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October 2004
Welcome to Gateway To Tarot.
This newsletter is sent out to subscribers only. If you have received this newsletter in error, please send a blank e-mail to: Gateway To Tarot with "unsubscribe" in the subject line. If you were forwarded t his newsletter, and would like to subscribe, please send a blank e-mail to: Gateway To Tarot with "subscribe" in the subject line. Newsletters from January 2003 on are archived on my site, www.Tarot.TheCrystalGate.com.
My thanks to each of you for continuing to be part of this process.
Mitakuye Oyasin - For All Of Our Relations.
Bonnie Cehovet, TM
Editorial: Tarot Ramblings Tarot Book Reviews:
Tree of Sapphire Tarot Deck Reviews:
The Baroque Bohemian Cat's Tarot Non-Tarot Book Reviews:
Your Magickal Name Non-Tarot Deck Reviews:
Editorial: Tarot Ramblings Wonderful news for the Tarot world: those incredible Aussies are at it again! The Australian based "Association for Tarot Studies" is doing a reprint of Robert V. O'Neil's "Tarot Symbolism", a long out of print, much admired (and sought out!) book. The Association is taking pre-orders until October 31st, 2004. The introductory price is A$27.50 (plus shipping), which is approximately $15.00 (plus shipping) in US currency. Following this date, prices for the book will be at the RRP A$35 (approximately US$25) plus shipping. For further information, or to place a pre-order, go to http://association.tarotstudies.org/symbolism.html. Many thanks to Solandia of Aeclectic Tarot for including a link on her site (which is where I found it!): Order Tarot Symbolism : Aeclectic Tarot. You may pre-order by mail through the following address. Please include your name, postal address (this is where your book will be sent). Payment is not required for pre-orders.
Association For Tarot Studies Hint: The 2005 Melbourne International Tarot Conference is being convened by The Association for Tarot Studies. Carrying the theme "History - Symbols - Inner Path", this is bound to be THE Tarot event of the year for 2005. Further information can be found here: 2005 Tarot Conference. A downloadable conference pamphlet can be found here: Tarot Conference Programme Schedule.
We are very, very lucky in that Arnell Ando and Leslie Cochran are creating another great calendar for 2005. Preview the artwork here: www.arnellart.com/cal-promo.htm. From the site: 2005 Tarot Art Calendar: Price $25.00 + P&H (Priority Mail, including insurance within US.) Shipments will begin in September and are first come-first serve. Only 100 calendars will be printed! Each image signed by the artist (and a frameable piece of art)! Early orders (received by September 30th) get a cool bonus surprise (created especially for this limited edition calendar)! Another calendar was brought to my attention by Diane Wilkes of Tarot Passages, and that is the Tarot Lovers calendar by Major Tom of Aeclectic Tarot fame. This calendar presents a new spread and a different deck for each month. More information is available here: Tarot Lovers' Calendar 2004 . Kudos to Major Tom for donating a portion of the proceeds to Aeclectic Tarot to keep the show going! Joanna Powell-Colbert's latest cards for her Gaian Tarot: The Builder (The Emperor) here, Bindweed (The Devil) here, Justice can be seen here. Joanna also has a new column appearing in the Pan Gaia Journal (www.pangaia.com). The new Sagewoman 2005 calendar is out, featuring two Gaian Tarot images, with text by Full Moon Dreams creator Lunaea Weatherstone. You can view/purchase the calendar here: www.amberlotus.com/sagewoman-05-cal.html. The book that we have all been eagerly awaiting has arrived! Llewellyn's Tarot Reader 2005 is now available. To read a review of the book, click Llewellyn Reader 2005. To purchase the book, click Llewellyn's Tarot Reader 2005. One of my favorite Tarot author's and illustrator's, Robert M. Place (The Buddha Tarot, The Tarot of the Saints, The Angels Tarot, The Alchemical Tarot) has scans up for his yet to be published deck The Tarot Of The Seven Fold Mystery. Limited edition prints are available for a very reasonable price - well worth a visit!
