“The art of interpreting Tarot images requires a developed intuition in conjunction with analytic thinking.” p. 145

Re-Symbolization of the Self — Human Development and Tarot Hermeneutic
by Inna Semetsky
2011 Sense Publishers, Rotterdam/Boston/Taipei

This was the year I discovered Inna Semetsky and fell in love with her mind and soul. My #1 pick for Tarot reading in 2011 is her latest book Re-Symbolization of the Self — Human Development and Tarot Hermeneutic.

In my own mind and heart, I have felt the urgency of developing a scholarly approach to explaining the psychological workings behind Tarot as a phenomena and powerful tool for growth. Semetsky has far exceeded my abilities and I am thrilled to see her dedication to the in-depth research, writing, and promotion of the science and validity of Tarot cards and reading.

Re-Symbolization of the Self explores the relationship between outer images, in this case Tarot cards, and inner psycho-spiritual processes. Drawing from the insight and teaching of writers, such as Carl G. Jung’s transcendent function, Semetsky captures the dreaming process in many of it’s aspects to reveal what really goes on between object and subject in the creation of meaning.

Please follow this link to my full article exploring Re-Symbolization of the Self — Human Development and Tarot Hermeneutic

All quotes are by Inna Semetsky from this book and I thank her for extending her gracious permission.

To read more about Inna Semetsky or to schedule a reading with her, please visit her website: Inna’s Sense

If you are someone who desires to reach beyond daily life to tune to your inherent gifts, intuitive strengths, and divine guidance, this is the reading for you.

Tarot of Cosmic Consciousness

In the Tarot world I push the envelope of what is considered a Tarot reading. You’ll notice I have not posted about Tarot spreads or much about card interpretation, for I have such a deep and personalized style of relating to Tarot cards, oracles and clients. Most of my writings have been offered to increase your reading skills, integrating counseling skills and ethics, while other articles speak to the “Sacred Journey of My/Your/Our Soul” as the title of this weblog reflects. As an experienced Transpersonal Psychotherapist and self-proclaimed “Metaphysical Cosmologist” I am passionate about exploring the depth and breadth of you and how each of us is a unique expression of the holographic totality of our cosmos.

My weblog posts reflect years of exploring such metaphysical subjects as the Mayan Calendar (Carl J. Calleman), Nine Dimensions (Gerry & Barbara Hand Clow), Kabbalistic, Hindu, Taoist, and other spiritual wisdoms. Just as many modern physicists search for a unification theory for the workings of the universe, I search among spiritual and metaphysical tools and teachers for patterns of connection and resonance. My passion focuses on Tarot for it shows us the template or the evolution and unfolding of energy and life in the world/universe, while also being a channel for exploring and experiencing it’s presence.

AWAKENING UNIVERSAL PURPOSE poster by Katrina Wynne

With this in mind and heart, I feel I have been called to share my latest creation, “Awakening Universal Purpose,”a layout inspired by these changing times, when our individual and collective calling to be our most authentic and powerful selves is most profound. Just as the universe has a purpose, we each were brought into life for a special reason. This new spread reminds us of why we are here and looks at the micro and macro aspects of being here now. It is a profound Tarot reading revealing the template for your soul’s journey in life, much like a karmic or astrological birth chart readings. If you are someone who desires to reach beyond daily life to tune to your inherent gifts, intuitive strengths, and divine guidance, this is the reading for you.

Almost daily, paying attention to my dreams, I continue to develop this reading as it takes on additional dimensions. It is infinitely more complex than I can share in a short weblog post and shifts with the type, style, and/or number of decks used in the reading. One of the most exciting decks I use with this spread is the Tarot of Cosmic Consciousness by Barbara Bruch.

More recently, I have added a guided meditation from the Clows to help the client tune into the power of each dimension, plus have added a mind blowing way of showing the “as above, so below” summary of the reading. These will not be included in this sample reading for they require a chapter, or a book, to cover.

I would like to give you a taste of one unique Awakening Universal Purpose reading with this new layout to show you the potential we each have to reach deep within for soul guidance and clarity. This sample is a one-hour reading. The complete readings are 1.5 – 2 hour sessions.

