23. July 2011 · 6 comments · Categories: blog · Tags: ,

A client recently commented: “Raven, we clients may think we know you because of working so intimately together but we probably don’t.”

This is somewhat of an accurate assessment. It’s important to let the session be about you and you only. When appropriate, I share stories but it isn’t that often. The last thing you need is a self-indulgent Tarot reader.

These lists are kind of inane but if you’ll indulge me, here are 10 things you don’t know about your Tarot reader:

1. I used to own a steel gray 750 Yamaha Virago with very loud pipes for years and zoomed around NYC on it. Taking on taxis, going over the Brooklyn Bridge at night and winding through FDR traffic was one of the most thrilling, coolest things I’ve ever done. It’s even more cool recalling it 10 years later, though I’d prefer a BMW or Audi convertible now.

2. I have two cats: A and Z. A is 18 1/2 year old orange and white tabby from Colorado. A demanding, loveable lump. Z is around 15 and a gray part-Siamese street cat from Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Total diva. They are very well-travelled and I’m starting to think that they are immortal. They are completely spoiled and truly little monsters who run my life.

3. I’ve lived in 8 states, numerous cities and 20+ different spaces. I’ve travelled through nearly every state and have gone cross-country twice. I’ve been to France, England, Italy, the Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Canada, Mexico. Rome was by far my favorite city as I chased down Caravaggio. Venice was truly magical beyond words. Loved the ancientness of Mexico.

4. I was in Paris the night Diana died and also New York during 9/11. I seem to be in places where the world irrevocably changes in a day. I’m starting to think that this isn’t a coincidence.

5. Most think I’m a vegetarian. I’m a conscious omnivore, gluten-free and strictly organic. I’m kind of high-maintenance that way. I drink little alcohol and you’ll find me at very few parties. Great restaurants, however? Bring it. I live for my morning cup of French Press coffee (organic, of course).

6. The world speaks to me every day. Really. I see faces in trees; birds dip their wings my way; flowers speak to me. The older I get, the more magical the world becomes. Her treasures open because She knows that I love her. Deeply, madly, truly.

7. I can be a charming extrovert in public but see myself more as a shy observer. I need many hours to dream and contemplate — away from humans. I truly do love my own company and have made friends with my loneliness.

8. I’m naturally athletic and strong. I’m not one for carrying regrets but do wish that I hadn’t let a bitchy nemesis intimidate me to stay away from sports through high school. I would have been a star athlete (I coulda been a contendah…)

9. I wore skirts from 7th grade until the day I graduated from Christian school. I avoid them at all costs now.

10. I have visions of future world events, people I love and conversations with the “dead” in my dreams. I rarely speak of them. Don’t want to sound like a kook. I mean, really.

And there you have it.

01. July 2011 · 7 comments · Categories: blog · Tags: , ,

3 of Wands.

The Lovers.

Page of Cups.

Good start. Very good.

“So,” she said, leaning forward. “What do you see?” Her cheeks flushed a gentle pink and I could tell that somewhere, she held a breath. Her attempt at calmness didn’t fool me.

Young love, I thought. So sweet. More »

02. September 2010 · Comments Off · Categories: blog · Tags: , , , , , , ,

I asked my heart what she wanted this morning. Truly. I said, “Heart, what do you want?”

A word to the wise: only ask your heart if you’re ready for an answer. Because she will. It may take time, but she will. Again and again and again.

As I sat in my “dreaming chair” (a weathered Adirondack overlooking the mountains) and sipped green tea, I was the perfect picture of crunchy happiness in the early morning. I waited.

It didn’t take long. The usual suspects came first. Love. A girlfriend. An easy flow. A rockin’ business.

While they were nice answers, I grew suspicious. This was starting to sound all too familiar. I knew that voice –my chatty Gemini mind. But I patiently listened until she was through, went inside, put on my bathing suit and read this. Then I drove down to the river.

As soon as my feet touched water, that’s when my heart opened up. And man, did she speak. More »