My monthly horoscope may be seen at: http://www.horoscope.thecrystalgate.com . 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: UNIFYING THE PSYCHIC AND WISDOM TRADITIONS" We have scheduled this two-day intensive around Halloween -- when information from the psychic realms is most accessible to us -- in the hopes that all of you -- no matter what your level of expertise, from neophyte to grand master -- will consider joining us or letting others know about the innovative work that Rachel Pollack (Shining Tribe Tarot) and Johanna Gargiulo-Sherman (Sacred Rose Tarot) are planning in uniting the work of those who approach and work with the Tarot psychically and those who work interpretatively (read "intuitively"). Why must it be one OR the other? We know that both avenues are more or less open to all of us. Now, through having what we call the Wisdom tradition and the Psychic tradition actually dialogue with each other in a reading, you can amaze yourself with your ability to call up skills you never thought you had, in a tradition you may never have explored, using the stuff you are already made of! That's why we say this workshop is open to all levels. If you have any questions, or would like a brochure with reservation slip sent to you, please contact Zoë at: zoëmaat@hvc.rr.com. We hope to hear of your interest and encourage you to sign up for the two-day intensive to get the full benefit of the exercises and illustrations. We do recommend enrollment by the September 23 date to insure a reservation. Seating is limited to 55 at each workshop. We cannot reserve a place in the workshop without payment in full. However, we will place your name on a list to contact should there be remaining seats available.
On-line Divination sites: In cruising the Internet 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 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:
Mary Greer Workshop:
Tarot Workshops with Mary K. Greer:
Saturday, September 18
Sunday, September 19 These are fun experiential workshops suitable for all levels of Tarot background, and guaranteeing new skills and techniques applicable to personal or professional readings. Attendance at day one or some familiarity with Tarot is helpful for day two. $100 per workshop or $150 for the weekend.
To register call: 360-385-4464 or email Workshop details: mkgreer@pacbell.net location information: http://www.phoenixrising-pt.com/contactus.asp
Article: Autumn Equinox The Autumn Equinox is almost upon us - one of two days in the year when night and day are equal, when light and dark are in perfect balance. For 2004, the Autumn Equinox is on September 22nd - a day to set aside some time to celebrate family, mother earth and her harvest. The Autumn Equinox is known in Wiccan and Pagan circles as Mabon, and represents the second harvest of the year, as well as a time when we begin preparations for the long winter ahead. From my childhood, I remember this time of year with a great deal of joy. The fall colors were starting to show up, the weather was cooling off, and life was slowing down to winters pace, after a very active summer. Many of the things associated with our Thanksgiving holiday are also associated with Mabon - cornucopia's, crops and harvesting, and a giving of thanks for the abundance that our land has provided for us. The lovely browns, golds, oranges, and reds of fall are also reflected in Mabon. On a more personal note, Mabon is a time of personal reflection, a time to review the previous year, to give thanks, and to bring our lives into balance and harmony. This is an excellent time for personal meditation and ritual. Ritual does not have to be orchestrated - it can be the putting up of seasonal decorations, or it can be as simple as a cup of coffee on the porch to start our day. Ritual is whatever marks the passage of time, whatever actions we take on a repetitive basis that helps put some structure in our lives. Ritual for Mabon can be walking through the park, breathing in the crisp air and giving thanks for the abundance of the past year. It can be a meal shared with family and friends that includes the abundance of the land that represents fall - the fruits and vegetables that fill our cornucopias, the breads that come from the grains of our land. In whatever manner feels comfortable for each individual, it is a time to honor mother earth and the abundance that she provides for us. For me, holidays are also a time for review, contemplation and meditation. I look over my decisions and actions from the past, I try to find if, and where, my life has become imbalanced, and contemplate the changes that need to be made to bring myself back into harmony. Sometimes I simply draw a card for where I am, or for what I need to know. I dim the lights, light a candle, and place the card in a standing position where I can easily see it. I focus on the card while I empty my mind. At some point, I merge with the card and begin talking to the people, animals and vegetation that call it home (yes, I do talk to plants - they can tell us some very interesting things). I come away renewed - with a clear understanding of why I am where I am, and of what direction I need to continue in. Meditation for me is a supportive, healing action. Sometimes I draw my card randomly, sometimes I am in a place where I need to choose a specific card that carries the energy that I know that I need for support. Both methods work well, both methods have their place. Creating a specific spread for each individual holiday is also an important part of honoring the holiday for me. Sometimes the same spread carries over from year to year, sometimes I need to create new ones. The following spread is one that I created for Mabon 2004. Mabon being a point of balance between night and day, dark and light, I felt that it could also represent an inner need for balance and harmony. With this in mind - enjoy!
1 2 3 4
Cards 1 - 4 represent the Past.
Cards 1, 5 & 9 represent the Mental Self. The question asked as the Seeker focuses while shuffling the deck should have to do with the balancing of their four energetic selves (Mental, Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual). Through this spread, they will be able to see how the Past, Present and Future work together, why they are in their current state of balance or imbalance, and how they can best correct their life direction. What a wonderful way to leave behind personal baggage and start a fresh journey into the winter months - a journey of contemplation and renewal.
