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October 2003
Welcome to Gateway To Tarot.
This newsletter is sent out to subscribers only. If you have received this in error, please send a blank e-mail to: Gateway To Tarot with "unsubscribe" in the subject line. If you were forwarded this newsletter, and would like to subscribe, please send a blank e-mail to: Gateway To Tarot with "subscribe" in the subject line. As of September, 2003 Gateway To Tarot will be sent from my personal e-mail address, and archived on my site, TheCrystalGate.com. These changes were necessary due to a horrendous problem sending the newsletter out through Yahoo Groups. I want to thank all of you for bearing with me the past few months.
My thanks to each of you for continuing to be part of this process.
Mitakuye Oyasin - For All Of Our Relations.
Bonnie Cehovet, TM
Editor/Chief bottle washer
Index:
Editorial: Around The Internet
Editorial: Around The Internet September shaped up to be some kind of month for Internet activity! One of the more interesting items that crossed my path was the link to a site that contains, amongst other things, kind of a running commentary on issues in different parts of the country as they relate to Tarot. I find this a great way to keep up with what is going on, as long as you keep in mind that, aside from the "hard news", the opinions expressed are those of the site owner. The link to this site is: http://jktarot.com/news.html. On a less stellar note, I ran across more than one site in which the site owner was attempting to present a quasi "educational" venue for Tarot afficianados, which in itself I find to be a very positive addition to the Tarot world. I love to see how other people present the Tarot - what their viewpoints are, where their creative natures take them. However, the downside to this is that because of the manner in which they make their presentation, their views of Tarot, their personal opinions, could be taken as "gospel" by someone that is new to the Tarot world. This is bad enough when they are simply addressing the world of Tarot and how it functions, but when they wander into the ethers and begin to berate specific Tarot individuals and/or organizations, IMHO they have crossed a line of credibility. The saving grace here might be that what we put out is also what we draw back to us, so the individuals that work with this type of energy are pulling it back to themselves - i.e. they shall reap what they sow. ;-) Some time back - actually, last April at the Reader's Studio 2003 in New York, I began to look at the issue of Tarot in relation to the healing professions. In this case, it was specifically the field of psychology, as one of the participants was a psychologist, and was looking for Tarot methods that were specific to their field. I thought this was marvelous - incorporating the tool of Tarot into an existing discipline. This was brought back into my mind recently by posts on one of my Tarot related e-lists. There is a series of classes being offered in the realm of Tarot counseling aimed specifically at those in the healing professions - nursing, psychotherapists, physicians, wholistic healers etc, with an eye towards a specialty certification. The certifications would differ depending on the background of the student - i.e. whether they were licensed in a counseling capacity to begin with. What was not clear is where the certification would come from - and it might need to come from more than one place, as we are looking at two separate healing venues here. It will be extremely interesting to see where this goes. October is one of my favorite months! I have already put my Halloween decorations up, and shall enjoy them to the fullest! On All Hallow's Eve day I shall cut my pumpkin - never doing a very good job, as I am not the least artistic, but having a very good time all the same! A very happy New Year to those celebrating Samhain, and a joyous celebration of all that fall has to offer to each of you!
My monthly horoscope may be seen at: Gateway Horoscope. I use Tarot for mundane guidance and the Sacred Path cards by Jami Sams for spiritual guidance. I am always looking for feedback here. :)
Tarot Product Review: Birth Card Studies
Instructor: Wald Amberstone Presentation:
The Birth Card tapes represent the first of a year long series of teleclasses on Tarot Psychology. The series also includes the Elemental Array Court Card Personality Arry and the mysteries of The Hidden Face (using the backs of the cards). This series is aimed at seeing a human being as a magickal being, and the process of Tarot as the study of magickal consciousness. Birth Cards is a telecourse that I was honored to be able to attend, and having the tapes to refer to is a wonderful addition to all of the wisdom that I absorbed from the "live" class. Each time I listen to the tapes, I pick up something new. This last time, it was that the teachings in this class do not address Tarot as an adjunct to psychology, but as a separate psychology in and of itself. There are three basic premises that are worked with in relation to Birth Cards:
Something else that made a huge impact on me was this very simple thought:
This is exactly what Tarot does - it opens up our worldview to look at things in a new way, to be more accepting of that which we do not understand. The manner in which the birth cards are obtained in this system is something that was completely new to me. Many of us have worked with the basic precepts of numerology in obtaining different types of cards that define different parts of ourselves. (Mary Greer does an excellent job of presenting this in her book Tarot For Yourself.) In the Tarot School system, birth cards appear as pairs (with the exception of those with the birth number 19, which works with three birthcards). There are twelve pairs of birth cards, using the 21 cards of the Major Arcana (the Fool, carrying the number Zero, is not used). Each pair of birth cards acts to form the pillers of a gateway into each lifetime. They form the guidelines for the dominant theme to each lifetime, and act as the foundation from which we make decisions and take action. This class opens the door to:
