The Tarot Lady Blog » tarot community

Monsters Among Us

Theresa — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:18:12 +0000

Recently I was watching the documentary “Catfish,” a film that chronicles a young man who falls in love with a beautiful woman he meets online. He travels to meet her only to discover that he’s been duped by a doughy middle aged pathological liar who continues to lie even after being confronted with the fact that the young man knows the truth.

In that story the young man forgives her. She takes down all her false online profiles and starts fresh as her real self. Unfortunately, in the world of online scam artists this is a rare and unlikely outcome.

Nonetheless this story was remarkably reminiscent of real world events in our own community. Yes, we have Monsters among us. I’ve personally had experience dealing with one of our own “catfish.” Fortunately, I have a Class A Bullshit Detector built in and could easily extricate myself from the situation quickly, quietly and cleanly. But I still wonder about those who may be more innocent and less savvy to the types of wolves and highwaymen that prowl the web.

The online world is a strange place….often you see people acting out in ways they probably would not act in real life. In polite society, we are caring about each other, we speak tactfully and mindfully, we protect our elders and we act out of integrity.

But online it can be more like the Wild Wild West. Bullies humiliate others and destroy careers and opportunities for their gentler, less outspoken victims; reputations are destroyed by cruel whisper campaigns; great ideas are stolen and sold at a pittance by scammers who will do anything for a buck; and pathological liars rob people of a sense of trust. To see this outrageous behavior in a so-called “spiritual community” is particularly worrisome.

There are plenty of guidelines for the consumer on how to not get ripped off by psychic scam artists – but what if you work side by side with these people? What if they are floating around in your community, polluting an otherwise peaceful vibration with their toxic behavior?

Do we coexist and simply ignore it? ( i.e. Mind our own business/karma….)

Or do we take a stand and insist that people treat each other – and this work – with a more dignified and honorable manner?

What do you do about colleagues that practice extremely deceptive or cruel personal politics? The more I pondered this, the more questions arose.

If we do nothing, we may be enabling the bad behavior to continue. By shutting our mouths and turning a blind eye, are we tacitly endorsing the crowd declaring the grandness of the “Emperor’s New Clothes?” I’m sure many of us would prefer to be more “Zen”, remain quietly in our own worlds and not become involved in any of this. But is it always truly being Zen or is that just a convenient excuse for cowardice, apathy and/or inaction? The need for honest introspection is an ongoing process and there are no easy answers.

Unfortunately, there may not be a lot that can be done overtly for several reasons.

One, it leads to bureaucracy and that opens up a whole other set of problems. Secondly, who wants be responsible for policing the community? (I sure don’t.)

Also, confrontation can make a situation worse, particularly in the case of a bully.Often this enrages them and they escalate their attacks, which then leads to full scale never-ending war of words. In fact this is often exactly what they may be looking for because it satisfies their need for aggressive and confrontational energy. In some cases, this approach can lead to more drama for the victim than the offender.

Fronting out a fraud can also lead to mixed results – they often simply slink off, morph into a different guise and suck up to a new group of victims, hopping from group to group and preying on the naive. I know of one person who valiantly outed a fraud and the perpetrator simply played the victim to anyone who would listen, waited until the heat died down and then moved on to a different tribe.

I’ve spoken to a few people who have been prey to these types of people and one person told me that “It felt like being gut kicked… sucker punched… targeted for mugging and pillaging… like coming home to find your house ransacked and precious things stolen.” And when they received little support from fellow readers they remarked that they felt “disenfranchised from the Tarot Community.”

We’ve unwittingly ended up in a Catch 22: paralyzed and outraged at the bad behavior….but unable to do a darn thing about it. Some people end up hurt (personally and professionally). Some withdraw entirely from online tarot groups out of fear of being attacked. And some continue to enable the perpetrators.

I’ve asked myself this: if this was my child, would I condone mean spirited or dishonest behavior? What about my spouse? Would that be okay with me?

And the answer is NO. So if this behavior is not acceptable for your children or spouse, then why should we give a free pass to colleagues – or complete strangers?

The first thing that we need to consider is the personal example that we are setting in our community. And that starts with examining our own behavior and mindset.

If you yourself are consistently being cruel, manipulative, deceptive or nasty – it’s time to look at the reasons/motives/emotions behind your actions. And then work to change it. Set the example. Apologize. Rise above your own crapulence.

Start with YOU. If each of us is mindful of our own actions, we are going to be in a better position to deal with any negativity in our community.

And then before you point a finger at a colleague, take a moment to step back and watch. On occasion, we can all make a gaffe (everyone has a bad day, right?). Snarky online comments can be interpreted as bullying. An offhand remark could be misconstrued. People might embellish at times. And someone’s writing may be eerily similar to someone else’s (and this can be a totally innocent coincidence).

Slip ups do happen as no one is perfect or immune from poor behavior. A rare faux pas is forgivable – a continuous pattern of bad behavior is another thing.

For example, consider the person who constantly belittles or humiliates others in an online forum. If someone is consistently engaging in online attacks, then it’s no longer snark – it’s abuse. Period.

The person who uses a false identity and tells outrageous lies crosses an ethical line personally, morally and professionally – and brings shame to their community. (Remember Milli Vanilli?)

A copycat who regularly lifts blog posts, taglines and ideas is stepping into treacherous waters. (Imitation may be a form a flattery – but a pale imitation of someone else’s work starts to dip into plagiarism….)

A gossip who shares intimate knowledge of readings, private information or particular products purchased and used, betrays client confidentiality. (Beware when you hear these things from the mouths of your colleagues, for if they feel so free with sharing details and speculation on the lives of others with you, you can rest assured that it is pretty likely that they will gladly share your information just as easily with others.)

When you witness someone else engaging in these or other disruptive, unprofessional or negative practices, you still have a few good choices.

