Tarot News blog has news and information of interest to the tarot community.
If It Were Easy Everyone Would Do It
This week we find the blessings in our struggles.
If It Were Easy Everyone Would Do It
When Struggle is a good thing.
I say this to myself every time I feel discouraged. It always cheers me up to remember that I chose goals that require hard work, that I am uniquely qualified for that hard work, and that I am working toward something I want, value, and am honored to do.
While there is no reason to make life more difficult than it needs to be, there are times it is better to dive into struggle than to turn away from it.
If you know that, at the other end of your efforts, there is something worth working for, worth having and worth doing, then it’s worth giving a herculean effort to get there.
We all have the ability to be extraordinary in some regard. Some people have specific talents. Other have compassionate character. Others have vision. Once we identify our skills and traits, we have the option to set goals for how we will use those skills, and where we want them to take us. Of course, the bigger the goal, the harder it is to achieve.
Not everyone is willing to struggle. Not everyone feels prepared to do the hard thing, even if the rewards are significant. And, there is no shame in choosing a stable path over a path of struggle.
But, if you are a person who is driven to achieve something special, take comfort in the knowledge that your path will be hard – so hard that other people might avoid it. By facing that struggle, you are setting yourself apart from the pack, and you are setting yourself up for rewards as big the difficulty it took to get them.
Two Tarot Classes in May!
I am exciting to be offering two tarot classes this month in South Florida.
On Wednesday, May 22, from 7 to 9 pm I am presenting Your Personal Tarot Practice: Reading Tarot for Yourself in my conference room at 1025 SW Martin Downs Blvd, Palm City.
Whether you are a new reader or an experienced enthusiast, you have probably struggled with your own self-reading.
This special class will help you discover your personal tarot cards – specific cards that have a special message for you, and that provide a mirror to help you understand yourself.
You will also learn special techniques to help you stay objective as you read for yourself. You will learn special ways to derive information, enlightenment and personal growth from your tarot practice.
Seating for this class is limited. Tickets are $37.50 and available from Eventbrite. Call or text 561-655-1160 for more information.
On Thursday, May 30, from 7 to 9 pm I will be teaching Working with the Tarot Court at Dream Angels at 128 Bridge Road in Tequesta.
The sixteen Court Cards of tarot, that is, the Pages, Knights, Queens and Kings, are the most versatile cards in the deck. This makes these cards extremely useful, but also sometimes confusing.
In this class you will learn a variety of ways to interpret and work with these cards.
Seating for this class is limited. You may register in advance with Dream Angels.
I hope to see you in tarot class this month!
Encouragement from the Minor Arcana
There are many tarot cards in the Minor Arcana that can speak of the struggle of overwork, overwhelm, and goals that take effort to meet. Some cards, like the Three of Swords or Four of Swords, can tell us that we need rest, retreat and healing.
Other cards, like the Ten of Wands, can encourage us to carry our load until our journey is complete.
The Two of Pentacles can remind us that we have the ability to keep up a taxing pace for as long as we need to.
The Seven of Wands ask us to defend our dreams, even against superior odds.
All four of the Minor Arcana Fives deal with struggle, expansion, and conflict. Yet, each card holds the promise of victory if we can just get through the difficulty.
Each Minor Arcana suit tells the story of a journey, and in each journey the potential for struggle is present. Also present in each story is the potential for success, healing and growth.
The trick is that when we see a card that speaks of struggle, we also must find within the cards the purpose for the struggle, and the assurance that the struggle will ultimately yield good results.
The Week in Review
This week I shared a blogpost about divination. How and why does divination work? Here’s what I think.
From Around the Web
It’s the First of May, so here is a May 2019 Astrology Forecast from Om Times.
Did you know that Benebell Wen offers free online courses in tarot, astrology, numerology and feng shui?
I love it that tarot is now more often acknowledged as part of popular culture. Here is a slideshow from Popsugar that assigns tarot cards to Gilmore Girls characters!