Here are the bare bones of the structure of this layout. Drawing from the combination of the Nine Dimensions as channeled by Barbara Hand Clow and their relationship to the seven chakras (I like to use Carolyn Myss’ interpretation, but apply flexibility when choosing which system I follow). Since this reading, I’ve added a 10th card placement to tap into the “Cosmic Tree of Life” as described by Carl Calleman.

Ever so briefly, Clow’s Nine Dimensionstake us through the various levels of vibration in our Milky Way galaxy, much like string theory or multiverse concepts tap into alternate realities.

Peering beyond the 4th dimensional veil...

The first dimension (1D) emanates from the Earth’s core, the next (2D), a little faster in vibration, something that increases with each additional dimension, covers the area beneath and just at the surface of the planet, 3D is the surface and includes human and other planetary beings, 4D is the realm of the archetypes and Gods/Goddesses, 5D simply is unconditional love, 6D sacred geometry, 7D sound, light and vibration, 8D Divine creative potential, 9D connection with the black hole center of our Milky Way Galaxy.

Calleman’s latest book, “The Purposeful Universe” wraps up his thesis with the theory that we are all hardwired on a cellular level to receive signals and information from the “Cosmic Tree of Life” universal source, the origin and continuing emanation of cosmic consciousness.

I believe that it is through meditation, psychic and intuitive awareness, and general consciousness raising that we tune into our unique, as well as collective, programming (not to be read as fate, but as possibility). When we ignore, suppress, or divert our potential, we fall into dysfunction and disease. Very basically, this can be seen as aligning with love, or with fear. We have free choice.

As a reader, I encourage you to follow the links I have provided to learn more about the teachings of each of the influences I am drawing upon. For the more studious of you, I have also provided links to their books for your reading pleasure.

The following reading is shared with the gracious permission of the client, whose name has been changed to respect her confidentiality. It is told here as a brief story summarized from the unfolding of the Awakening Universal Purpose layout, not as a transcript from the reading with all its details.

KIEU and her courageous journey to love…

When Kieu and I sat down for our reading, I knew very little about her except that she likes Tarot, practices Reiki, and is a grandmother. We both are tuned to the wisdom of Barbara Hand Clow, so she was very enthusiastic about participating in this new reading I was in the process of developing. We used her beautiful Crystal Tarot deck by Italian artist Elisabetta Trevisan.

1D – Iron core crystal center of Earth ~ VII Chariot

Kieu was born in Vietnam and spent her childhood under the threat of warring forces, the “chariot” warriors who invaded her country. This effected her at her core.

2D – Below the surface of the Earth ~ IX Hermit

Abandoned by her parents, Kieu felt alone, raised in an orphanage. She sunk more deeply into herself and was isolated from any sense of connection with others.

3D – Earth’s surface ~ Page of Pentacles

She deeply felt lost in the world and barely survived day to day. She had no tools for navigating her life.

4D – Archetypes ~ XI Strength

Kieu was full of fear and believed she had no love in her heart, with no one to model love for her. It felt like forces were working against her under which she was a victim.

5D – Love & creativity ~ X Wheel of Fortune

Her life made a major turn when she found a Bible from which she began to read. Kieu recalls receiving this message “Even though your parents abandoned you, I love you.” She experienced grace and was able to open her heart. For the first time she realized she was loveable. Rather than feeling like she was on the outside of the wheel with life rolling over her, she began to seek the center of love at the hub of the wheel, a place of balance.

6D – Geometric forms ~ 7 of Wands

Kieu expressed “I love 7s” when she saw this card and began to explain its association with the infinity symbol. It represents the spirit of forgiveness she embraced to heal from the feeling of being abandoned by her parents in Vietnam. She also extended this forgiveness to herself.

7D – Ideal harmonic/Light/Sound/Vibration ~ XVI The Tower

Energy medicine, specifically Reiki, has become a tool for self-healing while extending this healing energy/vibration to others in Kieu’s life. The desire to support the transformation and healing of others has become her passion in life.