Breathe! Take some time to cool down before responding in a knee jerk fashion. When you can calmly analyze the full scope of an action and its potential consequences (without anger or fear) you are in a much better place to assess the actual potential impact of that behavior, and better determine whether it is even worth pouring any energy into at all. No one wants to be taken by surprise in an online scam or attack, yet we can’t go running to the bomb shelter every time someone drops a shoe. Find your center, your truth and your best nature and operate from there.
Take a moment to try to find compassion for the person who is doing the nasty behavior. A bully, for example, is often very scared underneath their bravado. They act out to try to feel powerful. A liar may have self esteem issues and may be trying to impress others. And a seeming con artist may be a desperate person who is trying whatever they can to feed their family. Although we cannot pretend to be psychiatrists who can understand a person’s inner workings, if we put ourselves in their shoes, perhaps we can find some sort of empathy for their conduct. This does not mean we excuse the actions – we simply try to be mindful and kind before we ourselves take an action.
Discuss your concerns privately with the perpetrator. I find this to be effective in most cases. When someone has done something that caused me to raise an eyebrow, I have taken it up with them behind the scenes. This allows them to save face and hopefully, make amends. (For a particularly nasty person, this may be a waste of energy but I still recommend trying this tactic.)
Confront. Unfortunately, confrontation as I stated above – especially in the case of a bully – will often lead to escalated attacks. An aggressive person may act out publicly in an attempt to humiliate their victim further – and they will usually bring a few other bullies with them. Is this worth it? Probably not. If you are going to go into an all-out war with someone, it is best to have your own support system because you are probably going to need it. A better way to confront would be for a group of people to send a strong signal asking the person to stop – but this must still be handled delicately, with tact and diplomacy or you risk looking like (or becoming) a bully yourself.
Speak with your wallet. Don’t patronize their business, buy their products, refer other clients to them. This is probably one of the more effective ways to deal with someone who is poisonous to their community. A boycott is a very powerful tool.
Speak with your silence. Sometimes the best path is to simply walk away and disengage completely. Don’t interact. Do not hang on in the vain hope that they will change. Send a strong message that you will not be an enabler by putting up a boundary. If that risks other people not liking you, so be it. Remember this: if you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas. A man IS judged by the company he keeps and if someone engages in dishonest, mean spirited or unethical behavior, then allowing that person to continue to float around in your world may send a message that you think on some level that this is acceptable.
Support the victims. This is the MOST important thing you can do. Often when someone is being treated poorly, they feel isolated. Reach out in whatever way you can. Whether that be through a private email or standing up for them in a public forum, do it. Don’t let them be attacked or silenced by a louder, more aggressive foe.

I realize in writing this post that I may have no concrete answers. Perhaps it is time for all of us in our community to open up a dialogue and to try and find a positive, proactive and mindful way to handle this issue.

Although the people that engage in negative behavior are the minority, they seem to leave a damaging trail in their wake. We may not be able to stop that completely – but if we bring it out into the light of day and discuss the issue, we may just be able to contain it to a rare isolated incident.

“I’m a reflection of the community.” ~ Tupac Shakur

Blessings!

Theresa

http://www.thetarotlady.com

Have you dealt with trolls or witnessed bullying or worse in your online community? How did you deal with it? What do you think is a better way of handling situations like this? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below:

Talkin’ Tarot With James Wells

Theresa — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:54:59 +0000

Talkin’ Tarot With is a monthly feature designed to introduce my readers to different tarot readers from our wonderfully diverse community! Each month, I’ll be asking various tarot readers 3 questions about their tarot philosophy and style, plus pointing you to their websites and blogs so that you can learn more about them! I like to hand pick tarot readers that I feel are talented and interesting.

I enjoy meeting and learning from tarot readers who work with the cards differently than I do. It’s all too easy to get quite fond and comfortable with our own methods – getting a different perspective can help a reader to grow and bust out of their own self imposed “tarot ruts”.

Recently I took a class with James Wells called “Tarot Counseling“. This month long course delved into using tarot in more of an interactive counseling format which is quite different than how I tend to work with the cards. James is an incredible teacher – wise and compassionate and infinitely patient. I thoroughly enjoyed everything I learned in that class and have been able to put some of his techniques to good use with my own clients.

The best part of the class is that I received a reading from James which helped me to get a clear feeling of how tarot counseling actually worked. Using deep questions and a custom made spread, James helped me to get to the root of a situation that I had been struggling with for some time. His reading gave me the advice and tools I needed to liberate myself from the problem. I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am for the experience. This was exactly the reading I needed!

Readers like James offer their clients the opportunity for deep personal healing, which takes tarot from a simple divination tool to something more profound. If you are looking to connect with tarot in a whole new way, a reading (or class) from James may be just what you need.

James Wells makes his home is Toronto, a vibrant and tree-filled city in Southern Ontario. As a motivational listener, consultant, teacher, facilitator, and circle host, he is dedicated to merging soul and strategy. For him, contemplation and insight must be grounded in practice.

From James’ childhood until the present day, He has been curious about what makes people and the universe tick. This curiosity has inspired him to try out a variety of wisdom ways, some of which no longer resonate with him and some of which are helpful long-term resources. Through tools and processes such as circle methodology, tarot, Reiki, and journal writing, James is invited to remember his creativity, resourcefulness, and wholeness. The people who choose to work with him as clients and students also report that these ways are fruitful paths to their full authentic humanity.

Whether at home or abroad, whether in personal sessions or in workshop settings, James always aims to provide an experience of council mind, a way of deep witnessing and self-expression that respects the Whole.

In his “me time”, James enjoys reading, writing, music, walking, close friends, and good food. He’s also nourished by regular attendance at a shamanic journeying group and a circle-based spiritual community of healing and peacemaking, both in Toronto.

You can find James at his website Circle Ways. He also teaches classes in Reiki, tarot and more as well as leading events. Check out his EVENTS page if you wish to study with him.

He is also a published author – his recent book, Tarot For Manifestation is currently on the shelves and is a must-read for all tarot lovers!

James will also be one of the main presenters at Readers Studio 2012, the biggest tarot conference in the world.

Check out his answers to my questions below:

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1. What is your philosophy about tarot reading?

