Tarot News blog has news and information of interest to the tarot community.
Downtime
We all need a break. We all need time to ourselves. We so often feel guilty for taking the time we need. This holiday season, let's not feel guilty for our 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
The Gifts We Share
We all have innate gifts and talents which we must develop, and share with others.
This time of year, we buy gifts, make gifts, and exchange gifts. Perhaps the most important gifts of all, however, are the gifts we have within us, which we share with others all year long.
We use the term ‘gifted’ to describe those who have a specific talent, whether creative, intellectual, or mystical. Yet, these natural gifts must be honed with training and practice to reach their potential. And, whether we recognize it, we all have special gifts which are innate within us, which we develop over time, and which we share with others.
Some of us share our gifts as part of our profession. For others, it is a hobby, or an act of service.
It is fun to surprise those we care about with a thoughtful present. Yet, the real gifts we share are the gifts that allow us to be present in one another’s lives as we share our talents with them.
Weaving the Tarot Reading Story Hybrid Class
On Wednesday December 29, 7 pm to 9 pm ET make plans to join us in person or on Zoom for an exciting tarot class.
How do the tarot cards work together to form a cohesive story?
In this tarot class you will learn exercises and techniques to strengthen your tarot reading skills.
Join Christiana Gaudet for an exciting exploration of how the tarot cards express the stories of our lives.
Whether you are a tarot beginner or an experienced reader, the material in this class will help you get to a new level of tarot reading proficiency.
For more information and tickets, visit the event listing on my website.
The StaarCorner
Our latest episode of StaarCast features a conversation with Kim Danbert.
Kim will be teaching a workshop about the Court card at StaarCon.
In the StaarCast episode we learn about Kim’s life bridging between many worlds as a medium, a tarot reader, and a Christian
You can watch the video on YouTube or listen to the episode wherever you get your podcasts.
Remember, StaarCon is just around the corner. Get your ticket to join us either in person or online!
Finding Your Gifts with Tarot
Some people have a special and obvious gift or talent. Others need to look within to find a hidden talent, gift, or purpose. Tarot is a great tool to help us do that. Simply ask the cards, “What is a gift or talent that I should be developing and sharing?” Pull a card, or a few cards, and see what happens. Then, you can ask the cards a second question. “How can I develop this gift?”
A conversation with the cards can help you find and develop your gifts, and ultimately share them with the world.
The Week in Review
On Friday at 3 pm ET I will be a guest on Jenna Matlin’s YouTube channel. Jenna will be a presenter at StaarCon 2022. We will be discussing tarot conferences, and why they matter so much. Join us for a fun discussion!
If you are a member of my YouTube channel and missed last night’s livestream, you can watch the replay and learn some fun and informative ways to use tarot in your holiday celebrations.
From Around the Web
Jessica Ripley on Patheos has some ways to use the Eight of Pentacles this month.
StaarCon presenter John Hijatt has created a delightful Christmas Oracle. You can get a copy for yourself, or give it as a gift, on his Etsy shop.
Daily Tarot Girl has a ‘Christmasy Tarot Spread’.
Cards for Your Consideration
A tarot deck can be a perfect gift! Here, for your consideration, are some great deck choices as a gift for yourself, or someone you love.
Light Seer’s Tarot is fast becoming a very popular deck. The art style is different than traditional tarot, but very easy to read and understand. This deck is modern and fresh, while still deeply spiritual and evocative. Light Seer’s Tarot is published by Hay House and available on their website.
Aunt Lily’s Tarot is a new personal favorite of mine. It is available in two sizes. This deck was designed for the creator’s teenage niece. Yet, it is usable and loveable for anyone. This deck is both traditional and inclusive. Traditional card meanings are retained while images and card titles are gently changed to make the deck completely appropriate for younger people, or anyone who might be squeamish about harsh images or nudity. You can get this deck directly from Claire Lily’s website. Claire Lily will be presenting at StaarCon 2022!
U.S. Games Systems, Inc. always has amazing decks. You can’t go wrong with a traditional Waite-Smith deck, of course. You might also enjoy a more modern choice, such as the Herbcrafter’s Tarot or the Eight Coins’ Tattoo Tarot.
