Easy Tarot Reading – The Process Revealed In Ten True Readings

Easy Tarot Reading -
The Process Revealed In Ten True Readings

Author: Josephine Ellershaw
Llewellyn Publications
2011
ISBN #978-0-7387-2137-8

“Easy Tarot Reading – The Process Revealed In Ten True Readings” is based on Ellershaw’s previous work, “Easy Tarot Reading”. I was not fond of that book, because, while the information presented was in-depth and valuable, it was presented in a very “do it my way” tone. This sequel is another matter entirely! I absolutely adore this book, and totally admire Ellershaw for the time and dedication it took to pursue clients that were willing to share their readings (and check in for updates!), to take the time to present templates for each of the readings, and to present the “story” that a reading really is in fine fashion!

The book starts off with a bang – the cover featuring artwork from the awesome Ciro Marchetti (Gilded Tarot, Tarot of Dreams, Legacy Tarot, Oracle of Visions), and a foreword by Barbara Moore. In her introduction, Ellershaw talks about how the lines of theory and practice are blurred when giving readings. One can know what the individual cards mean, but to put together the story is something else. She decided that the best way to show how to put the story together was to document actual readings, and document them in the present tense. She then checked in with her clients over time (with their permission), to see how the story of their reading played out in their actual lives. The clients are as diverse as they would be in any readers clientelle (these are her titles for the chapters): The Gay Man, The Business Owner, The Former Model, The Skeptic, The Email reading … With A Twist!, The Silent Client, The Cowboy, The Mad Hatter, The Yoga Teacher, and The Rock Band. The choice of clients was made to provide a diversity of age, gender, and backgrounds. Each client also agreed to share how they felt about their reading, in their own words.

In showing the reader how to get the best from this book, Ellershaw suggests that they lay out their own cards in the diagram shown for each reading. This is a valuable tool, because the reader will be able to instantly see where the connections between cards are being made. She also mentions that while each reader needs to develop their own card meanings, she does have a brief summary of card meanings at the end of the book. She suggests that each reader create their own Tarot journal, and addresses reversed cards, the “Anchor” spread, the Life spread, the role of the key cards, using the Celtic Cross to answer specific questions, and the timing system that she uses for the Celtic Cross spread. She also talks about who shuffles the cards, support from friends and the Tarot community, and ethics and responsibility.

The readings were very well presented, with in-depth explanations of what she was doing, and why. Enough information was given about each client so that the reader could see where the reading fit into their life. The reading process consisted on interpreting two separate spreads: the Anchor Spread, which consisted of seven cards from the Major Arcana, covering base, central theme, work, love, immediate future, wishes, and future, and the Life Spread, which consisted of twenty-one cards drawn from the entire deck, covering one key card, and four cards each for home, work, personal, love,and future.

The presentation of each reading began with a first impression of the cards, then an interpretation of each of the spreads, by area. If further information was required, a Celtic Cross spread was drawn and interpreted. Each reading presentation ends with results and feedback, along with reader tips. Ellershaw chats through the reading with her client, eliciting only necessary information from them (basically to affirm what she is seeing for them), to make sure they are comfortable with the process, and to explain to the reader how the cards are coming together, and why she is interpreting them as she does. The whole process is gentle, flowing, and healing for the client, and readily understandable for the reader. She makes the reader feel as if they were sitting in her living room, having tea with her and chatting. before you know it, you have learned something!

Throughout the book she includes tips for readers on various topics, including: ethical guidelines and responsibility, conducting email and telephone readings, delivering bad news, Seeker involvement and icebreakers, frequency of consultations, and indicators of success, secrets, and skullduggery.This is an excellent book for all levels of readers, and quite an effective way to learn to put the cards together!

(c) September 2011 Bonnie Cehovet

Autumnal Equinox 2011

 

Simply put, an equinox occurs twice a year, when the sun is at zenith over the equator. On September 23rd we experienced the Autumn Equinox for the year 2011. (Note: For the southern hemisphere, this will be the Vernal equinox.) One of the marks of an equinox is that night and day are of equal length. For me, this could not have happened sooner! Although we had a short, mild summer, I am ready for autumn, my favorite time of the year. I love it when it gets dark early, and when I am getting up to dark. This is a very special time of year for me.

 

The equinox occurs in the sign of Libra – literally, a time where the focus on and need for balance takes priority. This is a time when we are looking back at the year to date, at what we are reaping, what our summer harvest is bringing us, as well as at what new things are coming in. We need to bring balance to what we set out to accomplish in the Spring of 2011.

 

Questions that we might want to ask ourselves include: What do we need to tie up? What do we need to honor and celebrate? The energy of which archetypes are needed in our lives at this time? What have we not released that we need to? Is this perhaps blocking us in some manner?

 

Think about it: we are slowing down in autumn (in the fall), and going into hibernation over the winter. We need to rest and recuperate before the cycle begins anew in the spring.

