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
Pouring From an Empty Cup
This time of year can be demanding. Boundaries and self-care are essential, now more than ever.
We’ve all heard the expression “You can’t pour from an empty cup”. As we begin a full season of events and obligations, and a time that can trigger loneliness and sadness, we must remember the importance of self-care.
Self-care isn’t selfish.
I like to use the term ‘self-full’ to describe the mindset that allows us to attend to our own needs. The world is full of traditions and training that shame us for having needs, let alone attending to them. Yet, we serve others best when we are whole and well ourselves.
Sometimes tending our own needs is scary because it causes us to focus on things that have hurt us. We escape into the service of others to hide from our own need to heal. Yet, we can only avoid our own needs for a certain time before our needs overwhelm us.
We are taught to place great value on our ability to power through difficulty. Sometimes, this is exactly what we need to do. Other times, we need to be vulnerable enough to ask for help, or to take a break, or to pay attention to our own needs.
It can be hard to know how far to push ourselves and when that extra push is required. Divination is a quick and easy way to discern our capacity. And, when our capacity is reached, divination can help us figure out how to heal
The StaarCorner
Have you seen the new La Santa Muerte Lenormand? The lovely new deck is illustrated by Callie L. French, who will be presenting at StaarCon 2023! Callie is also the designer of the Rana George Lenormand.
At StaarCon, Callie will be presenting on the fascinating topic of Sigils. Sigils are traditional magical symbols. Callie will guide you through the process of creating a sigil for your own magical purpose. You will also learn how to use your divination card decks with your magical sigil.
StaarCon will be here in less than two months! Get your tickets now to attend online or in person.
How Can I Replenish?
It is one thing to know that we need to rest. It is something else entirely to know what we must do to replenish, or to heal.
Sometimes all we need is a nap. Sometimes we need a day off, or a bit of fun. Sometimes we need to have an important conversation, or to engage in learning something new, or a new hobby.
Sometimes we are in need of true physical healing. Sometimes we need a new creative project.
This is where tarot can be very helpful.
Simply shuffle and ask the cards this question.
What must I do right now to replenish my energy?
Pull a single card, or a few. Interpret the card or cards to give you a direction, or some action items, to recharge your energy and replenish your spirit.
The Week in Review
The last month of the year is here! Check out my tarotscopes for December 2022 on my YouTube channel.
Members of my YouTube channel are invited to a members-only livestream tonight at 7 pm ET.
I have added a new weekly livestream to my schedule of live readings on YouTube. Join me at noon ET each Tuesday for Tuesday Tarot, where the theme is general readings and messages from the universe.
From Around the Web
Do most tarot readers enjoy reading novels? I know I do, and most of my friends seem to, as well. What is better than a novel about tarot? Here are five fiction books about tarot. Perhaps one of these would make a nice gift for the tarotist on your list this holiday season!
Soul and Spirit Magazine is doing a Tarot Advent Calendar! Here is the card and message for tomorrow, December First.
Want to know what is happening in the heavens this month, and how the planets might affect you? InStyle has December Horoscopes.
Guidance on the Journey
There are many tarot cards that can let you know that it is time to recharge your energy. My favorite of these is the Four of Swords.
I like to think of all the Four cards as reminding us to have good boundaries. When it comes to how we use our energy to serve others, boundaries are essential.
The Four of Swords is generally a scary-looking card. The knight in repose looks like a sarcophagus and can make us think of death. While this card does not generally have such a grim interpretation, the stark image can remind us of how important it is for us to take care of our well-being.
Typical keywords for the Four of Swords are rest, retreat, and recovery. When we see the Four of Swords, it may be an indicator that our cup is empty. While this card does not tell us what exactly we must do for our self-care, the appearance of this card demands that we rest, and take time to heal and replenish.
Upcoming Events
Consider a Zoom.com party where you can practice Social Distancing and still meet with your friends for a virtual tarot party!
Alternatives to meeting in person are available.
Office appointments and house or office parties are again available by appointment.
Please call to discuss the options.
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 classeswww.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.
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 48
November 30, 2022
Liminal Space
The word 'liminal' means 'threshold'. In liminal space we occupy the material world, and the spirit world, at the same time.
In the world of psychic work, tarot, and spiritual healing we use the term ‘liminal space’ quite often. I wonder how many of us understand what the word ‘liminal’ truly means?
There are two standard definitions, both of which make sense in this spiritual context.
The word ‘liminal’ is an adjective, and comes from the Latin word ‘limen’, meaning ‘threshold’.
The first definition is “relating to a transition or initial stage of a process.” We often think of those moments right before sleep as liminal space, where we are conscious, but on our way to dreaming.
The second definition is similar. Liminal can mean “occupying a position at, or on both sides of, a boundary or threshold’. The sleep analogy works in this case as well.
In meditation, divination, and healing work, we enter liminal space in order to sense energy, communicate with Spirit and to hear our guidance.
We can ‘occupy both sides of the threshold’ by being at the same time aware of our mundane surroundings, but also tuned in to the energy around us, and to the voice of spirit.
