New Review: Faerie Tarot
I’ve posted a review of the terrific Faerie Tarot by Nathalie Hertz. Take a look, it’s gorgeous.
November 14, a reading
My mom died on this date, in 1975. Sometimes November is extremely tough, and brings with it a quiet sense of despair that seems to underlie everything, but in the past several years I have moved away from this feeling. I acknowledge this date every year, of course, and make sure to be in touch with my dad (for whom some despair seems never far away, unfortunately). I sometimes light a candle, look through photos, talk about my mom more than usual. Today I decided to pull a few tarot cards - not meant to tell me too much, as I’ve reflected on this greatly since the day I saw her die. There’s not much I would expect to remain unknown about her death, or my feelings about it. These cards drawn today were meant to simply represent where I was then, and where I am now.
The two Nines are interesting, especially side by side as they are. The first, the Nine of Swords, is unmistakable in meaning, even down to the teddy bear, forgotten beside the bed, a clear notice that childhood is over. Not much needs to be said about this card - I think it is all obvious. The Nine of Wands, representing where I’m at now… a sunnier scene, thankfully - which echoes what I’ve been feeling, that I’m moving beyond November’s necessary bleakness of emotion. The card is said to indicate exhaustion, as well as strength and determination. Whether seen in the context of this date, or in a more general context of my life, I’d say this card is an accurate assessment. Whatever anyone judges it to be, the depression I’ve had throughout my life, much as a result of very early events, has been difficult to fully accept. Acknowledge it - know it, yes, but accept it? It can be a tiresome process. In the context of my life, I’m also tired, tired of constantly trying, tired really of so much, but determined … hopefully still strong. Overall though I find this to be a hopeful card. The future shown outside the woman’s window is bright and offers all possibilities, and new growth is indicated, in the green tips of her wands.
The Ace of Cups has an almost angelic or religious quality to it, which I also find interesting. This card was meant simply as an accompaniment to the others, and without getting too weird about it, shows me the possibility that my mother has been present, then and now, whether in spirit, or simply in the continuation of her love within me. As an Ace, I might expect it to show me some kind of new beginning, and to that I might just say every moment offers the chance for new beginnings. Even today could be one.
I used the new Mystic Dreamer Tarot from Llewellyn for this reading.
Comment?
Another reporter gets a reading…
I just want to quickly say hi to everyone and thanks for visiting… Summer has been so busy! My daughter and I have been spending a lot of time on our jewelry business, weekends have been full, and despite the cost of gas (ugh…) I was able to make a trip to see family in CT, and even got to spend some time at the beach and cruising around the coast. The mountains here are beautiful, but my soul still needs the sea…
If you have written and I haven’t yet gotten back to you, please forgive me. I am trying to catch up 
I’ve been reading “tarot in the news” stories for some years now, trying to keep up with how tarot is portrayed by the media, or how it is used in pop culture in general, and one story I have seen way too many times is the regional reporter setting out to get a reading, and reporting that alas, their reading was just a rip-off. Today’s story is just that, and the reporter ends by saying she is finally a skeptic for sure. I’d be skeptical of those particular readings she received too… but isn’t that a little like deciding you don’t like chocolate after eating a few Tootsie Rolls?
An ecologist on tarot
My friend Suess brought this to my attention, snail-mailing me the pages from her recent copy of Nature Conservancy Magazine…
Silvia Ziller is an ecologist who is leading the way in creating awareness about invasive species in South America. In this brief interview she is caught somewhat off-guard when asked about her interest in tarot and astrology, but answers very nicely with,
“We’re brought up in a world that relies too much on science, too much on whatever is rational. There are things that provide charm and enchantment and joy, and they are not rational. I like these things because they bring a certain magic to daily life.”
Well said!
New Review: Fantastical Creatures Tarot
I have posted a review of the lovely Fantastical Creatures Tarot by Lisa Hunt and D.J. Conway. Enjoy!
Btw, the Ace of Swords shows Thor’s goats… “Thor’s chariot was pulled by two magickal, giant goats, named Toothgnasher and Toothgrinder, who helped to protect Thor.” The card represents powerful beginnings or breakthroughs, influential decisions, and “triumph over difficulties.”
