Introduction


I’m Benebell Wen, author of I Ching, The Oracle (North Atlantic Books, September 2023), a guide to the history and cultural heritage of the Book of Change. The text features my English translations of the Zhouyi  in an effort to reclaim its shamanistic origins.

I’ve previously published Holistic Tarot (2015) and The Tao of Craft (2016), also through North Atlantic BooksHolistic Tarot was my debut into the Mind, Body, Spirit space, intended to be a reference book on using the tarot for decision-making and self-reflection. The Tao of Craft introduced Fu sigil and talisman crafting to a Western audience, with historical context and practical guidance.

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FREE ONLINE COURSES is a repository of free, transformative learning materials that are self-paced video lectures, supplemental written handouts, workbooks, and downloadable guides that explore tarot, Taoist mysticism, Chinese esoteric traditions, various divination systems, and creative practice. These courses are designed to expand spiritual insight and practical skills, offered with the mission to democratize esoteric knowledge and remove economic barriers to entry.

What is the I Ching (易經, Yìjīng) Book of Changes? A VIDEO LECTURE AND WORKSHEET SERIES that brings the Book of Changes to life with guided talks on its cosmology, on traditional divination methods and interpretive frameworks rooted in Taoist metaphysics, step-by-step tutorials, and deep-dive explorations of the Lo Shu magic square, Wu Xing five dynamic elements of change, the Ba Gua eight trigrams, and the philosophical foundations of this 3,000 year old oracle. These lectures and their printable transcripts are available at no cost. Be sure to also download the printable PRACTICUM WORKSHEETS that guide you through selected Practicums excerpted from I Ching, The Oracle (North Atlantic Books, 2023).

Empower Your Tarot Studies with this FREE COMPANION COURSE to Holistic Tarot, a self-paced series of video lectures and downloadable study guides for navigating tarot symbolism, deck structure, and interpretive practice, dispelling superstitions and myths, deconstructing both classical and modern approaches, and to help you build a meaningful tarot study journal. Here is quality tarot education accessible to the public and to students at any level.

Then check out SIGHTSEE THE TAROT, an immersive tour of influential tarot books, tarot spreads, reading techniques, and diverse practices with the cards. These are hands-on guided workshops that will help you to refine your tarot practice. Each video episode explores specialized methods, introduces you to established voices in the tarot community, and gives you practical exercises to try, complete with downloadable handouts and reference tables for your tarot journal. This is the course for deepening your study of the tarot, great for both the curious beginner and the seasoned practitioner.

There’s also the educational series TAROT CARD MEANINGS WITH BENEBELL, which helps you to learn the tarot card by card. This is an ongoing educational video series covering the 78 keys or cards of the tarot, showcasing the distinct attributions for four different deck systems: the Tarot de Marseilles (TdM), the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS), the Thoth deck by Crowley-Harris, and my own deck, the Spirit Keeper’s Tarot. Using audio-visual learning methods, the series facilitates reading fluency with the four listed tarot systems. The card by card primer is designed to help with memory retention in a more visually engaging way than studying them out of a book.

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In addition to the free guided, self-paced course offerings, click on the category label “Free Download” for a DATABASE OF FREE RESOURCES.

TAROT. Download complimentary STUDY GUIDES that supplement my book Holistic Tarot (North Atlantic Books, 2015) designed to cover tarot education at three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. For those looking to launch tarot reading services professionally, check out these TAROT BUSINESS & LEGAL FORMS.

I CHING. For those studying the I Ching alongside I Ching The Oracle: A Practical Guide to the Book of Changes (North Atlantic Books, 2022), you can download many of the REFERENCE TABLES & DIAGRAMS from the textbook to integrate into your grimoire, study journal, and notes. Also check out the digital files for a COMPANION ORACLE DECK.

SIGIL CRAFTING. Download REFERENCE MATERIALS for Fu sigil and talisman crafting in the Eastern esoteric traditions. While these reference materials are provided freely, please note that the full explanation for how to use them, their historical and cultural background, and the practical context can be found in my book The Tao of Craft: Fu Talismans and Casting Sigils in the Eastern Esoteric Tradition (North Atlantic Books, 2016).

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My CURRENT OFFERINGS are the 2026 METAPHYSICIAN’S DAY PLANNER (MDP), a personalized organizer blending daily planning with astrological, tarot, I Ching, lunar-solar, and other forecasting insights to help you navigate 2026. The offering provides the PDF digital file only, with instructions on how to print out your physical spiral-bound copy via a third-party print-on-demand service. Your MDP is customized with your  birth chart and 2026 solar returns chart.

Also check out the current roster of INDEPENDENT STUDY online course offerings for learning at your own pace. These courses cover tarot, astrology, folk magic, and occult theory with expert-level depth and self-empowering practicums. Strengthen your divination skills and expand your metaphysical knowledge.