 

For our Pagan/Wiccan friends, this is the time of Mabon, when thanks is given for the harvest

 

What are you thankful for? What are you releasing? What are you bringing into balance?

 

© September 2011 Bonnie Cehovet

Today’s Journey Tarot

Today’s Journey Tarot –
Expanding Dimensions

Authors: Ben Perry, Teresa Sue McAdams, John Lavey, Pat Lavey, Bonnie Taylor
Illustrator: Christopher G. Wilkey
Schiffer Publishing
2011
ISBN #978-0-7643-3905-9

I first saw that this was an “updated” deck before I even saw the cards. This actually made me disinclined to like it, as my preference is the older, more esoteric decks. However, once I had the cards in my hand, I was drawn right into them! I love the simplicity, I love the muted pastel coloring, and I love the conservative nature of the cards.

This deck was birthed by members of a group entitled Expanding Dimensions. Their purpose was to move the traditional structure of the Tarot into a more modern setting. They felt that the traditional structure of the Tarot could be combined with modern imagery that people could easily connect to, while retaining the core values for each card. IMHO, they succeeded very well!

The deck and LWB (Little White Book) come in what is becoming Schiffer Publishing’s trade mark – a heavy cardboard box with a lift top, held closed by a magnet, with ribbons on either side that do not allow the top to hyper-extend when opening. I really do like this – the deck will be protected “forever”, and the cards will not spill out if the box is accidentally dropped, or knocked off of a table or desk.

The 95 page LWB includes an introduction to the group Expanding Dimensions (based in Kentucky), along with a nice background on the deck itself. The text is written in a very gracious, polite format – one that I deeply appreciate. The cards are each presented with a small black and white scan, keywords, a description of the energy of the card, and what the card would mean in a reading. From the book:

“Key 0
The Beginning

Key Words: Journey, Discovery, Faith

The student is beginning a journey of discovery, her first deck of Tarot cards. Her expression suggests curiosity and an eagerness to learn. This is her opportunity to open herself up to a new spiritual path. The nest step is her choice. She must listen to her inner voice and have faith that it will lead her in the right direction. Surrounding her are the colors that represent he four elements of nature: red, blue, yellow, and green. They suggest that she has everything she needs for her journey.She has the strength of her foundation and the potential for growth. Her cat sits confidently beside her. The cat is an animal that can see in the dark. Its presence implies that there may be more here than she is able to see.

In a reading, this card could represent a new journey, a choice, or a new beginning. It could also signify a new spiritual path or inner discovery, Faith is required to make this choice. Listen to your inner self. Seek help if necessary. Someone else may be seeing things more clearly than you.”

At the end of the LWB the Merkaba spread is presented.

This is a traditional 78 card deck. The names have been changed, to protect the innocent. Well, at any rate, the names have been changed! The Major Arcana have been retitled (see below), the suits carry the elemental titles of Fire (Wands), Water (Cups), Air (Swords), and Earth (Pentacles). The Court Cards have also been retitled: Father (King), Mother (Queen), Youth (Knight), and Child (Page). Strength is at VIII, Justice at XI.

Major Arcana Titles:

Beginning – Fool
Manifestation – Magician
Wisdom – High Priestess
Creativity – Empress
Law – Emperor
Tradition – Hierophant
Union – Lovers
Control – Chariot
Fortitude – Strength
Guidance – The Hermit
Life – The Wheel of Fortune
Karma – Justice
Choice – The Hanged Man
Transition – Death
Discernment – Temperance
Materialism – The Devil
Intervention – The Tower
Meditation – The Star
Intuition – The Moon
Awareness – Judgment
Completion – The World

The cards are approximately 2 ¾” by 4 ¾”, on glossy card stock. The backs have a dark blue border, followed by a thin white border. The inner background is light blue, with a gray and white Merkaba symbol in the middle. The back is reversible.

The author’s note that the Merkaba is a symbolic vehicle used to help reach enlightenment. It consists of two equally equally sized, interlocked tetrahedral (pyramids), with a common center. It is a spirit body of light.

The suits are color coded. The Major Arcana faces carry a dark purple border, with the card number centered at the top of the card, and the card title centered at the bottom. The border color for the suit of Fire is red, for the suit of Water it is blue, for the suit of Air it is yellow, and for he suit of Earth it is green. The Pips (numbered cards) have their number and suit in text, centered at the bottom fo the card. The Court Cards have their title and suit centered in text at the bottom of the card.

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The artwork is done in pastels, in a very 1950’s style of dress and background. The artist has done a self-portrait in the Three of Earth, where he appears at one of his own shoings in an art gallery. Another Earth card that I like very much is the One of Earth, which shows a globe of the earth on a black background. And yes, t he number One is used, as opposed to using the term Ace.

The Father of Air is just the coolest card, showing a pilot from the back, as he is flying his plane with all of the controls in front of him.the Mother of Air is shown as a court judge – how appropriate is that!