8D – Divine light and creative potential ~ II High Priestess

Kieu completely resonates with this message, “You sacrificed for love.” She now knows she was meant to be a psychic-energy healer. Memories of her adoptive father, the one who rescued her from the Vietnamese orphanage because he could not help loving her, surface as she re-members the road she traveled, from being a lost little girl, to being loved, although at a distance from this family patriarch, to embracing the love of Jesus in her heart, and now channeling Divine love and healing to others.

9D – Milky Way galactic center ~ Queen of Wands

Kieu saw the Italian title for this card, “Regina di Bastoni,” and remembered the words of a Catholic Priest early in her life who expressed to her, “You are Regina” to which she has come to understand that he was saying she is a “Mary,” the feminine form of Christ. She recalled how she did not know how to love Mother Mary in her early Christian life, although she attempted to in prayer. She now realizes “Mary is the door.”

… if we had added the 10th card, as I do now in this layout, we may have explored what is beyond the door as the Universal Source’s original impulse for Kieu’s existence, her unique genetic spark in life.

Since this reading with Kieu I have added a tenth card, 10D Cosmic Tree/Divine Source and many facets of connection between card levels, positions, and cosmic forces. It is an in depth experience of universal energy as channeled through the inspiration of the Tarot exemplars. The journey is unique with each querent and takes at least 1.5 hours to complete.

I wish to thank all the willing souls who allowed me to further develop this Universe to Earth exploration through their unique lives. We have been blown away by the results. Each client felt energized and completely inspired to follow the most meaningful purpose of their life. I hope to share this empowering reading with all who are interested in deep soulful work.

To make an appointment for your “Awakening Universal Purpose” reading with me, please follow this link: Powerful AWAKENING UNIVERSAL PURPOSE reading

“Molto gratzi” to Italian artist Elisabetta Trevisan for use of her beautiful Crystal Tarot cards.

Deep appreciation to Barbara Bruch for providing images from her dynamic “sixth dimensional” Tarot of Cosmic Consciousness.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Decks I use to explore the full experience of the Awakening Universal Purpose spread are:

Voyager Tarot by James Wanless, one of the few decks that truly reflect all 10 dimensions of vibration.

Quantum Tarot (both versions), Kay Stopforth and Chris Butler, is another multi-dimensional Tarot deck.

Transparent Tarot by Emily Carding, can be used as a nested hierarchy of dimensional energy.

Gaia Matrix Oracle by Rowena Pattee Kryder, who has always been a multi-dimensional communicator through her art and life.

Robert Wang’s Jungian Tarot explores the classic archetypes of the 4th dimension.

The Mythic Tarot utilizes Greek myths to illustrate 4th dimensional archetypes, through the interpretation of Liz Greene, Juliet Sharman-Burke and Tricia Newell.

Deviant Moon Tarot takes us into the shadow side of the 4th dimension, guided by artist Patrick Valenza.

Science Tarot by Logan Austen Daniel, Martin Azevedo, and Raven Hanna bring the 2nd and 3rd dimensions to life in the Tarot.

Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert celebrates the 2nd and 3rd dimension through the experiences of humanity on Earth.

The faeryland spirits of the 2nd dimension are revealed in Faeries Oracle and the art of Brian Froud.

Tarot of the Sidhe by Emily Carding, drawing from Gaelic mythology, creatures of the primal Earth 2nd dimension.

Books that influence the design and interpretation of the Awakening Universal Purpose spread are:

Alchemy of Nine Dimensions  - Barbara Hand Clow with Gerry Clow

Anatomy of the Spirit – Caroling Myss

The Cosmic Doctrine – Deon Fortune  (download PDF)

The Mayan Calendar and the Transformation of Consciousness - Carl Johan Calleman

The Mayan Code  - Barbara Hand Clow with Gerry Clow

The Purposeful Universe -  Carl Johan Calleman

…we give thanks every day for the blessings all around us, between us, and within us.

As I sit before my computer desk writing this Sunday’s Unity Church sermon on “Peace,” photos of loved ones and dear friends cover the top of the desk and the shelf above. The photo I took of Michael is calling to me and as I listen, he urges me to write about this time of year and how it effects those of us of Native American blood.