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Here is an overview of my works-in-progress:

THE BOOK OF THOTH-HERMES

The Grand Etteilla Book of Thoth-Hermes Tarot is my current work-in-progress tarot deck inspired by the late 18th and early 19th century French Etteilla cartomancy system. I’m both the illustrator of the deck art and author of the companion guidebook. Learn more about the project and track its progress HERE.

ABOUT ETTEILLA’S BOOK OF THOT

In 1789, Jean-Baptiste Alliette, writing under the pseudonym Etteilla, creates a tarot deck based on his revelations from the Divine Pymander (or Poimandres), a foundational tract of the Corpus Hermeticum. Etteilla believes his deck reconstructs the true tarot of the Egyptian high priests from the Temple of Ptah, and is thus encoded with ancient knowledge about the creation of the cosmos and the nature of the soul. … That, or he was a business-savvy hustler with a knack for marketing and PR. Learn more about the historical Etteilla tarots HERE.

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I have been curating metaphysics related content on this website since 2012, so there’s a lot here. From deck reviews and book reviews to handbooks and insider information for artists, nonfiction writers, and deck creators to social commentaries, to legal forms and templates in various areas of the law that might be useful to you, guided meditations, journaling workbooks, and resources for your personal grimoire. If you’re interested, there’s also a lot recorded here on my past projects.

Spirit Keeper’s Tarot

Although now out of print, the Spirit Keeper’s Tarot was my first major published art project.

The first edition was a limited print run of 1,000 decks, which were direct scans of my black and white line drawings in ink.

During the pandemic while we were sheltering in place, I taught myself digital art to produce the SKT’s third and final edition. Learn more about the deck’s premise HERE.

Cultural Integration & the Prisca Theologia

Medieval philosophers and mystics on the quest to memorialize a single, universal theology searched beyond the borderlines of their own traditions. While their doctrines were based largely in Christian and Jewish mysticism, metastasized by the integration of Platonic philosophy and Sufism, the quest for that universal theology led these thinkers to consider Hinduism, Buddhism, and even a return to unearth the deeper heritage of their own pagan roots.

Cultural integration is conceptual alchemy that blends what had been separate artistic, intuitive paths of wisdom into one unified system of evolved thought.

CONTINUE reading HERE

Disputa, or Disputation of the Holy Sacrament (1510) by Raphael. Visual allegory of the union of the Church Triumphant in heaven and the Church Militant on earth. Mystery reveals itself through faith and divine illumination. “Disputa” was the scholarly theological debate during the late medieval and Renaissance period over the mystery of transubstantiation.

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FREE DOWNLOAD of Kuan Yin’s Great Compassion Mantra 大悲咒. You can also download the above high-res religious art print featuring the Mantra in Siddam Sanskrit, and an invocation of Kuan Yin in Traditional Chinese.

DECK REVIEWS

I get sent lots of decks and books for review from publishers and indie deck creators, and on occasion, I’ll review some of the ones I’ve been loving.

CLICK HERE to look through hundreds of tarot and oracle deck reviews.

265 thoughts on “Introduction

    1. Unknown's avatar belindawellner@gmail.com

      I just purchased a copy of Holistic Tarot. It’s an amazing book. However, in Appendix D information about the suit of swords is missing. Could you please email me the missing information. My email address is belindawellner@gmail.com. Thanks in advance for your assistance. Blessed Be

      Like

    1. Karla's avatar Karla

      I’ve never seen so many free resources given out by an accomplished practitioner, such as herself. She is a saint for giving all of this and being so open with her information, experience and expertise. All of this while maintaining a full time job as a lawyer. She isn’t required to be at our beck and call.

      Liked by 1 person

  1. Pingback: Madhouse Tarot by Eugene Vinitski and Elsa Khapatnukovski – benebell wen

  2. Myrna D Taylor's avatar Myrna D Taylor

    I am not able to purchase the spiritkeepers deck using the links provided, there isn’ta full email. PayPal is saying us are r not found. I am trying to buy 1 standard edition and 1 premium edition. Please help. Thanks so much.

    Like

    1. Hi Myrna: So very sorry about the inconvenience! Are you using the full e-mail abelldelivers at gmail dot com (using the at symbol and the period in place of the wording)? That’s both the e-mail contact for any inquiries about the order and also our PayPal e-mail. If you’re still having trouble, no worries– just shoot us at email at that address and we’ll walk you through it. ❤

      Like

      1. Benjamin Cor Serpentz's avatar Benjamin Cor Serpentz

        Bene, have a hundred questions for you and ever more dollar$ yet, I’m not broke but in a prison I mean literally. Edging a recovery from criminal thinking reentry program. Hacked a kiosk, drug in an tiger army, jail broke a tablet, tapped into free air from the port, I guess, no matter. Found your blog or what this is your temperance tabaaed you. With the lord of happiness turning me I wish to be freed by the summer of 24. Whatever happens, you have my word, soon as I’m free I will buy your SKT and gift it to a friend that I know will appreciate it. I promise. -Ben(same we have name)

        Like

  3. Valerie Bergin's avatar Valerie Bergin

    Hey Bell! I used Zelle. How long does that take to show up on your side? Mine shows it worked, but I haven’t received confirmation. Thank you!

