The Tarot Connection » Dena DeCastro

Episode 97: Saturn with Dena DeCastro

leisa — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:15:50 +0000

Dena DeCastro & I talk about Saturn and Saturn Transits and do a reading based on these themes.

Saturn Notes by Dena DeCastro

Saturn

Ruler of Capricorn

Ancient Ruler of Aquarius

Your Natal Saturn:

Saturn in the natal chart is the function within us that makes it possible for us to develop discipline and maturity. Saturn’s house and sign placement indicate where and in what way you are to enact your earthly responsibilities, and where a sense of duty lies.

Saturn Transits:

Saturn times are times in which we are invited to step into a role of authority and maturity in our lives. We must learn to choose decisively and act upon our decisions. We are asked often to shoulder more responsibility, and perhaps “toughen up” in the area being touched by the transit. There are no magical solutions available, nor any “get out of jail free” cards during this season. A Saturn transit offers the lesson of facing reality head on. The gift of this time is in learning that you actually can do it. A successful integration of Saturnian medicine shows you that you are more mature, wise, and capable than you thought possible. This leads to a sense of accomplishment, and the strength to move forward.

Spread

Invoking Saturn Spread

Combat Inertia
Conquer Fear
Seek a Solution
Set Goals
Get Organized

Resources:

Astrology for the Light Side of the Brain
Astrology, Magic and Alchemy in Art
Astrology for Dummies
THE MINCHIATE TAROT The 97–Card Tarot of the Renaissance, Complete with the 12 Astrological Signs and the 4 Elements
Saturn in the Signs from Always Astrology

Dena DeCastro

A professional astrologer in the Portland area for several years, Dena has appeared on local radio shows, taught workshops, and given lectures on topics in Evolutionary Astrology. The evolutionary perspective is that our souls progress from lifetime to lifetime. The focus of Dena’s readings is upon your chart as the dynamic representation of your highest potential, and the guide toward achieving it. Dena hosts the podcast Evolutions of Astrology featuring interviews with astrologers and other readers, as well as discussing various topics of astrology and chart interpretation.

To subscribe to “Evolutions of Astrology” via iTunes, click here.

Music Credits

Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
Closing Music: Transition Music: Saturn, the Prime Mover of the Spheres by William Wilde Zeitler from Music of the Spheres

Play or Download the Episode

Episode 91: Self Publishing Decks & Books

leisa — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:36:37 +0000

Self-Publishing Tips and Tricks (My BATS presentation)

Have you ever fantasized about having a book or deck in print. Do you want to have complete control on the creative process. Self-publishing may be your best option. I discuss how to publish Tarot Decks, Books and Audio including:

Download the Handout

Designing the Deck
Types of Printing & Getting Quotes
Preparing Artwork
Formality & Legality (ISBN, Barcodes)
Selling
Pricing
Order Fulfillment
Wholesale, Retail and International Distribution
Packing
And many lessons learned.

Lou Lorenzi-Prince at my table at BATS

This was my first time setting up a vendor table and I didn’t have a sign of any kind. While I was setting up my husband went out to get us espresso after carrying the boxes in. He was gone about an hour. In that time he went back to the hotel room, e-mail the banner graphic from my website to FedEx-Kinkos and came back with this huge vinyl sign.

The Seven Soul Centers with with Robert Place – Nov. 26, 2008

$25.00

The theory of the seven psychic centers in the body, commonly called the Chakras, is thought to originate in India. However, the oldest writing in India that describes it dates from the second century AD. In the West we can find them described in detail in the writings of Plato in the fourth century BC, and can find similar ideas in The Egyptian Book of the Dead. The Greek philosopher, Pythagoras – the first man to call himself a philosopher – used the seven notes of his musical scale to bring the soul centers of his patients into harmony and health and realized that these seven centers figured in our spiritual development as well.This class will include a lecture demonstrating that the theory of the Chakras is a universal truth found in all cultures and focusing on the Western theories about the centers. It will also included meditative exercises designed to heighten sensitivity to the energy centers in the body and demonstrate how this sensitivity can be used to improve ones ability to use the Tarot cards for divination. The students will also learn how to use the Tarot for analyzing the health and balance of the seven soul centers.

Date: Wednesday November 26, 2008
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 Pacific Time
Time: 9:00 – 11:00 Eastern Time

Dena DeCastro

To subscribe to “Evolutions of Astrology” via iTunes, click here.

Music Credits

Opening Music & Transition Music: Narcissus by Queenie from Dream of Flight
Closing Music: Why You Wanna Do it by Boo Boo Harris from The Name of the Game

Play or Download the Episode

Episode 90: Uranus with Dena DeCastro

leisa — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 06:37:13 +0000

Dena DeCastro & I talk about Uranus and Uranus Transits and do a reading based on these themes.

Transiting Uranus By Dena DeCastro

The force of transiting Uranus has to do with change, liberation, and freedom. Uranus transits often involve a “roller coaster” kind of feeling, and surprising and unexpected events. Uranus helps us in our process of individuation, showing us where we stand apart from the herd. This can manifest as an “itchy”, restless, and rebellious feeling that leads ultimately to breakthroughs and liberation from longstanding ruts in the area being impacted.