The Three of Water shows three ladies out for cocktails, holding glasses of wine. This is so real, it brings back memories of both past and recent experiences with friends. The Nine of Fire shows a highway, being blocked by iron bars. The One of Fire shows a fiery Sun, surrounded by darkness.

Choice shows cars beign driven on a freeway, with an exit coming up. Tradition shows an absolutely beautiful domed building with colorful glass windows. Wisdom shows a female figure, in a long sleeved, high-neck blue dress, sitting at a table, in front of a Tarot spread. Beginning shows a young girl sitting on the floor of her bedroom, cards spread out in front of her as her cat watches. How many of us had these very personal moments when we were that age!

This is a deck that would appeal to collectors, to those that like 1950’s style art, and to anyone who wants a gentle deck to work with themselves, or to offer to their clients. It is also child friendly (yes, I read for children if they ask!). Instead of Alice through the looking glass, it is you, the reader, through the Merkaba!

© September 2011 Bonnie Cehovet

Tarot Birth Card Pairs: Moon/Hermit

Over the next year I am going to be writing about Tarot Birth Cards, what they mean and how we can work with them. I use the system of Tarot Birth Cards developed by Ruth Ann and Wald Amberstone of the Tarot School (www.tarotschool.com). Using the Seeker’s birth data (month, day and year), pairs of birth cards are defined. (For more information, and to calculate your own Birth Cards, go to http://tarotschool.com/Calculator.html.)

Please note: I have a book being published by Schiffer Books in fall of 2011 – “Tarot, Birth Cards and You: Keys To Empowerment” (http://www.schifferbooks.com/newschiffer/book_template.php?isbn=9780764339028), incorporating images from Karyn Easton’s “Tarot Lovers Tarot”. This was to have been a joint project (book and deck published together), but the decision was made to publish both separately, which I find very exciting! Karyn has a Birth Card calculator up on her site, where you can also view her incredible deck (it really is!) –http://paranormality.com/tarot-birth-card-calculator.shtml.

A special thanks to Leisa ReFalo www.tarotconnection.net, who developed the Birth Card Calculator, and graciously gave us permission to use it.

Our ninth pair of Birth Cards are the Moon (Key 18) and the Hermit (Key 9). Some of the associations for these cards are:

The Moon:

Astrological Sign: Pisces
Keywords: grounding, connection with dreamtime, psychic ability, emotional connection, feminine wisdom, unconscious, working with cycles, illusion, lack of clarity.

The Hermit:

Astrological Sign: Virgo
Keywords: Solitary, turning inward, search for internal truth, internal journey, mentor/teacher/guide, sharing wisdom with others, searching for meaning, issues with mentors, lack of a mentor, hidden potential.

The theme for this lifetime is finding ones own truth, and connecting with oneself.

We can choose to do personal work with our own Birth Cards, we can use Birth Cards in conjunction with a reading for a client (place their birth cards, drawn from a deck other than the one you are reading with, above the spread(s) laid out for them). The spread(s) are then read through the lens of perception of the Seeker’s Birth Cards. As added value, a reader could give their client scans of their Birth Cards, along with a short write-up about them. Readers can also use the Birth Card system to better understand other people in their own lives (family, co-workers, friends etc.).

The key to bringing balance to any lifetime is that of understanding how and where your Birth Cards are operating in your life. The Star and Strength represent the two aspects of the gateway into a 17/8 lifetime. The Star is ruled by Aquarius, placing focus on looking within, trusting what is there, and allowing ourselves to hope. Of importance here also is the ability to question things on an intellectual level, and to communicate well.

The Moon and the Hermit represent the two aspects of the gateway into a 18/9 lifetime. The Moon is ruled by Pisces, placing focus on emotions and the unconscious. It is related to the unconscious, and to things that are hidden. It is also involved with the cycles of life. Look for hidden agendas and the face (persona) that each individual presents to the world.

The Hermit is ruled by Virgo, placing the focus on work, self-improvement and self-empowerment. Here we see the focus of the individual turning inward, searching for their own personal truth. Once the individual discovers that truth, they take it out into the world and share it with others.

The Moon and the Hermit set the tone for this lifetime. The path that the individual walks is one that addresses who they are, and how they present themselves in life. The Moon is all about illusion, about that which is hidden from us, and agendas (our own, and that of others). It is about our unconscious, about dreamtime, feminine wisdom and the cycles of life.

The Hermit is all about finding our own path, and following it. The individual gains a clear view of where they are, The truth to be found here is a spiritual truth. The Hermit becomes a recluse in order to create the time for personal contemplation. The answers are at the heart of the Hermit, and are to be found in calm and quiet time. Finding ones own truth is a healing process – the Hermit marks the end of a cycle, and a healing from the issues inherent in that cycle.
An 18/9 (Moon/Hernit) individual empowers themselves by accessing their unconscious and opening themselves to collective wisdom. They balance this with going within to find their own personal wisdom, which they then take out into the light of day and share with others.