Michael "Standing Elk" Reibach

First, I wish to honor Michael and say a few things about him. Michael came to me in a dream three years before I met him in reality in 1993. From that point on, we were friends, and later life-partners, celebrated publicly in our Native American “Bonding” marriage ceremony on September 14, 1996. Michael “Standing Elk” Reibach walked on into the spirit world April 2, 2005.

When together, we were best friends and would talk about many things. We had a spiritual connection and walked in both worlds, the consensus reality world of European influence, and the traditional Native American (NA) world with all its painful history and powerful teachings.

These teachings from our ancestors remind us to “walk in beauty” for it is the walk of peace and balance in this world. Our NA elders remind us to honor and respect all of life, and to take pride in our heritage. We give thanks every day for the blessings all around us, between us, and within us.

I do not celebrate Thanksgiving. I do gather with friends and neighbors in a shared space of love and generosity. I give thanks every day for life, blessings, and aligning with Great Spirit’s purpose.

To read more about NA views of the significance of this holiday, please follow these links:

Thanksgiving: A Native American View

Deconstructing Thanksgiving – A Native American View

One week from today, according to the calculations of Carl Johan Calleman, the Mayan Calendar reaches completion. I’ve had many friends, neighbors, and students ask me what the significance of this event means for they know I’ve been reading, studying, and meditating upon this subject for years.

I have never felt this event to be a doomsday prediction, as sensationalized in the media to promote fear and emotional drama. In fact, for me, it’s represents an opportunity to move away from fear, to transcend the necessity of duality, a root cause of fear when seen from the point of view of me versus you.

The Purposeful Universe – How Quantum Theory and Mayan Cosmology Explain the Origin and Evolution of Life is a profound body of research and theory by Dr. Calleman, a Swedish biologist who concludes his treatise with this thought…

…when all the nine cosmic forces associated with the Nine Underworlds are manifesting fully, we will be ready for something entirely new. We are then meant to reflect a quantum state that would allow us to perceive the unity of all things and to attain a new level of resonance with the divine source….to return to the Garden of Eden at a new and higher level…

The archetypal “Hero’s Journey” that runs through the major arcana of the Tarot transmits this same message…a return to unity. Rachel Pollack, in her brilliant book, The Kabbalah Tree – A Journey of Balance and Growth touches upon the symbolism of the two trees in the Garden of Eden, the Tree of Knowledge and the Tree of Life, both trees depicted on the Waite/Smith VI The Lovers trump.

The Tree of Knowledge has classically been described as the portal to awareness of good and evil (duality), which resulted in separation from the Garden of Eden, the origin of oneness, albeit “a kind of unconscious harmony” as expressed by Pollack. She goes on to convey that the Tree of Life grew inside the Tree of Knowledge as a symbol that “Life is embedded in knowledge.” Pathwork through the Kabbalah Tree is designed to help us grow, in our knowledge of life, and, ultimately, our awareness of unity with the Divine. This journey of oneness, through duality, and back to Divine oneness, is what I call “The Sacred Journey of Your Soul” the namesake of this weblog.

For over 15 years I have been associated with Unity Church, an organization dedicated to Divine unity consciousness. As a guest minister I’ve spoken about compassion as a gateway to unity awareness, as taught by Christs, Marys (female Christs), Martin Luther King, Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, and many other avatars of love. One of the greatest challenges to being more compassionate is the notion that you are separate from me, your issues do not relate to me, your pain is your own. Unity consciousness offers us an opportunity to expand our thoughts and our hearts to include all of life, to become less separate, and to return home to the Garden of Oneness.