Uranus-Sun Transits
www.cafeastrology.com/uranustransits.html

Spread

Uranus Decision Spread

Me
The Situation
Cons (Three Cards)
Pros (Three Cards)
The Decision (Three Cards)

Dena DeCastro

To subscribe to “Evolutions of Astrology” via iTunes, click here.

Music Credits

Opening Music & Transition Music: Narcissus by Queenie from Dream of Flight
Closing Music: Freedom by Jeff Wall from Guienevere

Play or Download the Episode

Episode 81: Neptune with Dena DeCastro

leisa — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 00:42:03 +0000

Dena DeCastro & I talk about Neptune and Neptune Transits and do a reading based on these themes.

Transiting Neptune By Dena DeCastro

Neptune is the planet which represents our ability to transcend our ego-self and connect with what we would perceive as mystical – that which is beyond mundane reality. This has its potentially positive and negative effects when it touches us by transit. Under its influence, we can experience heightened states of awareness, such as meditation, the perception of other realities, and mystical visions. Our psychic awareness may also increase, along with our sensitivity to other’s thoughts and feelings. Our dreams and other contacts with the unconscious become very prominent under a Neptune transit. Because it is a force that leads us to contemplate what is outside our every-day reality, the visions and insights we gain can lead us to experience epiphanies, but also confusion. In its dark aspect, Neptune’s influence can leave us vulnerable to delusion and self-deception. Being in the middle of a Neptune transit (especially by hard aspect – conjunction, square, or opposition) can engender the feeling of being in a “fog.” Neptune’s force is that which dissolves what it touches, like that of a large body of water. Its action is strong but subtle, and usually happens over time. Neptune transits last 2 – 3 years in its aspect to a planet in the natal chart.

Spread and Readings

Neptune Higher Purpose Snapshot

Who Am I?
What is an Illusion/Delusion I face?
Salt (Past) -What is Contractive?
Mercury (Present)-What is Changing?
Sulpher (Future) – What is Expanding?

Dena DeCastro

To subscribe to “Evolutions of Astrology” via iTunes, click here.

Music Credits

Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
Closing Music: The Hideous Realms of Neptune by Jamie Janover from Evolutions

Play or Download the Episode

Episode 80: The Tarots of Ciro Marchetti

leisa — Sat, 31 May 2008 23:25:05 +0000

Ciro Marchetti (Florida) is an award-winning artist from the United Kingdom. He studied art in London, followed by a career working in Europe and South America before settling in the United States where he opened a design agency in Miami. In addition to managing his company, Ciro also gives workshops and lectures on digital digital imagery and illustration at the Fort Lauderdale Art Institute, and continues to create his own visionary art.

Website: http://www.ciromarchetti.com

Gilded Tarot

The Gilded Tarot was my first attempt at creating a tarot deck and much like the leading character the Fool himself, it represents the beginning of my own personal tarot journey. It reflects some naiveté and innocence certainly, but also respect and enthusiasm. Despite not being particularly well received by some critics and the more traditionalists of the tarot world, it nevertheless seems to have struck a positive chord with the general tarot community, both readers and their querants.

Tarot of Dreams

The Tarot of Dreams was self published in 2005. A follow up to the Gilded, this deck built on the learning curve that resulted from its predecessor. Instead of the standard companion book, the ToD comes with an interactive CD that includes numerous features that are unique to the Tarot genre, such as animated cards, video intro and background music etc, along with a full book length PDF document that provides full explanation of the decks imagery and esoteric symbolism. The ToD was voted most popular deck of that year by the leading tarot web site Acelectic.net

Legacy of the Divine Tarot

My future deck will be the third and almost certainly the last. This project is quite extensive and will be accompanied by a book that will comprise of a short story as well as the usual guide explaining the various card meanings. Its a very personal approach to Tarot and the images incorporate many elements from my other illustrations which will within the context of this project now find a new home and meaning. Nevertheless their inclusion and incorporation remains relevant and stays withing the basic structure of tarot and specifically that of the RWS. Anyone comfortable with that system should be in familiar territory.

Legacy of the Divine Tarot Wallpaper

Click on the image to show the full sized wallpaper. Right Click and Save As to download.

Available Decks

Music Credits

Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
Closing Music: Ukiyoe by Queenie from the Dream of Flight

Hear more of Queenie’s music featured in the Forever Fifteen Podiobook

Play or Download the Episode

Episode 77: Pluto with Dena DeCastro

leisa — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:39:55 +0000

Pluto in astrology represents transformation, death, and rebirth. Dena DeCastro & I talk about Pluto and Pluto Transits and do a reading based on these themes.

