Samhain 2014 Tarot Blog Hop Much Ado About Muppets

Much Ado About Muppets

Welcome to the Tarot Blog Hop. If this is your first time "hopping", you may hop by clicking on the Previous / Master / Next links located at the top and bottom of every blog. 

Previous / Master / Next

Our wonderful Blog Hop wrangler for the hop is Louise Underhill. She chose the topic of  conversations with anyone for which we'd like to talk. They can be imaginary, passed on, or alive.  Well, you guessed it.....I chose Jim Henson. Okay, like duh, the title sort of gives it away. 

I've always loved Jim Henson.  His imagination and creativity still appeals to both children and adults.  I was deeply saddened when he passed to the other side at the young age of  53.  

To me, Jim Henson is represented by The Magician tarot card. He was a man of many talents and he utilized them very well. I mean really...... how many of you had seen a frog sitting on a log singing and playing a banjo before The Muppet Movie???? Click on the "Connection" below



THE RAINBOW CONNECTION

Back to the topic. If I were to have 5 minutes with Jim Henson, these are the questions I'd ask him:

1. How did you come up with the idea of Kermit and the Muppets?
2. Was there anything in life you wish you'd had or hadn't done?
3. Who was your hero and why?
4. If you knew then, that a simple antibiotic would've saved you, would you have changed your decision to not go to the hospital?

So now my big secret is out. This curmudgeonly old woman loves the Muppets. Happy Halloween and Happy Hopping:)

                                   Previous / Master / Next

Florida Trip "Tarot Mecca"

I'm not even kidding. I went into one shop without a  bra and no one noticed. Well, hold on...let me think about this...okay, so what's there not to notice-that's not my point. In NC, you don't sweep your front porch without some kind of support be it 4 tank tops or a bed jacket (If you don't know what a bed jacket is, then you weren't raised in the South).

Okay, so Olivia Destrades of First Earth Tarot was such a gracious hostess. I was there from Thursday-Thursday and all I did was spend money on spiritual items like essential oils, stones, flannel mojo bags..etc.....you know, just the basics. I swear, everywhere I turned there was a "Reader" of some kind. Most times the only person I'll allow to read for me is Olivia Destrades. I'm just a little weird like that.

So we had a lot of tea, water and tarot. It's amazing to listen to someone else's view on the cards. I really learned a lot this week from Olivia and about other worldly ways like:

1. Don't fly if there is a slight chance of a thunder storm and you have to use the restroom. The seat belt light only was off for 10 minutes.
2. Don't wait for the line on the plane to die down upon disembarkment, because it's like a clown car at the circus.
3. If you are sitting beside someone who is wearing 2, yes...I said 2, Superbowl rings, it might be a good idea to get his name. He's an announcer now, but he was the perfect gentleman.
4. Don't lock yourself out of the house in Florida in the middle of July at 10:30 am, knowing that Olivia won't be home for a few hours.
5. Be sure to pack Poo Pourri.
6. Don't pack a Black Candle in your carry on, because they think it looks like a fuse connected to an explosive device. But then when I told them it was for the New Moon ritual, they looked at me like I was crazy. They even let me pass through  after 5 tarot bags fell out of my carry on.
7. They serve alcohol on the planes for a reason. It's to numb those who have a screaming child sitting right behind  them kicking their chair.
8. Above all, please run to your husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, mistress, etc and cry to let them know how much you missed them.

I probably learned a lot of other things, but at the moment they escape me. Needless to say, I had a great time, I missed my children and of course, my husband.

JOY to the World-Finding JOY in the Little Things

JOY

A 3 letter word.

 

Welcome to the Lithia Tarot Blog hop.  Our wonderful wrangler, Olivia Destrades from First Earth Tarot, has picked the topic of JOY. For those of you who are new at hopping, you may use the links below to go back to the PREVIOUS blog from Chloe for Celtic Lenormand or you may click NEXT to forward to Vicki Wilson's blog. If you get lost, just click MASTER LIST, and it will take you back to the whole listing of blogs. Happy Hopping:)

 

 

PREVIOUS / MASTER LIST / NEXT

 

 

My blog this time around is going to be short and sweet, like the word JOY. Ask anyone what brings them Joy and you'll  get a different answer every time. Joy can be an expression, like a smile. A sound, like a newborn baby laughing or cooing. A gesture, like a polite wave to a stranger. Or even a simple sentence, like "Hi, it's so nice to see you."

