Who’s In Control?

08. March 2012 · 7 comments · Categories: blog · Tags: , , ,

Raven, do the Tarot cards control us? Or do we control the cards?

This is the most popular question in my Tarot classes. Who’s in control?

An excellent question, and one with many layers.

Unless you are the lucky few who grew up with openly psychic mothers/grandmothers, etc…you were more than likely taught to fear the Tarot. Perhaps the fear came through dismissal or scorn. Poo-pooing any magic that wasn’t a white rabbit or found in a horror movie.

Maybe it wasn’t Tarot, per se. Maybe it was fear of the devil, death, the occult or someone of a different skin color. Taught what was different or strange had some type of power over you.

Why are we taught such things? Where is the curiosity?

Where is the trust and faith in our own being?

The Tarot is a tool — just like religious texts, music or a math book. Transformative to some, indifferent to others. I see the Tarot as a good friend who guides me. Sometimes I listen. Other times, not.

When I bring a situation to the cards, the Tarot reflects that emotion – which can be terrifying or exhilarating because I already know in my gut. I just may not have a clear answer. The Tarot points and says, “Look over here, Raven. Then over there. Consider this. You may want to re-think that.”

That voice, that reflection, is my intuition. I choose whether or not to trust it.

The cards never lie, unless we are lying to ourselves.

If it’s too heavy and I can’t get a clear reading, then I’ll consult trusted friends and advisors to help me tune in. You may be tremendously intuitive — but there is nothing wrong with asking for help. In fact, it’s very honorable.

In full disclosure mode, I don’t believe that I walk through this world alone. I have always felt tremendous strength even when desolate. I do believe that I am guided by unseen energies — whether it be my ancient Self or beings in other dimensions who assist.  (Of course, let’s not forget the people on Earth who have been more than willing to help, when I’ve allowed.)

The Tarot is one of those helpers, as was the Bible when I was a Christian. They gave comfort and wisdom.

And like any tool, they can be used to aid or manipulate. Our choice.

Do I believe that the Tarot has control over me? No. It’s all in how willing I am to listen.

__________

Are you drawn to the Tarot but don’t really know how to read the cards? Take my Tarot 101 class in Vermont. You’ll love it! 4 students. 90 minutes. Gain the confidence to read a basic Tarot spread.

Pyramid Wellness dates: Monday, 3/12, 5:30-7pm (3 seats left) -or- Sunday, 3/18, 3-4:30pm

Peace of Paradise date: Saturday, 3/24, 10-11:30am (3 seats left)

See my Classes page for all the details.

Vintage Shivaya: Rest Easy, Healer

13. February 2012 · 7 comments · Categories: blog · Tags: , , ,

{It’s a common thing in my world to see healers who are beginning to fray. Sore arms, tired ears, bored faces. It’s crucial to give ourselves plenty of time to rest and rejuvenate. As I said to the Chef this weekend, if I don’t take a day, I’ll never take a day. There will always be some type of work waiting for me. I need to take a day and not do a thing. No clients, no social media. Just a full day of pure laziness and fun. As you read “Rest Easy, Healer”, I hope the same for you.}

____________________________

Often I’m asked: how do I become more intuitive? How can I stay connected?

It’s very easy.

Rest.

There’s nothing more important for a healer.

Rest from that visionary mind. Rest from that loving heart that always wants to soothe. Rest from frantic. Rest from the need to save. Rescue. Help.

Rest from planning. Rest from the need to know. Rest from all of the questions swirling around that seeking soul.

We are taught a false value in “working hard”, as if toiling to the point of exhaustion is something to be honored.

Release yourself from that back-breaking illusion. You can’t save anyone, healer. You can’t rescue anyone.

The true value is in renewal.

Want to be successful in this work? Love yourself enough to rest. Give yourself permission to sleep in. Play. Indulge.

That means: napping, sitting still, doing nothing, daydreaming, sipping a hot cup of tea, getting a glorious massage. It does not necessarily mean prayer or meditation — but if that works for you, go for it.

There are challenging times ahead this year — and your full capacities will be called upon.

So, soothe yourself. Love that sensitive, dignified heart.

Rest.

It’s one the easiest ways to stay connected.

— essay from The Reluctant Tarot Reader: Adventures in the Gypsy Trade.

Can A Reader Read Themselves?

08. February 2012 · 8 comments · Categories: blog · Tags: , , ,

Peggy over at my Facebook page asked a noggin-stimulating question yesterday:

When engaging in the intuitive arts, is our often compromised ability to intuit properly in our own lives a function of our professional life or is it an opportunity to let our peers assist? Or is it an opportunity to read ourselves the way we read others?

I’ve often been asked this question by curious clients. Can a reader read themselves?

Well, yes. But what is required is total honesty and a complete openness to the answer, whatever it may be.

Try doing that when you’re angry, or heartachey or craving someone or something. It can prove difficult, but not impossible.

I see the Tarot as a wonderful guide through life, and our friendship stretches back over a decade. However, sometimes I’m not willing to hearing what this particular friend has to say. And all the “clarifying” cards in the world will only take me back to the truth. The truth I already know.

My suggestion? Make reading cards a daily practice, even if it’s a one-card throw. This will help deepen your knowledge and intuition. But when you’re cloudy-headed and embroiled in emotional dramas, you may want to consult the cards through another reader. It gives the objective distance that’s needed to see clearly.

Let’s face it: if we are even remotely intuitive, the answer is already given. It is somewhere in our hearts. It just may take time for the rest of our being to reach it and we may need a reminder through another psychic.

I have a few trusted friends/advisors that I regularly turn to. This helps me open up and unburden myself. As I’m a secretive type, this has never been easy for me — but I’ve learned that when I share my struggles, my intuitive powers grow even stronger. This is because of the energy that moves between us as we work through the issue. It’s shared illumination.

But you may be the type that doesn’t want to involve others. The Tarot community is rather small and it’s understandable that you may have reservations. My suggestion is to use another modality. Try the Runes or the I Ching. Both have sword-like qualities that cut through bullshit very quickly. I use the Kwan Yin Book of Changes (a feminist re-write of the I Ching) and the Runes.

What I love about the Runes and the I Ching? You can ask the question in 100 different ways, but you’ll come right back to the beginning. After a couple of times, it’s almost as if they say, “Enough asking!” I’m so familiar with the Tarot that I can keep pulling until I grow frustrated, but the Runes or the I Ching will close themselves up.

Remember, the beauty of the Tarot is in showing us that life is very malleable. It’s not about anticipating “bad news” when you ask for the truth, but understanding that the Tarot helps us see beyond our self-imposed limitations in both reader and client alike.

What do you think? Can a reader read themselves?

_________________

p.s. Want to learn the Tarot? I’m teaching a Tarot 101 class twice this month at Pyramid Wellness in Rutland, VT on 2/23 and 2/25. I’ll also be teaching Tarot 101 on Sat. 3/3 at Peace of Paradise in Chester, VT. This is the perfect class for anyone who wants to learn how to “throw” cards!

« Older articles