Transiting Pluto By Dena DeCastro

The force of transiting Pluto brings transformative, life-changing external events OR internal realization (reference the January Podcast on Pluto into Capricorn). Pluto brings the opportunity for us to reconnect with our passions by clearing away things that are blocking us in the unconscious. Pluto offers us the lesson that we are not ultimately in control of everything in or lives, and often we find that there is very little we do control. The issue of power and its locus is up for consideration here, and we must look at our relationship to power – both our own power and how others use power towards us. Pluto often pushes us to face our fears – not to punish us, but so that we may come more fully into our own power and feel a passionate connection to our lives.

Transformation, Regeneration, Rebirth
Destruction
Death
Obsession
Dictatorship
Terrorism, rebellion, anarchy
Secret, Undercover, Hidden
Revitalization

Dena’s Reading

3 Card Change Reading

Resistance (Saturn-Devil)
Struggle (Mars-Tower)
Transformation (Fire-Pluto-Judgement)

Dena DeCastro

To subscribe to “Evolutions of Astrology” via iTunes, click here.

Music Credits

Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
Closing Music: I’m Your Moon by Jonathan Coulton

Play or Download the Episode

Episode 70: An Experiment with Sabian Symbols

leisa — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:42:05 +0000

Dena DeCastro joins me to experiment with the use of Sabian Symbols in Tarot Readings.In 1925, Spiritualist Marc Edmund Jones worked with psychic Elsie Wheeler to bring forth images for each degree of the Zodiac. The intent was to capture something essential about that degree.

Sabian Symbols look a lot like the Magical Images. Aries 3: The Cameo Profile Of A Man, suggesting The Shape Of His Country

The ultimate peace and unity of Kether is represented by a special anthropomorphic symbol known as a Magical Image. Such an image is given for each of the sephiroth, and has been built up over the centuries by meditative work on the inner plane. These images are, along with applicable symbols points of contact with the Sephiorth. In the case of Kether, the image is of an Ancient Bearded King seen in profile. This is a crowned and white-bearded head, seen from the right side, its left being unknown to us as it borders on the Unmanifest. – The Qabalistic Tarot by Robert Wang Pg. 56

I am proposing that we could use the Sabian Symbols in the same way magical images are used and you can associate most Tarot Cards with degrees of the Zodiac (see notes handout below).

Sabian Symbols Resources

Podcast
TURNING OF THE WHEEL
Learning Life Cycles Through Astrology with CHRIS FLISHER

The Sabian Symbols with Lynda Hill 10/25/07

Lynda Hill, FAA Pract. Cert. has been a professional astrologer for more than 18 years. 2006 marked her 22nd lecture tour of the States, in addition to the many lectures she has conducted for astrologers and the public throughout Australia, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Russia, South Africa, New Zealand and Canada. Lynda is the astrologer for Good Taste and Take Five, and writes astrological commentary for publications all over the world. She divides her time between Sydney’s beautiful Northern Beaches and the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains (when she’s not traveling the world delivering lectures!).

Lynda has been a tireless researcher on the Sabian Symbols. Listen to the amazing story of this remarkable divination oracle. Her book, “360 Degrees of Wisdom: Charting Your Destiny With the Sabian Oracle” is published by Penguin USA (Plume imprint) and was released in February 2006 by Sony Japan in Japanese. This is a revised edition of her self-published book The Sabian Symbols as an Oracle, which comes with a special set of divination cards and can still be purchased through Lynda by emailing her at www.sabiansymbols.com

Websites:

Books:

Handouts


Notes	Business Card Size

Sabian Oracle Reference

Using Dice

12 sided	1. Aries 2. Taurus 3. Gemini 4. Cancer 5. Leo 6. Virgo	7. Libra 8. Scorpio 9. Sagittarius 10. Capricorn 11. Aquarius 12. Pisces
6 sided	1. 1st decan (1-10) 2. 2nd decan (11-20) 3. 3rd Decan (21-30)	4. 1st decan (1-10) 5. 2nd decan (11-20) 6. 3rd Decan (21-30)
10 sided	1-1st Degree in Decan 2-2nd Degree in Decan …	… 9 – 9th Degree in Decan 0 -Last Degree in Decan

Example (9, 3, 9)

12d -> 9. Sagittarius
6d -> 3. Third Decan
10d-> 9. 9th Degree

Sagittarius 29: A Fat Boy Mowing The Lawn Of His House On An Elegant SuburbanStreet

Sukhi’s Reading (Calculating a Degree)

Sukhi: Hermit (Virgo)
Crossing: Page Pentacles
Crowning: King of Pentacles
Undercurrents: Ace of Pentacles
Past: Page Cups Rx
Near Future: Six of Wands
Internal: 8 of Swords Rx
External: Death Rx
Hope & Fears: 10 Swords Rx
Outcome: Empress

I selected the Hermit/Virgo as the significant sign on the reading then added the numbers from the spread together and reduced the sum to a number between 1 & 30.

9 + 1 +6 + 8 + 13 + 10 + 3 = 50 (5+0 = 5)

Virgo 5

A Man Becoming Aware Of Nature Spirits And Normally Unseen Spiritual Agencies

My Chart, Tarot Cards, Sabian Cards

I printed out a set of the Sabian Symbols on Color Card stock. This picture is of my Natal Cart with the associated Tarot Cards around it.

