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That came together faster than expected, 18 hour from first record button to upload. (and I worked an 8 hour day and slept some). I’m still trying to figure out if I want to make this part of the iTunes stream and what resolution to release it out.

You can visit my new YouTube channel by clicking the logo below.

Supply List:

• 12″ Portable Paper Trimmer by Fiskars – These are available every where. I also have the 9″ which is annoyingly small if you want to trim an 8×11 page.
• 1/8″ radius Corner Rounding tool from Oregon Lamination
• Sharp Scissors
• Elmer’s Painters Gold Metallic Pen [Edges]
• Sakura Pen-Touch 1.0 mm in Gold and Silver [Writing on Cards]
• Acrylic Paint (Liquitex Basics Acrylics in Gold and Silver, Liquitex Iridescent Medium) [Decoration]

This is what I’m trying out for distribution of Video, HD for YouTube and you can subscribe to the channel. And a lower res for mobile devices on the iTunes feed. Love to hear your thoughts on this and to see your decks if you modify them.

I honestly didn’t know how I was going to overcome the inertia. I have 3 audio podcasts that need to be edited. That part became drudgery, I had played around with the idea of doing something live, like Blogtalk, but couldn’t stand the quality down grade, they release lower quality mp3′s than I like and everything sounds better edited.

When I started up the Tarot Connection, distribution Mp3 was a big deal. Not everyone could get them, I even had people wanted me to accommodate dial-up internet at the time.  Times have changed!When I thought about video I felt the same thrill of adventure that I felt six years ago when I released my first podcast. What a welcome feeling and a long time coming. Last time I looked at non-tape camcorders there were only two on the market and they didn’t look very good.  Times have changed!!!!!!

To chase the thrill, I bought a rocking VIXIA HF M32 Camcorder, which arrived Tuesday. On Friday, I set it up and tried recording for the first time. I went with modifying tarot decks to start with, not because its ground breaking, the last time I blogged about it was 2007, but because I think there was something to be shown visually and I needed to face the learning curve of recording, processing, mixing, and uploading.

I hope you enjoy the first video and plan on making more and am excited to look at other mixed media presentations.

Oh, and I appreciate sound editing much more right now.

Yes or No Spread from Tarot-Card Spread Reader by Doris Chase Doane and King Keyes, 1967

This spread originally appeared in The Sacred Tarot by C.C. Zain in The Foundation of Science, copyright 1936 by Elbert Benjamine, Serial 22.

Decks and Books

• Black and White Brotherhood of Light Tarot (Amazon)
• Brotherhood of Light Egyptian Tarot (Tarot Connection)
• Brotherhood of Light Egyptian Tarot (Amazon)
• Sacred Tarot Book Hardback (Tarot Connection)
• Sacred Tarot Book Paperback (Amazon)
• Tarot Spread Reader (Amazon)

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Closing Music: XD by Shuutobi from The Esc Ep

Download Audio & Handouts

The Columns From The Great Etteilla Tarot

See Episode 102 for instructions on doing the spread as well as the handout

Debi’s Reading

Debi Scott

Debi Scott is a Tarot enthusiast whose day job is in Information Technology and lives on a mini farm with her husband and two adopted retired Greyhounds.

Handouts

Debi’s Reading	Amelie’s Spreadsheet

Notes from Amelie

Thanks for coming back to me so quickly on this. As you rightly mentioned on your podcast, this spread is quite time consuming and I haven’t yet formed a full opinion on this that would allow me to yet share it during a discussion/record at this point. As I am currently traveling for business in Paris, I haven’t got a lot of space around me and was unable to keep the spread on my floor for a few hours (since I didn’t have a big enough table either!). So, I decided to present it in an excel format, so that I would remember all cards and be able to reform the spread at a later date.

For you to better grasp the basis of my thinking in the attached document, I thought it would be useful to give you my initial feedback and some hints of possible ways to read this.

1. since I am traveling, I have used my travel deck, which is a Mythic Tarot
2. you described in episode 102 how overwhelmed you were by the number of cards, and it reminded me a book that uses 32 cards, which is Tarot Made Easy from Nancy Garen, in which she gives 32 categories for each card. So I have tried to mix the two to make it even more overwhelming ! But also, I was more intrigued by the positioning of the cards, rather than by their meanings itself, like I guess your guest preferred to do a spread for her imaginary friend in episode 103. Although I wanted to test it on my own life, I wanted to detach myself, or shall I rather say my mind from it as much as possible and just follow my instinct. So for each card you see in the excel, I have inserted a note describing the content of the category based on Nancy Garen interpretation rather than my own.
3. when laying the cards on excel, I realized that all columns interacted with one another but not the extremes: love and money, which I guess if this spread was done in 3D and in cylinder form, the two extremes of love and money would touch one another.
4. as you mentioned in episode 103 that you had tried to link all suits with one another and it didn’t work, I decided to put emphasis on where the major arcana was, but also the court cards and minor arcana, not thinking at all about their suits. So, I put a different colour on all the categories, to see if it would catch my eye differently.
5. I inserted a time limit in my question, in this case one month, which made sense if you consider that there are 4 weeks in a month, and 4 basis cards, and 4 steps and 4 outcomes ones. Also, I have quite a busy life at the moment, I knew that going longer in the period time could easily become too confusing for me.

As for the meaning of luck, I just think that this spread was not written in English originally (but I might be wrong), it sounds to me as being just mis-interpretation in translation… I work in the field of science, healthcare and technology, and so the health category has also a different meaning for me than what the ATA might think of it.

So, rather than reading the columns vertically, you should try to read it horizontally. You decide if you want to enter via love or via money. In my case, I first entered via love, and read its basis, and then the basis of health, and then the basis of luck, and then the basis of money. And then step 1, from the money side, all horizontally back to step 1 in love, and then step 2 in love to money,etc. until you read the last outcome – a bit like a snake.

I have tried to be as concise as possible in my explanations, but please let me know if anything is unclear.  Best wishes,  Amelie

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Closing Music: True Occupation by Scott Kellogg from his debut solo album Silver in Their Veins

Play or Download the Episode

The Columns From The Great Etteilla Tarot

See Episode 102 for instructions on doing the spread as well as the handout

Nan’s Reading

Leisa’s Reading

Handouts

Nan’s Reading	Leisa’s Reading

Links

• How to get Lucky (thanks Licorice Root from Facebook) see the author’s website Richard Wiseman

Nan Harvey

I have a Bachelor’s in General Studies in Social & Behavioral Science.  My day job is as a database analyst.  I’m an avid genealogist and have a life long interest in astrology and Tarot.  My current goal is a more serious study of Tarot.
That should do it.  Actually I’ve struggled all my life with the question “what do you want to be when you grow up”.  I started at Purdue in the Fall of 70 as a math major with emphasis in computer science (they did not have a computer science degree at that point).  After a few episodes of dropping my pile of punched cards I decided to switch directions so second semester found me being an Anthropology major with a Philosophy minor.  I stayed with that for a few years, then quit and worked for a while, then went back as an Business & Accounting major.  Left without a degree.  Worked as a computer operator & then as a programmer – mostly RPG on an AS/400.  Finally decided about 8 years ago that to get any further I needed at least a bachelor’s, and since my son was pretty much out on his own by then I had the time to pursue it.  So I found a job here at Indiana University and took advantage of the tuition break & the general studies program which acknowledges ancient credits.   I finished up back in Social/Behavioral Sciences (with a minor in Sociology that I just happened into because of my interest in certain classes offered here).  And once I had my degree in hand the department I was working for knew to keep me they were going to have to create a professional level position for me, which they did, and I’ve stuck with them.

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Closing Music: Lucky 7 by Steve Robinson from Music Alley

Play or Download the Episode

The Columns From The Great Etteilla Tarot

This is about the building of the four columns, which represent at their base the four great interests in life: Love, Health, Luck, and Money.

Start by shuffling the cards but do not cut them. Count up to four and place the fifth card exposed, face upwards, horizontally. Do this same operation four times in order to get the “foundation stones”.

You must now start erecting the columns: Take the pack of remaining cards and shuffle thoroughly. Count the cards up to three and then take out the fourth and fifth card, expose them and place them side by side on the two vertical rectangles above the ‘foundation stone” or Base. Carry out the same operation four more times, placing the last card to be exposed, horizontally on the capital of the column.

When the first column is finished, erect the three others in the same way. At the end you could have the diagram show.

Interpretation

First study the card at the base or Foundation Stone. This card gives a general idea regarding the consultation. Then going upwards study the cards two by two. Conclude by studying the horizontal card at the top. Bear in mind that if the card of the man or woman consultant are found no matter where in the column, the person concerned can be certain that the anticipated or expected event is near.

Handouts

Columns Handout

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Closing Music: Bad Luck by Roscoe Chenier

Play or Download the Episode

The Planetary Star of the Magi has been around since pre-helenic times. Each of the 7 points represents one of the 7 planets of the ancients (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn).  Since each planet rules a day of the week it makes a rich and interesting spread that can be done once a week for the entire week.

We will look at a couple of approaches to the spread, what the planets represent,  how each day is ruled by the planet, planetary hours and other Renaissance magic correspondences. Where the elements are the building blocks of the physical world, the planets illustrated the connection of the Macrocosm to the Microcosm. As above so below, as without so within.

BATS Handout	Spread Record

Links:

• Planetary Magic Mini-Course at Renaissance Astrology
• Planet Candles at the Tarot Connection
• Tarot Mandala Spread cards at the Tarot Connection
• Alchemy Works – Supplier for Planetary Incense

New Paperdolls by Ellen Lorenzi-Prince

Series I: The Ladies Each doll in this series wears a slim gown designed to express their inner qualities, and comes with four additional outfits.

One is based on the popular Waite-Smith tarot deck. Another outfit is based on an alternate historical view of the card. A third comes from more recent women’s and fashion history, and the final costume represents a more playful look.

available at: shop.tarotconnection.net

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Closing Music: Transition Music: Venus the Sphere of Love by William Wilde Zeitler from Music of the Spheres

Play or Download the Episode

Discussion of trends and issues in today’s Tarot Community.

• Certification
• Legitimizing Tarot vs.Reading on the Fringe
• Individual Expression
• Spiritual Elitism
• Tarot Police
• Counseling
• Rephrasing Questions
• Insurance Fraud
• Copyrights & Trademarks
• Fraud
• World Tarot Day
• Intellectual Property

Surgeon Generals Warning for this episode is:

“Chock Full of Ranty Goodness! An opinion in every bite” – Thalassa

Donnaleigh

Radio podcast personality, professional tarot reader & psychic artist with a gentle reading style.

• Donnaleigh.net
• Beyond Worlds
• Our Educational Tarot Podcast: http://TarotTribe.com
• Fridays with Storm Cestavani at http://StormOnAir.com/

Ginny Hunt

Ginny Hunt is a Professional Tarot Reader from Maryland. Her interest in the spiritual and metaphysical has been a lifelong passion. She has been a practicing counselor, both professionally with adolescents and para-professionally as a volunteer with abused women. She offers professional reading services through 78 Notes to Self.

Storm Cestivani

Storm Cestavani is a Celebrity Psychic that has been reading professionally for nearly twenty-five years and has amassed great skill at the divinatory arts, such as Clairvoyance, Clairaudience, Empathy, Astrology, Dreams, Channeling, Numerology, Past Lives, Automatic Writing, and Tarot.

Storm gained international notoriety as the former radio host for syndicated talk show Psychic Friends Live. He appeared in five infomercials for the Psychic Friends Network, reading for star Dionne Warwick on the show, and has been seen on a number of television and radio shows like:

* Jenny Jones * Montel Williams * Rikki Lake * Latifa! *Cinemax * HBO * The Real World * Showtime * CNN * NBC News Style. * E! * Howard Stern * Extra! * Art Bell * Travel Channel * Blind Date* *Oprah*

• Psychic Friends Blog
• Storm Cestavani Show at Blogtalk

Thalassa

Thalassa is the producer of the San Francisco Bay Area Tarot Symposium – the oldest established, permanent floating Tarot Symposium in the world (actually, the longest continuously produced Tarot event) and founder of the Daughters of Divination (DOD). She has been living, working and playing with the Tarot for more than 40 years (she was an infant prodigy).

She is also active in the production of Pagan and Divination events across the country, and her writing has been published in a wide range of publications, including the Llewellyn Tarot Reader almanacs since their inception. She has been involved in standup comedy, choreography, and stage management, and currently teaches improvisation and physical characterization for performers of Renaissance and Victorian festivals.

Her other interests include historical recreation, needlework, and plotting global domination. Thalassa lives in San Francisco with her long-suffering husband, a herd of semi-feral dustbunnies, a sword collection, and more Tarot cards than is safe to assemble in one place. She is working on a book (on Tarot, of all things).

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Closing Music: Transition Music: We Throw Parties, You throw Knives by Los Campesinos! from Music Alley

Play or Download the Episode

You can review the handout from Episode 26 in 2008 for some of the systems of selecting a Significator. In this episode, I talked with an number of tarot readers about what they have chosen for themselves and why.

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 connection 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.

Fred West

Fred West has over 30 years of experiences as a Tarot Reader. What first started as a childhood hobby has turned into a lifelong passion. Fred’s knowledge and passion for Tarot is like no other, he has read hundreds of books from various famous tarot authors and possess a variety of decks he uses with his clients during readings. Fred’s clientele ranges from Famous actors in Hollywood to the stay-at-home mom in Oregon.

• FPW Consulting
• The Tarot Demographic Survey

Donnaleigh

Radio podcast personality, professional tarot reader & psychic artist with a gentle reading style.

• Donnaleigh.net
• Beyond Worlds
• Our Educational Tarot Podcast: http://TarotTribe.com
• Fridays with Storm Cestavani at http://StormOnAir.com/

Valerie Sherill

Valerie is the assistant manager for Tarot for Life forum. She became interested in the art of Cartomancy around the age of 14 when her aunt taught her how to read with a regular playing deck. Thirteen years later, she discovered Tarot classes were available at a local metaphysical shop in the town she was living in at that time and immediately enrolled for the course’s extensive five month study. “I had tried to learn Tarot on my own when I was 15,” Val says, “but found it too overwhelming and lost interest. That course I found at The Alhambra Institute in Dearborn, MI, was like a gift from the Universe. Alexia was an incredible teacher – I will never forget her.” With the discovery of online Tarot communities in 2000, Val’s love of Tarot quickly blossomed into passion as she learned more about its rich history and endless avenues of Tarot exploration. It’s an adventure she expects to embark upon for the rest of her life.

Sean Tierseron

Sean is a certified & licensed Rainbow Reiki Professional Practitioner II and Usui/Tibetan Reiki Master Teacher who provides deep physical and emotional healing for your life empowerment. He uses the loving energies of Reiki in union with ”Sound Healing” & Crystal work for a more complete and lasting healing. He has also been working with Tarot for 20 years. Sean enhances your Tarot Reading with Reiki to clairvoyantly tune in to your Spirit Guides, Archangels, Angels, and Spirit Animals. He primarily uses Tarot for readings; Angel and Animal Oracle Cards may be used too. Sean works very closely with the Archangels and is able to channel. His Website is SeanHealswithLight.com

Roger Tobin

Roger Tobin is a Professional Tarot Reader from Portland, Oregon. He was introduced to the Tarot in the late 1980s but started serious study and practice in 2002 after encouragement from his family. He is a member of The American Tarot Association and reads for both of their Networks. Roger is also a Mentor for new readers as well as an active community volunteer. He enjoys both studying and teaching of topics in Tarot, and leads the Portland Tarot Study group. You can find out more about his reading practice at his website Sylvan Creek Tarot.

Ginny Hunt

Ginny Hunt is a Professional Tarot Reader from Maryland. Her interest in the spiritual and metaphysical has been a lifelong passion. She has been a practicing counselor, both professionally with adolescents and para-professionally as a volunteer with abused women. She offers professional reading services through 78 Notes to Self.

Thalassa

Thalassa is the producer of the San Francisco Bay Area Tarot Symposium – the oldest established, permanent floating Tarot Symposium in the world (actually, the longest continuously produced Tarot event) and founder of the Daughters of Divination (DOD). She has been living, working and playing with the Tarot for more than 40 years (she was an infant prodigy).

She is also active in the production of Pagan and Divination events across the country, and her writing has been published in a wide range of publications, including the Llewellyn Tarot Reader almanacs since their inception. She has been involved in standup comedy, choreography, and stage management, and currently teaches improvisation and physical characterization for performers of Renaissance and Victorian festivals.

Her other interests include historical recreation, needlework, and plotting global domination. Thalassa lives in San Francisco with her long-suffering husband, a herd of semi-feral dustbunnies, a sword collection, and more Tarot cards than is safe to assemble in one place. She is working on a book (on Tarot, of all things).

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Closing Music: Transition Music: Who the Hell Am I by Albert Lee Fitz from Music Alley

Albert Lee Fizz is a Dutch singer/songwriter, influenced by the 1980′s Brit pop. His music is published by No Tie Generation and some songs are now also available on iTunes. Albert Lee Fizz is a licensed busker in the London Underground and raises money for charity (www.justgiving.com/AlbertLeeFizz)

Play or Download the Episode

Jupiter Notes by Dena DeCastro

Positive: faith, expansion, growth, optimism, luck, opportunity, abundance, fortune, confidence

Negative: overindulgence, over-extension, arrogance, narcissism, pretentiousness, hubris

Rulerships: Sagittarius / 9th House, and Ancient Ruler of Pisces / 12th House

Jupiter transits can last from just a few weeks to a longer period of several months, depending  upon where and when Jupiter turns retrograde. Jupiter transiting one of your natal planets points toward the need to take a leap of faith, and search out new experiences and adventures in the area ruled by that natal planet.

Transits Through a Sign or House:

Jupiter takes about one year to transit through one sign, and will take about the same through one house in your chart, depending upon the size of the house. When Jupiter is in a sign, it shows us where we collectively need to take a leap of faith, and go beyond our current limitations. As it transits through a house in your natal chart, it points toward the themes of that house as they are activated by Jupiter. The message of this year-long period points toward believing in yourself, not settling for less-than or what is just adequate, taking risks, and pushing yourself to grasp opportunities that are heading your way.

Your natal Jupiter’s placement can also indicate where, when you take that leap of faith, you are able to tap into a source of good luck, wealth, and opportunity. Its house and sign placement can also point toward where your own “inner life coach” resides: what activities help you to gain a sense of confidence, faith and optimism.

JUPITER Handout

Invoking Jupiter Spread

1. What Opportunities are Available?
2. Something to be Optimistic about.
3. How Can I Be Generous?
4. What Brings Good Luck to Me?
5. Where Will I get an Even Break

Resources:

• Astrology for the Light Side of the Brain
• Jupiter in the Signs
• Renaissance Astrology Planetary Magic Mini Course

Preview of Tarot Mandalas

• See images in a Flicker Album
• Buy Candles and Spread Cards at shop.tarotconnection.net

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: Planets by Cat Malojan from We’re Allright

Play or Download the Episode

Each card of the Minute Tarot is unique – it was drawn and colored in just five minutes to help the artist overcome a creative block. The full 78 cards were completed in just over nine hours to make a charming and very usable set in the Rider-Waite tradition.

• Size: 3.75″ x 2.5″
• 78 Cards
• Title Card
• Silk Bag in Assorted Colors
• Mini Sand Timer
• $40

Buy your copy of the Minute Tarot in the Tarot Connection Shop

This is one of my least liked tarot card trumps. I’m not sure it’s anyone’s favorite given its uncomfortable depiction of torture, but my main beef with this card is not only does it tell me that what I want requires a very long wait, but in the meantime I’m not going to be enjoying that wait. Unlike the Star that also depicts that my goal is afar off, this card says the intervening time is pretty much going to suck for me, though I will learn a lot from it. Bah. Take your life lesson and hang that from a tree, ok?

To even attempt to understand the meaning of this Major Arcana card, one really does need to get the historical perspective. Times have most certainly changed since the creation of Tarot and this card references something that people of the 1500′s would have readily recognized that we in the 21st Century have no current context. Well, we do, but not in this manner. This picture of a man hung upside down by one foot is what was known in Italy as a pittura infamante, a defaming portrait. It was used as a kind of rag publication that showed thieves, traitors, those guilty of bankruptcy or fraud in this punishing position and displayed in centers of public view. Those paintings weren’t literal, in that the depicted victims were not actually hung in this manner but were shamed by the portrait. They were akin to our political cartoons except that they were approved and even requested by the municipal civil authorities as a form of public punishment. They began to lose popularity when they began to be appreciated more as an art form, like the political cartoon, rather than be seen as a form of punishment. The intended effect, shame, was lessened, and the practice diminished. (read the full post)

Ginny Hunt

Ginny Hunt is a Professional Tarot Reader from Maryland. Her interest in the spiritual and metaphysical has been a lifelong passion. She has been a practicing counselor, both professionally with adolescents and para-professionally as a volunteer with abused women. She offers professional reading services through 78 Notes to Self.

Music Credits

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

http://www.tarotconnection.net/handouts/LeisasNotesElements.pdf

Leisa ReFalo and Dena DeCastro join Storm to discuss the difference of the elements in different traditions. Whether you are an Astrologer, Taroist, or a Psychotherapist the elements of fire, earth, air, and water are used to describe certain areas of life, personality temperament, and modes of expression. Join this group of experts for an enlivened discussion and find out how understanding what mode of expression you most associate with can provide you with startling insight into your life. Example readings will be provided for further understanding.

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

1. Combat Inertia
2. Conquer Fear
3. Seek a Solution
4. Set Goals
5. 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

]]> http://tarotconnection.net/episode-97/feed/ 5 0:58:34 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 withi[...] 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 ~Episodes Leisa ReFalo no no http://tarotconnection.net/all-the-news-thats-fit-to-predict/ http://tarotconnection.net/all-the-news-thats-fit-to-predict/#comments Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:20:59 +0000 leisa http://tarotconnection.net/?p=401 (I was a guest on the Storm Cestavani Show)

Original Air Date: 10/22/2009 10:00 AM
All The News That’s Fit to Predict!

Radio has Ryan Seacrest, Television has Oprah, and Tarot has Leisa ReFalo. Leisa is the owner/operator of The Tarot Connection and has the most successful Tarot Podcast on the Internet. She will join Storm and Robin to discuss The Tarot Connection’s latest release “All Hallowed Tarot,”. Also, we will be giving away decks throughout the show! You can listen to Leisa’s wonderful podcasts by going to http://www.tarotconnection.net.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/StormCestavaniShow

I was born and raised on the Jersey shore, where I enjoyed a life of sun and surf.  I was always aware of the fact that I was a “tad different” then most of the kids that I hung around with, when I would challenge them on their thoughts or tell them what they were thinking.  I was promptly labeled “freak.”  LOL.  At 16, I began watching the soap opera Dark Shadows and was fascinated with the character Magda the Gypsy and her skills as a card reader.  Of course, I knew these were fake readings for the script, but I became intrigued with the cards that were being used.  Once I got enough money together (in those days, a tarot deck cost about $10.00), I bought two decks; a Swiss IJJ and a Rider-Waite Smith.  I quickly put aside the Swiss and concentrated on the Rider-Waite-Smith and started a notebook with my thoughts on the cards because trying to read the Little White Book, you needed a magnifying glass.  Once I started, I never looked back.  That was 40 years ago.

You can contact Barbara on Facebook. This picture is of her beloved cat (RIP) Ginger, aka Mushie-mushie, aka Poochie-poo, aka Booga.

Reading One: How will this go?

Subject, Verb and Direct Object

Reading Two: Should I Offer Assistance to a Friend?

Music Credits

• Opening Music & Transition Music: Narcissus by Queenie from Dream of Flight
• Closing Music: Under the Boardwalk by  by Bob Rowe from The Podsafe Music Network

Play or Download the Episode

I know you know at least one. I know you’ve probably even been one at some point, though it may be embarrassing to admit. At least once and probably many more times you have made that proverbial mountain out of a molehill. You Drama King/Queen! It’s ok, really. I have a side that inclines toward the dramatic. Ok, maybe more than a side. A whole flank of my being perhaps. Enough that a friend of mine, who also relishes the fair amount of drama sprinkled through out her life, will call me out, “O! M! G! You’re being so drama!” At least we recognize it in ourselves and can laugh at it when it rears its entertaining head. This fact makes us decidedly not Drama Queens. The true Drama King or Queen does not accept the fact that he or she is being ridiculously melodramatic nor do they seem aware that they are consistently creating situations that result in exhausting drama for themselves and others. So my friend and I were talking last night when she wondered aloud, “Which tarot card would represent drama?” We had been discussing the Moon card and the dramatic side to that card and the question made us both stop, mid-convo, and mentally rifle through the deck. At first we were rather nonplussed. I said the Fool and Moon combination would make me think “drama” but I wasn’t satisfied with my answer. We continued our conversation and somehow the Ten of Swords was mentioned and she interjected, “There is the drama card!” I laughed, “Oh yeah! For sure!” Talk about over the top, that card screams “Woe is meeeeeee!”(read the full post)

Ginny Hunt

Ginny Hunt is a Professional Tarot Reader from Maryland. Her interest in the spiritual and metaphysical has been a lifelong passion. She has been a practicing counselor, both professionally with adolescents and para-professionally as a volunteer with abused women. She offers professional reading services through 78 Notes to Self.

Music Credits

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

Please be warned there were some difficulties with recording. The worst part is on my end with voice distortion. But the episode is mostly a conversation between Robert & Ciro.

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.

• Visit the Alchemical Egg
• Schedule a Reading
• See the Tarot of the 7 fold Mystery

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.

Ciro Marchetti

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.

His new companion site for Legacy of the Divine Tarot is launching this month.