Cards for Your Consideration
This week I ask you to consider a deeper meaning for a typically-feared card.
The Three of Swords is undoubtedly a card of heartache and sorrow. It can indicate betrayal, loss and sadness.
Yet, when we see this card in a reading, as much as we must acknowledge the pain that is present, there is something else that must be acknowledged. That is the chance to heal.
When we see pain in ourselves or in others, we must always also see the opportunity presented by pain – the opportunity to work through the hurt, to heal, and to grow.
Without pain and suffering, there is little ability for growth.
In every shadow is a gift. The gift of the Three of Swords is healing.
Tarot Topics Newsletter
Volume 2 Issue 18
May 1, 2019
Making the Best of It
How tarot helps us when things don't go our way, a writing prompt from Jamie Morris, and special new classes on the schedule.
A Yiddish proverb says “We make plans and God laughs”.
Everyone knows that good planning is the key to success in many things. We also know that some things don’t go the way you planned.
This can be particularly frustrating for diviners, who often get a glimpse of the future that can help them make plans.
Sometimes, though, things happen that we didn’t see, and didn’t plan.
It’s important to trust that things happen for a reason. When something outside our control changes our plans for us, all we can do is use our tools and our intuition to handle our situation the best way possible.
Mary K. Greer first introduced me to the idea that tarot is not always predictive. Her professional tagline is “Tarot helps you meet whatever comes in the best possible way”. This is a wise way to understand how our divination practices can guide us, but not always give us all the information we wish we had.
Life must always remain something of a mystery, and a challenge.
Sometimes the cards give us warnings, and help us make our plans, but, always, the cards help us make the best of whatever our situation might be.
Divination, intuition and psychic work can’t, and shouldn’t protect us from every mishap.
Sometimes those mishaps are an important part of our human adventure, and sometimes they are necessary to lead us to the place we need to be.
This weekend, many people will be weathering out a major hurricane, after many more have already been struck in the Caribbean.
Cancelled plans are not the tragedy that loss of home, hearth or loved ones is.
This week, stay safe, wherever you may be. Find the lesson, or the adventure, or the new opportunity that comes from unexpected changes.
Whatever life sends you, find a way to make the best of it!
Face the Unexpected with Tarot
Wait a minute! How can unexpected things happen to you if you read tarot? Don’t the cards always tell you the future?
Well, no. Sometimes we get strong precognition for ourselves and others. Sometimes the cards give clear predictions. Other times the Universe sends us surprises. That is when we get to make the best use of our tarot cards.
Tarot is great at helping understand the spiritual reason something may have happened. Tarot can help us mitigate a difficult situation. Tarot can help us find the lesson. Basically, tarot can help us find the silver lining in an otherwise grey landscape.
When things don’t go your way, ask your cards questions like this:
How do I make the best of this?
How can I turn this into a win?
What is something good that can come of this?
How can I mitigate the damage?
That we can sometimes see future events, in dreams, in cards and in visions, does not mean we get to escape all of life’s surprises, both pleasant and unpleasant.
No matter what happens, our intuitive minds always seek perspective, answers and information. We don’t get to choose what information is given to us, and what is not. We do get to choose what questions we ask, and how we process the answers.
The Week in Review
This week, I shared a post on my 78 Magickal Tools blog about an activity I dreamed up for group ceremonies and classes. Read “Group Gratitude”, and consider trying this with your group!
My website’s updates are almost complete. Check out the new indexing feature that helps you find things more easily!
From Around the Web
On YouTube, I found a video of Baruch K. Tarot pulling cards for Hurricane Matthew. Do you agree with his interpretations? What did your cards say?
Here’s a post from Tarot Elements on Answering Yes/No Questions Using Tarot.
If you are new to tarot, or need a refresher, here is a free on-line tarot course from noted author Joan Bunning. I have shared this before, but like to revisit it from time to time, because it’s worth it.
