Happy Halloween!

~ Kiki
Tarot Dame

If you'd like to book a tarot reading with me, please visit my website for details.

Last Day to Book Your F-E-A-R Reading!!

Today is the last day to book your F-E-A-R Reading with me!

See this post for details.

Visit my Readings Page to book your reading!

Happy Halloween!!!


~ Kiki
Tarot Dame

If you'd like to book a tarot reading with me, please visit my website for details.

Last Day to Register for "Me, You, Woo Hoo!"

Just a quick reminder that today is the last day to sign up for my eCourse!

Click here for details!


~ Kiki
Tarot Dame

If you'd like to book a tarot reading with me, please visit my website for details.

Halloween Tarot: My Hierophant "A-ha!" Moment

I have had a really powerful experience with The Hierophant this week that I'd like to share. It all started a few days ago, when I shared a reading in the latest issue of my eZine. In the spread, the Hierophant (from this same deck) appeared as something that was going to be falling from my life soon. Here's what I wrote about that:

Some belief that I have held onto for dear life will soon be leaving me. Working to release negative beliefs is something I have given a lot of thought to lately, so this was a nice confirmation of that. Just because a belief is common doesn't mean it's necessarily the truth. It can be hard to discover and alter a belief that you have had for a lifetime. But it can be done.

How will I recognize the belief I'm supposed to release? I look at the card and see a mummy wrapped up. He is constricted, and I feel that bound, claustrophobic feeling. When I encounter a belief that makes me feel tight and uncomfortable and restricted, I'll know that's the one I need to rethink.

So fast forward two days to this morning. I was thinking about an issue in my life that I have been avoiding for years. Something I have to do, but have been putting off due to my fears about what could potentially go disastrously wrong. I suddenly realized that so many of my desires in life are entirely dependent on my conquering this issue. As in, I literally can't manifest what I most want in life unless I first take care of this. In my head, I saw it as the key that would unlock so many doors for me. For some reason... I have no idea why it came to mind today, I decided to finally face this fear. So I took out my Halloween deck and did a F-E-A-R reading on the subject.

The Hierophant came up as the "Appearing" card, representing why my fear appears real, though it is really unfounded. There is an "official" essence to this situation, and it's very Hierophanty (and Emperor-ish) stuff that makes me uncomfortable. My fear appears real, though it is not necessarily representative of the truth, because it is bound in the wrappings of official Hierophant regulations, and out of my control. I immediately tied this card back to the previous reading. My own words came back to me: "How will I recognize the belief I'm supposed to release? ... When I encounter a belief that makes me feel tight and uncomfortable and restricted, I'll know that's the one I need to rethink." Bingo!

I have been limited in what I can accomplish, for years, because I have been afraid to approach this situation. I have trapped and constricted myself, not allowing myself to evolve, simply due to this one fear. Now I can't say with 100% certainty that this fear will not manifest as reality for me. But I have made up my mind to face it, no matter what. I no longer want to be bound by my fear and let my potential continue to be leashed in. I will face it.

The reading I did previously told me how I would recognize this belief/fear, that I would know it by what makes me feel restrained. And that is exactly how I ended up recognizing it.

So... I put the cards back into the deck and shuffled for my general daily draw. When the Hierophant came up again, I had to smile. I have never been so happy to see what is usually my least favorite card in the deck! Here's what I drew:



Death to the Hierophant! :) The figure in the Five of Bats is taking power away from the poor suckers in the background. That's what the Hierophant (my fear and belief in something for so long) has done to me. But now I take that power back. Now I am the one in the Five of Bats on the hill... taking my power back, much to the dismay of whatever energy source thrives on fear. Death greets the Hierophant with a smile on his face. It's all over for this guy. No longer will I be restrained by my own fear. There will be change.

I have taken physical steps today to conquer this whole thing. Within a month, I will know one way or another, if my fear has been unfounded for all these years. And I will, hopefully, finally, be set free.

I took a look at the bottom of the deck and saw The World. (Isn't this a great World card?) I took this as a wink from the universe that I shall indeed be set free! This card gives me comfort, as it indicates coming full circle. Successful completion after a long journey. A cause for celebration. And maybe even travel, which would also be relevant.

This is going to be a life changing experience for me here soon. I am in awe about how it all came together at just the right time. Had I not been using the Halloween Tarot this week, I wouldn't have gotten that "restricted mummy" clue that really was the "A-ha" moment I needed to make this change in my life. Sometimes life is really magical, and I love moments such as these.

Deck: Halloween Tarot in a Tin (by Kipling West, published by US Games Systems, Inc.)

~ Kiki
Tarot Dame

If you'd like to book a tarot reading with me, please visit my website for details.

Halloween Tarot: That Which Doesn't Kill Us...

Igor the Hunchback makes another appearance today. The first two cards were internally delivered to me as "the strength to carry on". As I looked at the Ace of Bats, I saw that he had *just* opened his eyes... *just* spread one wing. He had just woken up from his slumber, ready for the fresh night ahead.

The Ten of Imps is a burden that is coming to an end, after quite a long haul. Strength is both the trait necessary to carry such a load, as well as the virtue rewarded me after surviving a difficult experience such as Igor is undertaking. The Ace of Bats promises a new beginning. Perhaps an idea sparked by the experience, utilizing the burden to my benefit. Having gone through a challenge, one is better equipped to serve as an inspiration to others, and also better prepared to face the next conquest.

That which doesn't kill us, makes us stronger.

Deck: Halloween Tarot in a Tin (by Kipling West, published by US Games Systems, Inc.)

~ Kiki
Tarot Dame

If you'd like to book a tarot reading with me, please visit my website for details.

Halloween Tarot: A Labor of Love

When I saw the first two cards, I immediately thought "labor of love". Then the third card alone was the summary, the Three of Pentacles showing someone who is masterful at something he loves to do. So I automatically saw the cards as the mathematical equation A + B = C.

A (Labor - Ten of Pents) + B (Love - Ace of Cups) = C (Labor of Love - Three of Pents).