 

For me, JOY, is watching my two children grow into young adults....oh, and also the meow of a baby kitten:) I try my best to be Joyful toward others by smiling, waving and speaking to them in a positive light even when I'm not feeling my best. 

 

Recently, I did a reading for a client that started out badly but ended up being a new beginning for the both of us. At first, I was in the "Do the reading and bring in the next client" mode. Little did I know, this reading was about to change everything I believed to be true about clients. I think sometimes, people seek Readers out for therapy and guidance. This was the case with this client. She was only 18, suffering from very low self esteem which lead to promiscuity. After the reading, she just stared blankly after I pointed out her blockages and advice on how to move past them. And then for no reason at all, I told her how beautiful she was inside and out, and that she really needed to focus on loving herself because she has a lot to offer the world. She started crying and told me that no one had ever told her she was beautiful before. And then I started crying.  At that moment, I realized that sometimes it's not the Reading that counts, it's the words we use to convey the message. I have to say that this was a bittersweet Joyful moment for me. And it's all due to that 3 letter word: JOY.

 

PREVIOUS / MASTER LIST / NEXT

 



 



Southern Style Tarot Q&A

Squirrely Goings On

***WARNING THERE'S A LOT OF SOUTHERN COLLOQUIALISMS INCLUDED***

 

I live in Greensboro, N.C. We have a lot of different cultures. Some people have lived here all their lives and others, mostly Northerners, moved here for the climate and easy access to the beaches and mountains. As readers, we have an obligation to deliver the Universe's message to the client. Well, it never dawned on me that perhaps my readings were being lost in translation. This is also assuming that "well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit" isn't received by everyone as "Oh, okay, great. I understand now."

 

1. Your partner is as nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.

 

Translation: Your significant other is up to something that is making them nervous.

 

2. Whatcha goin' do when the crick runs dry?

 



Translation: You may need to watch how you spend your money.

3. He or she is lower than a snake's belly in a wagon rut.

Translation: He or she is of bad character.

4. He or she is as about as useful as a screen door on a submarine.

Translation: He or she is not good for you.

5. I see you've been busier than a one-legged cat in a sandbox.

Translation: You've been very busy and it may be taking its toll on your life.

6. He or she doesn't know whether to check his/her ass or scratch his/her watch.
    He or she is as lost as last year's Easter Egg.

Translation: You are very confused.

7. It seems to be comin' faster than a hot knife through butter.

Translation: It may happen very soon.

8. You ain't quit shittin' yeller (yellow) yet.

Translation: You are still very young.

9. They're about as useful as tits on a boar hog.

Translation: They are not being helpful to you in your life.

10. *I had to add this one even though it has nothing to do with Tarot*-I brought you into this world and I can take you out.

Translation: You're in big trouble. (mainly used by mothers)

Well, as one can see, I have to be very mindful of my verbiage to my clients. On a couple of occasions, I've had to explain things in a different way. It's all about the message and making sure your client understands it.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When your Tarot deck says, "I'm tired and ready for bed."

For those of you who've never done a festival, you may not understand.

It started out great. Throw'n cards, multiple clients...It was First Friday in downtown Greensboro, NC at Terra Blue. This is an event to promote business in the downtown area. Businesses stay open late, there is usually a concert, etc. Just about everything one would expect except a clown pushing a shopping cart loaded with glow sticks, balloons, noise makers, and inflatable Super Heroes on a stick (you know the ones that little kids just have to have).

 

I was psyched up. Candle lit, incense burning, banners up. Everything was great, until those two women......OMG. What should have been a 5-10 minute reading, ended up being a 30 minute self-doubting session. "No, that doesn't describe me.". "No, I'm financially secure.", etc. I wanted to give them back their money just to get them away from me. Not only did they question everything I said, they had to have a lesson in Tarot cards via the meaning and symbolism of each card. I finally had to tell them that I had others waiting, and I did. There were some that just walked away because of the wait. Then a small argument broke out over who was next in line. Damn!!!