My Life is my message. — Mahatma Gandhi

Now, as the final shift of consciousness is inspired by the conclusion of the Mayan Calendar’s 16.4 billion years of evolutionary biological and consciousness growth, it is no surprise to me to see people in the streets, all over the world, standing for a new paradigm. We may not know what it will look like, but we can feel the urgency of this time to make a quantum leap to a new sense of togetherness. The 99% are asking the 1% to join them on the social/political level, but in the background is an opportunity for people all over the globe to unite in spirit, to practice new skills for communicating, building bridges of understanding and compassion. The old paradigm looks for hierarchy and focus while asking… Who is your leader? What is your message? But as Marshall McLuhan would say “The medium is the message.” In other word, the manner in which people conduct themselves says more than any words, slogan, or sign.

So, fear not these times for fear is the great divider. It separates us from our connection with life and most certainly distances us from our hearts. Whether or not you resonate with the idea of the Mayan Calendar, the Tarot, the stories of mythology or religions metaphor, just look around you and keep your heart and mind open to the atmosphere of change that is all abound. One of the greatest teachings I’ve learned from life is that to be present in this moment brings me the closest to being truly alive. Just breathe and know you are alive in this moment. And if your consciousness allows, feel your connection with all of life. Welcome home!

* Photo from Train Spotter on Facebook
** Original Albano-Waite card image

SF BATS 2011 Tarot Goddesses

I consider myself to be a private, reclusive person, but when I get around my Tarot “peeps” I suddenly have folks with whom I share a language, Tarot, and then I can become chatty cathy (for short periods of time).

Just returning from the San Francisco Bay Area Tarot Symposium (SF BATS), this event has stimulated new ways of relating to Tarot, but more importantly, new friends with whom to share and grow together in our Tarot wisdom. It truly is a coming together of the tribes. For fun photos of this gathering of Tarot spirits, please visit my Facebook page and links to various photos posted by others.

If you are feeling shy or alone with your Tarot cards, reach out over the internet and find those who share your interests as well as sources that challenge you by pushing the envelope of your understanding.

Here is a sampling of ways to connect with others on the topic of Tarot:
— Local Tarot Meetup organizations
— Facebook and Twitter social networking websites
— Internet Tarot communities and forums like; Aeclectic Tarot, The Tarot Guild, Tarosophy Tarot Town
— Tarot Conferences and Symposiums – SF BATS, Readers Studio, (there are many more than can be named here)
— Tarot on Internet Radio – try Tarot Tribe-Beyond Worlds and Tarot Today-Tarot Guild Radio, both on BlogTalkRadio
— Tarot weblog sites – follow the links on my TarotCounseling.org website
— Tarot Retreats – I organize these events which are posted on my TarotCounseling.org website and on Facebook
— Tarot Classes and Workshops – here is a link to classes I offer, or find classes in your area

Big thanks to Theresa “Tarot Lady” Reed for sharing her photo from SF BATS 2011.

There is something special about summer in Oregon for the sharing and celebrating of Tarot. The fun begins in July with the OREGON COUNTRY FAIR where I offer readings at the Mothership booth, a healing oasis in the Chela Mela Meadow area. This was my 10th year with this collective of healing professionals.

My booth space image has had an upgrade this year, a welcome change with a lovely tree’s presence, so true to my nature.

Next on July’s schedule is the TAROT INTENSIVE, three days of deep study in special topics on Tarot along with TAROT SUPERVISION sessions. All classes are held at Earth Heaven Retreat, Yachats, Oregon.

This year’s offerings include the following topics (class summaries at this link):
— ASTROLOGY IN TAROT – July 27
— ALCHEMY IN TAROT – July 28
— KABBALAH IN TAROT – July 29
— TAROT SUPERVISION – July 27 & 28

Tarot Intensive Summer 2010

The last weekend of July is reserved for the ANNUAL TAROT RETREAT, a tradition that is celebrating it’s 15th year. Tarot enthusiasts gather in a private forest setting on the Oregon coast, removed from the busy-ness of the world to turn our focus inward.

It became apparent to me a few years back that the retreat year was corresponding with the Tarot trump of the same number. XV The Devil challenges us to look at our shadow, but with the purpose of supporting us to be our most alive and authentic selves. So…you can imagine the fun we will have with this year’s activities.

Tarot Retreat 2010

To register for the Tarot Retreat, please follow this link.