Other than going to sleep, how do we enter liminal space? Very often, slow, conscious breathing, and setting the intention to be in the space where we are able to sense energy is the best way to do this.
We are literally willing ourselves to cross the threshold from the mundane world to the magical world, or from the physical world to the spirit world.
We all have the ability to do this. Understanding the words and simple techniques makes liminal space accessible to us all.
The StaarCorner
We are excited to welcome Erika Robinson as a new presenter at StaarCon. Erika is a Reiki Master, and a reader and teacher of Lenormand. In her class, Erika will be sharing a special technique that she uses to give accurate professional readings with the Lenormand cards.
At StaarCon, it is our mission to bring you the best in mystical education, and a wide variety of topics. Erika’s class is one of two offerings this year that will focus on the Petit Lenormand, a very popular divination system. Though Lenormand is a deck of cards, the skills and techniques for reading Lenormand are very different than tarot. We are excited that Erika will be sharing her skills and knowledge with us.
Did you miss Making Magick with Tarot?
Take it now in archive at Card and Craft Academy on Teachable!
Includes the class materials and a recording of the live webcast.
Back and Forth to Tampa
Thank you to everyone who made my Tampa Tarot Tour so successful. This was my first Tampa tour in eighteen months. It took me to see wonderful people in St. Petersburg, Gulfport, Sarasota, Apollo Beach, and, of course, Wesley Chapel.
I will return for a Summer’s End Tampa Tarot Tour August 26 through 30, which will include a tarot meetup at Panera Bread in Lutz.
Please reach out now to schedule your psychic house parties, house calls, and private readings in Wesley Chapel.
Tarot Reading in Liminal Space
When conducting a tarot reading, we need to be very alert. We need to notice the cards, and how they speak to the context of the question. We need to notice trends within the cards.
If we are working with a client, we need to be aware of the client’s comfort, and of their energy.
How then, can we enter liminal space during a tarot reading?
It is important to remember that liminal space can allow us to exist in two places at once. That is, we can be on both sides of the threshold.
We can be focused and alert, yet also open to the voice of spirit.
We do that by creating sacred space, setting intention and invoking spirit prior to the reading.
We do that by paying attention to our chakras, and our breathing, throughout the reading.
We can also do that by spending time in the reading looking at the cards with a soft gaze.
When we let the gaze go soft, we activate the brow chakra, also known as the third eye. This allows our imagination and our psychic vision to bring us to liminal space.
When we occupy liminal space within a tarot reading, we are open to the voice of spirit as we interpret the cards.
Join Me at Masters of the Tarot
I am honored to be a presenter at Masters of the Tarot at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York.
The conference in July 23 through 25, and features Mary K. Greer and Rachel Pollack.
Get ready for a transformative experience in a magical setting. Get your tickets now!
The Week in Review
Did you catch our special free class on YouTube this week? Nancy Hendrickson led us in a very enlightening exploration of Ancestral Tarot. Catch the replay on my YouTube channel!
From Around the Web
Here are three posts, from three different sources, about liminal space.
Northeastern Summer Tour
From July 26 through August 9, I will be based at True Bikram Yoga in Madison, Connecticut. I will be available for house calls and parties throughout Connecticut, and for private readings in Madison.
I will be able to travel to Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York for parties and larger gatherings.
Dates are already booking quickly. Please call or text 561-655-1160 to get your party date or private appointment on the calendar.
Cards for Your Consideration
In the Major Arcana, I often see the Moon and the High Priestess as a card that speaks of liminal space.
In the Minor Arcana, I believe that the Four of Swords can push us to find our way into liminal space.
While the Four of Swords is often seen as a card of rest, retreat, and recovery, this card also speaks of meditation.
The Four of Swords calls us to be silent, and to silence our thoughts. The Four of Swords asks us to create a safe and private space for ourselves. This card can speak of liminal space, and advise us to practice entering that space.
Upcoming Events and Tours
The Palm City office is now open to the public, so make your appointment now!
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
New!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 26
June 30, 2021
The Process of Allowing
Allow yourself, and others, the time and space to heal.
The Process of Allowing
When we were children, our parents, teachers and caregivers were the gatekeepers of what was allowed, and what was not.
As spiritual adults, the word ‘allow’ can take on a different meaning.
Rather than whether we are allowed to eat a certain thing, or go to a particular place, the process of allowing is an exercise of acceptance.
So often we judge ourselves harshly, rather than simply allowing ourselves to be human. Sometimes we set up stumbling blocks for ourselves, rather than allowing ourselves the possibility of success.
Very often we want to know if something will work out, such as a relationship or a job, long before enough time has passed to properly answer that question. Then, it is so helpful to simply allow the situation to unfold in its own time.
Sometimes allowing is about holding space for our grief, or our disappointment.
Sometimes allowing is about leaving behind ways of thinking that don’t serve us, and welcoming new perspectives.
In the age of toxic positivity culture, we can allow ourselves a bad mood once in a while.
When we allow ourselves space to be human, it becomes easier to be patient with others, and to accept their human failings as well. When a relationship seems unhealthy, it becomes easier to allow the opportunity to exit.
