Cosmic Faery's Journal of Wisdom and Wonder

Tarot Affirmations

2009-05-10T11:02:00.005+01:00

Although Tarot is best known as a fortune-telling tool, on a psychological level it can also be used for self-exploration and as a guide helping you to reach your goals, aspirations and fulfil your potential.

Each image depicts an event, a phase in your life or state of being. It contains numerous hidden messages, which can be discovered by immersing yourself into the pictures of the Tarot.

One type of message the Tarot can offer is an affirmation. This is a positive statement, which encourages the practice of positive thinking. An affirmation should not include any negations, e.g. can’t, don’t, won’t, haven’t etc. The sentence is kept as simple but as empowering as possible.

An affirmation can be created for each Tarot card. You can do this yourself by looking at the image and explore its meanings. What is this card advising you to do? What is it trying to teach you?

Please find below sample affirmations for the Major Arcana cards, but bear in mind that the possibilities for each card are virtually endless depending on your feelings, intuition and perspective.

The Fool – I look forward to new beginnings and enjoy the journey ahead.
The Magician – I use my all my resources and willpower to achieve my goals.
The High Priestess – I trust my intuition to make the right decision when the time is right.
The Empress – I love and protect the people in my care. My love will dissolve tension and fears.
The Emperor – I take control of my life to achieve my ambitions.
The Hierophant – I am open-minded and always enjoy being a student of life.
The Lovers – In matters of the heart I also use my head when I face an important choice.
The Chariot – I harness all my forces to meet my challenges.

The full article can be found here:
http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/index_files/TarotAffirmations.htm

Mysterious Realms - Tarot Tales 1

2009-05-08T12:44:00.004+01:00

Story telling with Tarot cards and photos - the possibilities are endless.

Tarot images: The Aquatic Tarot, http://www.aquatictarot.de/

Tarot Explorations - Hidden Paths and Symbols 1

2009-03-30T13:12:00.002+01:00

The 22 cards of the Major Arcana depict the journey of the Fool. A lot of thought went into the creation of each card, and the more you study the images, the more you notice hidden symbolism, meaning and connections between cards.

So, what do the following cards (The Fool, Death and The Sun) have in common?

1. The red feather. The Fool must descent into the underworld (Death) in order to return into the light (Sun). The feather indicates spirit, power, high aspirations. What else could the red feather symbolise? What does it mean to you?

2. The changing colour of the sun.The white sun in the Fool card symbolises innocence; in the Death card it's blackening due to the transformational (alchemical) process, and the golden colour in the Sun card suggests wisdom and enlightenment. Again, explore your own ideas.

Next time: The Fool and the Hermit

What Tarot Card Are You?

2009-02-13T09:28:00.004Z

I took the test and discovered that I am the Moon - well, it's my zodiac card after all (the Moon is associated with Pisces), one of the many personality cards you can calculate with your date of birth.

You are The Moon

Hope, expectation, Bright promises.

The Moon is a card of magic and mystery - when prominent you know that nothing is as it seems, particularly when it concerns relationships. All logic is thrown out the window.

The Moon is all about visions and illusions, madness, genius and poetry. This is a card that has to do with sleep, and so with both dreams and nightmares. It is a scary card in that it warns that there might be hidden enemies, tricks and falsehoods. But it should also be remembered that this is a card of great creativity, of powerful magic, primal feelings and intuition. You may be going through a time of emotional and mental trial; if you have any past mental problems, you must be vigilant in taking your medication but avoid drugs or alcohol, as abuse of either will cause them irreparable damage. This time however, can also result in great creativity, psychic powers, visions and insight. You can and should trust your intuition.

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

Have fun discovering your special Tarot card! If you would like me to work out all your Tarot personality cards, then click on the following link to request your Tarot Personality Profile:

http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/index_files/SpecialityReadingsGifts.htm

Best wishes,

Christiane

http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

Are you fed up with all the doom and gloom?

2009-02-12T13:50:00.004Z

If yes, then change your perpective by contemplating the following uplifting story I recently came across, which has been attributed to the Native American Cherokee Indians.

