78 Roads To Wisdom

Guest Blogger Post: Therese Relucio - Do Ouija Boards Really Work

2014-02-05T15:47:00.000-05:00

Today I turn my blog over to a guest writer. I have known Therese for a number of years. She is funny, smart, and a talented psychic medium living in New York City. Enjoy!

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The history of the Ouija Board is, in itself, somewhat of a mystery. The board was first popularized as a game in 1891 and was claimed to have been tested and proven to work by the Patent Office before it was allowed to be sold in stores. The use of the Ouija became widespread during, and may have even sprung out of, the same era that gave birth to Modern Spiritualism.

There is no mistaking that the Ouija board has made its rounds in various groups ranging from the skeptical, curious and genuinely interested. This “game” is easily recognized by the flat board with the entire alphabet as well as Yes and No titles written on each top corner. There is also a planchette – a triangular piece (traditionally made of wood but is now usually plastic) that easily glides across the board. The idea behind the board is that it allows a spirit to be able to communicate through spelling out words and answering questions that are put forth by the game players.

But do Ouija Boards really work?! Yes and No. Ouija Boards allow for an able spirit to work with the humans around to physically move the planchette. This makes sense as there are many instances of things of the like, such as automatic writing where the spirit takes control of the hand and arm of a person holding the pen and performing automatic writing. However, according to the Universal Law of Attraction like attracts like.

If the players of this “game” have a genuine intention of communicating with a spirit that has passed, it may occur. If the players have an intention of connecting for the sake of being entertained (for example, during slumber parties), communication may also occur. The problem arises when trying to verify the presence of the actual spirit of whom they say they are and the details that they are providing.

Like attracts like and there may just be a silly, playful, mischievous or just plain deceitful spirit present. This spirit, of course, has the capability of lying about details and/or pretending to be someone they are not. For example: “Is the spirit here my grandfather?” Another spirit can easily claim to be the grandfather and the players of this so-called game will not know any better.

So the short answer is yes. Spirit Boards (Ouija boards) work. Using one as a tool to communicate with spirit is not recommended if you don’t know what you are doing – and definitely not without the presence of an actual genuine medium. A talented medium can verify what is being communicated by the spirit.

Then again, if there is a medium already present then a Ouija board would be unnecessary and a traditional séance or circle can instead be conducted.

* - written by Therese Relucio. Visit her website: www.thereserelucio.com

I am the Wheel of Fortune.

2012-01-23T11:03:00.001-05:00

Today's Card of the Day was selected by a online test which asks you several multiple choice questions and reveals what Major Arcana card you are. I was told:

You are The Wheel of Fortune

Good fortune and happiness but sometimes a species of intoxication with success

The Wheel of Fortune is all about big things, luck, change, fortune. Almost always good fortune. You are lucky in all things that you do and happy with the things that come to you. Be careful that success does not go to your head however. Sometimes luck can change.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

The Wheel of Fortune is a card of ups and downs. It represents the never ending Cycle of Life. No matter what happens in our lives - birth, death, divorce, job loss - the Wheel keeps revolving without care or concern for how it affects us.

Many look at the Wheel of Fortune as a portent of good luck. Some see it as a sign of a gamble, the wheel looking like a roulette wheel. Some see it as fate. I believe The Wheel shows us patterns. Not only the cause and effect of our choices and decisions, but universal patterns in life. The "secrets of the universe" are revealed by The Wheel.

The Wheel follows The Hermit in The Fool's Journey. We seek higher knowledge with The Hermit and find those answers in The Wheel. We learn that our actions have consequences. That, as Newton postulated, "For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction." I believe that is not only Newton's Third Law of Motion, but encompasses all energy. All thoughts, words, feelings and actions have a cause and effect, an equal and opposite reaction.

After The Wheel we are asked to accept that simple truth by Justice. We are asked to accept that we control the vertical and we control the horizontal of our lives. There is no fate, except the fate we assign.

Today's card, in fact MY card (according to the online test) is The Wheel of Fortune. It came to remind me that no one else can make my business and myself a success but me. That luck comes to those who create it.

Review: The Wildwood Tarot

2012-01-20T14:25:00.000-05:00

A few days ago I decided to post about the vote on SOPA and PIPA that are upcoming in Congress on January 24, 2012. To all of you that read my post and took action, thank you. Take a look at the difference your emails, phone calls and petition signing did. To those who have not read my blog entry on SOPA and Tarot or have not taken action, please do so.

The blog I was going to write that day was a review of The Wildwood Tarot, so without further delay ...

The Wildwood Tarot - A Review

It's been a few weeks since I received The Wildwood Tarot as a Christmas Gift. I've been looking at it, shuffling the cards, and reading the book that came along with it. First I have to say, "Oh my God, it's gorgeous." I love the art work. Even my roommate, who is not a tarot enthusiast, commented on how stunning the art is.

The Wildwood Tarot grew out of the beloved Greenwood Tarot. I am not lucky enough to own the Greenwood and have never even seen, but from what I understand it is held in high regards. A check on Amazon sees used copies being sold for $900 or more.

I loved the book that accompanies the deck. It comes from a position of using tarot as a guidance tool, a tool of introspection instead of prediction. That aligns with my personal views on tarot and my reading style.

The deck renames the Major Arcana cards to be more inline with pagan traditions and the world the authors created. The mirror traditional RWS convention but twist a little bit. I enjoy the renaming and the additional meanings, sometimes deeper, sometimes completely different, the new names bring.

The Minors are also redone according to their world traditions. Instead of Swords we have Arrows. Bows instead of Wands. Stones instead of Pentacles. And Vessels instead of Cups. The journey from Ace to Ten also has a slightly different look. Each card is labelled with a meaning, Such as Injustice for the Two of Arrows, Empowerment for the Five of Bows, Exploitation for the Six of Stones, and Rebirth for the Eight of Vessels.

The cards are large, almost oversized. For me, they are too large and I don't like the feel of them. This is not a deal breaker for the deck to enter into my regular rotation. It just won't become one of my "go to" decks.

It is packaged in an attractive box that is slim, holds the deck and book, and fits nicely on my bookshelf. My only complaint about the packaging is in order to create the sleekness of the box the deck had to be split into two piles. This requires you to split the deck every time you return the deck to the box. I prefer to keep my deck in one pile. It's a small thing I know. This means that my deck just sits unprotected on top of my bookshelf until I buy a tarot bag for it.

I have not yet performed a reading with this deck, preferring to review it first. The first reading I perform with any new deck is an "Interview Spread" and that will be posted in the next few days.

Overall, The Wildwood Tarot is a beautifully designed deck with a well thought out system. It would be a nice addition to anyone's tarot shelf.

SOPA and The Tarot Community

2012-01-18T14:15:00.000-05:00

Today I was going to write a review on The Wildwood Tarot I received for Christmas. In order to do that I would need to use images like the ones on the left. If the SOPA and PIPA bills pass through the US Congress on January 24, 2012, my blog might need to be shutdown and blocked because of infringement issues.

And it wouldn't just be blogs that review tarot decks. If your website uses images from RWS or other decks in card of the day postings, spreads or in free classes the US Government would have the right to block access to your website.