Summer in Oregon winds down with two more important events. In Yachats, the first weekend of August we have an annual fair, PATHWAYS TO TRANSFORMATION, which started the same year as the Tarot Retreat, 15 years ago, and is the only local fair where I offer readings. On Saturday, my talk this year is “Spiritual Roots of Tarot.”

This will be my first year at the BELOVED FESTIVAL in Tidewater, Oregon. I’m honored to be part of this deeply spiritual gathering.

Last in this exciting string of events is a west coast tradition held in San Francisco, the BAY AREA TAROT SYMPOSIUM (SF-BATS) hosted by Thalassa and the Daughters of Divination. Workshops are offered by a variety of respected Tarot writers and teachers. It is a wonderful meeting of the Tarot tribes with friends gathering from many parts of the country, and perhaps the world.

Hope your summer is filled with fun and wonderful gatherings of beings.

You can always check for updates of my schedule on my “Tarot Counseling” website page – Katrina’s Schedule

I would like to introduce some of the various ways that sex and sexual energy appear in Tarot. The first place to look is at individual cards and symbols. When it comes to symbols and their interpretation there are various schools of thought. Some Tarot folks are traditionalist or fundamentalist, focused on the intended meaning of the card based on the original design of the card and/or historical interpretation. In contrast, the other end of the spectrum finds Tarot people who tap into a more personal, intuitive impression of each card. I will give examples of each.

A traditional way to look at the sexual message in VI The Lovers is the literal interpretation of marriage and all its implications.

The Lovers represent all that is essential in the interaction of love and affection between human beings. — Stuart Kaplan Tarot Classic

In terms of sexual energy and the symbolism implied, the male and female figures on this card can also be seen as the basic polarity or duality of life with their relationship expressed as the entwining of yin and yang, the essential elements of the universe. Viewing the Biblical Adam and Eve as the primary masculine and feminine forces of earth, the progenitors of human life, sexual symbolism translates into an earthly life force. The “Tree of Knowledge” is the portal of initiation into the dualistic world outside the Garden of Eden and the “Tree of Life (Wisdom)” the channel of rebirth and return to oneness. It can be extracted that our sexual journey of life and blending with the Sacred Lover is the pathway of return to wholeness.

XIV Temperance, often seen as the alchemist card, is practicing the art of blending the spirits of duality into a balanced harmony. This can also be interpreted as the art of sacred sexuality, the blending of sexual energies with the Divine.

These symbols can be extremely explicit or very subtle. Some Tarot cards incorporate images of genitals, intercourse, sex play, or other erotic displays. The first Tarot deck to offer an alternative to the heterosexual pairing of VI The Lovers is Daughters of the Moon by Ffiona Morgan with her sensual pairing of female lovers. This modern option for reflecting the diversity of sexual partnering was expanded in one of my favorite decks, Cosmic Tribe Tarot by Portland, Oregon artist, Stevee Postman.

What about specific sexual symbols within the cards? Most often sexuality is implied with symbols such as sacred geometry (lingam/yoni intersect on the shield of the Chariot), ancient religious artifacts (as in Hindu, Egyptian, and Taoist traditions), modern art works (“The Kiss” stone carving on Voyager Tarot card), or the flow of energy in the form of water, such the Voyager VI Lovers or the Waite/Smith II The High Priestess.

Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot deck has always had a reputation of being a somewhat controversial deck with more graphic sexual symbolism. Viewing the artistic work of Lady Freda Harris on XV The Devil gives us a taste of his expression of sexual energy.