The story is about a boy who tells his grandfather that he is feeling very angry and upset. The grandfather explains to the boy that he too sometimes feels angry but also he often feels very happy. The grandfather says it is as if there are two wolves battling inside him. One is very angry, aggressive and acts out of fear. This wolf wants to fight all the time. The other wolf is happy, playful, and only wants to make friends and live in peace. But the two wolves are constantly battling inside. The little boy asks: which wolf wins?And the grandfather replies: 'the one I feed'.

This story reflects our times so perfectly. The media tends to focus on stories that make us feel scared, sad or angry, only because it sells and has a bigger impact than anything positive. Of course we can't deny that there's a lot of bad stuff going on in the world, but what if we started to feed the right wolf?

Until next time,

Christiane

Magickal Retail Therapy

How to calculate your Tarot Year Card

2009-01-17T13:58:00.009Z

Happy New Year!

2009 will be an exciting year; it adds up to '11', a master number, which is very significant for mental and spiritual development.

Remember 2008? This one added up to '10', and the number 10 card in a standard RWS type Tarot deck is The Wheel of Fortune. We all know what happened last year; our fortunes have turned, and we are still coming to terms with the consequences.

Changes are necessary, and our change in fortune will this year lead to Justice, card no. 11 in most tarot decks. This year we will adapt and change our perception and values hopefully for the better. We will focus more on leadership, personal power and responsibility as well as spiritual truths. Our material needs will have to be balanced with sustainability; Earth needs to be reconnected to our hearts.

The year cards above relate to our planet and the general direction humankind is likely to take. But what about your personal year card? What do you need to pay attention to this year? Which lessons and experiences do you need to focus on?

To calculate your personal year card, you need to add your birthday with the current year, e.g., if you birthday is on the 14th November, you add up 14 + 11 + 2009 = 2034.

2 + 0 + 3 + 4 = 9; your yearcard for 2009 is The Hermit.

Once you have calculated your personal yearcard, you can visit the following page to find out more about what it could mean to you this year:

http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/index_files/YearCard.htm

Happy taroting!

Christiane
http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

Pure Natural Beeswax Candles – the Healthy Alternative

2008-10-16T14:24:00.003+01:00

Did you know that the candles you are burning in your home can actually make you ill? Most likely they are made of paraffin, a chemical derived from mineral oil, which produces tiny particles into the air when burned causing asthma and allergies. “Not another scare story!” you may say, but at least there is something you can do about it straight away: stop buying paraffin candles and switch over to beeswax. Not only are beeswax candles proven to actually clean the air in your home, they also emit a natural yummy honey scent, are fully sustainable and eco-friendly, and their flames are much brighter. Although a bit more expensive than standard paraffin candles, they do last much longer. Make this Christmas a natural and healthy one by using only pure beeswax candles. Available in the UK online here:

http://www.cosmicstore.co.uk/index_files/BeeswaxCandles.htm

The Empress (Laughing all the Way to the World, Part 4)

2008-09-11T14:43:00.004+01:00

“The Empress sits before the door
Of a garden in full bloom.
At once a chaste wife and a whore,
All life within her womb.”

Lon Milo DuQuette

Pick this card and you know you’re sitting pretty. Comfort, abundance, creativity is all around and within you. Nurture the seeds you have sown with patience. The Empress is Mother/Mother Earth/Mother Nature – caring, giving, protecting – but watch out when she’s in a bad mood: her anger can be quite destructive, her yelling is feared by her children, and her husband has to pull some serious weight in her household. Treat her badly and she will wither or withdraw.

Motto: You can’t have everything…where would you put it?

Favourite Movie: Chocolat, in which a young woman (Vianne) and her daughter open a chocolate shop in a French village and seduce its repressed occupants with the delights of her secret recipes. The village slowly transforms from a barren place into one of love and emotional contentment.

Song: Lady Madonna, The Beatles

Book: The Yummy Mummy Manifesto: Baby, Beauty, Balance and Bliss, by Anna Johnson. Who says you need to leave your sense of style on the maternity ward?

Passion for: Food – natural and organic.

Celebrity Empress: Nigella Lawson, famous British TV cook, who deliciously demonstrates her indulgent recipes by taking big, sensuous bites from her toasted Mars bars and licking her fingers afterwards in front of the camera.