 

However, I must count my blessings. I was blessed with business:) And for that reason, I'll keep doing First Fridays. But, I have a game plan for the next time:

 

1. Bring Stellar Fortune by Christiana Gaudet.
2. Make up a sign up sheet.
3. Time Limit the Readings. (They're suppose to be teasers anyway.)
4. Give myself several breaks.
5. Say what I mean and Mean what I say. It's all about confidence!!!!

I think next time, it'll be a bit different:)

 



A Tarot and Lenormand Reading to Boast, I mean Post About:)

I don't know about you, but I don't let just anybody read for me. To date, Olivia Destrades of First Earth Tarot has been my "go to" reader. She's wonderful!!!! Check out her site: First Earth Tarot

However, recently, I was blessed with a reading by someone who asked if I minded if they read for me. Something told me to GO FOR IT!!!!! It was well worth it. This person, I'll call her JM, was very intuitive, detailed and didn't sugarcoat a thing (which I prefer) and offered advice on my blockages.

She did the reading and described the cards as we went along. I have to admit, at first, I didn't give out any details...plus we live in different states, have never spoken on the phone and I've never talked about my family or intimate details with her. But afterward, we talked and it all fell into place.  I hope she keeps it up, because she has the potential to be a Tarot Superstar!!!!! 

This picture is for you JM with love and light:) (Someone found the stash of mean hairbows)

Beltane 2014 Tarot Blog Hop The Essence of Life

Previous / Master List / Next

The Essence of Life

Our wonderful Tarot Blog Hop wrangler, Maureen Aisling Duffy-Boose, has chosen "The Union of Opposites" for the Beltane Blog Hop. For those of you new to the blog hop, just click on the Previous/Master List/Next links above to move through the blog hop. If you get lost, just click on "Master List" to go to the main listing of blog urls. These links are also located at the bottom of this page. You can also visit us on Facebook by clicking here. Happy Hopping!!!!

When one thinks of the union of opposites, one thinks of magnets, star-crossed lovers or in tarot, The Lovers Card. I think of water. Yes, water. Why? You may ask. Simple. 

The differences between these two elements astounds the mind. Hydrogen is a colorless, odorless and highly flammable gas. This element is found in the "Hydrogen bomb" and allegedly was one of the causes of the Hindenburg tragedy.  Oxygen is, also, colorless and odorless, but instead of being highly flammable, it's highly reactive.  Too much oxygen causes iron to rust and can cause death in humans. But put these two elements together in the correct proportions and you get water.  The one compound found in nature, that all living things require to survive, is also potentially individually catastrophic. However, when combined makes up 78% of the human body and 71% of the planet we inhabit.

In honor of this simple union of opposites, I have put together a small 3 card spread for those potentially volatile situations that need some advice quenching.

1=Hydrogen (describes how flammable the situation is)

2=Oxygen (describes how reactive the situation is)

3=Water (the advice to quench the situation)

1                             3                             2

Let's see if my spread works.

Situation: What will my husband think and do when the credit card bill comes in this month?

Okay, I pulled 1-The Tower, 2-The Empress Reversed, and 3-the 3 of Swords. Damn, looks like I won't be seeing the credit card for a while:) However, in my defense, I believe those 3 Cat's Meow toys, 2 Ankle Genie's, 2 Pocket Hoses, a Chop Magic and the My Spy Birdhouse has made life more enjoyable:)

Previous / Master List / Next



LUNAR ECLIPSE APRIL 14TH 2014

Full Moon with Lunar Eclipse:)

 

 

 

Yes, Yes...I know, my subheading is redundant. One cannot have a Lunar eclipse unless one has a Full Moon. Just checking to see if you were paying attention..he, he, he. Now to the meat of this blog.......(crickets...) Yep, I can't think of a thing at the moment. However, I felt I'd be remiss not to blog about this upcoming astrological event. So what does one do to "celebrate" a lunar eclipse? I guess I could get my teens out of bed (see previous post on my parental bonding technique here) to witness this shadow.

