I come into contact with, what seems like, more and more people who are wanting to learn and practice tarot. For a newbie, it can seem daunting. 78 cards (and 156 meanings if you factor reversals) is a lot for anyone to try to memorize, and even when you do manage to memorize each card, you have another huge challenge on your hands. One that asks you to effectively take the cards you’ve memorized and now apply them to a specific person or situation and uncover how multiple cards in a spread may relate. It’s an art and a skill, and I know first hand just how long it can take, how frustrating it can be but also, how rewarded you will feel the moment it does start to click; and it WILL start to click, if you stick with it. 

The other day a friend asked if I could perform a reading for her. "Sure", I replied, "what did you want me to look at?" But, the answer wasn't incredibly straightforward. It was something along the lines of, "I've just been feeling really off lately. I don't know if it's because of this or that, but I'm not just feeling right."

This type of inquiry I would lump into the vague and uncertain pile and it usually takes some work on my part to reformulate the question enough that it actually becomes readable. This time though, I resisted that urge.

I didn't know exactly how I would lay the cards down, but I knew I wanted to answer the inquiry just as it was asked. After all, there must be a way to look at what's happening in and around someone, especially when it feels that whatever it is, is weighing them down.

I'm participating in the Willows East Tarot Blog Hop, so below I have answered the 5 questions that she's put forward to those involved in the hop.

Before we get to that, I first want to say that I think this is a really wonderful way to connect us tarot bloggers, to continue to build community and to help get to know each other a bit better! I encourage any other tarot bloggers who come across this post to check it out and join the hop!

So did you want to learn more about me and my journey with tarot? Read on!

This post includes a worksheet. Get it here!

The court cards in many decks may look like royalty, but don’t be fooled by their fancy exterior! The courts are just like us; full of depth, imperfection and potential. Whether you’re new to tarot or have been practicing for sometime, it probably isn't news to you that the court cards can be one of the more challenging aspects of the deck to master. I too found myself scratching my head at times when these cards would show their face in a spread. Because of this, I needed to formulate a way to break down each character to help me distinguish who they are and how they relate to each other and myself.

"We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us." - Joseph Campbell

There is something unsettling about the 8 of Cups. Maybe it's because it's been stalking me for a solid year. Or maybe it's because whenever it shows up, it's a stark reminder that I'm still the fellow with his back to one life, though not fully entrenched in another; a kind of sort of between two worlds type of feel. Before I speculate on the true nature or intention behind the 8 of Cups, I first need to come to terms with why it makes me feel ill at ease.

Post Edit: On November 8, 2017 I added a Part 2 to this post that focuses on the reader's perspective. So, getting the most out of the readings that you perform and making sure your services are structured to your liking. If you've enjoyed this post, please also check out Part 2!

This post includes downloadable resources: 1) Email Reading Checklist 2) Email Reading Template (PDF version) 3) Email Reading Template (Doc. version)

Do you want to be able to craft email readings that your clients will savor, save, print and return to time and time again? Of course you do and more importantly, of course they do. This is always the goal of the email readings we prepare and in this post, I will share with you what I feel is most important when it comes to constructing your email readings, as well as provide you a template and checklist to get your started.

This topic seems to be an area of challenge for many, and rightfully so. Picking up on surrounding energy is one thing, but being able to say when something may happen is difficult, because as most of us acknowledge, free will exists. Just because something looks to be moving a certain way, doesn't mean it will stay the course. There are so many variables that can impact trajectory, so I think when we're talking about timing, we have to first acknowledge that timing, like anything with tarot, does not live in the realm of absolutes.

Deck Information: Zombie Tarot by Stacey Graham and Paul Kepple as published by Quirk Books, 2012.

The Zombie Tarot is the brainchild (yup, I kinda punned) of Stacey Graham (writer and professional tarot reader), illustrator Paul Kepple and publisher Quirk Books. I decided I needed this deck after having it continually pop-up for me during my regular course of online activity. The images immediately appealed to my senses and I quickly sought out a more complete view of the deck so I could make my final decision. With all my planned purchases, I like to do research, and part of that research includes getting my eyes on a good sample of images including majors, minors and the courts.