Famous Empress in History: Maria Theresa, Empress of Austria (born 1740 – died 1780) gave birth to 16 children and ruled Austria, Hungary and Croatia. She also became the Holy Roman empress by marriage. She ensured that all her offspring (the ones that survived childhood) would be married off well and thought she did a good job, when she sent her daughter Maria Antonia (Marie Antoinette) to France for her marriage with Louie XVI – Mothers can make mistakes sometimes, though they don’t prove fatal all the time….

Next time: The Emperor

http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

Good News: Tarot Readings are cheaper and often better than Therapy

2008-06-10T12:20:00.004+01:00

A recently published article on the American NPR (National Public Radio) network by journalist Alyssa Wagner comes to the conclusion that “Psychics are the new Psychologists”.

In the article, Alyssa describes the experience of a friend, who found it hard to come to terms with the break-up of her relationship and was sent for therapy sessions by her parents, which sadly did not help her move forward. It was her visit to a tarot card reader that finally changed her outlook on life and offered her new hope and a reason to be optimistic.

Don’t get me wrong: if someone has to deal with serious issues in their life, it is best to visit a psychologist or professional counsellor. But for many people, the situation they find themselves in is not that severe, yet it can still cause stagnation and depression if not dealt with swiftly.

Waiting to see a psychologist on the NHS can take more than 9 months in some areas of the UK, and seeing one privately is very expensive. So, Alyssa’s friend decided to see a local tarot reader despite her scepticism, and it really made a difference.

At this point I need to stress that a tarot reading is not a miracle cure; just like cognitive behaviour therapy provided by therapists, the client still needs to put in effort and take action to overcome their issues. But unlike therapy sessions, which run over months, one or two visits to a tarot reader usually help many people focus on a new direction or provide reassurance that they are on the right path.

Even celebrities acknowledge the value of psychic readings; Kristin Scott Thomas declared in an interview published in the May 2008 edition of Spirit & Destiny magazine that “Astrology is as good as therapy – and cheaper”. She felt that an astrology reading she once had was “the best thing ever”.

To read Alyssa Wagner’s full article, click on the following link:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91166053

If you would like a tarot reading with me – by e-mail, phone, Skype or in person, please visit my website:
www.cosmictarot.co.uk/index_files/Services.htm

Meet me at the PFNE Spring Convention 2008 in Leeds

2008-04-14T09:22:00.003+01:00

I'm really looking forward to the Pagan Federation North East Spring convention in Leeds this year. Apart from the usual stalls, where people can indulge in some retail therapy, there will be some great speakers including Emma Restall-Orr (aka Bobcat, a high profile druid), a Molly Dancing Troupe called the 'Rhubarb Tarts' as well as interesting workshops on candle magic, wand making, tarot and more.

Also, I will be the resident tarot reader, and if you live around Leeds, why not come along for a reading? The price for a 20-minute consultation is only £10 - no appointments necessary, just come along on the day.

Date: Saturday, 10th May 2008
Time: 9.45 am - 5.00 pm
Venue: Swarthmore Education Centre (opposite Park Lane College, City Centre)
Tickets: £10 (non-PF members)
(all workshops and talks included)
For concessions and further info visit www.paganfedne.org

This promises to be a great day out, just like the previous conventions I attended - highly recommended!

Hope to see you there,

Christiane
www.cosmictarot.co.uk

How to Develop Your Intuition

2008-04-08T13:37:00.004+01:00

Intuition is all about basic instincts, gut feelings and hunches. They usually don't rely on any facts or proof; it's just how you 'feel' about a matter that counts, when you use your intuition.

When I do tarot readings for clients, I always let my intuition guide me. After all, I have very little facts or solid information to consider.

If you are learning to read tarot cards, then you will need to get used to relying on your intuition again on a much larger scale, something you did as a child, but society conditioned you over the years to base your actions, thoughts and feelings on evidence and logic.

However, don't under-estimate the importance and power of intuition, not only regarding tarot but everday life choices; when you have to make split-second decisions, you will most likely follow your instinct rather than logic and reason.

How intuitive are you?

There are some key rules to identify your current level of intuition:

1. You recognise an object with very little time to see it properly, usually less than a second.
Try flicking through magazines and recall afterwards the images you noticed (without looking - what's on the image at the beginning of this artcile?). You can also look quickly at group photos of friends and family and identify afterwards specific people you noticed.