What about Tarot organization websites like American Tarot Association, The Tarot Guild, TABI and Tarot Town? Yep, they could also be shut down or blocked if they use images they do not own on the websites.

Or retail websites like Llewellyn or US Games? They also could be shut down or blocked. As well as websites like Aeclectic Tarot. Wait you say, the retail sites have the legal right to use images for the products they sell. They wouldn't be shut down. Wrong!

The way SOPA and PIPA are written allows the US Attorney General to shut down or block any website they believe might have infringed on other's material and/or intellectual property without due process. Guilty until proven innocent.

But what about websites like TABI and others that are hosted outside of the United States? SOPA and PIPA would require separate DNS servers for foreign websites. They would require all websites that list or hyperlink to websites believed to infringe on copy written material and/or intellectual property to remove the link or banner ads. This means sites like Google, Bing! and Yahoo! would not only lose a significant part of their listings, but also would lose ad revenue.

Social Media sites like Facebook, Google+, or Twitter would be required to suspend any user thought to post or link to infringed property. You Tube would also have to suspend user accounts. If these sites do not suspend the users, they would be subject to fines and penalties up to and including shutdown.

Beneath the noise pollution being spouted by Congress, AFL-CIO and MPAA is a serious threat to freedom of speech and to innovation. Any group with a large enough wallet or loud enough megaphone could claim any site the do not agree with uses infringed material and Viola!! Disappearing website. Windows and Mac OS for years have allowed users to develop their own extensions for their operating systems. It is because of the ideas of others that we have modern operating systems with multi-threading and other features. Innovation often involves improving on an existing product or service.

What might not be so highly known is that Hollywood gave Congress $94,000,000 to draft and pass the bills. As Reddit Founder Alexis Ohanian said on CNBC the other night:

“Why is it that when Republicans and Democrats need to solve the budget and the deficit, there’s deadlock, but when Hollywood lobbyists pay them $94 million dollars to write legislation, people from both sides of the aisle line up to co-sponsor it?”

Please support the anti-SOPA movement. If you live in the US contact your Congressman and tell him to vote NO on SOPA and PIPA. And visit SOPA STRIKE to find out more.

A New Tarot Home in 2012! Welcome to RBG Tarot!

2012-01-08T10:13:00.000-05:00

2012 has started strongly. It is riding the wave that started in 2011.

In June 2011, I started a internet Tarot presence for my Tarot Consultation service. Readings By Gary was designed to allow me to reach clients around the world and read their cards by email. It has been a successful trial of how social media and the internet can help us connect with people around the globe.

In September 2011, I was asked asked at a Meetup if I taught how to read tarot. Although I never thought about teaching, I took on a few students. Two or three students meeting at a Starbuck's or a diner soon grew to 12 to 15 students in a classroom. Now I am reaching hundreds of tarot students due to the power of the internet, webinars and Skype.

In 2011, I went from reading cards at psychic fairs and new age stores to reading at private parties. I still love reading at fairs and at coffee shops and bookstores and will continue to do so in 2012. At the end of 2011 I was a contributing author for an upcoming Tarot book. In 2012, I am working on my own book. I can be heard on a semi-regular basis on Tarot Today Radio with Dr. Dax Carlise, was named Assistant Director of Technology for The Tarot Guild, and am involved in tarot research with Project T.A.R.O.T. So many wonderful things have started to manifest, just a few short days into 2012.

It got me thinking. Readings By Gary no longer represents my Tarot business. I am now offering Tarot Consultations in private, at psychic fairs, bookstores, via email, Skype, and through the TG Endorsed Readers Group on Keen. I offer public Tarot classes in a classroom setting and via the internet. I also offer one on one tutoring and private group classes. I can be booked to perform at private parties and events. I needed to update my web presence.

I am pleased to announce my new Tarot home is RBGTarot.com. At RBG Tarot you will be able to order an email or Skype reading with me. You'll get updates on the exciting breakthroughs Project T.A.R.O.T will hopefully bring us in 2012. You can book me for your private party or sign up to take a class with me. And you will be able to know where I am appearing to read or simply to hang out and enjoy other Tarot Enthusiasts company.

I thank all of you for your continued support on this incredible journey. I look forward to getting to know you and making a difference in 2012.

How To Achieve 2012 Tarot Goals

2012-01-05T12:07:00.000-05:00

It's been a few days since the New Year started, and I hope 2012 brings all of us success and prosperity. Today seemed like a good day to plot the direction for my Tarot related resolutions (I prefer to call them promises). They include growing my business which right now is only readings at psychic fairs and online via email or Skype, to include a private Tarot consulting service with office hours, performing corporate gigs and private partes and publishing a tarot related book. But before laying the journey out, I wanted to get some insight and advice from the cards. I asked:

"What are the best ways to achieve my Tarot related goals in 2012?"

I pulled three cards:

The first thing that strikes me is the amount of Pentacles. Pentacles stand for money, nature and grounding. This tells me that I must focus on grass roots marketing. Word of mouth, networking and "press the flesh." I must be like a politician. If I want your vote, I must get out there and meet you. Face time is extremely important. I must use the psychic fairs and tarot meetups as an opportunity to gain clients and grow my private practice.

The two Pentacles that showed up were the Four and the Five. The fact that they showed up in order is important. The four shows a merchant or ruler sitting on his throne. Pentacles cover his head, heart and feet. It is a miserly card. I believe the energy of the four is telling me not to overly give. Do not give free readings. If I set a value level for my services, my clients will see a value in me. In addition the Four is telling me to keep my ideas (marketing and business structure) close to the vest. The old saying of "Loose Lips Sink Ships" comes to mind.

After the Four comes the energies of the Five. The miserly reactions of the Four lead to the despair seen in the Five. In the Five we see a family passing in front of a church. They are dressed in tattered rags. Looking at this card I am overwhelmed with melancholy. The family is so wrapped in their troubles they do not see the church behind them. They are unaware that assistance is there for them. All they need to do is be open to the idea.

The lesson here is to accept help. Getting my business off the road is going to be filled with challenges and the Five reminds me I do not need to go it alone. Success leaves clues. Meet and interview those who have successfully set up and run there own consultation services. Do not let ego, hubris or pride get in the way of receiving good advice.

In between the two pentacles is the Page of Swords. Our Page is that smart-alecky student. He may be verbally caustic and intellectually cocky. He is still a student and needs to grow into the maturity of the Knight. The Page deals with challenges and adversity by intellectually and emotionally removing himself from the situation.

Appearing in the middle of the journey from Four to Five the Page shows me that I must work on facing my challenges and engaging others instead of "checking out." Before I can accept the help offered in the Five I must learn to acknowledge and face the challenges and not turn and run like the Page.

What are your Tarot related promises for 2012 and how are you going to achieve them?

New Year's Spread: Elemental Spread

2012-01-02T13:37:00.001-05:00

Happy 2012!! I want to take a moment to thank all of you who have followed this blog in 2011 and took the time to share kind words and encouraging comments via email, Twitter and this page. It means a lot to me.

I have strived to make this blog educational and enjoyable, even though at it's heart it's my personal Tarot diary.

I have loved sharing my views on Tarot with all of you and will continue to do so in the year to come.