The main body of these tapes goes into a very intricate discussion of how to obtain the birth cards, how to do an in depth comparison of the cards using the positions of the main figures, the clothing and footwear, colors and symbols in the cards. I cannot say enough about how, even after just the first of four classes, birth cards changed how I do my readings. One suggested use of birth cards was to draw them from a second deck, and place them above the reading being done for your client. It is then the readers choice whether to simply use the cards as a guideline in their reading (they give excellent insight into cards that do not appear to define themselves clearly within a reading), or whether they want to take a few minutes and go over them with their client. Asking the client how they feel about their birth cards can give great insight into how they are functioning in their life. If the client does not relate to either card - take a moment to confirm their birthdate and redo your calculations. There is always a chance that the wrong birth cards have been set out! The reader needs to be aware of how birth cards function within an individual's life. There are four basic modes involved:
Birth cards show all of the accomplishments and challenges that each lifetime brings. They color all of the knowledge and action of each lifetime (how we think and act is funneled through the pillars of each lifetime). And ... they act as the portal into our next lifetime. There is a lot of very important material here. The "packaging" of the tapes is very professionally done - it is very clear which tape is which, so that they can be listened to in order. The taping is clear, and easy to understand. The material is presented in a logical, coherent manner - with a good dose of humor now and then to keep things moving along! Kudos go to Ruth Ann Amberstone, Wald's wife and co-founder of the Tarot School, for doing a wonderful job of editing these tapes. If I had any criticism to give, it would be that there is a tremendous amount of material covered here, which results in the classes sometimes going very, very fast. However - that is what the rewind button is for! To retrieve any material that has been missed! I highly recommend these tapes, with the following observation: you will get more out of them if you have been working with Tarot long enough to have done a few reading of your own.
More information about this set of tapes can be found here: (www.tarotschool.com) The Tarot School.
On-line Divination sites: In cruising the internet this past month I have found several on-line divination sites - both Tarot and non-Tarot, that are both fun and worth spending time with. Some of these sites are for specific Tarot decks - and I have to say the the art is stupendous! It makes me feel glad to be alive, and more than happy to be part of the Tarot world. I hope that you enjoy these as much as I am: www.zenhex.com/tests/tarot - This is not a divination site. Through a series of questions, it igfts you with the Tarot "persona" that most represents you. A fun way to visit with the Tarot! www.voyagertarot.com - This is a "card a day" site, using the Voyager Tarot. It has become a welcome respite in my day! www.jaked.org/8ball.html The ever present Magic 8 Ball! www.hiley.demon.co.uk/ww/tarot/tarot.htm Quite interesting one and three card readings.
Tarot Happenings: Geraldine Amaral, Paul Hughs-Barlow Bio: Geraldine Amaral Geraldine Amaral is the co-author of Tarot Celebrations: Honoring the Inner Voice and publisher of Celebrating the Tarot Journal. She recently created a Tarot instructional video, "Tarot 1-2-3." She conducts a series of unique and creative tarot classes in the Washington DC area, utilizing Jungian and archetypal psychology. In her classes, she teaches people how to apply the tarot's esoteric principles in pragmatic ways and as a tool for personal transformation. Because her book, journal, video and classes provide a unique blend of spirituality, psychology, philosophy, literature and personal empowerment methods, she is a well-respected and popular writer and speaker. She resides in Arlington, VA with her two cats Sweet Baby and Minnie. You can contact her at tarotcelebrations@erols.com or visit her website at www.tarotcelebrations.com. (Note: The following is reprinted with Geraldine's permission. The workshops are being given in theArlington, VA area.) The Washington, DC Tarot Society meets on Saturday, October 4th at 1pm at Hamburger Hamlet in the Crystal City Mall. This is a LUNCH meeting which starts at 1pm. If you come in late, please order and eat your food away from the meeting so as not to distract the progress of the meeting. Valerie Priddle will be facilitating this meeting and Liz St. Rain is the presenter this time and she will be comparing and contrasting the Empress and the High Priestess (great topic!). PLEASE RSVP if you plan on attending so that the restaurant can have the right number of chairs, wait staff, etc. There is no charge for the meeting, but if you prefer not to order lunch, there is a $5.00 place charge that gets paid directly to the restaurant. If you need directions, you can email dctarotsociety@yahoo.com or you can also see directions at www.tarotcelebrations.com (just click on the tarot card that says "Washington, DC TarotSociety"). Practice, Practice, Practice! DECKS, DECKS, DECKS! – Sunday, October 19. This is an afternoon workshop for those who have the basics and who want to practice, learn new spreads, see how the cards interact with each other and take their reading to the next level. We will also do some Comparative Tarot work. Basic tarot knowledge needed. This class will include a guest (video) appearance by Miss Cleo. We will do a critical analysis of her reading techniques to see what works and what doesn't. Held in Arlington (cost of workshop, $60.00).You can see details or register here: http://www.tarotcelebrations.com/Practice%20Practice.htm Empowerment Tarot Readings: I will be doing Empowerment Tarot Readings on Saturday, October 4 (only two appointments left) and Saturday, October 25th. Please email or call me directly to set up an appointment (703-671-7421). ($90 for one hour taped reading).