2. When you look at clouds, many images come to your mind.
Making creative associations through this kind of openness help you to generate new ideas and insights.

3. You can take in a scene quickly and recall details.
Look at a crowd scene and then look away. Ask yourself questions about details, perhaps individual actions, clothing, weather, surrrounding area, buildings etc. If your intuition works well, then you are not aware that you take in all this information. It all works 'automatically'.

How can you improve your intuition?

There are a few universal principles to help you develop this skill:

1. Become an expert
The more you know about a subject matter, the sharper your intuitive sense will be. So, the more you practise and read about tarot and absorb the information, the better your readings and accuracy will become over time.

2. Pay attention to your feelings
Don't ignore that inner voice telling you that something is not quite right with the person or situation you are dealing with. Let go of trying to find 'evidence'. Instead just act according to how you feel.

3. Trust your intuition
Relax; it's not easy to reduce the input of a conscious mind, but regular exercise will help you achieve improvement. Try pulling a tarot card at random and without hesitation come up with an instant message from the universe for yourself. Avoid censoring your thoughts; in that moment you stop using your intuition. If nothing comes up, pull the next card. Keep going until something 'clicks' in your head and ideas start trickling.

Have fun developing your intuition - and don't forget that when making some important decisions, a touch of logic in addition will not go amiss!

Christiane
http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

Join me at TABI's Annual Tarot Conference 2008!

2008-03-05T14:33:00.003Z

Would you like to learn more about tarot and psychology, numerology, astrology and other esoteric topics? Would you like to meet like-minded people from all over the world and make new friends? Would you like to be taught new skills by some of the best teachers, including tarot authors and deck creators? Then why not join me for a fantastic weekend in July in Bristol:

The Tarot Association of the British Isles (TABI) is holding its 4th annual conference this year from the 11th - 13th July. As part of the organising team, I'm very excited about this, because just like in previous years, we are going to have a high calibre of speakers, who will inspire us with their knowledge and expertise.

What's more, the conference will be held at a lovely hotel complete with swimming pool, sauna and gym.

Despite what's on offer, the price for the weekend (including all meals) is very reasonable.

Please click on the following link to find out more:

http://www.tabi.org.uk/page.php?page=conference-2008

Hope to see you there!

Christiane
http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

Can't be bothered learning Tarot?

2008-02-03T12:21:00.005Z

I know what you mean. After all, not many people can devote a lot of time to studying the intricacies of tarot symbolism. But there is still a way for you to make use of tarot without spending your cash on some dubious 'psychics'.

You'll be pleased to know that I have written a brand new eBook, that can help you perform short and meaningful DIY readings without having to learn Tarot at all!

It is called "Empowering Messages from the Tarot - Part I, The Major Arcana". In this eBook you will find accurate and no-nonsense meanings for each of the 22 trump cards, so you can find your own answers to your life's questions, specific messages for relationship, career and lifestyle issues. There are also simple instructions on how to calculate your personal year card and zodiac card.

This eBook is packed with positive messages, affirmations and inspirational quotes all relevant to the individual cards. Best of all, you can start reading tarot cards straight away with this guide.

In my follow-up eBook 'Part II- The Minor Arcana', you will even learn some tricks that 'psychics' don't want you know, because you will discover how to answer yes/no questions and determine timings of events.

Empowering Messages of the Tarot Part I is very reasonably priced, and if you purchase it on my website by the end of February 2008, you will get Part II absolutely free, when it is published in March 2008.

So, what are you waiting for? Visit my eBook page on my website and buy with confidence.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane
http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

The High Priestess - (Laughing all the Way to the World, Part III)

2008-01-17T17:51:00.004Z

"Twixt dark and light a maid serene
Weaves spells of fascinations.
Spinning moonlight veils from strands of dream
To conceal your initiation."

Lon Milo duQuette

If you are a loud and extrovert person, then this card is telling you to shut up. If you are generally a shy person, then this card may well sum up your personality. Silence is golden and offers you the opportunity to explore your inner realm of intuition, hidden mysteries and feelings. Quiet contemplation will finally reveal answers to your questions and new perspectives.