Song of the Week
What else could it be? Here’s a great live video of Neil Young’s Like a Hurricane.
Image from Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti
Here's another tarot writing prompt from Jamie Morris!
Jame is a writing coach and developmental editor. Check out her website and see how she can help you be the writer you want to be!
Three of Swords: Hearts on Fire
Among other things, the Three of Swords can speak of betrayal and the heartbreak it engenders. It can also speak of emotional overreaction! Put those together, and you get the stuff of melodrama!
Now’s your chance to write a script for a soap opera. If you’re a fan of daytime TV, you might want to create a story line for characters from your favorite show. If not, create a cast of characters of your own and set up a betrayal. Either a financial or sexual betrayal would be a great basis for histrionics by the injured party.
Have a fabulous time describing their clothes-rending response. But what if he or she goes beyond their first dramatic response? What if they retreat to plan their revenge?
Image from Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti
Your One-Card Weekly Reading
Two of Wands
Drawn at random, this is an interesting card for a newsletter with the theme of plans going awry, because the Two of Wands so strongly encourages planning.
The Two of Wands asks you to consider the way you see the world, and the way you want your world to be.
This card can speak of your own ability to manifest your desires, to make your plans and to dream your dreams.
The Two of Wands reminds you to be imaginative and expansive in your vision for your best possibilities.
At the end of the day, it is better to make plans that may or may not go your way, then it is to take no interest in the happenings of your own future.
Upcoming Events
Sadly, all TarotCon events have been cancelled due to Hurricane Matthew.
As of today, my upcoming trip to West Palm Beach for readings, house calls and classes is still booking, so call to make your appointment!
October 14-23
Christiana's Trip to West Palm Beach
I will be teaching classes and doing private readings by appointment at Pearl Raubert's studio. I am also available for house calls, office calls and psychic parties during this time. Call or text to 561-655-1160 for more information, or to make your appointment.
October 16, 2:30 pm
The Thinning Veil: Psychic Gallery with Christiana Gaudet
Pearl's Studio at Unity Church in the Pines
6073 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach
People around the world honor October as the time of the “thinning veil”. That is, the time when the veil that separates our world from the world of Spirit is at its thinnest, allowing us to easily communicate with our loved ones in Spirit, our angels, guides, and guardians.
This idea of a veil between the worlds that thins toward the end of October gave birth to our celebrations of Halloween, also known as Samhain.
This year, you will have an exciting opportunity to make a profound connection with the spirit world during this special seasonal psychic gallery with Psychic Tarot Grandmaster and author Christiana Gaudet.
Within sacred space, Christiana will reveal information for each participant. Each person will receive a deeply personal reading, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance about all aspects of your life. You may even receive a message from a loved one in Spirit! Those who have attended galleries with Christiana before describe them as inspiring, entertaining and amazing. Each person’s reading is specific and insightful; the information that is revealed in Christiana’s galleries is uplifting, helpful and exactly what you need to know. Don’t miss this opportunity to receive the information you need!
Admission is $30. For reservation, call Pearl at 561-333-3372.
The High Priestess, Tarot and Magic
Tuesday, October 18, 2016, 7 pm – 9 pm
Mary Ellen Collins’ home, the Acreage
Christiana Gaudet will be in town to co-host this event with Mary Ellen Collins. Come find out what the High Priestess has to say to you at this time of year when the veil is thin. We will also be working with a little candle magic!
Please be aware that we intend to record this event for webcasting. There will be no charge for this initial Meetup but the seating is limited. For more information, please contact either Christiana Gaudet at tarot@christianagaudet.com or Mary Ellen Collins at MaryCollins0128@comcast.net.
Pro Tarot: Take your Tarot to the Next Level
Saturday, October 22, 2016 10:30-12:30 pm
Pearl Rauberts’ Studio,at Unity in the Pines
6073 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach
Are you a professional tarot reader, or would you like to be? Join Tarot professional Christiana Gaudet, author of “Fortune Stellar: What Every Professional Tarot Reader Needs to Know”, for a class designed to kick your skills into high gear, and get you ready for wherever you want your tarot practice to go.
