The Tarot Connection » Robert Place

Episode 78: The Alchemical Tarot with Robert Place

leisa — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:05:01 +0000

Born out of the mystical vision of artist Robert M. Place, The Alchemical Tarot: Renewed demonstrates the close link between alchemical symbolism and traditional Tarot imagery and illustrates that the Tarot, like the alchemical quest, is designed to lead one to the gold of inner wisdom. One of the most beautiful and sought after modern Tarot decks, the out of print first edition Alchemical Tarot has sold at auction for over $2,000. Now it is back in print at an affordable price.

The Alchemical Tarot: Renewed is a digitally redesigned version of the original with improvements in the drawings, more vibrant colors, and reproportioned so that the art is more prominent. The cards are 4.75 x 2.75 and come in a tuck box. It is printed on standard card stock, like a poker deck, with the same durable finish and die-cut edges. The deck includes the original Lovers card that was censored in the first publication as well as the Lovers that was published in that edition and a little-white-book that lists the meaning of each card. Each card in The Alchemical Tarot: Renewed is beautifully drawn and captures the enigmatic symbols of alchemy that are natural vehicles for communication with the unconscious mind. It can be used my Tarot readers at any level.

The Alchemical Tarot: Renewed is now available at shop.tarotconnection.net .

Other Alchemical Tarot Materials

Alchemical Tarot Website (with 3 & 9 Card Readings)
Alchemical Tarot Notebook (Binder)
Alchemical Tarot Notebook (Spiral)
Alchemical Tarot Prayer Candles
Alchemical Tarot Votives
Classes with Robert Place
Art Prints (from the Alchemical Egg)

Robert M. Place

Robert M. Place is an internationally known visionary artist and illustrator, whose award winning works, in painting, sculpture, and jewelry, have been displayed in galleries and museums in America, Europe, and Japan and graced the covers and pages of numerous books and publications. He is the designer, illustrator, and co-author, with Rosemary Ellen Guiley, of: “The Alchemical Tarot” and “The Angels Tarot“, which are both published by HarperCollins and have received international acclaim particularly for their skillful and illuminating graphics. He is the designer, illustrator, and author of “The Tarot of the Saints” and “The Buddha Tarot“. And, he is the author of “The Tarot: History, Symbolism, and Divination“, which Booklist has said, “may be the best book ever written on that deck of cards decorated with mysterious images called the tarot.” He is currently working on the “Vampire Tarot“, which will be published by St. Martins Press in 2008.

Robert is recognized as an expert on Western Mysticism, the history of the Tarot, and as a gifted teacher of divination. He has taught and lectured at the New York Open Center, Omega Institute, The New York Tarot School, and the World Tarot Congress. He and his work have appeared on Discovery, The Learning Channel, and A&E. He has been a guest on numerous radio shows including The Woodstock Roundtable on WDST-FM, People are Talking on WKZE-FM , and Mystic Musings on KKUP FM.

Together with his wife Rose Ann, he has been creating hand crafted jewelry for over twenty-five years. Their work has been exhibited in the White House, in the American Craft Museum, The New York State Museum, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Delaware Art Museum, The Montclair Art Museum, The Irish American Heritage Museum, the International Wilhelm Muller Competition, (which toured Museums in Germany), Birmingham Institute of Art & Design, England, and in numerous galleries in the United States, Ireland, Britain, and Japan.

To receive The Restored Temple of Hermes, the free newsletter of the Alchemical Egg, with articles, a question and answer section, and news about up-coming lectures and workshops, e-mailed every other month, send an e-mail to Robert with The Restored Temple of Hermes in the subject line. Also, please let include know what state or country you live in.

Music Credits

Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
Closing Music: Fantasia terza by Paul Beier from Simone Molinaro
Closing Music: Fantasia decima quarta by Paul Beier from Simone Molinaro

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2008 Classes with Robert Place

leisa — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:50:55 +0000

The Symbolism of The Alchemical Tarot

May 7 & 14, 2008 -6:oo - 8:00 PST - 8:00 -10:00 EST
$50.00

Alchemical symbols are connected to a wisdom tradition that is derived from the Higher Self. Therefore, the alchemical images in The Alchemical Tarot magnify the symbolic purpose of the Tarot and unveil the transformative wisdom of the Higher Self.

In these two classes we will walk through the alchemical imagery of the Alchemical Tarot with its creator, Robert M. Place.

Sample Page from Class Notes:

Hieroglyphs From The Soul

June 11, 2008 -6:oo - 8:00 PST - 8:00 - 10:00 EST

$25.00

Robert Place sees the Tarot as a spiritual tool that works, through its archetypal images, to assist our Higher Self to guide us to enlightened choices and spiritual wisdom. He recommends three card readings as a Tarot staple, and sets out a guideline for interpreting them called “The Seven Patterns.” These patterns include: linear, choice, central origin, central destination, the central problem and the central teacher.