Images from the “Tarot Lovers Tarot”, Karyn Easton, 2008, paranormality.com.

© September 2011 Bonnie Cehovet

Tarot and Astrology

Tarot and Astrology –
Enhance Your Readings With the
Wisdom of the Zodiac

Author: Corrine Kenner
Llewellyn Publications
2011
ISBN #978-0-7387-2964-0

Tarot has many layers of associations – numerology, Qabalah, and astrology heading the list. In “Tarot and Astrology” Kenner guides the reader through the associations between the Tarot (Major and Minor Arcana), and the signs and planets that make up astrology.

This book works in three ways – it introduces those interested in the Tarot to astrology, it introduces those interested in astrology to the Tarot, and it takes those who work with both tools to a deeper level of understanding. In working with this book, the student will be able to:

1. Read Tarot cards and interpret an astrological chart.
2. Recognize the ruling signs and planets associated with the twelve houses.
3. Pair the planets, signs, and houses with their corresponding Tarot cards.
4. Understand the astrological associations for the Minor Arcana.
5. Make connections amongst the Court Cards, Tarot suits, and the four elements.
6. Identify each card’s Qabalistic associations.
7. Give insightful readings for yourself and others.

It is important to note before working with this material that the source for the astrological associations is the Golden Dawn material. If the student/reader uses another astrological association for their work, they would have to interpret the material in this book in that light. The deck used to show examples is the “Wizards Tarot”, by Corrine Kenner and John Blumen.
Kenner begins by going through each of the Major Arcana cards and their astrological association. For example for the Fool: “The Fool, who doesn’t care what society thinks, is assigned to Uranus, the planet of rebellion and revolution.” It is clear that the quality connected with the archetype is easily associated with the quality connected with the planet associated with it.
In Part One – Tarot Planets and Signs, Kenner addresses the twenty-two cards of the Major Arcana, and their associations with the planets and astrological signs. She also presents a rudimentary background on what constitutes the Major and Minor Arcana, the “spheres of influence” for the four suits, and the four Royal Families (Court Cards in the four suits).
The planets are introduced, and then the Major Arcana associations are presented, in order of the associated planets, not in the order that the Tarot cards appear. We have Sun/Sun, Moon/High Priestess, Venus/Empress and so on. Each planet/card combination is presented with a short discussion of the planet and card, the sign that the planet rules, and physical and elemental associations for the planet. Interspersed in this section are snippets such as a discussion entitled Dark Shadows: Solar and Lunar Eclipses, the Eclipse Spread, a discussion on the Void-of-Course Moon, the Trickster Planet: Mercury Retrograde, the Part of Fortune, the Saturn Return, karmic Lessons and the Point of Node Return.
There is a short introduction to the signs and their glyphs, triplicities and the four elements. Included in this section are discussions on Chiron, the Wounded Healer, Saturn’s Cloak, the Phases of the Moon Spread, and a chart summarizing the planets or sign, significance, and associated Tarot card.
Part Two addresses the Minor Arcana, focusing on how the Aces correspond to the four elements (Fire, Water, Air, and Earth), how the numbered cards (2-10) correspond to the decans (ten degree subdivisions) within each sign, and how the Court Cards spin the Wheel of the Year.
There is a short introduction to Elemental Dignities, along with an Elemental Dignities Spread. This is followed by the Aces, and their associations. There is a short discussion of the four Qabalistic worlds, followed by a chart associating the spheres (Sephiroth) on the Tree of Life with a card from the Tarot, the astrological association, and a description of the Sephiroth. There is a schematic of the Tree of Life, and a listing of the twenty-two paths. With their associated Major Arcana card.
The section on the Pips begins with a chart listing the decans, approximate calendar dates, the associated card from the Minor Arcana, and the planetary sub-rulers, followed by a short discussion of the Guardians of Heaven. The cards are presented by astrological sign, and the decans within each sign, broken down into Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable. At the end of this section is a Past, Present, Future Decan Spread.
In presenting the Court Cards Kenner notes that while they are placed around the Wheel of the Year, the dates don’t strictly adhere to the signs. For instance, the Queen of Wands rules over the first twenty degrees of Aries and the last ten degrees of Pisces. In general, Knights rule the Mutable signs, Queens rule the Cardinal signs, and Kings rule the Fixed signs. Pages embody the elements (Fire, Water, Air, and Earth), serving as the seat of power for the four Aces. Charts in this section include the association between the Court Cards and the elements, the Court Cards and the seasons, and the Court Cards and the Wheel of the Year.
There is a nice introductory section on the twelve houses of the Zodiac, including a Houses of the Horoscope Spread, the Planet, Sign and House Spread, a presentation on Polar Opposites, and a short discussion of Types of Horoscope Charts.
In her section on simplified chart interpretation, Kenner discusses looking at the Sun, Moon, and Rising Sign (Ascendant), including a Sun, Moon, and Ascendant Spread, The Angles of the Chart Spread, Solar System Spread, and Natal Chart Spread. Of interest is a sample reading given for Marilyn Monroe. At the end of the book is a glossary of astrological terms.
This is a very rudimentary introduction to both astrology and the Tarot. Having said that, I feel that there is enough depth here to allow the student/reader to work with the material in a very real manner. The “short-shorts” of information interspersed throughout the book are very interesting, and the spreads allow the student/reader to put the information they are learning to work in a real way. Beginning students/readers will be able to use this material as a “stepping off” place for further study, while more advanced students/readers will gain from the examples given and the spreads.