For example:

Sun in Aries – Sun/Emperor
Moon in Capricorn – Priestess/Devil

The outer rim is the symbol associated with the degree of that sign.

Dena DeCastro

Dena hosts the podcast Evolutions of Astrology featuring interviews with astrologers and other readers, as well as discussing various topics of astrology and chart interpretation.

Basics of Astrology: Teleclasses with Dena
Have you ever attempted to read your own birth chart, and found you just didn’t know where to begin? Or, have you always been curious about astrology, but found books on the topic to be complex and incomprehensible? If so, these teleclasses are for you (see info to the right on teleclasses).

Each class module will focus on a different topic of astrology. Included will be on-line visual aids, downloadable chart examples, and/or specific hands-on demonstrations of the techniques discussed. There will also be a 15-minute period devoted to Q & A.

Class sessions are 90 minutes, and are conducted via phone.

Module 1: Planets and Signs

This module is geared toward those with an interest in learning the basics of astrology. No previous experience is required. We will explore the archetypes of each planet and sign, and begin interpreting the placements of planets within different signs.

Module 2: Houses and Beginning Interpretation

This module delves into the meanings of the houses, and we begin to combine the interpretation of planets, signs and houses. This is the first step toward chart synthesis, and necessary in order to read a natal chart.

Module 3: Aspects

Aspects between planets in the natal chart add an important layer to interpretation. This module illustrates how aspects to our personal planets and Ascendant give us more information as to how these planets function within the natal chart.

To subscribe to “Evolutions of Astrology” via iTunes, click here.
To learn more about Dena’s Teleclasses, click here.

Music Credits

Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
Closing Music: Title and Registration by Death Cab for Cutie (Podsafe Music)

Play or Download the Episode

Episode 62: Tarot for Dreams

leisa — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 19:38:26 +0000

Upon waking, write what you remember of your dream in your journal. There is no need to make a coherent story line.

Pick 3 objects (person, place, thing)
Pick 3 actions

Draw a card for each an interpret the card as the bridge between the dream image and your waking life.
Pick one of the object card, either randomly or because of its importance.
Pick of the action cards
Shuffle the rest of the deck and draw a summary card.
Use these three cards to do a reading for yourself.

Dena’s Dream

I dreamed that Leisa had given me a baby duck to take care of. It was cute and fuzzy, and seemed very frail/thin. He didn’t seem like a normal duck though; he had almost the personality of a human. I said he seemed very sweet. She said she was going away for a couple of days, and wondered if I could take care of it. I said sure, and took it. I soon realized that I had not asked for any instructions for its care, nor did I have any place to safely keep it. I felt that he (it seemed male) needed a cage or small enclosure, because he might get trompled on in my home. I was having great anxiety about all of this. In the dream, I lived in a place I didn’t recognize, and both my Mom and Dustin (brother) lived there too. I was afraid they’d be careless and step on him. I put him in my room, and was contemplating putting out a sign that said “Don’t come in.” In the mean time, I gave him some water, and it was good to watch him drink. I reminded myself that I needed to feed and give him water, that I musn’t forget. I thought I might need to go get some duck food soon.

Then, abruptly, the scene changed and I had decided to go on a hiking/camping trip and take the duck with me. I was with a bunch of people, and we were going over some rough terrain. I kept the duck in a pouch close to my belly, inside my clothes. At one point, I bumped against something and was afraid I’d crushed him. I took him out, and he looked like his right eye was injured. I decided I’d better head home.

I was in the car, and the duck was running loose around the floorboards as I was driving. I knew something bad was going to happen, almost like it was inevitable: a hole in the floorboards appeared, and the duck fell through. I saw him tumble out the bottom, and knew he must have died. I felt horrible. I dreaded having to tell Leisa when she returned.

Leisa came back, and I met her at her house. I told her about the duck, and was direct and honest and told her everything. I was still frustrated that I had not had a cage for him, but I felt like it was my responsibility and I’d failed. Leisa was reassuring, said it was okay, although she did seem sad about the duck. I woke up, very relieved that it had all been a dream.

Leisa’s Dream

I just parked by car. I was attending a conference at a hotel a block away. The buildings for that block were joined on the ground floor so I entered the nearest one to get off the street. I was distracted and got on the first elevator that I saw and once inside I realized my error. This elevator would go up but the higher level wasn’t connected to the place I was staying. There was no way to reopen the doors without going to the top.

The inside of the elevator was strange. Very old fashioned with iron grating so you could see the floors going by. The interior was very small. There was barely enough room to stand in it front to back. It was wider than deep so I had to put my luggage to my right. There were only three buttons. 1 – 9 – 10. On the way up I saw empty dusty spaces. Near the top I witnessed a murder by gunshot that I wasn’t supposed to see of course.

When I reached the top I was able to press the buttons to go down without the doors opening but the bad guys knew I was there and wanted to intercept me.