In this class, you will learn professional-level tarot and psychic skills. You will also learn the practical side of tarot business, including branding and marketing.
Whether you are adding tarot to an existing healing practice, strengthening your skills to improve your current tarot practice or getting ready to launch something new, Christiana will help you find your tarot path.
Bring a notebook, pen and tarot deck. Class fee is $40. For reservation, call Pearl at 561-333-3372.
Psychic Development
Saturday, October 22, 2016 2-4 pm
Pearl Rauberts’ Studio,at Unity in the Pines
6073 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach
Everyone has intuition, and the ability to communicate with Spirit. But how can you learn to hear the voice of Spirit, and attune to your intuition? Join professional Psychic and Tarot Grandmaster Christiana Gaudet for a practical and enlightening exploration of your psychic abilities.
In this class, you will learn techniques that allow you to more clearly discern and communicate truth. You will have the opportunity to practice several techniques, and discover the nature of your own psychic gifts.
Bring a notebook and pen, and any psychic tools you regularly use (oracle cards, tarot cards, runes, pendulum, etc.) Class fee is $30. For reservation, call Pearl at 561-333-3372.
Tarot as a Tool for Healing
Saturday, October 23, 2016 2:30-4:30 pm
Pearl Rauberts’ Studio,at Unity in the Pines
6073 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach
Each of the 78 cards of the Tarot deck offers a specific opportunity for personal healing. In this special class, author and noted Tarot professional Christiana Gaudet will share a variety of Tarot healing methods. Each student will have a chance to work with the cards, and find the healing energy for themselves.
This class is appropriate for anyone, from the simply curious to Tarot Beginners to Tarot Professionals. Bring a notebook and pen, and a Tarot deck if you have one. Loaner decks will be available for use during class. Class fee is $25. For reservation, call Pearl at 561-333-3372.
About Christiana
Christiana Gaudet
Origins Spa and Wellness Center
1537 N Dale Mabry Highway #102
Lutz, FL 33548
Private telephone, Skype and in person readings and instruction are available by appointment.
Tarot parties at your home or office are available throughout Florida.
Call 813-948-4488, toll free 866-99TAROT,
or text or call 561-655-1160
for more information or to schedule your event.
Agent inquiries are welcome.
The Difference Between Superstition and Spirituality
This week's Tarot Topics explores the differences between the journey toward true spiritual awareness and dogmatic superstition. You'll also enjoy an article by Michael Bridge-Dickson!
Because I read tarot, meditate and work with energy, I am often accused of being superstitious.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Every culture has its superstitious customs. We all say “God bless you” when someone sneezes, but none of us these days actually believe the sneezer to be in mortal or spiritual danger.
When we look at the ideological differences across the planet, and the way those ideologies can cause harm, we often wonder if the planet would be better off without religion, or without spiritual thought.
I am sure that religion is not the problem.
The problem is that sometimes people become superstitious about their religion,and use that superstition to gain power over other people.
As I see it, the difference between superstition and spirituality is this.
Superstition is based on fear – the idea that bad things might happen if we don’t conform to a certain set of (often arbitrary) behaviors.
Spirituality is based on love – whatever our concept of Higher Power may be, when we conceive that power as being a force of love and forgiveness, rather than judgment and punishment, we find true spiritual awareness and enlightenment.
Tarot and the Search for Spiritual Truth
There are quite a few tarot cards, especially within the Major Arcana, that speak of the search for spiritual truth. For example, the High Priestess, the Hierophant, the Hermit and the Moon each give a specific message to help us on our journey toward understanding and enlightenment.
It could be argued, too, that every tarot card has a message, or a lesson, to aid us on our journey toward spiritual awareness.
Here are two tarot exercises that work with this idea.