© September 2011 Bonnie Cehovet

Tarot of the Holy Light

The Tarot of the Holy Light

Author: Christine Payne-Towler

Edited by: Michael Dowers

Artist: Michael Dowers

Noreah/Brownfield Press

2011

“The Tarot of the Holy Light” is an independently produced deck from Christine Payne-Towler and her partner, Michael Dowers. It is an absolutely incredible project, with an in-depth companion book ready to go to print. Where to start … this is a traditional deck. A traditional Continental-style deck, I hasten to add. Christine might smack me if I didn’t make that evident! It is, after all, the foundation for this project! The astro-alpha-numeric associations for this deck are not those of the Golden Dawn (which is the basis for most modern decks). It is also the first Continental-style deck of the 21^st century.

The associations for the trumps from this deck are keyed to the astral values taught in the Masonic lodges of Europe, and brought into the public light by Ettteilla in a veiled manner, as Christine writes, that was consistent with his times. The full system was brought out in the book “Divinatory Tarot”, by Papus. Christine also notes that the Pips (numbered cards) and Court Cards are distributed in a classic astrological pattern. (Note: For ease of use, the signs, planets, and elements that rule them are marked on each card.)

The traditional names have been used for the Major Arcana, with the following exceptions: Magus (Magician), Priestess (High Priestess), High Priest (Hierophant), and Tower of Destruction (Tower). Justice is VIII, with Strength at XI. The suits are Wands, Cups, Swords, and Disks. The Court Cards are Queen, King, Knight, and Page.

The deck comes in a sturdy cardboard box with a lift-off top. The imagery on the box (by artist Patrick Dowers) shows a female figure standing in a window, framed by green curtains. She is wearing a long sleeved, high-necked white blouse, and a brown pinafore, with a cross at her neck. She is holding a red heart in front of her, in both hands, with beams of light emanating from it. Birds and flowers adorn the sides of the image. One gets a literal feeling of Holiness when looking at the box.

The deck is a traditional 78 card deck, with two extra cards: one with the details of the companion book, as well as Christine’s first book, “The Underground Stream”. The second extra card gives the details for the deck, and has a lovely flowered vine running up the left hand side, ala the Marseilles tradition.

The deck is accompanied by a twenty-four page LWB (Little White Book), entitled “Tarot of the Holy Light User’s Manual”. Do not ask me why I heard the Star War’s theme when I read the title, but I did! The LWB comes separate from the deck, but fits nicely in the box once it is opened. (The deck and LWB were printed separately.) The background for the deck is touched upon, and Christine has shared some suggestions, such as noting where the Tarot cards fall in the reader’s personal astrological chart.

She also recommends shuffling in a manner that guarantees reversed cards. I do not read with reversals, so I will set that suggestion aside. She also gives the position meanings for a twelve-card reading, but does not offer a reading template, leaving it up to the reader to create their own. She also makes another interesting suggestion – to take the cards from one reading and place them (in the same order) in several different spreads.

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The cards are presented text only, no scans. Upright and reversed meanings are given. In-depth information can be found in the companion book, which will be coming out in both soft cover and hard back copies.

The cards themselves are 3” by 5”, with what is termed a linen texture. I noticed this immediately, and had to ask Christine what that was. I described it to her as “looking like linen”, and was very surprised to hear that that was the term used to describe it! Held up to the light, fine linen-like lines can be seen. The texture itself makes the cards less slippery, and easier to handle. Kudos for making this choice!

Michael did just an astounding job with the artwork, which is collage art in very intense colors, referencing the art of the 1600’s. The card backs are done in black and white, with a little Sun glyph (with a smiling face) in each corner.  There is a white border, with the image itself showing what appears to be a quarter moon with a face at either end, with a sun in the middle, light radiating from it. At first glance the backs are reversible, but if you pay close attention, a good reader could tell if they were upright or reversed. The theme for the backs is that of a doorway into the cosmos, with the Sun representing the material world, and the Moon representing the celestial world.

The card faces show a white border, with the card information at the bottom of the card. For the Major Arcana, we see the card number, title, and astrological glyph. For the Court Cards we see the card title, suite, astrological sign and glyph. For the Pips we see the card number, suit, degree and sign, and the glyph for the astrological ruler.