I did dial 911 from my cell phone. There were some reception problems due to the elevator and at some point I was free falling in the elevator shaft and needed to catch back up to my phone. I did accomplish this, escape to a corner of the lobby to complete my call. I was battered, bloody and may have had broken bones but safe.

Dena DeCastro

To subscribe to “Evolutions of Astrology” via iTunes, click here.

Music Credits

Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
Transitional Music: Goodbye by Beth Quist from Lucidity (Magnatune)
Closing Music: Dream by Beth Quistt from Lucidity (Magnatune)

Play or Download the Episode

Evolutions of Astrology Podcast

leisa — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 21:40:35 +0000

Episode 46 is still in the oven but in the meantime you can head over to Evolutions of Astrology.

Astrologer Dena Decastro, who has been a regular guest, has a new Astrology podcast.

I’m the guest for Episode 3 which explores the differences between tarot readings and astrology readings. You can listen here, download the mp3, or subscribe via iTunes!

Download or Play the Episode

Running Time: 49:22 min | File Size: 56.5.X MB

Download audio file (EvolutionsOfAstrology3.mp3)

Episode 42: Mary Carter’s accidentally engaged

leisa — Mon, 14 May 2007 07:07:40 +0000

Archived

This Podcast Episode has been archived.

It is available for purchase at shop.tarotconnection.net in the Year One Archive mp3 DVD.

My guest is Mary Carter who’s latest book Accidentally Engaged protagonist Clare Ivers is a psychic tarot reader. Clare ignores her intuition which is telling her to decline reading for a woman who is getting cold feet about her upcoming wedding. Clare is asked to give a phony reading in favor of the wedding (by the sister-in-law) and to break the engagement (by the future bride). Clare obliges her customer and comes into possession of a 3 carat wedding ring that needs returning.

Accidentally Engaged

By Mary Carter
PROLOGUE

It all started that fateful evening when I allowed myself to turn over the first card. It was from the Major Arcana, Trumps Zero, The Fool.

He’s the grinning idiot, the class clown, the one who eats oysters despite the Red Tide warning, the guy who lowers his car for increased speed and agility, despite the fact that it’s a Saturn.

Most Tarot card decks show The Fool standing at the edge of a cliff, not watching what he’s doing. He’s daydreaming, he’s staring off into the sky, he’s mentally composing his grocery list. In other words, he’s terminally out of milk.

He’s also one step away from plunging thousands of feet to his death.

And it’s not like anyone didn’t warn him. (Hence, his name.)

If a non-foolish man were carefully and strategically walking down a path and suddenly plunged to his death due to large foliage, overgrown trees, or poor city planning, we’d all feel sorry for the guy, maybe even drop a bundle of flowers or light an outdoor-only non flammable candle at the accident site. Maybe even shed a few tears. We’re reasonable people. And even if we didn’t go that far, we certainly wouldn’t blame the guy for dying.

But if there were clues pointing to the impending disaster scattered along the way, such as small forest animals running at top speed in the opposite direction, a strange, stale feeling of doom hovering about the suddenly stilled air, or a large, neon sign blinking Danger! This path ends in a perilous cliff!, we probably wouldn’t be so sympathetic when The Fool blindly forged ahead and plummeted off the face of the earth. Most likely we’d say, I told you so.

In my defense (because a fool always has one), at the time I thought I was doing the reading for someone else. It’s only now as I stand at the edge of the cliff, one step away from taking the fatal plunge myself, that I can see everything so clearly.

Mary Carter

Mary Carter is a freelance writer and certified sign language interpreter. She’s a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (NYC) and Rochester Institute of Technology/NTID. Her first novel, SHE’LL TAKE IT, will be re-published by Headline Books/Little Black Dress in the UK in November 2006. Her second novel, ACCIDENTALLY ENGAGED, a comedy about a tarot card reader who messes up the engagement of a very prominent bachelor, will be released in March of 2007 by both Kensington Books and Little Black Dress. Mary currently lives in Manhattan where she is busy writing her third novel.

Mary Carter Books (Visit Mary’s Website)

Hermit’s Journey with Bonnie Cehovet – Ritual and the Aces

Welcome to the Hermit’s Journey. This is Bonnie Cehovet, and today we will be talking about ritual and the Aces. Webster defines ritual as something done in accordance with religious law, social custom, or normal protocol. That is a pretty wide range of thought! I personally see ritual as something that can be either formal or informal something that marks the passage of time, and the important events in our lives. Ritual is a marker that we use to make sense of life.

For me, an important, if informal, ritual is my morning coffee. When the weather is nice, I sit on my porch and gaze into the back yard, which is filled with all kinds of plant and animal life. In bad weather, the ritual takes place indoors, but the result is the same â€¦ I have connected with my soul, and with the life that surrounds me.

The Aces represent a world of opportunity. They are unexplored elemental energy waiting to be manifested, waiting to be put into use. What do you wish to manifest in your life? Which Ace, or combination of Aces, will assist you on your path?

Caution: do not listen to this episode in situations requiring alertness such as driving a car or operating machinery. Journey work is designed to put you in to a state of relaxation and an altered state of consciousness.