• Website: http://www.ciromarchetti.com
• Companion Site: www.legacyofthedivinetarot.com.
• Empress Card: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoSTPd–Nik
• Wands IV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FX-cFCxPu2U

Available Decks

Music Credits

• Opening Music & Transition Music: Narcissus by Queenie from Dream of Flight

• Closing Music: Fortune Laisse (Attaingnant) by Edward Martin from Art of the Lute in Renaissance (Magnatune)

Play or Download the Episode

]]> http://tarotconnection.net/episode-95/feed/ 3 http://tarotconnection.net/new-tarots/ http://tarotconnection.net/new-tarots/#comments Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:17:45 +0000 leisa http://tarotconnection.net/?p=334 After a very long hiatus, I am finishing editing the next episode. In the meantime, please be informed of these new tarots:

All Hallows Tarot

The All Hallows Tarot is a modern, Halloween-themed art tarot featuring goths, ghosts, punks, mediums and more. The images evoke all things mysterious…the idea that on All Hallows eve, strange people come out of the dark, and the veils between worlds and realities tend to melt away…

Drawn on blank playing cards, The All Hallow’s Tarot was originally meant to be a one of a kind thing…sold to some anonymous higher bidder on E-Bay to raise money for the artists mothers medical bills. Now in print due to popular demand.

Pre-Order from the Tarot Connection Shop – $40

Legacy of the Divine Tarot

Exquisitely rich and magical, this new Rider-Waite-Smith-based tarot deck by digital artist Ciro Marchetti takes you into the heart of fantasy. You can use this legacy from ages past to discover what you need for your own life as it guides you toward hope, wisdom, and inspiration.

The companion guidebook, Gateway to the Divine Tarot, presents the author’s interpretation of each card’s significance, along with additional perspectives from experts in the tarot community, including Ruth Ann and Wald Amberstone, James Ricklef, and Leisa ReFalo.

I would like to thank Sean Tierseron and Debi Scott for their help as contributing editors. My part of the book would not have been possible under the very tight 4 week deadline without their tireless effort and support.

The Annotated Tarot of the Sevenfold Mystery: a Renaissance Magical Tradition

The deck started with Robert Place’s  love of the paintings of the 19th century painter Burne-Jones. Like all magical works, this deck falls in the cracks between common definitions. It can be used as a deck of cards for divination but it is also a book of unbound pages that explains the philosophy and allegory of the Tarot. The written message on each card explains the symbolism and the theme of the card but not necessarily its divinatory meaning. The text is open ended and invites us to contemplate the image on a deeper level.

This deck is also a work of art that is larger than an average Tarot, 8½” by 5½”, and printed on archival rag paper. Each card is suitable for framing. Lastly, it is a deck for meditation or contemplation and each card can be displayed on an easel for this purpose. The Fool and all 21 trumps are represented. There is also a title card, three cards containing introductory text, a glossary of unusual terms, and a card with a chart of the seven ancient planets and their correspondences: 28 cards in all.

Available from the Tarot Connection Shop – $50

The Seven Soul Centers with with Robert Place – Feb. 18, 2009

$25.00

The Symbolic Origins of the Tarot: Mar 18 & 25 2009

$50.00

Hieroglyphs From The Soul with Robert Place: April 1, 2009

$25.00

The Relationship Triangle Spread with Robert Place: Apr 15, 2009

$25.00 ]]> http://tarotconnection.net/winter-class-schedule/feed/ 0 http://tarotconnection.net/thetens/ http://tarotconnection.net/thetens/#comments Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:43:13 +0000 leisa http://tarotconnection.net/?p=143 The Tens by Ginny Hunt

So if nine is the finale, why the ten? Because ten is neither the end nor the beginning, but a transition between an ending and a beginning to a higher order of things. See, the number ten is the start of a whole new order of numbers and the culmination of the numbers that come before it.

All the base ten numbering systems in existence from ancient times such as Hebrew and Greek systems use the number ten as this natural transition between the numbers that come before into the numbers that come after. A look at the number values assigned to the Hebrew and Greek letters show that the letters were given values from one to ten, then increasing in tens to 100 then increasing by 100′s and so on. Numbering by tens is natural for us given our ten fingers which are quite useful for adding and subtracting. You have to re-use fingers when you get past ten, so it starts a new “order.” So ten represents “completeness of order.” It symbolizes a cycle has completed and all is where it should be. As such it represents the perfection of divine order. (read the full post)

Ginny Hunt

Ginny Hunt is a Professional Tarot Reader from Maryland. Her interest in the spiritual and metaphysical has been a lifelong passion. She has been a practicing counselor, both professionally with adolescents and para-professionally as a volunteer with abused women. She offers professional reading services through 78 Notes to Self.

Music Credits

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

The Hero’s Journey

Card 0: The Theme

ACT I DEPARTURE, SEPARATION
1. Ordinary World
2. Call to Adventure
3. Refusal of the Call
4. Meeting with the Mentor
5. Crossing First Threshold

ACT II DESCENT, INITIATION, PENETRATION

6. Tests, Allies & Enemies
7. Approach to Inmost Cave
8. The Ordeal
9. Reward (Seizing the Sword)

ACT III RETURN

10. Road Back
11. Resurrection
12. Return with Elixir

Cocktail Spread

Takes these three cards and introduce your character at a cocktail party.

1. Job
2. Personal Live
3. Quirk

Recommended Reading

• Vogler, Christopher, “The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers, 2nd edition, 1998
• Campbell, Joseph, “The Hero with a Thousand Faces,” 2nd edition,1968
• Pearson, Carol, “Awakening the Heroes Within: Twelve Archetypes to Help Us Find Ourselves and Transform the World,” 1991

Web Resources:

• http://www.divineparadox.com/Arts/archetypes_on_the_path.htm
• http://library.thinkquest.org/03oct/00800/worksheet.htm
• http://www.romantictimes.com/authors_tip.php?tip=450
• http://www.astrostarcharts.com/houses.html
  

Stephanie Arwen Lynch

President of the American Tarot Association Stephanie Arwen Lynch has been reading the Tarot since 1979 and began reading professionally in 1982. She has taught workshops on Tarot for the Professional Fiction Writer as well as How To Create Your Own Spread.

A self-confessed tarotaholic, Arwen owns a collection of nearly 75 decks to date. She is intrigued by the various ways artists express the archetypes of the Tarot. She subscribes to the Jungian archetype philosophy in her reading. One of her passions is designing Tarot spreads. Currently she is engaged in writing a series on fairy tales and spreads that examine the underlying archetypes found in fairy tales.

Arwen reads for everyone but she specializes in reading for the writing community as well as the GLBQT community. As a queer femme, she feels that it is important to be sensitive to everyone’s personal gender preferences.

She has run her online Tarot business since 2005 and reads online as well as in person and over the phone. She has read on the Free Reading Network as well. She is the past editor of the ATA Quarterly journal. Tarot By Arwen is Arwen’s professional site.

Arwen is also a published romance writer. She is part of the writing team of Marilu Mann whose first novel, an ero tic paranormal romance, will be released by Ellora’s Cave. She sold two books to EC last year and the first one, Changing Times, will be released May 7, 2008 as book one of the series Lusting Wild. Book two, Changing Hearts, will be released later this year.

Marilu Mann

Marilu Mann brings the steaminess of the Louisiana bayous to her books and she doesn’t stop there. Willing to travel to the frozen tundra of Wisconsin to heat up those northern nights and melt a little snow, she’ll also circle the globe to Wales, Ireland, Scotland and back just to bring you books that make you sweat.

Currently residing in Texas, Marilu is an avid armchair traveler. Her sexy shifters will set your blood to boiling in no time. Owned by one Diva Teen and various animals, Marilu keeps busy writing the novels her readers beg for.

Marilu is thrilled to be a part of the Ellora’s Cave family and loves to hear from readers. Drop her a note at Marilu Mann or visit her website or her MySpace for more info.

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Closing Music: Journey to Now by Paul Avgerinos from Gnosis (Magnatune)

  

Play or Download the Episode

]]> http://tarotconnection.net/episode-94/feed/ 6 0:53:15 Stephanie Arwen Lynch uses the The Hero’s Journey mono-myth as an outline for using tarot to plot novels. The Hero’s Journey is a description of a basic pattern found in many narratives from around the world. The Hero’s Journey Card 0: T[...] Stephanie Arwen Lynch uses the The Hero’s Journey mono-myth as an outline for using tarot to plot novels. The Hero’s Journey is a description of a basic pattern found in many narratives from around the world. The Hero’s Journey Card 0: The Theme ACT I DEPARTURE, SEPARATION Ordinary World Call to Adventure Refusal of the Call Meeting with the Mentor Crossing First Threshold ACT II DESCENT, INITIATION, PENETRATION Tests, Allies & Enemies Approach to Inmost Cave The Ordeal Reward (Seizing the Sword) ACT III RETURN Road Back Resurrection Return with Elixir Cocktail Spread Takes these three cards and introduce your character at a cocktail party. Job Personal Live Quirk Recommended Reading Vogler, Christopher, “The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers, 2nd edition, 1998 Campbell, Joseph, “The Hero with a Thousand Faces,” 2nd edition,1968 Pearson, Carol, “Awakening the Heroes Within: Twelve Archetypes to Help Us Find Ourselves and Transform the World,” 1991 Web Resources: http://www.divineparadox.com/Arts/archetypes_on_the_path.htm http://library.thinkquest.org/03oct/00800/worksheet.htm http://www.romantictimes.com/authors_tip.php?tip=450 http://www.astrostarcharts.com/houses.html Stephanie Arwen Lynch President of the American Tarot Association Stephanie Arwen Lynch has been reading the Tarot since 1979 and began reading professionally in 1982. She has taught workshops on Tarot for the Professional Fiction Writer as well as How To Create Your Own Spread. A self-confessed tarotaholic, Arwen owns a collection of nearly 75 decks to date. She is intrigued by the various ways artists express the archetypes of the Tarot. She subscribes to the Jungian archetype philosophy in her reading. One of her passions is designing Tarot spreads. Currently she is engaged in writing a series on fairy tales and spreads that examine the underlying archetypes found in fairy tales. Arwen reads for everyone but she specializes in reading for the writing community as well as the GLBQT community. As a queer femme, she feels that it is important to be sensitive to everyone’s personal gender preferences. She has run her online Tarot business since 2005 and reads online as well as in person and over the phone. She has read on the Free Reading Network as well. She is the past editor of the ATA Quarterly journal. Tarot By Arwen is Arwen’s professional site. Arwen is also a published romance writer. She is part of the writing team of Marilu Mann whose first novel, an ero tic paranormal romance, will be released by Ellora’s Cave. She sold two books to EC last year and the first one, Changing Times, will be released May 7, 2008 as book one of the series Lusting Wild. Book two, Changing Hearts, will be released later this year. Marilu Mann Marilu Mann brings the steaminess of the Louisiana bayous to her books and she doesn’t stop there. Willing to travel to the frozen tundra of Wisconsin to heat up those northern nights and melt a little snow, she’ll also circle the globe to Wales, Ireland, Scotland and back just to bring you books that make you sweat. Currently residing in Texas, Marilu is an avid armchair traveler. Her sexy shifters will set your blood to boiling in no time. Owned by one Diva Teen and various animals, Marilu keeps busy writing the novels her readers beg for. Marilu is thrilled to be a part of the Ellora’s Cave family and loves to hear from readers. Drop her a note at Marilu Mann or visit her website or her MySpace for more info. Music Credits Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis Closing Music: Journey to Now by Paul Avgerinos from Gnosis (Magnatune) Play or Download the Episode ~Episodes Leisa ReFalo no no http://tarotconnection.net/robert-m-place-on-darkness-radio/ http://tarotconnection.net/robert-m-place-on-darkness-radio/#comments Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:04:42 +0000 leisa http://tarotconnection.net/?p=311

I thought you would be intersted in this episode of Darkness Radio. Robert M. Place was a guest in the 2nd hour on December 28th 2008.  Recently I watched an episode of the Next Food Network Star and they were very focused on the contestant’s food point of view. I’ve been wondering how my ‘tarot point of view’ informs the Tarot Connection. I found this episode very interesting because they asked questions I would never ask and different information came of it. You can find Darkness Radio on iTunes and on the Web.

PARANORMAL RADIO SHOW

Contact Darkness Radio:
Studio: 651-989-5855

Email: dave@darknessradio.com

Website: www.darknessradio.com

Website: www.KTLKFM.com

Live Show Chat
www.para-investigators.com/chat/

Cold Reading Definition from The Skeptic’s Dictionary by Robert Todd Carroll

Cold reading refers to a set of techniques used by professional manipulators to get a subject to behave in a certain way or to think that the cold reader has some sort of special ability that allows him to “mysteriously” know things about the subject. Cold reading goes beyond the usual tools of manipulation: suggestion and flattery. In cold reading, salespersons, hypnotists, advertising pros, faith healers, con men, and some therapists bank on their subject’s inclination to find more meaning in a situation than there actually is. (read more)

Mary Greer joins me to talk about Cold Readings and Mentalist techniques with the aim of taking back some of the territory taken over by those with ill intentions.

From Mary’s Blog – Cold Reading and Tarot, Part 2

December 4, 2008

Part 2: Hijacking What It Means to Be Human

(Read Part 1 to learn about mentalists, skeptics and cold reading.)

Imagine my surprise when I discovered there are at least a half-dozen extremely expensive books marketed by mentalists on tarot, of which I’d never heard in my forty-plus years collecting tarot books. And, they were written by and for professional tarot readers that I didn’t even know existed as a self-identified group. Of course, I was aware there are fraudulent tarot readers who deliberately used cold reading techniques to con their marks. Naively, I had assumed, though, that cold reading was used mostly by fake mediums and clairvoyants (as in the 19th century) and by mentalist entertainers. I had no idea that tarot was regularly taught as a scam except among some phone psychics and those storefront psychics who used it to extort money for removing curses, etc.—a whole different, albeit related, enterprise. [Note: some mentalists are also ethical tarot readers, and not all mentalists deny the paranormal. I am also not referring, in most of what follows, to ethical mentalists who are honest about using mental tricks.]

Read the Rest of the Post

Mary Greer

Mary K. Greer is an author and teacher specializing in methods of self exploration and transformation. She has practiced tarot for over thirty-eight years, has taught at the Omega Institute for twenty years, and is featured at most Tarot conferences and symposia in the United States and abroad.

Active in Tarot associations and internet discussion groups, she also teaches and writes for the women’s and pagan communities, and is an Arch-Priestess/Hierophant in the Fellowship of Isis. Tools And Rites Of Transformation (T.A.R.O.T.) is a learning center founded and directed by Mary for the study of divination, women’s mysteries, and the transformative arts.

Visit Mary K. Greer’s Tarot Blog

Her most recent book is entitled 21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card (May 2006).

Other books include:

1. Understanding the Tarot Court (2004) with Tom Little.
2. The Complete Book of Tarot Reversals (2002)
3. Tarot for Your Self: A Workbook for Personal Transformation (1984, 2002)
4. Aromatherapy: Healing for the Body and Soul (1998) with Kathi Keville
5. Women of the Golden Dawn: Rebels and Priestesses (1995)
6. The Essence of Magic: Tarot, Ritual, and Aromatherapy (1993)
7. Tarot Mirrors: Reflections of Personal Meaning (1988)
8. Tarot Constellations: Patterns of Personal Destiny (1987)

Mary has an M.A. in English literature and was on the faculty and administration of New College of California (San Francisco) for eleven years. As a world traveler, she has lived in Japan, Germany, England, Mexico, six states in the U.S., and currently leads workshops around the world. She resides in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.

Mentalist-Gerry McCambridge

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_UDaahAd5o

BBC – History of Magic – Mentalism (1 of 6)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_EjG-Oa3hE

Debunking “Psychics” and other Miracle Workers #1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRAO3dyabvQ

How to Make People Like you in 90 Seconds or Less

Music Credits

• Opening Music & Transition Music: Narcissus by Queenie from Dream of Flight
• Closing Music: I Married a Magician by the Dust Poets from The Podsafe Music Network

Play or Download the Episode

The Tarot Connection is listed in Chapter 18: Top 10 Type of Podcasts to Check Out, in the Spiritual Podcasts. The other two mentioned are Catholic Insider (www.catholicinsider.com) and ZenCast (www.zencast.com).

The Tarot Connection (www.tarotconnection.net): If your understanding of Tarot doesn’t reach beyond the 007 classic Live and Let die, you need to know “There’s more to the cards than your realize, Mr. Bond”. A podcast like the Tarot Connection dispells many of the myths and misunderstandings of what card readings really mean and how they work. Host Leisa ReFalo, an author of two Tarot decks herself, talks Tarot on The Tarot Conection but also explores Journeywork, Astrology, Numerology and other studies.

Available at Amazon.com

The Quantum Tarot combines the revolutionary theories of 21st century physics with the traditional Tarot Card archetypes in a 78-card deck. Quantum mechanics, Einstein’s theories of relativity and modern superstring theory offer new and wonderful ways to visualize tarot themes. The Quantum Tarot shows how New Age wisdom can mesh with New Age science.

The deck and book set features 78 borderless, gilt-edged cards and a 208-paged perfect bound paperback book with black-and-white illustrations, packaged in a sturdy, elegant cigar box.

I The Magician – The Electromagnetic Force

The Quantum Magician is the Electromagnetic Force, encompassing the whole spectrum of different rays, including visible light, infrared, ultraviolet, gamma rays, X-rays, radio waves and microwaves.
The Magician manipulates and formulates energy, making the invisible visible. He has the ability to make something out of nothing – to act creatively – which can seem magical from the outside. He brings consciousness and illumination to mystery, acting as a bridge between the inchoate sea of the unconscious, and material reality. Whenever we create anything we invoke the Magician archetype.

Read Kay’s Blog on the Magician: http://quantumtarot.blogspot.com/2008/04/bring-some-magic-into-your-life.html

XVIII The Moon – Extra Dimensions

If string theory (see the Star card) is correct, all the fundamental particles in the universe comprise of tiny loops, or strings, that vibrate at different frequencies. The early versions of string theory suggested that strings have only one dimension, but then superstring theory proposed that strings might vibrate in ten dimensions! How is this possible? Well, apart from the three dimensions of ordinary space, and one of time, the theory claims that the other six dimensions are curled up, or compressed into a very tiny space. The strings wind themselves around these “curled up” dimensions like a kind of cosmic cat’s cradle.
Because these other dimensions occupy such an unimaginably small space, we may move through them all the time without realizing it. The Moon represents this idea that there is much more to the world than we are usually aware of. These inaccessible extra dimensions are like the extra dimensions of our lives; hints, hunches, movements out of the corners of our eye. The Moon represents a fearful mystery to those who like everything to be explained. To the more intuitively or psychically-minded, this sense of something extra, something more than we can detect with our everyday, physical senses, is no surprise. The Moon shows up when the indefinable starts demanding attention in our consciousness – and to the conscious mind this can seem like a threat.

Read Kay’s Blog on the Moon: http://quantumtarot.blogspot.com/2008/08/strange-phenomena.html

Kay Stopforth

Kay bought her first deck, the Mythic Tarot, in 1990 and has been fascinated by the tarot ever since. Kay is a Film Studies graduate, a former geek who trained in electronic engineering and information science. Kay has worked as a recording studio technician, pop video editor, waitress, documentary maker, IT systems manager, librarian and professional tarot reader.

Inspired by photographs from the Hubble Space Telescope, Kay created her first deck, the Universe Cards, in 1999. She is a regular blogger and contributor to the Aeclectic Tarot Forum. Kay is currently working on her first novel.

• quantumtarot.co.uk
• kaystopforth.com

Chris Butler

Chris Butler is a UK based artist and illustrator. He has illustrated five tarot decks and two oracle decks to date. Chris discovered the Tarot through watching a James Bond movie at the age of thirteen. Now, almost thirty years later, his fascination with the cards remains undiminished. Apart from his digital illustration work, Chris works as a painter and a portrait artist. He has also worked as an assistant to Tony Raymond, one of Europe’s foremost decorative artists. He now lives in his native city of Liverpool, England

• www.butlerart.co.uk
• chris-butlerart.blogspot.com

Relativity Spread

from the Companion Book pg 31

1. Space: where you are at the moment
2. Time: what will change in the near future
3. Gravity: what is attracting you
4. Relativity: key to integration

Quantum Tarot Wallpaper by Chris Butler

(image links to full sized wallpaper)

Music Credits

• Opening Music & Transition Music: Narcissus by Queenie from Dream of Flight
• Closing Music: Borealis by Robert Rich from Calling Down the Sky

Play or Download the Episode

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

Register Here

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

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 & 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

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

1. Me
2. The Situation
3. Cons (Three Cards)
4. Pros (Three Cards)
5. The Decision (Three Cards)

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

Play or Download the Episode

So then I hear, oh, it was an INTUITIVE reading. There. Now everything’s all better.

Hell not!  (read the full post at 78Notes.blogspot.com)

Ginny Hunt

Ginny Hunt is a Professional Tarot Reader from Maryland. Her interest in the spiritual and metaphysical has been a lifelong passion. She has been a practicing counselor, both professionally with adolescents and para-professionally as a volunteer with abused women. She offers professional reading services through 78 Notes to Self.

Music Credits

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

The symbolism of the Star is curious. Often there is a naked woman portrayed pouring out two jugs of water, one onto the earth and the other into the water. One immediate sense is that of abundance. But as one friend of mine noted, this woman is pouring herself out to a ridiculous degree: “She’s watering the water, for heaven’s sake!” my friend said. When we look at what water symbolizes in tarot, the emotions, we can see a dual meaning here. On the one hand, there is emotional healing going on. She’s pouring out, releasing her emotions, both for their generative qualities and just for the sake of releasing them. Her nakedness suggests both a vulnerability and a healthy sense of self. Being transparent and not hiding one’s feelings is imperative for emotional health and healing. Yet it does leave one vulnerable to further injury, so it takes a good deal of courage to do what this woman is doing. Going back to my friend’s observation, women especially tend to overextend themselves emotionally and give rise to the need for the Star’s emotional down time. Someone represented by the Star in a reading could signify someone who is an emotional giver, sometimes to their own detriment. The advice then is to take some real time for oneself and attend to one’s own emotional waters and dry, parched soul.

The Star is an incredibly peaceful card and brings with it a sense of wholeness. It’s a relief, a breather, on a long arduous journey. It reminds us to slow down because any amount of stressing out about when you’ll get there isn’t going to make the trip go any faster. It quiets those voices in your head that sound like children in the back seat chattering, “Are we there yet?” every five minutes. It answers soothingly, “No, but we will get there at just the right time, now relax and enjoy the scenery.” It’s the kind of card that makes you stop and experience the present moment in all its peaceful beauty and reminds us that the journey IS the destination. (read the full post at 78Notes.blogspot.com)

Ginny Hunt

Ginny Hunt is a Professional Tarot Reader from Maryland. Her interest in the spiritual and metaphysical has been a lifelong passion. She has been a practicing counselor, both professionally with adolescents and para-professionally as a volunteer with abused women. She offers professional reading services through 78 Notes to Self.

Music Credits

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

Started in 1991 by Thalassa, and currently produced in association with the Daughters of Divination, the San Francisco Bay Area Tarot Symposium (SF BATS) is the oldest continuously produced Tarot even in the country. It has been the inspiration and/or the model for virtually every large Tarot-centred gathering in this country for more than a decade.

SF BATS is a day long event devoted to covering all areas of Tarot and related topics. Many established authors and teachers use SF BATS as an opportunity to try new and different approaches and projects as well as polishing existing work. Exhibitions of new (and often as yet unpublished or privately published) Tarot decks and artwork are an especially important feature of this event. In addition to providing networking opportunities and community building for Tarot enthusiasts of all levels of interest and experience, SF BATS has facilitated or furthered the careers of several noted Tarot artists, authors, and teachers, as well as being instrumental in the publication of several books and decks.

San Francisco Bay Area Tarot Symposium Fall 2008

SF BATS is proud to present:

• Wald & RuthAnn Amberstone, East Coast powerhouse teachers, authors (The Secret Language of the Tarot) and producers of the Readers Studio
• James Wanless, groundbreaking teacher, coach and creator of the Voyager Tarot system
• Monte Farber & Amy Zerner, divination pioneers (The Enchanted Tarot, The Enchanted Spellboard, Breathe Easy Deck, and so many more)
• Joseph Ernest Martin, acclaimed psychic and creator of the Quest Tarot
• Julie Cuccia-Watts, superb Tarot artist (The Ancestral Path Tarot, the Ma’at Tarot, and many other works)
• Pamela Eakins, priestess, teacher and co-creatrix of the Tarot of the Spirit
• Arnell Ando, visionary Tarot artist and facilitator (the Transformational Tarot, the Tarot Museum )
• Holly Voley, well known expert on the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck
• Sasha St John, creatrix of Gentle Wisdom of the Faerie Realm, worker with angelic, faerie and mermaid wisdom
• Corinne Kenner, popular Tarot author (Tall Dark Stranger, Simple Fortunetelling with Tarot Cards, and many more)
• Ellen Lorenzi-Prince, creatrix of the Tarot of the Crone
• Kooch Daniels, popular local reader and author of Tarot d’Amour
• Susan Gold and Evelyn Pine of The Magician’s Table
• Calyxa Omphalos, creatrix of the revolutionary divination system, Elemental Hexagons

Saturday, October 4, 2008 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m
First Unitarian Universalist Centre
1187 Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA

Visit the BATS Fall 2008 web page for more information

Thalassa

Thalassa is the producer of the San Francisco Bay Area Tarot Symposium (SF BATS), founder of the Daughters of Divination (DOD), and publisher of The Belfry. She teaches and produces divination events in the SF Bay Area, and has presented at the World Tarot Congress, the New York Tarot Festival, PantheaCon, and LATS (LA Tarot Symposium). She lives in San Francisco with a collection of swords, too many books, more tarot decks than one can safely shake a stick at, and a tribe of semi-feral dust bunnies.