Yesterday was a recovery day from the New Year's Eve celebration. It was not booze that did me in but the long night. I spent most of January 1, 2012 sleeping. That means, this is the first blog entry for 2012.

A few days before New Year's Eve I did a spread that glanced back at 2011 before turning me eyes towards 2012. (read that blog here) Then yesterday I found a spread on my friend's website that looked really interesting, so Lisa, I hope you don't mind but I'm stealing it!! (You can see the original post for the spread here and please check out her terrific blog Tarotize.com)

This spread is a simple six card elemental spread that is laid out in a shape of a pentagon. You also should get your Personal Tarot Year Card to use as your significator for this spread and interpret each of the cards thrown in the spread through the energies of your Personal Tarot Year Card. You can find out how to determine your Personal Tarot Year Card here.

The Earth card represents what will be emphasized for you interms of your physical health and financial stability in 2012.
The Spirit card represents the main spiritual lesson to be learned in 2012.
The Fire card represents your creativity, fertility, will power and courage. This card relates to your work/calling for 2012.
The Air card highlights problem solving in the year ahead. Your main communication theme/challenge in 2012 will be seen here.
The Water cards represents the sphere of emotions. Your main relationship theme/challenge for 2012 is found here.
This is your "interface card." It represents how you can be a service to humanity in 2012.

Personal Tarot Year Card

The Star is a card of emotional calmness. We see a naked nymph pouring water out of two vessels. The pouring water represents the emotional, spiritual and creative energies freely being given to the world. She pours water into the pool of unconsciousness thereby replenishing her own soul and pours water upon the earth, giving her spirit and energies the ability to create her reality. Our Nymph kneels with one foot in the water and the other rests behind her on the ground. She lives both in the spirit and the body, the ethereal and the physical. She has achieved the balance sought by Temperance while not worry about losing any water.

1. Earth Card

In the Four of Cups we see a lad sitting cross legged and arms folded, his back against a tree. He looks past three golden cups in front of him and doesn't see the cup being offered from the heavens.

Oftentimes the Four of Cups is described as a card of apathy. It has also been described as a direct outgrowth of the preceding celebrations of the three and therefore a rest and recovery from the debauchery of the night before. Either way our lad doesn't see opportunities and blessings.

Reversed and our lad may be looking for new opportunities to stave off boredom or to add excitement. His psychic awareness may also be increased.

The influence of the energies of The Star promises an increase of my psychic abilities and intuition. It also warns of possible slip back into depression and apathy. I must remain vigilant to not rest so much that I withdraw from society.

2. Spirit Card

The Knight of Swords is The Grail Knight. Lancelot, Galahad, Gawain. All are described by our Swords Knight. Full of passion and righteousness our Knight rides fearlessly and focused into battle.

Reversed, the energies of Noble Knight becomes braggadocio. His zeal causes his passion to bubble out of control. He might become fanatical or delusional in his lust for righteousness or justice. He may tilt at windmills, or he may just run out of steam.

Under the influence of The Star our Reversed Knight tells me to keep an even keel on my spiritual journey. Not to believe I have found "the way." Nirvana is different for everyone.

Since I have never been a "my way or the highway" kind of person when it comes to spirituality, perhaps the Communication Knight warns of meeting such people along the way in 2012. I may be put in situations where I am continually forced to explain or justify my personal beliefs. Under the influence of The Star I am reminded to take the high road and don't be dragged into "morality arguments."

3. Fire Card

In the Eight of Cups we see a man in the background travelling. He is walking up a slight hill with water surrounding him. In the foreground we see eight golden chalices standing upright atop one another.

Our man has turned his back on the cups and is moving on. Things are still going okay for the man, certainly no cups have fallen or broken. Yet, as we can see from he gap between the cups on the top row something is missing. The man may feel unfulfilled.

Reverse the Eight and our man may be returning instead of leaving. He may be returning to an old relationship or being reinstated in a previously held position or may be rehired for a old job. It may signify a reversal in our man's thought pattern and he may reconsider an offer that he previously turned down.

The Star adds a calmness to these decisions and beckons to put aside past hurts for present and future growth. I may be asked to partner up with former associates to get my tarot business moving in the right direction.

4. Air Card

The Hierophant is the card of social acceptance. In it we learn how to fit in with society. We learn to hide parts of ourselves to better blend in and be accepted. In this way, The Hierophant is the anti-individuality card. It screams for us to think the same way, dress the same way, love the same way.

Reversed The Hierophant tells us to march to our own drummer, stick out like a sore thumb and Think Different. Blended with The Star's energies the Reversed Pope reminds me that, like the lesson of the Knight of Swords - Reversed, I will be talking with many people who obey, and even proselytize, societal norms. My main challenge is going to be sticking by my beliefs and not be cowed because of my unorthodoxy.

5. Water Card

Three is a Magic Number. In the Three of Pentacles we see that hard work has paid off and success finally arriving. Graduating from the constant juggling and turmoil that were in the Two, our artisan is now commissioned for his work. He also is attracting people to him. In addition to the Abbot who commissioned him to design the church he also collaborates with an architect. In order for the task to be completed each man must work in harmony with the others. In this way the Pentacle Three's energy teaches teamwork and compromise in addition to self improvement.

Add the even calmness and surety of The Star and we see the promise in gained confidence. The card promises that confidence in my craft, skills and self will attract people to hire me, which will increase my skills and confidence, which will attract people to hire me, which will increase my skills and confidence, which will attract people to hire me, which will ... well you get the idea. A beautiful circle of success will result.

6."interface card"

The Three of Wands shows a merchant standing on a hill watching his ships on the ocean. The ships sail on a calm sea of golden water. The man holds one wand while standing in front of two others that form a gate the man walked through. The energies of the three again show success starting to happen.

Unlike the hard work that lead to the success in the Three of Pentacles. Here it was our merchants good decision making that lead to his growth.

Reverse the Three and those good decisions may turn out to be bad, or indecision may mean the decision is never made and our merchant watches the ships sail past. It may mean that our merchant takes too big a risk and becomes overambitious.

Add the emotional certainty of The Star and risk taker of the Reversed Three of Wands is balanced, perhaps too much. The emotional calmness may add to the apathy of indecision and nothing is done or resolved.

The lesson here is to just get involved. If you/I want to make a difference in this world and contribute to it's growth and healing, it doesn't matter what and where we do it just matters that we do something. Don't sit on the sidelines. Make the decision and dive into the pool!!

Overall, this spread provides a good blueprint for 2012. I was surprised by the amount of reversals showed up. I guess that means that my road will be curvy instead of straight and there will be lots of blockages to breakthrough and challenges to overcome. All four elements are represented, as are The Court Cards and The Major Arcana. There is a nice balance in these cards a nice reinforcement of lessons throughout.

The promises and lessons of 2012 will be Success through Balance.

New Year's Spread: Glancing Backwards/Looking Forward

2011-12-30T16:08:00.000-05:00

It's one day before December 31, 2011. One day before New Year's Eve. Two days before the prophetic 2012 starts. Now is a good time to reflect on 2011 and turn an eye towards 2012. The New Year's Spread I am using I found on aeclectic.net. It actually is a birthday spread, but a new year is a birth of sorts, right?