This could refer to several things in my life. The first thing that came to mind was my Me, You, Woo Hoo! E-Course which begins next week. (Three days left to sign up, if you're interested!) And I drew the Three of Pentacles about this project before, so there is that connection.

The other possibility is my new way of eating. Today marks two weeks, and I have been 100% faithful, even on my birthday, which really tested my will power and resolve. It felt great to opt for healthier food and snack choices, rather than the default birthday cake.

Either interpretation fits these cards today. I have put in the work and effort, choosing avenues where I can share love with others and be better to myself. And the end result is success, mastery and accomplishment. Feels good!

Deck: Halloween Tarot in a Tin (by Kipling West, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

~ Kiki
Tarot Dame

If you'd like to book a tarot reading with me, please visit my website for details.

Halloween Tarot: Happy Birthday to Me!

Today is my birthday! These are the cards I drew this afternoon. I see the three figures in the Page of Imps card representing my three kids, bringing something to me (The Empress/Mama). They woke me up this morning, singing Happy Birthday, and giving me their handmade cards and gifts. That's always the best part of my birthday.

While I'm usually the Queen of Cups, today I am the Queen of Imps, the center of attention. It's the one day a year I'm comfortable in this position. Again, someone is presenting something to the queen. My dad took us shopping today, to get me an NFL Jets Sanchez jersey. (Yay!!!) I've also received wonderful gifts from my mom and other family members from across the country this week.

The Three of Ghosts is the quintessential party card, and not only does it make sense for a birthday in general, but my dad keeps referring to the "party" we're going to have tonight (which as far as I know, consists simply of snacks, ice cream, noisemakers and Monday night football). That's all the party I want!

Another thing I noticed is the proximity of the Empress and Queen. Although they are next to each other, there is distance marked by the fact that they aren't looking at each other. I saw this as my mom and me. We live 3,000 miles apart from each other, so there is that distance, but we also achieved closeness as we Skyped today, so she and my stepdad could wish me a happy birthday. We were able to communicate and stay close without actually being physically together. And unlike the cards, we actually could see each other via webcam. Gotta love technology!

Deck: Halloween Tarot in a Tin (by Kipling West, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.)

~ Kiki
Tarot Dame

If you'd like to book a tarot reading with me, please visit my website for details.

Tarot Bike Helmets

I'm sitting here on NFL Sunday, watching all the helmeted guys run around the field, and it brought to mind something I've been meaning to share here.

I was contacted recently by illustrator Danielle Baskin. She shared with me her new project: Tarot Bicycle Helmets! She is hand-painting each of the 78 tarot cards onto helmets.

Danielle started painting helmets about two years ago, to provide herself with incentive to wear a helmet while bike riding through the busy streets of Manhattan. After painting some helmets for friends, interest grew and she began selling them, first at craft fairs, then online.

Danielle's helmet business, Belle Helmets, has now branched out to include her tarot helmets.

Says Danielle, "I'm hand-painting all of the seventy-eight cards based on Pamela Colman Smith's illustrations for the Rider-Waite deck - each one is distorted, fragmented, rearranged, and partially embellished - but keep all the imagery from her original deck. Every card in the deck is available and can be recreated more than once. Each helmet is colored a bit differently - I try to make slight color variations on each one to justify my personal interpretation of the card and to account for color variations deck-to-deck."

Danielle's tarot helmets will soon be sold at local shops, but if you're not in the area, and want to purchase one now, contact her at: tarothelmets@gmail.com. (Price per helmet: $250 retail; $150 wholesale)

Visit humantarotproject.com to see more images of the tarot helmets.

~ Kiki
Tarot Dame

If you'd like to book a tarot reading with me, please visit my website for details.

Halloween Reading Special: F-E-A-R Spread

It's nearly Halloween, and I'm starting to get into the spooky spirit. For a limited time (from now until Halloween), I'm offering my 4-card F-E-A-R Reading for $31.

Book Your Halloween F-E-A-R Reading Here!

You can choose between any of my spooky decks (see sample cards below):

• Archeon Tarot
• Dark Angels Tarot
• Deviant Moon Tarot
• Tarot of Vampyres
• Halloween Tarot (not spooky, but had to be included)

This is one of my original spreads, designed to strip away the power of one of your fears.

1. False: A fear that you have which is false or unfounded.
2. Evidence: The proof you have that this fear is false.
3. Appearing: Why it appears otherwise (why this fear appears real to you).
4. Real: What is the real truth of the matter.

View a sample reading with this spread.

I chose an image of the Bates Motel and Psycho house to accompany this post, because it's a perfect illustration of how something so scary is really false... just a prop in the corner of the Universal Studios lot.

Below are samples from the decks available for this reading. Each deck shows its Death card, Nine of Swords (FEAR) card, and a gratuitous Psycho-house-in-the-background card:


Archeon Tarot:




Dark Angels Tarot:




Deviant Moon Tarot:




Tarot of Vampyres:




Halloween Tarot:



Book Your Halloween F-E-A-R Reading Here!

Offer ends on Halloween, 10/31/10.


~ Kiki
Tarot Dame

If you'd like to book a tarot reading with me, please visit my website for details.

Legend: Arthurian Tarot: The Charioteer Leads the Way!

I have been working with the Legend: Arthurian Tarot this week. This deck holds a special place in my heart, because it was my first tarot deck. I realized, looking back through my blog archives, that I haven't worked with this deck in three years! That's incredible... unbelievable, really. When I took out the deck and looked through the cards, I felt a wave of nostalgia. I remembered the feeling of learning the tarot as a complete beginner. I remembered the magical feeling I got when I first looked through this deck of wonders, and the feeling of connection I had, as though this was something that had been waiting for me my whole life.

I chose this deck as my first because I have long had a natural magnetic pull toward the Arthurian legends and time. So the combination of the cards and the legends felt both magical and natural to me. It felt like coming home.

I have used this deck for my private readings this week, and haven't had time to post. They have responded to me like an old friend, and I'm going to be keeping them out for awhile. While I plan to use the Halloween Tarot on the blog next week, maybe I'll feature the Legend after that.