Tarot by the Numbers: The Twos by Ginny Hunt

I have a very conflicted relationship with numbers. I’m hopeless with math but I can do symbolism. That may seem a contradictory statement, for what are numbers but abstract symbols themselves? I can grasp the conceptual meaning of the symbols easily, but for some reason I will add 2 + 2 and come up with 5. Hey, that’s just me thinking outside the box, ok? Numbers and their symbolism inform a great deal about the meaning of tarot, and there is very little, if any, mathematical skill necessary to understand them. While the suits each have their attributes, so do each number.

There’s a whole field of spiritual and divinatory study called Numerology that goes well beyond the realm of tarot. However, tarot numerology differs in some ways from what has been developed in Numerology numerology. In Tarot, we primarily keep the symbolic meanings of the numbers in mind as a reference to sorting out the meaning of the cards. Understanding these symbolic numerical associations becomes more critical when working with non-scenic pip decks, such as the Marseilles-based decks, where pictured on the card may simply be 4 cups or 7 swords and not much else to go on.

The Major Arcana is numbered 0-21 and the Minor Arcana is numbered 1 (or Ace)-10 in each of the four suits. Each of the Minor numbers are associated with a Major. For example, as we take a look at the Two’s in Tarot, they all connect in some way to the Major Arcana II — The High Priestess. Each number also has a planetary association, so there’s some crossover with Astrology here as well.

The number two first and foremost represents dualism which is the existence of two fundamental principles, concepts, things or energies, that are in opposition to each other. It is where thought begins to actually take form. Human minds are geared towards seeing the relationships between two things, usually opposite things. We often express ourselves in this way, using opposing concepts to get at what we mean. We say something is good/bad, light/dark, male/female, sweet/sour. It is said we could not know happiness if not for having experienced its opposite, sadness. So, in that way two’s represent that dichotomy of thought that allows coherent expression of the initial idea begun in the Aces. (read the full post)

Music Credits

Opening Music: time release by the Droney Tones.

Hermits Journey Music: Dark Moon by Suzanne Teng from Enchanted Wind (Magnatune)

78 Notes Music: Steamy River by Rhonda Lorence from Winter Moon (Magnatune)

Closing Music: Happy Accident from Mystery Repeats Itself by Michael Masley

Episode 37: The Zodiac Spread

leisa — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 09:02:11 +0000

Archived

This Podcast Episode has been archived. It is available for purchase at shop.tarotconnection.net in the Year One Archive mp3 DVD.

Dena DeCastro joins me to do a Zodiac Houses reading for listener Brad Jacobson. This is based on the second operation of the Opening of the Key.

The mode of performing the Divination called “The Opening of the Key” is by five consecutive operations of laying out the cards, they having been previously well shuffled, and, in addition in the first and fourth cases, having been cut as well, and in a certain manner. These five operations answer respectively, the first to the Dominion of the Four Knaves under the presidency of the Four Aces; the Second to that of the Kings, Queens and Knights, referred to the Twelve Houses; the Third to that of the Twelve Keys attributed to the Signs; the Fourth to that of the smaller cards answering to the 36 Decanates; and the Fifth and last to the rule of the Sephiroth in the Celestial Heavens. – The Complete Golden Dawn System of Magic by Israel Regardie

The cards are shuffled and not cut. Starting with the first house (ASC.) the cards are dealt out in order around the wheel (counter-clockwise). This is where I depart from the Opening of the Key. We interpreted the top cards of each stack in relationship to the houses.

First House (Aries) – House of Self: Self-Awareness, Self-Expression, Individuality, Personality, Outward Appearances & Stimuli.
Second House (Taurus) – House of Possession: Sustenance, Resources, Money, Self-Worth, Wealth, Values, Luxury, Talents.
Third House (Gemini) – House of Communication: Logic, Mental & Spiritual Development, Curiosity, Hobbies, Short Journeys, Siblings.
Fourth House (Cancer) – House of Family & Home: Domestic Scenes, Environment, Roots, Security, Comfort, Tradition.
Fifth House (Leo) -House of Pleasure: Beauty, Creative Expression, Romance, Social Activities, Recreation, Children.
Sixth House (Virgo) – House of Health: Work, Duty, Responsibility & Personal Growth, Employment, Service.
Seventh House (Libra) – House of Partnership: Marriage, Friendships, Business Relationships, Karma, Compromise, Contracts.
Eighth House (Scorpio) – House of Sex: Sex, Death & Rebirth. Shared Resources, Inheritance, Support From Another, Regeneration.
Ninth House (Sagittarius) – House of Philosophy: Expanding Inner & Outer Selves Through Travel, Education, & Spirituality.
Tenth House (Capricorn) – House of Social Status: Career, Society, Public Reputation, Place In Community.
Eleventh House (Aquarius) – House of Friendships: Friends, Society, Philanthropy, Aspirations, Free Time, Ideals & Goals.
Twelveth House (Pisces) – House of Subconscious: Psychological Health, Emotional Experiences, Unconscious Memories, Seclusion, Secrets.

