Rachel Pollack

Rachel Pollack (1945–2023) was an American writer recognized for her contributions to science fiction, comic books, and particularly for her profound work with the Tarot. Born in Brooklyn, she pursued higher education in English before embarking on a prolific writing career. Pollack's engagement with Tarot was extensive, encompassing influential books like '78 Degrees of Wisdom,' which became a standard reference for readers, and the creation of her own Tarot decks, including the 'Shining Woman Tarot.' She also collaborated on significant projects such as the 'Vertigo Tarot Deck.'

Beyond her Tarot work, Pollack made a notable impact on the comic book industry, notably taking over DC Comics' 'Doom Patrol' series. During her tenure, she courageously addressed complex themes like menstruation, sexual identity, and transsexuality, pushing the boundaries of mainstream comic narratives. Her fiction, often characterized by magical realism, explored alternative realities where magic and ritual were commonplace, drawing inspiration from various traditions and faiths. Pollack's writings frequently incorporated Jewish mysticism, particularly Kabbalah, and explored transgender experiences with nuance and depth. Her academic background included teaching creative writing and English at the university level.

Rachel Pollack was a highly respected authority on Tarot, authoring seminal works that shaped contemporary understanding and practice. Her 1985 book, 'Salvador Dali's Tarot,' offered detailed commentary on the artist's unique deck. However, '78 Degrees of Wisdom' is perhaps her most widely recognized contribution, serving as a foundational text for countless Tarot enthusiasts. Pollack also extended her influence through the creation of her own Tarot decks, the 'Shining Woman Tarot' (later 'Shining Tribe Tarot'), and by contributing to the development of the 'Vertigo Tarot Deck' alongside Dave McKean and Neil Gaiman. Her deep knowledge made her a sought-after consultant, even for authors like Gaiman, who incorporated her insights into his storytelling.

Pollack's tenure writing for DC Comics' 'Doom Patrol' from 1993 to 1995 marked a significant period of innovation in the medium. Taking the reins of a series that had gained a cult following, she infused the narrative with groundbreaking themes rarely explored in comic books at the time. Her storylines tackled subjects such as menstruation, sexual identity, and transsexuality with sensitivity and depth. Beyond 'Doom Patrol,' Pollack contributed to various other Vertigo titles and imprints, including 'New Gods' and the 'Time Breakers' limited series. Her work with 'Doom Patrol' artist Richard Case later led to a new short story for a Kickstarter-funded anthology, and DC Comics honored her legacy with a 2024 collection reprinting key issues and featuring new tributes.

Pollack's novels, often categorized as magical realism, delved into worlds where mystical elements and diverse spiritual traditions were integral to reality. Many of her stories unfolded in an America subtly altered, where magic, ritual, and thaumaturgy were accepted norms. Her fiction garnered significant acclaim, with works like 'Unquenchable Fire' winning the Arthur C. Clarke Award and 'Godmother Night' receiving the World Fantasy Award. These narratives frequently explored themes rooted in her Jewish heritage, particularly Kabbalah, and her identity as a trans woman. She examined transsexuality not as an illness but as a profound, revelatory experience, weaving these concepts into characters and storylines, such as the transgender and Jewish detective in 'A Secret Woman.'