StaarCon 2022 presenters Lisa Hunt and Ciro Marchetti have each created numerous tarot decks available through U.S. Games, Llewellyn Worldwide, and their own websites. You can also find tarot art and accessories on the artists’ websites for the tarot lovers in your life.
Upcoming Events and Tours
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
Catch up on your missed Zoom webinars and more!
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 50
December 15, 2021
I Wonder What That Means
We look for meaning in the things that happen around us.
This week I had an experience that left me wondering about my tendency to wonder.
I will tell you what I mean.
On one particular day, we had two occasions to gently escort wildlife from our home. First it was a spider. Later in the day, it was a tree frog. This was the first time we had to evict visitors from our home in quite some time.
I found myself wondering about this on a spiritual level. What might it mean to be visited first by a spider, then by a tree frog?
Of course, there is a logical explanation. There was construction happening on a building close by. That could have disturbed small creatures, causing them to look for shelter. Still, I wondered. Just because something has a mundane explanation might not make it less of an omen.
I know I am not the only person who thinks about these things. Many of us look for omens in nature, and in the things that happen around us.
Sometimes we need to remember that not everything has a spiritual meaning. The fact that you saw a fox this morning might simply mean that there was a fox in your yard, and nothing more.
Yet, many of us believe that the universe sends us messages. This can happen in mundane occurrences, in animal visitors, in what we see in clouds, and in our dreams.
Sometimes it makes sense to do a formal reading to see if we can receive a larger message. Sometimes it feels like the message is coming directly from a loved one in spirit or is offering a specific solution to a current problem.
Sometimes we need to cogitate some before the meaning becomes clear.
The next time you notice something unusual take a moment to wonder if it might be a message, or if it might have a deeper meaning.
Try these steps.
Think about what you have seen, and what has happened. Breathe with it. Ask your higher self what it might mean and see if you get an answer.
Research common associations with what you have seen or experienced and see if you find anything that resonates.
Do a reading, or seek a reading, on the topic.
Allow the question to marinate for a while and see if you think of anything over time.
Not everything that happens has a deeper meaning. Yet, it feels like many things do. The universe, our Higher Power, and our loved ones in spirit find many ways to make themselves known to us.
The StaarCorner
The second episode of StaarCast features an interview with Ciro Marchetti. This is not to be missed! I had so much fun talking with the man who has helped to make modern tarot and cartomancy what it is today.
You can watch the interview on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Make sure you sign up for the StaarCon newsletter, so you never missed the latest news about StaarCon, and StaarCast.
Two Zoom Tarot Classes in September
This month I am offering two different tarot classes on Zoom. Feel free to take one or both.
On Thursday, September 24 at 7 pm EDT, join us for The Meaning and Magic of Tarot Reversals. Whether or not you typically use reversals in your readings, this class will be helpful for two reasons. First, it will help you understand the spectrum of meanings within each card. Second, it will teach you ways to add active manifestation work to your tarot readings.
On Wednesday, September 30 at 7 pm EDT, join us for a beginner-level tarot class about the Major Arcana. Journey Through the Major Arcana will introduce you to the twenty-two most important cards of the tarot deck. You will learn ways to interpret them in a tarot reading, ways to do a reading with just the Major Arcana, and the spiritual lessons these cards teach us.
Sign up now for one or both of these great classes! Class fee is $37.50 each.
Understand Your Omens with Tarot
Perhaps you have had a dream you want to interpret. Or maybe, like me, you are wondering about the spiritual significance of a frog and a spider in your home. Tarot offers us easy opportunities to find some deeper answers.
Generally, the best way to do this is to create a specific spread or have a dialogue with the cards.
Here’s an example, using my question.
Q. Is there a deeper meaning to the fact that these creatures were in my home?
A. Five of Swords Rx
My interpretation here is that there isn’t a huge omen here, but there might be some messages worth hearing.