I did want to share a reading I did today with the deck, because I have been getting the Chariot a lot lately, but only today did it really click with me.

I have been thinking about something I want to change in my life... something that has been difficult for me to change as it has been around for so long. I received a bit of an "a-ha" moment this morning, and turned to the cards to see if I was on the right path.

The idea I had was inspired by the progress I have made, losing waist weight on Jorge Cruise's plan. I have lost 2 inches around my waist in 9 days. That is pretty incredible to me. It feels amazing, the change in my figure is noticeable and I feel really good, health-wise. My few extra belly pounds have been with me for awhile now, and I have long wanted to get rid of them. At one point recently, I ran for a half hour a day, for months, and didn't see the results I have had with nine days on this plan (without exercising)!

So I was thinking about why this method has worked for me. Obviously, the logic behind the plan is what makes it work... but there's more to it than that. I have been keeping track of what I eat, making sure not to go over a certain amount of carbs/sugar a day, and taking in enough fiber. I have been tracking my water intake. All of this journaling has kept me accountable. And without the journal, I would absolutely not have kept on track. Planning my menu a day ahead of time makes it easy each day to know exactly what I am going to eat. Seeing the water count low around mid-day reminds me to drink more water. All of this makes sure that I follow the plan and not snack mindlessly during the day. It takes Dedication. With a capital D. All throughout the day I am checking what's next, what snack or meal is next, keeping track of my water, etc. It's something I think about and consult all day long. I am absorbed in it fully. It has my full attention. As I am doing all of this, I am reminded of how much I have lost already, in so short a time, which is incentive and motivation that keeps me going.

So I thought, why not apply this method to another area of my life? Sometimes when I want something to change, I get flustered because there are different ways to go about it, and I flounder between them, not committing to one way or the other. Then I get nowhere. I thought, what I need to do is pick one way of going about it... one path... and stick to it. Don't read any other books on how it can be done. Don't look for other ways to approach it. Just pick a path and be single-mindedly committed to it. Wear those side blinders that horses wear, so that I can't see any other way but forward.

Also, I thought a journal was key. A way to keep myself accountable throughout the day, having the same small goals every day to accomplish. A place to track my progress and success. But more importantly, something that I will continually have to check during the day, so that the goal is constantly on my mind. I'm rather lackadaisical about my desires in life. All too often, I am content with the status quo, even though I'd really much rather be experiencing something else. In order to change, I need to have that burning desire, which for me, only comes with constant attention to a subject. Complete immersion. And a daily journal is going to be that key for me. That thing that pushes me and keeps me going.

So, I pulled out my deck with the intention of knowing if this was the right approach to take. If I took the Total Immersion/Path-Monogomous approach to my other goal in life, would it work the same as the health regime I have going? I began shuffling to pull a single card as my answer. As I was shuffling, a thought flittered through my head. What card would represent, "Yes, this is the right path for you to take!" And The Chariot popped into my head. By then, I was done shuffling, so I didn't have time to think of any others. I cut the cards and turned over The Chariot. Yep. Sure did.

Not only was it the card that affirmed my idea, but it is also a Major Arcana card, which means that it has life-impacting potential. What I saw in this card was a man on a mission. The black and white horses represent conflicting desires to move in different directions. But the Charioteer has made a decision. His sword points in one clear direction, and the chariot can now move forward in that direction. There is movement and progress, now that he has decided where he wants to go. Most Chariot cards do not have this sword as an arrow, and it was this extra touch that really clicked with me and my inquiry today. I take this card as a clear affirmative that I should indeed use the journal/dedication model of success in this other area of my life now.

Now that that part is clear, I have to choose a direction! Ha! I'll need to gather up my options, and intuit which one feels most authentic and right for me, and then dedicate myself completely to it.

Quite a long winded post for a one-card pull, eh?

Deck: Legend: Arthurian Tarot (by Anna-Marie Ferguson, published by Llewellyn)

~ Kiki
Tarot Dame

If you'd like to book a tarot reading with me, please visit my website for details.

Deck Review: Gaia Oracle

Gaia Oracle is a 45-card deck and guidebook packaged in a hard-cover boxed set, created by Toni Carmine Salerno and published by Blue Angel Gallery. Its subtitle offers: Guidance, Affirmations, Transformation. The cards in this deck have a very peaceful flow and calming energy about them. I have chosen to use this deck by drawing a single card daily, sometimes two. I find that pulling a singular card gives me one targeted, soulful theme to focus on for the day.

"Far back in time, light from the underlying fabric of creation burst forth creating the super-luminous event through which our Universe was born. Time began its endless journey through ever-expanding space. The early universe was simply a sea of particles floating through space and time. But life's invisible wheels were already in motion and over time the sea of particles became a sea of stars from which Gaia, our Earth, was born; a living, breathing entity; our Goddess, our Mother and our reflection. Gaia Oracle will point you in love's direction and help you find the answers you seek.

• 45 Gaia-inspired images designed to bring peace and healing
• 45 powerful heartfelt messages that offer guidance and clarity
• 45 self-empowering affirmations to help you fulfil your dreams."

(Excerpt above from the Gaia Oracle boxed set.)

The cards measure approximately 3.75" x 5.5" and are printed on firm cardstock with a glossy finish. The backs of the cards are not reversible, but the cards aren't designed to be used with reversals. The design on the backs is the image from the card titled Sacred Heart.

The imagery in the deck is very soft and comforting, akin to the feeling of curling up in the crook of a loved one's arms. There are no jarring images in the deck. The softness of the artwork exudes a peace so that you can almost breathe in the essence of the card's meaning as you absorb the illustration. The messages are very deep and meaningful, and really get you to stop and think about how the subject is affecting your life.

