13. March 2012 · 15 comments · Categories: blog · Tags: , ,

If you do Tarot readings (or any intuitive work, for that matter), you will most certainly have a session that goes south. This is how you dig out. Enjoy “When A Read Goes South” from my ebook, The Reluctant Tarot Reader: Adventures in the Gypsy Trade.

 ∞

Sometimes there will be the occasional client who throws you off your game.

This is a good thing.

I gave a session the other day to a new client. As she shuffled and spread a Celtic Cross (a slightly different sequence than this example, but you get the idea), I felt pretty confident. As she turned over the cards, I zoomed in on each one, crafting the story, getting a grip on the situation.

At least what I thought was the story and situation.

The way I “read” is a witches’ brew of intuition, card knowledge, stream-of-consciousness, stories and when appropriate, an off-color joke and occasional swear to spice it up.

Usually I prefer to start rolling without too many comments from the client. So, I rolled with this particular session and thought that she was right there with me.

But something wasn’t right, even with her regular nods. I could feel it. More »

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.

23. February 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: blog · Tags: , ,

Peanut Butter Pentacles Cookies (via The Domestic Diva, a.k.a. “The Chef”). They’re gluten-free, too and SO yummy!

My Tarot 101 class is gonna love ‘em!