Tarot News blog has news and information of interest to the tarot community.
Goals and Distractions
This week we find focus with the Tarot Fours.
Goals and Distractions
Keep Your Focus and Attain Your Goal
Wouldn’t it be great if the world and everyone in it would cooperate when we are focusing on an important goal? Sometimes we are lucky enough to have the wind at our backs and our success come with ease. Most of the time, however, the opposite is true. We find ourselves struggling not only to achieve our goals but also to cope with the life that is happening in the meantime.
It can be important to acknowledge the things that are going wrong in life, and to take time to make corrections, or to give yourself time to grieve, adjust, or heal. Yet, often we don’t have that luxury; our path demands that we focus on the goal and go for it, even under difficult circumstances.
When that is the case, we need to hold ourselves accountable even when we feel overwrought. We need to acknowledge our upsets, but never let those hurts distract us from our journey. Most importantly, we need to know that success is possible even when the sailing isn’t smooth. We need to remember that we have support from the Universe even in the midst of the storm.
See Me This Month in the Tampa Bay Area
I will be in the Tampa Bay Area February 15 through 17. I am available for house-calls, parties and private readings.
Please join us for our Meetup Sunday afternoon at Panera Bread in Lutz, and please call or text me at 561-655-1160 to book your in-person session or party with me.
Find Focus with the Tarot Fours
The tarot fours offer great lessons in staying in your lane, keeping your boundaries, and being true to your goal.
The Major Arcana four, the Emperor, reminds us that stability comes from responsibility, even when you have to fight to fulfill it.
The Four of Pentacles, though often thought of as a card of selfishness, reminds us that self-care and boundaries are important.
The Four of Swords reminds us of the focus that can come from meditation, quiet, and taking time away.
The Four of Wands teaches us that creativity and passion can flourish within a stable structure.
The Four of Cups asks us to make do with what we have when we must, or to wait for something better when we can.
The next time you are feeling distracted from your path, use the lessons of the tarot fours to get back on track!
The Week in Review
This week I posted a piece about new tarot businesses and the problems they encounter.
I also shared the video from my most recent informal tarot business conversation with Jenna Matlin on YouTube. There, and in the upcoming events section of this newsletter, you will also find information about our next free online meeting.
From Around the Web
I found this piece from a few years ago on Elephant Journal. It offers some ways to clear the energy in your home.
From Medium, another helpful older piece on false positivity and spiritual bypass.
Here is a piece on avoiding healer burnout from Tiny Buddha.
Cards for Your Consideration
Today I want to share a new trend in tarot packaging by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.; Small tins of tarot!
These smaller decks are easy to shuffle and carry, but still large enough to work with well. The tins aren’t indestructible, but they are a safe and secure way to carry your cards.
Whether you are traveling, camping, or just a tarot reader on the go, these convenient decks are easy, fun and functional. If you want a smaller deck to stash in your desk drawer at work, these do nicely. If you get caught in the rain, the tins are waterproof!
The best part is, they aren’t expensive, so you can indulge your inner tarot collector!
Upcoming Events
Thursday, January 31, 7 to 9 pm
Psychic Gallery with Christiana Gaudet
Dream Angels, 128 Bridge Road, Tequesta, FL
Bring your questions and join us in sacred space for an insightful and entertaining evening! In this small group setting each person attending will receive helpful information and answers. You may even receive a message from a loved one in spirit!
Register with Dream Angels.
Wednesday, February 6, 9 to 10 pm
Jenna and Christiana on the Business of Tarot #3
Via Zoom
If you are a tarot professional, or want to be, you can join Jenna and me for a free informal webinar. We will discuss our experiences in business ahead of presenting the Professional Development Extension Day at Northwestern Tarot Symposium this March.
Just use the information below to log in.
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Dial by your location
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Meeting ID: 961 286 192
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/acJAAkEiq
Tarot Readings for Personalities and Relationships
Sunday, February 10, 4 to 6 pm
Christiana’s Conference Room
1025 SW Martin Downs Blvd, Suite 203, Palm City, FL
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 fee is $37.50. Seating is limited, reserve your seat online!
Tarot Meetup at Panera Bread in Lutz
Sunday, February 17, 3 to 5 pm
Panera Bread, 23388 FL-54, Lutz, FL, 33549
I’m in town for the weekend so I thought it would be great to meet at our old spot! Everyone with an interest in tarot is welcome to join us for an informal workshop, some readings, food, fun and fellowship. There is no charge to attend, but you can register, and learn more, on Eventbrite.
Tarot Topics Newsletter Volume 2 Issue 5 - January 30, 2019
Between Two Pillars
This week Tarot Topics explores the pillars of the Tarot High Priestess.
Between Two Pillars
Finding balance is the key to peace.
If you have ever spent any time with a Waite or Waite-inspired tarot deck you may have noticed that Major Arcana Card 2, the High Priestess, sits between two pillars.
These two pillars are Boaz and Jachin, the pillars outside Solomon’s Temple mentioned in the Bible.
As we proceed through the Major Arcana, we see representation of these pillars in many of the cards. Clearly, these pillars are important, but why?
In the Waite High Priestess one pillar is white and the other is black. One represents Mercy while the other, Severity. That the High Priestess sits between these two extremes tells us something of her nature, and something that perhaps we often need to emulate.
The concept of balancing two extremes appears in other philosophies, including Buddhism. There, the Middle Way is a way of living that embraces both spiritual and material blessings, neither living in one world or the other, but balancing between them.
