any situation.”

Song: “Reverie”

3. THE FOOL

“Rather than worry about uncertainty, celebrate possibility.”

Song: “Lighthouse Keeper”

4. THE EMPRESS

“Try and let yourself remain open to quiet abundance, even if the gifts around you feel difficult to receive.”

Song: “Headed Home”

Shayfer James ‘Summoning’ album artwork

5. NINE OF PENTACLES

“What you have does not require the validation of a good day. You’ve built it yourself, and it is yours. The reward is in the long game of building and refining.”

Song: “One Foot in the Grave”

6. STRENGTH

“I always associate this card with some of the best advice I’ve ever gotten: be patient with yourself. Even on the days you feel you can’t get anything right.”

Song: “The Moral”

7. KNIGHT OF WANDS

“Lead yourself by example. You have total power over the kingdom of your mind. A single day is just a single pixel in the infinite resolution of your life.”

Song: “Hell of a Dream”

8. EIGHT OF CUPS

“Walking away doesn’t mean giving up or failure. Trust your gut. Self-respect is a factory for endless new beginnings.”

Song: “Imagine That”

9. QUEEN OF SWORDS

“When the day is overwhelming you, choose logic. It will never fail you.”

Song: “Yellow House”

10. THE STAR

“You are exactly where you need to be, even if it feels uncomfortable or muddy.”

Song: “Winter Hymn”