The course will include an introduction to the method, description of the patterns, and sample readings. For the three card spread. Class notes will be provided in advance to illustrate the patterns. The Rider Waite Smith Tarot and Alchemical Tarot will be used.

Read a review of this class by Cynthia Tedesco.

The Relationship Spread

June 18, 2008 - 6:00 - 8:00 PST - 8:00 - 10:00 EST
$25.00

Tarot readers are most commonly asked for advice about love or career. By treating these questions as a relationship between the querent and another person, company, or institution this spread can handle both topics. This spread can be applied to relationships between the querent and a lover, a boss, or another person, a job, a home, a culture, a city, or another environment. Instead of predicting the future, it gives insight into what each party is thinking and how they are interacting. Then the cards can provide insight from the Higher Self and tell the querent how to improve the relationship or other advice. This is a truly versatile spread that is capable of bringing insight and guidance to any situation.

The class will include an introduction to the spread, the three stages of relationships and how they relate to the Tarot trumps, and sample readings. This class builds on the lessons learned in Hieroglyphs From The Soul and will expand on the three-card reading.

Class notes will be provided in advance to illustrate the patterns. The Rider Waite Smith Tarot and The Alchemical Tarot will be used.

Teleclass Information

You will be responsible for the long distance rates or tolls will be charged by your phone company. For most people, this usually runs about $3-$6 for an hour. Calling Cards can also be used. (Note: If you are a Tarot Professional, your tuition may be tax-deductible as a training expense. Consult your tax advisor.)
What you need:

1. Telephone (land line if possible, we will be recording the class)
2. Quiet Room
3. Tarot Deck
4. Handout (provided)
5. Notebook
6. Pencil

You will be notified by e-mail with the conference call number and passcode. Please write in with questions for a reading. Robert Place will select a couple of questions for use in the class.

New Classes with Robert Place

leisa — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 17:19:31 +0000

Hieroglyphs From The Soul

11/28/07 - 6:00 - 8:00 PST
$25.00

Register Here
Robert Place sees the Tarot as a spiritual tool that works, through its archetypal images, to assist our Higher Self to guide us to enlightened choices and spiritual wisdom. He recommends three card readings as a Tarot staple, and sets out a guideline for interpreting them called “The Seven Patterns.” These patterns include: linear, choice, central origin, central destination, the central problem and the central teacher.

The Relationship Spread

12/12/07 - 6:00 - 8:00 PST
$25.00

Class notes will be provided in advance to illustrate the patterns. The Rider Waite Smith Tarot and The Alchemical Tarot will be used.

The Four Elements and the Four Functions of Consciousness

1/9/08 - 6:00 - 8:00 PST
$25.00

The famous Swiss Psychoanalyst, Carl Jung, is best known for his theories about the unconscious mind but Jung mapped the conscious mind as well. In the conscious mind he found a mandala of four personality types that he called functions. Although Jung started by examining the four humors of classical medicine, he quickly realized that they did not describe true psychological states. He replaced them with the four qualities that he did discover in the human psyche and labeled these qualities: thinking, feeling, sensation, and intuition. Although Jung veered away from the theory of the humors, it is still possible to make a connection between his four functions and the four elements of the alchemists and through this connection to link them with the four minor suits in the Tarot.

This class will explore the symbolism of the four minor suits and demonstrate that they contain a mandala like structure that relates to the four directions, seasons, elements, and other fourfold systems including the four Jungian functions. We will learn more about the functions through examples and each student will attempt to discover their dominant function. Through their relationship with the functions, the cards become a valuable psychological tool that can point out difference in personality and harmonize relationships between different personality types.

Dream Divination

1/23/08 & 1/30/08 - 6:00 - 8:00 PST
$50

We spend about one third of our lives sleeping. When you are asleep you are naturally communicating with the unconscious part of your mind, where the archetypes live and your dreams are that communication. The ability to dream evolved in mammals about 130 million years ago. Like all mammals, humans dream and have always dreamed as long as they have been around. It is not surprising, therefore, that dreams are the oldest and most natural form of divination. They are also one of the most insightful and reliable. Dreams can heal us mentally and physically, they can teach us, they are a source of inspiration, and they can predict the future.

In these two classes we will learn about ancient oneiromanic practices and the modern theories of Jung. We will learn about the principle archetypes and some common dream symbols. We will learn how to remember dreams and we will make use of the methods devised by psychiatrist Montague Ullman to hold a group dream discussion. Bring a pad and pencil and some dreams.