Very often we speak of needing more balance in life, be it a better work/life balance or better equity in a relationship.
Perhaps all balance begins with the message of the High Priestess. Perhaps as we interact with others throughout the day, and as we deal with ourselves, we must be like the High Priestess by keeping the balance between Mercy and Severity.
What does it mean to balance those two energies? It means that we don’t pass judgement, but neither do we let ourselves be taken advantage of. It means we act with compassion without enabling someone to continue negative behavior.
When we look at the High Priestess, we see that she is serene and peaceful in her countenance. The High Priestess teaches us that keeping balance keeps peace.
Upcoming Tarot Tour Dates
While I am always available worldwide for readings and mentorship by phone, Skype, FaceTime and Messenger, I love to travel to give in-person readings, teach workshops and entertain at parties.
I am planning on traveling more in 2019 than I have ever before. Mark your calendar for the dates below, and watch this newsletter for more information each week.
Tampa Tarot Tour beginning February 15
I will be making regular trips to Tampa to offer private readings and house parties. Look for classes, workshops and meetups as well. If you would like to see me or host a party in the Tampa area in February, email me or call me at 561-655-1160.
Northwest Tarot Symposium March 1-4, Portland Oregon
I will be presenting, along with Jenna Matlin and Jay and Jadzia DeForest, a day-long program on professional tarot on the final day of the symposium, Monday. Tickets are still available, join us in Portland for an inspirational time! I will have limited availability for private readings while I am in town. Reach out for details.
Spring Northeastern Tarot Tour March 26-April 9
I will be in Connecticut offering house parties in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York and Connecticut, as well as private readings at True Bikram Yoga in Madison. Look for some exciting workshops in Madison and New Haven as well. If you would like to see me or host a party while I am in town, email me or call me at 561-655-1160.
Is there somewhere you would like me to visit? Reach out and let’s see if we can plan something!
Two-Pillar Spreads
We can use the Two Pillars, Boaz and Jachin, to create any number of helpful tarot spreads. For example, Card One could be, “In what area of life should I be more merciful toward myself? Card Two could be “In what aspects of life should I hold myself to a higher standard?”
You could also use these two positions to ask, “How can I show more mercy to others?” And “Where should I be more protective of myself?”
Try as many two-card readings based on the Two Pillars as you can think of!
The Week in Review
This week I spent some time thinking about Major Arcana 10, the Wheel of Fortune.
From Around the Web
Are you interested in learning more about traditions that include the wisdom of Solomon? Here is a place to start.
To learn more about the tarot High Priestess, check with the American Tarot Association.
Here is more information about the pillars themselves, Boaz and Jachin.
Cards for Your Consideration
This week, I ask you to consider Major Arcana 5 from The Lover’s Path Tarot by Kris Waldherr. In this deck, each Major Arcana card is illustrated with a famous love story from history and literature.
The name of Major Arcana 5 has been changed to “Tradition,” and the couple chosen to represent this card are Romeo and Juliet.
“Tradition” is a good keyword for the Hierophant because it evokes the two-sided energy of this card so well. On one hand, traditions are comfortable and beautiful. Traditions mark the passage of time and bring people together. On the other hand, traditions can be used to hurt people, and to suppress important growth and change.
The conundrum with the Hierophant, and the Pope he was originally drawn to represent, is this dichotomy.
The tragic story of Romeo and Juliet is a perfect illustration of the Hierophant energy.
In a reading, the Hierophant may express a desire to do the traditional thing, or to conform to the rule of an authority, or seek the advice of an authority.
This same card may also suggest that one must break out of tradition and be one’s own authority.
When the Hierophant appears, it may be time to consider your relationship to traditions and the authorities who keep them.
Upcoming Events
Thursday, January 24, 7 to 9 pm
Major Arcana: Lessons and Interpretations
Dream Angels, 128 Bridge Road, Tequesta, FL
Beginners and experienced readers will enjoy this fascinating exploration of the Major Arcana of the tarot. Learn how to interpret these cards in a reading, and how to embrace their lessons of personal and spiritual growth.
Register with Dream Angels.
Sunday, January 27, 4 to 6 pm
Cards and Conversation Tarot Meetup
Panera Bread, 2894 SW Town Center Way, Palm City, FL
Join us for a free, informal tarot workshop with plenty of opportunity for fellowship! We enjoy food, readings and learning about tarot, ourselves and each other in our monthly meeting. Beginners and long-time enthusiasts are welcome! You may RSVP on the Meetup site or simply find as at Panera.
Tuesday, January 29, 7 pm
Global Tarot Circle on Facebook Live
Join tarotists from around the world for this free webinar. We will share readings, study, fun and fellowship.
Simply visit my Facebook business page, hit Like, and look for the live feed.
Thursday, January 31, 7 to 9 pm
Psychic Gallery with Christiana Gaudet
Dream Angels, 128 Bridge Road, Tequesta, FL
Bring your questions and join us in sacred space for an insightful and entertaining evening! In this small group setting each person attending will receive helpful information and answers. You may even receive a message from a loved one in spirit!
Register with Dream Angels.
Tarot Readings for Personalities and Relationships
Sunday, February 10, 4 to 6 pm
Christiana’s Conference Room
1025 SW Martin Downs Blvd, Suite 203, Palm City, FL
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 fee is $37.50. Seating is limited, reserve your seat online!
Volume 2, Issue 4