James: A tarot consultation, for me, is simply another form of feedback. It can give us a look at what’s happening within us and around us in the moment so that we can become more aware of the options that are available. Awareness of options can lead to empowerment because we realize that there’s more we can do about a situation than we originally thought. I think of each card as one of 78 possible viewpoints on one’s situation, so it doesn’t really matter which card gets chosen about an inquiry. A person’s imagination and capacity for projection make a card relevant to any situation. A tarot session, at its best, liberates us from our habitual patterns.

2. How do you feel a client might get the most out of a reading with you?

James: A client will get the most out of our time together (whether on the phone or in person) if s/he works collaboratively with me. I ask a series of questions when someone makes their initial contact with me. A person’s responses to those will assist her/him and me to focus on what we’ll explore through the tarot. During the consultation itself, a client can benefit by being open to dialoguing with me. If s/he remember that it’s a conversation rather than being “read at” by me, s/he’ll go deeper into his/her own wisdom and become more aware of the answers and richer questions that reside within. I suppose that all of this sugars down to clients suspending their notions about what a tarot session should be and going along with the processes that I offer. It’s a journey of meeting each other where we are.

3. What is your best piece of advice for an aspiring tarot reader?

James: Don’t try to be right, just do your best to be helpful when asked. Also, cultivate a capacity to ask relevant, open-ended questions.

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A big thank you and hug to James for taking time to talk with me – and for the awesome reading. It really was one of the most profound readings that I have ever had.

I can’t wait for his presentation at RS12!

Blessings!

Theresa

http://www.thetarotlady.com

Talkin’ Tarot With Joanna Powell Colbert

Theresa — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:33:34 +0000

If I could pick one person that personifies Mother Earth, it would be Joanna Powell Colbert. I met Joanna about two years ago at the Readers Studio, where she was sitting behind a booth selling copies of her deck, The Gaian Tarot. I was intrigued with the deck but even more interested in learning about her.

And what I have learned about Joanna is that she is one of the most sincere and nurturing people on the planet. Her whole presence spells warmth. And this shows up very strongly in her deck. When you hold it in your hands, you can feel her love and spirit in every single card.

Joanna’s work as an artist, teacher, reader and leader of earth-centered spirituality brings a powerful vibe to the tarot community. It’s a gentle reminder that we are all here connected on this earth and we must take care of this planet – and each other.

Joanna Powell Colbert is an artist, writer, and teacher of tarot and earth-centered spirituality. The Gaian Tarot, nine years in the making, combines her love of archetypal art with the mysteries of Mama Gaia, the natural world. A Collector’s Edition is nearly sold out, and a mass market edition has just been published by Llewellyn. She teaches workshops and e-courses on earth-centered spirituality, manifesting your dreams, and tarot as a tool for inner guidance and self-exploration. Joanna lives in the woods outside Bellingham, Washington, where daily encounters with the mysteries of the natural world continue to inspire and inform her work.

Joanna’s tarot deck can be found at www.GaianTarot.com. The Gaian Tarot Circle site is a community of people who love the deck: www.GaianTarotCircle.com. Joanna blogs at www.GaianSoul.com, and she’s active on Facebook and Twitter.

The Gaian Tarot is going out on a Blog Deck & Book Tour during the month of September, and Joanna will be chronicling the tour on her Gaian Soul blog (http://www.GaianSoul.com), as well as on Facebook and Twitter. She is currently presenting an e-course on “Tarot Counseling for Self & Others” taught by her friend James Wells (http://www.GaianSoulGrove.com/jameswells-tarotcounseling/), and enrollment is open through midnight Monday, September 5th.

Joanna will traveling a lot this fall to support the release of the Gaian Tarot. She’ll be at the Traditions in Western Herbalism conference, vending and doing readings, in New Mexico mid-September. (http://www.traditionsinwesternherbalism.org/intro.html) She will also be presenting a couple of workshops with Carolyn Cushing in Easthampton, Massachusetts on October 1st and 2nd, (http://artofchangetarot.wordpress.com/2011/04/07/connecting-with-mama-gaia-a-day-of-retreat-reflection-and-sharing/) and then will host a Gaian Tarot Retreat with James Wells and Bev Haskins outside Toronto, Ontario on October 7-9. (http://www.gaiantarot.com/retreat/)

Check out Joanna’s answers to my questions below:

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1. What is your philosophy about tarot reading?

Joanna: It’s all about helping the seeker (querent or client or self) access her or his own inner wisdom. I always set sacred space before doing a reading, and I ask for divine guidance. I like having a conversation with the seeker. I don’t talk at the person. I want to talk with them, and ask them what they see in the cards. I help the seeker to create open-ended questions instead of closed, yes/no questions, at the start of a reading, as this leads to a richer experience.

I stay away from predictive readings except in a general weathervane sort of way. A prediction is often disempowering to the seeker. A person who seeks a prediction often really just wants reassurance about a troubling issue. We can create a question or series of questions that ask something like: If X happens, what is my best course of action? If Z happens, what’s my best course of action? Those questions are helpful and empowering.

2. How do you feel a client might get the most out of a reading with you?

Joanna: A client should have done a little prep work before the session by brainstorming questions he or she wants to ask. S/he should understand my style of tarot consulting and not ask for a predictive reading. S/he should ground and center before the reading, and be willing to be open to guidance and inspiration from his or her own Deep Self.

3. What is your best piece of advice for an aspiring tarot reader?

Joanna: Practice, practice, practice! Practice reading every day, for yourself or for others. Turn up a card a day and watch for patterns. Dialogue with cards that turn up over and over again, in an active visualization, to find out the personal meaning the card has for you at this time. Keep a tarot journal, marking down epiphanies and revelations on your tarot journey. Take a class from a good teacher. Find tarot community online, or in person at some of the wonderful conferences and events we are so fortunate to have. Have fun!

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A heartfelt thanks to Joanna for taking the time of her crazy busy schedule to chat with me. And for those who are hesitating – go and purchase the Gaian Tarot. I’ll be reviewing it in a few weeks but here’s a preview: it is amazing!

Blessings!