Which card represents me at this moment? - The Hermit
What knowledge did I gain from 2011? - Ace of Cups (Rx)
What am I bringing into 2012? - Two of Cups
What challenges will come in 2012? Eight of Cups (Rx)
What opportunities will come in 2012? Five of Cups
What gifts or guidance will I have/need in 2012? Four of Cups (Rx)
Which wish will come true in 2012? Ten of Swords (Rx)

Wow, that is a lot of Cups. I guess 2012 is going to be a emotional, creative and spiritual year for me.

1. Which card represents me at this moment?

The Hermit is a card of contemplation and inner searching. A seeker of self truths. In the Fool's Journey, The Hermit comes after Strength. Right after our Fool learned to deal with adversity for the first time and how to lead by gentleness rather than force. After all the lessons learned during the first triumvirate of Majors that taught separateness and success through strength of will, our Fool now turns inward to seek answers.

The Hermit's lantern is made up of a Mogen David, or Star of David. A Jewish symbol that is comprised of one upward and one downward facing triangle. In alchemy, these triangles represent fire and water (male and female energies) and are referred to as the Seal of Solomon. Therefore our fool holds out the light of integration to show him the way.

Likewise, I am still on my spiritual journey and learning to balance my desire to make Tarot and metaphysics my life's work and knowing I must return to the Rat Race, at least for a little while, to ensure a roof over my head and food on my table.

2. What knowledge did I gain in 2011?

The Ace of Cups represents the spark of new love, new creative or psychic opportunities. It harkens to a deepening of understanding and of feelings in a relationship or the excitement felt in starting a new project or in a known moment of synchronicity.

Reverse it and it stands for a blocking of the same same energies. Usually this means building of walls so one can never be hurt again. Unfortunately the same walls built to keep people out ultimately conspire to keep you in and become your de facto jail.

However the energies of the Reversed Ace do not have to be so extreme. For me it shows the lesson I learned to set limits on opening my heart too soon in relationships. I learned not to wear my heart on my sleeve but to play poker and not show my entire hand at one time

It also signals lessons learned in the psychic arena. I learned what I want out of my Tarot business and what I need in a business partner. Ultimately, the Reversed Ace shows I learned how to balance enthusiasm and hopeless romanticism with pragmatism and caution.

3. What am I bringing into 2012?

After the initial spark of Ace we come to the energy of the Two. Twos represent partnerships, unions, and decisions. In the Two of Cups we see a man and a woman holding up a golden chalice to each other. A winged lion hovering over the caduceus of Hermes is above and between them. The lion is a symbol for sexuality while the wings it wears symbolize spirit. The caduceus of Hermes is a symbol of health and wisdom.

The Two of Cups lets me know that I bring a readiness for an adult relationship with me in 2012. One that will satisfy sexually as well as spiritually. This goes nicely with the lessons learned in 2011.

The card also indicates that I bring partnerships with me that will serve me in 2012 and allow me to reach my goals.

4. What challenges will come in 2012?

In the Eight of Cups we see a man turning his back and walking away from eight golden chalices. They are stacked upright . Water surrounds the man as he makes his way for destinations unknown. The Eight is a card of movement. In this case moving on. Although the situation is still good (as seen by the upright cups) something is missing for our man (as represented by the gap between cups). Our man has become wistful, even saddened by the inaction of the Seven.

Reversed, the Eight Cups can represent walking towards instead of walking away. Being reinstated at a job or a position after a period of time. It could also signify leaving on a trip of retrieval, like a shepherd leave his flock to retrieve an errant or lost sheep.

The challenge coming in 2012 may be "staying the course." Not becoming lazy or discouraged when little or no movement on my goals is seen. I must remember the lesson of the bamboo stalk.

Plant a bamboo seed and you will see no progress for years. Then in about the fifth year you will see a little sprout emerge from the earth. About six months afterwards a tall and strong bamboo plant will stand where a nothing once was. The lesson is everything takes time and will come to fruition when given the proper love and attention.

5. What opportunities will come in 2012?

The Five of Cups is a card of loss, or mourning loss more specifically. In it we see a man or woman, dressed in black, with their head bent. They are looking at three golden chalices that have fallen and spilled their contents. Our mourner does not see the two chalices that remain upright behind him. Nor does he see the river that separates him from his home or the bridge in the background which would return him there.

So what is the challenge of 2012? I don't know, but the five shows me it will follow a disappointment or loss. The five reminds me to see the opportunity in all "losses." Not to be like the mourner and become "stuck" in my grief. Give the pain a beginning, a middle and an end. Then lift my head up and look around to find the upright cups and the bridge leading me home.

6. What guidance will I have/need in 2012?

The Four of Cups is sometimes known as "the morning after the night before" card to the Cups' Three. After the jocularity and celebration of the three, you may need some time to recover. It could indicate apathy or quiet meditation or contemplation.

In the Four of Cups we see a young lad sitting crossed legged and arms folded, his back against a tree. He stare blankly at three chalices standing before him. He is so lost in thought, or apathy, he does not notice the fourth chalice being offered to him. The image of the offered cup brings to mind the gift offered in the Ace.

Like the Five that comes before it, the four may advise not getting so wrapped up that you miss opportunities.

Reversed, the energies of the Four may increase psychic ability and the ability to "feel" or intuit message from the unseen world. It may also signify a seeking of new opportunities or a rethinking of past options formerly rejected to release boredom.

The guidance being received in 2012 may be an increase of psychic gifts and reliance on them. The reversed four also reminds me not to burn bridges. I may need people or opportunities I rejected in the past to keep moving me forward.

7. Which wish will come true in 2012?

Oh boy. The Ten of Swords. The Melodrama Card. Dun-dun-dun-dunnnn!!!!

In the Ten of Swords we see a man who is dead. Deader than dead. I mean one sword can kill you. If someone really doesn't like you, two or three can get the point across. But ten? Wow, that's overkill!!

The Ten is a card of the Drama Queen. The person that every splinter turns into a two by four. Every hang nail means finger amputation. This person is constantly crying wolf and readying Mr. DeMille for their close up.

However, the Ten can also stand for being beyond hurt and overcoming bullying. After all once you are dead, nothing can hurt you. Peace. Out.

Reverse the energies and the Ten may bring recovery and rebirth. You may feel like a disaster or near death survivor. But survive you did and now breakthroughs are around the corner. You may lose the need to explain or intellectualize everything and simply accept things as the come to you.

Overall, it looks as if 2012 is going to be very positive for me and my growth. My wish of renewal and loss of my cynicism as shown in the 10 of Swords Reversed has been on my wish list for several years and have been continually worked on.

I am looking forward to increasing my intuitive and psychic gives and growing esoterically as well. The only disappointment would be the lack of news on my financial situation and my personal projects. In fact, no Pentacles or Wands showed in this spread.

Oh well, all things in time. In the words of Roger McGuinn, borrowing from Yahweh, "For everything there's a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." I guess 2012 is a work on me kinda year.

Learn The Tarot in the New Year!!

2011-12-25T16:39:00.001-05:00

Is learning Tarot on your New Year's Resolution List? Attune Magazine's Virtual Learning Center just made it easier for you. Gary Karp, author of the Tarot Blog 78 Roads To Wisdom, Member of The American Tarot Association and an Endorsed Reader of The Tarot Guild has agreed to offer his classes online for the first time!