Though no two cards are identical, there is some repetition. Several cards feature a woman standing, arms outstretched in the vines/branches of a tree, extemely similar to one another. There are three cards with doves floating in the center, in the same exact position, which leads me to wonder why they weren't shown flying in at least slightly different angles, so as to give some variety to the cards. (Perhaps the deck is a case of the oracle working to match existing artwork, rather than artwork created with each card in mind.) There are a couple of other sets of cards that greatly resemble each other. These various similarities were very noticeable to me while going through the deck, but as I only draw a single card for myself per reading, I didn't find it to have any repetitive affect on my readings. (And the deck is so beautiful that I'm certain it wouldn't bother me anyway. It's more of an observation than a complaint.)

There is a great deal of female nudity in the cards. It's very tastefully done, as the beauty of the female body blends in with the earth and trees and spirit of nature. Ordinarily, I'm turned off by unnecessary nudity in decks, because I find it distracting. But I don't feel at all that way about the nudity in this deck. It blends in so well that it's as natural as the surroundings.

There is one male figure in the deck, and even though the male/female ratio is unbalanced, it was refreshing to see the male face in the deck. We see the head and (clothed) shoulders of a male angel with a bit of wings shown behind him on the "A Hidden Gift" card.

While most of the cards are positive, there are also cards that cover the other end of life's spectrum, addressing issues such as sadness, fear, healing, release, repression, lonliness, confusion, and grief. I like the balance this gives the deck. The cards that acknowledge the dark side are all empowering in their messages, and provide supportive words for helping you get through.

The softcover 88-page guidebook begins with a brief introduction, followed by several spreads:

• Four Card Spread
• Elemental Star Spread (6 cards)
• Rainbow Chakra Spread (7 cards)
• Relationship Spread (8 cards)
• Two Ways Spread (6 cards)

One of the things written by Salerno in the section "How to Use the Cards" struck a chord with me, as it is something I sometimes ponder: "When you do a reading for another person, the information is just as important for you. It will reflect an aspect of your life. It may be different to the query of the other person, but just as pertinent to you." I have reflected on this possiblity many times before, as I considered how we draw the querents to us who pose questions which mirror what is happening within us internally at the time, whether we consciously make that connection or not. I like the idea that in every reading we give to others, there is also a message for us in it as well.

The individual card interpretations in the booklet include a small black and white photo of each card, followed by the title and keywords featured on the card. Then the meaning of the card is given, and a closing affirmation for each card. (Although I don't use affirmations myself, I think it's a lovely added touch, for those who do.) Following is an excerpt from the book of a card interpretation:

27. Enchanted Forest
Mystery, Magic, Excitement

One minute life seems rather mundane and boring, then all of a sudden someone or something sweeps into your world like a breath of fresh air. All of a sudden you feel as though you are on a magical mystery tour, with a renewed sense of passion and excitement for life. And it doesn't matter that you have no real idea where this is all leading you. In fact, not knowing only creates more excitement. Life is now full of romance and seemingly endless creative possibilities. Embrace all that comes your way. Enjoy the journey and don't be in a hurry to settle things down or draw conclusions. Allow things to unfold in their own way and time. What unravels will bring you lasting joy and a deep sense of fulfilment.

-----Affirmation-----
I am open to new ideas and adventures
Life is full of endless creative possibility
I embrace each opportunity that comes my way
I love the magic and mystery of life
I trust my heart - I believe in love

I have found the Gaia Oracle deck to be very supportive and helpful in connecting with spiritual life on a daily basis. It provides a theme for the day, which you can then recognize and acknowledge as you go throughtout your activities. The artwork and comforting words of Salerno make pulling one of these cards at the start of the day feel like a gentle and supportive hug from a good friend. The deck is full of beauty and wisdom, peace and love.

The Gaia Oracle is available through Blue Angel Publishing. It is distributed in the U.S. by US Games Systems, Inc. and also available on Amazon.com.

See below for more images from the Gaia Oracle.



To see more images and readings I've done with the Gaia Oracle, visit my posts with the deck here.

Deck: Gaia Oracle (by Toni Carmine Salerno, published by Blue Angel Gallery)

~ Kiki
Tarot Dame

If you'd like to book a tarot reading with me, please visit my website for details.

Gaia Oracle: A Healthier Diet

I haven't had time to post for the past few days.  The cards above represent my draws for each of the past three days (today included).  I drew Gaia two days ago, and then again today.  The Flame Tree was yesterday's draw. 

Gaia is, according to the accompanying book, "the most powerful card in this deck".  It talks about having a deep spiritual connection with the earth and loving the earth and fellow creatures which inhabit it.  This card, basically Mother Earth, reminds me of the Empress card in tarot.  It also reminded me of taking care of my own well-being, physically and spiritually.  The fact that the Flame Tree card was sandwiched between the two Gaia draws confirms this for me. 

Flame Tree was the card I started the week out with.  Yesterday it signified another something new I am embarking on.  I have changed my eating habits to follow Jorge Cruise's plan.  I never realized how much sugar was hidden in foods, and that even when I thought I was making healthy choices, I was actually taking in about a week's worth of sugar per day!  So for the first two days of following his plan, I was extremely lethargic and had a slight headache, due to the sugar detox, I assume. That's part of the reason I didn't post... I didn't have the energy to do anything.  But now I feel really good.

I started on Jorge Cruise's plan because it specifically targets belly fat.  When I gain weight, that's where I gain it. And that's the most dangerous place to hold extra weight. On my dad's side of the family, there is history of big bellies and diabetes and heart disease, so I need to be really mindful of that. I don't want to get a huge gut like other members of my family, so I'm going to try to get healthy and maintain it while I only have a mere couple of inches to lose.  I have always had a sweet tooth, for chocolate in particular.  But it never occurred to me that something like 100% fruit/vegetable juice would contain several days worth of sugar!  While I'm not a fan of diets, I can appreciate nutritional information that will help me to make wiser choices when it comes to eating healthier (Wisdom and Knowledge both being keywords on the Gaia card.).

Deck:  Gaia Oracle (by Toni Carmine Salerno, published by Blue Angel Gallery)

~ Kiki
Tarot Dame

If you'd like to book a tarot reading with me, please visit my website for details.