• Thalassaland.com
• Daughters of Divination
• Belfry
• Bay Area Tarot Symposium

Follow the Yellow Brick Royal Road Spread

Based on the movie the Wizard of Oz

• What is your goal, what is your emerald city?
• Where are your brains (scarecrow swords or mental game)?
• Where is your heart (tinman, cups)?
• Where is your courage (lion, wands)?
• Where are your ruby slippers? What gets you from one place to another? (Pentacles)
• What is your little dog (toto) What do you need to pay attention to?

Music Credits

• Opening Music & Transition Music: Narcissus by Queenie from Dream of Flight
• Closing Music: Simple Pleasures by Jive Ass Sleepers from Getting Down to Business

Play or Download the Episode

This card has no problem showing up when a romantic relationship is in question, but doesn’t it make you scratch your head a little when it shows up when you’re doing a reading about something completely non-romantic? You stare at the image of the passionate couple and think…wtf? The fallback meaning is of “choice” and of following one’s heart to make that choice, so at least there is that. (read the full post at 78Notes.blogspot.com)

Ginny Hunt

Ginny Hunt is a Professional Tarot Reader from Maryland. Her interest in the spiritual and metaphysical has been a lifelong passion. She has been a practicing counselor, both professionally with adolescents and para-professionally as a volunteer with abused women. She offers professional reading services through 78 Notes to Self.

Music Credits

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

The Process is written and read by Dan M. Pelletier © 2004-2008

Produced by Leisa ReFalo for the Tarot Connection © 2008
Opening  & Closing Music: Ukiyo by Queenie, www.queeniemusic.com
Theme Music: Cabin Fever by Robert Kotta
Cover illustration from The Alchemical Tarot by Robert M. Place © 2004-2008
Running Time: 5.4 Hours

Prologue

“Hello…yes…you want to learn about reading Tarot? Well, be here tomorrow around noon. Dress warmly, very warmly. Wear raingear, work-gloves, and a rain hat. Eat a good hearty meal before you get here. Do you have the address? See you at noon then. Goodbye.”

Join master storyteller, Dan Pelletier on a completely unique take on the Tarot – how to read the cards, and how to place the wisdom in your life. Voiced in first person, you become Dan’s apprentice as you listen to The Process. Beginners and experienced readers alike will find fertile material for contemplation and experimentation for their own unique path of the way of the Tarot Reader.

The Process is available in two formats:

Single Mp3 CD-Rom $45	Six Disk Audio CD Set $60

• Track 1: Title and Copyright
• Track 2: Cabin Fever Part 1
• Track 3: The Call
• Track 4: Prologue
• Track 5: Chapter 1: Beginnings
• Track 6: Chapter 2: Beginnings Part 2
• Track 7: Chapter 3: Numbers
• Track 8: Chapter 4: In the Camp of the Enemy
• Track 9: Chapter 5: The Suits
• Track 10: Cabin Fever Part 2
• Track 11: Chapter 6: The Skeptic
• Track 12: Chapter 7: Decks
• Track 13: Chapter 8: The Question
• Track 14: Chapter 9: Spreads
• Track 15: Chapter 10: Shuffling
• Track 16: Chapter 11: Flashes
• Track 17: Chapter 12: Card Interpretations
• Track 18: Chapter 13: Ethics
• Track 19: Chapter 14: Reading for Others
• Track 20: Regular Playing Cards
• Track 21: Chapter 16: The Blank Sport
• Track 22: Cabin Fever Part 3
• Track 23: Chapter 17: The Moment
• Track 24: Chapter 18: Timing
• Track 25: Chapter 19: Reading and Your Health
• Track 26: Chapter 20: The Event
• Track 27: Cabin Fever Part 4
• Track 28: Chapter 21: The Business of Tarot
• Track 29: Chapter 22: Reading with Majors Only (Right Click to Download a Sample)
• Track 30: Chapter 23: A Spiritual Approach
• Track 31: Toothpicks
• Track 32: Chapter 25: Readings from the Journal
• Track 33: Chapter 26: ROTA
• Track 34: Cabin Fever
• Track 35: Credits

Dan Pelletier

Dan Pelletier lives north of Seattle Washington with his wife of 22 years, Jan, his two cats, Spook and Pookha, and 32 rosebushes. He has been reading Tarot for himself and others for over thirty years.

Dan is also co-owner of The Tarot Garden, a highly respected resource for tarot decks and related information on the Internet. He has written articles appearing on the Tarot for Life website newsletter, Seeker’s Journey, and Tarot Passages; and has published interviews with deck creators on the tarotgarden.com website library.

Music Credits

• Opening Music & Transition Music: Narcissus by Queenie from Dream of Flight
• Closing Music: Cabin Fever by Robert Kota

Play or Download the Episode

Music Credits

• Opening Music & Transition Music: Narcissus by Queenie from Dream of Flight
• Closing Music: Shi by Tilopa from Pictures of Silence (Magnatune)

Play or Download the Episode

About Touchstone Tarot

Touchstone Tarot, a new deck by Kat Black, author of the popular and critically acclaimed Golden Tarot, is coming soon. The artwork used in the deck is digitally collaged composites from the artwork of the European Old Masters from the Renaissance and Baroque eras, with expressive and surprisingly modern looking faces to communicate the meanings of each card.

The name of the deck Touchstone Tarot – was chosen for it’s metaphorical meanings. Something small, that can be held in the hand… a tool used to assess if something is true… sounds just like the Tarot!

It’s creation was funded by a private benefactor, a Patron of the Arts who wishes to remain anonymous. This person’s generosity meant that the deck can be created just as Kat intended, without commercial pressure to make it yet another RWS clone. This is a limited edition of 500 decks and is 3″ x 4″.

$56.00 + S & H.

Visit shop.tarotconnection.net to request your copy today!

Touchstone Links

• Touchstone Tarot Website
• Facebook Group
• Kunati Teaster

Kat Black

Australian artist/author of the bestselling and critically acclaimed Golden Tarot and forthcoming Touchstone Tarot. See website touchstonetarot.com for more biographical info. Also a VJ in partnership with my lovely partner Jasper Cook – see VJzoo.com – we tour around the world doing visuals for festivals and bands.

A few Cards

Music Credits

• Opening Music & Transition Music: Narcissus by Queenie from Dream of Flight
• Closing Music: 07-Tientos (del tercero tono) by Jacob Heringman and Catherine King from Alonso Mudarra songs and solos (Magnatune)
• Closing Music: 29-Recuerde el alma dormida (8:07) by Jacob Heringman and Catherine King from Alonso Mudarra songs and solos (Magnatune)

Play or Download the Episode

Download audio file (TarotConnection86.mp3)

Episode 86

I know this goes without saying but … Always respect copyright laws.

I have made dozens of decks by hand over the years. I like to make prototypes to flesh out ideas, to find mistakes and to get feedback from other people. I only really know if I like something for size, layout and color if I’ve seen it and held it in my hand.

I’ve also made copies of very rare decks that I’m to afraid to use. I helped my friend Linda make a usable deck with her BOTA cards that she spend years coloring. (more about that later when we talk about embellishments.)

Just as a fair warning it is very expensive and time consuming to make decks in this manner. Appreciate what a value your commercial decks are.

Supplies

There are some basic supplies that you will need.

• Card stock (Type depends on method)
• Decorative Paper (for the Backs)
• The use of a ink jet printer, color laser printer, or color copier
• Laminator (method 2) & 3 mil Pouches
• Xyron 900 (method 3)
• Sharp Scissors
• 2? Portable Paper Trimmer by Fiskars
• Corner Rounder (You can use scissors with a little technique)

There are a number of considerations when making the deck and the qualities can work against each other.

• Beauty
• Durability
• Usability (how well it shuffles)
• Deck Thickness

The Methods

• Very Heavy Card Stock
• Lamination
• 2 page Adhesive
• 2 page Adhesive/Lamination Com

Download the Handout

Music Credits

• Music: Narcissus by Queenie from Dream of Flight

Play or Download the Episode

About the Mystereum Tarot

2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ playing card size decks in a great looking box complete with 46 page booklet (lwb) + fold-out intro cardlet. The Mystereum Tarot deck is playing card size! Great for small hands and for shuffling.

$28.95 + S & H.

Visit www.mystereum.com to request your copy today!

Inception Story

The concept of setting into the creative adventure of this tarot deck began several years back when I made a connection between the meaning of architecture and The Magician and The High Priestess. And when I say the meaning of architecture I am literally looking to the word architecture itself. There is a four-point mode of being that I enjoy for the general purpose of architectural analysis which I will use to preface this connection for conversation’s sake, and to provide just a moment of suspense. This four-point mode is somewhat existential, and I have to honestly say I don’t think about these four points much anymore unless a building really perplexes me. Things incorporate over time, are amended into the soil so to speak:

1. How does a building stand on the ground?
2. How does a building extend to the sides?
3. How does a building open and close?
4. How does a building meet the sky?

Now, for just a bit more suspense. I won’t go in to whether something has to be a building to be considered architecture. That’s another story, and tarot is the order of the day here.

OK. Architecture. The meaning of architecture. If I disassemble the word into its Greek roots, I get arche and techne, and I STILL can’t remember how to make the accent over a letter work on my keyboard. I ask that you please imagine the accent and play along. Further for your imagination, that the accent starts low on the left and ends high on the right. Accent ague? Accent grave? Imagination. Arche, techne. Say ar-kay. Tek-nay. And, here’s where I made a connection.

Arche is the first inkling, the creation, the first spark of an idea. Arche is the place of inception. Techne is the giving form to the formless, the making, the putting together of the idea that has been created. Techne is the place of conception. And, I saw The Magician and The High Priestess with their respective 1st spark, the creation of the Magician, and then the giving form, the making of The High Priestess. And though I remained fascinated with the deck and stayed my course with architecture and art, the connection didn’t stick. Or, so I thought.

Scroll forward several years to the summer of 2006 while I’m gardening, and I look up at my turn-of-the-century Victorian house (1906) and realize that I’ve been working on the cards here and there, reading text and history when I can, or simply come across it, and …rush inside and rinse the dirt off and open up the folder on my computer, and there I saw…just down the page!…The Empress carrying to full term! The Emperor overseeing! And, it came to mind that I was thick in the middle of the largest scale project I have ever undertaken, had been walking right on the burial as I amended the soil in my garden. Imagine my bright , wide eyes when I eventually came to looking at the Judgment card having a The Hanged Man moment!

Though architecture provided a form-giving metaphor for the creation of this deck, from which I lifted arche, techne, identity, place, and context, the architecture may or may not stop right there. The warm-up is oftentimes not a member of the performance. Either way or neither, though, one’s path is experienced and built, built back in upon and re-built, expanded and contracted…one’s path continually pulses through the scales of life, driven by life itself. The tarot cards are wonderful trail-markers as well as storytellers along the path. Sometimes there is the soliloquy of a single card as the context. Sometimes a card or cards speak with the chorus of the other cards to flesh out context. Most all tarot decks present a visual vitality that speaks to the mind – you can call it consciousness or anything else for that matter…but in this regard, never-mind the research in this area(s)in this regard though fitting and inspiring even…in this regard there is no proof or re-proof but life itself. In this regard we each have our own say. With vitality at a variety of scales, and incorporating the concept of all similar, each unique to the cards, to ourselves, a whole world is present and complete at each and every scale.

And there, at that point is a shell in my garden cracking open of its own accord underground, the story of the creation and making of this deck sprouted, remembering origin and destiny as one and the same maybe. Or not. The roots of tarot and architecture will flower perennially in my garden, naturalizing over time as this deck is completed and becomes dog-eared from use, naturalizing. I will move from there now to the fruits that began to come from my garden in the summer of 2006. Enjoy!

– Jordan Hoggard, January 2007

The Context Spread

click on the images to view the pdf

Jordan Hoggard

Jordan Hoggard is an artist and architect. He is the Principal of J. Jordan Hoggard Design which is a small architectural company established in 2002 devoted to providing disciplined, responsive, and respectful service to every client, no matter how big or small the project. Jordan works directly with every client to assure their continuing satisfaction throughout the design and construction process.

• “Architecture is for everyone…” © 2003
• “ Form Follows Priority” ® 2007

Jordan has been working on award-winning projects singe 1991.

Graduated in 1991 from Texas Tech University with the degree of Bachelor of Architecture. He was honored with numerous scholarships and awards, held the offices of Vice President and President of the American Institute of Architecture Students, and was named by the Dean of the College of Architecture to the Faculty Search Committee.

Jordan spent five years as a professional painter of fine art oils and watercolors and continues to pursue special studies in architecture and art.

• www.JJHDesign.com
• www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/mysterium-conunctionis/
• www.cafepress.com/mystereum
• www.mystereum.com

Max in a Mystereum Dog Shirt

Music Credits

• Opening Music & Transition Music: Narcissus by Queenie from Dream of Flight
• Closing Music: Music to Look for Something Lost by Michael Masley from Mystery Repeats Itself (Magnatune)

Play or Download the Episode

www.mystereum.com

Spiritualist Minister … Clairvoyant … Herbalist … Cerified Reiki Counselor … Numerology … Dowser … Shiatsu … Foot Reflexologist … Spirtuial Response Therapist … Theraputic Touch …. Energy balancer

Judith Beaudoin, CEO of Crystal Cavern has worked for the last 30 years to bring Harmony, Knowledge and Wellness to her clients. Judith has lectured at the Oregon Herb Society, Women’s Military League of Oregon, Churches in both Oregon and Washington, Readings at Events, Private Functions, Classes, Workshops and Private Sessions. She has appeared on Town Hall on Channel 2 in Portland, Oregon and as guest Speaker and Reader on Vancouver’s Cable Network.

Crystal Cavern

14915 SW 72nd Avenue Tigard, Oregon 97224
1 Mile North of Bridgeport Plaza
(Between Bonita and Carman Drive on 72nd Ave.)

Phone: 503-597-2688

Hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 12 pm to 6 pm
• Sunday: 1 pm to 4 pm

Incense and Associations

There are many different associations for incense and different associations/attributions. Here is one example.

Chakras

• 1st Chakra: Violets
• 2nd Chakra: Sandal Wood
• 3rd Chakra: Honeysuckle
• 4th Chakra: Musk
• 5th Chakra: Carnation
• 6th Chakra: Lavender
• 7th Chakra: Wisteria

Elements:

• Air: Leaves – Patchouli
• Earth: Roots – Valerian, Vervet, Ginger, Spikenard
• Fire: Flower: Clove
• Water: Stems & Branches: Sandalwood, Frankincense, Myrrh, Cedar wood
• Ether: Fruit – Star Annis

Astrological Signs

• Aries: Frankincense, Carnation, Musk
• Taurus: Rose, Magnolia, Ceder wood, Patchouli, Rosemary
• Gemini: Lotus, Lilac, Star Annis
• Cancer: Myrrh, Violet, Bayberry, Patchouli
• Leo: Frankincense, Sweet Orange, Musk, Cedar Wood
• Virgo: Lavender, Narcissus, Honeysuckle
• Libra: Lilac, Rose, Magnolia
• Scorpio: Violet, Bay wood, Clove, Vanilla, Frankincense
• Sagittarius: Myrrh, Rose, Carnation, Sweet Orange
• Capricorn: Magnolia, Honeysuckle
• Aquarius: Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense
• Pisces: Cloves, Honeysuckle

Books on Incense & Aroma Therapy

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Closing Music: The Calling by Solace from Iman (Magnatune)

Play or Download the Episode

The Major Arcana of the Tarot of the Crone represent times when the Crone is speaking directly to your soul. Rather than addressing an aspect of everyday life as in the Minor Arcana cards, the Majors require you to look at the deeper forces working within and upon you. They are challenging and powerful opportunities when they appear in a reading.

• Tarot of the Crone
• Tarot of the Crone Companion Book
• Tarot of the Crone Companion Book (Deluxe Color)
• Crone Ways Website

Ellen Lorenzi-Prince has been a reader and teacher of Tarot for over 15 years. She is the artist and designer of the Tarot of the Crone. She writes tarot-related articles, poetry, short stories and meditations for herself and for several online study groups, as well as for printed newsletters. Her latest tarot is Pandora’s Tarot, which can also be seen on her site.

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Closing Music: Labyrinth Floor by Ichiro NAKAGAWA from (Podsafe Music Network)

Play or Download the Episode

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

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

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: The Hideous Realms of Neptune by Jamie Janover from Evolutions

Play or Download the Episode

Join visionary artist, scholar, and teacher Robert M. Place in a journey through the imagery and symbolism of alchemy.

This study course on CD-ROM focuses on the images in the Alchemical Tarot and its sources. It includes a 50 page companion book in pdf format, 13 additional handouts, over 100 illustrations and three and one half hours of audio, recorded in live teleclasses.

It is available for $50 at shop.tarotconnection.net

The Relationship Spread

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

Register Here

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.

The Symbolism of Numbers

June 25, 2008 – 6:00 – 8:00 PST / 9:00 – 11:00 EST (Call opens 15 min. early)
$25.00

Register Here

Besides describing quantity and sequence numbers have inherent psychological meaning and symbolism. The meaning of the number five, for example, is tied to the fact that humans have five fingers. This natural symbolism has been added to over the centuries by Babylonian astronomers observing the numerical patterns of the planets, Egyptian magicians applying numbers to their magic formulas, and Pythagorean mystics observing abstract mathematical patterns. In the Middle Ages, Christian mystics and alchemists added more layers and this accumulated symbolic wisdom was passed onto the creators of the Tarot in the Renaissance. Besides the numerical symbolism suggested by the trumps, the symbolism of numbers is at the heart of traditional methods of divination with cards, particularly when we consider that the pip cards traditionally contained repetitions of the suit symbol on each card and not much else.

This class will explain the symbolism of the of the first ten numbers, covering their natural, astrological, mystical, and mythological associations, and apply this knowledge to the meanings of the Tarot’s trumps and pips. A knowledge of numerical symbolism is essential for a deeper understanding of the Tarot and its use in divination.

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.

register for these classes at shop.tarotconnection.net

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

YouTube Link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRmhU3jTgI0

Postcards from Seattle

I’ve been out of town for the last 3 weekends. This week it is Seattle for the Karmapa’s visit. I spent my time not in the program working on Episode 80. I thought this is kind of a cool place to work on a podcast (though not a creative way to spend a vacation).

Pensione Nochols Bed & Breakfast

• Appropriate Number of Cards
• Spread positions should follow a logical or easy to follow order.
• Symmetry
• Interesting relationships between cards that are next to each other

Spreads

1 Card

What do I most need to know about <this> right now.

2 Card Focus by Gail Fairfield from Choice Centered Tarot

1. Major – The What of the Situation
2. Minor – The How of the Situation

The Pro & Con Layout

1. Pro-Whats the best thing about this. What are the benefits.
2. Con – Whats the worst thing about this. What are the costs.

3 Card: by Zoe Matoff

2 – 1 – 3

1. Whats the basic issue here
2. Don’t do this
3. Do this

Deeper Learning Layout by James Wells

1. Larger Deeper Learning for me in this situation.
2. What’s appropriate to release, exit, or leave behind?
3. What’s appropriate to embrace, enter or move towards?

Reality Check Spread by James Wells

1. What am I imagining on the bad side?
2. What am I imagining on the good side?
3. What’s the reality of the situation itself?

4 Card Psychological Spread from Tarot for Dummies

1. Your subconscious or child self (reactive)
2. Your conscious or adult self (intentional)
3. you superconscious or wise self
4. Overall comment

The Spread of Changes by James Rioux

The first card can be drawn at random or intentionally selected based on something you want to focus on and consciously pick a card to represent it. You can pick any of the position’s intentionally.

1-2-3-4-5

1. The past or root cause
2. Your state or attitude or how you thought about yourself before the change
3. The change itself
4. The after change attitude
5. The result of the change or desired outcome

Elenore Greenburg from 2007 Tarot Reader

1. What the client needs to learn about the current situation
2. What he or she needs to learn about how it plays out in their life in general or the bigger picture or pattern revealed by the situation
3. How learning the situation can further their spiritual growth
4. What’s appropriate to leave behind
5. What’s appropriate to move toward

Arthur Rosengarten from Tarot and Psychology

1. Whats’ working for you
2. What’s working against you
3. What you know
4. What you don’t know
5. What’s needed

The Leap Across the Abyss by Rachel Pollack from the Shining Tribe Tarot

1. Where do I start?
2. What is hidden?
3. Who helps me?
4. What do I fear?
5. What must I give up?
6. What must I take with me?
7. What will I experience?
8. What will I find?

Clarifying Options by Gail Fairfield from Everyday Tarot

Layout 9 cards for each option including an option you having though of. The third card will help identify the new option. Please refer to the book Everyday Tarot for the shape of the spread

1. your reason for considering this option
2. what this option represents for you
3. the true nature of this option
4. the resources that support this option
5. the obstacles that block this option
6. the advantages of pursuing this option
7. the disadvantages of pursing this option
8. what will probably happen if you choose this option
9. the Key Factor with regard to this option.

James’ 10 Card Layout

1. The External Experience of the Situation.
2. The Internal Experience of the Situation.
3. My contribution to it.
4. Other’s contribution to it.
5. What challenges blocks or problems are connected with it
6. What blessings, gifts or resources are connected with it.
7. What does soul have to say about the situation? (Soul: Personal Sacred or Sacred Self)
8. What does spirit have to say about the situation? (Spirit: Transpersonal Sacred or Sacred Other)
9. What’s the wisdom emerge from me from the situation? What can I learn?
10. (Optional) Based on the above information, what is the most likely way this will unfold in the <timeframe>

Freestyle Q&A

Initial question. Pull a card. Dialog. This generates another question. Pull a Card. Continue until it feels complete or resolved.

Custom Design Layouts

• Step 1: Pick a Topic (Subject)
• Step 2: Brainstorm Questions (Quantity)
• Step 3: Refine the Questions & Wording (Quality)
• Step 4: Put the Questions in an order that makes sense and number the Questions (Order)
• Step 5: Draw a Diagram (Shape)

Draw and Layout the Cards. Interpret. Finish with a summary card.

Your first step to a helpful insightful Tarot Session is ask empowering open ended questions such as:

• How?
• What?
• Where in my life?
• In what ways?
• What do I most need to learn about?
• What do I most need to know about at this time?
• What is a more evolved perspective on … ?

Avoid:

• Yes/No Questions
• Negatively worded questions
• Questions about other people’s lives

James Wells

James Wells is a Toronto-based consultant, teacher, and facilitator devoted to merging soul and strategy. Through tools and processes such as Tarot, Reiki, Council Circle, and Journal Writing, he and his clients and students are inspired to become more of who they really are.

Tarot has been a part of James’ life since 1979. His insightful, down-to-earth, proactive style makes him a popular practitioner and workshop presenter at home and abroad. James is a contributor to most of Llewellyn’s Tarot Reader almanacs. In his “me time”, he enjoys writing, reading, music, walking, and good food.

jameswells.wordpress.com

To book private consultations and to set up a workshop in your area, feel free to contact James at (416) 966 – 2685 or at evolutionary_tarot@yahoo.ca

JAMES WELLS — Merging soul and strategy through tarot, Reiki, journal writing, council circle, workshops, & classes.

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Closing Music: The Way by Ishwish from Remember (Magnatune)

Play or Download the Episode

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.

• Visit the Alchemical Egg
• Schedule a Reading
• See the Tarot of the 7 fold Mystery

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

Play or Download the Episode

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

Register Here

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

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 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

Register Here

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.

register for these classes at shop.tarotconnection.net

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

1. Resistance (Saturn-Devil)
2. Struggle (Mars-Tower)
3. Transformation (Fire-Pluto-Judgement)

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: I’m Your Moon by Jonathan Coulton

Play or Download the Episode

Tarot of the Masters

The Tarot of the Masters is from Tarot author James Ricklef, and is inspired by classical paintings from the old masters such as Rembrandt, Toulouse-Lautrec, Bouguereau, Rubens, and Hieronymus Bosch.

In preparation for creating this deck, James perused hundreds of paintings (and quite a few statues as well) in order to find ones that would suit the 78 cards of the Tarot. The classic works of art found in this process have inspired his own illustrations for the cards. (In a few cases two different paintings were combined.

This deck was drawn in pen and ink and colored on the computer. Each card is color coded by suit and the Majors show astrological attributions. It’s been self-published in a first edition run of 55 decks. The first run deck costs $50 + tax (where applicable — California) and shipping. The deck comes in a satin bag. Companion material will be available for download on the website.

• Tarot of the Masters Intro – with links to the images
• Yahoo Group for Tarot of the Masters
• Contact James

A Few Closeups

James Ricklef

James Ricklef is a Certified Tarot Master — a Tarot reader, lecturer, and writer. He has been a frequent workshop presenter at the annual Los Angeles Tarot Symposium, and he has been a guest presenter at the New York Tarot Reader’s Studio, and the annual San Francisco Bay Area Tarot Symposium. He is also the author of the award-winning book Tarot Tells the Tale as well as Tarot — Get the Whole Story, and his new deck, Tarot of the Masters, is now available. For more information about his books or deck, visit his website:

• Visit James’ Website
• Read his Haiku Poetry
• Cafe Press, Zazzle products and Books (including a poster with the Lovers and the rest of the Major Arcana)
• Tarot Affirmations Booklet
• Author Bio at Llewellyn
• Ways to Practice Reading Tarot Cards by James Ricklef
• Tarot & Your Spiritual Path:The Wheel of Fortune Written by James Ricklef

The Nines by Ginny Hunt

In number symbolism, nine, not ten, means completion. This can be rather confusing in tarot when the suits have a sequence of ten cards. But there are reasons for this and once understood it makes things a little easier. In a base 10 system, where all numbers are represented by ten distinct forms (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9), nine is the final number. It then represents a limit, the end, or an ultimate goal. The last among the seven Pythagorean numbers (three through nine), nine is the limit to which the generative principles of number reach. The ancient mathematical philosophers called nine the “finishing post” and “that which brings completion.”