Or I could throw a small party.

Tarot Exhaustion and the Hallmark Channel

Have you ever had "Tarot Exhaustion"?

 

My definition: Tarot Exhaustion-noun-the condition of extreme emotional and physical fatigue due to tapping into the Universe via tarot, lenormand, oracle cards or any other means of divination for the guidance of another person.

Remedy: The Hallmark Channel

My definition: The Hallmark Channel-noun-a cable television channel; shows only sappy, predictable, "happily ever after" made for t.v. movies starring actors we recognize when they were in their prime.

So you're probably wondering what in the world??!!!....Well, just think about it...There's nothing better for the soul than surrounding it in positive, happy, predictable atmospheres. An atmosphere, where you do not have to consult the cards to find out the ending. And every ending is happy. That's why they are the Heart of TV:)

 

Get some happy heart here!!!!

 

 

P.S.-Just because I like the Hallmark Channel, doesn't mean I'm not a smart ass. I'm just a smart ass Hallmark Channel lover.

General Reading Tarot Spread that Works

General Reading Spread

Well, I've finally accomplished creating a general reading Tarot spread that works...at least, for me. Since I've been doing readings in person at Terra Blue, I've noticed a trend. The client comes in with one main concern (usually relationship), sits at the table, shuffles the cards and then says "Oh yeah, I also want to know about my job, my pet, my finances,...etc." For some reason, this was throwing me and my mojo off. My mind would go blank as I would try to come up with some kind of spread that would address their concerns in a 15 minute reading. I don't always use spreads, but I do put the intent into the cards. I ask the client to do the same as they shuffle. After laying out the cards in a 5 second "made up in my mind" spread kind of way, things usually just went from bad to worse.

 

So one day, I decided to sit down, clear my mind, and then reflect on all the in person readings I've done and what were the main concerns of the client. I wrote them all down, weeded the redundant questions, organized the positions and incorporated the positions into a shape. I tried it on every client I had this weekend and I have to say it worked really well. I had my mojo back, the client was satisfied, and all was well in my world:)

 

Before I start a reading, I ask my clients to draw one Lenormand card. This gives me an idea as to why they are seeking guidance.

 

Here is the spread:

Black Moon in March 2014

Just what is a Black Moon?

 

 

A Black moon occurs when there are two Dark Moons, more commonly known as new moons, in a calendar month. And what is a new moon, you ask..? A new moon is when the moon reaches it's most minimum brightness. In other words, it's not visible in the sky because the Moon and the Sun have the same ecliptical longitude. At 13:44 (EST), March 30, 2014, we will be able to witness this rare event.....WAIT A MINUTE!!!!!!! Witness what???????

Ostara Bloghop Personal Empowerment

PREVIOUS BLOG | MASTER LIST | NEXT BLOG

 

Our wonderful wrangler for this Ostara 2014 tarot blog hop has chosen resurrection and rebirth as the theme. This theme comes at a most auspicious time in my life. My own resurrection and rebirth through the cards and dowsing.

Per Dictionary.com:

res·ur·rec·tion-noun-a rising again, as from decay, disuse, etc; revival

re·birth-noun-1. a new or second birth; 2. a renewed existence, activity or growth; renaissance or revival

For those of you who don't know my writing style, I usually add a futile attempt at humor. I'm not going to do that this time.

 

I was raised in a very conservative Southern Baptist home in North Carolina, a.k.a. The Bible belt. Hour and a half long sermons on Sunday, fire and brimstone, and green bean casseroles were a given. Tarot cards and any form of divination were strictly forbidden. I've always had a deep curiosity about the Tarot, crystal balls, pendulums, etc. In my twenties, as a gesture of rebellion, I bought a Tarot deck. However, religious guilt kicked in and I got rid of them.

 

Fast forward to a few years ago-After spending an entire weekend reading anything and everything I could find on the internet about Tarot, I bought my second deck and all the books I could afford, to learn how to use this new addition to my life. I consider this part of my life as my resurrection.