Gaia Oracle: My Soul Family

This morning as I was shuffling, I was interrupted by my youngest daughter, wanting me to help her with something. I helped her, then continued shuffling. Then she asked me a question. I answered her, then started shuffling again. She then started talking to me, so I listened, deck in lap. When she walked away, I finished shuffling, wondering what card would come up, as I was certain the interruptions would have an impact on the message, since that's where my energy was focused... on my daughter, rather on what the message of the day was for me.

I drew Sacred Journey (which is such a gorgeous card) and smiled when I read one of the keywords under the title: "Family". Of course. 

The passage in the book discusses the metaphor of life as a play, and how we are all spiritual beings living a temporary physical experience. How we have all chosen different roles to play in this lifetime.  I have had this conversation with my kids many times, even as recently as yesterday in fact. We talk about how our spirits will always (and have always) known each other, how we chose to set up our family roles this time around, and how our family roles might have been different in other lifetimes, and what roles we might play in the next lifetime.  (We even half-joked the other day about the possibility of my middle daughter being the reincarnation of my grandmother, and my youngest daughter, following so closely behind, being my grandfather, as he didn't want to be without her for too long.  You never know... I figure it's just as likely as not!)

This card brought to mind the sublime beauty of life... not  physical life, although that is beautiful too.  But the idea that my kids and I will always know each other, and choose each other to journey with through lifetimes together. 

Deck: Gaia Oracle (by Toni Carmine Salerno, published by Blue Angel Gallery)

~ Kiki
Tarot Dame

If you'd like to book a tarot reading with me, please visit my website for details.

Gaia Oracle: Eternal Love and Harmony

Yesterday I drew Eternal Love.  This seemed such a wonderful extension of the loving message from the Sacred Heart card I had drawn the day before.  I was moved by this passage from the accompanying book: "...A time to relax and enjoy life, free of the worry and doubt..." This was the second sign I have received this week about relaxing more.  (It was mentioned in the excerpt from the Flame Tree card I drew at the beginning of this week.)

So I took this message to heart yesterday and spent the day alternately being laxidasical and doing things that I loved. I sewed myself a cute skirt. I watched multiple episodes of a new TV show that I had been meaning to catch up on. And I played board games for three hours with my kids.  It was a day filled with love, both sharing love with my kids, and self-love and nuturing. My to-do list was completely, 100%  ignored, and it felt really good.

Today I drew Harmony, which is interesting, as one of the keywords on the Eternal Love card is "harmony".  This card is one that came up for me repeatedly when I first got this deck. In that first week, I think it came up as my daily card 4-5 times! So I am familiar with the beautiful woman on this card. The message she brings is one of empowerment and confidence. The card augurs a time when one's outer and inner worlds blend together harmoniously, creating an opportunity for significant personal power to be harnessed.  I realized that this is the ideal result of working on the theory I discussed with the Reflection card the other day. When you can consciously make your inner and outer worlds match up in harmony, this card declares that your desires will come, seemingly effortlessly.  Harmony talks of entering a fortunate period of time where opportunities abound and obstacles clear.  So I will absolutely continue the flow of cards this week, which all seem to be tying together with a universal message of love and personal harmony.

Deck:  Gaia Oracle (by Toni Carmine Salerno, published by Blue Angel Gallery)

~ Kiki
Tarot Dame

If you'd like to book a tarot reading with me, please visit my website for details.

Gaia Oracle: Mirroring Love

The card I drew this morning is titled Reflection.  I love this card, because it's a wonderful reminder of something that I often forget to be conscious of.  This idea behind this card is that what we perceive and experience in our outer world (physical reality) is simply a reflection of what is going on within ourselves.  I sometimes forget to be aware of this.  

This concept is something I enjoy looking for throughout the day.  It's quite interesting to look at my circumstances from this perspective, aware that  what is happening to/around me is actually "reality" reflecting myself back at me.  If I'm experiencing something great, I can look for the source of it that is already housed inside of me.  If something undesirable is going on, I can become a detective and look within to find the discomfort that is the basis of the negative outer reflection.

Not only can I investigate current circumstances in this way, but I can also be more aware of the emotions I am feeling at any given time, so that I can better mold my future reality. If I'm feeling unnecessarily negative, I can nip it in the bud before I start seeing it play out in my world.  And if I'm feeling fantastic, I can look forward to seeing it manifest physically.

So yeah, I love the Reflection card, as it is useful in snapping me out of my automated living, and makes me more conscious and aware of what I'm creating.

After drawing this card, I saw yesterday's card still propped up on my dresser. I put it back in the deck and shuffled. I often get repeating cards with this deck, so I wanted to give it a chance to reappear again today.  But the card I drew was Sacred Heart, which was the card my youngest daughter had drawn moments earlier for herself. I thought that was a sweet synchronicity, and emphasized the theme of love for us today. 

I thought it was neat that in the Reflection passage, the last line of the included affirmation is: "Each negative thought or feeling is automatically transformed to love", then I pulled Sacred Heart, which is a natural continuation of that affirmation (though it's actually the card which directly precedes Reflection in the deck). The Sacred Heart card is about passion, love and spiritual communion.  This tells me that what I need to focus on reflecting today is love.  I will shine love onto everything I encounter today, good or bad.  Love has the power to amplify wonderful things, and diffuse negative experiences.  I know this to be a personal truth, as I have experienced both firsthand.

Deck: Gaia Oracle (by Toni Carmine Salerno, published by Blue Angel Gallery)

~ Kiki
Tarot Dame

If you'd like to book a tarot reading with me, please visit my website for details.

Gaia Oracle: The Official Launch of my New eCourse - "Me, You, Woo Hoo!"

This evening I intended to draw a single card from my Gaia Oracle deck.  As I was shuffling, a card flew up and out of the deck quite dramatically.  I looked down at it, and smiled a big cheesy Cheshire grin. It couldn't have been more appropriate.  This card reminds me a bit of the Ace of Wands, as it talks about a creative spark turning into a burning passion.

Flame Tree: The start of something new.

