The Unicorn card in this deck is deeply inspired by the work and legacy of bell hooks, a profound thinker, writer, and cultural critic whose insights into identity, love, and community speak to the heart of those who have felt marginalized or misunderstood, both in their families and in society at large. In her works, hooks frequently explored the experience of those who have been labeled as "different"—whether due to race, gender, sexuality, or simply because they defy traditional norms. She understood the struggle of being the "black sheep" in a community that values conformity but also the beauty and strength in embracing one's unique identity.

As bell was known to say, “Appalachia is my fate” and chose this region to be her final resting place.

In her seminal work All About Love, bell hooks talks about love as a revolutionary force, one that allows us to reclaim ourselves and stand proud in our truth, no matter how different we may be from the world around us. This Unicorn card embodies that radical self-love and the strength to embrace the parts of ourselves that may have felt out of place in traditional spaces—especially in the culturally rich yet often rigid regions of Appalachia.

In many ways, hooks' idea of self-actualization through love aligns with the spirit of the Unicorn card: it’s about transforming the narrative of being the "black sheep" into recognizing yourself as the unique, magical, and powerful unicorn that you are. Rather than being shunned for your differences, you become someone who stands tall in your authenticity and finds healing and strength in your journey.

Growing up feeling like a black sheep in your own family is a unique and often painful experience. When your own kin, who should be your first source of love and support, struggle to understand or accept who you are, it can leave deep emotional scars. The Unicorn card invites you to see beyond these experiences of rejection and misunderstanding. Rather than viewing yourself as a black sheep—a misfit, an outsider—recognize that you are, in fact, a unicorn. You are rare, extraordinary, and imbued with a unique magic that sets you apart in the most beautiful and powerful ways.

This shift in perspective is not just about self-acceptance; it's about reclaiming your power and recognizing that your differences are your greatest strengths. In Appalachia, where community and family ties run deep, standing out can feel like a burden. But the Unicorn card reminds you that these differences are what make you special. You are not simply surviving in a world that doesn't understand you; you are thriving as a unique individual who brings something truly valuable to the table.

As you connect with this card, let it serve as a reminder that you are not alone. There are others like you, unicorns who have felt out of place in their own families and communities but who have embraced their uniqueness and used it to create change. Your journey is not just about personal healing; it's about contributing to the rich, diverse tapestry of Appalachia by being exactly who you are. In doing so, you become a hero or shero in your own right, paving the way for others who feel the same to step into their power and shine.

The card honors those in Appalachia and beyond who have learned to embrace their differences, often against the pressures to conform. It celebrates the courage to redefine oneself on one's own terms, as bell hooks encouraged through her advocacy for self-love, community care, and intersectional understanding. Whether in your family or community, the Unicorn card calls you to see your individuality not as a burden but as a source of strength and purpose. You are not the outcast, but the one who lights the way for others, much like hooks did with her writings on love, identity, and liberation.

Though not closely tied to the Appalachian region by upbringing, another inspiration for this card is Audre Lorde's powerful poetry collection, The Black Unicorn. In these works, Lorde explores themes of identity, strength, and the resilience required to embrace one's true self in the face of societal and personal challenges. The black unicorn in her poetry symbolizes those who are rare, misunderstood, and often marginalized, yet possess a deep, inherent power and beauty. This card celebrates that same resilience and the transformative journey from feeling like a black sheep—misunderstood, isolated, and different—to recognizing oneself as a magical unicorn, a being of incredible strength, wisdom, and unique brilliance.