Usually Gary teaches to a small group of students in New York City who pay $30 or more to attend his classes, but to celebrate the New Year and have the opportunity to reach more students he has agreed to make the classes affordable for everyone. Learn the Tarot for just $15 a class!!

Classes start January 15th. Interested? Click here to reserve you spot now!!

Tarot Stand Up

2011-12-22T11:24:00.000-05:00

Any Tarot Enthusiasts who are in the New York City area for the New Year and are looking for something to do, do yourself a favor and check out the Tarot and Comedy stylings of Marcy Currier at The Magnet Theatre. The Magnet Theatre is located at 254 West 29th Street.

Marcy will be performing mini readings for a few lucky audience members as she reflects and expounds on what makes people tick.

Join Marcy as she answers questions about love, sex, money and getting the dishes done!

For more information click here.

Page of Cups: Psychic, Student, Dreamer

2011-12-21T13:32:00.001-05:00

Today's card is the Page of Cups. I must admit that for as long as I have studied, read and taught Tarot, Court Cards still are challenging. The reason for this is that they could represent a person or an idea or an event. Sometimes they represent all of the above at the same time. The trick then becomes knowing which one they are representing. In a multicard reading you can look to the other cards for clues. In a one card reading you must go with your instincts. What does this card say to you?

To me, the Page of Cups is the hopeless romantic. He/She is warm, compassionate and loving. They are nurturing, supportive and generous with their time and feelings. Giving so much of their feelings coupled with the youth of the Page might make them naive.

Pages are also the students of our Royalty. Knights are the action led protectors. They may rush in where angels fear to tread. Queens are the mothers. Kings are the rulers. Pages are studious. In this they share a commonness with the Eight of Pentacles. Unlike the Eight who is focused on the task in front of him, our Page is given to flights of fancy. Under the influence of Cups he has an active imagination and often lives in the worlds he creates.

Our Page is standing on solid ground while the waters behind him roll. He looks bemusedly at the fish that stares back from the golden chalice he holds in his hand. He is dressed in a pink shirt and pantaloons with a blue covering with pink and white tulips.

Pink is a color of universal love. It suggests softness, sweetness and innocence. Pink tulips mean affection and caring, while the white tulips stand for heaven, newness and purity and suggest psychic activity. The fish is also a symbol of psychic energy. The fish staring at our Page shows his imagination and desire to increase his psychic side.

While he stands on the firm golden platform the seas behind him are tumultuous. The platform lets our Page know that his creativity and psychic energy, when used with focus, is limitless. The rolling seas shows us the difficulty our Page has in staying focused.

The lessons shown in our Page is not only must you be studious to develop psychic abilities (or any ability), but you must remain focused on your task. If you do then the sky is the limit.

And, oh, I believe the Page of Cups is representing me.

Tarot Pairing: King of Pentacles & The Star (Rx)

2011-12-17T12:08:00.000-05:00

Today's tarot pairing features The King of Pentacles and The Star - Reversed. Upon first glance my reaction was, "Huh." I then sat back and contemplated the two cards in front of me.

The King of Pentacles can be seen as a successful business man. Unlike the other Kings who sit on their throne trying to live up to the responsibilities, our Pentacle King lounges in his. He is comfortable with his status and the responsibilities his hard work has brought. The back of the throne does not rise to the heavens as it does in the Swords and Wands King but stops comfortably behind his head. The responsibilities are not bigger than he is.

Even though our King has the creature comforts that Pentacles promises, this is not what rules him. The golden sky shows the abundance he has and the three tiered castle shows he has won the material gains of the physical world, but that castle sits in the background and is separated from our King by a stone wall. Instead, our King sits in his garden surrounded by nature. This shows he is connected to all around him and he is grounded. Success has not made him bitter or egotistical. He remains comfortable with who he is.

The Star is a card of emotional calmness. Coming after the upheaval of The Tower, the Star brings a sense of, "Whew, I survived." In it we see a nymph kneeling by a pool of water. One foot stands on the water, the other rests on the ground behind her bended knee. She pours water from one vessel into the pool, the other vessel pours water upon the earth. The card brings to mind Temperance and shares similarities with her.

Both show mythical creatures. An angel in Temperance and a nymph in The Star. Both have one foot on the ground and the other in water and both are pouring water from cups.

However, our angel is clothed and modest whereas our Star nymph is naked and free. Temperance's foot is immersed in water showing she is surrounded by emotion, while The Star's foot rests atop the water indicating mastery. Finally, the angel pours water back and forth between two chalices with precision. Careful not to waste a drop. The nymph pours water generously and without fear, knowing the wellspring is ever flowing.

Reversed, the emotional calmness and certainty vanishes. You have self doubts and fears arise. You begin to fall under the influence of The Moon.

Things are as not as scary as they are with The Moon. The certainty is not lost but blocked. The emotional calmness is hiding.

Together these cards tell me that I am worrying about my business and success too much. This is my first entrepreneurial venture and I guess there is concern. The lesson here is not to block my own peace and contentment for that will hinder my success and growth. I must trust in the upright Star and the promises of The King of Pentacles.

Rowdy Readers Debut

2011-12-16T20:37:00.000-05:00

Today I made my debut on The Rowdy Readers Show on BlogTalk Radio. I want to thank Dax Carlise, Mary Nale and ReeNee Cummins for making me feel so welcome.

I also want to thank everyone who chatted with me during the show, as wells as the many people who tweeted, private messaged, Facebooked and emailed me with kind words. Dax willing, I will be returning to the Rowdy Readers soon.

For all those who asked about the "homework" ReeNee gave me, the book is called Conscious Universe by Dean Radin. It is available for Nook and Kindle as well as good old fashioned paperback. To view the book on Amazon click here.

Break The Spell: A Music Video

2011-12-15T08:32:00.001-05:00

I came across this beautifully animated video for the song Break The Spell by Ellis. It incorporates imagery from the Rider-Waite Smith deck. How many cards can you recognize?

Master of Your Domain: Justice

2011-12-13T11:42:00.000-05:00

Today's card is Justice. It is the card that says it time to stand and be judged. To account for your actions. But judged by whom? Are you to be judged by a Higher Power? No, the judgement that Justice brings is more severe, for you are to stand in front of the soul mirror and give testament on your life choices and decisions. You are held accountable to yourself.

As part of The Fool's Journey Justice comes after the Wheel of Fortune. Our Fool has contemplated his world when meeting The Hermit and discovered the patterns of the universe in his visions of The Wheel. He now understands cause and effect and how his actions helped form his world. The celebrations and the challenges. In Justice he is called to accept this fact.

So many of us intellectually know that our actions have consequences, both good and bad. But many of us do not embrace and own that fact. We still blame others and hold on to our denial and deceit to ourselves.

In Justice we see a young ruler sitting on a throne. Dressed in a red gown he brings to mind both The Emperor and The Hierophant. The Emperor teaches lessons of authority and the punishments of disrespecting it. If you are caught speeding, you will get a ticket. The Hierophant teaches lessons of social acceptance. If you dress wrong or like the wrong music you will be ostracized. Both of these cards show early lessons in cause and effect but the realization does not happen until Justice.