1. One Card
Pull a card at random, and interpret it in this context. What does this card teach me about my spiritual journey and search for truth?
2. Seventy-Eight Cards
Look through the deck, one card at a time. The cards needn’t be in order. For each of the seventy-eight cards, decide what the spiritual lesson or message might be. How does this card assist you on your journey toward enlightenment?
From my Desk to Yours
This week, I finally found time to share a presentation about our Tarot Meetup Retreat Day on my personal blog!
The July event calendar is now available on my website.
From Around the Web
From the Spiritual Literacy Blog, here is “Art and your Inner Spiritual Work”.
How can you tell the difference between a cult and a legitimate spiritual organization? Take the Cult Test.
Monday was the summer solstice. There’s still time to do a Summer Solstice Tarot Spread!
Song of the Week
Here’s Stevie Wonder’s Superstition, performed live on Sesame Street.
Orbifold Tarot
with Michael Bridge-Dickson
Breaking Down Tarot’s Elements
Part 3
So far in this series, I have skirted the etheric, fifth Element of Space. This is partly because it is even more intangible than Air, but also because there is confusion — or at least disagreement — on what exactly Space is. In a way, that’s kind of the point: it’s elusive, yet eternal.
Space is often equated with Spirit, and to some, Space and Spirit are one and the same. This is a fair view held by several traditions and supported by many individuals. However, I see a difference between the two, and although it is subtle, I think it is important to discern between them. You may, by all means, argue that they are just two sides of the same thing... so let’s look at those two sides, and the similarities and differences between the two.
You may have noticed in your linguistic observations that some words like shadow, ethereal, spectral, dreamy, supernatural, mysterious, empty, dark, eternal, mystical, sacred, and celestial don’t really belong to Air, Fire, Water, or Earth. Sometimes these words may describe essences of the more tangible Elements (or hint at them), but at the same time feel as though they describe a separate Element, or or an aspect that they all share.
There is something both crucial and intangible about this fifth Element; it seems to be beyond all Elements, greater than we can imagine, but also the very essence of all Elements — even our very own essence, and that which connects all things.
And so, as an intangible connector, we sometimes call this Element Spirit.
Each of the Four tangible Elements also requires a field in which to exist. Though crucial, this field is not so much an essence, as it exists with or without the Element, but accommodates all Elements whether it remains empty or is filled by them. This aspect is more basic, though it also connects all things.
We sometimes call this intangible connector Space.
So what’s the difference between Spirit and Space — or is there one?
Personally, I do see a difference. For me, Spirit is not an Element at all, but rather a force. Spirit is the organizing force behind all that exists and doesn’t exist... it is consciousness. This consciousness, at a non-personal, non-individuated level, requires no Element. It does not even need space in order to be! It does, however, need Space and the other Four Elements in order to express itself.
Space on the other hand, is more certainly an Element. We may not be able to feel or see Space, but it is always there — it is the field in which the other Four Elements exist.
Think of Spirit as the playwright, who does not need a stage, actors, props, costumes, or an audience in order to conceive a play — the playwright is the organizing force, the consciousness behind the creation. For that play to be expressed, however, it first requires a space to be preformed — a stage, a theatre. This Space is then filled by all the other Elements of a play props, sets, costumes, actors, crew, and an audience all performing and witnessing what is hopefully an entertaining script. Each aspect comes together to create something that is more than the sum of its parts.
This is not totally accurate since it describes an individual consciousness the is dependent upon surroundings and circumstance, but like all analogies, it functions to demonstrate the distinction: the playwright is “Spirit;” the theatre is the “Space.”
Spirit encompasses and interpenetrates all Elements.
Space, while vast, is more specific than Spirit, and enables all other Elements to be.
I make this distinction because, when speaking of Elements, it is Space that I’d like to investigate further. While no Element can be separated from Spirit, it can be helpful to look at the aspects of each Element that are individual, rather than the aspects that are unified by Spirit.