Occupation: Psychologist; Lifestyle Consultant

Favourite Movie Character: Solitaire in the Bond movie Live and Let Die, who is employed as a seer by the bad guy Dr Kananga and famously pulls four Tarot cards during the film: the Lovers, the High Priestess (representing herself), the Moon and Death. Poor Solitaire loses her psychic powers after having been seduced by James Bond. Those were the days....

High Priestess of Pop: Kate Bush – this singer/ songwriter avoids the limelight, but when she emerges from the darkness once in a blue moon (even less than that!), she shines like a star with her mesmerising offerings of mysterious and magickal songs. Watch her video 'Lily' below.

Famous High Priestess in History: Pope Joan - the lady, who the Catholic church would rather forget. According to legend, an English woman disguised herself as a man and became Pope 'John' in the 9th century. Joan was an educated and wise woman - a good basis for making a success of her job. But at one point her intuition let her down and emotions took over - she fell in love and was exposed when she collapsed at a papal procession through Rome whilst giving birth to a child.

Favourite Song: Black Magic Woman by Santana

Favourite Book: The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte. The story is about a mysterious woman, who moves into a big house close to a village, where people begin to gossip about her. After a long period of hiding, keeping silent and doing nothing, she finally reveals all her secrets to the man she loves. People stop gossiping and peace is restored. Happy ending.

Favourite Quote: "Anyone who says he can see through women is missing a lot. "
Groucho Marx

Watch Kate Bush's magickal Lily video:

Next time: The Empress

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

Words of Wisdom for the New Year

2008-01-08T14:09:00.001Z

Staying Peaceful

Desires cause peace to disappear. You think that acquiring things will make you feel secure, but the reality is that the more you have, the more fear there usually is of losing it, and the further you are from peace. Desires are the cause of all conflicts. Once you have satisfied one, you are aiming for the next and want more. When you want something and cannot get it, you become frustrated. Learning to be free from desires is learning how to stay peaceful.

Brahma Kumaris

Special Offer just before Christmas: Tarot Homestudy Course now £20 off!

2007-11-28T16:39:00.001Z

If you have been thinking about enrolling on my Tarot Correspondence course, now is an excellent opportunity for you to go for it! You will be saving £20 off the regular fee, which is a great saving - you can treat yourself with a special present and make a saving, so you can spend even more on yourself.

Click on the following link to find out more and purchase the course:

Tarot HomeStudy Course - Special Offer

Don't delay! This offer won't last forever, but the course will inspire you for a long time!

Happy Taroting!

Christiane
http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

YES! You CAN learn to read Tarot cards!

2007-11-09T14:55:00.001Z

Some psychics enjoy intimidating the 'normal' folk by claiming to 'possess psychic abilities since childhood' or ' my grandma was a witch, and her grandma too, so I've inherited this special gift...' blah, blah, blah.

Don't believe the hype - you possess this special gift, too! Perhaps you don't know it yet, but so-called psychic abilities can be developed as long as you just nurture and practice them.

So maybe you are thinking about learning Tarot now, but there is your busy lifestyle that's holding you back.....

The solution for you would be an online Tarot HomeStudy course with expert 1-2-1 mentoring and guidance. You can learn in the comfort of your own home at times to suit you.

There are more benefits with my Tarot Online HomeStudy Course, including an online forum, where you can meet fellow students and Tarot enthusiasts. Please check them out here:

Tarot HomeStudy

Don't let these people intimidate you. You CAN learn to read Tarot cards and start on an amazing journey.

Best Regards,

Christiane

http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

Learn Tarot - Experience the Magick!

The Magician (The Fool's Journey - Laughing all the Way to the World Part II)

2007-11-03T13:50:00.002Z

The Fool keeps walking and meets the

I - Magician

"The Magician is a crafty boy,
He'll cause your mind to boggle.
He can't create, he can't destroy,
But boy! Can that guy juggle!"
Lon Milo DuQuette

The Magician offers choices and indicates power and pontential. With craftiness and using all his skills, he seizes as many opportunities as he possibly can.