Today was the official launch of my new eCourse, "Me, You, Woo Hoo!".  I am super excited about finally revealing the project that I have been working on for the past several weeks!  The course was inspired by the questions I have repeatedly been asked by my clients, about how to become more positive and have more to look forward to each day.

Me, You, Woo Hoo! is an interactive 28-day eCourse designed to help you honor and love yourself, become more thoughtful of others, and to have more FUN on a daily basis!

If you find yourself stuck in a rut and feel like every day is the same old, same old... then please drop by and read a little bit more about the course. I'd love to have you participate! 

Deck:  Gaia Oracle (by Toni Carmine Salerno, published by Blue Angel Gallery)

~ Kiki
Tarot Dame

If you'd like to book a tarot reading with me, please visit my website for details.

Tarot of the Sweet Twilight: The Name of My New E-Course!

I was bowled over when I saw today's cards, as they directly spelled out the name of my new project! It was set to launch today, but my internet was down for a day and half, so I'm hoping to release it tomorrow. (Which actually makes it even more magical, as 10/10/10 seems a pretty fortuitous Wheel of Fortune-y day to launch a new enterprise!)

My new venture, I can now announce, is an e-course that I have created and given the whimsical title of "Me, You, Woo Hoo!". That title is exactly what I saw in today's cards, in that exact order!

The Hermit: Me (attention to self-nurturing)

Ace of Chalice: You (heartfelt feelings toward something outside yourself)

The Sun: Woo Hoo! (good times and childlike fun)

It was pretty incredible that these cards appeared the way they did today. It delighted me very much! And now you have a good idea of what my fantabulous new e-course will encompass.

Stay tuned for the forthcoming launch of Me, You, Woo Hoo!

Deck: Tarot of the Sweet Twilight (published by Lo Scarabeo)

~ Kiki
Tarot Dame

If you'd like to book a tarot reading with me, please visit my website for details.

Tarot of the Sweet Twilight: Staying Connected to Mom

I was super excited about posting today's cards because I didn't have to photograph them!  I have a scanner again! Yay!!!  My mom sent me my birthday gift a couple weeks early.  A printer/scanner/copier/fax machine. (Does anyone still fax??)  Now rainy days won't affect my card capturing!

I pulled all Cups cards today.  The Queen of Chalices I see as both me and my mom. We are both water signs.  And the Queen's back is reflected in the mirror, making two figures.  The Six of Chalices is typically about childhood and nostalgia, which ties us together.  The illustration on this card is a bit different than the norm.  There is a young lady greeting a large grizzly bear who seems to have joined her tea party.   Although there are six cups set out, there is only the two of them there.  But the whole world seems contained in the intimacy they share.  There doesn't seem the need for anyone else to arrive now that they are together. This, along with the usual card meaning, reminds me of growing up with my mom, just us two. I was an only child and she was a single mom.

The Seven of Chalices was very interesting to me, visually.  There are only six cups, the seventh cup being the reflection of one of the cups.  This again brought me the idea that those two cups were the main attraction. The poignancy of two. This is emphasized by the two figures in the card, and again, like in the Queen of Cups card, one figure has become two by reflection.  The young woman is looking at her reflection in the water, and what she sees is a skeleton.  This made me think of growing older... then it reminded me of a list my kids and I are in the process of creating.  We originally intended to send it to my mother, but decided to send it to all of our closest relatives as well.  It's a huge list of questions, some silly, some serious, about their lives, memories, likes, dislikes, etc.  It's a way for my kids to get to know their long distance relatives better.  Looking at the skeleton in the water, I recall one of the things that inspired this project. A few years after my grandfather died, I thought of something I wanted to ask him. But I couldn't. All of the stories I never asked him about left with him.  So this idea I had was a way to ask everything my kids (and I) would like to know about my mom (and other relatives) while we still have the chance to ask.

My mom is still young and healthy and vibrant, and should be nowhere near becoming a skeleton.  But I didn't want to wait until it was too late. And I'm learning to act on my ideas when I have them, rather than putting them off.  I know that in the future, when we look back at the answers we receive from our loved ones, we will be very happy we thought to ask them.  And I think once the initial list is sent (I'm lovingly calling it "The Spanish Inquisition"), I think maybe we'll send a smaller list once a year, with new questions we have collected in our curious minds. It can become a family tradition.

Deck: Tarot of the Sweet Twilight (by Lo Scarabeo)

~ Kiki
Tarot Dame

If you'd like to book a tarot reading with me, please visit my website for details.

Tarot of the Sweet Twilight: Celebrating Accomplishment and Release

Today I am working on the finishing touches on my new venture. I'm filled with nervous excitement as I get ready to launch it.  

I find it fitting that I pulled two Major Arcana cards that mark the end of something, in different ways.  The World card is a celebration of accomplishment.  This card shows the Earth crying into someone's bowl.  The barren landscape yearns for water, which the Earth gladly provides. Are they tears of compassion or tears of joy?  Or both?  I notice on the top of the Earth is an island colored the same as the barren landscape on the planet below.  This makes me wonder, are we only seeing the tip of the iceberg at the bottom of the card?  Is it also a water filled earth, watering yet another planet below? Are we all connected by the nourishment we give and receive from one another?  This card represents the care I have put into this project, and my hope that it will help nourish others. The planning cycle is complete, but the venture has only just begun.

The Seven of Pentacles illustrates the Grand Reveal.  Here we have several people who have emerged from boxes like jack-in-the-boxes.  The party has begun!  There is music and camaraderie. I can hear the lively jazz music that emanates from this card, like a New Orleans celebration.  The Seven of Pentacles is often a card of having come a long way, and assessing whether to keep going or choose another course. This card, however, seems to be a confirmation that all the work (practicing with their instruments) has paid off, and it's time to enjoy the moment they've been waiting for.  I hope this is indicative of how it will feel when I officially launch my new business endeavour. That it was all worth the time and energy spent, and that it will be celebrated with others.

