photos: Roger Sabaté.
Hannah Joy Graves has a magnetic presence that I recorded for the first time when I showed up for a tattoo appointment at AKA, a studio in Neukölln that she was managing at the time. Berlin being more of a village than its map suggests, our paths crossed again when I discovered that Hannah, presenting herself to the world as a mother of worship, began to offer tarot readings – a practice which can only become more relevant as reality becomes more and more uncertain. As Mother Cult says: “Ppeople feel disconnected and disoriented and discover that tarot is a great tool for overcoming confusion and uncertainty. ”
But this interview is not limited to the cards. Hannah explained to us how to find her way in spirituality, how she envisions the tarot in Berlin’s nightlife and why the city continues to inspire her after she has become sober.
In your essay “Sober Berlin: on the tarot and the stories we tell ourselves”, I read that you used to despise spirituality yourself. Now that you offer tarot readings, have you met many skeptics? Have any of them changed their minds?
I did not understand spirituality or spiritual practices. I have just combined spirituality with religion. I also thought that spirituality was just yoga pants, burning sage and inspirational crap from Instagram crap on ocean photos. I did not know that I had a spirit, that there was an essence of who I am – and that I had to take care of it – just like my physical and mental health. I’m still a bit skeptical myself! It is perfectly normal to have doubts and questions but I think that is where the tarot can really help. I love to read for skeptics, it’s my absolute favorite. I invite anyone who thinks the tarot is too courteous to give it a try because they can just learn something about themselves. I have converted many skeptics and I hope to continue to do so.
When did you gain the confidence to read for others?
I started reading the tarot by drawing individual cards for myself. Then I learned a simple spread of three cards. At this point, I went to my best friends where we chained the smoke, listened to Celine Dion and I read their tarot. After a year, I taught myself a ten card spread and read for close friends. I think the real turning point came for me when Morgan Wood Callisto asked me to read during their drag show. I would return the cards on a paycheck as much as you can before the show and during the interval. It was a great way to build my confidence, but I always tried to trust the cards. As a tarot reader, I guide you through your experience with the cards that come out for you.
“I’m just a punk witch who flips the tarot cards for clarity.”
What kind of questions do you recommend people to lay the cards on?
They can ask what they want – but the way you ask is important. I don’t want to know the question before I pass the cards and talk about their meaning, but I give anyone with a question the chance to sit down with their thoughts and emotions so that they can have confidence in their question. I try to offer clear advice on the tarot deck and the framework it gives us to do so. For example, we would take a question like “will I get the job?” and turn it into “what do I need to know where I am in my career”. The reason I don’t want to know the issue at first is that I don’t project too much of myself and my own experience onto your cards. If people want to disclose their question and discuss it after reading, they are welcome, but I am not a therapist, counselor or coach. I’m just a punk witch who flips the tarot cards for clarity. I leave you a space to sit with your thoughts and emotions and the cards will do the rest.
How is reading the tarot at external events different from your home practice? Do you think tarot could possibly become a staple of Berlin nightlife?
I am on a mission to make it a must in Berlin nightlife! I think it’s a fun and interactive element to include anywhere. It is much deeper and more intimate to come and read in my home studio, but even during events, I feel that it is not so difficult to create a small bubble of pause and authenticity – even in the middle of the hustle and bustle of a bar or a lively party. I’m not going to throw ten-card spreads, but rather stick to quick clarity shots – it’s always super fun. Tarot is not that dark and mysterious card game that will reveal something damaging to you – it wants to open you up, help you release whatever is holding you back.
How did you find the name “Mother of Worship”?
It’s such a good question and I honestly have no idea! In 2018, I got the idea that I needed a “brand,” a platform for all the weird stuff I get up to, so I created Cult Mother. It was a feeling, and a series of images and colors, but I didn’t really know what I was doing with it. I sold badges and planned to launch some events, but it was dormant for a while. Mother of worship like my tarot practice somehow swam at the end of last year. I’m really into the concept of “cult” status and that anything that can be worshiped can reach this level of devotion – yet people are so vehemently anti-worship. As for the “Mother” part? I’m still a mom in the group. If we go out to party, I will be the only one to make sure that you drink water and get in well. It has never been like this, but I guess the Mother of Worship has a lot to do with the fact that I take care of myself and that I am not afraid to devote myself to a spiritual practice. Short answer however. I do not really know!
I have read how tarot cards came into your life by chance as you made up your mind to become sober. Yesterday you have been sober for 3.5 years. Was there a link between the cards and maintaining your sobriety along the way?
Absolutely. Tarot gives me the opportunity to be honest with myself, to process my thoughts and emotions and, most importantly, to take a break. It also connects me to other people in an open, honest, and authentic way. Cult Mother and my tarot practice now also give me a chance to flex my creativity and talents in this really interesting way that I have never completely seen coming. Being excited by my life helps me stay sober!
“Berlin continues to be the perfect backdrop for continuous discovery.”
I found your take on sobriety in Berlin important and refreshing. Is it fair to say that you rediscovered the city after becoming sober?
Berlin is such a magical place. I’ve been here for almost 8 years, but not a lot of days go by when I don’t have a moment with me that is filled with pure gratitude for being able to call this city home. I think Berlin can be so many different things for so many different people. Of course, the initial attraction for me was the nightlife, which I still love – but there are so many other things here that I have discovered since I changed my lifestyle. Berlin continues to be the perfect backdrop for continuous discovery. There is so much room to grow.
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