One thing that Christine pointed out to me was that Michael placed her initials at the top of the card that represents her – the Queen of Swords! I had to get my magnifying glass out, but they are there! What a nice thought! Other cards of interest to me (well, they were all of interest to me, but these stand out) include the Hierophant, which shows a male figure, arms outstretched, sun touching one hand, moon touching the other, and the Hanged Man, who is hanging from an ouroboros, with a triangle of seven golden circles behind him, with an eye in the middle of each one.

The Ten of Disks is an incredibly active and colorful card, with a Tree of Life focus. Strength has to be my very favorite card – the female figure carries her own power, especially the power of voice, but the small lion in front of her is wearing a very ticked off look – probably due to the green leaf he is wearing on his head!

The Ten of Cups shows beautiful green leaves, a golden sun in the middle of the card (with an eye in the middle of the sun), with a beautifully colored esoteric above it. The Two of Swords shows two swords – upright on the left hand side of the card, reversed on the right hand side of the card. There is a sun at the hilt, and a moon at the point of each sword. There is a reversible esoteric graphic positioned betweent he swords.

The Two of Disks shows a circle of moons, with a red and a green whorl in the center of the card. The World shows a female figure, in a red gown, standing on a graphic of the earth. The Sun is in the upper left hand corner, with the moon in the lower right hand corner, and glyphs for the seven planets to the lower left of the earth.

The Fool shows the sun, moon, and a standing figure with what appears to be a mythical figure at his feet. The Wheel on the Wheel of Fortune is a beautiful red ouroboros, with the traditional glyphs in the four corners of the card.

I love this deck! It offers esoteric symbology in a systematic manner that is interesting, but not overbearing. It will open up thinking on astrological attributions, A good choice for esotericists, those interested in art, and those who work with the astro-alph-numero associations.

Deck can be purchased here: http://www.tarotuniversity.com/2011/09/tarot-of-the-holy-light-deck.html.

© September 2011 Bonnie Cehovet

September 2011 Full Moon In Pisces

 

Monday, September 12^th, brings us the Full Moon in Pisces. Coming right after the remembrance connected with the tenth anniversary of 9/11, we are gifted with the opportunity to reconcile and let go of memories/shadows ghosting us from that day. Some of you will, I am sure, be saying “Bonnie, that was ten years ago! Get a life!” It was a life changing ten years ago, and we all need to remember that. History forgotten repeats itself.

 

Pisces brings with it a full sense of emotions. Opposite a Virgo Moon, we are looking at the pull between the need for order (to the point of perfection!), with a focus on the day to day of life, and the emotional/spiritual vision of Pisces. Bottom line – we need to be able to express our spiritual selves while maintaining control of our mundane, physical life.

 

Some of the things that we might want to look at this full moon are:

 

• What is out of balance in my everyday life? What do I need to pay more attention to?
• Where am I putting up too many boundaries/expectations? Am I suffocating myself, or those around me?
• What in my environment (at work, or at home) needs to be physically “fixed”, or put into order?
• What in my environment do I need to simply accept at this time?
• What part of my life do I need to bring healing to? Why have I not healed?
• What do I need to be compassionate about? Can I show compassion to myself? Can I show compassion to others?
• Where can I organize my life so that it flows more easily?
• Where can I begin to expand my thinking, and allow my emotions to surface?
• What do I need to release, with compassion, at this time?

 

© September 2011 Bonnie Cehovet

 

Remembering 9/11

This is one of the hardest posts that I have ever written. It has been ten years since 9/11, but I can see it in my mind as if it just happened. I was watching the news of the first tower being hit, sitting in my living room, absolutely horrified, when the second plane struck. By this time I was numb … my country was under attack! How could this be?

 

The bad news kept rolling in – the damage to the Pentagon caused by a third plane, and the incredible courage of the passengers and crew on United Airlines Flight 93 in PA that brought their plane down before it could accomplish its mission.

 

In all, nineteen terrorists hijacked four passenger jets. This nation was absolutely numb. We watched on TV as first responders rushed to the site. We heard the stories of calls made to loved ones from family members that knew they weren’t going to get out alive.  We heard the stories of those that did survive. We heard the stories of those who, for whatever reason, were not where they were supposed to be on that day … and survived because of it.

 

We heard about the policemen, firemen, and medics that rushed to the scene. Their job would not be done for one very long time. We read about the community response – setting up temporary shelters for the workers, with food, water, and counseling available. Yes, counseling. Theirs was not an easy job.

 

There is so much more to say, but I am not going to say it. This is too much for me. I am going to do a three card reading, and let is serve as my tribute to those who did the work, and suffered the consequences.

 

 

What overall purpose did 9/11 serve? – Judgement

What do we need to know on this, the tenth anniversary of this incredible tragedy? – King of Wands

Where do we go from here? – Queen of Disks

 

The overall purpose of 9/11 was to wake us up from the illusionary life we were leading. It allowed us the opportunity to raise our consciousness as individuals, as communities, and as a nation.

 

On this, the tenth anniversary of 9/11, we need to understand that as individuals, and as a country, we need to lead with strength and courage. We need to not beat the world over the head to make it do things our way, we need to look at our needs in alignment with global needs. We need to learn from history, and not repeat it.