Occupation: Car Salesman - you shake his hand believing you have just negotiated a good deal, but deep down you know: as if by magick he got the better of you!
Favourite Song: It's a kind of Magic, by Queen ("One man, one goal, one prize, one hope...")
Celebrity Magician: Derren Brown - he even admits that he is tricking you and reveals some of his secrets - or is he? A great entertainer and illusionist, he makes you feel you're in control - but are you?
Magicians in Literature: Merlin, Gandalf...Harry Potter (yes, read the Deathly Hallows and you'll know why)
Magician in Film: Homer Simpson. Let's face it: Homer always manages sort out his problems despite his apparent laziness and overindulgence of fatty foods. Somehow Marge still loves him and he keeps holding on to his job, his income, his comfy house, his kids...I think that's magick!
Magician's Motto: I make the most of what I've got and will succeed.

Next time: The High Priestess

http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

How to Overcome Readers' Block

2007-10-05T14:32:00.001+01:00

Even the best tarot reader can have a bad day and draw a blank from a set of cards lying in a neat spread on the table. Aleister Crowley, infamous occultist and creator of the Thoth Tarot, described the tarot as a ‘wicked pack of cards’ not without reason. Tarot can be uncannily accurate and enlightening on one hand, on the other it can drive tarot readers mad when trying to interpret them in a meaningful way for the client.

If you are learning tarot or you are already an accomplished reader, chances are, you’ll come across reader’s block at one point during your tarot life. Here are my tips on how to master it:

1. Don’t Panic
This may be easier said than done, especially when you read for someone else in exchange for money, but it really makes sense when you think about it rationally. Panic or excessive worrying only makes your heart race due to the increased level of adrenaline in your body. As a result you find it hard to think straight. So, step one: keep calm.

2. Give yourself time to look at the cards
If you are reading in a busy environment like a psychic fair or corporate event, you may feel pressured to read quickly. The ability to do this comes with years of experience, so if you are just starting out, allow yourself a little more time with each client, who will also appreciate the extra time you are spending with them.

3. Go back to basics
When you are looking at a card combination that somehow doesn’t make sense to you, describe each card to the client and talk about individual meanings. Get the client involved and acknowledge that there is something not quite making sense to you. Most often the client will be happy to confirm certain meanings of the cards and even see the connections themselves. This way your readers’ block is gradually removed and you can make sense again of the whole spread.

4. Be honest
Don’t try and guess or make something up during a reading you have difficulties with. You will just end up waffling and start getting flustered. After having considered and implemented the first 3 tips above and still have problems with the reading, let your client know. Have a chat with your client and see, how you can solve the situation amicably.

5. Don’t beat yourself up about it
It’s ok to have a bad day. It’s also perfectly normal that you cannot read for everybody. Nobody is perfect! Sometimes it’s impossible, for whatever reason, to connect with your client and provide a proficient reading. Put it down to experience and think about what you can learn from it. In the worst case scenario, you can offer the client their money back – no harm done, and you can move on with a clear conscience.

6. Relax
Don’t worry about your next reading. You can get easily uptight about future readings after an unsuccessful one. Don’t let insecurities get the better of you. It is extremely unlikely that you will have a similar negative experience with your next reading. Instead, enjoy meeting your new clients and have fun. Remember your true abilities and how much you have to offer. Don’t give up and you will succeed.

7. Meditate before a reading
If you are worried, meditate on a suitable tarot card to increase positive energies around you. To increase your psychic abilities, the Queen of Cups would be a good card. Temperance would help to balance any conflicting feelings such as anxiety or nervousness. The Ace of Wands helps to remember that necessary spark of creativity, passion and enthusiasm. Choose any card from your deck you feel is right for you.

Some more Words of Wisdom

2007-08-15T20:16:00.001+01:00

Worrying about how everything will get done or whether you are capable of doing it limits your ability to respond to challenges considerably. The less you think about doing something and the faster you just get on with it, the fewer problems you cause yourself. Good planning is always helpful, but time spent fretting and procrastinating is a major drain on your energy. The more willing you are to respond positively to opportunities, the more your capacity will grow.

thoughtfortoday.org.uk

The Fool’s Journey – Laughing all the Way to the World, Part I

2007-08-13T15:18:00.002+01:00

When learning Tarot and getting to know the cards, it’s important to have fun along the way, so you avoid dying of boredom. Look at the Fool’s journey from a different perspective and have a giggle – it helps to remember!