Site Review: The Baroque Bohemian Cat's Tarot (www.bohemian-cats.com) is truly a bright spot in anyone's day - even if you do not particularly care for cats! ;-) I truly feel blessed that this site fell into my hands (and by next month I should have the deck and book in hand, so that I can show scans and share the incredible artwork and adorable, highly opinionated cats!). The intro page itself stops you in your tracks. Several scans are presented in a highly professional manner, and they will knock your socks off! Introduce yourself to the the white kitty in the lovely yellow dress (on the upper left hand side of the screen). Tell me this lady doesn't have personality to spare! From Magic Realist Press and Baba Studio (home of Tarot of the Prague), The Baroque Bohemian Cats' Tarot is exactly what is says it is: a feline themed Tarot deck, where the characters live in their own Baroque themed world. The artwork is incredibly well done, and the costuming for these felines - well, it is extravagant, gorgeous - and makes you want to be a part of this world! There is also a newsletter available so that we can keep up on Baba Studio projects - I love their decks, so I signed up! There are several exciting offers that go along with this deck. Free e-post cards, featuring cards from the deck, are available on the site. (And are a great deal of fun to send - these cats are adorable!) All of the cards are also available as art prints, singly or in sets of six. One final note - Baba Studio is also involved in a current deck project with Tarot wise woman Rachel Pollack entitled "The See of Logos", due to be out in spring of 2005. I think this one may be a bit different - and certainly will be watching out for it!
Tarot Spread: The Artist's Path Spread (from the Sakki-Sakki Tarot) Note: This spread is copyrighted to Monicka Clio Sakki, taken from the Sakki-Sakki Tarot booklet with her permission. The layout should resemble an arrow - which is "almost" does here (OK - I am not a techie!).
3  45 7 68 9 S This is a spread for all of us - not just the artists among us that weave paints or words into telling pictures. Our choices and actions are the paint that we use on the blank canvas of life. This spread can help all of us explore and better understand our individual paths. I have to say, I found this spread when I was flipping through the LWB (Little White Book) - and it stopped me in my tracks. My eyes fixated on the definition of position number eight - The Price. This is what we need to give up in order to follow our personal artists path. This hit me in the gut - because I feel that we all pay a tremendous personal price when we choose to follow our intended paths. From the LWB: 1. The Self-Portrait: What is your self image as an artist? What is your relationship with this identity?
Collector's Edition Deck Reprinting: Blue Moon Tarot By the time that I heard about Julie Cuccia-Watts majors only Blue Moon Tarot, it was out of print - and not to be found anywhere! I was able to purchase her Ancestral Path Tarot - which has resided by my computer since day one, and is a great source of joy. Goddess is with us - Julie has decided to do a second printing of herBlue Moon Tarot! I for one am not going to miss out this time! The Blue Moon Tarot is an exquisite deck that is based on the cycle of the Moon. The sequence follows the solar cross quarter days, as well as the lunar cycle. The Blue Moon Tarot exhibits the true tradition of the feminine as shown through the Moon (maiden/mother/crone). A wonderful deck to use for personal readings, or for ritual or ceremonial work. The Collectors Edition of the Blue Moon Tarot is being printed as 3.25 X 4.5 on 12 point cardstock, with UV coating. The deck will be accompanied by a 44 page stitched paperback booklet. There is a very special reason for Julie to do this printing - the proceeds will be used to help publish her latest deck in progress, the MAAT Tarot. The scheduled release date for this printing is the end of June. I am very excited about it, and I think that all of you will be too (unless you already own the deck!). The Blue Moon Tarot may be viewed here: www.newmoontradingco.com/trading/bluemoon/bluemoon.htm The Collectors Edition printing for the Blue Moon Tarot is a limited edition printing. Purchase price for the cards is $50.00, which includes the 44 page booklet and shipping. Payment may be made through the Pay Pal button on Julie's website - www.newmoontradingco.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? 09/01/04 Yuppers - I did forget to present an archetype. They wanted a break in the summer heat! ;-) Who am I? 10/01/04 I am here to walk with you when your concern is your home environment, your family and financial security. I will help you take action to bring about positive change. 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 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.
Geraldine Amaral edits a Tarot print magazine, Celebrating The Tarot , that comes out on a yearly basis. For more information, see: Tarot Journal (www.tarotcelebrations.com/ order%20Tarot%20Journal.htm)
Gigi Minor edits an absolutely wonderful e-newsletter entitled Veritas. To sign up for the newsletter, e-mail Gigi at: LadyFogg@twncy.rr.com with "newsletter" in the subject line.
Robert M. Place, artist and visionary, gifts us with a newsletter entitled The Restored Temple of Hermes. The newsletter will be coming out every other month, and will include articles and a question and answer section. To subscribe, please e-mail Robert Place at:rmp@juno.com, with The Restored Temple of Hermesin the subject line.
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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