Justice also is reminiscent of The King of Swords. Both rulers are sitting on thrones and both hold swords in their right hands. Whereas the sword of the King is tilted slightly to the right and shows a readiness to leap into the fray for a cause, Justice's sword is standing straight up. It is balanced. Justice has no dog in the fight.

In addition to the sword in Justice's right hand he is also holding scales in his left. The Scales of Justice are empty and balanced. Justice does not have a previous opinion on any issue and will only look and listen to the evidence presented.

The pose Justice strikes in reminiscent of The Magician with one hand pointing up and the other pointing down. Justice also harkens to The High Priestess. Justice's throne sits between two pillars and there is a veil masking what's behind the throne.

In this way Justice shows us that we must not only accept the cause and effect our choices bring but also the Yin and the Yang of Action and Reaction, Active Consciousness and Contemplation that is represented in The Magician and The High Priestess.

The lesson brought by Justice is simply to accept yourself in whole. Accept that you are, as Seinfeld said, "Master of Your Domain." You control the vertical and you control the horizontal of your life. Use the tools of creation The Magician brings you. Use the tools of meditation and contemplation The High Priestess brings you and design the life you deserve. You can only do this if you accept the lessons of Justice and accept responsibility for you life.

Ethics and Responsibility in Tarot

2011-12-04T11:36:00.001-05:00

Recently there has been some turmoil and upheaval in the tarot community. Somebody wrote a supposedly fictional story where one of the main characters murders another of the characters, a radio show host. Assumedly, these characters where based upon real people and the author played out a twisted fantasy with the characters involved.

I am new to the international tarot community and while I heard the stories of the people involved, I was not there when the bad blood between the two started and festered so I can not remark one way or another on the story.

However, it did get me thinking about morals, ethics and responsibility. Everyone has an individual set of beliefs and walks their own path. Therefore, I do not belief in concrete ethics or morals. I believe that individualism and free will means you can not legislate morality, both macrocosmically, on a Federal Government level and microcosmically, at a small organizational level.

I am a member of The Tarot Guild. One of the great things about the organization is for a small membership fee ($24) you get access to the entire sight, including their class archives. I was searching through them the other day and I found a class on Ethics and Responsibility. Given recent events I was curious to see what they had to say.

The class was facilitated by Christiana Gaudet. She maintained that all tarot readers hold an ethical responsibility to themselves, their gifts, their clients and their community. Community could stand for the Tarot Community at large, partners in your practice, and/or tenants in the office building you rent space in.

During the class she interspersed several one card readings to help identify what our ethics were and where we might face challenges. This exercise is not only valuable for metaphysical professionals but could help anyone interested in bringing their professional and personal ethics more in line.

Exercises:

How am I doing living my ethics and honoring my clients and the tarot community? - Wheel of Fortune.

In the Fool's Journey, Wheel of Fortune comes after The Hermit. It is the moment you see the patterns in everything and realize your part in cause and effect. The Wheel for this questions tells me I am honoring my part in the relationship. The Wheel also stands for the ups and downs along the journey. I understand that I am neither as good as everyone tells me when things go well nor am I as bad as I think I am when doubts set in. Lastly the Wheel portends good fortune this lets me know I am on the right track.

What more do I need to do to enhance my level of professionalism? What do I need to pay attention to? - The Lovers.

The Lovers represent physically intimate relationships. Does this mean I need to "get busy" with members of the tarot community and my clients? No. The Lovers also can stand for strong partnerships and teaches the lessons of compromise.

The lesson for me to learn here is to align myself with respected organizations and groups. Being part of a specialized group or becoming certified or endorsed by an organization can lead clients to become more comfortable. I have always stayed away from tarot certification because there are many organization that do it but there is no commonality between organizations or certifications. It looks like I need to research the many groups and select the that best aligns itself with my beliefs and practices.

The Lovers also shows me the need to compromise and give a little for the greater good. In order to achieve a higher level of professionalism and therefore a higher level of success I must understand that I do not have all the answers. That sometimes other people's ideas have merit and may be the better option.

Is there anything I need to add to my personal Code of Ethics? - Two of Pentacles

Twos represent unions and partnerships. They also may represent decisions. In the Two of Pentacles we see a young man juggling two pentacles while hopping on one foot. Behind him we see two ship sailing on rolling seas. The lesson here is at the beginning I may be biting off more than I can chew. I must make sure I do not overtax myself as my business starts and the early challenges mount.

If we look at the two pentacles that are being juggled a lemniscate, or infinity symbol, surrounds them. This reminds me that while I am juggling and handling the challenges, the possibilities of my business remain limitless. This reminds me to make sure my personal Code of Ethics not only will serve me now but will also support me later.

What should my attitude be towards charging for readings? - Four of Cups (Rx)

The Four of Cups shows a man with his arms folded, sitting crossed legged. He is being recalcitrant. He may be throwing a temper tantum like a little child or simply being apathetic. His refusal to be open does not allow him to see the cups sitting on the ground next to him or accept the cup that is being gifted to him from the clouds.

Reversed, our man remains open to opportunities and accepts the gifted chalice as manna.

The reversed four shows me that my attitude should be one of acceptance and gratitude when charging and accepting payment for my services.

What do I need to do to provide a good value? - Seven of Pentacles

In the Seven of Pentacles we see a farmer admiring his bush. The bush is ripe with pentacles. Our farmer just rests on his hoe and fawns at his handiwork. Some say that he is just waiting for the fruits of the pentacles to ripen so he may harvest his crop. I do not agree with this. If we look at the ground we see a pentacle that may have ripened to the point of falling of the bush. The fruits, in this case, are ready to harvest but our farmer is so enamored with admiring his work he does nor reap what he sowed.

The lesson here is clear. Do not get so wrapped up in past successes that I rest on my laurels. I must remember to keep learning to ensure that will be able to sow my harvests year after year after year.

What is my confidence level in my tarot ability?- Five of Cups

Okay, I've got to admit this card confused me when it showed itself. The Five of Cups represent loss and sorrow. I have been reading professionally for over a year and have read for ten year prior to that without charging. I am confident in my gifts, skills and abilities, so what could this mean?

When talking about the Five of Cups in "Tarot Reversals" Mary K. Greer states that that "you may regret lost opportunities." She goes on to say that "something valuable can come out of the situation" and "You are at a turning point." This allowed me to look at the five a little differently.

I do regret not diving into Tarot with full force earlier in my life. I feel that my knowledge and skills would be considerably greater had I started earlier. I played the Corporate America game for over 25 years, and find myself past my "prime earning years" and disappointed with American Dream.

I have been downsized from more jobs than I can remember and stayed the course because that was what was expected of me. I denied my more creative and intuitive self for too long and missed out on knowing my higher self early on.

Right now is a turning point for me personally and professionally. I am ready and eager to see where this part of my journey leads me. If we look at the Five of Cups we see that if our man would simply lift his head he would see a bridge over the river that leads to home.

What is my level of confidence in the Spiritual Righteousness in Professional Tarot? - Eight of Wands (Rx)

Eights represent movement. Wands represent passion and/or fire. Together the Eight of Wands is possibly the fastest moving of all of the tarot cards. Waite referred to the Eight of Wands as "arrows of love," and often times people refer to this card as the "falling in love card." Reversed the feelings of love and speed are stymied.