Theresa

http://www.thetarotlady.com

http://www.tarotmentor.com

Lessons Learned at SF BATS

Theresa — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 17:58:06 +0000

After every tarot conference, I like to take time and reflect – not just on the fun or tarot techniques I discovered but but also on the more personal lessons I have learned.

This was my first SF BATS experience and I didn’t know what to expect. Would it be like the Readers Studio? What would be the tone of the crowd? Would I have fun?

SF BATS was different than Readers Studio in that the vibe was more casual. But the people were the same warm, open hearted tarot people that I have come to know through RS. And yes, it was so much fun.

Here are some of the things I learned:

1. AV/tech guys have my mad respect. Andrew saved my presentation and I couldn’t have done it without him. Thanks Andrew.

2. Thalassa may be a funny entertainer but she is a true business thug for pulling off this event. I salute her tireless effort and staunch spirit. She is a true gem to the tarot community.

3. Rachel Pollack and Anastasia Haysler are two of the most generous, kindest souls on the planet. Special thanks to them for their extraordinary compassion. (Sorry folks, that is private.)

4. I need to see my tarot peeps more than once a year. Hence, I must now add SF BATS to my schedule. I can’t be away from my tribe for too long.

5. The internet has connected tarot lovers in a bigger way than we can ever imagine. Only a few years ago, my tarot world was an isolated one. I now have a true tarot family. Thank you, internet.

6. Creating a tarot deck is hard work. Mad props to all you artists. (Thanks to Courtney Weber for enlightening me on what a labor of love it truly is.)

7. After talking with Mary Greer about grandchildren, I am hoping my kids start thinking about it. LOL

8. Mercury retrograde can’t ruin everything. This was one of the BEST trips I have ever had.

I’m sure there are more things I will uncover in the weeks ahead but for now, that’s my takeaway.

Now I am California dreaming of SF BATS 2012….

Blessings,

Theresa

http://www.thetarotlady.com

Live Blogging From SF BATS – Day Two

Theresa — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 05:30:52 +0000

Yesterday’s events were almost overwhelming but all of us tarot freaks were excited to soak in as much SF BATS goodness as possible today. Once again, we started off an another welcome from Thalassa and then got down to some fun.

Dan Pelletier, Rhonda Lund and Nancy Antenucci

We were treated to a short skit starring Dan Pelletier, Rhonda Lund and Nancy Antenucci. Nancy created this just for SF BATS and it was hilarious. Best part? Watching Nancy shake her groove thang all over the place. The crowd was laughing and clapping along and just having a great time.

Unlike yesterday, we only had two sessions today. I decided to attend Courtney Weber’s presentation. Courtney is the creator of the stunning “Tarot of the Boroughs” deck and she gave a talk about the story behind the deck. The audience was fascinated with the backstories about the people in the pictures (the deck is photographed with real people – including techno artist Moby!). I was really glad I attended because it gave me the real dirt on how a deck comes together (it’s not an easy process!).

Courtney Weber

We then broke for lunch and I had two very trill companions join me for a little sushi delicacies – fab tarot author Barbara Moore and my Blog Talk homie Georgianna Boehnke! Between bites of sushi we had lots of laughs and girl talk. I love these guys!

Georgianna Boehnke and Barbara Moore

The crowd reconvened in the main room for raffles and more (I didn’t win any prizes because I lost my ticket almost immediately – bummer!). And then…..I headed to room A for my lecture: Prophet To Profit – Transitioning From Tarot Hobbyist To Tarot Pro.

I’m very passionate about helping other tarot readers make a career with this work so my goal was to inspire my fellow tarot peeps and to get the fear out of running a business. I had a bigger group than I expected and was pleasantly surprised to see that there are plenty of other tarot readers who really want to make a living doing this work. I had so much content that I really wished I had more time (presentations were limited to 50 minutes). This group was SO great, I could have sat and talked business with them all day (for those who know me well, I never get tired of talking about tarot – or business).

After I finished, we all headed into the main room. I had the huge honor of sitting on a panel with tarot legends Dan Pelletier, James Wanless, James Ricklef, Rachel Pollack and Mary Greer. To be seated next to people I respect and admire and talking tarot – it was a dream come true. This was a high point in the conference to me. We were chatting about our own tarot experiences and how we thought tarot has changed over the years. The buzz was all about the technology.

The panel - Dan Pelletier, James Wanless, James Ricklef, Rachel Pollack, me and Mary Greer

After our panel finished up, Ellen Lorenzi-Prince presented Thalassa with a hedgehog decked journal signed by all of the attendees. Thalassa teared up and a few of us were wiping away some tears too. In that moment, we all became aware of what tarot had really become over the years – a true community.

As the conference came to a close, there were lots of hugs and love going around. SF BATS was a joyful event and the attendees were almost reluctant to leave. But we had homes to go to (some of us getting home later than sooner due to Hurricane Irene) and families to tend to – so everyone started to depart.

I hate leaving my tarot peeps! Here I am with Georgianna Boehnke.

As I headed back to my hotel, I felt a little sad to be leaving my tarot family. But it’s nice to know that they are all only a conference away.

Blessings!

Theresa

http://www.thetarotlady.com

http://www.tarotmentor.com

Live Blogging From SF BATS – Day One

Theresa — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 05:05:44 +0000

When I first arrived at SF BATS, the energy was a little bit chaotic. Tarot people packing in, presenters finding their info and vendors setting up. It was crazy but the energy was electric and FUN. I knew right away that this conference was going to have a groovy vibe once we got settled in.

It all started with a hearty welcome from the Bat Queen herself, Thalassa Therese.

Thalassa Therese

At SF BATS you get a choice of a few classes per session. Each class lasts about 50 minutes. It is NOT easy to choose which class to take – the lineup was THAT good. I decided to start out with a class from Thalassa.

Thalassa taught us about the shadow side of the tarot cards and how to work with them. The class was entertaining (would you expect any less from Thalassa?) but also very informative. I learned a great technique that I am dying to share with my tarot peeps! (The technique is this: if you have a card you don’t like, pull another card to see how to deal with it. Simple but effective!)