My rebirth happened only two and a half weeks ago. I had been employed by a corporation for 15 years. I was growing increasingly unhappy each and every day I had to be there. After securing a position in a New Age shop, I tendered my resignation with the corporation. Scared? Heck yes, but very happy with my decision!!!

 

Please note: I'm not one to jump and look later. Which is pretty obvious by my length of employment. I feel I must embrace my self imposed Fool's journey to see where it takes me.

I end my Ostara blog with a few verses. Keats and Longfellow it's not. Robin B. Wood it is:)

 

Tarot, Tarot what do you have in store for me?

My life has been so unfulfilled,

Empowerment is what I seek.

Shuffle, Shuffle, Shuffle, Cut

Face down, I fan the cards

Close my eyes and pick the one

that calls from afar.

The Fool, so bright, so lively, so gay

Yet I wonder why I've chosen you this day?

There is one question I want to know,

Is this really a cliff?

Or might there be a ledge below?

 

PREVIOUS BLOG | MASTER LIST | NEXT BLOG

 

 

 

 



Readings in Public

I hope everyone has been having a great weekend. Recently, while visiting my local Coffee and Other Worldly Goods" shop, I was given the opportunity to do readings every other weekend. The shop is called Terra Blue. This is my first full weekend of working as a reader in this shop. All I can say is, WOW!!! It has been a very awesome experience. Reading in person is so different than doing a reading on the phone or through email. I can really pick up on the exchange of energy. It has actually boosted my confidence in my ability to read the cards. I think the only draw back, is that because the energy is so intense, I get easily drained. I'm going to have to really focus on my grounding and protection ritual.

The owner, Sarah, is the coolest person. She has been very helpful and supportive. I've learned a lot in just the short time I've been there. I look forward to learning even more. She is a wealth of knowledge. I can't say enough good things about her, her husband and their shop. I've been blessed with a great opportunity.

Blessed Be:)

Finally Finished and Launched the Website!!!!

www.quartzcafe.com

I finally finished it. And yes, it looks like a 3 year old did it. Actually, I'm thinking about asking the 3 year old who lives next door to come and fix all the screw ups.....I've said this before and I'll say it again....I hate widgets!!!!!! I usually don't discriminate, but in this case I can truly say, with all my heart....I really hate widgets. If you have no idea what I'm talking about....(and like I really care, because I'm going to tell you anyway), a widget is a very reputable, Nascar sponsoring Website host's answer to a computer tool that is suppose to make building a website easier. Bullcrap. I've been working on this site for 3....yes, 3 months. I started out with this awesomely cool theme, added a bunch of widgets. I really had this site lookin' good. Then a few days ago......hmmmm......during Mercury Retrograde, one of the widgets went on strike, and the next thing I know....They're all on strike.  All I heard when they walked out, was something about ignorance of html, too much cat hair on the keyboard and I believe I saw one of them flip me off. I tried to negotiate with them, I even upgraded....But alas, no go. I had to delete the work and start all over again.

Even though our (me and my sister) website looks like someone washed and dried a box of crayons with the whites, it's somewhat functioning and I'm somewhat proud.

10 Facts About Tea

I'm not a Tea Master, nor do I play one on T.V. However, my aunt, Thresa Griffin, is a Tea Master. She is the owner of Napoleona Tea Company. My sister, Rosalyn, and I have been thinking about furthering our education of Tea. Just so you know, our education consists of going to the local grocery store and buying whichever Tea box looks the fanciest. Our early education is boiling 5-7 family sized teabags in a pot, let it cool down a bit and then add half a pound of sugar and pour into an old pickle jar known as the "tea jug". I consider this the "Basic Southern Style" method.

Okay, so we've established I know nothing about Tea. I still thought it would be fun to list 10 facts I do know.