How we understand Space is often made more clear by how it is filled and divided. A small home may feel more “spacious” when it is free of clutter or well organized by function, when it has less “stuff” filling it. Comparatively, even a large home may feel cramped if it is cluttered, filled with nick-nacks, and is poorly organized. So while the larger home may have a larger space to exist in, our perception of that space is that there is less of it because of how it is filled and divided.
However, though the amount of space may be greater in the larger home, because our perception of it is more cramped, that also affects how we feel, behave, and react to that space.
Our mind, mood, and behaviour are affected by how Space is filled and divided — and this understanding can give us greater insight into reading tarot.
First we establish a Space in which to do our practice, established by other Elements to define it, even if that’s just setting out a table on which to lay the cards. Establishing the reading Space also often includes some aspects of Spirit, but for the moment let’s look only
at Space while recognizing that Spirit is always present.
Shuffling, too, is a reorganizing of Elements within Space — the small Space that is the deck (a more in-depth look at shuffling and its significance can be found here). Then, laying out the cards, whether in a predetermined spread, one at a time, or in a freestyle fashion, also divides the Space that is the reading table, each card filling a portion of that Space both physically and representationally by its Element or combination of Elements. Each card, too, has different proportions of “empty” Space compared to Filled Space — often related to the card’s rank, but each deck is a little different in this regard depending on how the artist uses Space in relation to the representation of each image.
In The Orbifold Tarot, this representation of Space is fairly apparent: higher ranks are more “filled” with Elements, while lower ranks have more “empty” space.
This is often true of other representations, too: Aces tend to have a greater feeling of open and empty Space, whereas Nines and Tens tend to be more dense, with the Space more full.
Sometimes our perception of vast, empty Space is one of freedom; other times we feel lost by the lack of definition. More densely filled Space can be a comfort or a burden.
These effects of Space vary, depending on the Elements that make up the “fullness” or “emptiness,” and our capacity to handle varying degrees of density and sparseness.
This applies to individual cards as well as to spreads and our reading Spaces: some people are comfortable reading in a busy cafe, while others need a separate and dedicated space; some prefer a large deck and table, while others are content with any surface, no matter how small. Spreads with many cards are just as popular as 1, 2, or 3-card spreads, and freeform “no-spreads” can be just as effective as standardized go-to spreads. A small spread may seem complete if there are denser cards in it, while even a large spread may seem sparse if it is made up of mostly lower numbered cards.
Over the next week, look at Space and how you perceive it in different circumstances. Notice Space in general, and more specifically how Space is a factor in your readings:
• Do you lay cards out close to each other, even overlapping them, or do you tend to ensure each one has room to be independent?
• When doing smaller spreads, when does the urge to add more cards emerge; and with larger spreads, at what point does it start to feel overwhelming?
• What forms, shapes, geometries, and arrangements are more comforting to you? More irritating?
• Does recognizing that Space is Space no matter how it is filled or divided change your perception of it? Does that perception change depending on what is filling that Space?
As you observe the field in which the other Four Elements exist, your perception of and relationship with those Elements may also deepen.
In the next entries of this series, we will look more deeply at each of the Four tangible Elements individually, starting with Air. Stay tuned!
I'm grateful to have Michael Bridge-Dickson as a guest contributor to Tarot Topics. Check out the Orbifold Tarot and Michael's work!
The Moon, Logic and Dogma
It’s fun to believe in fantasies, and to honor traditions that are based in mythology. At the same time, it’s important to stay grounded in reality.
The problem is, each person experiences reality differently, and everyone uses different language and symbols to describe their reality.
Often, we want to believe in the fanciful and eschew the mundane. The truth is, there is much spiritual growth to be had in the pursuit of mundane activities, if we do it with the right attitude.
If your spiritual beliefs are helpful, and in the highest good for all concerned, you will find great mystery within those beliefs, but also a great deal of logic.
If your beliefs limit your ability to grow, or to love others, or to be peaceful, your beliefs may be based on superstition, rather than on a true desire for spiritual growth.