Mary Greer

My next class was with Mary Greer. (I never want to miss a Mary class after the awesome one I took last year at RS10.) Mary taught us about Birth cards and about how to find the year cards for important events in our lives. After looking over the numbers, I was surprised to see how many life altering events happened to me during “Temperance” years. And not surprised to see that the hardest year of my life happened during a “Devil” year. Interesting. This is something to play around with. (By the way, Mary has a new book on Birth Cards, Who Are You In Tarot, that will cover all of this in depth.)

For lunch break, I was able to sit down and chat with Georgianna Boehnke of The Tarot Room. I loved working with Georgianna when I was a co-host at Beyond Worlds. What a delight to meet her in person and be able to put a face to that silky voice! Georgianna rocks!

After lunch, I decided to stay in the Main room for the rest of the classes in there. James Wanless did not disappoint. This tarot legend taught us a fantastic new spread using his Sustain Yourself cards. He gave us all a free card (I got the Cave).

James Wanless

This was followed by a fun class with Corrine Kenner – tarot for writers. (My daughter, who is a writer would have LOVED this class!) This class was interactive and all attendees got to function as parts of a Celtic Cross spread method for creating a story. It was so much fun!

Corrine Kenner

The last class was with Joanna Powell Colbert, designer of the Gaian Tarot. Joanna taught us a magical class on the elements – and she gave us a new spread to work with. The one thing I can say about SF BATS is the content is MEATY. My head was swimming with information!

Joanna Powell Colbert

Good thing we got to follow up with a cocktail party! Everyone popped downstairs for hors d’oeuvres and drinks. The energy was lively and we all had so much fun unwinding. Some people came out in costume – and we were treated to a live poetry performance.

Poetry slammin’ at SF BATS

Carrie Paris and Mike Hernandez

Revelers

Valentina Burton, Corrine Kenner and Rachel Pollack partying hard

Fist bumpin' with The Tarot Lady and Thalassa Therese

All in all, the first day was off da hook awesome! Can’t wait for tomorrow. (I’ll be doing my presentation – wish me luck!)

Blessings!

Theresa

http://www.thetarotlady.com

http://www.tarotmentor.com

PS: secret memo to Courtney – in your face!

Live Blogging From SF BATS

Theresa — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 13:20:18 +0000

This weekend, I’ll be doing a presentation at SF BATS (San Francisco Bay Area Tarot Symposium). SF BATS is the oldest tarot conference in the world (celebrating 20 years this year!).

The conference is hosted by one of my tarot faves, Thalassa Therese (check out her interview here: Talkin’ Tarot With Thalassa Therese).

The lineup is full of some of tarot’s greatest: Mary Greer, Rachel Pollack, Barbara Moore, James Wells, etc…..it’s going to be amazing! (I’m so humbled to be in such dazzling company!)

I’ll be doing my presentation on Sunday. If you can make it, be sure to come by and say hi to me! And if you can’t – don’t worry, I’ll be blogging live from SF BATS and posting plenty of photos. (If you follow me on Twitter, look for my hashtag: #SFBATS).

I’m off to pack! Blog with you soon,

Theresa

http://www.thetarotlady.com

http://www.tarotmentor.com

Talkin’ Tarot With Tali Goodwin

Theresa — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:34:51 +0000

Loud and boisterous people may get all the attention but it’s the quiet ones in the background that I am more intrigued with. Over the last few years, I’ve been very curious about the woman behind Tarot Professionals, marketing director Tali Goodwin. So you can imagine my excitement when I learned she was coming to the Readers Studio in April.

When I first met Tali, I was struck by her gentle and almost ethereal presence. She is almost like a little fairy and there is a vulnerability in her eyes that draws you in. But after spending any time with her you quickly discover there is a quiet fire underneath the sweet exterior and a fierce intelligence that shines through with every word she says.

Recently, Tali began to come out of the woodwork and step into the spotlight with her new blog, The Tarot Speakeasy. This smart site displays her deep knowledge of tarot and gives us all a better glimpse into her world.

Tali Goodwin is the Marketing Director for Tarot Professionals Ltd and the co-author (with Marcus Katz) of Tarot Flip, Tarot Twist, Tarot Inspire (forthcoming 2011) and two innovative new tarot books for Llewellyn Worldwide, which will be published in 2012. She organises the Tarosophy Tarot Conference in the Lake District of England and writes for Tarosophist International magazine. She is the co-founder of Tarot-Town, the social network for those who simply love Tarot.

She has recently launched her unique Tarot Speakeasy blog [http://www.tarotspeakeasy.com] which is the world’s only time-travelling tarot blog – shifting lingo and slang every few months! This blog is powered by shindigtarot.com, a unique online Tarot service with video-chat and integrated Tarot cards for which Tali provides tarot, media and marketing consultancy.

She has worked previously in occupational therapy (Alzheimer’s Care) and lives with her partner, Lyn Birkbeck, a leading astrologer and author. Her practice in Reiki has been ongoing since 1994. Her favourite tarot deck at present is the New Palladini deck, followed closely by the Sun and Moon Tarot (US Games Systems Inc.).

Her passion is the enigma and mystery of Tarot, and giving it a unique voice.

Check out her answers to my questions below:

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1. What is your philosophy about tarot reading?

Tali: My philosophy about tarot reading is that it can be a means of reconnecting to the sacred and the most divine within ourselves. The Tarot cards are possessed with the spirit of myth, mystery and wisdom which is gifted to us when we read the cards. It helps to ignite our intuition and gives it a form of expression.

I see the tarot as a liber mutus, a mute book, comprising of pictures alone, therefore we have to be the ones who give it voice. This the work of the oracle.

The Tarot is a key, the key to unlocking our own unknown and that of our past and future selves. I see Tarot as being within the same tradition as that of the Troubadour, who would pass on their knowledge through the medium of song. I feel strongly that it is a craft which can be honed over time, like any craft, it may not seem clear at first, but with experience and good practical tarot education it will become … more accessible – across many levels.

Tarot might be seen as the universal record of the memory of the universe and when we have a Tarot reading we are sharing all the knowledge that has gone before, that is in the making, and is yet to be.

