Product review: Anchored deck by Margeaux Feldman
In the realm of card decks designed to attend to mental health, the Anchored Card Deck by Margeaux Feldman stands out as a unique and deeply personal tool. This deck, born from Feldman's own healing journey through complex trauma and chronic illness, serves as an anchor in turbulent waters, offering grounding in moments of emotional distress and beyond. I am admittedly a fan of Feldman’s online work (calling it a meme account doesn’t quite cut it), having followed their Instagram for several years — and if you follow me on IG, you’ve probably seen them reposted. I enjoy the way their personal experiences melt with clinical guidance they have learned in their own healing, and I find their work accessible and impactful.
A Journey to Grounding
Feldman explains that the concept of grounding—moving out of nervous system activation states like fight, flight, freeze, and submit by feeling the ground beneath us—was often inaccessible to her. Instead, she found solace in the metaphor of an "anchor," a symbol that resonated more with her personal experiences and astrological makeup. This shift in language and perspective is a testament to Feldman’s approach to trauma healing, recognizing that traditional methods may not work for everyone and that personalization is key.
The Deck’s Structure
The Anchored Card Deck comprises 75 beautifully designed collagd cards, each serving as its own anchor suggestion. These cards can be used in moments of dysregulation, before significant life events, or simply as a daily guiding force. The accompanying 198-page interactive PDF guidebook offers deeper insights into each card's meaning, written from a trauma-informed, social-justice perspective, and includes practical exercises to help users embody and integrate the card's message.
Representation and Inclusivity
Feldman's journey in creating the deck was not without its challenges, particularly regarding representation. Initially, the cards predominantly featured white, presumably able-bodied individuals. After introspection and consultation with friends and community members, Feldman remade 23 of the cards to include more diverse images. This decision, though fraught with uncertainty, reflects a commitment to inclusivity and responsibility. Feldman also addresses the ethical complexities of profiting from the deck by redistributing 5% of profits to mutual aid calls from Black, Indigenous, and people of color.
Practical Application
For therapists and individuals alike, the Anchored deck offers practical tools for emotional regulation and grounding. The cards can be used in a variety of settings, from clinical environments to personal daily routines to tarot-like spreads. By pulling a card and reflecting on its message and suggested practice, users can try to access a moment of calm and clarity amidst the chaos.
Final Thoughts
The Anchored Card Deck is an intuitive, flexible, and powerful resource. Its beauty lies not only in its design but also in the thoughtful, trauma-informed approach that Feldman brings to each card. This deck is not just a product; it’s a companion for those navigating the often-turbulent waters of trauma and chronic illness.
In the world of grief and trauma therapy, tools like the Anchored Card Deck are invaluable. They offer new pathways to healing, grounded in personal experience and enhanced by a commitment to inclusivity and social justice. For anyone looking to explore new methods of grounding and emotional regulation, this deck is a worthy addition to their toolkit.
As always, these cards were purchased by me for my own personal and professional exploration. I was not compensated for this review in any way and I have no connection to the creator. If you have a product that you’re curious about and would like me to review, please feel free to message me!
Do you have this deck? What are your thoughts?