0 – The Fool

“A pure buffoon skips toward his doom,
An abyss of profound uncertainties.
It takes a Fool to seed that womb
With all possible possibilities.”
Lon Milo duQuette

The Fool sets off and doesn’t know where it all ends; he doesn’t care either. If he knew what awaits him along his way, he’d probably stay at home – or he’d do it anyway!

Favourite Books: The Wizard of Oz – Dorothy’s journey to the Emerald City along the yellow brick road. The Lord of the Rings – Frodo’s journey to Mordor to destroy the ring.
Hobby: Travelling – never to the same place twice.
Famous Fool in history: Anne Boleyn – her urge to become Queen by marrying Henry the VIII sent her head first into a dead end.
Movie: Happy Feet – Mumble, the tone-deaf penguin, embarks on a journey to save his fellow penguins from starvation and discovers that his tap-dancing skills are a blessing in disguise.
Song: Is this the way to Amarillo? Last sung by Peter Kaye for Comic Relief in 2006. In the video he is running along towards his desired destination but doesn’t seem to reach it – a Fool forever.
Celebrity Fool: Jade Goody – she ventured into the Big Brother house to seek fame and fortune briefly achieving her goal. With her second visit to the house, she met her nemesis Shilpa Shetty, and now Jade is shuffling along the road to nowhere.

Next time: The Magician

Bye for now,

Christiane
http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

Update March 2009: I am sad to learn about the premature death of Jade Goody. Although she'd never been my favourite celebrity personality, she managed to do some good as a result of her illness. Her campaign for cervical cancer screening will have saved the lives of some women, who would have otherwise not bothered with the test. And dying at the age of 27, leaving two children behind, is very cruel. So, I wish her a peaceful rest and healing to her family.

My Psychic Encounter with a Pink String and Boiled Sweet

2007-07-13T11:59:00.001+01:00

I want to share with you something I've learned at the TABI conference, well, not learned but confirmed: you can use anything for a pendulum! Yes, that's right: no expensive or unethically sourced crystals required!

Try this for yourself:

1. Take a piece of thin, flexible string like wool etc. (approx. 50cm).

2. Attach a boiled sweet; you can leave it in the wrapper; doesn't matter.

3. Hold the string and let the sweetie hang still. After a while it starts moving. This confirms that it works.

4. Next 'charge' your pendulum by asking it a yes/no question you know the answer to. The pendulum begins to move - clockwise or counterclockwise?

5. A clockwise rotation usually means 'yes', counterclockwise 'no'. Depending on your energy flow, this can be the other way round; that's why it's important to try out your pendulum on a couple of simple questions before you use it to explore unknown issues.

I would certainly never use this method for my clients; it would be inappropriate and unprofessional. It just proves that using a pendulum for your own private use is so easy to learn; anyone can do it, so just have fun with this one!

Christiane

http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

TABI Conference 6th - 8th July 2007

2007-07-09T13:44:00.000+01:00

Last night I returned from yet another inspirational TABI weekend conference. As usual, the people there were open and welcoming; it felt like being with old friends. Everyone shared the same enthusiasm for Tarot and the esoteric world, which created new and powerful friendships. I was privileged to be taught by Tarot masters such as Rachel Pollack and Lon Milo Duquette, and I will put my new knowledge into practice over the coming months. I also enjoyed Mick Frankel's workshop on the I-Ching and Anya Marco's session on Runes. Whether you are a Tarot apprentice or adept, you will learn something new and wonderful each time you attend a conference run by TABI.

Time flew so quickly, and now I'm back in the Land of Routine.

To finish this entry, let me share with you an inspirational quote from relax7.com:

Create Continuously
Every day is an opportunity to be creative - the canvas is your mind, the brushes and colours are your thoughts and feelings, the panorama is your story, the complete picture is a work of art called, 'my life'. Be careful what you put on the canvas of your mind today - it matters.

The Bulls*** Detective, Part 2

2007-05-11T13:21:00.001+01:00

Did you watch the last episode shown on BBC3 last week? The Detective investigated Tarot; unfortunately he did a bad job.

In case you missed it, let me recap for you what was said:

Three readers were invited to do a reading for the Detective; they all got it wrong, were 'fishing' or generalised. One even charged £200.
You can become a Tarot reader overnight. All you need to do is memorising some basic scripts and meanings.
You can easily set up a Tarot phone line and earn thousands of pound in a week. (I wish!!!)
Tarot readers are con artists, only interested in making as much money as possible.
Tarot is a load of bulls***t.