The Death card, like the World, marks the end of something, though it's usually not as whimsical a feeling as when you see the World.  Death marks an inevitable and necessary ending.  It's usually something that was a long time coming. When this card comes up, it's always a helpful hint to release what needs releasing, before it forces your hand.  In these situations, it's always better to be the one letting go, rather than the one holding on while someone's taking it away.  In this card, Death carries a woman away.   (I've always loved that the skeleton's shadow falls in the shape of a scythe. What a creative way to incorporate that symbol here!) 

While working on this venture, I have had to let go of some friendly faces (fear, doubt, anxiety, procrastination, to name a few).  These are all old friends of mine who love to come visit me whenever I have a new creative idea. Usually I pull up a chair for each of them and let them eventually talk me out of following through.  Not this time. I have worked through the discomfort of facing up to these "old friends" and have allowed my inner voice to be the loudest in the group for a change.  This Death card tells me that it's high time I made this change.  Death is carrying a woman over cracked dry earth, which reminded me of the dry terrain in the World card.  Maybe this Death is carrying me to the nourishment the World has to offer me, and the nourishment I will in turn offer others. 

Deck: Tarot of the Sweet Twilight (published by Lo Scarabeo)

~ Kiki
Tarot Dame

If you'd like to book a tarot reading with me, please visit my website for details.

Tarot of the Sweet Twilight: Altering the Trajectory of My Positive Energy

This was yesterday's draw.  Maybe I'll even get to today's draw before tomorrow!

These cards made me think of two friends of mine.  They are both Queen of Wands types.  In fact, one of them is even named Wanda!

The Five of Cups shows her laying in a rather melodramatic melancholic pose.  It looks as though she is either depressed, drunk, or drank poison in a feeble half-hearted suicide attempt.  This could accurately describe both of my Queen of Wands friends, as they are frequently downhearted.

The Stars card tells me that they need healing, and when I saw this card, my first thought was, "What can I do to help?".  But then, looking at the card longer, I realized that nothing I can do or say can help either of them.  I had the realization that what they are going through, though quite different from each other, is something that they both need to get through on their own. I can be there to listen when they want to talk, but I need to stop thinking that I wish I could do more. I know that any help that I offer will likely not be accepted, and I must not feel guilty about my inability to change their lives for them.

The Stars card shows a flower sprinkling magic in the water.  Right now, the best I can do for anyone is be as happy as I can be, sprinkling that into the universe at large, and to those who are interested in receiving it.  It's counterproductive, exhausting, draining and senseless to try to spread joy and healing to people who don't want any of it.

Another totally unrelated thing I saw in the Queen of Wands was my almost-broken chair. I have a wooden chair with a wicker-like seat.  The seat is falling apart because the cat thinks it's a scratching post. It's starting to look like the chair behind the Queen, like you could fall through it at any moment. I put a cushion on it to prolong its life until I could fix it.  This is just a little reminder of that project that I need to get to when I have time.

Deck: Tarot of the Sweet Twilight (published by Lo Scarabeo)

~ Kiki
Tarot Dame

If you'd like to book a tarot reading with me, please visit my website for details.

Tarot of the Sweet Twilight: My Self-Nurturing Date with Dexter

This week I was inspired to use my Tarot of the Sweet Twilight, as it feels Octobery.  I checked to see when the last time was that I used it on the blog, and apart from a singular reading in February, the last time I used it for the week was last October! 

This was Monday's draw that I typed up that evening but never got around to posting:

Today's draw reminded me of yesterday evening. The Three of Cups shows a woman sitting in a hammock chair with a cup in her hand. Her only company consists of two squirrels. This was me last night, as I took a Me-Time break to watch Dexter while the kids watched a movie in the other room. The woman's red hair and clothing reminded me of the blood red tea I made for the occasion, the color of which seemed fitting for a show that features a fair amount of blood. My only company was also of the animal sort (feline).

The next card, The Sun, also played out in the evening, as I lit a Sun decorated candle on the end table while I watched the show. The Sun in this deck is a pretty solemn depiction compared to most Sun cards, and it made me think of how I was experiencing enjoyment from a show that has a dark nature.  An odd sort of joy that is.  But a joy nonetheless.

The Knave of Chalices reminded me of how nourishing this alone time is for me. I do have time to myself every day, as the kids are old enough to entertain themselves. But I usually do it unconsciously. Last night with the tea and candle, it felt more of a self-nurturing ritual and thus made my soul more relaxed and happy (yes, even while watching a show about a serial killer). The Knave of Chalices in this deck embodies this self-nurturing feeling to me. 

The Knave has a cup, books, journals and a writing utensil. This reminded me of something else I did for myself yesterday. A few weeks ago I had made each of my (unschooled) kids a "not back to school" pouch to keep all their art supplies. They selected their fabric, and now have a place to keep all of their stuff organized. I decided yesterday to make myself one using fabric that made ME happy. A place where I could keep markers and pens and small journals/notepads, a tarot deck, etc. I made something special for my special things. This card was a reminder of that, and how it's lovely and wonderful for me to do special things for myself.  It feels good when it's done purposefully to treat myself.

Deck: Tarot of the Sweet Twilight (published by Lo Scarabeo)

~ Kiki
Tarot Dame

If you'd like to book a tarot reading with me, please visit my website for details.

Tarot of Trees: Slow and Steady Growth

 

These are the cards I drew yesterday.  I wanted to post it, better late than never, because it was amazingly close to the draw I did two days earlier (here). I felt this reading expanded on the other, where the Two of Swords represented a warning not to stunt my daughter's budding freedom, illustrated in the Judgment card.  In this draw, the Two of Swords precedes the Judgment card, showing the growth I was conscious enough to allow, support and ultimately encourage.  

The Knight of Pentacles shows slow and steady progress.  There is a long road ahead in this card, and the single pentacle marks the first step.  I think this episode was a way of easing me into getting used to the changes that my kids will be going through as they get older, and the independence they will seek more and more.  What I want more than anything is for my kids to be happy.  And although it stretches my attached mama muscles to give them wings, I know it's important. I also know it's important for them to know that I'll always be their safe place to fall.  I hope I can continue to do a good job in balancing the two.