Here is an overview of various ways sexual symbolism appears in Tarot cards:
• Gender – male / female / both / neither
• Nudity – innocent, vulnerable, natural, no shadow
• Sexual – physical organs, physical contact, intercourse, babies (as result of sex)
• Emotion – love, excitement, connection of hearts, affection, ecstasy, passion
• Energy – invisible flow within or between, intensity, expression, blending of spirits, kundalini, chakras, chi, orgasm
• Symbols – yoni / lingam (Chariot), caduceus (Magician), triangle in square (Temperance), artwork (Voyager Lovers statue “The Kiss”), fetish tools
• Composition – example: pillars, water & veil (High Priestess)
• Posture – open or closed, sexually suggestive
• Expression – facial, hand or body gesture
• Action – physical movement, affectionate or excited touch, penetration, stroking, rubbing, stimulation, vibration, undulation or waves of excitement
• Story – within the card (Lovers / Devil), between cards (Lovers-Temperance-Devil)
• Sexy – attractive, exciting, arousing, personal preference, subjective values

I would like to share my “Four Elements” way of relating to sexual energy in the Tarot’s minor arcana suits or elemental symbols in the major arcana:
• Earth – physical expression
• Water – emotional expression
• Air – mental (fantasy, imagination, association, etc.)
• Fire – energy, flow, chi, kundalini

Another area to explore on the topic of sex in Tarot is theme decks, be they sexual, erotic, sensual or pornographic. More will be written about this in the second part of this post on “Sex in Tarot.” For now, please enjoy the sensual underwater photography of Seattle artist, Shelly Corbett, from her art deck “Abyssal Tarot.”

Beyond Worlds – Your Tarot Tribe with Donnaleigh and friends aired a discussion with me on the topic of “Sex in Tarot” on June 26, 2011. Feel free to download this BlogTalkRadio internet radio show to enjoy our lively exchange on this unique subject.

Credit and thanks go to the following Tarot artists for their generous permission to display their cards in this article.

Frankie Albano, wherever he is, for the use of his original Albano-Waite cards
James Wanless’ Voyager Tarot – www.VoyagerTarot.com
Stevee Postman’s Cosmic Tribe Tarot – www.Stevee.com/tarot.html
Shelly Corbett’s Abyssal Tarot – www.ShellyCorbett.com/deck.htm

Oprah's Farewell - photo from Oprah.com

What stands out for me about Oprah’s presence, and the void we may feel with her physical absence, is the bright light of human kindness and compassion she modeled for the world. As a human being who faced personal struggles and triumphed over adversities that stifle others, she broke the glass ceiling on talking openly about the secret underbelly of family life in the most supportive and healing way. She introduced us to her fellow warriors and celebrators of life.

It is also World Tarot Day and in the spirit of following my passion and sharing with the world, I’d like to include some of my Tarot insights about the fabulous Ms. Winfrey.

IV Emperor

0 Fool

Of course, having these two allies as one’s archetypal lessons in life do not look the same when worn by another. For example, Donald Trump has this combination. Yes, the fool has helped him to keep his humor and sometimes seem the fool, literally, but he is better known as the empire builder and having power over others.

Here is where IV The Emperor splits between benevolence and malevolence. Oprah represents the positive side of this archetype, knowing her greatest power is in empowering others. Trump may lean the other direction, at least on the surface. He appears to be more on the overpowering side of this archetype.

Oprah and The Donald - image from cocoperez.com

I wish to honor Oprah and the loving work she has gifted to our world. Let us all pay it forward and help our family, our neighbors, our world community, and, I would add, our living Earth.

* Tarot cards from the original Albano-Waite deck

April kicks off with my second interview on Tarot Tribe – Beyond Worlds, then I tour the Midwest and Southwest with Tarot Meetup talks, classes, workshops and my first Texas Tarot Retreat.

Here are the exciting details for APRIL:

2
INTERVIEW “Conflict & Tarot” on internet radio with Donnaleigh’s “Tarot Tribe – Beyond Worlds” Call-in questions are encouraged! BlogTalkRadio.com

DENVER, COLORADO
10
TALK “Tarot, Jung & Alchemy” at Denver Tarot Meetup / Denver Tarot Geeks Meetup
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CLASS “Sacred Journey of Your Soul – through the Major Arcana of the Tarot” at For Heaven’s Sake Bookshop in Denver
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TAROT READING & DREAM ANALYSIS at For Heaven’s Sake Bookshop in Denver

TEXAS
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TALK “Tarot Spirituality” at Houston Tarot Meetup
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TEXAS TAROT RETREAT – “Tarot – Deep in the Heart of Texas” in La Grange

NEW MEXICO
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TALK “Tarot Spirituality” at Albuquerque Tarot Meetup
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WORKSHOP “How Developmental Tarot can Radically Change Your Life!” with Dai Leon (Origins of the Tarot) in Santa Fe **This is a rare opportunity to study with these two masters of Tarot and transformation** / flyer download -> DevelopmentalTarot-Flyer2011.3 (34 MB)

Check my schedule for more information.