As T.S. Eliot expressed in the first poem of his Four Quartet ‘Little Giddings’:

Time past and time future
What might have been and what has been
Point to one end, which is always present

I believe that this is the gift that is Tarot.

2. How do you feel a client might get the most out of a reading with you?

Tali: A client would get the most out of a reading with me, in that I have the ability to hit the mark, and be succinct in my delivery. I avoid waffle! Certainly, this is what I have been told by querents!

My first ever reading was when I was part of a Marketing Event at a 5-star hotel in London for a new NBC TV series. If it is possible to find yourself accidentally doing a Tarot reading then this is exactly what I found myself doing! So my first-ever querent was a hardnosed sceptic tabloid journalist, it was entirely possible that they could have critiqued my reading in a national newspaper – so no pressure there!

I read them the message of the Blasted Tower card, and whilst they were a little bemused, they then went and had a couple of other readings and these came up with the same card! Perhaps they took away with them a reminder that the universe can be giving messages if only we would stop trying to transmit our own, and this is something that a client gets from a reading with me.

3. What is your best piece of advice for an aspiring tarot reader?

Tali: My best piece of advice for an aspiring Tarot Reader for them to immerse themselves in the art, and the disciplines which are connected, such as numerology, astrology and even kabbalah. Also, connect with other people in courses, conferences, online and in person – as Tarot is about engaging life not escaping it!

One of the most important things I would also advise is to attend a few courses – there is so much to learn and so many great teachers out there. You can also learn so much from your fellow students; don’t leave it for years – just do it.

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Many thanks to Tali for taking time out of her uber-busy life to chat with me! Be sure to keep your eye on The Tarot Speakeasy for more Tali Goodwin goodness!

Blessings!

Theresa

http://www.thetarotlady.com

http://www.tarotmentor.com

78 Tarot Blogs and Websites Worth Checking Out

Theresa — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 01:47:07 +0000

My tarot students often ask me where they can get good, solid tarot information on the internet.

There’s a lot out there and sometimes it can be overwhelming to pick through the good from the bad. So I thought I would compile a list of some of the best and brightest tarot writing and information that the world wide web has to offer.