Handouts

Cafe Press Shop

And Justice For All by Ginny Hunt

When we think of what is “just” we often equate it with what is “fair.” However, what seems fair to one person is often not how another would envision it. Enter, Justice. She is the embodiment of the moral virtue that would not be swayed by personal interest, nor an individual sense of fairness, but an overarching global, cosmic sense of what is “right” because in the end of it all it is just and fair.
No idea in Western civilization has been more consistently linked to ethics and morality than the idea of justice. From The Republic, written by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, to A Theory of Justice, written by the late Harvard philosopher John Rawls, every major work on ethics has held that justice is part of the central core of morality. So where does the concept originate? Social justice is likely as old as the first humans as they structured their communities and fought among themselves for their own conflicting interests. Without the cooperation and equity justice provides, we would quickly extinguish our own species. Egyptians knew her as Maat, the one who weighed the hearts of men. Greeks knew her as Themis, goddess of order and oracle at Delphi who was the mother of Dike, goddess of justice. Romans knew her as Justitia. It wasn’t until the 16th century that images of justice showed her blindfolded to represent impartiality, but the sword and scales have shown up in her various incarnations over the ages. (read the full post)

Tarot Realizations â€“ from Bill Vincent

Tarot is a somewhat remarkable thing. I find myself marveling at it’s beauty, and entrenched in it’s symbolism. But Tarot has also given me something else, too. It has made me really understand that there is a unique quality to Tarot that goes beyond the 78 cards. It has given me a sense of hope that someday we will better understand the energy behind it.

In my experience, Tarot is the most interesting and powerful of all divinatory arts. Through it I have discovered that there is indeed a unique power that plays between myself and the cards, a power of synchronicity which cannot be explained away. It does not have every answer, and does not control my life. Yet, it provides the closest thing to tangible proof in my eyes that there is truly an unseen intelligence that plays a part in our existence. (read the full post)

Hermit’s Journey with Bonnie Cehovet – Symbolism of the High Priestess

Welcome to the Hermit’s Journey. My name is Bonnie Cehovet, and in this Pod Cast we will continue on our journey through the symbols in the Major Arcana. As I noted in the first Pod Cast of this series, that of the Fool, the imagery and symbolism in the Tarot is what connects us to its archetypal qualities and wisdom. It acts as a gateway between our conscious and our unconscious worlds. Each deck carries with it its own unique brand of imagery and symbols.

For the purposes of this discussion, I will be referring to the Waite-Smith Tarot (also known as the Rider-Waite Tarot), as it is a traditional reference, and quite often used for teaching purposes. Interpreting the imagery and symbols is done in two ways: through the intent of the author/illustrator (and here we need to remember that the background for the Rider-Waite deck is that of the Golden Dawn), and how the Seeker sees it through the veil of their own personal life experiences.

Let’s continue our journey through the symbols of the High Priestess. Here we see represented the feminine mystique, higher wisdom, and a connection to the Moon and our unconscious selves.

The wisdom that the High Priestess represents is universal wisdom that we connect with by accessing our inner self, our unconscious self. This is the wisdom that helps us to develop the potential inherent within the skills and abilities of the Magician.

In a reading, the symbols within the card of the High Priestess address the spiritual nature in our life. We are being told that before we can find a solution to our issues, we need to look deeply into them, and deeply into ourselves.

Music Credits

Opening Music: time release by the Droney Tones.

78 Notes Music: Steamy River by Rhonda Lorence from Winter Moon (Magnatune)

Hermits Journey Music: Dark Moon by Suzanne Teng from Enchanted Wind (Magnatune)

Transition Music: from Loops for Licensing from (Magnatune)

Closing Music: Eastern Sky-Touching Grace from eastern grooves by DJ Cary

Episode 26: Significators & Confessions

leisa — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 15:04:20 +0000

Archived

This Podcast Episode has been archived. It is available for purchase at shop.tarotconnection.net in the Year One Archive mp3 DVD.

A significator is a card selected to represent the querent (or object) of the reading. It is very common to select a significator from the court cards. In this episode, Dena Decastro joins me to explore ways to select a significator.

Excerpt from the Pictorial Key to the Tarot – an ancient celtic method of divination

This mode of divination is the most suitable for obtaining an answer to a definite question. The Diviner first selects a card to represent the person or, matter about which inquiry is made. This card is called the Significator. Should he wish to ascertain something in connexion with himself he takes the one which corresponds to his personal description.

A Knight should be chosen as the Significator if the subject of inquiry is a man of forty years old and upward; a King should be chosen for any male who is under that age a Queen for a woman who is over forty years and a Page for any female of less age.