Cirque du Soleil unveils tarot-inspired show
Cirque du Soleil has just announced a new show for its Tokyo theatre, that was “inspired by the world of tarot.” I’m not exactly a fan of Cirque du Soleil, but I recognize their talent, creativity, and beauty, and find the concept of this new show, named ZED, somewhat exciting…
“ZED is a living poem, a timeless evocation that draws on the Tarot and its arcana… The central larger-than-life character Zed represents all of humanity in all its guises, from wisdom to folly, from discovery to adventure. Zed grows as he discovers the world on his journey of initiation… The world of the arcana, in which ZED finds its inspiration, teems with life and vibrant characters, including the Great Goddess, The Fool, The Sphinxes and the Satyrs – all engaged in a lyrical odyssey to the heart of the human experience.”
Learn more at the official site.
Tarot for Buffy fans!
The first time I saw Buffy the Vampire Slayer was during a very cold week in early winter, and my daughter and I just wanted to hang out on the couch and watch TV. We surfed to Buffy, watched a few minutes, and broke out laughing. We’re big fans of sci-fi and fantasy, but the show initially seemed incredibly fluffy to us. I think we had come in halfway through an episode featuring Drusilla… Well, we ended up coming back to Buffy each day, and by the end of the week, were hooked. I guess we’ve seen every episode at least two or three times now. We became even bigger fans of Whedon’s Firefly.
Dark Horse Comics has announced the upcoming release of the official Buffy the Vampire Slayer Tarot Deck, scheduled for September ‘08. Although I kind of wish this deck had come out several years ago, I am really looking forward to checking it out. The press release features the images of five cards from the deck, in which we see the original Slayer, an unmistakeable Willow as the High Priestess, and Buffy probably at the end of season five, throwing herself off of a tower. The artwork by Paul Lee looks compelling, a little bold and heavy, with rich, satisfying colors. The background story, design of the deck, and the accompanying book were handled by Rachel Pollack. I think we can expect this one to be very good!
For a great article, more images, and interviews with Pollack and Lee, see The Slayer’s Tarot: Pollack and Lee talk the Buffy tarot deck at Comic Book Resources.
Predicting the Presidential Election
No, not me. I’m not drawing cards to try and determine who our next president will be, or even who the Democratic nominee will be. But, I did happen to catch a segment by Jeanne Moos on CNN on May 19th, in which she shared some predictions made by others, including participants at the United Astrology Conference, a self-professed prophet, Sylvia Browne, and one young tarot reader who drew three cards - the Six of Pentacles for Obama, Three of Swords for Hillary, and the King of Swords for McCain. You can see the video here: Astrological Politics with Jeanne Moos
New Review: Universal Fantasy Tarot
I’ve posted a review of the wildly creative and gorgeous Universal Fantasy Tarot.
Harrow Deck, and other stuff
Well, we didn’t go to “Gratitude Day,” even though we did decide to go to Burlington, despite the drive (almost an hour) and the price of gas (too high). We only went to Quarterstaff, where my daughter bought a used book and a gorgeous d20. I spent the time flipping through a variety of books and checking out a great new magazine called Kobold Quarterly (the article, “Ecology of the Lich” caught my eye). I also came across Paizo’s Curse of the Crimson Throne books… I had just downloaded a free copy of the player’s guide, but hadn’t yet read it, and didn’t realize that the adventure path uses a companion tarot deck. I learned that while perusing the books at the store.
Of course, I was pretty excited when I saw that. I haven’t ever incorporated a tarot deck into a D&D game; it’s a surprisingly new concept to me. The 54-card Harrow Deck is used by players to divine their futures in-game, but also offers bonuses if you take the new feat, Harrowed. The deck can also be used in a standalone card game. From what I saw, the artwork is impressive, and it looks like a really fun deck to use. And if the GameMastery Item Cards are any indication, high quality can be expected. I’m currently DMing Crown of the Kobold King, and suddenly want to hurry through this adventure in order to start Crimson Throne - just kidding … I am in a hurry to get my hands on Harrow though.
In the news… The Santa Barbara Independent ran a nice story on a group of pagans who meet for pizza at a local restaurant once a month. The article’s intent seems to be to dispel common fears and clear up misconceptions, that most people apparently still have. Cards from the Aquarian Tarot are shown in a photo.
I’ve added a new link at Illumination Tarot: The Tarot Chest, based in the UK, featuring all sorts of tarot goodies for sale.
I was going to mention that the weather seems to be heading toward Spring … it was sunny and warmer than expected on Saturday … but, it is snowing again!