1. Tea leaves come from a plant called the Camellia sinensis.
2. Pekoe is how a leaf is cut.
3. Herbal teas are not actually considered tea, but are infusions. (I know, I feel the same way, it's a tea.)
4. Tea (black) is meant to be consumed au natural....no sweetener, lemon, or milk. (Again,......what??? Really, I love a little tea with my sugar and lemon....Jus' sayin')
5. White teas and herbal teas are not to be steeped in boiling water.
6. Tea can help cure or a least help with just about every ailment in the book, including alcoholism.
7. Kenya is currently the world's largest exporter of tea.
8. Argentina is where the US gets most of its tea.
9. Catnip can be used as a tea. (MEOW.....I wonder if it has the same effects that it does on my cats..??)
10. I love tea, and that's a fact, Jack!

Please feel free to comment. Educate me on tea. Share your knowledge.

New Kipper Deck and I'm Still in Awe!!!!!!!!

Yay!!!!! Just received the long awaited Mystical Kipper Deck, by Regula Elizabeth Fiechter. I preordered it in January and due to the snow, it got lost in the mail (actually, I'm blaming Mercury Retrograde...see my previous post on these feelings). Anyway, I had time to do some research on how to use Kipper Cards. And of course, almost everything was in German (I think...I know it wasn't English...I think...Ummm,... English is suppose to be my mother tongue, right?...) I found a pdf in English and read it, but it didn't really tell you How to use the deck. Okay, so fast forward, I opened the deck, read the LWB, and guess what.....it still really didn't say how to use the deck. It did have instructions for the "All Cards Spread", so I threw caution to the wind and after the wind blew it back in my face, I followed the instructions and laid out the "All Cards Spread".

I'm not going to divulge the question or concern I asked the deck, plus the instructions didn't indicate you needed to pose a question. As of right now, my jaw is still on the floor....(the cats are batting it around). The spread was so accurate. Of course, it took me a while to read up on all the individual cards, which the instructions say to do. But OMG!!!!!.....it was scary accurate. I did another spread for a friend, and I still posed a question. Although, the spread didn't answer the question, it did shed light on a different aspect of my friend's life.

Here are my thoughts (it's okay, I've been to see the doctor and he's okay'd my thoughts, for the time being).... The Kipper Cards do not use a question or concern.  It sheds light on a theme of your life using distance and a time frame. Somewhat like a Grand Tableau in Lenormand. As for the Mystical Kipper deck as a whole, the card stock is professional grade, the images are vibrant with a 1900's theme, painted using the egg tempura method (yes, I thought it was Chinese food at first). The cards measure 3 1/2L x 2 1/4W. So yes, they are small, it makes sense because you have to lay them all out. For your money, you get a box, 36 cards, and a 52 page LWB.

For me, I give this deck 2 thumbs and 2 big toes up.

When The Reading is Feeling Right!!!

I don't know about you, but when I start a reading (person to person), I get a little sick to my stomach. Not because I don't want to do the reading. I guess it may be self doubt. It seems to me, no matter how many readings I do, I still doubt my ability. I go through this every time. However, by the end of the reading, I can already feel it's effect on the client. To date, I've only had 2 readings that went in the crapper. I don't know if it was me or the client. I still don't understand why I continue to beat myself up over those 2 readings, but I do. Especially, when I've had many, upon many readings where I felt so happy for the client. It's a feeling that's so hard to describe. I look into their eyes as I read and relate the meaning of the spread to them and I know and feel the empowerment it gives them. It's like waking up on Christmas morning and getting that Barbie with the 10 different hairstyles, the puffy dress, and of course the matching shoes that you'd wished for and had been good for the past 6 months. It's all worth it.

Retrograde on Friday Always Gets Me Down.....

Ever wondered what it means when your horoscope says that such and such planet is in retrograde in the House of <insert your zodiac of choice here>? I was going to type Uranus, but I'm just not feeling that froggy today. Anyway, back to the question. Just the word "retrograde" sounds bad. But what does it mean???? Per The Old Farmer's Almanac, it's bad, very bad. They define Mercury retrograde as "... the other planets appear to be traveling backward through the zodiac; this is an illusion. We call this illusion retrograde motion."  What the..???? An illusion? Really? I want a real reason, not an illusion. Lets see what NASA has to say on the subject of Mercury retrograde.