The Greeks called nine “the horizon,” beyond which the Ennead, or “the nothing” or void lay. We colloquially express this by saying things like “the nth degree” or that a cat has nine lives and “the whole nine yards” to mean the very limit of something. Also we say someone is “on cloud nine” or “dressed to the nines” when they are achieving something high. There are nine magnitudes on the Richter earthquake scale, though one has not yet been recorded to go that high and so is only theoretically possible at this time. As such, nine is the completion of a cycle, symbolic of change and reform. In tarot it represents the end prior to a new beginning. So what’s the ten there for? I’ll get to that in the next post in this series.

Nine is composed of three trinities (3 times 3 equals 9) and represents the principles of the sacred Triad taken to their utmost expression. In fact, the Chaldeans believed nine to be so sacred they kept it apart in their numerology from the other numbers. This practice relates back to the Major Arcana IX, The Hermit, who separates himself from others in the spiritual search of the sacred. The Norse God Odin, ruler of the nine Norse worlds, hung nine days on the world axis or Yggdrasil tree to win the secrets of wisdom for mankind and after the seige of Troy, which lasted for nine years, Odysseus wandered for nine years in trying to return home. The Hermit is often pictured standing on a mountaintop, a pinnacle of sorts, the limit of height. (read the full post)

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• 78 Notes Music: Steamy River by Rhonda Lorence from Winter Moon (Magnatune)
• Closing Music: Three Airs from the Dancing Master by Da Camera from A Celtic Celebration (Magnatune)

Play or Download the Episode

Shuffle the Deck, Cut, Layout the first 10 cards of the deck in two rows of 5.

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10

Read the first 10 cards grouping as you feel they should be grouped. There are no positional meanings look at the overall images. Look for relationships between cards.
Then below layout out the rest of the deck (see photo of Penny below) stopping as you see patterns or groups of cards that are interesting. Also look at the row that contains astrological court card for the person getting the reading. If you took not of how the cards were cut, look for where those cards come up.

Sample Reading

2 of Cups, Page of Cups, Ace of Coins, Two of Swords, Two of Cons

8 of Coins, Judgement, Chariot Rx, Knight of Swords, Justice

Book List

• The Book of tarot by Fred Gettings
• Your Days are Numbered by Florance Campbell
• The Secrets of Numbers by Vera Scott Johnson and Thomas Wommack
• A Beginner’s Guide to Constructing the Universe: Mathematical Archetypes of Nature, Art, and Science

Penny Key

Penny Key picked up her first deck of tarot cards while in college in the early 70s, and learned to read by mentorship as well as studying the few books (one) on the subject in the library of her small Southern city. She moved to Los Angeles in the late 70s, and while working in the entertainment industry, she worked at Psychic Fairs as a tarot reader, acquiring a small clientèle. She stopped reading “professionally” because she began to feel like a therapist and felt unqualified to help her clients further. Now, she only read for friends and family. She spent many years in the entertainment industry, including nearly a decade as a talent agent. Ironically it was while she was an agent that she felt the call to actually become a psychotherapist, and returned to graduate school to get a master’s in psychology. Today she’s a Marriage and Family Therapist, working as a counselor at an art college. She also has a private practice in Santa Monica, CA, and has recently joined a small discussion group interested in exploring the psychological side of tarot.

School Concert – March 20th 2008

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Transition Music: Mysterium by Blind Divine from (Music for Unmade Movies – Volume 1 (Magnatune)
• Closing Music: Paranormal Wonder by Blind Divine from (Music for Unmade Movies – Volume 1 (Magnatune)

  

Play or Download the Episode

Hero’s Journey Layout

M.Y.T.H. Make Yourself The Hero of your life. A proactive reading which shows how to create the future of our choice. Breaking the card into sections allows for very specific answers.

First decide on the Quest.

Divide your deck in to 5 Stacks

Stack 1: Remainder Cards, those not used in the 4 other stacks.

Stack 2: Major Arcana 0. Fool – 10. Wheel of Fortune

Stack 3: Negative Cards: 5 of Wands; 5 of Crystals (Swords), 6 of Crystals, 7 of Crystals, 9 of Crystals, 10 of Crystals; 4 of Cups, 5 of Cups, 6 of Cups, 7 of Cups, 8 of Cups; 5 of Worlds (Pentacles). (If you are using a deck other than the Voyager Tarot you might want to look through your deck and see which minors you feel are negative.)

Stack 4: Court Cards

Stack 5: World Cards except 5 of Worlds. (Pentacles)

Card 1: Present

Where are you now in relation to your quest. Shuffle and draw a card from Stack One (Remainder Stack).

Card 2: Gift or Power

This is your magic, your gift. The gift that you have to archive the quest that you are on. Shuffle and draw one card from Stack Two (Majors 0-10).

Card 3: Obstacle

The noble adversary, the demon, the challenge, the obstacle, that which could stop you. Shuffle and draw one from Stack Three (Negative Cards)

Card 4: Ally

The helper, that which can help you from within, or other people in your life who can assist. Shufle and drew from Stack Four (Family/Court Cards)

Card 5: Action

Earth cards – Pentacles or Disks. All about action. I Do. What action can you take? Shuffle and draw from Stack Five (Worlds-Actions)

Card 6: Outcome

Put the rest of the deck together. Shuffle and draw one card. Where does it take you where do you go?

James Wanless

James Wanless, Ph.D. is the noted creator of Voyager Tarot, and also the author of Way of the Great Oracle, Strategic Intuition for the 21st Century, New Age Tarot, Wheel of Tarot and his latest book, Intuition@Work.

He has often been called “Mr. Tarot” or the “Tarot Revolutionary” because of his enormous contribution to the field of tarot. With his magical blend of personal charisma, humor and pragmatic enthusiasm, he is thought of as a “corporate shaman” and an internationally known authority on intuition.

He keynotes, trains, and consults with organizations throughout the world. He has also developed a groundbreaking technique for using the tarot as a proactive tool for “Life Coaching.”

New Edition of Voyager

Fair Winds Press has published a new edition of voyager tarot. This replaces the previous version and is 10% Smaller.

Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 4.9 x 1.9 inches

Experience the power of the symbols. Pick a card a day and change your life! Voyager Tarot shows you how to achieve your visions and dreams, creating the success you desire. Use the deck as an intuitive guide to forecast your future, reveal secrets of you subconscious and provide spiritual inspiration. This excellent decision-making tool can help you navigate life, enhancing business planning, relationship building and self-discovery.

Intuition Into Action Podcast

Intuition Into Action is a lively and entertaining podcast dedicated to exploring the ways and wonder of Intuition. Dr. James Wanless, author of the books: “Intuition at Work” and “Voyager Tarot”) is your host, and opens each program with a Theme for the week, followed by a compelling question for Ask the Oracle. The program ends with an Intuition Tip that listeners can use daily to develop their Intuition. Co-Hosted by Linda Woods (producer of Windows to Wellness podcast).

Visit us online at www.intuition-blog.com and www.ahealingvoice.net

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Closing Music: Creative Energy by Charlie Bobus (Podsafe Music)

  

Play or Download the Episode

A Scorecard on Conventional Wisdom from New York Times: Week in Review

Initiation: The Western Magical Tradition with Lon Milo DuQuette

Maybe Logic Academy
March 24 through May 4, 2008

This course is designed as a six week initiatory experience – Initiation into an informal, (yet I assure you, very real) magical order. Like in other schools of the Western Mystery Tradition, this order is comprised of three degrees, each with its own ritual of self-initiation, secret password, grip, signs of recognition, and jewel.

Sound silly? I confess up front that we will have fun. But the underlying magical power of such silliness has its roots in the Egyptian Book of the Dead – a secret of human consciousness that (properly understood and mastered) is said to be the key to overcoming death.

The course is ideal for both magical novices and adepts. We will undergo real initiations and work real magick. The three degrees are:

First Degree: The Lesser Mysteries
Second Degree: The Greater Mysteries
Third Degree: The Supreme Secret

Find out more at: Maybe Logic

Chapter Two: Space/Time Divination

Divination is an art of magic that supposedly tells a person the “future.” Many magicians advocate doing a divination before performing a spell in order to determine the outcome of the spell. Others, such as myself, rarely use divination for that purpose. I have my reasons for not doing so, mainly because I feel that divination can obscure probabilities that could occur. If you are willing to buy into the one, two, or three outcomes that are depicted, but are ignorant of the various other outcomes that could occur, and are not represented in the cards, you are limiting your possibilities. However, this is not to say that divination, in its various forms, isn’t useful to the creative magician. It just means you need to take a different approach to how you use divination tools. I only use tarot cards. I know there are other divination systems, but the cards work for me. For those of you who don’t use tarot cards, however, it is still possible to take the gist of the ideas I describe and apply them to your divinatory tools.

Part of the problem with divination is that it might be considered a rather passive form of magic. I put some cards down and suddenly I know my future. However, I have found that divination can be a very active form of magic. Divination can be a form of space/time magic. When most people think of divination, they think of tarot cards, or a crystal ball and a person telling them what will occur in their future. While this stereotype is true of divination, most people don’t understand the dynamics involved, i.e. what is actually happening when their ”future” is “read.” What is actually occurring is not so much a foreseeing of the future, but rather a person choosing to perceive one or two specific probabilities from a field of infinite probabilities. The problems that this can cause mainly comes down to the person choosing to believe in this one probability, as opposed to exploring other probabilities of the future that could be just as useful to them, if they were willing to question what they perceive about their probabilities and the future. Another problem is giving too much authority to the people who tell the ”future.” By giving those people authority, you give away your responsibility and choices.

Taylor Ellwood

Taylor Ellwood is the author of Pop Culture Magick, Space/Time Magic, Inner Alchemy, and Multi-Media Magic, as well as a co-author of Creating Magickal Entities and Kink Magic. Taylor also edited the Magick on the Edge and Manifesting Prosperity Anthologies. He is also the author of numerous articles on the occult which can be found at such magazines as New Witch Magazine and Konton Magazine and on such websites as Key 64, irreality, and Witchvox.

Taylor is the non-fiction Acquisitions and managing editor of Immanion Press. Taylor is also owner of Imagine Your Reality Life Coaching.

Websites:

• The Green Wolf
• Imagine Your Reality
• Immanion Press

Recommendations

Invocation

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Closing Music: Folded Space by Robert Rich from Bestiary (Magnatune)

  

  

Play or Download the Episode

Chapter Four: Open-Source Totem Cards

I’ve been thinking about the concept of totem cards, decks that supposedly help you find your totem animal(s) with just one reading. In Fang and Fur, I explained some of the downfalls of a number of methods used to determine one’s totem. One of the shortcomings of cards is that they necessarily have to limit the number of animals you have as your choices, and even the creators that add a few blank cards for “animals not pictured here” still put the odds in favor of BINABM (Big, Impress North American Birds and Mammals) and whatever other critters they chose to include in their decks. Additionally, unless you read for other people, once you’ve read your cards what do you do with them? Some sets advocate using the cards for divination, but others seem to primarily want to use them for determining your life totem(s).

… I wanted to come up with a system of cards or other symbols that could be used both for seeking totems and magic, as well as other purposes. I saw the limitations as a challenge, and wanted to find a way to answer them. While I’m happy with Andrews’ deck for my own divinatory purposes (he does include a nice mixture of animals), and the Wolf Song cards for evocation, I wanted to create something that was more inclusive overall. I wanted a deck that wouldn’t limit me by what totems I could work with, and that I could use both for divination and for other forms of magic.

What I came up with was a set of thirty-three cards based on taxonomy (specifically phyla), habitats, and other basic categories of information about animals. Not every card would be used in every type of reading, but I managed to create a set that had fewer cards than most decks, and allowed for more animals than any other (Not that I’m bragging or anything…). I also managed to address the issues I’d had with existing decks.

Lupa

Lupa is the author of Fang and Fur, Blood and Bone: A Primal Guide to Animal Magic and A Field Guide to Otherkin. She is the co-author of Kink Magic: Sex Magic Beyond Vanilla with her husband Taylor Ellwood and has also contributed to the anthologies Magick on the Edge and Manifesting Prosperity: A Wealth Magic Anthology. Lupa is also an associate editor, layout tech, and nonfiction publicity/promotions manager for Immanion Press/Megalithica Books.

Lupa’s upcoming book: DIY Totemism

While a basic working knowledge of magic and totemism is helpful, DIY Totemism is written in an approachable fashion. Solid research and proper citation methods are paired with thorough practical results showing Lupa’s work, and rather than being a dogmatic guide to what you should and shouldn’t do, once again Lupa provides you with tools you can integrate into your own practice.
Websites:

• The Green Wolf
• Pagan Book Reviews
• Articles by Lupa
• Lupa’s Artwork
• Immanion Press
• Therioshamanism

Recommended Reading

WildSpeak.com

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Closing Music: The Witch Outstrips the Wolf by The Psycho Daisies (Podsafe Music)

Play or Download the Episode

Download the sample readings of the Character Motivation Spread and the Pen and Paper Spread.

Stephanie Arwen Lynch

President of the American Tarot Association Stephanie Arwen Lynch has been reading the Tarot since 1979 and began reading professionally in 1982. She has taught workshops on Tarot for the Professional Fiction Writer as well as How To Create Your Own Spread.

A self-confessed tarotaholic, Arwen owns a collection of nearly 75 decks to date. She is intrigued by the various ways artists express the archetypes of the Tarot. She subscribes to the Jungian archetype philosophy in her reading. One of her passions is designing Tarot spreads. Currently she is engaged in writing a series on fairy tales and spreads that examine the underlying archetypes found in fairy tales.

Arwen reads for everyone but she specializes in reading for the writing community as well as the GLBQT community. As a queer femme, she feels that it is important to be sensitive to everyone’s personal gender preferences.

She has run her online Tarot business since 2005 and reads online as well as in person and over the phone. She has read on the Free Reading Network as well. She is the past editor of the ATA Quarterly journal. Tarot By Arwen is Arwen’s professional site.

Arwen is also a published romance writer. She is part of the writing team of Marilu Mann whose first novel, an erotic paranormal romance, will be released by Ellora’s Cave. She sold two books to EC last year and the first one, Changing Times, will be released May 7, 2008 as book one of the series Lusting Wild. Book two, Changing Hearts, will be released later this year.

Marilu Mann

Marilu Mann brings the steaminess of the Louisiana bayous to her books and she doesn’t stop there. Willing to travel to the frozen tundra of Wisconsin to heat up those northern nights and melt a little snow, she’ll also circle the globe to Wales, Ireland, Scotland and back just to bring you books that make you sweat.

Currently residing in Texas, Marilu is an avid armchair traveler. Her sexy shifters will set your blood to boiling in no time. Owned by one Diva Teen and various animals, Marilu keeps busy writing the novels her readers beg for.

Marilu is thrilled to be a part of the Ellora’s Cave family and loves to hear from readers. Drop her a note at Marilu Mann or visit her website or her MySpace for more info.

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Closing Music: Howling at the Moon by Kenny Neal (Podsafe Music)

Play or Download the Episode

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

• Download Episode
• Visit Turning of the Wheel Archives
• Subscribe with iTunes
• ChrisFlisher.com

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:

• Lynda Hill’s SabianSymbols.com
• Sabian Symbols Oracle
• Visualize the Zodiac
• Sabian Symbols as Art

Books:

Handouts

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)

1. Sukhi: Hermit (Virgo)
2. Crossing: Page Pentacles
3. Crowning: King of Pentacles
4. Undercurrents: Ace of Pentacles
5. Past: Page Cups Rx
6. Near Future: Six of Wands
7. Internal: 8 of Swords Rx
8. External: Death Rx
9. Hope & Fears: 10 Swords Rx
10. 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

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.

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

Experience modern, progressive tarot with tarot master, James Wanless, Ph.D. No longer a medieval fortune telling game, tarot is a spiritual and psychological tool that gives you a holistic map for how to create the fortunes you desire. Rather than a passive, deterministic old world process, tarot is an empowering, proactive compass for navigating your life in this changing, complex world.

In this hands on tarot evening, you will pick take-home cards and symbols from the Voyager Tarot Deck, and find your path and action to manifest your visions and dreams.

About the Presenter:

James Wanless, Ph.D. is the noted creator of Voyager Tarot, and also the author of Way of the Great Oracle, Strategic Intuition for the 21st Century, New Age Tarot, Wheel of Tarot and his latest book, Intuition@Work.

He has often been called “Mr. Tarot” or the “Tarot Revolutionary” because of his enormous contribution to the field of tarot. With his magical blend of personal charisma, humor and pragmatic enthusiasm, he is thought of as a “corporate shaman” and an internationally known authority on intuition.

He keynotes, trains, and consults with organizations throughout the world. He has also developed a groundbreaking technique for using the tarot as a proactive tool for “Life Coaching.”

Hermit’s Journey with Bonnie Cehovet – the Star and the Moon

Let’s complete our journey through the symbols of the Sun, Judgement and the World.
Welcome to the Hermit’s Journey. My name is Bonnie Cehovet, and today we will be continuing 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 final cards of the Sun, Judgment, and the World. The major theme for the Sun is that of renewal. The energy of the Sun is intense masculine energy (as opposed to the feminine energy of the Moon).

The Sun itself symbolizes life force, and its twenty-one rays symbolize the twenty-one cards of the Major Arcana, with the center representing the Fool.

The four Sunflowers, sacred to the Sun, represent the four elements.

The wall indicates a boundary of some sort – the child being outside of the wall indicates that he is beyond limitations.

The white horses are solar symbols, as well as symbols of our inner self. In “The Heart of the Tarot”, Sandra Thomson also indicates that the white horses represent force subdued by reason.

The naked child riding the horse has nothing to hide. The red banner symbolizes action and intent. The red feather goes back to the card of the Fool, showing that the Fool has been transformed through a mystical death and is now an innocent child.

When the Sun appears in a reading, the Seeker may be bringing a childlike innocence tot he situation. Take a look at the surrounding cards to see if they need to balance this by paying closer attention to their environment. The force of the Sun’s energy also represents the potential for unbounded creativity – the thought here is that the Seeker not burn themselves out….

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Hermits Journey Music: Dark Moon by Suzanne Teng from Enchanted Wind (www.magnatune.com)
• Closing Music: Wish Fulfilling Jewel by Sibelian from the Soul Rush (Magnatune)

Play or Download the Episode

Chapter 6: The Skeptic from the upcoming audio book by Dan Pelletier read by the author.

The woman stepped over to the booth where I was sitting; she was well dressed and coiffed, and carried a look of concern.

Linda, the bartender told me to talk to you. She said you read cards. Can you read mine?”

“It would be an honor.”

“I don’t believe in this psychic stuff, you know… the only reason I’m talking to you is because Linda spoke so highly of you. She said if anybody could help me find answers, you could.” She slid into the booth.

Most people believe that as Tarot readers, we are all “psychics.” Few are aware that there are different styles of reading. There is (for lack of better terms) the ‘standard reading’, whereby meanings are ascribed to each card, and to each position where a card is placed. The memorized meanings are translated into a’ reading’. Archetypes provide a venue into which the sitter is able to see their life and experiences.

The intuitive (or psychic) reading uses the cards as a focal point – information comes to the reader from “out there” (different folks have diverse theories on where the knowledge comes from).

Both styles, and you may disagree with me and that is fine, are valid. When I read, it may be either type or both, and my regular clients not only cannot tell, but do not know …

Dan Pelletier

Dan Pelletier lives north of Seattle Washington with his wife of 22 years, Jan, his two cats, Spook and Pookha, and 32 rosebushes. He has been reading Tarot for himself and others for over thirty years.

Dan is also co-owner of The Tarot Garden, a highly respected resource for tarot decks and related information on the Internet. He has written articles appearing on the Tarot for Life website newsletter, Seeker’s Journey, and Tarot Passages; and has published interviews with deck creators on the tarotgarden.com website library.

Hermit’s Journey with Bonnie Cehovet – Tarot Spreads

Welcome to the Hermit’s Journey. This is Bonnie Cehovet, and today I will be discussing Tarot spreads … their purpose and how to develop them for yourself. I love using different spreads, and am very grateful to those in the Tarot world that are willing to share their own creative endeavors. I really enjoy the act of creating spreads … something that I began doing primarily to enhance my client readings, but discovered that it also allowed me to view my decks from a fresh perspective.

What do you get out of designing your own spreads?

• The right sized spread for you … whether that is three cards or thirty-three cards.
• Spreads that provide options, rather than outcomes.
• Spreads that represent your own thought process.
• Spreads that are tailor-made for the Seeker, and the Seeker’s issues.
• The ability to modify existing spreads.
• The ability to work sequentially with several smaller spreads.
• Spreads tailored for use with specific decks, or geared towards special times, such as holidays.

There are probably as many ways to design a Tarot spread as there are people designing them. Each person is going to develop their own individual process … one that works for them, and their clients. The process that I am going to discuss is one that I have developed over a period of time, and one that works for me.

Whether I am reading for myself, for a friend, or for a client, the first thing that I want to know is what area of life the question is addressing. It can be romance, relationship, finances, career, decision making, spirituality … whatever it is, once I know the area that the question is in, I can determine what kind of answer the Seeker is looking for. (I use the term Seeker for the person being read for, as the term Querant … just makes me cringe, and is a term that I never, ever use!) Soooo …is the Seeker looking for insight into a specific issue or problem? Are they looking for actions to take? Are they looking for tools to work with? What the Seeker is looking for helps me determine how the questions should be worded.

Your question may be very general (as in “Is this the right time to make a move?”), or it may be quite specific (as in “Is it in my best interest to move to Florida next month?”). Work with the Seeker until both of you are satisfied with the question. As Teresa Michelson notes in “Designing Your Own Tarot Spreads”, one of the first things that you want to decide when formatting a question is the nature of the question: do you want it to be predictive, or empowering. A predictive question would be: “When is my house going to sell?” An empowering version of the same question would be: “What can I do to make my house more salable?” Go over this with the Seeker (or yourself, if the reading is for you) until both of you are sure what you want. Clear as mud doesn’t get it!

The next thing that you want to do is word the question so that the answer will be as specific as possible, and give as much information as possible. If the question that the Seeker is asking crosses ethical boundaries (i.e. legal, medical or financial, or personal boundaries in that they are asking about a third party) speak up. Either suggest a rewording of the question, or refuse to read for it, and explain why to the Seeker. If the question that the Seeker is asking is either vague, or very general, and this is what they want to ask, then work with a general spread, rather than one that is specifically created for the question. From my personal experience, a general spread puts this type of client in their comfort zone, and some truly empowering questions can come out of it.

Rather than asking a straightforward question, sometimes the Seeker will essentially tell you a story about their situation, and then ask you what they should do, or what they should know. Michelson points out that in such a case, make the different parts of their situation positions within the spread. Another thing that you can do here is to do several smaller spreads, collating the information into one flowing story once the individual readings have been completed.

Questions that I really hate run something like this: “Will I get the promotion, and if I do, will I get the salary that I want?” Here there are a couple of options: Break the questions down into separate questions, and/or separate the questions and reword them to be more empowering, something along the ones of: “What do I need to know about applying for this promotion.”, and “How can I best present myself to get the salary that I want?”

Tarot of the iPod

There are issues using the shuffle setting on some iPods if the file are ‘podcasts’. I’ve created this download archive: symbolism.zip

It has all of the files from the first edition Symbolism of the Tarot. The other reason you might want this copy is that the Artist shows who read the card. The iTunes feed removes this information. I will create an archive of the Pictorial Key to the Tarot when it is complete.