Q. What is the message of the spider?
A. Six of Pentacles Rx
My interpretation here is that I used to be very afraid of spiders and would not have been comfortable rescuing one. That I was charitable to this spider shows my growth.
Q. What is the message of the frog?
A. The Chariot
This feels like a deeper message. Frogs hop. Perhaps I need to stay flexible, being willing to hop from one thing to another in order to achieve my goals in difficult times.
Try this technique the next time you are wondering what something means!
The Week in Review
This week we had two tarot meetups on YouTube Live. I also did three live broadcasts on the StaarCon Facebook page, and four on my Facebook business page. The ability to livestream video on social media is really amazing and helpful.
I wrote a blogpost of interest to professional readers, called Tarot Stamina.
From Around the Web
Mars is in retrograde for the next couple of months. Here’s what that could mean to you, based on your sun sign.
Here are some thoughts on the Mars retrograde from Starcana.
The Tarot Lady addresses the Mars retrograde in The Hit List.
Cards for Your Consideration
The tarot deck, and any deck of cartomancy, can be a great tool for helping us decipher the messages that appear around us. But are there specific tarot cards that might suggest that something we witnessed does indeed have a deeper message?
The card that most clear speaks to me of this is Major Arcana 18, the Moon.
While the Moon can have many different interpretations, very often it seems to tell us to look deeper.
The Moon may ask us to contemplate something more fully. The Moon may suggest that we look for a hidden meaning, or a message from spirit.
The Moon offers us a path that is not easy to follow. Yet, when we do, we may solve a mystery.
Events and Tours
Tarot Topics Newsletter
Volume 3 Issue 38
September 16, 2020
The Difference Between Love and Relationship
Not all relationships require love, yet all relationships are enhanced by love.
In a conversation about unconditional love recently, a friend said an interesting thing. She said she didn’t really believe in unconditional love, because, in a relationship, there are always expectations. She wasn’t wrong, and she got me thinking about an important distinction that we don’t always remember to make. That is the distinction between love and relationship.
First, let’s clarify that there are many kinds of love, and many kinds of relationships. There is a stereotype that suggests that we tarot readers are constantly talking about romantic love. The truth is, at my table I spend as much time untangling the intricacies of parent-child relationships, friendships, and boss-employee relationships as I do romantic ones.
It’s also true that love is an energy that exists outside of relationships. In other words, we must be able to feel the energy of love within and around us, in the form of self-love and spiritual love, even when we are all alone.
Another truth is that not every relationship is based on love. Some relationships, like work relationships and even some family relationships, are based on necessity rather than affection.
Relationships do and must have expectations, communication, boundaries, respect and common goals. Not all relationships need love in order to prosper. Yet, the more love we have in our hearts, the more we prosper.
Unconditional love in childhood is critical to our healthy development. All our relationships are enhanced when we cultivate within us the high vibration of unconditional love. We can do that in a number of ways.
One effective way is with heart chakra meditation. When we breathe into the heart center, and open and clear the heart, we breathe in the energy of unconditional love in a way that is palpable, and that radiates through us and around us.
Another way is to consider our memories and think about times when we felt truly loved. When we capture that memory and revel in it, we bring love into our hearts.
It’s sad to say that not every person has memories of feeling loved. If you can’t access such memories, it will be even more vital for you to do work such as heart chakra meditation.
You can also do a guided meditation where you visualize Higher Power as a large human, either male or female, who can hug you, or rock you like a baby. The peace and sense of love that can come from such a visualization is tremendous.
It’s important to work to cultivate self-love. So often the path to self-love begins simply with ceasing self-deprecation, self-loathing and self-criticism. Do you speak to yourself more harshly than you speak to those you care about? If so, you need to change the way you talk to yourself and think about yourself.
Another way to cultivate the energy of love is to practice radical non-judgment. Be discerning about your own choices but refrain from thinking judgmental statements toward yourself and others. You will notice a tremendous change in your own energy when you are able to shift your thinking in this way.
Unconditional love is real and vital. Unconditional love has no expectation other than to exist and be experienced. Relationships are real and vital, too. Relationships have conditions, expectations and specific needs. When we nurture love independent of relationships, we are able to experience all aspects of life, including relationships, in a more satisfying way.