Tarot Eon (http://www.taroteon.com) My favorite tarot website, hands down. The voice of modern tarot.
Mary Greer (http://marygreer.wordpress.com/) Tarot author Mary Greer’s blog is full of all sorts of tarot goodness – from tarot history to art – and more!
Tarot Elements (http://www.tarotelements.com/) Brilliant tarot writing with a great team of tarot and astrology bloggers.
Rachel Pollack (http://rachelpollack.com/) Home to tarot author and deck designer, Rachel Pollack.
Tarot by Arwen (http://tarotbyarwen.com/blog/) Witty and compassionate tarot writing.
Learn Tarot (http://www.learntarot.com/) A great site for beginning tarot students by author Joan Bunning. This is the BEST place to start learning tarot.
Llewellyn Unbound (http://www.llewellyn.com/blog/) This smart blog features thought provoking posts by tarot luminaries such as Barbara Moore and more. A must visit.
Tarot Town (http://www.tarot-town.com) The social networking site for tarot peeps.
Tarology (http://tarology.wordpress.com/) A poetic and intellectual tarot blog by Enrique Enriquez.
International Tarot Calendar (http://www.tarotcalendar.com/) The brainchild of Amy Lamash, this is the place to find out about every world wide tarot event and announcement.
78 Notes To Self (http://78notes.blogspot.com/) Ginny Hunt’s delightful tarot blog. Smart, snappy writing.
Fool Stop Tarot Blog (http://usgs.typepad.com/) A great blog by tarot deck publishers US Games.
Owl’s Wings (http://www.owlsdaughter.com/owls-wings/) The beautiful posts of Beth Owl’s Daughter.
Melissa’s Tarot Readings (http://melissatarot.wordpress.com/) Very well written thoughts about tarot from Melissa Tarot.
Alec Satin (http://tarot.alecsatin.com/blog/) Alec has a gentle spirit and a powerful blog.
Shuffle (http://corrinekenner.wordpress.com/) Corrine Kenner’s clever tarot and astrology blog. Great tarot writing for sure.
Circle Ways (http://jameswells.wordpress.com/) James Wells makes tarot deeper and proactive with this blog. Manifest some great stuff with his guidance.
Tarot Speakeasy (http://www.tarotspeakeasy.com/) A new and fabulous blog by Tali Goodwin. Don’t miss this one.
Marcia McCord (http://marciamccordtarotreader.blogspot.com/) Author and deck designer Marcia McCord shares her personal stories and more in this very intimate blog.
Starcana Cosmic Dirt (http://starcana.com/blog/) Tarot affirmations, daily astrology and more makes this a complete stop for your regular astrology/tarot fix. Starcana gives the total low down!
Shivaya Wellness (http://shivayawellness.com/) Raven writes about things I wish I wrote about. Tarot and healing for those who are really seeking.
That’s Totally Tarot (http://thatstotallytarot.com/) Angelo Nasios’ fresh, modern and cheeky approach to tarot. Tarot with guts.
The Tarot Room (http://thetarotroom.com/) Delightful tarot thoughts from Georgianna Boehnke.
The Tarot School (http://www.tarotschool.com/) Correspondence classes, degree programs, coaching, and Readers Studio – the biggest tarot conference around!
Aeclectic Tarot (http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/) Deck reviews with plenty of images so you can see what you are buying before you hit that “buy now” button.
Gaian Soul (http://www.gaiansoul.com/) A beautiful blog from the creator of the Gaian Tarot, Joanna Powell Colbert.
Dream World (http://www.ciromarchetti.com/) Gorgeous decks and art from artist Ciro Marchetti. Simply stunning work.
Tarot For Life (http://tarotforlife.com/) An eclectic tarot blog with lots of info for all tarot lovers!
Priestess Tarot (http://www.priestesstarot.co.uk/) Louise Underhill is a talented writer and she uses the Wildwood Tarot – great insights from an interesting deck.
Just Enough Tarot (http://justenoughtarot.com/) Mike Hernandez is a warm and lovely tarot reader with lots to share.
Diary of a Tarot Reader (http://tarotspell.blogspot.com/) A fantastic blog from the talented Hilary Parry. A smart cookie with a real down to earth attitude.
Donnaleigh’s Tarot (http://donnaleigh.com) Home to Beyond Worlds host Donnaleigh and her snappy blog. Check out the Speed Blog posts.
Tarot Notes – Major and Minor (http://tarotnotes-majorandminor.blogspot.com/) Helen Howell and Zanna Star never disappoint their readers with this lovely blog.
Tarot Broad (http://tarotbroad.com/) This sassy blog by Debbie Burke is full of tarot brilliance. I love the way this woman thinks!
Sasha Graham’s Tarot Diva Blog (http://tarotdiva.wordpress.com/) Magic and tarot collide in the Tarot Diva’s fun blog.
James Ricklef’s Tarot Blog (http://jamesricklef.wordpress.com/) An empowering blog with a deep philosophical flair.
New Paths Tarot (http://newpathstarot.com/) A newer blog by Koneta Bailey, there is a lot here to digest. She blogs well and often.
Tarot Explorer Blog (http://tarotexplorer.com/blog/) Nancy Hendrickson shares tarot wisdom in a down to earth, practical blog.
Kris Waldherr News and Blog (http://kriswaldherr.com/blog/) Get the news and scoop from artist and tarotist Kris Waldherr.
Carrie Paris (http://carrieparis.com/blog/) Spiritual and passionate, this blog gives you “tarot with a twist”.
Daughters of Divination (http://www.dodivination.com/) Get the scoop on Thalassa and all her teachings – plus SF BATS – the oldest tarot conference!
The Tarot Reader Blog (http://thetarotreader.wordpress.com/) All the way from down under, Stella Luna shares her grounded wisdom and plenty of tarot news!
Tarot Passages (http://www.tarotpassages.com/) The site of Diane Wilkes. It’s not updated much any longer but there is a wealth of info and deck reviews.
Bonnie Cehovet (http://www.bonniecehovet.com/) Enter the world of tarot author and reviewer, Bonnie Cehovet. This is a VERY content rich site.
Cat ‘N Owl (http://catnowl.com/) A blog that pushes the boundaries beyond tarot to include reiki and more!
Tarot Garden (http://www.tarotgarden.com/) If you want a tarot deck, this is the place to get ‘em. Every deck imaginable shows up here!
Voyager Tarot (http://www.voyagertarot.com/) The creator of the Voyager Tarot, James Wanless. Smart man with some great tarot concepts.
Dynamic Dreamer ~ Art Weaver (http://lisahuntart.com/blog/) A nice blog by artist Lisa Hunt. I love it when she shares her latest art work.
Biddy Tarot Blog (http://www.biddytarot.com/blog/) Biddy Tarot shares tarot wisdom plus a weekly tarot card. Sometimes they are scarily accurate!
Tarot Bomb (http://tarotbomb.blogspot.com/) This blog by Andy Matzner gives thought provoking questions for each card. A therapeutic and novel approach to tarot.
Coneflower Tarot (http://www.coneflowertarot.com/) A lovely and colorful blog with Wordless Wednesday, new ways to use the tarot, and more. Lots to explore here.
Art of Change Tarot (http://artofchangetarot.wordpress.com/) Smart and therapeutic ways to work with the tarot from Carolyn Cushing.
Punk Rock Psychic (http://punkrockpsychic.com/blog-2/) OMG – I LOVE this blog. Sassy, bright and full of attitude – this is tarot 2.0.
Amethyst Tarot (http://www.amethysttarot.com./) I recently discovered this tarot blog and I am impressed by the writing. Well done and lots to ponder.
Tarot Guidance (http://tarotbycher.blogspot.com/) This blog by Cher Green has some interesting insights. Definitely worth poking around – good stuff indeed.
Readings By Dale (http://readingsbydale.com/) Dale Howard has some great stuff to share – be sure to check out her Card of the Day and her “Raise Your Glass” spread.
Tarot Dame Blog (http://tarotdame.blogspot.com/) Tarot reader Kiki shares some interesting spreads and interpretations on this cool blog. Book and deck reviews too!
Alchemical Egg (http://thealchemicalegg.com/Main.html) The site of Robert Place, tarot artist and historian. This is a smart and talented man with much to share.
A Girl Called Woo (http://agirlcalledwoo.blogspot.com/) A tarot and witchcraft blog by the coolest tarot chick, Courtney Weber – the brains behind the sizzling Tarot of the Boroughs.
Personal Tarot With Matt (http://personaltarotwithmatt.com/blog/) Matt Williams may be a “regular guy” but his tarot is anything but regular. He’s new to blogging but his writing is top notch.
The Tarot Game (http://thetarotgame.com/) I love the Tarot Game! This fun new product by Jude Alexander will enlighten, entertain and delight! And it takes tarot from simple divination to a true bonding experience.
Tarot Hermeneutics (http://tarothermeneutics.com/) Paul Nagy brings a wealth of knowledge and depth to tarot. This is the “thinking man’s tarot”. Smart stuff.
Practical Tarot Blog (http://practicaltarotreadings.com/blog/) Can’t get enough Barbara Moore? I can’t. If you want more of Barbara’s great tarot thoughts, visit this site (pun intended).
One Witch’s Way (http://onewitchsway.com/) Tarot thoughts and more from pagan writer Rowan Pendragon. An enjoyable blog for all (not just pagans)!
The Tarot Connection (http://tarotconnection.net/) Great tarot podcasts and more from Leisa ReFalo.
Practical Astrology & Tarot (http://practicalastrologyandtarot.com/astrology-and-tarot-blog/) Astrologer and tarotist Ellen Zucker gives you the scoop on what’s happening in the cosmos as well as some juicy tarot tidbits.
Big Tarot (http://www.bigtarot.net/) A fantastic and fun site. There is a lot of information here so savor slowly.
Super Tarot (http://supertarot.co.uk/) Tarot lessons with the Thoth deck from professional tarot reader and author Paul Hughes-Barlow.
World Tarot Day (http://www.worldtarotday.org/) The official site for World Tarot Day. Created by Den Elder, May 25th is the day when people the world over celebrate all things tarot.
Tarotpedia (http://www.tarotpedia.com/wiki/Main_Page) The online encyclopedia of tarot. This wiki is jam packed with everything tarot that you could imagine. A good place to begin tarot research!
Tarot Tribe (http://www.tarottribe.com) Podcasts focused on tarot education. Excellent interviews with tarot luminaries and more!
Tarot Pathways (http://tarotpathways.com/) This site features podcasts, deck reviews, tarot news and so much more. Great writing and lots to offer all those who love tarot!
Tarot Journaling (http://www.tarotjournaling.com/) I am a big fan of keeping a tarot journal. Corrine Kenner wrote the book on it – this companion site will get you started.
Tarot Journals (http://www.tarotjournals.com/) More info on tarot journaling plus Ari Stone’s GORGEOUS and very useful tarot journals. I love mine!
In Touch Tarot (http://intouchtarot.com/blog-posts/) Up and coming tarot blogger Karen Borusiewicz just started sharing her thoughts. I can’t wait to read more!
Tarot Teachings (http://www.tarotteachings.com/) Avia Venefica’s fantastic site for learning tarot. Beginners and seasoned pros will find something here.
Tarot Lovers (http://www.tarot-lovers.com/) An online guide to tarot cards and meanings. This site has a lot of content to explore!
Tarot Dude (http://tarotdude.com/) Book and deck reviews and lots of tarot goodness from Roger Hyttinen. (Plus you just gotta love the name!)