The path to spiritual growth can be seen in Major Arcana 18, the Moon.
Here, we see that the path to the moon, and spiritual truth, is a twisted one, and fraught with danger.
Along the path to spiritual understanding, there are many illusions and dangers.
We must be able to discern what is true, and what is false.
We must find our truths, not in a book or doctrine, but within our hearts.
The next time you see the Moon card in a tarot reading, think about how it might apply to the search for spiritual truth.
The next time you find yourself wrestling with dogma and believe systems, look within your heart to find what is true, and logical, for you.
Image from Gilded Royale by Ciro Marchetti.
Your One-Card Weekly Reading
Three of Swords
This week, I pulled the Three of Swords for you.
In keeping with our theme, I could interpret the Three of Swords as the hurt that comes from misunderstanding, and the heartbreak that comes from dishonesty.
In the search for what is true, there can be a great deal of heartache as our illusions are replace by knowledge.
This week, be willing to take a fearless look at your beliefs – not just your spiritual beliefs, but also your beliefs about yourself and what is possible for you.
It may be time to release the beliefs that are hurting you.
Upcoming Events
Monday, June 27, 6:30 pm
An Evening with the Tarot
Lutz Branch Library
101 West Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz, FL 33548
Join me as I present tarot at our local library! You can RSVP on the Tampa Bay Area Tarot Meetup!
Sunday, July, 3:30 pm
Tampa Bay Area Tarot Meetup
The Four Elements and the Minor Arcana
Panera Bread
23388 State Rd 54, Lutz, FL 33549
Bring your tarot cards! I'll be presenting this interesting and informative class. You can RSVP on the Meetup!
Coming Soon:
I will be available for private readings and house parties in Connecticut and surrounding areas from August 3 to August 17. Call 561-655-1160 to get on the schedule now!
TarotCon (Florida) 2016 will take place October 8th and 9th, with a special Professional Development Day on the 7th, in Palm Beach Gardens. Make your reservations now!
About Christiana
Christiana Gaudet
Origins Spa and Wellness Center
1537 N Dale Mabry Highway #102
Lutz, FL 33548
Private telephone, Skype and in person readings and instruction are available by appointment.
Tarot parties at your home or office are available throughout Florida.
Call 813-948-4488, toll free 866-99TAROT,
or text or call 561-655-1160
for more information or to schedule your event.
Agent inquiries are welcome.
The Darker Side of Venus
This week, Tarot Topics explores Venus in retrograde. Find your inner beauty and heal your heart with tarot!
The Darker Side of Venus
Venus will be in retrograde from July 25 until September 6. The conventional warnings about the time of Venus retrograde include avoiding the purchase of luxury items, being careful about ill-advised liaisons, and avoiding beauty procedures, even haircuts.
Whether or not you choose to follow this advice, the Venus retrograde is an interesting time to consider the ways in which Venus tempts us, and sometimes leads us astray.
Do you overspend on items you regret later?
Do you worry too much about your appearance?
Do you sacrifice too much in unhealthy relationships?
What tempts you to make poor decisions in love?
The next month offers an opportunity to examine your behaviors, heal, and find your inner beauty.
Love and Tarot
Often we approach tarot with questions about love and romance. We want some assurance of a happy future.
The cards can be very helpful in directing communication and compromise within a relationship. The cards can also sometimes reveal hidden agenda and unwise associations.
What we often want the cards to reveal, however, is the exact date that we will meet our true love. Sometimes the cards will do exactly that, but not always.
Sometimes the cards seem more interested in helping us heal, and helping us understand ourselves, than they are in predicting our future. When that happens, I think about this. Sometimes the decisions we make, especially in love, really matter. Tarot can help us evaluate our situations, and help us make the logical decisions that will bring us to the most happiness possible, in love and in life.