Anytime I see the word Righteousness, I get scared. It smacks of a holier than thou attitude and a sense of exclusion. This feeling certainly describes the tarot community. There are many wonderful organizations in the tarot world where you can learn and grow, but many of them do not play well with each other.

Many groups believe their way is the only way or is the "true" way. Their Righteousness draw battle lines. Many groups demand exclusivity from their members and will not allow them to be members of any other, or in some case one particular group. Even going so far as to forbid communications with members of other groups.

This whole belief is dangerous. It conjures images of cults and gives the public image of Tarot and all metaphysical arts an ugly face. It throws obstacles to enriching the tarot community as a whole and prevents true growth.

I do not believe in Righteousness. I believe in that my way is not the only way, my way is just another way. Anyone who tells me that others are wrong, they know the answer and can introduce me to the truth will see my back running away from them.

Moment of Loss: Five of Swords

2011-12-02T10:49:00.001-05:00

Today's card makes a lot of sense. The Five of Swords tells a story of loss. We see a man standing in the foreground. He is holding two swords in one hand while the other hand rests on the hilt of a third sword with it's tip buried in the ground. Two more swords lay on the ground. Our man is sneering at the two men in the background. Their backs are turned and the are grieving their losses battle. Choppy seas and jagged clouds physically show their turmoil.

The Five of Swords shows us the moment of loss and the toll it takes on our psyche. It came today because a very good and old friend of mine is having his leg amputated today because of cancer.

It also shows us a moment in time. The loss, any loss; whether it is a limb, a loved one or a job, will bring it's challenges. We must remember that the loss is simply a moment in our lives. Not our entire life. We are not defined by one action or inaction. We are a collection of our experiences and decisions.

Reversed the Swords' Five can show "getting stuck" in that moment of loss. Giving up or giving in and letting the black cloud of depression creep in. Replaying the loss and giving into self pity. Being on the hamster wheel of self doubt and not being able to get off.

The lesson the Five brings is it's okay to mourn in the moment of loss. Just don't stay there. Give the loss a beginning, a middle and an end. Let it take it's natural course.

Holiday Offer

2011-11-28T08:53:00.001-05:00

The Holiday Season is officially upon us. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and my followers in the US are recovering from their tryptophan comas. To welcome in the season I am offering Three Card Intuitive Tarot Readings through eBay.

Are you curious about what 2012 might hold for you? Should you make that career switch? Will you meet your Soulmate?

Ask any question you like. Three Card Intuitive Readings are on sale for $10US. Click here to see the eBay listing and take advantage of this offer.

Do you prefer a more in depth reading? Simply select Detailed Reading from the Options on the right and receive a Ten Card Celtic Cross reading for $25US.

As always, thank you for your continuing support.

Tarot Pairs - Reversed King of Swords and Two of Pentacles

2011-11-22T10:17:00.001-05:00

I want to apologize for missing last week's tarot pairing. I received many emails and tweets asking me if anything was wrong and if I was going to continue the feature. Let me thank all my followers, especially those in the United Kingdom, for their concerns. There is nothing wrong and yes, I will continue this feature that has proven so popular. This week's pairing is the King of Swords reversed and the Two of Pentacles.

The King of Swords is the King of truth, order and justice. In many ways our King is closest to The Emperor and Justice. He sits on his high backed throne. The back rises off the card and into the heavens. This reflects our King's ability to rise above emotions and use intellect only. The birds, which are the animal for the Swords, flying in the background reinforce this. His throne sits atop a hill showing he takes the high road. He holds his sword cocked to the right showing a readiness for action. The Swords' King has a responsibility to uphold the law of the land.

Reversed that intellect and wisdom to rule may become inflexible. Our King may attain power for power's sake and ignore the plight of his subjects. He may use his strength to be cruel, unkind or unsympathetic. Alternately, it may show a person who is weak-willed, lazy or unable to make a decision.

Twos represent unions and choices within the suit. Pentacles stands for money or grounding. They also represent the alchemy of creation and therefore are magical.

In the Two of Pentacles we see a young man juggling two pentacles while balancing on one leg. Behind him we see two ships sailing on rough seas. The ships are the same we see in the Three of Wands, only in the Three they seas they sail are calm. Our young merchant has many challenges in starting out. He must learn to juggle and become a Jack (or Jaqueline) on all trades until established.

Taken together these two cards reminds us that we may need to be unreasonable while starting out. Others may perceive this as cruel as you forsake all else to concentrate on your project. They also remind us not to be inflexible at the beginnings of a project. You may face challenges that require you to change direction or alter your thinking. Do not be so locked into your ways that you can not see another option.

Super Secret Project

2011-11-22T09:58:00.001-05:00

I am so excited! I just can't hide it! I'm about to lose control and I think I like it!!

I just received am email from [REDACTED], I was accepted to work on a Super Secret Tarot Project. The project, known as [REDACTED] may revolutionize the way tarot readers look at [REDACTED].

I was asked to interpret [REDACTED] as part of 78 [REDACTED]. My [REDACTED] is the [REDACTED].

It is so nice to start to be recognized in the Tarot Community. This supports my decision to read and teach tarot as an occupation. It may be slow but the acknowledgement from [REDACTED] tells me I am on the right path.

The Three of Swords: The Vulcan Card

2011-11-20T11:44:00.001-05:00

The image of today's card woud seem to say everything you need to know about the Three of Swords. Three swords pierce a heart, the blades cut straight through. Dark and heavy rains shower the injured heart. This is a card of hurt and pain. Of jealousy, heartbreak and worry. The Golden Dawn's title for the Three of Swords is "Sorrow," but is there something else going on here?

Threes represent the full expression of their element. In Swords the element is Air, which stands for intellect. So how does the the full expression of intellect equal pain and heartbreak? Did anyone ever say a person is so smart they cry?

The full expression of intellect would be a Vulcan, Mr. Spock. A totally logical creature. Someone for who emotions are less than a nuisance. They have risen above being controlled by their heart. They believe emotions and being controlled by emotions make you weak and vulnerable.

Our Swords Three is showing not that pain and sorrow is here or might be coming. Instead, it is showing us how to overcome that pain so it doesn't rule us. It tells us not to push the pain away but to let it in and accept it. Through accepting it we somehow transform it with our courage to face it and with love.

A good friend once told me that any feeling you may have is neither good nor bad. It is only true for you at the moment you are having it. Honor it. Let it run it's path. Give it a beginning, a middle, and an end. The trouble starts when you get stuck in any of the parts.

I can think of no better description for the Three of Swords.

Birthday Spread

2011-11-16T11:02:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, I was asked to perform a reading for client whose birthday it was. Instead of a mini reading or the traditional Celtic Cross, I used a spread I found on Aeclectic Tarot Forum. It's called The Birthday Spread, but can be used on New Year's or for any anniversary where you wish to look back at the past year and look forward to the new one.

You may find the original discussion on the Birthday Spread over here.

- 7 -

4-6-5

2-1-3

The positions reflect the following questions:

Represents you at this moment.
Knowledge gained from past year .
What are you bringing into the new year?
Challenges in the next year.
Opportunities in the next year.
Gifts or guidance in the next year.
Wish that will come true.