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Transition Music: Serpent’s Kiss by Solace from Nagari (Magnatune)
• Hermits Journey Music: Dark Moon by Suzanne Teng from Enchanted Wind (www.magnatune.com)
• Closing Music: Sorrow & Veil by Solace from Nagari (Magnatune)

Play or Download the Episode

]]> http://tarotconnection.net/episode-68/feed/ 3 0:04:59 The Process by Dan Pellitier Chapter 6: The Skeptic from the upcoming audio book by Dan Pelletier read by the author. The woman stepped over to the booth where I was sitting; she was well dressed and coiffed, and carried a look of concern. Linda, th[...] The Process by Dan Pellitier Chapter 6: The Skeptic from the upcoming audio book by Dan Pelletier read by the author. The woman stepped over to the booth where I was sitting; she was well dressed and coiffed, and carried a look of concern. Linda, the bartender told me to talk to you. She said you read cards. Can you read mine?” “It would be an honor.” “I don’t believe in this psychic stuff, you know… the only reason I’m talking to you is because Linda spoke so highly of you. She said if anybody could help me find answers, you could.” She slid into the booth. Most people believe that as Tarot readers, we are all “psychics.” Few are aware that there are different styles of reading. There is (for lack of better terms) the ‘standard reading’, whereby meanings are ascribed to each card, and to each position where a card is placed. The memorized meanings are translated into a’ reading’. Archetypes provide a venue into which the sitter is able to see their life and experiences. The intuitive (or psychic) reading uses the cards as a focal point – information comes to the reader from “out there” (different folks have diverse theories on where the knowledge comes from). Both styles, and you may disagree with me and that is fine, are valid. When I read, it may be either type or both, and my regular clients not only cannot tell, but do not know … Dan Pelletier Dan Pelletier lives north of Seattle Washington with his wife of 22 years, Jan, his two cats, Spook and Pookha, and 32 rosebushes. He has been reading Tarot for himself and others for over thirty years. Dan is also co-owner of The Tarot Garden, a highly respected resource for tarot decks and related information on the Internet. He has written articles appearing on the Tarot for Life website newsletter, Seeker’s Journey, and Tarot Passages; and has published interviews with deck creators on the tarotgarden.com website library. Hermit’s Journey with Bonnie Cehovet – Tarot Spreads Welcome to the Hermit’s Journey. This is Bonnie Cehovet, and today I will be discussing Tarot spreads … their purpose and how to develop them for yourself. I love using different spreads, and am very grateful to those in the Tarot world that are willing to share their own creative endeavors. I really enjoy the act of creating spreads … something that I began doing primarily to enhance my client readings, but discovered that it also allowed me to view my decks from a fresh perspective. What do you get out of designing your own spreads? The right sized spread for you … whether that is three cards or thirty-three cards. Spreads that provide options, rather than outcomes. Spreads that represent your own thought process. Spreads that are tailor-made for the Seeker, and the Seeker’s issues. The ability to modify existing spreads. The ability to work sequentially with several smaller spreads. Spreads tailored for use with specific decks, or geared towards special times, such as holidays. There are probably as many ways to design a Tarot spread as there are people designing them. Each person is going to develop their own individual process … one that works for them, and their clients. The process that I am going to discuss is one that I have developed over a period of time, and one that works for me. Whether I am reading for myself, for a friend, or for a client, the first thing that I want to know is what area of life the question is addressing. It can be romance, relationship, finances, career, decision making, spirituality … whatever it is, once I know the area that the question is in, I can determine what kind of answer the Seeker is looking for. (I use the term Seeker for the person being read for, as the term Querant … just makes me cringe, and is a term that I never, ever use!) Soooo …is the Seeker looking for insight into a specific issue or problem? Are they looking for acti[...] Leisa ReFalo no no http://tarotconnection.net/episode-67/ http://tarotconnection.net/episode-67/#comments Mon, 17 Dec 2007 03:52:18 +0000 leisa http://tarotconnection.net/episode-67-difficult-cards-with-roger-tobin/ Tarot Reflections

The Dec 2007 Issue of Tarot Reflections is up and has a couple of articles that feature me & the Tarot Connection.

• An Interview with Leisa ReFalo, the First Lady of Tarot Podcasting
• Tarot Podcasts – The New Wave of Tarot

Difficult Cards with Roger Tobin

What are Good Cards vs. Bad Cards, auspicious vs inauspicious etc.

Popular Tarot Culture would look at certain cards as inherently bearing weight in one direction or another for divination. (Example is face value of Golden Dawn titles).

Spread positions can heighten the effect of what we consider good and bad. (Consider that the Golden Dawn considered nearby cards as having an impact on the card in question)

Reversals can also matter, as can other dignity systems.

What makes a card difficult?

Reaction to the meaning and image, our core values, what we are “afraid” of.

• Are “bad” experiences actually good for us?
• Why is “bad” in the past better and “good” in the future better?
• What does this tell us about what we are willing to think about the lessons of life?

Personal experience with a card over time:

• Difficulty in interpretation
• Real life experience is often totally the opposite of what we thought.
• Comes up often without clear meaning
• Never comes up. . .

Difficult Reading for Paul using the Tarot of The Vampires

Is this a good financial move? Cards: 10 of Knives, 9 of Knives, 3 of Knives

Is it worth doing? Cards: 4 of Knives, 2 of Knives, 3. The Brides (Empress)

Images from The Vampire Tarot by Robert M. Place copyright 2007.

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Closing Music: Finally by Ion from Future Forever (Magnatune)

Play or Download the Episode

Tarot Table Talk Episode Number 6: Interview with Leisa ReFalo of The Tarot Connection

Susan Gold interviewed me for her podcast. She was able to get me to talk more about myself than I am usually willing to do. This interview helped me to get motivated to launch the Tarot of the iPod project.

Here are a few pictures that related to the conversation.

The Osborne Computer

Some of my Lace

Amy Lamash

Amy Lamash is a passionate Tarot enthusiast who has been discovering Tarot for the past 5 years and loving every minute of it! She has 2 websites, hudsonvalleytarot.com and tarotcalendar.com.

She does occasional tarot parties and paid readings, but mostly tarot is a very enjoyable and fascinating journey. She hopes to pass that excitement for tarot to others via my websites!

Tarot for Your Self by Mary Greer

Originally published in 1984, this classic is the first book to explore and promote the concept of reading the cards for personal insight-for yourself-with detailed instructions how to do so. The exercises can be enjoyed by an individual or shared with others, making it a popular text for classes and study groups. It uses meditations, rituals, spreads, mandalas, visualizations, dialogues, charts, affirmations, and other activities to help you establish your own relationship with the cards. It offers the best in traditional knowledge and know-how. Learn the many variations of three card spreads and ways of moving around the cards in the Celtic Cross Spread to get far more information than you thought possible. Use Mary Greer’s powerful “breakthrough process” with all your readings to turn them into truly transformative experiences.

Journaling Links

• Your Tarot Journal at Tarot Studies
  
• Tarot Journal Articles at Tarot Studies
• Journaling by James Ricklef

Sample Reading from Amy’s Journal

What do you need to focus on during Autumn?

Fey Tarot Mara Aghem © 2002 Lo Scarabeo

1. What is your fiercest desire?
2. What is your rational awareness and long term plans?
3. The bridge to combine the two.

Tarot of the Crone Available

$35: Includes Silk Bag and 78 Cards. Shipping December 15,  2007.

Order at shop.tarotconnection.net

Alchemical Tarot available for Pre-Order

$30: Includes Tuck Box, 79 Cards and a little white book. Estimated shipping date is Feb 14, 2008.

Pre-Order at shop.tarotconnection.net

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Transition Music: Its Here Now by Trip Wamsley from It’s Better This Way (Magnatune)
• Closing Music: Finally by Trip Wamsley from It’s Better This Way (Magnatune)

Play or Download the Episode

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 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.

The Relationship Spread

12/12/07 – 6:00 – 8:00 PST
$25.00

Register Here

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.

The Four Elements and the Four Functions of Consciousness

1/9/08 – 6:00 – 8:00 PST
$25.00

Register Here

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

Register Here

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

Register Here

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.

_{Leisa’s first iPhone reading. Photo taken by Paul ReFalo on his iPhone.}

Implementing a Tarot function on the iPhone is pretty simple and simplistic, but for what it does it works fairly well I think. In a nutshell, you upload a complete set of Tarot card images to the iPhone and let the iPhone shuffle them for display as a slide show. Without doing anything else, you get the iPhone to give you a quick card of the day, and you can set your card as a wallpaper image to be revisited throughout the day. Here’s how I did it on my MacBook. (It should be similar if you have a Windows machine.)

Using the iPhone for Tarot

Select the Photos button from the main menu of the iPhone. Select your Tarot deck. You’ll see an arrow at the bottom of the screen. Select it. iPhone will randomly select an image from your deck. You can touch the image to keep it from continuing to “play” as a slide
show.

When you touch the image, you’ll see an icon at the bottom left of the screen, a rectangle with an arrow. If you touch it, you’ll see you have the option, “Use As Wallpaper” which you may choose. You may wish to “squeeze” the image to get it properly sized for your iPhone.

This seems to work very well for a card of the day function, assuming you accept having a computer shuffle the deck. Also, if you wanted to do more complicated spreads, you could let more cards be shown in the slide show and use pen and paper to map the cards to a spread. You’d might wish to change the Settings> Photos> “Play Each Slide For” setting to greater than the default 3 seconds, though you can always stop the slide show by touching the image.

Card Images

I have a directory of card images I uploaded to my iPhone. In the Mac application iPhoto, it’s a “library” I called Tarot. I took the images from here:

• www.sacred-texts.com/tarot/index.htm
• www.sacred-texts.com/tarot/pkt/index.htm
• www.sacred-texts.com/tarot/pkt/img/ar01.jpg

The first link is the main page, which also includes a statement of the source of the cards. According to the text near the bottom of the page, this specific set is in the public domain. The second link is an online version of “THE PICTORIAL KEY TO THE TAROT”. If you view any of the card pages and click on the line image, you’ll get the full color scanned image, an example of which is shown in the third link.

I have the complete set of images from here. Depending on how Unix compatible you are, wgetw ith will to grab the relevant directory. You can also click and save each of the 78 images. Alternatively, you can use scans of whatever deck(s) you have, but you should have a complete deck in a “library”. When you sync your iPhone, make sure you include your Tarot image library.

iPhone SETTINGS

From the main menu of the iPhone, select the Settings button. Scroll down to Photos and select that. At the bottom of the list, select ON for Shuffle.

References

I have a couple sites bookmarked for references to specific cards. In this way if I wish to look up the meaning of a card, I simply go to Safari, choose my bookmark, and go to my specific card. The link above to “THE PICTORIAL KEY” is one; the other I use is here: www.learntarot.com/cards.htm

Why I Did It

I have a few decks, but most times when I read I’m away from them. I wrote a command line Python program to do readings while at work. Mostly I do single card readings, but occasionally I’ll do more involved spreads.

In a few days I’ll be traveling with my family. While I could bring a card deck, I thought, “Why not see if I can do something with the iPhone?” Now I have a simple little system on my iPhone that works quite nicely and requires no modifications whatsoever to s/w.

Is it lame to do it that way? I don’t know. I hope not. I like it, and it seems to work for me.

Cosmic Poufball Reading

Here’s the link to the Cosmic Poufball Spread over at the Tarot Channel.

Below is a sample reading for you. I did this with drawing cards on the iPhone, so there are no reversals.

****1****
*********
****4****
*********
2*******3

1. If you’re going out tonight…

VIII of Cups. Boring! This says to me that you won’t get much satisfaction from going out and doing something that was fun in the past. You’ve done it, it was fun, it’s time to move on and do something different. Restlessness is what you may find. I give it a 4 for going out tonight.

2. If you’re staying in…

XIX Sun. What a card. You’ll find joy and energy in whatever you do at home tonight. Cook. Dine. Spend time with special people in your life. Create something. It’s a good night for all of those things. I’ll give it a 9.

3. If you’re working…

XXI The World. Everything comes together, and all the pieces fit. You’re in control and you can look at your work in the satisfaction that everything is going well. It’s a 10 if you’re working tonight.

4. Overall?

IX Cups. For me, this is the Reality Card, the one that says, “Don’t get too cocky.” It can be a great night, but there’s never a guarantee. Things can go well, but you need to pay attention. Still, it’s a good card for a good night, so I’ll give it an 8 overall.

But remember, it’s a wise person who rules the cards, it’s a fool who’s ruled by them. – ^_^

Graham Glover

Graham has been working with Tarot for the last five years. He was first introduced to it through a Wiccan Witch.

He has written a command line program in Python to do Tarot readings when at work, and realized the iPhone could be easily adapted to do Tarot readings anywhere at any time.

He works in technology, and his real-world business card shows him as a Mathemagician. He lives with his wife, daughter, and guinea pig in Virginia.

Sources of Digital Decks

a few to get you started …

• Aquatic Tarot – Watercolor Rider Waite Clone
• Orphalese Tarot – Decks by Friends of Orphalese Tarot
• F. J. Campos Decks- Orphalese resident graphic art virtuoso
• Freeware Esoterica – free for non-commercial use.
• Marseilles Tarot Cards

Tarot of the iPod

In Tarot of the iPod, each tarot card is made up of an audio file with an embedded image.

• Strength – read by Susan Gold
• Wheel of Fortune – read by Graham Glover
• High Priestess – ready by Dena Decastro

In addition to being a way to study tarot on your iPod, MP3 player, or Computer, you can use these files to do readings.

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Transitional Music: September’s Angels by Suzanne Teng from the album Enchanted Wind. (Magnatune)
• Closing Music: You don’t need an iPod by Uncle Seth from Podcasting Service Annoucement (podsafe music)

Play or Download the Episode

Excerpt from a Portland Study Group session on the Sevens.

One thing that I like to do when the 7 of Cups comes up in a reading is to ask the Querent to pick one of the cups. This may give insight into the situation or advice. Each of the Cups corresponds to a planet/major arcana card.

Play along, and choose one for yourself.

If you know this material or have difficulty selecting a card take out the planetary trumps, shuffle them and draw a card that way.

Planetary Trumps:

• Magician
• Priestess
• Empress
• Wheel of Fortune
• Tower
• Sun
• World

Hermit’s Journey with Bonnie Cehovet – Gaian Tarot

Today I will be discussing one of my favorite Indies – the Gaian Tarot, by Joanna Powell Colbert. I followed the creation process of this deck online, and was impressed not only by the theme (Gaia – Mother Earth), and the artwork (which is stunning!), but by Joanna’s inherent understanding of our personal relationship to Gaia. I do have to admit that it doesn’t hurt that the inspiration for the cards comes from nature scenes on one of the San Juan Islands, here in my very own Pacific Northwest! This deck is mystickal Tarot at its very best!I carried the excitement of a small child as I waited for this deck to arrive in my mailbox. I hurried back to the house to open it, cradling it in my hands – I knew this package would be filled with wonder and magick – and was it ever!

Gaian Tarot

The Gaian Tarot celebrates the living Earth and those who seek to live in harmony with Her. It is an evocative and powerful tool for accessing inner guidance. The imagery of the deck combines multicultural Goddesses and other numinous beings with the mysteries of the natural world. Each image features birds, animals, plants, trees, rocks, constellations and other aspects of nature that amplify the meaning of the card. With its structure rooted in Tarot tradition, the Gaian Tarot is the perfect deck for those who honor Gaia, the earth, as a living, sentient being and who practice an earth-centered spirituality. (from GaianTarot.com)

The Gaian Tarot is a work in progress. The 22 images of the Major Arcana are finished. The Limited (First) Edition of the Majors-Only Deck is sold out, but the Second Edition is now available for purchase.

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Closing Music: Seven Promises by William Brooks from Fowl Mouth (Magnatune)

Play or Download the Episode

She has been teaching Tarot “formally” for the last ten years, i.e., classes with multiple students – generally in metaphysical shops. Classes run the range from introductory to intermediate to advanced skills, and her newest class of last year is Tarot & Magick (not about reading the cards, but working with the archetypal energies in the deck as allies). Gina has also had the honor of presenting workshops for local covens and at Pagan gatherings in the Southeast.

You can see general class outlines at website www.geocities.com/mnemosyne77 – just click on any of the class titles to go to the outline.

I have definitely developed a better understanding of Tarot from teaching, and don’t think that I would have grown nearly as much if I only read the cards.

I’ve also learned how folks learn – that has been an adventure. These days, in each lesson, I try to incorporate something for all four learning aspects: Fire – Intuitive, Water – Emotional, Air -Intellectual, and Earth – Tactile. I provide plenty of opportunities for validation for the intuitives, as they develop the other skills they’ll need when they are having “off” days. The emotional learners need to make heart-connections with each card, and I give them lots of stories, and give them the tools to work with their own cards. The intellectuals need some order, and sometimes I even break out the flow charts and talk to the computer geek in them. And I give practical examples and hands-on experience so that the tactile folks can dive into their decks and know that it’s real. Each student may start from his/her strong point, and then when comfortable, will start assimilating the lessons through the other three methods, as well.

Tarot Spreads, Threads and Mandalas – When you’re done with Tarot 101!

From the very first chapter, the novice reader will find powerful one-card techniques that allow for a greater understanding of each card. As for the seasoned professional, whether you use the Tarot to divine or to converse with the Divine, you are sure to fall in love with your cards all over again as you work through the spreads and exercises in this book.

• Go on a scavenger hunt.
• Create a mandala.
• Ride a numerological roller coaster.
• Weave fabulous stories using the amazing images and archetypes in your own deck.

This is your invitation to dance, dream and dare the Tarot to be far more than a “pack of cards.”

You’re a Star

The human body is the perfect template for so many spreads. In this design, use the star for a five-card reading that provides an image of where you have been and where you are heading.

• The card in the Left Foot position represents where you have been, and the ground that you have covered.
• The Left Hand card speaks of those things that you have received or been offered. This might include not only tangible things, but lessons or other gifts.
• The card at the Head indicates things that are on your mind right now, including the current situation.
• The Right Hand card represents those things that you may pay forward and gifts that you have to offer to others. It is also the hand that opens doors, or closes them, to potential futures.
• And the Right Foot is where you appear to be going if all else stays the same.

Look at the flow of the reading. The left side represents those energies from the past that may be lingering, but are waning. The right side describes experiences for which you are preparing.

Ask yourself if you feel balanced between these incoming and outgoing energies. If your head is caught in a tug-of-war, what might you release in order to maintain your balance? Or are you not seeking balance at all? Are you bound or do you feel chained at any specific point in the reading, and how does that relate to obligations within your current situation?

Finally, decide where you shine brightest in this spread and aim that light on the other positions by combining that card in turn with any that feel less than brilliant. And discover how to shine like the star that you truly are.

Gina Estevez

Cleverly disguised as a business professional by day, Gina Estevez (Tampa, Florida) is a musician, songwriter, mystic, and Mom, who has been shuffling Tarot cards for over twenty years, studying, reading professionally, and teaching along the way. Tarot Spreads, Threads and Mandalas is her first book, and part of her cunning plan to retire from the day job and travel in an RV from one metaphysical shop to another, from one festival to the next, working with folks of like-mind, and sharing her passion for Tarot, Magick and Kaballah. 2008 will see the release of two more books: Mama Gina’s Little White Book For Any Tarot Deck and Tarot: Your Magickal Ally. Contact Gina at mnemosyne7@hotmail.com and visit her little corner of the web at www.geocities.com/mnemosyne77.

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Closing Music: The Lost Memory part 2 by Ambient Light from Shiver (Podsafe Music Network)

Play or Download the Episode

New in the Tarot Connection Shop

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

1. Draw a card for each an interpret the card as the bridge between the dream image and your waking life.
2. Pick one of the object card, either randomly or because of its importance.
3. Pick of the action cards
4. Shuffle the rest of the deck and draw a summary card.
5. 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

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
• Transitional Music: Goodbye by Beth Quist from Lucidity (Magnatune)
• Closing Music: Dream by Beth Quistt from Lucidity (Magnatune)

Play or Download the Episode

Susan Gold

Genre: Spirituality
© Copyright 2007 Susan Gold. All rights reserved.

The Moon gazes down on the land. How she loves the water, what she lacks in her heavenly home. How it draws her eyes.

In the landscape of her gaze a human walks alone. She does not see herself reflected in his eyes. She can feel the water in him and she pulls, but still he does not look up. Something else is drawing him.

The Moon drinks in the river through her eyes. The river knows her. The river reflects her in shards of glittering, dancing light.

But the human does not look. The mountain guides him. The stones measure his steps. The body of Earth, the Moon’s big sister, the beautiful one – this is all he sees.

Not that the Moon is jealous. Of course he would love her best. She is his mother, and he is so very small.

The Moon would be the Earth’s lover if she could. She pulls on Earth’s oceans, crashing water against hard stone, wanting to change her, wanting to touch her, to hold her as she herself is held. Rapt. Gazing endlessly into her beautiful beautiful blue.

But the Earth does love her, much more than the Moon knows. The movement, the power, the desire… this created the life that rose from the shallows. And all these little ones, all her children, are proof of that love. Offerings to her cool and brilliant sister.

The two great ones dance and strive and desire. And the little one walking feels something, but does not know how to give it a name. He believes something must be missing inside of him, to feel so great and terrible a longing. So he seeks, and the Earth gives, and the Moon gazes down.

Ellen wrote this during at BATS 2007 during the Writing with the Tarot Workshop. Visit this link for a write up of the exercise.

Writing with the Tarot

Have you ever wanted to write fiction or poetry, but been too intimidated to get started? Are you a writer who is blocked or seeks a new source of inspiration? Susan and Evelyn use tarot for written personal exploration, creative writing exercises and to cope with writers block. They are also committed to teaching writers, of all experience levels, how to do the same.

Personal Writing Exercise

Look through your deck and select a card for:

1. Where you are right now
2. Where you want to be

(In your Career, Studies, Process, Journey as a Writer, and in your relationship.) Use the cards to start writing about those two topics.

Creative Writing Exercise for Character Development

1. What a Character might want
2. What standing in the way of the character getting what he/she wants
3. Strategy for overcoming the obstacle.
4. Outcome, what might happen for the Character in the End

Susan Gold and Evelyn Pine

Susan Gold holds an M.A. in Creative Writing and is a published poet. She has taught writing and literature courses at the college level and currently teaches advanced high school courses in English and Mythology. She reads at parties and events and especially enjoys teaching tarot workshops in collaboration with Evelyn Pine and Carole Pierce. Susan is also a certified hypnotherapist and is exploring ways to combine her interests in tarot, writing, teaching, and hypnotherapy. Check out her website at www.magicians-table.com and also her blog and podcasts at tarot-table-talk.com.

Evelyn Jean Pine is the winner of the 2007 June Anne Baker Playwriting Commission. Her plays have been staged around the country and her short stories have appeared in Seventeen, Sassy, Inner Ear and Collage. A student of the San Francisco Institute of Magickal and Healing Arts, she has used the cards for inspiration and insight for more than 20 years. She is delighted to work with Susan Gold and the Magician’s Table to share the power of writing with the tarot.

• Tarot Table Talk Podcast
• Magician’s Table Site
• Table Talk Tarot Blog
• Writing and the Tarot

Another Tarot Table Talk Podcast: Writing with the Tarot #1

This is the third Tarot Table Talk Podcast and the first in a series that offers exercises to use the tarot for personal and creative writing. You can listen to Writing with the Tarot #1 here. This episode is an MP3 and is 31.1 MB. While the podcast itself lasts 22 minutes, this does not include writing time. Feel free to use your recorder’s pause button liberally and to take as long as you need for your written response to each prompt. You may choose to do all of the exercises in one sitting, or break them up over several writing sessions. You might even want to bring the recording to your writers’ group or tarot group.

This episode is co-hosted by Susan Gold and Evelyn Pine. To participate, it doesn’t matter how much or how little you know about writing or the tarot. It offers exercises that will help you get started on—or deepen—either journey.

In this episode

This episode begins with a warm-up writing exercise to help those who are new to the tarot to focus on the details of a card. The warm-up is followed by a self-reflective writing exercise inspired by each of the four suits of tarot. We conclude with a creative writing exercise that will generate ideas for setting, story, and character.

What you will need

To do the writing exercises, you will, of course, need a favorite writing instrument—pen, pencil, or even a computer, and a tarot deck. You can find a tarot deck at any book store—though we encourage you to support a new age or independent book store. A great independent online tarot store is The Tarot Garden.

There are thousands of decks out there, and you might want to first go to Aeclectic Tarot, which has reviews of decks and sample images from them. Whatever deck you choose, just make sure that every card is rich with scenes and imagery. If you are still having trouble selecting a deck, you might try the classic Rider-Waite deck or the Golden Tarot deck.

Once you’ve got your deck, pen and paper—or computer, find a place conducive for writing.

Click here for more Tarot Table Talk Podcasts

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Transitional Music: Invocation by Ty Burhoe from Invocation (Magnatune)
• Closing Music: Longing by Ty Burhoe from Invocation (Magnatune)

Play or Download the Episode

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

Ramon Troubadour returns to his devastated home city of Carcassonne to rescue the holy Dame of the Cathars from the flames of the Inquisition. His famous voice and sense of humor help him make new allies in his quest to prevent a bloody crusade.

Only the Dame knows the secret of the holy relic of Montségur. A king will go to war for the relic. A dying pope will kill for it.

Helped by a nameless one-eyed knight, a fighting damsel, a witch and a circus of colorful entertainers on dancing horses, Ramon must stand against a terrifying army led by Death incarnate, complete with archetypal scythe.

Based on the true history of the Inquisition and the legend of the Tarot, The Last Troubadour assembles a magnificent cast right out of the Tarot deck: the Fool, the Magician, The Emperor, The Pope, Death and even The Devil. Don’t miss this tale of knightly valor, Tarot symbolism, tragic history and exciting quests.

1980′s Book Trailer by Kam Wai Yu

New Book Trailer by Kam Wai Yu

Derek Armstrong

So, is this a clever gimmick? Just an author who thought one day, Hey, this hasn’t been done before? Does he even own a Tarot deck?I did not undertake The Last Troubadour lightly. The entire trilogy was a journey of some 18 years. Carcassonne and the south of France are my old haunts, where I explored the history in depth. An important history.

Nor is Tarot a passing fancy for me. My first deck was a Pixie, bought with part-timer earnings after school back in 1972. I’m obviously much older now, and I still have my Pixie, and some 112 other decks. Current favorites include Thoth (bought in 1974), Kat Black’s Golden, Place’s Buddha Tarot, Carol Herzer’s Illuminated, and a dozen others. I actually almost always have a deck in my pocket.

Why do I weave the mystical and legend with history? Well, why not? It’s fun, isn’t it? But more important, it’s a way of conveying important events that is entertaining and at the same time “real.” What better way for me to personally explore Tarot cards and archetypes and to convey some of what I’ve learned. The journey of the Fool is my favorite aspect of Tarot. It’s actually the plotline of all great epic fiction.