There are many religions that require people to believe without question things for which there are neither evidence nor reason. As spiritual people, we can allow ourselves the opportunity to question what might feel true for us. We can allow ourselves to have faith without certainty. It is a powerful thing to allow that we do not know anything for sure, yet we find comfort and guidance in the things we believe.
By allowing for our own uncertainty, we can allow those around us to think and behave differently than we do.
When we don’t understand someone, we can simply have boundaries around what is healthy for us, and what isn’t. Whatever behaviors cause us harm we can avoid. Everything else is allowable, even if it isn’t understandable.
When we allow ourselves to be ourselves, our experience of life becomes genuine, and full of potential.
The StaarCorner
As we get ready to open registration for StaarCon, we have added a few new presenters to our growing list.
As you may know, one of our goals for StaarCon is to offer opportunities to learn about many aspects of divination, as well as tarot. To that end, Toni Puhle, the Card Geek, will be traveling from Europe to lead a class on Kipper cards! I am also excited to announce that author and deck designer Jaymi Elford will be sharing techniques for using oracle cards in a tarot reading!
Florida’ s own Kim Danbert will be leading an exciting interactive workshop on the tarot Court cards.
Another goal we have is to reach out to the Spanish-speaking community. To that end, author, teach and reader Maria Luisa Salazar will be traveling from Lima, Peru to join us, and will be presenting in both English and Spanish.
You can keep up-to-date on our list of talented and well-known authors artists and card designers who will be sharing their knowledge and skill with us by visiting the StaarCon website regularly.
Tarot Creates Space
Very often tarot cards will appear in order to help us accept something, or to allow space for something to exist or heal. Similarly, cards will sometimes tell us what we cannot or should not allow in our lives.
In any reading, we need to be open to the idea that the cards can give us permission for something. The cards can also suggest that an action, a relationship, or a way of thinking does not serve us.
We can formalize this process by pulling cards in response to specific questions. It’s always a good idea to ask questions about what we should and should not allow in our lives.
The cards can also give us ideas about how we can shift our perspective in order to accept things that are difficult to accept, as well as to allow hope for our best possible outcomes.
Come Solve a Mystery with Us!
On February 6, at 7 pm, we will gather in the conference room in my Palm City office to solve a mystery! Join us for Valentine’s Day Death: A Murder Mystery Party!
We will have coffee, tea, hot chocolate and snacks for you to enjoy as we work together to figure out who killed the town’s playboy heartthrob, Noah Fection.
This original murder mystery is written by Miranda Lial. Expect plenty of laughs, twists and turns, as we step into our characters and enjoy this unique event together.
The Week in Review
Tarot is popular these days. Many people are studying tarot, many people are having readings, and some people are stepping up to begin their own tarot businesses.
This week I shared a blog post called So You Want to Be an Online Tarot Reader. Check it out if you think professional tarot might be in the cards for you!
You can catch my weekly live events on my Facebook business page, Christiana Gaudet. On Monday join me for Your Three-Card Weekly Reading, and on Friday for The Friday Weekly Wrap-up! Of course, if you miss me live you can watch both in archive on Facebook and YouTube.
Remember that tonight, Wednesday, February 5, is Global Tarot Circle on Facebook LIve at 7 pm EST!
From Around the Web
South Florida friends, please check out this amazing local arts festival, Women Crossing the Line. Join them for free workshops and a day of exciting performances!
Here is a great article about making space for, and allowing, your less-than-positive feelings.
On February 1 the seasonal Tarot Blog Hop happened. Start with the Master List, and read what seven tarotists had to say on the topic of Earned Success.
Tarot Readings for Personalities and Relationships
Join me in my Palm City office on February 19, from 7 to 9 pm, for an exciting tarot class.
How do tarot cards speak of people, their personalities and their relationships? How can we use tarot to better understand ourselves and each other?
In this class you will learn how to give helpful relationship readings and couples readings, and how to determine the nature and needs of an individual simply by understanding the cards that appear for them.
This special Valentine’s Day inspired tarot class is appropriate for readers of all levels of experience. Bring your tarot deck or buy or borrow one in class.
Class size is limited. Class fee is $37.50. Get your tickets now on Eventbrite!
Cards for Your Consideration
Let’s consider the Four of Swords as a card that tells us to create space for ourselves in order to allow a process, or to sit with a feeling or situation.
Typically, the Four of Swords can be about rest, retreat, recovery and meditation. I often see this card as having an empty quality. Sometimes this card appears to tell us that something is, or will be, absent from our lives.
When it comes to the process of allowing, absence is a quality we might be seeking.
The Four of Swords can speak to the space we create when we refrain from reacting to something. The Four of Swords can tell us to ‘give it a rest’ rather than ruminating or fretting about something.
In the Four of Swords, we see the pause that allows us time to heal. Sometimes that pause in enforced upon us. Sometimes we must choose it. Always, we must allow it.
Upcoming Events and Tours
Tarot Topics Newsletter
Volume 3 Issue 6
February 5, 2020