Confessions by Ginny Hunt

I am a naughty tarot reader. I break the rules. Oh, I know, there are no real tarot rules. Technically. However, there are some rather strong suggestions regarding tarot usage and I am here to say I’ve disregarded those, too. I say this with neither shame nor pride, but simply to say we each must forge our own way with this tarot reading thing and whatever works for you, both functionally and ethically, is what is best. (more …)

Music Credits

Opening Music: time release by the Droney Tones.
78 Notes Music: Steamy River by Rhonda Lorence from Winter Moon (Magnatune)
Closing Music: Shades of Blue by Hans Christian from the Surrender (Magnatune)

Episode 19: Modality in Astrology and Tarot

leisa — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 13:17:49 +0000

Archived

This Podcast Episode has been archived. It is available for purchase at shop.tarotconnection.net in the Year One Archive mp3 DVD.

Astrology Modality

The Zodiac can be divided into three modalities: cardinal, fixed and mutable. These represent basic styles and states of activity.

Cardinal: beginning, independent, enthusiastic, unencumbered, pure. (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn)
Fixed: determined, persistent, stable, solid, resistant to change. (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius)
Mutable: flexible, resourceful, expansive, transforming. (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces)

These two concepts have an important place in Astrology and can be used in your Tarot readings. Dena DeCastro joins me to talk about these ideas relate to the Zodiac and Tarot. We apply the idea of Modality & Elements in Sample Readings.

Download a chart of how the cards fit around the wheel of the year.

Portland Astrologer Dena DeCastro was intrigued by the planets and their surrounding mythologies from an early age. Dena also participates in continuing education in the astrology field through attending conferences and lectures, and most notably is a participant in Steven Forrestâ€™s Apprenticeship Program. Dena publishes monthly articles at denadecastro.com, and also provides individual tutoring in astrology.

The Tarot Court Series Intro by Ginny Hunt

This begins a five part series exploring the tarot court. Court Cards: Oh the Confusion

Tarot court cards, the Minor “people cards,” can be confusing to many tarot readers because they can and do represent so many different possible interpretations. Well, so can most of the cards, but court cards are unique because they can represent a certain individual; or they can imply a particular facet of a person, either someone else or the querant; or they can be recommending a certain kind of action; or they might be telling the querant they are displaying a certain type of behavior; or….well, you see? It can be difficult to know what to make of these folks when they show up in a reading. Read the Full Post or Visit the Series

Music Credits

Opening Music: time release by the Droney Tones.
78 Notes Music: Steamy River by Rhonda Lorence from Winter Moon (Magnatune)
Closing Music: Signs and a Vision by Paul Avgerinos from Muse of the Round Sky. (Magnatune)

Episode 14: Duality and Polarity in Astrology and Tarot

leisa — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 05:33:37 +0000

Archived

This Podcast Episode has been archived. It is available for purchase at shop.tarotconnection.net in the Year One Archive mp3 DVD.

Polarity is the possession or manifestation of two opposing attributes, tendencies, or principles. Duality is the premise that everything has an opposing force that must be, or will be in balance.

These two concepts have an important place in Astrology, Tarot and countless other applications. Dena DeCastro joins me to talk about these ideas relate to the Zodiac and Tarot. We compare and contrast cards based on attributions and intuitive relationships.

Portland Astrologer Dena DeCastro was intrigued by the planets and their surrounding mythologies from an early age. One of her first memories of really reading was of a book on astrology (Derek and Julia Parkerâ€™s famous volume). Dena also participates in continuing education in the astrology field through attending conferences and lectures, and most notably is a participant in Steven Forrestâ€™s Apprenticeship Program. Dena publishes monthly articles at denadecastro.com, and also provides individual tutoring in astrology.

Music Credits

Opening Music: time release by the Droney Tones.
Closing Music: Peaceful Planet by Kourosh Zolani

Founded in 2003, Magnatune http://www.magnatune.com/ is an independent, online record label that hand selects its own artists, sells its catalog of music through online downloads and print-on-demand CDs and licenses music for commercial and non-commercial use. Based on the principle that “we are not evil,” the company offers fair-trade music to consumers by equally sharing all revenue from the sale of albums with artists and allowing artists to retain full rights to their music. All music can be previewed free of charge with a “try before you buy” philosophy. Customers can also choose how much they want to pay for the music with pricing ranging from $5-18 for a down loadable album or print-on-demand CDs

Episode 11: The Elements of Astrology and Tarot

leisa — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 02:18:47 +0000

Archived

This Podcast Episode has been archived. It is available for purchase at shop.tarotconnection.net in the Year One Archive mp3 DVD.

The Elements: Earth, Air, Fire & Water are the building blocks of Tarot. Astrologer Dena DeCastro explains how the elements work in astrology.

Listen to Deo’s Shadow Episode 22 for history and associations of elements to directions.

Portland Astrologer Dena DeCastro was intrigued by the planets and their surrounding mythologies from an early age. One of her first memories of really reading was of a book on astrology (Derek and Julia Parker’s famous volume). Dena also participates in continuing education in the astrology field through attending conferences and lectures, and most notably is a participant in Steven Forrestâ€™s Apprenticeship Program. Dena publishes monthly articles at denadecastro.com, and also provides individual tutoring in astrology.

Music Credits

Opening Music: time release by the Droney Tones.
Closing Music: Wind & Fire by Gene Loves Jezebel