Poke It with a Stick
A toddler in the woods with a stick.
We can learn a great deal from observing young children. If you spend any time around them, you will notice how much they love sticks. And, when encountering something potentially interesting or unsavory, one child’s advice to another is usually to poke it with a stick.
Not sure what it is? Poke it with a stick.
Want to see if it’s alive? Poke it with a stick.
Is it gross? Poke it with a stick.
Wonder what’s on the other side of it? Poke it with a stick and turn it over.
This bit of childhood wisdom is actually great metaphoric advice for adults. We all love sticks. How many of us have a magic wand? Food always tastes best when it is cooked or served on a stick. We use sticks in many sports and games, as well as to play music. The toddler’s instinct to pick up a cool stick is on point. It’s the first of many cool sticks we will collect in life.
This metaphor reminds us to pick up and carry the tools we find along the way, just as my grandkids pick up sticks wherever we go.
When we confront something we are unsure about, we need to utilize our tools to gain a better understanding of it. We need to recognize the potential for danger and treat it with care. And, we need to use our tools to look deeply and explore what’s true under the surface.
I learn something, or am reminded of some wisdom, each time I see my grandkids. This past week, I was reminded of the real and metaphoric importance of sticks.
The StaarCon 5 Imagining of Pixie Arcana. Art and composition by Stacey Williams-Ng, backgrounds by Animix.
The StaarCorner
This week, we have a special event in the Meeting Hall Lounge on Accelevents for all StaarCon 5 ticketholders. Tomorrow, Thursday, August 21, at 7:00 pm ET, join Kim Scheurer, the Medium That Rocks, for a special evening of connections with ancestors and loved ones in Spirit. All attendees will receive a message.
Kim was a fantastic presenter at StaarCon 5. Her Friday session, “Spirit Stories: Friends in High Places”, was an inspiring exploration of how Spirit communicates with us. On Saturday and Sunday at StaarCon 5, Kim conducted “Spirit Circle: A Modern-Day Séance.” People were amazed, healed, and comforted by the messages they received. Tomorrow evening, you can experience the online version of Spirit Circle.
Make sure you watch Kim’s videos from StaarCon when you have a chance, and join her tomorrow evening to experience something that is literally out of this world.
Kim Scheurer speaks at StaarCon 5.
A woman holds a deck of tarot cards to prepare for a reading.
Poke It with a Stick Tarot Spread
Here is a spread to try when you encounter a feeling, opportunity, event, or situation that you want to better understand.
Card One: What ‘stick’ (tool, technique) can I use to explore this safely?
Card Two: Is it alive? How much power or motion does this have in my life?
Card Three: What does this feel like?
Card Four: Is there something unsavory, unsafe, or unpleasant here?
Card Five: What can I learn from poking this?
Card Six: How should I observe and interact with this in a safe way?
Exploring the Major Arcana Live Webinar - Tuesday, August 19th @ 7 pm.
The Week in Review
If you missed last night’s class, Exploring the Major Arcana, please watch the replay.
On Monday, August 25, at 6 pm ET, members of my YouTube channel are invited to join me as I record the TarotScopes for September live. I will do some readings after the TarotScopes are finished. Be the first to get a peek at your September and get a bonus reading!
From Around the Web
This past Sunday, many of South Florida’s divination community gathered to celebrate Mary Ellen Collins as she prepares to move from West Palm Beach to Tulsa. Mary Ellen will continue to be an essential member of our StaarCon community. Mary Ellen was one of my first tarot friends when I moved to South Florida and will remain one of my most beloved friends and colleagues.
The opportunity to gather with our local diviners, including several StaarCon presenters and volunteers, reminded me of how lucky and grateful I am to be part of such a vibrant local community of diviners here in South Florida.
We will miss seeing Mary Ellen in person, but we will stay in touch with her online. She will remain available for sessions, so be sure to check out her website.
Mary K. Greer asked ChatGPT about the future of tarot. Here is what it said.
Avery Hart teaches you to make a traditional magic wand.
A group of friends hiking in the woods.
Communities
Wherever you live and regardless of your level of physical ability, you can usually find free and low-cost opportunities to gather with people and enjoy nature together. Near where I live, there are regular opportunities for community midnight canoe paddles, yoga on paddleboards, and beach cookouts.
Whatever your local landscape has to offer, there are probably ways to enjoy it within community. Meetup, Eventbrite, and Facebook Events are all great places to find events where you can explore nature and make new friends. While you are there, you may find a good stick!
Unseen hands leafing through a calendar.
Upcoming Events
Christiana Gaudet and Author and StaarCon Volunteer Latrell R. Morris at StaarCon 5.
About Christiana Gaudet
Card and Craft, Inc.
Southeastern Tarot Artists and Readers, LLC.
Christiana Gaudet
770 SE Indian Street Suite 10
Stuart, Florida 34997-5604
Locations in Port Saint Lucie, West Palm Beach, and Stuart, Florida!
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
TikTok @christianagaudettarot
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 are available almost everywhere!
Call toll free 866-99TAROT (866-998-2768)
For business or agent inquiries, call 772-301-0232
For appointments, call or text 561-655-1160
Schedule Appointments, Mentoring Sessions, or Purchase Gift Certificates Online!
Schedule your private reading or mentorship session, or purchase gift certificates at https://christiana-gaudet.as.me.
Agent inquiries are welcome.
Tarot Topics Newsletter
Volume 8 Issue 34
August 20, 2025
Christiana Gaudet Your Tarot Fairy Godmother banner.
Join us for "Autumn Arcana Class Three: Spread the Word!" on December 16, 7-8:30 pm at W Executive Suites, Stuart, FL. Discover ways to perform a tarot reading.