So, one day, two decades ago, I meditated on the FOOL in my very old Pixie (Rider Waite Smith) deck and he came to life. He became Ramon Troubadour. His journey became a novel-journey through the tarot major arcana. I actually named him Ramon, after researching Doctor Illuminatus, otherwise known as Ramon Lull, author of 320 books written at the time of my novel (the thirteenth century). He even had a character in his most famous book, Blanquerna, name Ramon the Fool. Wow.

All of my books have Tarot themes in them, some dark, some light. The Game, my hit thriller features a humorous “fool” character in the always-joking Alban Bane character. He was so popular, fans demanded a sequel, which comes out spring 08 as MADicine. This series is a blend of satire, comedy and thriller – bloody fun, quite literally.

The Last Troubadour and the other two books of the series, The Last Quest and The Last Stand, are “dripping with Tarot themes.” Most of the early fans are tarot-enthusiasts. Nevara, my Magician character, is my “fictional” inventor of Tarot. Each character is a major arcane archetype. And, of course, the epic journey is the archetypal journey of the Fool. To which, I added real history, substantial satire (targeting in particular the latest craze for Holy Grail themes), comedy and adventure – shaken not stirred.

Next year, with any good fortune, you’ll start to see these characters in Troubadour-style imagery as famed artist Kam Wai Yu illustrates the Troubadour Tarot, a dream of mine. I hope you’ll take the journey with me.

Best,

Derek Armstrong,

Author, Tarot card collector, novelist, fool.

www.lasttroubadour.com

Books

Music Credits

Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis

Closing Music: Sante Marie viergene by Briddes Roune from Lenten is come (Magnatune)

Closing Music: When the nichtegale singes by Briddes Roune from Lenten is come (Magnatune)

Play or Download the Episode

Teleclass with Robert Place on October 24th 2007

The power of the Tarot comes from the fact that it communicated with pictures, the same way one’s Higher Self communicates and the same way that a dream communicates. As the Tarot images are highly symbolic and archetypal they may be considered a type of picture writing, like Egyptian hieroglyphs, that can be used by one’s Higher Self to communicate ideas and describe events. If one thinks of the Higher Self as the wiser spiritual part of his or herself it may also be referred to as the soul and these hieroglyphs that emerged from the visions of Renaissance artists in the 1400s can be considered hieroglyphs from the soul.

Robert Place will be teaching a teleclass on three card readings as a Tarot staple. He sets out 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

Vist the Gallery at gallery.tarotconnection.net

Pre-order at shop.tarotconnection.net

• Card Attributions
• Suits & Seasons
• Opening the Key
• The Calendar Spread

Super Project Lab

I was a guest of the Super Project Lab in their series called meet your Futurist.

Once again, truth and fiction collide when special guests from the Portland community share true, unrehearsed recollections from their lives. Their stories serve as inspirational fodder for each evening’s improv.

Friday Sept 21- Meet Your Futurist

The Eights by Ginny Hunt

Eights in Tarot are a mixed bag. They contain the solid sense of four yet without its enclosing, fearful walls. Eights are about moving beyond that structure, but still working within its rules. It takes the growth lessons of all the numbers that came before it and moves still higher, still striving towards the goal. There is the hint of a new beginning with the eight, but it’s more because the old ways weren’t working as well as you’d hoped. There is both building and destruction inherent in the eights, so it may be difficult at times to ascertain the meaning in the card.

Eight is one number beyond perfection and represents the infinity. The mathematical symbol for infinity, the leminscate is, after all, the number eight turned on its side. We see this symbol in various cards in the tarot: The Magician, the Three of Pentacles, but also, auspiciously, in the Major Arcana VIII Strength. More about this in a moment, because as we shall see, Strength fits very neatly into the symbolism of the number eight, with its multifaceted approach to challenges.

Eight was the number of the balance and cosmic order of the universe according to the Egyptians. In Mesopotamia, the eight-leaf rosette was also the emblem of the fertility goddess Ishtar and her planet Venus. This symbolizes the eight’s basic meaning of birth and death and rebirth, or building and destruction and new beginning aspect of the eight. To the early Christians it was the symbol of the new Life, the final Resurrection and the anticipated Resurrection that is baptism. It was also the number of Beatitudes (The Blesseds) of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. The number eight as a symbol of new beginning is seen in the Bible, as when Noah saved eight persons from the flood to start over. Similarly, the Jewish rite of circumcision which marks the beginning of the newborn boy’s relationship with God is performed on the eighth day, and in Leviticus 9:1, the inauguration of the Tabernacle as the new dwelling place for the presence of God took place after seven days of preparation on the eighth. In Jewish Qabbalah, the number is the eighth Sephira, Hod or “Splendour.” The star of Bethlehem is usually shown with eight rays. Also, Easter Sunday, the day when Christ is said to have rose from the dead, was counted as the eighth day after Palm Sunday, the day on which Jesus entered Jerusalem. I know, to us it seems like seven, but the ancients had an inclusive way of counting the day itself plus the following days. (read the full post)

Music Credits

Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis

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

Closing Music 1: Chiron Beta Prime by Jonathan Coulton

Closing Music 2: Skullcrusher Mountain by Jonathan Coulton

Play or Download the Episode

Kevin E. Houchin, Esq.

Kevin is a Lawyer, Teacher, Marketer, Graphic Designer, & Artist.

He has a law degree is from the University of Iowa College of Law and a a Bachelor of Fine Art degree in Graphic Design from Iowa State University. He is principal of Houchin & Associates, PLLC – a copyright, trademark, arts & entertainment, business development, and branding firm located in Fort Collins, Colorado. To contact Kevin, call 970-493-1070 or email kevin.houchin@houchinlaw.com.

From © Primer for Visual Artists & The Top Copyright Myths

Copyright – Subject Matter

• Protects the “tangible expression of an idea”
• Literary works
• Musical works, including accompanying words
• Dramatic works, including accompanying music
• Pantomimes and choreographic works
• Pictorial, graphic and sculptural works
• Motion pictures and other audiovisual works
• Sound Recordings
• Architectural Works

Download the © Primer for Visual Artists & The Top Copyright Myths

Music Credits

Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis

Closing Music: The Rights of Man by Doc Rossi from Demarzi-6 Sonatas for Cetra o Kitara (Magnatune)

Play or Download the Episode

written by members of the Aeclectic Tarot Forum, edited by Alissa Hall.

Available for purchase and instant download at Aeclectic Tarot

About the Book

Why me to edit this book?

From 2003 until early 2005, I was a volunteer moderator at the Aeclectic Tarot website. During that time, one of the forums I moderated was the Tarot Spreads forum. As a former librarian, I have a keen interest in indexing and making information accessible to the public. For fun, I began to index the Tarot spreads forum, providing categories for users to choose from when searching for spreads. Until the creation of that index, the only way a user could find a spread was to search through hundreds of threads using a keyword search, and relying on personal memory of previous threads.

Fast forward to December 2006, there was a thread started by another AT member suggesting an eBook of Tarot Spreads, and I contacted Solandia and expressed my interest in compiling such a work. Providing examples of other eBooks I’ve created (primarily from my henna design work) she and I negotiated our contract, our work flow and deadlines, and the project officially began in February 2007 with the initial selection of spreads to be potentially included in the work.

Choosing spreads to be included

The index I started has been expertly maintained and added to by the moderator who took over the forum when I stepped down years ago (her logon is “Moonbow”). When going through the current index, I considered which categories were the most helpful as a Tarot reader, which ones were used most often either by a professional or personal reader. From this, the categories of : Love and Relationships, Career and Money, Spiritual Path, Family and Pets, Self Awareness, Creativity, General Outlook, Daily and Spreads for Tarot Readers were created.

Each spread to be potentially included had to be universal – it could not reference a specific religion (such as spreads for certain Pagan beliefs, etc.) nor holidays (secular or religious) as certain parts of the world may not observe these events. The only exception was Chronata’s “Chakra Cross” a variation on the Celtic Cross which references chakras, a Hindu belief system, but one which is observed by many countries and religious persuasions.

I also had to push myself to overcome personal bias in my preference for shorter spreads. Spreads in the book range from 3 cards, to 14 cards, in length.

Once selected for potential inclusion, there was a lengthy process of contacting each individual spread author to query their interest in the project, coordinate the contracts to them, and compile information to be included on their page.

What else beside the spreads were included

Each page also includes a “blurb” written by the spread author themselves, limited to 50 words or less. This was something I specifically wanted to do for the authors, since many spreads included some background or users’ information within the AT thread that would be lost in the eBook form. I felt it also helped to personalize each authors’ contribution to the book.

How were the authors chosen

I deliberately ignored the authors’ names until the time of contact, as some spreads were written by members who were less frequent contributors to the AT forum, and some were “regulars”. I sought every opportunity to keep this from being a “popularity” contest. Some authors have more than one spread within the book. This is due to the superior content of their spreads, the needs I had as an editor to meet my 40 spread minimum quota for the book, and the amount of authors who were able to respond in a timely manner with their interest in being a part of the project.

Some very good spreads were “lost” along the way due to the authors not receiving the query messages in time to make the deadline, and/or their lack of interest in being a part of the project. Regardless, the final product stands as a great example of collective works, and I’m proud to have been a part of its compilation.

The Look

I designed the card graphics, as well as the page layout, as editor and included some Dover clip art to most pages in order to frame the pages’ content, and to give the eBook itself an overall appeal to the eye. This artistic side of me was great fun to express, as well as the shaping of the textual layout, which is meant to flow with the cards’ spreads, all designed to be shown exactly as they would be laid out during usage (i.e. a spread shaped like a spiral is shown as a spiral in the book, of course).

Also, I chose to use bold text to highlight key words for each spread position, in order to help the reader use the eBook at a glance while reading their spreads.

Copyright protection

As a writer myself, I was passionate about drafting up a very complete (some might say Too Complete!) contract for each author to be a part of the project. While Solandia owns the copyright to the anthology, each author granted what are called “one time rights” for their contributions to the eBook. This ensures that each author owns the copyright to their work, and can publish and profit from their work in any way they see fit later in life. Ensuring each author retained their copyrights for their works was something I felt very strongly about helping them maintain, especially since many had never published a work prior to this eBook and were less familiar with copyright laws.

Alissa Hall

Alissa Hall first began reading Tarot over 20 years ago, and as an adult has dedicated years to learning more about various occult paths. In addition to Tarot, she also reads palms and runes, and offers her gift of karmic path (past life) advisement to her clientèle as well. Known to lecture on Tarot and palmistry, she last appeared in Las Vegas for a series of workshops and classes.

A devoted wordsmith, Alissa has published both short and long works of fiction and non-fiction on subjects ranging from Tarot to Tantra, self-help to storytelling.

A resident of New Mexico for over 2 decades, she lives in the mountains with her husband and son, and is currently expecting her second child.

• AlissaHall.com
• Alissa’s Henna Gallery
• Raven’s Perch Press

Hermit’s Journey with Bonnie Cehovet – the Star and the Moon

Welcome to the Hermit’s Journey. My name is Bonnie Cehovet, and today we will be continuing 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 Star and the Moon. The major theme for the Star is that of that of intuition and understanding. We are reminded of the need to acknowledge our inner truth. With this card, we see the ability to renew ourselves spiritually.

The figure in this card is nude, indicating that she has nothing to hide.

She has one foot on land (the physical, material world), and one foot in the water (the world of the unconscious, and of Spirit). As the “water of life” is poured, it divides into five rivlets, representing the five senses.

A sacred Ibis, symbol of thought and mind, perches in the tree behind her.

An eight-pointed star (representing power and mental success) floats above her, symbolizing infinity. Seven smaller stars (also eight pointed) symbolize spiritual illumination. These seven stars also represent the seven chakras, and the seven ancient planets.

In this card, we see the Spirit of the Universe, and the Spirit within.

When the Star appears in a reading, the Seeker is being asked to clear/cleanse something in their situation. They need to let go of doubting themselves, and listen to their inner wisdom.

The theme for the Moon is that of cycles, intuition, and inner development. The Moon is also symbolic of the universal feminine principle.

A crayfish coming out of the water symbolizes our conscious growth. In “The Heart of the Tarot”, Sandra Thomson indicates that the crayfish must get past, or overcome, the dog and the wolf (which represent our domesticated self and our natural instincts).

The mountains represent spiritual awareness. The path between the towers represents the path into the unknown. The yods represent divine energy, and renewed inspiration.

The Moon has thirty-two rays – the Qabalistic number of the ten sephiroth combined with the twenty-two paths on the Tree of Life. It also is represented in all three of its phases, symbolizing body, mind, and spirit.

When the Moon appears in a reading, the Seeker may not be able to establish a rational response to their situation. Something from their past may be affecting their present, so they need to look at whether they are repeating a cycle or a pattern. Any fears that the Seeker has may be reflected in this card.Let’s continue our journey through the symbols of The Devil and The Tower. The major theme for The Devil is that of acknowledging the hidden parts of our personality – our shadow side. These are the forces behind how and why we imprison and limit ourselves.

Music Credits

Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis

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

Closing Music: Inspiral by Hands Upon Black Earth from Hands Upon Black Earth (Magnatune)

Play or Download the Episode

Started in 1991 by Thalassa, and currently produced in association with the Daughters of Divination, the San Francisco Bay Area Tarot Symposium (SF BATS) is the oldest continuously produced Tarot even in the country. It has been the inspiration and/or the model for virtually every large Tarot-centred gathering in this country for more than a decade.

SF BATS is a day long event devoted to covering all areas of Tarot and related topics. Many established authors and teachers use SF BATS as an opportunity to try new and different approaches and projects as well as polishing existing work. Exhibitions of new (and often as yet unpublished or privately published) Tarot decks and artwork are an especially important feature of this event. In addition to providing networking opportunities and community building for Tarot enthusiasts of all levels of interest and experience, SF BATS has facilitated or furthered the careers of several noted Tarot artists, authors, and teachers, as well as being instrumental in the publication of several books and decks.

San Francisco Bay Area Tarot Symposium Fall 2007

Saturday, October 6, 2007 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m
First Unitarian Universalist Centre
1187 Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA

Visit the BATS Fall 2007 web page for more information

Thalassa

Thalassa is the producer of the San Francisco Bay Area Tarot Symposium (SF BATS), founder of the Daughters of Divination (DOD), and publisher of The Belfry. She teaches and produces divination events in the SF Bay Area, and has presented at the World Tarot Congress, the New York Tarot Festival, PantheaCon, and LATS (LA Tarot Symposium). She lives in San Francisco with a collection of swords, too many books, more tarot decks than one can safely shake a stick at, and a tribe of semi-feral dust bunnies.

• Thalassaland.com
• Daughters of Divination
• Belfry
• Bay Area Tarot Symposium

No more borders

This is my jumbo Thoth deck without the ugly gray borders on it. The links below show the process in greater detail. The Universal Waite Deck posts details the supplies I used to modify the cards.

I know the process is a little scary at first. You might want to practice on the extra cards in the deck or color copy your decks on card stock to practice trimming.

You might find, like I did, that the deck becomes more attractive and nicer to use.

• Thoth Deck
• Universal Waite Deck (with Supplies)

Hermit’s Journey with Bonnie Cehovet – Devil and the Tower

Welcome to the Hermit’s Journey. My name is Bonnie Cehovet, and today we will be continuing 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 Devil and The Tower. The major theme for The Devil is that of acknowledging the hidden parts of our personality – our shadow side. These are the forces behind how and why we imprison and limit ourselves.

In “The heart of the Tarot”, Sandra Thomson notes that the Devil is perched on what is considered to be a one-dimensional pedestal. This is the illusionary base of many of our decisions. The bondage of the two humans in this card is also seen as illusional – i.e. self imposed chains. Thomson further notes that the figures look not at each other, nor at the Devil figure – they are totally alone and vulnerable.

At the pit of the Devil’s stomach is the sign of Mercury. The Devil’s right hand is upraised and extended, the reverse of the benediction given by the Hierophant. A reversed Pentagram is on his forehead. His wings indicate that he is a creature of the night. His goat-like body connects this card to Capricorn.

The torch in the Devil’s left hand represents will directed at the material plane.

The tails on the human figures are symbolic of their animal nature. The tail on the female bears the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, and the tail of the mail figure bears a flame, like the Tree of Life.

When the Devil appears in a reading, we are being asked to acknowledge hidden aspects of our personality. We are also being asked to note how and where we may be projecting those hidden aspects in our lives. This card is also very connected to the physical, material world.

The major theme for The Tower is that of change – abrupt change that is thrust upon us without warning. In “The Heart of the Tarot”, Sandra Thomson suggests that the Tower represents the defensive aspects of our personality. The falling male figure represents rigid attitudes based on ego, while the falling female figure represents rigid emotional attitudes.

Music Credits

Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis

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

Closing Music: Points Between by Robert Rich from Open Window (Magnatune)

Play or Download the Episode

I was drawn to Tarot initially, because I knew that, with some adaptations, the system could work for me. Methods like scrying and runes seem almost impossible, while the cards are manageable. Also, it is important for you to realize that I have been blind since birth, so, lacking the visual element of the Tarot isn’t new to me. I just went about it the way I go about everything else: without sight.

First of all, Tarot decks are quite inaccessible, when first purchased. Before I can do anything with them, I have to Braille the cards, along with whatever documentation comes with them. If it’s an actual book, I can put it through a scanner, which speeds up the process, but those little, white books that come with most decks don’t scan well at all, which means that someone has to read them to me, while I copy them out. Needless to say, it’s time-consuming.

I put the card into a Braille typewriter, and write the name of the card. So, for the fool, I would write:

0
Fool

For the four of pentacles, I write:

4P

Once the deck is Brailled, I can begin to use it. When I lay out a spread, I think about the meanings given for each card. I also think about the suit of the card, whether it is reversed or not, and whether it is a major or minor arcana card. I apply all of this information to the question that is being addressed. I then move on to the next card, and do the same thing again, until I’ve interpreted the entire spread.

I know that, for those of you who can see, the pictures on the cards are a great help when it comes to interpretation. Usually, I have no clue what the cards even look like, and so, I rely more on intuition and the meanings I know to be true for the particular card.

I also pay close attention to experiences that people have told me about. On another list, there was a discussion of how to interpret the Moon card, and I gained a lot of insight that way.

Brighid’s Daily Spread

To Explore:

• Things I need to focus on Today?
• What do I need to work on?
• What am I supposed to learn?
• What issues am I dealing with?
• What is key for me today?

Card 1 , Card 2, Card 3

Card 4*

* Shadow Card, (Unknown or Undercurrents) from the Bottom of the Deck

Brighid is a Tarot Reader who practices Feminist Dianic Witchcraft. She currently resides in Texas while completing a social work degree. She shares her apartment with 2 dogs, a cat and a pregnant guinea pig. Brighid has, on occasion, tricked people into reading Tarot books for her. Her favorite decks include the Goddess Tarot, the Medicine Woman Tarot, Goddess Guidance Oracle, Magical Unicorns Oracle and Jamie Sams’ Medicine Cards.

Decks that don’t work as well:

Check out the Braille Spanish Tarot at Aeclectic Tarot.

Titles Only Tarot

It is an interesting exercise to try reading with out pictures. It can be done to test your knowledge and memory of the cards. You can see how you have internalized card meanings and explore what comes to mind when any given card comes up.

One thing to try is to do a reading with the Titles only then pull the same cards from various decks and see how you interpretation changes. You can make your own but writing on 3×5 cards. Here is a pdf of a deck I created for this purpose. It can be printed out on card stock and trimmed to make a set of cards.

For instance, what is the Knight of Wands on its own.

This is a deck I made with the printout on nice paper with golden fish on the back.

Hermit’s Journey with Bonnie Cehovet – Death and the Temperance

Welcome to the Hermit’s Journey. My name is Bonnie Cehovet, and today we will be continuing 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 Death and Temperance. The major theme for Death is that of transformation and new opportunities. Inherent in a new beginning, or new opportunity, is the leaving behind of that which no longer serves us well.

The skeleton of Death moves from left to right, from unconsciousness towards consciousness. His pink saddle symbolizes that his mission of transformation is based on love.

His black banner shows a five petaled white rose, symbolic of Mars, the five senses, and of life.

In the distance, the Sun is shown between two pillars, symbolizing immortality. A ship, symbolizing the afterlife, is shown sailing towards the Sun.

The four figures in the scene represent the temporal and the spiritual, old and young, male and female … death comes to everyone.

The red plume (as seen in the card of the Fool) represents will and power. The river represents the River Styx (the river that the Greek’s believed led to the underworld), and the constant movement into and out of materialization.

In a reading, Death alerts us that major changes are happening.

The major theme for Temperance is that of balance and control. In “The Heart of the Tarot”, Sandra Thomson refers to this as representing the purification and tempering of our own inner processes.

The crown at the end of the path represents mastery and attainment. The silver cup represents the unconscious, the gold cup consciousness. The water being poured back and forth is the essence of life.

One foot in the emotional world of water, one foot on the physical world of land, we bring balance to our conscious and unconscious selves.

The flower Iris represents the Greek Goddess Iris, Goddess of the rainbow.

Music Credits

Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis

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

Closing Music: Night of the Goddess Part 1 by Paul Averinos from Maya (Magnatune)

Play or Download the Episode

There are many ways to energize the tarot session in real life such as:

• tangible constructive action
• small doable action
• new personal name
• affirmations
• body posture/movement
• colour
• meditation on the card
• place the card in a special place with a candle & incense
• wear something
• jewelry or talisman to represent the card
• essential oils
• journal writing
• walking a labyrinth
• creativity (sound, clay, paint, etc.)

Reading List

• Geraldine Amaral & Nancy Brady Cunningham. Tarot Celebrations: Honoring the Inner Voice.
• Susan K. Cole. “Dance and Tarot: Personal Symbols Set to Movement”, Wheel of Tarot: A New Revolution, James Wanless & Angeles Arrien, editors, pp. 205 – 213.
• Dori Gombold. “The Psychodynamic Effects of Tarot Symbolism”, Wheel of Tarot: A New Revolution, James Wanless & Angeles Arrien, editors, pp. 187 – 201.
• Mary K. Greer. 21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card (especially the chapter called “The Possible Self”, pp. 231 – 238).
• Mary K Greer. The Essence of Magic: Tarot, Ritual and Aromatherapy.
• Cait Johnson. Tarot for Every Day.
• Robert A. Johnson. Inner Work.
• Corrine Kenner. Tarot Journaling.
• Jill Mellick. The Art of Dreaming.
• Vicki Noble. Rituals and Practices with the Motherpeace Tarot.
• Rachel Pollack. The Shining Tribe Tarot (especially the section on “Ways to Activate a Tarot Card”, pp. 305 – 312).
• Rachel Pollack. Tarot Readings and Meditations.
• Karen Turner. “Transformational Beliefs and Tarot”, Wheel of Tarot: A New Revolution, James Wanless & Angeles Arrien, editors, pp. 180 – 183.
• James Wells. Tarot for Manifestation.
• James Wells. “Walking the Labyrinth”, Llewellyn’s 2005 Tarot Reader, pp. 199 – 204.

James Wells is a Toronto-based Tarot consultant with an international clientele. Since age 12, he has lived, worked and played with the Tarot and its rich symbolism. James is also a Reiki Master, publisher of The Six-Rayed Star, musician, explorer of divination systems, weaver of rituals, and workshop facilitator. His job as a Worker of Oracles is to create sacred space for constructive feedback and soul work – a place where dreams, goals, imagination, intuition and magick, have full sway so that you can enjoy insight, support and healing. James can be reached at workeroforacles@yahoo.ca

Hermit’s Journey with Bonnie Cehovet – Justice and the Hanged Man

Welcome to the Hermit’s Journey. My name is Bonnie Cehovet, and today we will be continuing 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 Justice and the Hanged Man. The major theme for Justice is that of being just with ourselves, as well as with others. In “The Heart of the Tarot”, Sandra Thomson notes that this is not a blind sense of justice, it is a clear sighted one. Before we act, we need to make sure that we are acting in a way that will insure a balanced outcome. We need to make sure that we are not only acting to bring in that which we desire.

Justice sits with her scales in her left hand, ready to weigh what is presented to her. In her right hand is the sword of reflection, pointing to higher truths, and to victory. It is a double edged sword – it destroys as well as builds in cutting through to the truth. It is her decision as to where the point of balance lies. The scales symbolize, as one might guess, our balance point in life. The pillars to the right and the left of Justice are the pillars of reconciliation, and of mercy. They are connected by the purple veil of higher consciousness.

Justice wears the crown of authority, with its imbedded square jewel of intelligence seated over the third eye, the wisdom and truth seeking chakra. The four sided jewel, along with the three turrets in the crown, add up to seven, the number of Venus. The olive green of her cape reflects the green of nature, and suggests personal growth. Her red dress symbolizes power – the base from which we achieve our growth. Her white slipper indicates purity of thought is at the foundation of her judgment.

The square brooch with the circular pin at her heart chakra symbolizes the “squaring of the circle”, a symbol of wholeness, and of the Self.

In a reading, Justice asks us to take the time to gather our facts, and to look at all viewpoints. It asks us to see the truth about ourselves.

The theme for the Hanged Man is that of releasing false, illusional images and of learning the natural laws of the universe. His being suspended upside down symbolizes his need to take a “fresh look” at his situation. He is letting go of the rules of society that bind him so that he can see clearly.

The Sevens by Ginny Hunt

Sevens in Tarot once again bring conflict and choice, but this go round involves less something from the outside happening to you, but your own actions and impulses create the change, cause the ruckus, because you have some silly notion inside you that prompts this. You are the one agitating here, but not for no reason. Sevens take a stand based on an unseen but strongly felt inner truth.