To find out more about these exciting opportunities to learn and share our love of Tarot, please follow the links to the venues, or contact me for more information. I also have designated private email lists for each area, so please let me know if you would like to be included and what major city, state, and country you reside near or within. Thank you!

I hope to see you somewhere on my tour or hear your voice over the internet radio during the interview. If you would like to schedule a private “Transformative Tarot Consulting™” session while I’m in your area, please contact me by email to make arrangements.

Have a fabulous Spring. For those dear friends in the Southern Hemisphere, enjoy your quiet, dark time of renewal.

For our family and friends in Japan…all our love and support to you as you move through the ongoing challenge initiated by the earthquake.

A Swedish biologist, Calleman titled this Underworld “Universal” with the awareness that each Underworld period represents a nested hierarchy of evolution culminating with the 9th which is planting it’s seed of unity and spiritual consciousness today. We are in the first “Heaven” of the Universal Underworld while simultaneously residing in the last Heaven of the previous eight Underworlds, the initial Underworld reaching to the creation of this universe 16.4 billion years ago. The Mayan Calendar comes to completion in 260 days with all nine Underworlds ending on October 28, 2011 (not 12/21/12).

I can hardly contain myself as my heart expands with the quickening of this soulful journey. Be not distracted by the nay-sayers and fear-mongers for we each reap what we sow. The Mayan Council of Elders, Mayan Calendar scholars, and many indigenous peoples around the world have transmitted a different message, a life-affirming one in which this is a spiritual opportunity to truly realize our oneness with all, if we so choose.

To prepare myself for this once in a universe-time opportunity, I asked for personal guidance on how I might better align with the energy of this opportunity. Using my Voyager Tarot deck, these two cards appeared:

0 Fool-Child
My first impression of this card/archetype/lesson is its perfect reminder of the “Power of Now” as promoted by Eckhart Tolle, and many masters before and after him, reminding us that now is the only time in which we live. My association to this impression marveled at the synchronicity of the fact that the night before I had watched Tolle’s DVD titled Finding Your Soul Purpose because it had the same title as the workshop I had facilitated the day before and I hoped to gain further insight. His lesson was that our soul purpose is to be in this moment.

So, for me, and perhaps for all of us in a holographic, universal way, this is a time to truly live with the awareness of now, this breath, released from past memories or future musings. To be empty, like the zero, not focused on filling our mind and life with personal thoughts, but to allow the energy and awareness of the universe to permeate our awareness.

Upon looking more deeply into the image of the Voyager card, I noticed something I had never seen before, with fresh, child-like vision. There is what looks like an ostrich bird stretching its neck out extremely high with eyes wide open. I heard a message that said, “Stick your neck out further and rise above.” As a shy Forest Mystic, it is pushing the envelop of my comfort to be more visible and publicly outspoken. Just writing my thoughts and ideas here is sticking my neck out…but what am I rising above? I’m rising above the old programing to see the world as dualistic (good vs. bad, right vs. wrong, me vs. you), while stretching to be aligned with being more present, beyond thoughts that dwell on the past or live in the future. That is an ongoing lesson for me.

8 of Wands – Harmony (image coming soon)
As a secondary influence, this Tarot card in the Voyager deck exudes musical harmony and flow. It represents individual elements coming into balance and creating a whole that is more beautiful and dynamic than the sum of its parts.

My inner vision suddenly flashed upon my new Tarot Spirituality “Rainbow Journey” logo as its intended symbolic unification…a glowing rainbow in the form of a six-pointed star, the geometric form in the center of the Hindu heart chakra, the six of the Tarot’s Lovers trump, the Alchemical symbol for unifying the four elements with a message of “as above…so below.”