The Week in Review
This week, Joanne Matthew shared some Tarot Haiku on my Community Blog. She wrote a haiku for each of the Major Arcana. This is a shining example of the way tarot can inspire poetry.
On my Dark Forest blog, I offer some “Energetic Cures for Obnoxious Neighbors.” Remember, Venus is about love and war. If you find yourself at war with a neighbor, here are some things to try.
From Around the Web
From Raven’s Tarot Site, here is an interesting discussion of Venus and Tarot.
Olivia at First Earth Tarot has shared a great review of an interesting new tarot deck, Stone Tarot.
Elephant Journal often has great articles. I enjoyed their take on Venus retrograde very much!
Inner Beauty Tarot Spread
Tarot mirrors life. Sometimes it’s helpful to get a reminder of our inner beauty, to receive a clue to understand that deep and strong part of ourselves.
Here’s a two-card tarot spread to help you see your inner beauty. Let the first card show some aspect of your inner beauty. Let the second card show the source of that beauty.
What do you learn about yourself when you consider these cards?
What’s up at the Psychic Café?
This week I caught up with Michael Bridge-Dickson, the artist of Orbifold Tarot. This is an unusual and striking deck. There are many things about this deck I find fascinating. Currently, Orbifold Tarot is in its funding campaign for self-publication.
I’ll be uploading my interview with Michael to my YouTube Channel later on this week. Keep an eye on the Christiana’s Psychic Café Facebook page for details!
Image from Gilded Reverie Lenormand, by Ciro Marchetti
Learning Lenormand
Card Twelve: Birds
Birds is about conversation, communication, gossip and chatter. This card can indicate busy times and quick action. It suggests meetings, interviews and high energy gatherings.
Since communication can be either meaningful or mean, the Birds is considered a neutral card. Look to the surrounding cards and the context of the question to ascertain your role in this conversation, or how it will affect you.
The playing card association for the Birds is the Seven of Diamonds. This can indicate arguments, difficult conversations and irritation.
Next week we will explore card thirteen in the Lenormand system, the Child.
Don’t Miss Florida TarotCon in October!
On October 10th and 11th, tarot and divination experts from all over the world will be gathering in Palm Beach Gardens to share their wisdom and knowledge. You can be there, too! Act now, and receive a $50 discount on your tuition, and a reduced rate at the DoubleTree Hotel.
Tarosophy Tarot Association, the world’s largest tarot association, presents TarotCon. Learn more, and make your reservation on the Florida TarotCon website.
Image from Gilded Royale, by Ciro Marchetti.
Your One-Card Weekly Reading
Your one-card reading this week is the Three of Swords. Drawn at random, this is an appropriate card as we approach the time of Venus retrograde.
Now is the time to acknowledge the things that have hurt your heart. As much as possible, find ways to release and heal from the pain.
Understand that life must always include difficulty, and love always includes a risk. Nonetheless, your heart can heal, and can be made strong and whole, simply by filling it with love.
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, July 22, 7 pm
An Evening with the Tarot
Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library
2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa, Florida 33618-1828
Join me for a fascinating journey into the world of tarot. Learn about the art, history, culture and uses of tarot in this free presentation. For more information, visit the event listing on my website.
Sunday, July 26, 3:30
Tampa Bay Area Tarot Meetup
Panera Bread, 23388 State Road 54 in Lutz, 33549
Please join us at Panera Bread in Lutz for a Court Card Workshop with me, Christiana Gaudet. Tarot enthusiasts from the Tampa area and beyond will gather to learn, share and have fun.
Join our meetup, or visit the event listing on my website.
About Christiana
Christiana Gaudet
Origins Spa and Wellness Center
1537 N Dale Mabry Highway #102
Lutz, FL 33548
Private telephone, Skype and in person readings and instruction are available by appointment.
Tarot parties at your home or office are available throughout Florida.
Call 813-948-4488, toll free 866-99TAROT,
or text or call 561-655-1160
for more information or to schedule your event.
Agent inquiries are welcome.