Earlier this morning, I received an email from this client. Below is an excerpt from the email:

"Thank you, Gary. This was an amazing and accurate reading. I felt all of these things over the past year, and in many ways, I am ready to let go of it all."

I am very grateful that I have the opportunity to share my gift and help people. That, after all, is what it is all about.

If you would like to order a reading, please visit my website at www.readingsbygary.net. Or select the type of reading you want and click the "Buy Now" button on the right.

The Only Thing I Have To Fear Is ....

2011-11-14T11:16:00.001-05:00

This morning I was introduced to one of the creepiest, scariest memes on the web. It's called Take This Lollipop. If you have not yet seen it you can find it here. (Warning: this meme is NOT for the faint of heart.) It got me thinking about fear. What is fear? Why do we fear? What do I need to fear? With these questions in mind I grabbed my RWS deck and threw a simple three card spread.

Well this is interesting. I was expecting at least one Sword and I am surprised to see all those Cups.

The Seven of Cups shows a man in silhouette. He gazes upon seven golden chalices, each filled with it's own treasures. But which to choose? Wealth as depicted by the cup of jewels? Fame and Power as shown by the wreath? Adventure represented by the Castle? Psychic Ability and Wisdom as promised by the snake?

Our man can not choose and suffers an "paralysis of analysis." Seven's represent Victory in the Minor Arcana. In this case, victory with Cups mean giving in totally to our emotional and creative natures. Swimming in the waters of daydreaming. Unfortunately, when we do this we lose touch with reality and the brilliant visions fills all of our senses. Without the balance of Swords intellect, the Wands passion or Pentacles grounding we can not move forward and act upon our dreams.

Likewise, our Page of Cups spends all his time daydreaming. He does nothing but play on the swingset in his mind. He has no responsibilities as the King and Queen do and does not have the introspective nature of our Knight. Notice that the waters behind him are getting a bit rough, but our Page is so engaged in his fantasies he does not notice.

Together these cards sound the warning in me to not get lost in my dreams, or in the idea of being successful. I must remember to keep taking action. Do not live in my hopes and dreams (as I have a tendency to do) but to allow passion and intellect to drive the dreams to the destination.

The Empress is the Universal Mom. The is the archetypical female, full of love and compassion and generosity. But our Empress stands for much more than the uber-Soccer Mom. She represents the sensuous side of us and the natural side of us. Her nine pearled necklace and twelve starred crown represent the nine planets and twelve signs of the zodiac and reinforce the connection she has to the universe. A river flows next to her and shows her connection to the universal life force and also to emotions. The Empress is about passion and living by instincts and intuition.

Her appearance tells me that I fear letting go and giving in. I have a tendency to over intellectualize everything in attempts to distance myself from them. I do not live by my emotions and will not let my instincts and intuition guide me. The Empress shows me it's okay to let my intuition and emotions guide me.

All these cards have the common thread of telling me that I must have balance. I must balance the dreamer with the go-getter. I have to marry the emotional, passionate and creative side with the intellectual and logical side to move forward and be successful in my endeavors, both business and pleasure.

I can't be afraid to dive in the waters and take the chance. I just need to remember to take the life preserver with me.

Allow both the dreamer and the cynic to live within me.

A New Direction or Recommitment: The Ace of Swords

2011-11-12T13:37:00.001-05:00

It's interesting the Ace of Swords made an appearance today. I had just got off a video conference discussing how I can bring my classes to more students and how I can touch more lives through tarot. After the video conference and my morning coffee I grabbed my Rider deck to pull today's card. While shuffling this Ace flipped over. I turned it over and continued to shuffle the deck. Again, this Ace showed itself. This time by jumping out of the deck and landing face up on the floor.

Okay universe, you don't have to hit me over the head with a brick. Today's card is The Ace of Swords.

This Ace, like all aces, shows a hand giving us the object of the suit. A wreathed crown is pierced and sit atop the sword. The sword points rigidly upward while surrounded by the Hebrew letter Yod. The Yod is the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet and is part of every other letter in the Hebrew alphabet. It could be said, therefore, that Yod appears in every word. Jewish mystics believe that God uses letters as the building blocks of creation and since Yod is a part of every letter than Yod symbolizes God's omnipresence. Indeed, one of the names for God, Adoni, is spelled with a double Yod in Hebrew, another name for God, Yahweh, starts with the letter Yod and Jesus' name in the original Aramaic is Yeshua, which also starts with the Hebrew Yod. This Ace, and all cards that show the Yod, represent being in the presence of Divine Creative Power.

The sword shooting straight up shows true perception, the ability to know the truth instantly. Under the influence of the Swords Ace your truth can not be fooled. The root of all swords is Intellect and our Ace is where this intellect starts. Whereas the remaining cards in the suit are under the illusion that life is nothing but pain and sorrow, the exception being the Four. The Ace shows untempered, raw intellect. The mountains in the background represent abstract thought and metaphorically reinforce this.

The Ace of Swords is a good card if you are putting together plans and strategies. It may also be telling you to look at things from a new, fresh perspective. You may need to cut your losses and start again. You may need to use the double edge of the sword and weigh the good and bad in a situation to take action.

Notice the grip on the sword is tight. This shows us that strength of will is necessary to control the energies of the Ace. You must be focused on your task.

Remember that all Aces are the Initial Spark and calls us to take action. Inaction is not an option once we have been exposed to the Ace's energy.

I think the Ace of Swords jumped at the chance to be today's card to remind me to not be afraid to change the direction I was originally thinking for my Tarot business. To remain focused on the ultimate goal of teaching and helping others.

Timmy Returns - The Page of Swords

2011-11-10T13:08:00.000-05:00

Timmy

I wasn't really in the mood to pull a daily card today. I'm in very lazy place. However, I promised myself a daily blog and I wasn't about to quit less than a month in, so I grabbed my Rider deck and pulled Timmy, The Page of Swords. Some of you may remember Timmy. He is one of my spirit guides and I was first introduced to him in January of 2009 (you may read the blog about our meeting here). Since then Timmy and I talked once (read our conversation here) but that was all the contact we've had. Until now.

What did my Page have to tell me?

In the Page of Swords we see a boy standing on hill, holding a sword like a baseball bat. To me the pose seems very romantic and Broadway, almost as if he is going to break out in song to profess his love to someone. Pages are the most sophomoric of all the Court Cards. They pine and get overly emotional about everything. The Swords influence on our Page is to outthink those emotions. Deny them. Seek higher ground. Do not engage, do not battle. Simply remove yourself from the fray. Detach from the person or the issue. When forced to do battle the Swords influence on our Page makes him outsmart his opponent. He is smarter and he knows it. Our Page knows the advantage of a well placed barb. His words, like his sword, are cutting. But our Page only jabs at his opponent and then runs away. He lacks the maturity and skills of the Knight to stay the battle.

The Page's aloofness may be welcome in an easygoing situation. He is charming, outgoing and engaging. You could do far worse than to spend dinner with the Swords Page. In a more detailed oriented situation, or if dealing with a difficult challenge our Page may be found lacking the focus, discipline and vigilance needed to go the distance.

I believe Timmy showed up today to remind me to be both vigilant in moving forward with my projects and to watch my words, for they can not be taken back.