*sigh*

The whole thing was so terribly one-sided. Clearly, they did not bother to investigate Tarot on a more objective, open-minded level.

Let me offer you some counter arguments, in case the program made you doubt the benefits of Tarot:

There will always be less able readers out there. If you want to get in touch with a decent and ethical reader, visit TABI online (Tarot Association of the British Isles). I'm listed there, too. One of the readers on the program, Paul Hughes Barlow, is also a TABI member and published author. Strangely, his reading was never shown, nor did he get sufficient time on the program (he wrote to TABI in an e-mail that he was filmed for about an hour and a half; this time was cut down to 3 minutes. I wonder if he wasn't 'bad' enough for them...). Instead the program makers concentrated on the female reader, who did some poor fortune-telling, which was a complete disaster (if she was a member of TABI, I'd expect her to be expelled).
If you learn a script and do a reading, then you don't use the cards. In that case, you're not a Tarot reader. If you do that sort of thing, you intentionally deceive people. It takes many years of study to reach a professional level.
Setting up a Tarot phone line with a premium rate number costs a lot of money. This money needs to be invested before anyone even thinks about calling you. This also requires a good amount of Marketing investment. The programme complained about the £1.50 price tag per minute. This is the price I charge for my phone readings; 50% of that is taken by the company that maintains and markets my listing. The net pay I earn covers for the time I'm on the phone to my client as well as additional time I spend either preparing the reading (in case of appointments made in advance) or recapping the phone reading in an e-mail message afterwards, so my clients will not forget the important bits that were said. (You can find out more about my phone reading service here)
In the program, all Tarot readers were placed into one box with the label 'con-artists' - hypocritical for a presenter, who complained about the readers coming out with 'general statements'. You will find bad apples in any profession - remember the hairdressers, who weren't qualified yet still opened up salons and ruined some people's hair and scalp, scarring them for life? Remember racist policemen, corrupt politicians etc. I'm sure you can think of many more examples.
If you feel that Tarot is a load of rubbish, then you are welcome to your opinion. However, it doesn't mean that you are right. Is religion a load of rubbish? Spirituality? Meditation? Aromatherapy? Crystal healing? In pursuit of happiness and contentment, one thing works for one person but not for the other. In order to form an opinion and perhaps dismiss something completely, you need to explore the subject in question from all angles. And it will always be difficult to write something off that can never be scientifically proven. Why not include some people on the program, who had Tarot readings, which transformed their lives in a positive way? If you have watched the program, you may doubt that these people exist, but they do!

Overall, shoddy journalism as shown in the Tarot feature on the Bulls***t Detective can be damaging for honest and competent readers, who are trying to take Tarot from a dubious fortune-telling device to the next level - that of personal development, self discovery and life guidance.

However, one positive aspect has emerged from the program: the necessity to regulate the industry. A start has already been made when TABI was created in 2001, an organisation, which is highly regarded in the Tarot community, not only by Tarot readers and students but also by clients, who are looking for insightful and empowering readings. TABI is going from strength to strength, but there is still a long way to go in terms of publicity and wider recognition.

Apart from that, on this occasion the Bulls***t Detective sadly can only be viewed 'for entertainment purposes only'!

Why not let me know what you think and post a comment? Do you agree or disagree? I'm looking forward to reading and publishing your views.

Best wishes,

Christiane

www.cosmictarot.co.uk

Relax....

2007-05-08T14:11:00.001+01:00

I've got so many writing projects on the go at the moment, I feel like I'm forever running out of time! Thanks to synchronicity, I've received a very suitable Thought of the Day in my inbox today:

Introversion
The ability to enjoy one's own company is one of the greatest gifts life has to offer. Learning to turn my thoughts away from all my responsibilities at the day's end and take my mind into a state of peace and benevolence enables me to carry greater and greater loads without feeling the burden. When my inner landscape is full of beautiful thoughts, everything I do is a pleasure. Gently, I calm down chaotic situations and offer solace to troubled minds.

For more words of wisdom visit Cosmic Spirit or subscribe to my newsletter to receive them straight into your inbox.