    Like

  4. Beverly Mukai's avatar Beverly Mukai

    What an incredible body of work! Excellent research and outstanding, concise presentation of the material. Thank you so much for your hard work. I am enjoying the course so much and look forward to checking out other courses as well. Namo Jiu Tian Xuan Nu

    Like

  5. I want to know more information anout jiaobei(筊杯), about where your know it and could you please give me the reference. Because I am writing the graduating essay and need to use it . didn’t find the refernce, but search you on the internet. I will appreciate it very much if youcan give me a replay. Lookig forward your reply and thanks.

    Like

  6. It is a nice deck I have written scripts for languages to be used in tarot. I like the changing names of the deck as they are appropriate translations of similar meanings yet not. The feminine aspect gives light to humanities struggle with the functioning body as mammalian and the divine derived by words. Interesting concepts to decipher in tarot.

    Like

  7. Real interesting fact about tarot. Traditional you needed permission from the Bhudda to engage in what was either post murder of creators that gave their lives by just living in and around Thebes, an overt meaning of actors. I guess I made it illegal to sell readings because of the original meaning. I instructed some later in reading the written “spread” when I was gone. Fascinating the arrows of presentation of dignified or Ill-dignified told the story. Madam President, Elizabeth II really has a true account of the laws of engagement in Tarot.

    Like

  8. Zee's avatar Zee

    A while ago i stumbled on your site, and since then i am amazed by all the knowledge you share. Today again i found a oracle set which attract me instantly and information on Chinese metaphysical is amazing.

    Like

  9. Hi Jessica,

    We are now making our way through the post Oct. 6 orders. Our ship-out date, meaning when your deck is packaged and sent out by us, is still set at late December.

    You will receive a notification email once your decks are ready to ship. If you have any questions please email abelldelivers@gmail.com. Thank you!

    Like

  10. Cassa's avatar Cassa

    I cannot recommend this site enough. Thank you so much for all this Curated free content. Excited to get ur planner and for the reprinting of ur tarot deck!

    Like

  11. Dear Bellwen,
    Its been a joy and consolation to learn from you. I am currently using your cards and Book of Maps and finding them to be a great tool for me. Additionally I appreciate the multi-lineage approach to the cards. I would like to join the blog. I am a “mixed race white girl” who had connected, through metaphysics, to my Mexican/Native American heritage, Filipino heritage, Scotts/Irish and German blood. I am a doctor of Oriental Medicine learning toward Taoism, a yogi and a recent defector from my 25 years in a Kabbalistic Group. Your work has helped with that process as you seem to embrace the traditions I hold dear. In answer to the question of preferring a solo or group path, I’d agree that it should ultimately always include a healthy portion of an alone journey. If that isn’t present, one falls prey to corruption and worse, may participate in corruptive practices. For now I believe no group is perfect or perfectly evil. Humans and Beings are mixed and the greatest angel is capable of the largest betrayal and a demon may save a person’s or group’s life. Anyway, I am open to other inquiries. I’d love to join the blog.

    Like

  12. Coming from a mixed Asian-American background, I find your work illuminating and personally meaningful. Thank you for making all of this valuable knowledge available. And for Free!

    I do not expect a response from you and am surprised at the amount of entitlement I see here in the comments… as if putting so much on here for free isn’t enough. I understand you are beyond busy and heard in a podcast that you only manage to get about four hours of sleep at night while still managing to do and share this deep work while balancing a full time career. Again, thank you. I will try to support you in the ways I can.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. What a beautiful site! Thank you for sharing your research with us. I was referred here by a friend, and am interested to find you are a lawyer. I am too. I hadn’t thought of tarot as a subject that would be fascinating to lawyers, but …Well, wow! It makes so much sense that it would be. I am deeply inspired by your work, and eager to dig into the resources you have made available.

    Have you encountered Daughters of the Moon tarot? Would you share with me what you think of it?

    Thank you again for you and your work. I hope you are well, and that the earth, wind, fire and water hold you gently. Blessed Be, Lila

    Like

  14. Andrea Keener's avatar Andrea Keener

    I am a long time supporter of your creative work. It seems I am no longer in FB with you and no emails. 🤷🏻‍♀️ In my FB tarot communities I see you’re working in a new deck!! Yay!! So I asked for Friending. I wish you only more success. Thank you. 🙏🏼

    Like

  15. Danielle's avatar Danielle

    Hello! I’m trying to join your waitlist for the spirit tarot deck but it is not working. Are you still looking to produce another edition? This deck is seriously calling to me. Thank you!

