Music has long been a vehicle for storytelling, emotion, and spiritual connection—much like tarot itself. Just as decks like The Crystal Sound Healing Oracle integrate the vibrational power of crystal alchemy singing bowls to aid in meditation and self-discovery, Steph Waters’ new album, Archetypal Vol I, taps into the archetypal wisdom of the tarot to create a transformative musical experience. Currently funding on Kickstarter, this concept album blends sound, symbolism, and storytelling to guide listeners through the highs and lows of the human journey.
Singer-songwriter Steph Waters has been deeply immersed in expressive arts therapy, believing that self-knowledge opens the door to healing. “The more we know ourselves, the more healing energy we have access to,” she shares. This philosophy is at the core of Archetypal Vol I, where each song is inspired by a different Major Arcana tarot archetype, providing listeners with a reflective and cathartic experience.
The album features tracks representing The Fool, The Magician, Death, Temperance, and The World, alongside original archetypes such as The Big Tree and Cosmic Goo—expanding on traditional tarot symbolism to embrace the vastness of human experience. Much like pulling a tarot card for guidance, these songs invite introspection, insight, and a connection to something larger.
Recorded at Tingleville Studios in Chimayo, New Mexico, the album has been months in the making. Producer Brayden Schmick has worked closely with Steph to craft a sound that embodies the essence of each archetype. Lending their voices to the project is the very aptly named The Full Cups Choir, a collective of singers who formed in 2024, drawn together by a love for music and community.
Their voices don’t just harmonize—they tell stories, layering depth and emotion into every song. “We sing these songs to each other in times of darkness and light,” says one choir member. “We hope they can be a source of comfort and connection for others, too.”
Just as tarot provides guidance in uncertain times, Archetypal Vol I serves as a musical companion for personal transformation. “Music fosters connection,” Steph says. “It helps us feel not so alone.” The themes of the tarot—new beginnings, loss, growth, rebirth—are woven into the melodies, offering listeners a sacred space to process and reflect.
With tarot’s growing popularity and a rising interest in sound healing—as seen with decks like The Crystal Sound Healing Oracle, which combines sound vibration with intuitive guidance—this album arrives at the perfect moment. It bridges the gap between spirituality and sound, offering a new way to experience tarot’s wisdom.
“We want people to hear our music. It feels important,” Steph explains. “To make it known that, even with everything going on in the world, there are still people singing, creating, and making art.”
For those who have ever found guidance in tarot or healing in music, Archetypal Vol I is a project worth backing. This is more than an album—it’s a spiritual journey set to sound. Support the Kickstarter campaign and be a part of this musical exploration of archetypes and transformation.
You can also listen to Steph’s music on Spotify today.
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