 

Where do we go from here? We need to network, and take a more conscious, caring attitude towards the world around us.

 

Blessings to all on this day!

 

Images from “The Tarot of the Holy Light”,  by Christine Payne-Towler and Michael Dowers, Noreah/Brownfield Press, 2011.

 

© September 2011 Bonnie Cehovet

Who Are You In The Tarot?

Who Are You In The Tarot?
Discover Your Birth and Year Cards
And Uncover Your Destiny

Author: Mary K. Greer
Weiser Books
2011
ISBN #978-1-57863-493-4

“Who Are You In The Tarot” begins where Greer’s previous book on birth cards, “Tarot Constellations”, left off. “Tarot Constellations” was already OOP (out of print) when I found out about it. I was able to obtain a copy from a very good friend, the late Winter Wren, and have always been happy that I did so. Combining the energy of numerology and the Tarot opens us up to a vast amount of information … indeed, to a whole new world!

There are patterns in everything. The numbers found in our birth data (as well as in our name) tell us a great deal about ourselves – they define the theme for each lifetime, and show us the gifts that we came into each lifetime with, as well as the challenges that we will face. Scary, but empowering!

One of the things that I like about this book is that it is not a book to be read, then placed neatly on the bookshelf to be dusted off and admired from time to time. This book is a true resource, a reference book for associations between numerology and the Tarot, and a treasure trove of exercises that help the reader place this information in their psyche, and in their life.

The first few chapters of the book address the principles behind the book, what constellations are, the nine principles of the constellations, how to determine your cards, and how to work with them in a reading. Greer also addresses the issue of cards VIII and XI (Strength and Justice) in the Tarot, and how either placement is acceptable, but that the reader needs to be aware of which placement they are using when they are studying the definitions for the Personality and Soul cards.

There are many exercises sprinkled throughout the book that allow the reader to understand the material presented on a very intimate level. They will learn to dialogue with the cards, ask questions appropriate to each archetype, investigate the symbols in the cards, work with specific spreads to get to know your cards, determine the Hidden Factor, or Teacher card, and more.

There are easy to use charts throughout the book that help the reader to easily grasp Personality and Soul Patterns, with the Hidden Factor/Teacher cards associated with them; the nine constellations, with their associated Principle, Personality and Soul Card Patterns, Hidden Factor/Teacher Cards, and Minor Arcana cards; the suits, associated elements and their meanings; the three Dynamic Groups and more.

Greer defines the Personality Card as a major signpost along life’s journey, and the Soul Card as the goal or purpose of our being. The nine Tarot constellations express the nine major principles or archetypes underlying our metaphysical makeup.

Each of the nine constellations has a chapter devoted to it. There is a graphic that shows the Major and Minor Arcana cards in the constellation, the associated astrological sign and card function for the Major Arcana cards, the soul archetypes, keywords, and a short discussion of each of the cards. Murphy’s Law came into play here – each of the chapters was presented perfectly, except for the chapter on the Moon/Hermit constellation – which happens to be mine (and Mary’s, to be fair)! The problem is that the graphics from the Star/Strength constellation were inadvertently used, and astrological correspondence and card function were given for the High Priestess and Justice, rather than for the Moon and the Hermit. The rest of that chapter was just as well written as the other chapters were.

I loved the section on the Personal Year cards! This to me is incredibly important, and allows us to make the most of each year ahead of us. Greer notes that a decision needs to be made as to whether the reader prefers to use the calendar year (January through December), or birthday to birthday, to define the Personal Year. For me it doesn’t make a discernable difference, as I was born December 29th, but for those with birth dates deeper into the year, they will need to make this decision for themselves.

There is also a chapter on Soul Groups and relationship dynamics. This was covered wonderfully in Mary’s webinar with Linda Marson. Small promo here – CD’s of that webinar can be purchased here – http://globalspiritualstudies.com/shop/presentations/tarot/mary-k-greer-who-are-you-in-the-tarot/. Last but not least, there is a chapter on the Court Cards, and what they mean in a reading.

The bibliography is a selected bibliography, focusing on books directly related to the concepts presented in this book. In the view of transparency, I want to thank Mary for including my recently released book!

I loved “Tarot Constellations”, and I love “Who Are You In The Tarot?”! There is a great deal of material presented here, along with exercises to help make it “real”. My favorite topic of journaling is also included, as a manner of recording progress and understanding of the cards. Birth Cards can be worked with on a personal basis, they can be used for insight into all types of relationships, and they can be used when reading for others. This is a “must have” book for any Tarot library!

© September 2011 Bonnie Cehovet

HazelMoon’s Hawaiian Tarot

HazelMoon’s Hawaiian Tarot

Author: Katalin E. Csikos

Artist: Katalin Csikos

Independently Published

2003

ISBN #978-1-61623-636-6

 

 

“At the beginning of time,

we were all highly evolved spiritual beings.

