Often at the tarot table the energy of creativity is very apparent in a person’s cards. For those who write, sing, dance, paint, draw, decorate, or craft, this is a no-brainer.

Occasionally, though, I will see the energy of creativity strongly in someone who does not see it in themselves. What becomes clear is that the person is a creative problem-solver. We do not often think about problem-solving as a creative endeavor, but it certainly is. Solutions do not typically create themselves; we must create them.

Life is full of problems big and small. Some problems must be endured, others can be mitigated, some can be fully resolved.  Whatever the possible options, creativity can help us reframe difficulties, find resources, pull in helpful people, arrange logistics, execute quick recoveries, and do whatever else is necessary.

An important part of creative problem-solving is flexibility. The more rigid we are in our thinking, the less able we are to see the creative way forward.

I often think of the willow tree as a metaphor for this. Willows bend in the storm to survive. We must do the same thing. We must bend to avoid breaking. We must turn toward what will support us, and away from what does not.

Another ingredient in creative problem-solving is the ability to find inspiration in the face of challenge. When we approach problems in life as an artist approaches a canvas, we find inspiration to carry on, to fix what is broken, and to work around an obstacle.

Flexibility and inspiration in the face of challenge will always allow us to find the creative solutions we need.

The StaarCorner

We are getting excited for StaarCon 2022, to be held in person in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and online on Accelevents. StaarCon will be held January 21 through 23, followed by a thirty-day ‘Afterglow’ when recordings of classes, and a few live events, will be available on the Accelevents site for all ticketholders.

At my very first tarot conference in the late 1990s I had the pleasure of meeting author and deck designer Diane Wilkes. I am very excited that Diane will be presenting at StaarCon 2022. Diane will be leading us in a workshop on tarot journaling. This is a very important topic for tarot beginners and experienced readers alike. Please plan on joining us for StaarCon 2022!

YouTube Channel Members-Only Livestream

I do many livestreams on my YouTube channel. Weekly livestreams feature live readings for viewers. Monthly livesteams feature tarot classes and meetups. All of these events are free, and open to anyone who wants to join us, either live or in replay.

On September 14 at 7 pm I will host an hour-long livestream that is available only to members of my YouTube channel. This event will focus on some deep-dive readings that will allow members to experience a live reading, and, at the same time, to learn some advanced tarot reading techniques.

The livestream and the replay will be available to members at all three levels, Aces, Stars and Suns.

Problem Solving Tarot Exercises

Are you looking for a creative solution? Here are some things to do with your tarot cards to help you find one.

First, is the solution a new perspective, a fix, or a mitigation? Pull one card for each of those possibilities and see what you learn.

Next, pull cards in answer to these questions.

What, exactly, is my challenge at the moment?

How can I be flexible in dealing with this challenge?

How can I find inspiration in this challenge?

The Week in Review

I am pleased to be a nominee in the World Divination Association Awards, in the “Best Tarot Reader” category. Voting is happening now through September 15. Please cast your vote for me today!

The Autumn edition of the Cartomancer is out. I am pleased to have contributed an article entitled, “Your Tarot Friends are Your Best Friends”. You can order your copy of the Cartomancer as a digital ezine, or as a printed magazine.

Now that I have completed my tours, I have resumed my regular schedule of live appearances on my YouTube channel. I will hope to see you there!

From Around the Web

The New Moon in Virgo happened this Monday. Theresa Reed has tarot readings for each zodiac sign.

Do not use this link if you are uncomfortable with off-color language! Interrobang Tarot has “Salty Tarot Spreads for Chaos and Plague”.

Here are twenty-five creative problem-solving questions.

Cards for Your Consideration

My favorite card for finding solutions is Temperance. This is because, in this card, the angel is literally creating a solution! I like to think about the two meanings for ‘solution’ and what they have in common. Within that thought process I find my understanding for Major Arcana 14, Temperance.

However, when I think of creative problem-solving, the card that I like to consider is the Seven of Swords.

The Seven of Swords often gets a bad rap, as it is known as ‘The Thief’s Card’. The Seven of Swords can speak of dishonesty, treachery, and theft.

Yet, the Seven of Swords can also speak of necessary craftiness; the sort of craftiness that is paramount when we endeavor to find creative solutions. Sometimes we need to try something that is a bit unorthodox to get the results we need, given the constraints of the situation at hand.

Years ago, while on a road trip in a very old Valiant, the car developed a radiator leak. Our creative solution was to get lots of pepper from fast food restaurants to put into the radiator. This allowed us to drive all the way across the country before we had to get the repair work done.

Of course, this was not the best way to handle such a situation. Yet, it worked for us, and was the best we could do at the time. This is a great example of a Seven of Swords solution.

Upcoming Events and Tours

Card and Craft Academy

Classes presented by Christiana are available right now at Card and Craft Academy!

Christiana’s Candle Magick
Christiana’s Eleven-Card Celtic Cross
Finding Meaning in the Minor Arcana
The Major Arcana, Magical and Mundane
Practical Tarot Techniques
Psychic Tarot
Personal Tarot: Reading for Yourself
Sharing Wisdom: Reading for Others
The Meaning and Magic of Tarot Reversals
Journey Through the Major Arcana
Your Journey Through the Minor Arcana: Numbers, Elements and Truth
Tarot Beyond the Veil
Your Journey Through the Tarot Court
Tarot Stories, Trends, and Blends
Tarot Readings for Personalities and Relationships
Clarity in Every Tarot Card
Tarot Flow Workshop
Making Magick with Tarot
Fearless Wisdom Tarot Workshop
Tarot Keywords and Interpretations Workshop

Catch up on your missed Zoom webinars and more!
cardandcraftacademy.com

About Christiana Gaudet

Card and Craft, Inc.

Christiana Gaudet

3559 SW Corporate Parkway
Palm City, Florida 34990-8152

On the web www.christianagaudet.com
Online classeswww.cardandcraftacademy.com
StaarCon information www.staarcon.com

Private telephone, Skype, FaceTime and in person readings and instruction are available by appointment.

Tarot parties at your home or office are available throughout Florida.

Call or text toll free 866-99TAROT (866-998-2768)
Palm City 772-301-0232
or call or text 561-655-1160
for more information or to schedule your event.

Agent inquiries are welcome.

Tarot Topics Newsletter
Volume 4 Issue 36
September 8, 2021