Of course, this list is by no means the final word. There are many other worthy sites that you may discover in your tarot journey. But I hope this gets you on your way with a big ole tarot world to peruse, ponder and delight!

Blessings!

Theresa

http://www.thetarotlady.com

http://www.tarotmentor.com

http://blog.thetarotlady.com

PS In case you are new to tarot, the reason why there are only 78 sites listed is because the traditional tarot deck has 78 cards. :)

Talkin’ Tarot With Melissa Tarot

Theresa — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:48:02 +0000

When I first started flirting with social media, I noticed Melissa Tarot’s cute little logo. As whimsical as that logo was, I discovered that Melissa is no tarot lightweight. She has one of the deepest, most thoughtful blogs – and better yet – she does killer readings!

Recently I was a “tarot lab rat” for a series she did on her blog. Melissa picked a few of us (including my homegirl Starcana) for tarot readings on her site and the results blew me away! I found her reading to be down to earth, accurate and helpful. And that’s the best kind of reading in my opinion.

Melissa has been doing tarot readings since she was 14. Twenty two years later, she’s still learning every day. She’s currently madly in love with the Shadowscapes tarot and the Tarot of Trees deck. She lives in the St. Louis area with her kiddos and assorted animals.

Website – http://melissatarot.wordpress.com
Twitter – MelissaTarot
Facebook – Melissa Tarot

Check out her answers to my questions below:

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1. What is your philosophy about tarot reading?

Melissa: My philosophy about tarot reading is that tarot is like a flashlight. We can see down our path a bit, but tarot shows us just a bit further down the road. I’m a big fan of allowing free will into readings. If I give you a reading, that’s basically saying that right now – if you continue this way with these intents – this is the most likely outcome. I love giving readings and having the obstinance of the client change the outcome. I like reaffirming decisions and validating choices. I love that these cards can give solace or confidence, and I love that they’re challenging. As a reader, I think that the best realization I’ve ever come to is that I have to be a scholar. I can’t just learn the meanings of the cards by memory and churn out readings. There is so much to each picture, each element and each position. I don’t think I’ll ever learn all of it, but I’m having a great time trying.

2. How do you feel a client might get the most out of a reading with you?

Melissa: I think that my clients can get a lot from a reading with me by breathing and relaxing. That sounds silly, but I have a pretty laid back style and I’ve found myself starting readings by saying, “Let’s see what we can see.”. Oftentimes, one of my readings will go for 20 minutes or so – interpreting the cards, and then we’ll talk for an hour. I don’t time my readings, because sometimes they’re 10 minutes and sometimes they’re hours long. I think that a client can get the most out of a reading with me by being open about what they hear. It’s hard to hear that something isn’t going to work out, but I always try to look far enough ahead to find balance. One of my favorite readings to date (in 22 years!) was with Starcana. Three cards, basically a Universal high five – and then we giggled and talked shop for an hour. I’m very straight-forward, and probably swear too much. I’m honest, and I’m invested in each reading that I do. This is a walk that the client and I are taking together, and they’re trusting me to help them through whatever they’re questioning. I take my job very seriously, but I’m just delighted by it. What a wonderful, strange gift we have.

3. What is your best piece of advice for an aspiring tarot reader?

Melissa: For a new reader I’d suggest to study! I used the book with my original Rider Waite deck for ten years – I needed it. I didn’t want to half-ass the readings, and I didn’t want to be stuck without a resource and be uninformed. Each card is so layered and has so much inside of it. Each can be interpreted so many ways – as I said before, I feel very strongly that if you’re going to be a reader, you’re going to be a scholar. Also, I’d advise keeping your nose clean. There are a lot of unscrupulous readers out there who make the rest of us look bad. Just remember that the Universe is watching you. Always. I had a friend ask if I could make more money, have more clients, etc., if I were a little more theatrical. If I played up the “I am a spiritual advisor, hire me and I will set you free.” angle. Yeah, probably. I think I’d also get my ass handed to me by karma VERY quickly. Also, the internet is a wonderful resource. Not just for the cards, but for people like Theresa, Starcana, Catherine Chapman at Tarot Elements, etc. I never would have found these wonderful colleagues without Twitter, of all things, and they teach me more than I could imagine.

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Many thanks to Melissa for taking the time out of her crazy busy day to chat with me. Learn more about Melissa and great a kick ass reading from her at her website.

Blessings!

Theresa