Giving Presence
A woman is meditating while wrapping gifts.
There can be a lot of pressure to buy and do this time of year. Shopping, gift-giving, fancy meals, and decorating give the season fun and meaning. Yet, sometimes, we don’t have the time, money, or energy to create impressive holiday experiences for the people around us.
The holidays arrive nonetheless, whether or not we feel ready and able.
A reminder that gives me tremendous comfort each year is a story from my own family. One holiday season, when our kids were in elementary and middle school, we were short on cash. We were unable to buy the usual treasure trove of trendy toys. Instead, we purchased a few highly desired items and filled out the package count with classic games, playing cards, and craft items. We spent the holiday break playing games, eating popcorn, and making crafts.
Unbidden, both kids told us this was their best Christmas ever.
They didn’t miss the fancy toys. They were thrilled that we spent time together as a family instead. Our presence mattered more than presents would have.
This is important to remember at this time of year and always.
We want to help when friends and family members are going through a hard time. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is hold space for their suffering. What does that mean? It means being present for them, seeing and hearing them. It means remembering that they are suffering and giving them grace when that suffering is unpleasant. We hold space by being present and being mindful of the moment.
It is important to remember that we are valued, and our presence makes a difference. Sometimes, we need to be present for ourselves, to cut ourselves slack and give ourselves a break.
This week, when thinking about the presents we will give, let’s also think about how we can be present for others and ourselves. Remember that time is a gift, and meaning can come from a moment as easily as from a lovely light display.
The StaarCon Fairy for 2024 by Ciro Marchetti.
The StaarCorner
We are super excited to welcome María Luisa Salazar back to StaarCon! María Luisa teaches and writes about tarot in both English and Spanish.
She is the author of the book Tarot el Puente Entre las Mentes, in English, Tarot, the Bridge Between Minds.
She offers tarot readings and instruction from her business, Los Misterios del Tarot, in Lima Perú, and produces videos for her YouTube channel.
María Luisa will be joining us in person in West Palm Beach.
At StaarCon 2024, María Luisa will teach a practical class on the tarot readings we do about love and romance.
StaarCon presenter María Luisa Salazar.
Seasonal decorations and tarot cards.
Finding Presents with Tarot
As much as it is important to be present for the people we care about, we will also likely be buying or making them some presents.
Finding the right gift for a special person can be a challenge. Why not let tarot help? This can be a fabulous exercise to help you stretch the way you understand the cards. And it might give you a great gift idea!
Think of the person you want to give a gift to and ask the cards for a gift idea. Pull one card and interpret it in this context. Have fun and be imaginative!
Here are some examples.
The Eight of Wands might suggest that your gift recipient is a speed demon – perhaps the right gift is a new bike, running shoes, or a ticket to NASCAR.
The Page of Swords might suggest your recipient is a writer. They may like a unique journal or a nice pen.
Temperance might suggest you buy a gift for someone who likes to cook.
The World might tell you that your friend would enjoy gardening supplies or a plant.
The possibilities are endless.
Close-up of a woman pulling a tarot card.
The Week in Review
Join me on my YouTube channel tonight for a free tarot class about reversed cards. The link will take you to the live class at 7 pm ET, or to the replay after.
TarotScopes for December will be available on my YouTube channel and TikTok this week.
If you are nearby, join us for our monthly tarot meetup this Sunday at 4 pm at Panera Bread in Palm City.
From Around the Web
Every month, The Tarot Lady, Theresa Reed, gives us her Hit List. Every December, that includes her holiday gift list for the tarot lover in your life.
Those who celebrate Christmas know that Advent is beginning. Here is a lovely tarot spread for Advent from Angelorum.
Did you know that some of our favorite StaarCon exhibitors are on Etsy? Find gifts for your loved ones, including unique holiday ornaments, from The Giant’s Forge.
Close-up of tarot cards with a focus on Two of Swords.
Creation and Divination
When I think about being present and holding space, I often consider the Swords cards in the Minor Arcana of tarot.
The Swords cards are associated with the element of Air. In Western metaphysics, we see the element of Air as related to the powers of the mind. This suit teaches us to cultivate inner qualities like equanimity, conscience, self-awareness, and inner peace.
The Two of Swords has the word ‘peace’ as a keyword. This often confuses tarot students, who think of the Two of Swords simply as a card of decision-making. One of the important things I see in this card is the tension between the voice of the head and the voice of the heart.
Here is a poem I wrote about the Two of Swords.
The Two of Swords
Peace is a balance kept
In balance and
Not without risk.
The heart knows, but wants anyway.
It should not make these decisions.
Sometimes, the heart speaks,
But should not be heard.
Once unheard, the heart may resort
to screaming, and then fall
silent.
In that silence,
There is peace.
Upcoming Events
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
Tarot Spreads Tools and Techniques Workshop
Tarot for Magic and Mediumship
Tarot Communication for Clarity and Depth
Weaving the Tarot Reading Story
The Elemental Major Arcana
Minor Arcana Numbers, Elements, and Truth
Personal Healing with Tarot
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!
Krysten Barnes, Christiana Gaudet, Mercedes Vasquez, Melissa Grosso at StaarCon 2023.
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
YouTube @YourTarotFairyGodmother
Instagram @christianatarot @staarcon
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 6 Issue 48
November 29, 2023
Christiana Gaudet Your Tarot Fairy Godmother banner.