Vampires and the Tarot

2/13/08 - 6:00 - 8:00 PST
$25.00

Although the Vampire of modern literature and film is a blood sucking monster he or she is also the focus of sexual desire. This is exemplified by the fact that although Bela Lugosi made his reputation playing Dracula, the most famous vampire fiend, women all over the world swooned for him and he received hundreds of proposals of marriage. This paradox illuminates the fact that the modern Vampire of pop culture, particularly Dracula, is in reality an ancient mythological figure who has covertly entered a culture that is consciously attempting to cut itself off from myth. The story of this mythological Vampire is also related to the Tarot trumps.

Stoker’s biographer, Barbara Belford, points out that Dracula author Bram Stoker, was aware of the Tarot and seems to have based many of the characters in Dracula on Tarot trumps. In this lecture we will explore how and why this is so and find out why Pamela Coleman Smith and Stoker were friends, who influenced who, and if Stoker was a member of the Golden Dawn. We will also find that an appreciation of Dracula can deepen out understanding of Tarot symbolism.

Episode 60: Teaching By Teleclass with Bonnie Cehovet

leisa — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 02:52:53 +0000

Bonnie Cehovet (Washington) is a Tarot Educator, a professional Tarot reader with over ten years experience, a Reiki Master/Teacher and a writer.

She currently has articles and reviews appearing in the World Tarot Network newsletter, and reviews appearing on the Meta Arts e-magazine site and on Aeclectic Tarot . Her website is The Crystal Gate - Tarot .

1. What are tele-classes?

2. What makes tele-classes a viable teaching venue?

3. What is the cost of a tele-class?

4. What kinds of classes are suitable for tele-classes?

5. What is your target student?

6. Where would you advertise a tele-class?

7. What information would you include in your advertising?

class name
instructor’s name
venue
length
fee (be sure and note that for a tele-class the student also pays their own long distance phone bill)
CEU’s (if applicable)
Course Material: What the class will cover.
What the student can expect to take away from the class.

8. How will you organize your class?

Class Objectives
What you will take away from this class.
Introduction
Main Class Material
Summary

9. How will you present your class?

Introduce yourself.
Ask each person to introduce themselves. (On a tele-class it is fun to also tell people where you are from.)
Ask your students what they hope to get out of the class.
Begin presenting your subject. You can do the major portion as a lecture, but class participation is a lot more fun! Note: I like to include handouts whenever possible. They make great visual aids, and present a place for people to take notes.
Encourage questions.
Try and end the class on a high note … some kind of exercise or discussion.

Teleclass with Robert Place

This is the introduction to the class Hieroglyphs from the Soul with Robert Place. This class will be offered again on October 24th. Topics covered include the history of Tarot, how to read Tarot and why Robert doesn’t use reversals.

There is still time to register for the class later this month. In the class, you will learn a guideline for interpreting them called “The Seven Patterns”. These patterns include: linear, choice, meeting, central origin, central destination, the central problem and the central teacher.

Date: Wednesday October 24th 2007
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PST
Cost: $25

For more information and to register visit shop.tarotconnection.net

Music Credits

Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
Transitional Music: Come When I Call by Emily Van Evera from My Lady Rich (Magnatune)
Closing Music: And Is It Night by Emily Van Evera from My Lady Rich (Magnatune)

Play or Download the Episode

Episode 41: Robert Place & The Vampire Tarot

leisa — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 18:04:42 +0000

Robert M. Place is an internationally known visionary artist and illustrator, whose award winning works, in painting, sculpture, and jewelry, have been displayed in galleries and museums in America, Europe, and Japan and graced the covers and pages of numerous books and publications. He is the designer, illustrator, and co-author, with Rosemary Ellen Guiley, of: “The Alchemical Tarot” and “The Angels Tarot”, which are both published by HarperCollins and have received international acclaim particularly for their skillful and illuminating graphics. He is the designer, illustrator, and author of “The Tarot of the Saints” and “The Buddha Tarot”. And, he is the author of “The Tarot: History, Symbolism, and Divination”, which Booklist has said, “may be the best book ever written on that deck of cards decorated with mysterious images called the tarot.” He is currently working on the “Vampire Tarot”, which will be published by St. Martins Press in 2007.

The Vampire Tarot

I started on this deck after creating The Alchemical Tarot. I saw that the Vampire myth was the shadow version of the Alchemical quest. Instead of looking for immortality by transforming the psyche and identifying with all of creation verses a limited ego and mortal body, the vampire looks for immortality in the body and ego and creates a horror story. - Robert M. Place

Vampires and the Tarot

April 27th 2007: A Two-Hour (+) Lecture with Robert M. Place, Creator of The Vampire Tarot

Although the Vampire of modern literature and film is a blood-sucking monster, he or she is also the focus of sexual desire. This is exemplified by the fact that although Bela Lugosi made his reputation playing Dracula, the most famous vampire fiend, women all over the world swooned for him and he received hundreds of proposals of marriage. This paradox illuminates the fact that the modern Vampire of pop culture, particularly Dracula, is in reality an ancient mythological figure who has covertly entered a culture that is consciously attempting to cut itself off from myth. This mythological Vampire is also related to the Tarot trumps! Like the Tarot, the Vampire myth also seems to relate to the alchemical quest for the red elixir, called the philosopher’s stone, which may also be portrayed as a liquid. Like blood to a Vampire, the red elixir was said to prolong life indefinitely.

