Downtime
The modern word ‘downtime’ was coined to describe time when machines, especially a computer, is unavailable for use. In the United States, we also use that same term to describe time that people take to relax.
When speaking about computers, downtime is undesirable.
When speaking about humans, downtime feels undesirable because we are not getting things done.
But people are not machines.
We require rest, recreation, and even time to stare into space and daydream.
We sometimes call the novels we read, and the trash television we watch our ‘guilty pleasures’.
What would happen if we normalized not feeling guilty for taking some downtime?
All people need downtime. It seems to me that creative people and intuitive people especially need to take that mental space to ponder. Sometimes it feels good and necessary to simply empty the head of productive thought for a few moments. Some of our best ideas and solutions come when we aren’t trying to be brilliant.
During the holiday season we are often extra-busy. Yet, we often have some vacation time at this time of year as well. Perhaps it is not only okay, but beneficial, to spend some of that time on the couch, or in bed, or being idle wherever we are most comfortable.
The Biblical book of Proverbs provides us with the concept that the devil finds work for idle hands to do.
I believe that creating time when our minds are not busy allows the angels to bring us some healing and inspiration, often when we least expect it, but need it most.
The StaarCorner
Did you know that the StaarCast Variety Show is available as a podcast from your favorite podcast platform? You can also enjoy the StaarCast Variety Show in video on YouTube.
While you are there, subscribe to our YouTube channel and see interviews with StaarCon presenters past and present.
Episode 4 of the StaarCast Variety Show has just dropped. This episode features a discussion of the Fool with Ciro Marchetti, and panel discussion on favorite tarot books, and a classic tarot spread for you to learn. Watch Episode 4, or get it from your favorite podcast platform.
StaarCon 2023 is now literally just weeks away! Get your ticket to join us in person or online, for one day, two days, or for the full three-day conference.
Practice and Recreation
Most spiritual practices encourage daily and/or weekly times of personal devotion. There are many daily spiritual tarot practices that include divination, meditation, study, and manifestation with the cards.
If you don’t have a daily or weekly tarot practice, you might consider committing to one for 2023.
Beyond our spiritual devotional practices, tarot can also be something we play with during our downtime.
One of the things I love about tarot is that it is as deep as the ocean, but also can be as light as a cloud. We can play with tarot as easily as we can study it and find deep meaning within it.
How do we play with tarot?
We can enjoy lighthearted readings on our own, and with friends.
We can find tarot images that appear in our world throughout the day. For example, you might see a person or an animal in a particular stance and be reminded of a certain card. Or you may hear a song that reminds you of a card. Then you can consider what meaning that card might have for you in that moment.
We can make up stories about tarot characters. We can use tarot cards to illustrate classic stories and poems. We can create a tarot card by drawing, or by using collage.
There are many ways to have fun with tarot, just as there are many ways to use tarot for deep personal growth and spiritual knowledge.
The Week in Review
This week I started a new interview series on my YouTube channel entitled “Who Reads Tarot?”
The concept is to present people who work with tarot who are inspiringly different from the stereotypes that surround tarot and tarot readers. My first interview is with Katie Condo. Check it out!
Did you catch our livestream YouTube tarot keyword class on Monday? You can watch the replay!
From Around the Web
Metro has an end-of-year tarotscope for each of the twelve signs. Discover what life lessons you learned in 2022!
What happens when superheroes, video games and tarot collide? It seems that tarot is increasingly finding its way into pop culture!
Theresa Reed, the Tarot Lady, has a fabulous holiday gift list for all your favorite people!
Guidance on the Journey
Which tarot cards might talk about taking time for oneself, or for needing some rest, or some downtime?
The Four of Swords is the most obvious choice as a card that discusses rest, recovery, and retreat.
The Hermit can certainly advocate taking alone time.
The Three of Cups can advise recreation with friends.
Any reversed Wand card can speak of a need to recharge.
When we think of downtime spent in a delightful environment, while at ease with the world, I like to consider the Nine of Pentacles. In this card, the subject is alone, content with her surroundings and her activities.
Which cards speak of downtime to you?
Upcoming Events
Card and Craft Academy
Classes presented by Christiana are available right now at Card and Craft Academy!
Christiana’s Eleven-Card Celtic Cross
Finding Meaning in the Minor Arcana
The Major Arcana, Magical and Mundane
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
Your Journey Through the Tarot Court
Tarot Stories, Trends, and Blends
Tarot Readings for Personalities and Relationships
Fearless Wisdom Tarot Workshop
Tarot Keywords and Interpretations Workshop
Tarot Spreads Tools and Techniques Workshop
Tarot for Magic and Mediumship
Tarot Communication for Clarity and Depth
Weaving the Tarot Reading Story
Minor Arcana Numbers, Elements, and Truth
Create and Interpret Custom Tarot Spreads
What the Court Cards Want You to Know
How Spirit Speaks Through Tarot
Catch up on your missed Zoom webinars and more!
cardandcraftacademy.com
About Christiana Gaudet
Card and Craft, Inc.
Southeastern Tarot Artists and Readers, LLC.
Christiana Gaudet
3559 SW Corporate Parkway
Palm City, Florida 34990-8152
Email cgaudet@cardandcraft.com
On the web www.christianagaudet.com
Online classes www.cardandcraftacademy.com
StaarCon information www.staarcon.com
Private telephone, Skype, FaceTime, Zoom and in person readings and instruction are available by appointment.
Tarot parties at your home or office are available throughout Florida.
Zoom parties and group instruction available almost everywhere!
Call toll free 866-99TAROT (866-998-2768)
Palm City 772-301-0232 x102
or call or text 561-655-1160
for more information or to schedule your event.
Schedule online at cardandcraft.10to8.com.
Agent inquiries are welcome.
Tarot Topics Newsletter
Volume 5 Issue 50
December 14, 2022