The Knight of Pentacles says that all of this will take place gradually, over time.  But I still need to treasure every snuggly moment I have with them while the precious gifts of their presence are mine on a daily basis.

... And, again, as I saw in the same two cards the first time I drew them, I also saw my New Project in the reading.  Here, the Two of Swords is me keeping things under wraps while I've been working on it, then the Judgment card is the big unveiling (which will happen this week!).  I am so proud of myself for not staying stuck in the Two of Swords Procrastination Mode, like I usually do. I worked through all of that, and am busting free! :)  The Knight of Pentacles is an auspicious card to follow the unveiling, so it seems to be a favorable and promising outlook!

Deck: Tarot of Trees (self-published by Dana Driscoll)

~ Kiki
Tarot Dame

If you'd like to book a tarot reading with me, please visit my website for details.

Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to submerina, the winner of my Blogiversary Giveaway!  A copy of the Sun and Moon Tarot will be on its way to you shortly! Yay!!

submerina said...

What a fantastic giveaway! Such an adorable deck and seeing your readings with it only made me love it more. My fav US Games deck is my first: the Spiral by Kay Steventon. No matter what my mood, the situation or the questions, this deck always answers clearly. It doesn't hurt that it has some of the loveliest Majors out there, especially with me being a sucker for mythology! Also, the Spiral says I'm going to win, so don't go proving it wrong now ;D My email addy is [ removed for posting ]. Thanks, Kiki lady! p.s. Our blogs are very nearly borthday buddies! I'm writing my giveaway up right now :D

Borthday buddies, submerina? ;)  That's just awesome.  Congrats dear! I'll email you now.  (Give your Spiral a nice big hug for predicting your win!)

Thanks to everyone for entering and participating in my blogiversary jubilee! 

~ Kiki
Tarot Dame

If you'd like to book a tarot reading with me, please visit my website for details.

Tarot of Trees: Bubble Burst

Today's cards were like... Nice, nice... (ooh what a nice draw)... then BAM!  SPLAT!  Party's over.

The Queen of Cups is me.  The Nine of Cups shows things going well.  Good times.  Then the Ten of Swords puts an end to all that.  So I knew that something would happen today to ruin a good thing I had going.  And it did. 

A couple weeks ago, my son fell off his bike and the bike fell and scratched a neighbor's car.  We waited for the guy to get home, then went to him together to tell him what happened. He was very nice, and thanked me for being honest and letting him know.  I asked him to get a couple estimates.  Then I never heard from him again.  A few days ago, I was wondering if he just decided to go through his insurance, or if he just ended up taking care of it himself.  I thought that would be a nice gift from the universe.

This morning my son asked me about it, since it's been so long.  Then this afternoon, I saw the guy riding his bike down the street. He stopped and told me that he got a couple estimates, but wants to get one more. He's just been busy. He said the estimates he got were expensive, so he hopes another one will be lower.  Ouch. Ten of Swords.  Totally bursting my bubble of false security his silence had given me.

So that sucks. I don't have any idea how much "expensive" is.  But it doesn't sound good.  Life just loves keeping me on my toes.

Deck: Tarot of Trees (self published by Dana Driscoll)

~ Kiki
Tarot Dame

If you'd like to book a tarot reading with me, please visit my website for details.

Tarot of Trees: Allowing Growth

Today's cards are interesting, in that there are two saplings. In Judgment, the tree is just starting to sprout.  And in the Two of Swords, the growth is stunted by the swords. I saw this as a warning... that I need to be mindful of not letting something grow.  I look to the Five of Cups for more information.  This is a card of disappointment.  It looks as though the tree is crying. But those tears I saw as the rain falling on the seed in Judgment.  Even in our distress, disappointment or negativity, we can still nourish ourselves or others. The two cups still upright in the tree tells us that there is still something to hold onto.

When I first saw these cards, I thought they were relating to my project that I'm working on.  I saw the Two of Swords as self-sabotage, by allowing the Five of Cups attitude to encourage procrastination. This was something I was writing to myself about last night.  Thankfully I talked myself through it.  This is the third time Judgment has come up in reference to this project, so it's a reminder to be diligent about allowing the project to grow, and not stunt it.

The cards turned out to have a secondary meaning today as well.  My 8 year old daughter asked me to cut bangs for her. Bangs!  I have never cut bangs on either of my daughters. I prefer seeing their whole beautiful faces. I have never wanted their faces hidden from view.  I know it sounds ridiculous, but it was very hard for me to agree to this. I'd rather she died her hair green. I know that I would constantly have the urge to brush her bangs to the side, so I can see her whole face. I hated the idea of her hiding part of herself under hair.  But it is her hair. So of course I told her I'd do whatever she wanted.  I cut her bangs.  And to go with her new look, I cut about 7 inches off the length of her hair as well.  It's still past shoulder length... it was long! But she looks like an entirely different girl now.  She looks older.  It's already growing on me, and I'm sure by tomorrow it'll be like she always had them.  But it doesn't matter, either way.  Of course she's still beautiful.  And of course I tell her the bangs looks adorable.  It's what she wants. It's her hair. It's her life. I am here to support her in whatever she wants to do, and help in whatever way I can. If she wanted me to shave her head, I would. (At least then, she wouldn't have bangs! LOL)

The Judgment card was her trying to branch out, try a new experience, and do something she'd never done before.  The Two of Swords was my desire to prevent her from doing that... to keep her young and innocent and beautiful just the way she is.  The Five of Swords was my disappointment that she wanted to change herself, but at the same time, as I interpreted earlier, I was still able to give her what she wanted, despite it differing from what I wanted.  I would never want to talk her out of doing something new and exciting.

It's a small thing... I know.  And it really wasn't very dramatic... but I did experience all of these emotions on a small scale today.  I suppose it's practice for the teenage years.

Deck: Tarot of Trees (self-published by Dana Driscoll)

~ Kiki
Tarot Dame

If you'd like to book a tarot reading with me, please visit my website for details.