Seven is historically a mystical number. Its mythological and symbolic use is broad and deep. Many different religions and cultures view seven as spiritual, lucky, and very significant. It is the number of the philosopher, sage, and wisdom seeker. When a seven appears in any fashion, you can understand there is more going on under the surface that involves the spiritual, faith, and esoteric realms. Seven is an enigma and as such is difficult to define. It’s like the faith it symbolizes: you know it when you feel it.

Some of its significance stems from the ancient Sumerian and Babylonian civilizations, which identified seven planets and framed seven days of the week around them. Very early among Middle Eastern peoples, seven became known as a “perfect” number, symbolic of completeness and goodness. Not “perfect” mathematically like the six, but symbolizing perfection and as such is often attributed to God. In the Bible, God rested on the seventh day because his work of creation was complete, entire, perfect. Thus seven represents this perfect completeness and also it represents rest, as in the rest that is taken from work. It is from this same word that the Sabbath, the day of rest comes. In Judaism, every seven years a year of Jubilee is celebrated as well as a Sabbatical year once every seven. The “Counting of the Omer” leading up to the giving of the Torah is expressed as “7 times 7 weeks.” In Christianity, likewise, the number seven continues to be significant. It is the number of churches of Asia to which the “Book of Revelation” is addressed, the number of Deadly Sins and Virtues, the number of terraces of Mount Purgatory (one per deadly sin), the number of sacraments in the Roman Catholic faith, the number of heads of the beast of the Book of Revelation, and the number of seals on The Book of Life. Jesus says to Peter to forgive seventy times seven times indicating an unlimited number of times, but also that it is the spiritual thing to do. (read the full post)

Music Credits

Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis

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: Mystic Chants by Anne Young (Podsafe Music Network)

Play or Download the Episode

Our presenters and topics for the day are:

GAIL FAIRFIELD.

Choice Centered Tarot and Relating
Hardly a reading goes by that doesn’t include a question or comment about relating. Whether the person is asking about a child, partner, parent, or colleague, relationship questions are fraught with more emotion than any others. In this workshop, we’ll explore how to evaluate:

• what works or doesn’t work in a relationship
• what to embrace or avoid
• key questions to ask yourself or the other person
• the purpose of the relationship

As we identify the key questions to ask, we’ll also consider the layouts that could answer those questions. We’ll also keep the focus on empowerment rather than predictions.

RACHEL POLLACK.

Archaeology of the Tarot.
Many card meanings we have today are not the original interpretations. The Fool did not originally mean a wise innocent journeying through life, but rather a crazy person driven from place to place–like the homeless beggars we see in our big cities. Are these older meanings just a curiosity or can they enrich our readings today? In this session (based on her series of Tarot Intensive workshops, and the forthcoming Intensive book) Rachel will trace the development of meaning in the tarot, and we will look together at how to use this knowledge in practice.

JAMES WELLS.

Tarot In Action!
We know how rich and meaningful a tarot consultation can be. Imagine this insight and wisdom creating positive change in your psyche and in your ‘real’ world! Learn creative and powerful methods to bring the energy of your readings down to earth so that you and your querents not only learn about life, but also transform it through consciously sculpted actions.

Plus opening and closing Q & A panel discussions with all three presenters!

10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at WonderWorks, 79A Harbord Street, Toronto (just west of Spadina).
Please arrive between 9:30 and 9:55 so we can begin on time. Thank you.

You’ll need to bring:

• a tarot deck of your choice
• a notebook
• a packed lunch or money to buy lunch nearby

Only $100 for a day of stretching your tarot skills and meeting other great tarot people. Open to people of ALL levels of tarot experience. First-paid first-served basis.

PRIVATE TAROT CONSULTATIONS with our presenters will take place on Sunday, September 9. These one-hour sessions are $150 each and will take place near Castle Frank station in Toronto.

Presenter Bios:

GAIL FAIRFIELD (Choice Centered Tarot, Choice Centered Astrology, Choice-Centered Relating and the Tarot) was born in China and raised in Japan by missionary parents. She was encouraged to find her own answers to life’s questions. Gail was introduced to the tarot in 1973 and was hooked immediately! Gail’s studies in psychology and education contribute to her choice-centred manner of living life and using tools such as the tarot, astrology, and NLP. She currently makes her home in Bloomington, Indiana.

RACHEL POLLACK (78 Degrees of Wisdom, Forest of Souls, Shining Tribe Tarot, and more) is a poet, award-winning novelist, authority on the modern interpretation of tarot cards, and a tarot card artist. She began her journey with the cards in 1970. Since then, Rachel has written thirteen tarot books, including “78 Degrees of Wisdom”, often called the “Bible of Tarot Reading”, and the “Shining Tribe Tarot”, designed and drawn by Rachel herself. Rachel resides in New York’s beautiful Hudson Valley.

JAMES WELLS (Tarot for Manifestation) is a Toronto-based consultant, teacher, and facilitator devoted to merging soul and strategy. Through tools and processes such as tarot, reiki, council circle, and journal writing, he and his clients and students are inspired to become more of who they really are. Tarot has been a part of James’ life since 1979. His insightful, down-to-earth, proactive style makes him a popular practitioner and presenter at home and abroad. James enjoys writing, reading, walking, and good martinis.

For this version, the elements are assigned to points on the pentagram with Spirit at the top. Then if we go around clockwise, Water, Fire, Earth and Air. This is the arrangement used in Ceremonial Magic Ritual to invoke or banish elements.

It makes interesting relationship between positions and allows a variety of ways to read elemental dignities. There is tension between the Water & Fire cards on the right. The same thing goes for the Air and Earth on the left. Cards that are diagonally across from each other are supportive (Air & Fire) (Earth & Water). Horizontal cards are neutral.

If you start at fire and go counter clockwise around the points, the elements are in the order of the Pentagrammaton.

1. Pick an element that best describes the subject of the reading.
2. Does the querent with to increase or decrease the element in their life?
3. Select a pentagram to dictate the order and direction the cards will be read.
4. Shuffle, while thinking about the question.
5. Layout the cards around the pentagram. I like to use the opening of the key to get the 4 natural element cards and calculate the spirit card based on adding the numbered cards up and reducing them to a number less than 22. Having a second majors only deck is very helpful for this. You might get a major card twice.
6. Start reading with the card indicated by the pentagram you picked. Continue in the direction indicated.

Examples

How can i improve communication with my spouse?

(Invoking Air) Start with Water, Move towards Air. Water-> Air-> Fire-> Spirit-> Earth

How can I stop obsessing about my application for college.

(Banishing Air) Start with Air, Move towards Water. Air-> Water-> Earth-> Spirit-> Fire.

I spent a couple of weeks trying to come up with a graphic that would help with keeping track of the pentagrams. This is what I came up with.

The colored paths represent the starting paths for each of the elements.

• Red-Fire: Diagonal Line between Spirit & Fire
• Blue-Water: Horizontal line between Air & Water
• Yellow-Air: Horizontal link between Air & Water
• Green-Earth: Diagonal Line between Spirit & Earth
• Light Violet-Active Spirit: Diagonal line between Air & Fire
• Deep Violet-Passive Spirit: Diagonal line between Earth & Water.

Pick your element. Decide if you want to invoke or banish the element. Banishing always starts at the element. Invoking starts away from the element and moves towards it. The first path is the one with the color of the element. The two spirit paths are represented by violet. Since they don’t touch the spirit point, consider the high end of the path to end in spirit to use the diagram. For example, banishing active spirit starts at Air.

Examples

• Invoking Fire: Start at Spirit, move towards Fire. Spirit-> Fire -> Air -> Water -> Earth.
• Banishing Water: Start at Water, move towards Air. Water-> Air -> Fire-> Spirit -> Earth

The Sixes by Ginny Hunt

Sixes in tarot are a welcome relief after the disruptive, conflicting adrenaline-pumping fives. Sixes restore harmony to the chaos, they offer comfort, nurturing, sympathy, and healing to those battered by the losses of the fives as well. Sixes are the kudos you deserve, the solace you need, the balm on your wounds.

Six is the number of the Major Arcana card VI The Lovers and it represents all the qualities of a secure, loving relationship such as harmony, beauty, nurturing, love, marriage, family, responsibility, understanding, sympathy, healing, empathy, perfection, order, duty, comfort, and service. Even its shape is soft and beautiful, its form is a continuous curve without angle, without line. It is almost a spiral, going towards infinity.

Six is both the sum (1 + 2 + 3) and the product (1 x 2 x 3) of the first three numbers. It is therefore considered “perfect.” In mathematics, a perfect number is one that equals the sum of its divisors (excluding itself), and 6 is the first perfect number in this sense because its divisors are 1, 2, and 3.

In alchemy, the upright triangle represents fire, and the upside-down triangle is the symbol for water. Together they symbolize the unity of opposites. The hexagram is seen in the Seal of Solomon, and this symbol is often used in ceremonial magick. It has been adopted as the national symbol of Israel and is a common symbol in Judaism, as there was a 6-pointed star on the shield that David carried to battle Goliath. Another version is the Unicursal Hexagram devised by the Golden Dawn in order to create a six-pointed star symbol in one movement rather than two. Qabbalistically, six represents Tiphareth, or “beauty.” (read the full post)

Hermit’s Journey with Bonnie Cehovet – Tarot and Personal Growth

Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom and The Four Insights: The Wisdom, Power, and Grace of the Earthkeepers

Welcome to the Hermit’s Journey. My name is Bonnie Cehovet, and today we are going to be talking about Tarot and personal growth. I have recently been working with a book by Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D., entitled The Four Insights: The Wisdom, Power, and Grace of the Earthkeepers. Since I have a tendency to mix and match my work tools, I immediately placed the intent of this book on a level with that of Rachel Pollack’s Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom.

In “Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom”, Pollack sets down a solid basis for the interpretations of each of the card groups – the Major Arcana, the Minor Arcana, and the Court Cards. The Major Arcana is further broken down into three distinct areas of life experience: cards 1-7 deal with the main concerns of society (love, social authority, and education); cards 8-14 represent a withdrawal into self-awareness, with a symbolic death and rebirth; while cards 15-21 represent confrontation, followed by a union with the Divine. Working through the path of the Major Arcana can be equated with working through Jung’s process of individuation, the goal being enlightenment. The Major Arcana can also be seen as the fifth element – Spirit.

The four suits of the Minor Arcana are associated with the traditional four elements: Wands with Fire (action, passion, will, career), Cups with Water (intuition, emotions, love, friendship, joy), Swords with Air (conflict, mental activity, wisdom), and Pentacles with Earth (physical world, work, nature, material things), and the unspoken name of God (Yod – Fire, and the creative spark, the energy needed to begin any enterprise); Heh – Water, the actual beginning of the enterprise; Vau – Air, the development of the plan: Heh – Earth, and finished creation). Pollack notes that the Minor Arcana provide the commentary on life in a reading.

The Court Cards are expressive of personality types, defined by their elemental quality. In general, Pollack references Kings as representing social responsibility, power, and success; Queens as representing deep appreciation of the suit, and creativity; Knights as representing action, responsibility to others; and Pages as representing exploration and study.

The Tarot acts as a mirror for our lives, reflecting on many levels the situations we are facing, showing us different ways of looking at them, how we got into our current situation, and what options we have for dealing with it. It is an active tool of transformation, acting as a gateway between our conscious and unconscious selves.

Music Credits

Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis

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: Above the Clouds Suzanne Teng from Enchanted Wind (Magnatune)

Play or Download the Episode

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

Kallon Basquin, Ph.D., L.C.S.W., is an integrally informed psychotherapist and educator in private practice. He has an advanced degree from U.C.L.A. and specializes in contemplative and integral consciousness.

In addition, he has studied meditation and principles of enlightened living with contemplative masters from Tibet and India for 35 years. He travels internationally, both facilitating contemplative workshops on health and healing, as well as working with healers from diverse cultures and healing perspectives.

His workshops integrate Eastern/Western healing and contemplative wisdom traditions and are his contribution to creating an enlightened society.

www.kallonbasquin.com

See It, Feel It, Be It

See It: See the Image but don’t obsessively hold the details.

Feel It: Feel the texture and granularity. Let the feeling happen and touch you.

It starts to speak to you with out words. It becomes vivid. The brightness, the color has a communication. The shape of it has a communication. You are drawn in you connect with that and all at once things start happening in you.

Be It: Be alive with the energy. You are grounded in the moment but your awareness is expanded. Your sense of being is expanded.

Soul Retrieval

The emotional energy generated by looking at a card can be used as a form of Soul Retrieval. Kallon describes a process you can do in the morning and evening to work with difficult memories or situations in your life.

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Closing Music: Zephyrys by Stellamara from Star of the Sea (Magnatune)

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

long with thousands of other people, I was made homeless due to the Olympics in Sydney on 2000. Landlords were kicking people out and renovating places, so many people like me who didn’t have a lease ended up without anywhere to live. An online pal, a fellow free-ware developer, offered me a room in his place – in Arizona. So I jumped on a plane and set off. Since I wasn’t allowed to work in the US, I decided to work on some pet projects on the web. One was a site on fork bending http://fork-you.com and one was a tarot deck. You can ask Dan Pelletier about the fork bending

Digital graphics were still pretty new, and I’d been playing around with it since the very beginning – I made my first digital tarot deck on dPaint on an Amiga in the early 90′s. I think I had 32 colours to work with, and there was no ‘anti-aliasing’ or ‘feathering’ so it looked pretty much like Lego blocks. Technology had improved in those 10 years or so, and now it was possible to use millions of colours and layering, so digital collage was by then a feasible option.

2000 doesn’t sound that long ago, but I’d be surprised if there were 10% as many decks on the market then, compared to now. Anyway, I had this idea that I wanted a deck that LOOKED like my Visconti Sforza, but that READ like a Rider-Waite. There are probably scores of decks now that would kinda fit that bill, but then, there were none. Even Brian Williams ‘Renaissance Tarot” didn’t look remotely Renaissance – more like a pastel Art-Nouveau fantasy of the Renaissance. Anyway, I had this idea to digitally collage old artworks to created easy to interpret tarot cards. It was as much about my love of International Gothic style art as it was about tarot, and they weren’t heavily collaged. I was working on a tiny little laptop with a touchpad, didn’t even have a mouse, so it was pretty rough. You can still see it on my site http://goldentarot.com

The deck developed quite a following online. I think I’d really struck a chord that a lot of people, like me, liked the feeling of tradition and the heritage of the tarot in the Renaissance without wanting the difficulty of trying to read a deck without illustrated Minors.

About a year after the deck came out, I started getting emails to congratulate me on getting Golden published. It turned out that it had been pirated in Germany, as part of an annual calendar/deck set by a publisher who had previously pirated other artists’ work. My Agents at the time said it ‘wasn’t viable’ to sue the German company, and the German copyright agency said it wasn’t a breach of copyright as the images I’d used was public domain. Of course this is rubbish – collages are NEW works of art, and copyright belongs to the collagist. But I can’t afford to sue someone myself, especially on the other side of the world. So, I was very annoyed but there was little I could do.

Then, unbeknownst to me, a fan in the US took up my case in the forums. Judy Sidone Tillinger had studied medieval and Renaissance art in College and now worked as an editor at a newspaper in New York. She started an email campaign, and I got swamped with hundreds of emails of support, and also requests to publish the deck legally so people could buy copies. I was flattered, but didn’t want to go through that whole rejection-slip process as I had with earlier projects. I sent everyone a polite standard “thanks, but it’s too hard to get published” reply. What I didn’t realize is that people must also have been sending the major tarot publishers similar requests, as both US Games and Llewellyn asked me to submit formal proposals, which I did. USGS very quickly send me a contract, which required that I sign copyright over to them. I’d always sworn as an artist that I’d never give up my copyright, but US Games were insistent, and pointed to the piracy of my work and said they needed to own copyright in order to legally protect against future piracy attempts. I still wasn’t too sure. I went to a great copyright lawyer, who pointed out that the contract also gave them full, exclusive digital rights – so they could technically make me shut down the website that had got me the fan base in the first place.

Then, late at night a few days after I got the contract, I got a call from US Games. A woman said she was just checking the number and that I was home, and that Stuart Kaplan would ring me back shortly. Kaplan took long enough to call me that I was completely freaked out and feeling quite nauseous by the time the phone rang. STUART KAPLAN! CEO of US Games, author of the huge Tarot Encylopedias, father of the modern tarot in many respects. Love him or hate him, tarot owes him a huge debt of gratitude for its current popularity. I heard his voice and didn’t know what to say. I don’t think I was very coherent, but I basically got the message. He liked my deck, and would I sign the contract? I explained about the copyright issue and he said that the contract wouldn’t be changed – I could sign it and be published by US Games, or not. I had a week to decide.

After a sleepless night, I got in contact with Llewellyn, who had been much more communicative throughout this whole Proposal process, and told Barbara Moore about the deadline (I’d say ultimatum, but that’s really too harsh a word). She understood, and offered to rush it through – but said that it was very unlikely with such short notice, that normally their assessment process takes months of market research etc. And as it turned out, she was right – they said no, and so I signed with US Games and they got copyright of the deck.

Two Strength Cards

As soon as I signed the contract, I got to work. I had to start again from scratch to create the deck at high resolution for publication. Given the limitations of working from low-resolution files, it was a difficult task. Many of the original designs were impossible to do at the higher resolution. In addition, I had to make it ‘more Rider Waite’ – a requirement for US Games decks, and also something I wanted to do. After all, making a beautiful but easy-to-read deck was my main intention.

I worked obsessively. Pretty much sixteen hours a day at least, seven days a week for about 4 months to finish the deck. Over 1600 hours in a very short space of time. My friends were worried about me – I’d ignore the phone and glare at them for bothering me and not invite them in when they dropped in to check if I was alright. Luckily I was single and living alone then

It was partly because that’s the way I work best, completely immersing myself in something, but it was also economic necessity – I got one small Advance when I signed the contract, but then no more money until it got published. My credit card held out for awhile, and then my brother helped out with bills and rent.

Finally it was finished and I sent it off, expecting a long, drawn-out editorial process of amending cards. To my surprise, they only asked me to change one card. Then, it was a case of them doing their end of the process. I got on with my life. I enrolled in Art School to get a qualification to teach, met Jasper there, became a VJ (live video performance artist). During that period, I had very little to do with tarot. At Art school, they pretty much look down on anything as commercial and graphic-design related as a tarot deck, so I just didn’t really think of it as part of my life. There was delay after delay with the publication and I think it was coming up to two years before it finally made it to market. After many and varied reasons for delays, the last straw was when it got pulled from pre-order on Amazon because they basically just didn’t believe it was really going to happen any more. I tried to explain to them that it WAS on it’s way, on a train across Northern America… it should have arrived by now…. then I heard that the train had got derailed by an avalanche and that the freight (including my decks) had got cleared off the rails so that other trains could get through…

It ended up seeming more and more like it would never get to market, but finally it did. And it looked WONDERFUL. Probably many of your listeners have seen Golden – the majestic blue box, the deck’s gilded edges. Kaplan had wanted it to be their ‘deluxe’ product and I’d said I wanted an affordable, budget edition made as well, so that everyone could afford a copy if they wanted it. The compromise was what had taken the 2 years – US Games went to great lengths to find a publisher in China who could make such a high quality product at such a budget price. They’d had to experiment a great deal to get the gilded edges not to flake and chip. Usually, a gilt-edged book is only read a few times, but a tarot deck is constantly handled. I don’t know HOW they did it, but it’s a technical triumph. I still can’t believe that they made such a stunning package for RRP of $25 (and I hear you can buy it for as little as $14 in the US). It’s got to be their least profitable product, considering the quality of the production.

I was very worried that it would get written off as a bit of a Show Pony – lovely to look at, but sniffed at by tarot professionals. Although I’d put a huge amount of research into tarot tradition for the deck, I’d also added in extra symbolism of my own so it wasn’t 100% ‘traditional tarot’. I’m not a dedicated tarot expert – I haven’t dedicated my life to tarot the way many people have. I’m really in awe at the mastery of people like Stuart Kaplan, Mary Greer, Rachel Pollack, Dan Pelletier etc, but my interests are too varied to concentrate on becoming an expert in one field. So, I’ve been very surprised by the acceptance of the deck by tarot experts. When I heard that it was one of Mary Greer’s favorite decks (long before I was lucky enough to meet her in person) I was stunned, as her ‘Tarot for Your Self’ was the first time I’d read a book that explained use of the tarot how I’d used it myself since my teens – intuitively, for personal insight and self-awareness.

I’d never read for other people – I don’t think I’d even had my tarot read professionally. That’s not what it was about for me – it was always about archetypes and analyzing the world around you – where you fit, how you affect the things that happen in your own life. A tool to assist personal responsibility, not to surrender it. It still makes me very uncomfortable when someone turns to a tarot reader to ask something like ‘should I take this job?’ and wants a ‘yes or no’ answer. They may as well toss a coin, if they’re not willing to consider the complexity of the situation, and face all the additional questions a proper tarot reading may raise. Anyway, I know a lot of your listeners may disagree with me there, so I’ll move on

Golden Tarot finally hit the shelves in 2004. By then, there were already many, many new decks flooding onto the market, including many medieval and Renaissance themed decks. I was thrilled when it was voted one of the ‘Top Ten’ decks on Aeclectic for 2004, and then it happened again in 2005. By the 2006 vote, I was just plain shocked to see it still in the ‘Top Ten of All Time’. There must be hundreds and hundreds of decks on the market now, I find it hard to think that mine is still so popular. My rating on Amazon is still a 5-star average after over 50 reviews (and they’re not all personal friends of mine I guess that goes to show that if you research something well, and put in your own personal passion and vision into it, there are going to be other people who share that passion and vision.

I get the most amazing fan mail for Golden Tarot. It’s funny, because I feel that what I’m doing, say, with my video art, is more important (that sounds so pretentious! Don’t know how else to put it though), more creative, more innovative. But then, golden really touches a lot of people – enough to get them bothering to email me and say so.

A lot of people have asked me when I was going to make another deck. That always seemed a bit weird because I’m not a collector, and I think that now I’ve created the deck I wanted, why would I bother making another one? And from a financial point of view, it would be crazy. even if it IS a popular, successful deck, I know it’s never going to make me enough money to be worth the hours spent making it. At least, with a traditional publiching model. I make about the same as unemployment benefit from Golden. I’m not complaining – I mean, at least I’m making that much, I don’t starve. And as I mentioned earlier, I doubt it’s a cash-cow for US Games, considering the luxury packaging, gilding etc. But after I read ‘The Long Tail’ I thought there has to be a better way. I have a sizable online following and the most wonderful, dedicated fans – many of whom have been with me since the pre-publication days. Lots of people around the world share my love of tarot and the Renaissance, and I can digitally collage old-master paintings better than anyone (Hmm, come to think of it I might be the only one doing it…). I must be able to make a better living

I’ve been a digital developer for a long time – running free graphics websites like http://retrokat.com/medieval/ since the 90′s and with new media like mobile phone content becoming more widespread, that’s where I should be looking to make my main living. Since I don’t own the digital rights to Golden, I can’t just adapt that for mobiles. Also, that wouldn’t work very well anyway – you need to design completely differently for the small screen. Which gave me the idea for a new deck…

Leave the RWS layouts out of it. If they were so tiny, then it’s just going to be a memory trigger and no more – and I want more than that. I want something that has a chance of connecting with the person, a trigger for reflection and personal insight. And what can possibly do that with so few pixels?…

The human face. It’s the first thing we recognize as babies… and regardless of language, we can read a lot about what someone’s trying to communicate from their expression. And if there’s one thing they did well in the 16th and 17th centuries, it’s painting faces.

So.. it was to be a deck of portraits. Maybe a few symbols here and there, if they didn’t detract too much from the person’s facial expression or body language, but predominantly, faces chosen to communicate the meanings of the card. Faces you can become familiar with, faces you can read. ’78 friends you can hold in your hand’.

I popped a website up saying that I was considering this new deck, and showed a few draft samples. Behind the scenes, I was trying to get a mobile-content deal. Ack, now there’s a hard market to break into. People started to ask me when the deck would be finished, and I explained that it was on hold unless I could get a deal for it. Then, along came a very generous benefactor who offered to pay me to finish the deck. This person wants to remain anonymous, understandably, as they don’t want to get swamped by requests for money. Fishing for a private benefactor was the furtherest thing from my mind. The person doesn’t want a percentage or anything, just a copy of the deck when and if I can get a deal. Incredible! Like a fairytale. So that’s what I’m working on at the moment.

Cielo Preview

You can see some of the cards on tarotcielo.com – although due to piracy of my work, I can only show a few. At least, until/unless I get a deal

Another market I’ll be looking to with the deck is use of digital images for online and 900 line readers. Some of these readers use digital images of cards, but there are very few public-domain decks, and the commercial deck publishers are very strict about use of images from their published decks. For example, you couldn’t show a client images from Golden Tarot through online chat or by email without paying a usage fee to US Games Systems. And if you’re thinking that some of that will go to the deck creator, that’s not true in my case.

I think if I can create images that work well with online and phone readings, and if the reader knows that a payment (no matter how small) goes to the creator of the cards, then they’d respect that. That’s how the music industry is evolving. I have friends who sell their own tracks, for example through sites like Martian Music, and their fans will happily pay $1 a track rather than pirating the music, because they KNOW that most of that goes to the band. Digital rights are really empowering like that – you can use that more direct connection between artist and consumer to make a more fair deal for both. That’s an exciting for both creatives and consumers.

In particular, I think tarot people are concerned about fairness, karma etc. eg, ebay sellers email me to ask my permission before they list copies of the pirated German pre-US Games version of Golden Tarot. And if anyone tries to sell pirated versions or unapproved products related to Golden, immediately someone will recognize it and email me from my website. That sort of dedication and direct relationship with my fans has been there right since the beginning with Golden. I’m sorry if any of your listeners have emailed me and not got a reply. I always mean to, but there just aren’t enough hours in the day!