    Like

    1. Khachaturova Inessa's avatar Khachaturova Inessa

      Hello dear Benebell Wen⚜️💐⚜️
      Thank you very much for your letter. I’m really booking forward to the second issue of the
      Spirit Keeper’s Tarot. I wanted to purchase 2 decks, for me and my sister. I am ready to pay right now and be sure that my sister and I will receive your Gorgeous decks. Please don’t forget us and let me know your opinion.
      With great respect, Inessa.

      Like

  16. Blanca Calleja's avatar Blanca Calleja

    Hello!

    I think someone is trying to impersonate your identity on instagram, with the name of Belllwen, with 3 L.

    Best regards,

    Blanca

    Like

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    Like

  18. wlchttt___'s avatar wlchttt___

    Hey there !

    I don’t know if you have another accounts on Instagram or if is all fake accounts , but it seems like fake accounts living messages like “ it seems like you need a read “ and things like that

    One of them is your account name plus ___
    Another one is bel_lwen

    And the other one blocked me , I don’t know anymore

    I DM you but I don’t think you see those

    I try to find a email to send you maybe but didn’t find any ( yet at least )

    Anyways, sorry if is you or if isn’t even helpful

    Like

  19. Inessa Khachaturova's avatar Inessa Khachaturova

    Hello, I am delighted with your Tarot – this is a Masterpiece. Thank you for such amazing work. I really want to have the Tarot of Psyche, please let me know as soon as you have it in stock. I’m really looking forward to it. I wish you and your entire family good health. With great respect, Inessa!

    Like

  20. william rutherford's avatar william rutherford

    Hello. Can you advise me of how to properly dispose of my drawings and sketches of goddesses and sacred images, and my practice Lo Shu squares etc. It feels strange to trash these things.
    Thank you for your time, and all that you do!

    Like

  21. Carol Lowman's avatar Carol Lowman

    Hello Benebell,
    I would love to have a Tarot card reading by you. I live in New York. In-person or virtual is fine.
    Please let me know at your convenience, I’ve submitted my email address as is required to reply to you here. Thanks very much, Carol Lowman

    Like

  22. I was inspired by your beautiful light.

    I’m a mexican magician, mechatronics engineer, musician, mathematician & composer.

    Im very honored to have read your messages and love through tarot.

    Like

  23. There is a wealth of study material here, much of it free. As a blogger on the subject of divination who also provides free content, I appreciate this greatly. I’ve been wanting to ramp up my I Ching work and am eagerly awaiting I Ching, The Oracle (I’ve worked with the Wilhelm translation for decades).

    Like

  24. somagic79's avatar somagic79

    On the divination mat of the I Ching, why the 36 specific hexagrams within the inner circle?? I love your work but here I’m confused.

    Like

  25. Rob Clark's avatar Rob Clark

    I’ve used a copy of the Wilhelm Baynes book since the mid eighties. I’m also familiar with Mr Legge’s work.
    I’ve just pre-ordered your book. I look forward to another perspective.

    Like

  26. Unknown's avatar Anonymous

    hey Benebell. Just wanted to say thanks for being you. I feel blessed to be in the same time era as you. As a woman of color i appreciate the support, advice, knowledge and love you pour into everyone.

    Like

  27. Unknown's avatar Anonymous

    I’m grateful to have found such a great well of information from this amazing lady, as someone who enjoys continuously learning about ancient wisdom and occult practices. I will support her channels and look forward to the content she produces. I’m in admiration that someone would find the time to explore such a wide range of topics. I hope that, as we’re all guests on someone’s webpage to benefit from the work that she has put forth, we can manage to stay respectful. The amount of dedication and labor represented here is unmatched.

    -JUSTMEG

    Like

  28. Unknown's avatar Anonymous

    in your video on Taoism: a decolonized Introduction, 10:06 the part of Shen /Kami that was missing an English translation should reach as “earth immortal”.

    Like

  29. Unknown's avatar Anonymous

    Hi, I’m impressed by your style. You seem quite versed in ancient China. I am reading a book called the “Secret Power of Music” by David Tame. He goes into much depth of how Early Chinese dynasties revered music as the key to order in the kingdom and happy living. They tightly governed what type of music was allowed. Do you have any knowledge of this or resources I could follow up on?

    Like

  30. Unknown's avatar Anonymous

    Dear, Ms Wen,

    I have seen you using a softcover copy of I CHING THE ORACLE in several of your videos from last year, but you never cite the material. Is this the book you wrote? Is is still available in softcover. I cannot seem to find information about that edition anywhere. Thank you for your insight and feedback.

    Mike

    Like

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