Bio: Paul Hughs-Barlow Paul is a writer, public speaker, magician and expert on the Tarot and magical systems. Advance information on Paul's new book, "Tarot and the Magus", (due to be out in November of 2003) can be found at www.supertarot.co.uk/resource/tarotbk.htm. The link to purchase the book is: www.aeonbooks.co.uk
Bio: James Wells James Wells is a Toronto-based Tarot consultant with an international clientele. Since age 12, he has lived, worked and played with the Tarot and its rich symbolism. James is also a Reiki Master, publisher of The Six-Rayed Star, musician, explorer of divination systems, weaver of rituals, and workshop facilitator. His job as a Worker of Oracles is to create sacred space for constructive feedback and soul work - a place where dreams, goals, imagination, intuition and magick, have full sway so that you can enjoy insight, support and healing.James is a member of the International Tarot Society and the Daughters of Divination. In person as well as in the media, he is a sought-after presenter on Tarot, ritual, and personal growth.James is fond of good books, singing, writing, his Tarot collection, close friends, delicious foods, travel, well-made martinis, and long walks. "Dear Friends, I'm creating a five-day retreat for those who want to explore healing through dream, tarot, energy work, myth, and ceremony. Are you interested in participating in such an event? If so, what month of the year would be best for you to be away for five days? Thanks in advance for your feedback. Also, I'd like to offer an Introduction to Qabalah for Tarot Readers at some point in the future. Please let me know if you'd be interested in such a course." James may be contacted at: workeroforacles@yahoo, or through his site, http://www.workeroforacles.com.
James Wells & Amy Lee-Rosenberg are pleased to announce the second annual Toronto Tarot Symposium Friday, July 23 through Sunday, July 25, 2004 PRESENTERS AND TOPICS:
FRIDAY:
SATURDAY:
SUNDAY: WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU? Eight workshops with renowned tarot specialists, three excellent meals, shopping at our magical vendors' booths, and meeting cool new like-minded friends! FEES:
We accept cash, personal cheques, money orders, PayPal, and Visa. Payments are made out to "Canadian Health Management Group". PRIVATE TAROT CONSULTATIONS with our presenters are available during break/meal times. Sign-up sheets will be at the registration desk. You can enjoy sessions of personal insight at a special symposium rate:
VENDORS. If you have a high-quality product or service related to tarot, magick, or healing, a space for the weekend (Saturday & Sunday) is only $225 Canadian. We encourage self-created tarot art (in deck form or in print form), books, statuary, incense, jewellery, altars, alternative healing modalities (massage, reflexology, reiki, etc.) and so forth. Please note that ONLY OUR EIGHT PRESENTERS MAY OFFER READINGS at this event, so no other readers will be able to have a space. If you are offering a healing modality, please send us a photocopy of your certificate(s)/qualifications. Register early to ensure your place! Contact and mailing information below. To register, and for further information: 416 - 892 - 8747
Toronto Tarot Symposium
Tarot calendar 2004: Arnell Ando, Leslie Cochran Thanks to Diane Wilkes of Tarot Passages I have wonderful news for all of you. Tarot maven Arnell Ando, in conjunction with artist Leslie Cochran, has a wonderful, limited edition Tarot calendar out for the year 2004. From Arnell: "As you may know, two years ago artist Leslie Cochran created the popular 2002 Tarot Collage Calendar (a review can be found on dear Diane's Tarot Passages website). Now, for 2004, Leslie Cochran and Arnell Ando have put forth combined creative efforts in the ‘2004 Tarot Art Calendar’. Both artists have contributed 6 new Tarot cards with detailed personal descriptions. Early pre-orders get a free bonus surprise with each calendar ordered (Yah! free surprises!) and each 'frame worthy' (6" by 10") Tarot image will be hand signed by the artist.. Please check it out on Arnell's site http://www.arnellart.com/ Or on this page: http://www.arnellart.com/cal-promo.htm" Arnell Ando is a Jungian based, certified Expressive Arts Therapist and certified Tarot Grandmaster. She has created 3 Tarot decks thus far including, Transformational Tarot, which was published in 1995. Arnell has combined her studies in the spiritual and psychological fields and her passion for mythology to create her unique interpretation of the Tarot. She conducts Tarot workshops at various Tarot symposiums around the country and does the occasional all day Art Therapy workshop in her hometown of sunny San Diego. You can view her art, decks, 2004 Tarot Art Calendar (co-created with collage artist Leslie Cochran) and a new line of custom made miniature Tarot shops, or read her various articles at: http://www.arnellart.com/ or e-mail her at aando@arnellart.com