Stoker’s biographer, Barbara Belford, points out that Dracula author Bram Stoker was aware of the Tarot and seems to have based many of the characters in Dracula on Tarot trumps. In this lecture we will explore how and why this is so and find out why Pamela Colman Smith and Stoker were friends, who influenced who, and whether Stoker was a member of the Golden Dawn.

Alchemy and the Tarot: A One-Day Workship with Robert M. Place

April 28th 2007

In the summer of 1987 while studying an alchemical image, I had an epiphany. In a flash of insight, I realized that the esoteric symbolism of alchemy was interchangeable with the symbols contained in the Tarot trumps. If this is true, I asked myself, then isn’t it also true that the Tarot is an expression of the same spiritual quest? The answer came to me as a revelation of the alchemical message in the Tarot, and although it lasted only minutes, it led me on an eight-year journey that culminated in the creation of the Alchemical Tarot.

In this workshop I will illuminate that revelation, examine the alchemical process as it evolved from the ancient Hermetic philosophy of Alexandria to become incorporated into the world view of the early Renaissance, and explain in detail the alchemical process outlined by the Tarot. Making use of number symbolism to make alchemical concepts accessible, the underlying pattern of the heroâ€™s quest will be illustrated from the single unity of the Monad to the cycle of twelve operations and back again.

The class will continue with advanced Tarot reading practice designed to make alchemical transformation relevant in oneâ€™s life.

In Love with Love by Ginny Hunt

You know these two. You may have even been these two at one time. Maybe you’re even part of this pair now, but if you’re not it’s all you can do to not say,”Get a room.” With fluttering eyelashes and deep gazes that invisibles everyone else from the stratosphere, the Two of Cups is a budding romance in its first flushes of engagement. No, not engagement engagement, unless they’re crazy, but that first meeting, that first date, the initial contact where both parties are twitterpated. “Whatever,” I say, with dismissive gesturing.

Wot? Not romantic? Moi? Sure I can be, but you know, this is the stuff of infatuation that those rogue Knights are so fond of, particularly that Knight of Cups and we all know how dependable they can be [insert derisive snort]. Oh sure, it’s sweet, it’s cute, and I can’t help but smile when I see a couple so obviously smitten, but I suppose I’ve had a few too many kicks from the back end of that horse that I look with slightly jaded (yes, I said slightly) eye on this card. Sure, it’s nice and all, but hello, it’s just a two. They’re being swept along by the rush of the Ace of Cups and while that’s a heady cup of spirits there, I say watch for the hangover sure to come ohhh around say, the Four of Cups, if it lasts that long.

Maybe I should have posted this on Valentine’s Day, but I have an internal boycott on V-Day that has nothing to do with whether I’ve personally been involved with someone when that day rolls around. It’s cheesy and forced and my knee jerk reaction to anyone telling me I gotta luuurve someone on February 14 is, again, “Whatever,” with dismissive hand gestures. Maybe that’s the root of my problem with the Two of Cups. I’m far too much a Queen of Swords to admit to any twitterpating on my part, however that underlying water element belies a romantic heart that cries at love stories and whose favorite movie is Ever After.

I say I’m realistic. Lovers don’t care. They don’t give a damn about reality and I don’t blame them at all. It’s all very nice in that pink bubble with hearts and glitter floating about. Because this is the card all the hopefuls want to see who come to a tarot reading asking, “Will I meet someone?” or “Does he like me that way?” So when I see this card for a sitter, I smile and say, “Yes. For sure. Yeah he does.” And that’s really nice. But get this, falling in love is a lot like drug addiction and temporary insanity, at least chemically speaking. (read the full post)

Hermit’s Journey with Bonnie Cehovet - Symbolism of the Emperor

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 for the Emperor. The major theme of the Emperor is that of authority. He teaches self- control and discipline in making decisions and taking action.

In a reading, the Emperor indicates a time of decision making for the Seeker. It also indicates that the issue or situation revolves around male authority, or male authority figures. Organizational ability is also part of the Emperor’s energy.

Which of the symbols attract the attention of the Seeker, and how does he or she feel about them? Are they anxious? Are they afraid? Do they feel supported? What part of their situation or issues do they see the Emperor as representing? Is this energy that they need to bring in, or is it energy that they need to release?

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)

Closing Music: Vampires by Briareus from the Podsafe Music Network.