We lived our life in accordance to the sacred

template of Cosmic Law, which we fully honored

in thought word and deed. Gradually we became

intoxicated with the dream of separation and

ego identification, listening to the mind, a

collection of thoughts, and forgetting

the song of love and unity …”

from the book

 

 

I was drawn to this deck for many reasons. Csikos did not create a deck from a history book background, she created one from living history … from living on the land of Hawaii, and with the people of Hawaii. Out of her interest in and respect for Hawaiian culture and mythology “HazelMoon’s Hawaiian Tarot” was born.

 

This deck has the same draw for me that the “Gaian Tarot” (by Joanna Powell Colbert)  does – it is based n the land and the people where the respective decks were created. “The Gaian Tarot” is based on the lands of the Pacific Northwest, where I grew up as a teenager, and where I have been living for the past fourteen years. “HazelMoon’s Hawaiian Tarot” represents the five years that I lived in Hawaii when I was in my twenties.

 

This deck is a celebration of life and the “Aloha Spirit”. This is an all-pervasive spirit that I am reminded of every time I open my college newsletter (I graduated from the University of Hawaii). Csikos defines this spirit as the coordination of the True Self’s mind, heart and soul manifested by thinking good thoughts, emoting good feelings and sharing goodness with others. She goes on to say that Aloha must be experienced, that it brings each person to the Self.

 

Csikos goes on to talk about Hawaiian wisdom, and what Hawaii taught her. She moved to Hawaii to heal, and heal she did … on all levels. The ability to be healed is expressed clearly in this deck. This is a self-published deck and 108-page companion book. The deck is traditional in structure, with traditional titles for the Major Arcana. Strength is VIII, Justice is XI. The suits are Sticks  (Wands), Cups, Swords, and Lava Stones (Pentacles). The Court Cards are King, Queen, Warrior, and Boy.

 

The companion book includes a short history of the Tarot, along with how to take care of the cards, and how to do a reading. The cards themselves are presented in text only, with no images. There is a description of the cards eergy, a description of the scene portrayed, and upright and reversed divinatory meanings. The traditional Celtic Cross spread is presented at the end of the book.

 

For the King of Lava Stones, Csikos writes: “This card is the representation o the final fulfillment of a creative task, business venture, or an investment. A loyal and trustworthy man may be too methodical to gain complete success. In other cases it is the symbol of wealth. Wealth may come in the form of associates, money or knowledge. As a talisman, it is a symbol of luck. It also means wanting to make money, to be more successful, and/or to unite or reunite with someone.”

 

For the Star, Csikos writes: “The Star is the light of hope. Shining in the night in the darkness, the stars provide direction to sailors and present a field of dreams. People are used to looking up at the sky and having a desire to be there. Besides hope, there is mystery, filled with excitement of the knowledge yet to b discovered.”

 

This is a nature based deck. The box itself, and the cover for the companion book,  are done in warm earth tones. The cards are 3” by 4 ½”. The backs have a dark brown border, with a cream colored center. In the middle of the back, and fanning out on three sides, is a leafy palm tree. The backs are not reversible.

 

The card faces have dark brown borders on the top and bottom. For the Major Arcana, the card number in Roman numerals is at the top, with the card title at the bottom. For the Minor Arcana Pips (numbered cards), the card number is in Roman numerals on the top (except for the Ace), the card number and suit along the bottom in text. The Court cards show the card title and suit along the bottom of the card. Along the right and left hand sides of the card we see primitive drawing in dark  brown against a cream background. Depicted are a turtle, what appears to be a gecko, and several images of humans in different poses. It gives a warm and “ancient” feel to the deck.

 

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I dearly love the focus of the art in this deck – the land and the water carry much more import than the figures in the scenes, making use of intense color and nature itself to convey the necessary energy. It is hard to define which are my favorite cards – they all draw me in! Let’s start with the Wheel of Fortune – against a background of the Islands we see a circle of life – stick figures, plumeria flowers, an adorable gecko and more!

 

In the Boy of Sticks we see a lone figure strongly paddling his canoe over the blue waters.  The Queen of Swords shows a lone female figure seated, head on her knees, sword at her side, volcano in the background. The Four of Sticks shows lush greenery and beautiful red flowers surrounding a rushing waterfall.

 

The Two of Swords features a beautiful rainbow, while the Empress stand regally in her royal purple gown. The Emperor stands, wearing a gold cape and crown, staff in his left hand, surveying his lands. Death shows a quarter moon over blue water, upon which floats a plumeria lei. The Five of Sticks shows a barren, broken highway, while the Six of Sticks shows  a lush landscape with beautiful blue water in the background.

 

This deck is very much a coming home for me. The time that I spent in Hawaii filled me with good memories … memories that I will always have to fall back on. This deck is a great addition to any collection – a valuable tool for self-exploration, as well as a gentle deck to offer clients. Enjoy!

 

© September 2011 Bonnie Cehovet