Who am I? Each month I am going to have one card from the Tarot talk to my readers. The card will in some way tell you something about itself and what it stands for. I would like to have you the reader send in which card you think is speaking, and a short explanation of why you choose that card. In some instances, you may feel that more than one card is being represented. In the following months newsletter, I will present all of my readers opinions, as well as a new card for that month. In this manner, in real time, we can see the power (energy) behind the cards, and perhaps get a feel for how to use them in our lives. Who am I? 9/01/03 "I encourage you to be the best that you can be - to follow your passions, to nurture them, to expand your life and act as a guiding force for others." This speaker was the Queen of Wands. Who am I? 10/01/03 "I am the ever moving cycles of your life. I can bring you opportunity and joy, or I can bring you obstacles and sadness. Through me you learn your strengths." Note: In next months newsletter I will publish who my readers feel this description refers to. If you wish to remain anonymous please let me know, and I will honor that request. Give me the reasoning behind your thought - I think we will see that there can be more than one answer here. Perhaps this small exercise can be used to open us all to new ways of communicating with the Tarot. :)
Tarot Site Review: The Ten Sefirot Of The Kabbalah The Ten Sefirot of the Kabbalah (www.ucalgary.ca/~elsegal/Sefirot/Sefirot.html) is one of the most interesting Qabalah sites that I found when researching the subject. (And yes - I have spelled Qabalah two different ways here - the site has it one way, I spell it another!) The site author, Eliezer Segal, has done a marvelous job of presenting the Qabalah in a manner that can be easily understood. The primary page for this site is divided in two: on the right hand side we find a very brief explanation of Qabalah, and the right hand (masculine), and left hand (feminine) sides of the Tree Of Life. There is a full color Tree of Life graphic on the left hand side of the page, with each of the ten Sefirot clickable for further explanation. At the bottom of the graphic are text links to the ten Sefirot - making them eradily accessable for even those with a minimal acquaintance with the Internet and the use of a mouse. Each Sefirot in the Tree Of Life graphic is color coded, with both the text name and the Hebrew letters provided. It is really a very nice tool for study. Segal presents the Sefirot and their qualities as follows:
Each Sefirot text is presented in the following manner: name, translation, description, human imagery (primordial man), names of God, color, and other symbols and images. Keter is presented as follows: Keter Elyon
Translation: Description:
Human Imagery (Primordial Man):
Names of God:
Colour:
Other Symbols and Images:
Segal also gives a brief description of the Ein Sof, or the Unknowable Infinite, and the three pillars of the Tree Of Life (left, right and middle). While this site is not Tarot related, it is a good starting point when beginning to study the ten Sefirot (the ten pips of Tarot, in each of the four elements).
Tarot Tidbits: DancingWorld, launched in January 2001, brings a monthly offering of high-quality articles, reviews, guest essays, readers' letters, and resources of interest to the international Tarot, psychic, spiritual, and creative communities. The periodic "Inquiring Minds" feature solicits querent questions for a special reading by DW's editor/writer Eva Yaa Asantewaa--sort of a Tarot-based Dear Abby column! DW's StarWeb networking section includes free listings of special events, workshops, services, products, and Web sites.Sign up now for your free subscription to DW at www.yahoogroups.com/group/DancingWorld (where you can also explore past issues in our archive of messages). Send inquiries to DancingWorld-owner@yahoogroups.com and books or other Tarot, psychic, spirituality, or creativity-related products for review to:
Eva Yaa Asantewaa, Radical Magick,
Receive e-mail updates to Aeclectic Tarot (www.Aeclectic.net/Tarot) from Solandia at: www.aeclectic.net/tarot/join.html.
Thank all of you who are joining me on this wonderful journey. Please contact me at: Crystalgate@aol.com with any comments, criticisms or suggestions for future articles.
No part of this newsletter may be reprinted without my express permission, in any venue, on line or off line.
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