We are getting so excited for our first-ever international tarot conference, StaarCon, to be held in Palm Beach Gardens January 22-24, 2021!
Registration will be open soon. In the meanwhile, we are pleased and grateful with the number of presenters who have already agreed to participate.
If you check the StaarCon website, you will see we added three new presenters this week, Anne Stern Walner, Brenda Elizabeth and Zuri Eberhart. Our goal is to give every person who attends StaarCon the opportunity to learn and grow, no matter their specific area of metaphysical interest nor their current level of expertise. I know that the addition of these three teachers brings us closer to achieving that goal.
Two-Card Spreads for Relationship Understanding
You can find many different spreads for relationships if you look online and in books. What I am presenting here is the very simplest form of relationship spread. That is, spreads that are only two cards – one card for each person in a two-person relationship.
You can use these spreads to quickly shed light and offer advice for any type of relationship.
The way to perform these is to think of the question, then think of one person, pull a card, and then think of the next person and pull a card. In other words, you might say, ‘What do we each need from each other right now?’ and then say, ‘This is me’ and pull a card, and, ‘This is Mary’ and pull a card.
If the person you are in relationship with also works with the cards this is an exercise you can do together. You can decide together on your question, and then each pull a card to represent yourselves in the relationship. The discussion this can engender is profound and healing.
When interpreting these cards pay attention to the characters in each card and how they might be interacting with each other. Are they looking away from each other, at each other or in the same direction? Are these cards that easily go together or are they in conflict?
Use whichever question(s) make the most sense in the situation. You can also make up questions of your own.
How are we communicating with each other right now?
What do we need from each other right now?
What can we each do to make our relationship better?
Who are we in this relationship?
What do we each need to understand about each other?
Three Special Events This Week
Tonight, Wednesday, February 19, at 7 pm is our class, Tarot Readings for Personalities and Relationships. Tickets are $37.50 and are still available online, or by calling 561-655-1160. The class will be held in my Palm City office.
On Saturday, February 22 at 10:30 am EST I will give a free live webinar on my YouTube channel called Working with the Tarot Court. Grab your cards and let’s work together to understand these versatile cards!
On Sunday, February 23 from 3 pm to 6 pm will be the Grand Opening Celebration for the new Palm City office. This celebration features a presentation with Ciro Marchetti and a psychic gallery with me.
It’s free to attend. As of now, there are no seats left for the event. If you would like to be on the wait list, please call or text me at 561-655-1160. If you have reserved a seat that you will not be using, please let me know!
If you have your reservation and are planning on attending, please bring a snack to share if you can. This promises to be a very exciting event!
The Week in Review
This week I shared a tarot exercise which can help you learn new ways of understanding your cards in a reading.
Each week I do at least three live broadcasts on my Facebook business page, Christiana Gaudet. I archive these on my YouTube channel. I also do a monthly hour-long webinar on each platform. On Facebook I do Global Tarot Circle, and on YouTube I do an informational tarot webinar. This month’s YouTube webinar will be held this Saturday morning!
From Around the Web
I was thrilled to get a mention on The Tarot Lady’s Hit List this month!
Here are some techniques to open the heart chakra.
Here’s what Psychology Today has to say about unconditional love.
Cards for Your Consideration
While many tarot cards speak of relationships, there is no one tarot card that speaks more clearly of unconditional love than the Ace of Cups.
In a reading, the Ace of Cups can indicate a new relationship or a new romance. Yet, this card also has a deep spiritual significance.
Archetypally, the Ace of Cups is both the Heart Chakra and the Holy Grail.
In this card we see all aspects of love. We see the spiritual nature of love as the energy that heals us, binds us together, and demonstrates something that is more powerful than ourselves.
The Ace of Cups can encourage us in the practice of heart healing and heart chakra meditation.
The Ace of Cups invites us to partake in developing an understanding and experience of unconditional love.
Upcoming Events and Tours
Tarot Topics Newsletter
Volume 3 Issue 8
February 19, 2020