Hermit’s Journey with Bonnie Cehovet – Gold & Gilded Tarots

Welcome to the Hermit’s Journey. This is Bonnie Cehovet, and today I am going to be talking about a specific type of Tarot deck – those that fall into what I call the “Gold” or “Gilded” category. Sometimes these are viewed as art decks, sometimes as collectors items, and sometimes they are published as Special Editions of a regular Tarot deck. They all have one thing in common – they feature the color gold. This can be done through using the color to highlight different parts of a card, or it can be done through the application of gold foil. I adore the gold foil decks – but I absolutely dare someone to get a decent scan with them!

One of the decks that is unique unto itself in this category is the Golden Tarot, by Kat Black (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.). The imagery is a collage of artwork from the late Middle Ages and Early Renaissance, featuring the color gold prominently, along with the use of a gold border and a gold back to the cards. The most stunning feature of this deck, however, is the gilt card edges – when you take the top off of the box (which is one of the most elegant – and sturdy – Tarot boxes that I have ever seen!) the gilt edging transfixes you – it is so incredibly mesmerizing, you just want to sit there and look at it! Bravo Kat!

Gold Leaf Tarot Decks

	Golden Tarot of Klimt Golden Tarot of Klimt at Aeclectic Tarot
	Golden Tarots of the Pyramids The Tarot Garden Database: General Search
	Golden Tarot of the Renaissance Golden Tarot of the Renaissance at Aeclectic Tarot
	Golden Tarot of the Tzar Golden Tarot of the Tsar at Aeclectic Tarot
	Mantegna Tarot (silver foil) Mantegna Tarot at Aeclectic Tarot
	Nefertari’s Tarot Nefertari’s Tarot at Aeclectic Tarot
	Tarot of the Visconti Grand Trumps Tarot of Visconti Grand Trumps at Aeclectic Tarot
	Basara Gold Tarot The Tarot Garden Database: General Search
	Golden Botticelli Tarot The Tarot Garden: Upcoming Releases / Preorders
	I Tarochi Egizi (delux gold edition) The Tarot Garden Database: General Search
	Visconti Tarot Visconti Tarot at Aeclectic Tarot

Gold Editions

	Baroque Bohemian Cats Tarot The Baroque Bohemian Cats’ Tarot Gold Edition
	Golden Man Tarot The Tarot Garden Database: General Search
	Golden Rider Tarot Golden Rider Tarot at Aeclectic Tarot
	Golden Tarot Deck Golden Tarot of Deck at Aeclectic Tarot
	Medieval Scapini Medieval Scapini Tarot at Aeclectic Tarot
	New Century Tarot deck New Century Tarot at Aeclectic Tarot
	Stairs of Gold Tarot (aka Tavaglione Tarot) Stairs of Gold Tarot at Aeclectic Tarot
	Victorian Romantic Tarot (Gold Edition) The Victorian Romantic Tarot

William Wilde Zeitler

William Zeitler is a composer and professional musician. He has numerous published and commissioned works to his credit. A classically trained pianist, he earned his music degree from the California Institute of the Arts.

The Glass Armonica is the musical instrument invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1761. Said to be the invention that pleased him the most, Franklin’s Glass Armonica is a series of glass bowls mounted on a horizontal rod. Tapering in size, they are played like wine glasses as they spin.

William’s instrument is custom built and was a year in the making. It contains 44 glass bowls mounted on a hand crafted stand of cherry and oak.

4 Full album are available at www.williamzeitler.com

You can download the mp3s free of charge (click to play, right-click to save) with no copy-protection. If you like the albums you can purchase them or make a donation.

Music Credits

Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis

Play or Download the Episode

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

People consult Tarot for many different purposes, from business decisions to their personal life, or when faced with difficult decisions or situations. Sometimes recent events in their life may leave them feeling as if they have momentarily lost direction, or cannot see ahead clearly.

Josephine uses Tarot to provide guidance, in order that you, the person receiving the reading, can make better informed decisions and proceed with more confidence. The reading usually reflects what will happen if you proceed upon your existing path depending, to a certain extent, upon how far in motion events already are. If you don’t like where it’s heading then you can take active steps to make changes.

For Josephine Ellershaw, the Tarot has been a constant life companion on a personal journey that now spans three decades. She has provided guidance to others since her teens and professional consultations for more than fourteen years. Professionally she has many years of experience providing readings, healing, and metaphysical guidance to international clientèle.

She lives in North Yorkshire, England with her family and a large menagerie of pets, including waifs, strays and rescues.

Visit her website at: www.learn-tarot-cards.com

Easy Tarot

“You don’t need a special ‘gift’ to read tarot,” insists Josephine Ellershaw. And to prove it, she has boiled down thirty years of experience into a straightforward, easy-to-use tarot guide for beginners. More than just a manual, Easy Tarot is a boxed kit that also includes The Gilded Tarot–a stunningly beautiful and popular deck by the well known Ciro Marchetti.

Ellershaw gently guides novices to become proficient, sensitive, and responsible readers. Suit by suit, she introduces the distinct characteristics of the minor arcana, court cards, and major arcana. You will learn how the cards link to one another and produce insightful relationships as their unique energies merge in the Cross of Truth, the Celtic Cross, and other spreads. There is even a list of card combinations that commonly indicate specific events-such as pregnancy, a wedding, a new job, and more.

A quick guide to card meanings, sample readings, safeguards, ethical guidelines, as well as tips for keeping a tarot diary, are all covered in this well-rounded introduction to tarot.

Life Spread and Anchor

Josie shares a reading using the Life Spread and Anchor from her new book. Use these handouts to follow along. You might want to layout the cards yourself as well.

Life Spread		Anchor
2 of Cups IX The Hermit IV Temperance 9 of Swords 2 of Swords 10 of Swords XVII The Star 2 Pentacles XVIII The Moon Page of Pentacles XVI The Tower XV The Devil 8 of Swords XXI The World Ace of Wands Page of Wands Ace of Cups Queen of Swords 7 of Swords 10 of Wands 5 of Swords		Hanging Man The Star The Chariot Judgement The Magician The Devil The Lover

Tarot by the Numbers: The Fives by Ginny Hunt

Five’s in Tarot are hard. They depict loss, sadness, treachery, arguments, and difficult times. Or do they? See, that’s one of the problems with scenic pips, such as seen in the Rider Waite Smith decks and their generative offspring. Fives are complex and often only a few facets of this number can be illustrated on any given tarot card. The main thing to remember about the fives is this: Change. Sometimes change is difficult, which is why, I think, so many of the fives feature challenging scenes. But five really does encompass so much more than that.

Fives signify adventure, change, freedom, exploration, and expansion. It is the number of the curious, the experienced, the knowledge seeker and the knowledge teacher, the traveler, and the one with grand imagination who is child-like and playful. Huh? Five? Yes. The Major Arcana V is the Hierophant, the knowledge teacher, the experienced one who leads initiates into new experiences and exploration. While we don’t often see him as adventurous, he is the one who ushers fresh new minds and eyes into mysteries. He guides the adventures that bring change and growth. Often we see him as one too entrenched in rules and rigidity to possibly be someone who brings freedom, but he is the one who instructs and disciplines so that the mind and self can be free to explore new things. Think of it this way: if he teaches a person to read, then how much freer to explore is that person who once could not read books? See? There is a whole lot more to fives than you may have thought.

Five is the number of the human being. The human body forms a pentagon when arms and legs are out stretched. The pentagon is endless, sharing the symbolism of perfection and power of the circle. Five is a circular number as it produces itself in its last digit when raised to its own power. The number five symbolizes meditation, religion, and versatility. It represents the five senses (taste, touch, smell, sight, hearing). The five pointed star represents individuality, spiritual aspiration, and education. The planet associated in numerology with five is Mercury, the planet that rules commerce, education and communication. Leo is the natural ruler of the fifth house in astrology which has to do with one’s creative self-expression, pleasure and entertainment. It includes all forms of play, gambling, pastimes, hobbies, romantic relationships, lovers as opposed to partners, and one’s attitude towards having fun. This is where the playful and creative aspect of the number five comes in. This nuance of the five is seen primarily in the Five of Wands, but it can be considered when looking at the other suits as well. (read the full post)

Music Credits

Opening Music: time release by the Droney Tones.

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

Closing Music: Anchor by Flemming

Play or Download the Episode

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

One major venue for reading in for other people is events and parties. Ginny Hunt interviews me about doing this. It can be a great environment and you can reach a large number of people this way. There are a few things to consider and workout before you get started.

• How much to charge
• How many people you can read for
• How & When to Accept Payment
• Contracts & Invoices & Deposits
• What you need provided (Tables, Chairs)
• What to Bring

Small Tarot to Go Kit

• Attractive Box
• Tarot Deck
• Aromatherapy
• Tea light and Holder
• Business Cards
• Matches
• Sacred Object
• Post-It
• Pen
• Podcast Promo Card

Large Tarot to Go Kit

• Candles
• Clock
• Tissues
• Lighter
• Red Silk Cloth
• Golden Hand Candle Holder
• Purple Silk Wrap for Tarot Deck
• Tarot Deck
• Red Leather Box with Office Supplies
• Business Cards
• Paper
• Pen
• Aromatherapy
• (Add Water & Goblet)
• (Crystal Ball)

Hermit’s Journey with Bonnie Cehovet – Symbolism of the Hermit and Wheel of Fortune

Welcome to the Hermit’s Journey. My name is Bonnie Cehovet, and today we will be continuing 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 Hermit and the Wheel of Fortune. The major theme for the Hermit is that of doing inner work. His is a solitary path … that of self-learning. He represents individual effort, and the knowledge that comes as the result of such effort. The Hermit is the energy that we need to work with when we need to work alone. His tools are contemplation and individual effort.

… The theme for the Wheel of Fortune is that of cycles … universal cycles, and personal life cycles. It represents a life in constant movement, and the lessons learned … or not learned through our life experiences. The sphinx at the top of the wheel acts as the guardian of mysteries, asking us to put our wisdom to best use. It also represents a sense of equilibrium in life.

The snake at the outside edge speaks of kundalini energy, moving up through the chakra system to allow us to express our creative natures. The snake also speaks of renewal.

On the four corners of the wheel are symbols representing the four elements, and the four fixed signs of the Zodiac (Aquarius, symbolized by man; Scorpio, symbolized by an Eagle; Leo, symbolized by a Lion; and Taurus (represented by a Bull). They also represent the four winged Archangels … Raphiel, Gabriel, Michael, and Auriel.

The Terminator by Ginny Hunt

“All but Death, can be Adjusted—
Dynasties repaired—
Systems—settled in their Sockets—
Citadels—dissolved—
Wastes of Lives—resown with Colors
By Succeeding Springs—
Death—unto itself—Exception—
Is exempt from Change—”
-Emily Dickenson

What does that card image say to you? Hi, I’m Death, right? It’s all there, the human skeleton, the scythe, cutting a swath through the remnants of human affairs. The lives of noble and peasant alike laid waste: the artist, the scholar, the kings and queens, the laborer, all meet the same end. The great equalizer: Death. Is there anything in this image suggesting rebirth? Fun things on their way? I don’t see it, do you? Call me a party pooper, but Death means end, finale, termination. “Quoth the Raven, “Nevermore.” This card is from the Classic Tarot deck, a reproduction of a Milanese deck, dated 1835, but it’s a very typical, historically accurate portrayal of death symbolism in art since the early Middle Ages.

So why do so many tarot readers insist this card does not mean what it clearly portrays? That look of terror in a client’s eyes in the middle of a reading is one reason. Nothing can cast a pall over a for-entertainment-purposes-only tarot reading faster than having Joe Black make an appearance. Readers are quick to say, “Oh no, Death doesn’t mean literal death, it’s symbolic, you see, calm down…have a mint.” Soft-peddling death is a natural reaction. We don’t like death. It’s unpleasant. It hurts. It’s scary. However, no matter how you candycoat it, death represents an end. True, that end doesn’t have to be the literal end to someone’s life, but it certainly means an end to an aspect of someone’s life, be it a relationship, a career, a phase or way of life. It’s an ending that cannot be resisted, it’s going to happen, like it or not, and the attending grief likewise cannot be avoided. (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: Monkey Party by The Headroom Project from Cira a Doro (Magnatune)

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

Myths, legends… Each myth, each legend had a basis for beginning. To simply say, Ah it’s a legend, don’t believe it’s is a knee-jerk reaction.

It’s a mythtake in my opinion. A blind knee-jerk in the name of rationale.

Stating something is not true because it’s a legend, or a myth, may be as heinous as blindly accepting a myth or legend as fact.

In fact it may be worse.

Debunking myths blindly (Hey I bought my first deck and it didn’t affect me!) does few any favors; students find no wisdom in such lessons. You may very well obstruct growth by imposing your world view upon them as opposed to allowing students to find their own view.

For instance, why SHOULD someone be given his or her first deck? Does it make a difference? Will they be a better reader? Will the deck work better?

Without exploring the root of the myth your syllogism is fallacious. Or as we said as a kid, Are-Oh-En-Gee WRONG.

I really want to see folks stop simply stating, It’s a myth! Don’t believe it!

I used to be one of those folks. And I now know that my prior stance was wrong. I no longer hold those beliefs.

Myths have a root.

Fables and myths are what we use to describe what we don’t comprehend. They are our attempts to make the impossible possible.

Wisdom often lies in the undertones. That’s where we find truth.

Dan Pelletier

Dan Pelletier lives north of Seattle Washington with his wife of 22 years, Jan, his two cats, Spook and Pookha, and 32 rosebushes. He has been reading Tarot for himself and others for over thirty years.

Dan is also co-owner of The Tarot Garden, a highly respected resource for tarot decks and related information on the Internet. He has written articles appearing on the Tarot for Life website newsletter, Seeker’s Journey, and Tarot Passages; and has published interviews with deck creators on the tarotgarden.com website library.

Hermit’s Journey with Bonnie Cehovet – Symbolism of the Chariot and Strength

Welcome to the Hermit’s Journey. My name is Bonnie Cehovet, and today we will be continuing 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 Chariot and Strength. The major theme for the Chariot is that of independence and self-sufficiency. As the Charioteer, each of us attempts mental control over our emotional and physical selves. This is a card of challenge, of confidence, and of being prepared, of developing our innate skills. The Chariot is the final card in the first series of seven Trump cards, and indicates that the Fool, the one taking the journey, has emerged from this phase a victor.

In Tarot Symbolism, Robert V. O’Neill places the Chariot as symbolic of the body, the horses as symbols of human instincts, and the Charioteer as symbolic of the mind. The horses pulling in different directions indicate that duality is still present.

In The Tarot – History, Symbolism, and Divination, Robert M. Place notes that the chariot is the cubic stone, and the Charioteer is the spirit emerging from the stone.

In The Heart of the Tarot, Sandra Thomson speaks of the Charioteer’s shield, with the symbols of yoni and lingam (tantric sexual symbols) below the winged sun, showing that he has the power to move energy from the base chakra to the crown chakra at will. The Egyptian winged solar disc itself represents aspiration.

… From the Chariot, and the ending of the first third of the Fool’s journey, we move on to Strength, and the beginning of the second third of the journey. Strength is where we begin to refine our personalities. The theme of Strength
is that of dealing with contradictory emotions – of acknowledging them, and then either resolving them, or bringing them into some sense of balance. We exert control over our world by using the right form of strength at the right time.

The female figure in this card represents feminine spiritual energy. Her purpose is to tame the masculine energy of basic instincts and brute force.

Tarot by the Numbers: The Four’s by Ginny Hunt

I’ve always liked the number four. Not sure why, but I do. Fours have a certain nice sound to them and they’re orderly and you can pair it off into two two’s. It’s just a nice number. And it’s true that fours represent stability, orderliness, practicality, patience, responsibility and all those nice things, so it’s no wonder our dear Mr. Emperor of the Major Arcana is the supreme IV of Tarot. Fours are very solid and dependable, like a square. In fact, the word, “square” has come to mean things like “fair, proper, honest, and straightforward.” We say we got a “square deal” if it was an honest exchange, a “square meal” is a proper one and if you’ve won something, I hope you won it “fair and square.” (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: Only Begun by Artemis from Gravity (Magnatune)

Play or Download the Episode

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

Fairy Decks with Jeanette Roth

Jeannette Roth has been collecting and studying tarot decks for over 20 years, and has presented lectures on topics related to tarot evolution and imagery around the Midwestern U.S. for nearly 15 years. She is the co-owner of The Tarot Garden, which maintains the largest publicly-accessible database of 20th and 21st century tarot and cartomantic decks in the world.

The Faeries Oracle

Faries Oracle by Brian Froud © 2000 Simon & Schuster

Using the enchanted art of Brian Froud as your guide, enter into the wise and wonderful world of the faeries. The Faeries’ Oracle calls on sylphs, pans, gnomes — and, of course, faeries — to lead you on a delightful journey of adventure, discovery, and enlightenment that will illuminate the future and heal the heart and soul. This beautifully designed divination set contains everything you will need to explore this mysterious realm, including:

A complete deck of 66 radiant cards by Brian Froud featuring goblins, moon dancers, pixies, boggarts, and other faery folk we first met in Good Faeries/Bad Faeries

Mystic Faerie Tarot

Mystic Faerie Tarot by Barbara Moore & Linda Ravenscroft © 2007 LlewellynStep inside the enchanting world of the fey. Rich watercolor images by renowned artist Linda Ravenscroft capture the vibrancy and grace of faeries, sprites, elves, and nymphs in their lush gardens.Each suit tells a faerie tale as the nature spirits embark on magical adventures. A water nymph and wood elf learn that love is a gift not to be taken lightly, while a foolish faerie queen and her kingdom are nearly overtaken by a magical blue rose. These stories offer lessons and fresh insights in all matters of life, while remaining true to tarot archetypes.The Mystic Faerie Tarot kit includes a 288-page book that introduces tarot and describes the major and minor arcana in detail. Perfect for beginners, you’ll also find faerie-themed spreads to use, along with sample readings and a quick reference guide to the cards.

• Mystic Faerie Tarot (Deck Website)
• Linda Ravenscroft (Artist’s Website)
  
• Barbara Moore (Author’s Website)

Fairy Tarot

Fairy Tarot by Antonio Lupatelli © 2000 Lo Scarabeo
Distant relatives of the gnomes, the fairies are very playful beings who carry out naughty jokes at times. The fairies, however, also like to help humans in very practical ways like through these cards.The Fairy Tarot is actually enchanted: it allows reality to be confronted using a positive attitude, it helps play down all kinds of trouble and easily overcomes problems objectively. The suits reflect the Fairy lifestyle (Acorns, Hearts, Leaves, and Bells).

Fey Tarot

Fey Tarot by Laura Taun © 2002 Lo Scarabeo

The universe of the fey is seen here in powerful colours, expressing joy and happiness that grows card after card. With great attention given to the symbols and the divinatory structure, the fey move freely through cultures and mythology to bring life to an extraordinary world that enchants and fascinates.

Spirit of Flowers Tarot

Spirit of Flowers Tarot by Laura Taun © 2003 Lo Scarabeo

Fairies and little magicians peer out from the cards in this deck that pay homage to the celebrated Anglo-Saxon tradition of the “spirit children”. The charming illustrations combine the meaning of each flower with that of the arcana, the classical iconography of which is underlined by the floral choice.

Tarot of the Lepidopteran People

Tarot of the Lepidopteran People by Lynyrd Narcisco © 2005

The artists says this is a reflection of his personal interest in insects. Lepidopterans are butterflies and moths. It was created in the spirit of Tarot of the Cat People and those Faerie Decks. This is a 23 card deck. The extra card is unnumbered and titled “Lepidoptera”.

Interview with Barbara Moore

The tarot has been a part of Barbara Moore’s personal and professional lives for over a decade. She is the tarot specialist for Llewellyn Publications. She is a Certified Tarot Reader through the American Tarot Association and has spoken at tarot conferences around the United States. Barbara’s articles on the tarot have appeared in several tarot publications and in Llewellyn Publications New Worlds of Mind and Spirit magazine.

She has also sat on the Tarot Journal editorial board. Barbara’s own education in the tarot has been and continues to be broad and enlightening. She has studied under renowned tarot scholars Mary K. Greer and Rachel Pollack, and she has taught the tarot to all manner of would-be tarot readers.

RJ Stewart

Robert John (R J) Stewart was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He is known today as a composer, author, and teacher, with 40 books in publication, translated into many languages worldwide. R J Stewart’s series of books on the Underworld and Faery traditions (which he has restored and presented to the public almost single-handed over the last 20 years) have encouraged many people worldwide to work with these ancestral land-oriented spiritual paths. The Well of Light: From Faery Healing to Earth Healing contains a wealth of meditations, visions and ceremonies on earth-based spirituality, including unique material never before published.

Music Credits

Opening Music: time release by the Droney Tones.

Transition Music: The Fairy Rownde by Heringman from Holburns Passion (Magnatune)

Closing Music: The Fairy Queen by Da Camera from A Celtic Celebration (Magnatune)

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)

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

Ellen Lorenzi-Prince led a Portland Tarot Study Group session on creating Tarots and the Creative Process. Ellen Lorenzi-Prince has been a reader and teacher of Tarot for over 15 years. She is the artist and designer of the Tarot of the Crone, a sold-out, limited-edition deck, which will be coming back into print in 2007. She writes tarot-related articles, poetry, short stories and meditations for herself and for several online study groups, as well as for printed newsletters. Her latest tarot is Pandora’s Tarot, which can also be seen on her site.

Recommended Greek Sites

• theoi.com
• Perseus Project

Creating Life Spread by Ellen Lorenzi-Prince

This spread was presented at the San Francisco Bay Area Tarot Symposium, October 2002.

First focus on a creative work of yours. This work might be a tarot deck, a book, a relationship, or an identity.

1. The Calling

2. The Spirit 3. The Form

4. My Doubts 5. My Faith

6. Finding Depth 7. Adding Breadth

8. Inner Obstacle 9. Outer Obstacle

10. Starting Over

11. Inner Gift 12. Outer Gift

13. The Last Word

1. The Calling – What is your motivation? What is calling you, pushing you, pulling you to manifest this particular vision?

2. The Spirit – What is the spirit, the vision? What helps you connect with spirit, the genie behind the work? What desires or requires expression?

3. The Form – What is the form best suited to your vision? How might the spirit best be made manifest? What is the labor required?

4. My Doubts – What makes you doubt your vision? What denies you the right to your work and the rewards of your work?

5. My Faith – What makes you trust your vision? What helps you believe in yourself? How do you maintain flow through completion of the work?

6. Finding Depth – How much of yourself can you put into this work? How much emotion? What events of your past might illuminate your work?

7. Adding Breadth – How much of the world can you put into this work? Where can you find resources and inspiration outside of yourself?

8. Outer Obstacle – What are the habits and responsibilities that keep you from your work? How might they be overcome? How might they be changed?

9. Inner Obstacle – What shadows might rear their ugly heads during this work? What attitudes and emotions should you beware?

10. Starting Over – What needs rethinking? Where are you straying from your vision? Where might you need to abandon your vision?

11. Inner Gift – What strength and knowledge will you find upon completion of this work? How will continuing your work change you for the better?

12. Outer Gift – What rewards can you look forward to? How will continuing your work change your circumstance for the better?

13. The Last Word – Just what it says.

Tarot by the Numbers: The Three’s by Ginny Hunt

For some reason, three’s seem a little hard to grasp in Tarot. From the delightful Three of Cups to the painful Three of Swords, what do they have in common? It helps me to imagine a three-legged stool. From the tenuous decision-making and pondering of the two’s, something begins to manifest in the three’s. While a two-legged chair wouldn’t support one’s weight without tipping over, the addition of that third leg allows the seat to support something as solid as your posterior. While the type of manifestation is dependent upon the suit, what is common among the three’s is that first manifestation of something real, supportive, and true.

The Major Arcana each of the three’s echo is The Empress. This is related to her procreativity and abundance. She is the generative force behind bringing life and creation to fruition and the three’s each show a manifestation of that creative energy by the coming together of various elements in due measure. Astrologically, Jupiter and Venus are represented by the number three and Venus is the planet of The Empress as well. Venus rules our feminine side as well as relationships and the things we desire. Three’s also represent manifesting that which we desire through working with others, bringing things into relationship with one another to produce and create something. (read the full post)

Hermit’s Journey with Bonnie Cehovet – Comparative Tarot

Welcome to the Hermit’s Journey. My name is Bonnie Cehovet, and today we are going to be taking a look at reading with the Comparative Tarot technique. This technique was defined and made popular by Tarotist Valerie Sim, who was the founder the e-group Comparative Tarot, and the guiding light behind its companion site of the same name.

For those of you who might wish to join the Comparative Tarot e-group, it is currently under the ownership of Tarotist Teresa Michelson, and can be found a yahoogroups.com/group/comparativetarot. The Comparative Tarot can be found at www.comparativetarot.com.

Valerie also has a book out that discusses the Comparative Tarot method, entitled “Tarot Outside The Box” (ISBN #0738702773). This part of Llewellyn Publications “Special Topics In Tarot” series. (Slightly off topic – if anyone can tell me why they now have both ten digit and thirteen digit ISBN numbers – for the same product – I would really appreciate it!)

I am going to take a moment to talk a little bit about what the Comparative Tarot technique is, and then we are going to examine a three card reading, comparing the “Rider-Waite Tarot”, the “Gaian Tarot”, and the “Tarot of Dreams”.

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: Sunflower by Yongen from Moonrise. (Magnatune)

Play or Download the Episode

Download audio file (TarotConnectionEpisode45.mp3)